Families Suffolk July - August 2016 Issue 30

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

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ISSUE 30 • July / August 2016

SUFFOLK

PROUD SPONSORS OF

Suffolk Super Hero Weekend Education Feature • Explore Suffolk • Summer Fun C

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Exciting classes available in

Sudbury and surrounding areas

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Discount family tickets available!

Suffolk’s first ever Join our brand new fun-filled, foamy event Sunday 28 August from 11am at Christchurch Park, Ipswich 2

July - August 2016

Find out more or register now at: stelizabethhospice.org.uk/bubblerush or call 01473 723600

Welcome

A note from the Editor

In this issue...

Welcome to our Summer issue.

This issue is full of great ideas for the whole family to see, do and enjoy this summer. Check our new ‘Explore Suffolk’ feature on pages 13 - 15.

We also have a fantastic four page education feature which includes advice for children moving up to secondary school, as well as more information about this years Summer Reading Challenge, We are also very excited to share with our readers news about our new improved website that is being launched this July. The online platform for the magazine will also be packed full of useful parenting articles, information and advice for families living in, or visiting Suffolk.

As a local mum myself and supported by a team of other mums and dads from the area we will aim to bring you as much up to date information about local events, places to go, things to do and see, clubs and classes to join and attractions to visit. We continue to work with a range of local charities, community groups and organisations and local businesses to provide you with a valuable resource for everyday family life.

5 9 - 12 10

Visit the new website today: www.familiesonline.co.uk With Best Wishes

13 - 15

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Stacey Phillips Next issue: September / October 2016

Visit our new website today

Circulation: 17,000 copies of Families Suffolk are available through nurseries, schools,

www.familiesonline.co.uk

libraries, selected retail outlets and various other distribution points throughout Suffolk.

If you would like copies for your organisation please get in touch.

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

Printed in the uk by the Magazine Printing Company using only paper from FSC / PEFC suppliers www.magprint.co.uk

Families Suffolk is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

Contents

4 Local News 5 Our Community 6 Family Finance 7 Family Food 8

Public Health 9 - 12 Education Feature 13 - 15 Explore Suffolk 16 Parent’s Place 18 Baby & Toddler 19 Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service 20 Suffolk Super Hero Weekend 21 Summer Holiday Fun 22 - 23 What’s On

@familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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3

Local News Learn to play YogaBugs the Cello S-t-r-e-t-c-h your child’s

Qualified Suzuki imagination over the summer teacher, Rachel holidays with fun and Raval welcomes creative YogaBugs classes! cello pupils of Children across Ipswich are being taken on exciting adventures to the jungle, to outer all ages from space and underwater... four upwards.

For the younger ones, lessons are based on fun activities to foster ease in handling the cello, listening skills, and enjoyment of making simple music. Techniqwue is taught in small steps, and the emphasis is on a positive, nurturing learning experience. To begin with, tunes are taught purely by ear. Note-reading is introduced gradually, but not before the pupil can produce a beautiful sound! When possible, pupils get together for group sessions, which are a fun, social event and a beneficial addition to individual lessons. Parental involvement is also key together, we will work to create the best possible routine and learning environment for your child.

Ideally, this means that Mum or Dad also gets to have a go on the cello!

To find out more and Contact Rachel, please visit: www.rachelraval.co.uk or call all: 01473 429 410

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July - August 2016

LeapAlong LeapAlong is coming to Ipswich!

YogaBugs brings stories to life through specially developed moves inspired by yoga.

The storytelling captures their imagination while postures can be adapted to each child’s ability.

In our increasingly fast paced lives and with computers impacting our imagination, children are given less time to reflect and daydream. YogaBugs encourages children to be creative and have fun! Physically, our classes help children become more conscious of their body’s abilities, whilst improving their flexibility, strength, posture and joint mobility.

Somer Lynn, YogaBugs Regional Manager and mother of two, is passionate about the emotional and physical benefits that participating in this fun and all inclusive form of exercise can bring to children.

Somer runs Birthday parties and classes for young children and is offering a free taster at her classes!

Tuesdays at La Tour Cycle Café, 17 Tower Street IP1 3BE 10:00am for walking – age 2 10:30am for age 3-5 Saturdays at La Tour Cycle Café, 17 Tower Street, IP1 3BE 10:00am for walking – age 2 10:30am for age 3-5 To find out more contact Somer on 0845 863 0693 Email: Somer@yogabugs.com or visit www.yogabugs.com

LeapAlong is a family run business, which I have successfully run for three years in Colchester, put together by myself Maria a mother of 3 and my Daughter Charna. I am a qualified NNEB/level 3 with over 20 years of experience. As a parent I understand that teaching techniques change and can end up being confusing, and for that reason I decided to take away the confusion and develop classes where children and grown-ups could learn together.

Charna and I with much love, devotion, time and dedication have put together a programme like no other. Our classes are unique in every way and will promise to bring lots of excitement and fun into learning each week, encouraging participation and building your little ones confidence.

We will include lots of great props, puppets, music and games which are unique to LeapAlong, these games will cover phonics, shapes, colours, numbers and lots, lots more. These will be repeated throughout the term enhancing memory skills. All activities will be repeated in each class group but adapted to their age and development.

Seeing is believing, come and give us a try

Visit our website for further details: www.leapalong.co.uk Book a FREE TASTER CLASS TODAY: Call 01206 860498 or email info@leapalong.co.uk

Our Community

Summer in Suffolk Museums Pack more into your holidays and join in the fun this Summer with Suffolk Museums!

22nd July to 31st August 2016 Looking for last minute holiday ideas? Suffolk museums have got you and your family covered! Throughout the school summer holidays (22nd July to 31st August 2016), museums across the county will offer a jam-packed line-up of exciting events, activities, workshops and trails for the whole family to enjoy together. From arts and crafts to archeological digs, science workshops to giant craft fairs, amazing collections and discovery trails galore there’s something for everyone to enjoy in museums this summer.

Not to be missed Highlights are sure to be the range of family fun days, from live music and train rides at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum to amazing living history events at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village or swing dancing and spitfires at the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation

Museum. Budding scientists can take part in hands-on experiments at The Long Shop Museum’s Workshop Wednesdays or release their inner archaeologist and unearth real finds at Dunwich Museum’s “Dig Dunwich” event.

Creative activities can be found at Ipswich Museum’s regular Art Skills workshops or the Museum of East Anglian Life’s popular “Mud, Bugs and Baking” sessions. Or why not check out the all new “Summer Discovery Club” at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, the National Horseracing Museum and Gainsborough’s House?

This three-day creative arts and crafts club for children aged 7-11 will explore each

museum’s unique collections with a chance to complete an Arts Award Discover Level! Take advantage of the early bird price and book your child’s Summer Discovery Club spot now by visiting suffolkmuseums.org And if all that’s not enough, over 30 museums will host regular discovery trails and family quizzes for the whole family to enjoy.

It’s always best to check museum facilities and opening times before you visit to make sure you get the most out of your trip.

Value for Money

Your free program

Most museums and activities are either low-cost or absolutely free.

Many sites offer free parking, locally sourced refreshments or a chance to unwind with a family picnic in the sun.

Download your free Summer in Suffolk museums events programme at suffolkmuseums.org.

To keep up to date with all the latest information and event news, like us on Facebook at summerinsuffolkmuseums.com

@familiessuffolk

Do something different for your holidays this year. Join in the fun and discover together, look further and be inspired by something new this summer in Suffolk museums. /FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Family Finance

Sponsored by Ipswich Building Society

Self Build: How to start your project and find a self build mortgage If you’ve always wanted to build your own home, but dismissed the thought as being impossible, it might be time to think again. Ian Brighton, General Manager (Operations) at Ipswich Building Society, tells us more.

The Right to Build Act of 1 April, known formally as the Selfbuild and Custom Housebuilding Act, means local councils are now obligated to offer suitable, serviced plots to those who are interested in acquiring land on which to build their own home.

Councils are also required to keep a register of these individuals and groups of people.

Research shows 77% of people are unaware self build registers exist.

This is welcome news for the 1 in 8 people in the UK (12%) who expect to show an interest in self build property within the next year, according to research from Ipswich Building Society and the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA).

However, the same research shows 77% of people are unaware these self build registers exist.

The next consideration might be finance. A self build project can at first appear daunting, so it is important to do your research. You may wish to look into a self build mortgage, which differs from a standard residential mortgage in that the monies can be released in stages. These stage payments mean you’ll only pay interest on the actual amount released, not the total amount from the outset, which could make it a more convenient and affordable option.

To find out more visit: www.ibs.co.uk 6

July - August 2016

Be Prepared When approaching a lender or a mortgage broker for a self build mortgage you should also be prepared with the following items: • Finding a suitable plot of land • Obtaining planning permission • Have detailed plans of the property drawn up • Outline a realistic projection of costs • Have a deposit saved / put aside the percentage will depend on the lender Of course - like all self build projects - all lenders are different. It’s worth seeking out a provider experienced in self build mortgages and who utilises manual underwriting, such as Ipswich Building Society, which means real people assess every application rather than computer based scoring.

Family Food

BBQ For Heros 2016: Serving The Nation Serving the Nation

16–31 July 2016 Served: Royal Air Force Served: 1992–2010 Royal Navy 2008–2014

Served: British Army 2000–2012

Served: British Army 2001–2015

Served: Royal Marines 1992–2014

Serving: In the garden 2000–2100hr

When you BBQ, BBQ for Heroes!

For your free fundraising pack visit www.bbqforheroes.org.uk or call 01980 846459

Whether you invite family and friends over for a BBQ in your garden in exchange for a donation or arrange a bigger community event, it all makes a difference to the support H4H can provide.

Everyone who registers and raises money for H4H will be entered in to prize draw to win a Weber 2200 Portable Black Glass barbecue, which has kindly been donated by Debenhams.

A free fundraising pack will be sent to everyone who registers a BBQ for Heroes event, to help make each event a success.

The packs include collection boxes, bunting, balloons, a BBQ for Heroes banner, plus additional items.

Emma Parry, CEO & co-founder, Help for Heroes comments: “H4H is all about ‘doing your bit’ and this event is a wonderful example of people rallying

Help for Heroes (H4H) are asking that when you BBQ, you BBQ for Heroes and turn it in to an opportunity to fundraise for our wounded, injured and sick service personnel, veterans and their families.

20/20 BBQ OFFER

20 FREE RANGE PORK SAUSAGES & 20 1/4 LB PRIME BEEF BURGERS

ALL FOR JUST £20 TO ORDER, VISIT THE SHOP: 101 HIGH STREET, HADLEIGH OR CALL: 01473 810119

support and having a great deal of fun while they raise money.

The money you raise is needed, it is being used and it is hugely appreciated.”

H4H offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses in the line of duty.

This is provided through grants to individuals, other charities and organisations, capital build projects and four Recovery Centres across the UK which offer support for life.

The money raised by the hugely generous public has been used to support the wounded, but there is still so much more to do. Soldiers, sailors and airmen who are injured today will still need our support tomorrow and in the days that follow, for the rest of their lives. They are still battling and H4H will not let them battle alone.

How to Get Involved The ‘BBQ for Heroes’ campaign takes place from 16 – 31 July 2016, however if this isn’t convenient please feel free to choose a date that is. To register or for more information visit www.bbqforheroes.org.uk or call 01980 846459.

@familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiessuffolk.co.uk

01473 788546

7

Public Health

Children’s emotional wellbeing What’s the big idea?

Young people’s emotional wellbeing is better understood than ever before. Thanks to increasing coverage in the media, and greater emphasis on identifying the issue and providing support within schools, fewer young people are suffering in silence.

However, with an estimated 1 in 10 children and young people affected, it’s an issue that continues to require a collective focus from parents/carers, children’s services, teachers and health services. That’s where a new plan comes in, with five big ideas to transform services to support children’s emotional wellbeing.

Mental health services are complex, and never more so than when it comes to children and young people. Because so many organisations provide support in this area, they have come together to create an ambitious plan for families and young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health needs.

The five year plan, which will culminate in 2020, will support people in east and west Suffolk. It’s based on extensive conversations with young people and parents/carers about their experiences, ranging from the

support they receive in their schools and local communities through to involvement with specialist mental health services.

• Help when people need it with a 24/7 service for those in crisis and digital support through apps and online forums

In fact, the plan has been developed by young people themselves with parents and carers, schools, Suffolk County Council, health services and others.

The bigger picture

Big ideas The plan sets out five big ideas to make a difference: • Simple referral pathways through a single point of access and assessment • Providing the right support at the right time based on individual need • Increase in early help to support young people as soon as possible • Making emotional wellbeing everyone’s business with dedicated training for staff in all workplaces

Children & Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing Plan

Visit www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/EWB2020

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July - August 2016

2020

Evidence suggests that demand for mental health services is increasing at a time when budgets are more stretched than ever before.

That’s why this plan represents a radical transformation to services across many different organisations that no single service or organisation could achieve alone.

Evidence now suggests the demand for mental health services is increasing.

It’s an approach that is already yielding results through innovation. A new online chat support service, Ask the Expert, ensures that experienced youth workers from Suffolk charity 4YP are on hand to offer confidential advice throughout the summer to anyone aged 12 to 25.

The Suffolk-focused website the Source has been overhauled to provide clinically assured information, advice, guidance and resources for young people to help them with issues that matter to them, including anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders.

A new package of learning and development resources has recently been launched to support those working, living with, supporting or caring for children and young people in Suffolk.

This package includes includes training, e-learning and a directory of useful online information.

Local projects promoting emotional wellbeing also benefited recently from a grant fund administered by Suffolk Community Foundation.

“Working together to reduce poverty”

Get in touch at EWB2020@suffolk.gov.uk

Find out more Read about the transformation plan for the Waveney area at www.norwichccg.nhs.uk Visit www.healthysuffolk. org.uk/ewb2020 To find out more about the transformation plan for emotional wellbeing services in Suffolk. The Source website is available at www.thesource.me.uk

Education Feature

Education FEATURE:

How to help your child transfer to secondary school

By Liat Hughes Joshi

During the months before your little one makes the big move to secondary school, it’s recommended that you begin the following…

1. Ramp up responsibilities

3. Listen out for concerns

Senior school children have to be considerably more responsible for their own belongings and themselves. Whereas primary school teachers send letters to parents, at ‘big’ school, communication on day-to-day issues might well be to your child only.

Some children take this huge change in their stride and are ready to move on, while others will feel anxious. Common concerns include getting lost around a much larger school, dealing with the journey, making new friends and managing the homework load.

2. Begin building independence out and about

4. Attend settling-in days

Most secondary school pupils travel to school minus mum and dad, so get yours used to being out without you. It’ll be less daunting for them if this starts on the journey to primary school, rather than being thrown into travelling alone on a lesser-known route.

Most secondaries hold a session for new joiners, usually during the summer term of year six. This is an important opportunity to get to know the buildings, potential classmates and teachers and it should make the first day less intimidating.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind once your child has started secondary school…

Expect them to be tired and emotional…

Many year sevens get very tired thanks to the ‘newness’, on top of a longer day and a more complicated journey. Stick to early nights and restful weekends to fend off exhaustion – and the moodiness that goes with this.

Get super-organised with homework At primary, pupils might only have had a small amount of homework; expect the game to be raised now. Not only will there be more but keeping on top of when it all needs handing in can be complicated.

Reconnect with the land by visiting our wonderful high welfare micro-dairy. We are flexible; you can join us to shepherd the cows, cuddle a calf or just watch the milking.

Get used to knowing much less about what goes on

In primary, you might well have been at the school gates most days and familiar with your child’s friends, parents and teachers. This will change: with independent travel comes a more hands-off approach.

Be there for them It’s tempting to think this independence means you’re being made redundant come September but they’ll still need you albeit in different ways. Be there as a sounding board - someone to listen and advise. @familiessuffolk

The Calf at Foot Dairy Home Farm, Somerleyton, Suffolk, NR32 5PR 07787 103 508 Raw Milk from Grass Fed Jersey Cows / The Calf at Foot Dairy

/FamiliesSuffolk

We are as relaxed as our cows are and welcome all visitors who want to know what we do and importantly why.

Entrance is FREE we just ask if you like what we do to purchase some Proper Milk or Beef Shares.

Experience Days are available.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

01473 788546

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Festivals Feature Education Feature

Forest Schools

Age 4-5 upwards - DBS checked

By The Green Light Trust, Lawshall

01473 429410 www.rachelraval.co.uk

Offering professional and friendly care for children 3 months—5 years in South West Ipswich * Weekly Forest school sessions

* New Nursery Premises

* Promoters of Outdoor learning

* Funded places for 2 - 4 year olds

Open 8am—6pm Mon—Fri , 50 weeks of the year

(09/16)

www.childrenstrianglenursery.com Call 07710 284087 E: childrenstriangle@yahoo.co.uk

Therapy for Children Helping children and teenagers overcome anxiety...

Change powerless and fearful thinking…

Feel confident about changing school... and making friends…

Overcome phobias, bad habits… and much much more…

www.melaniecollingshypnotherapy.co.uk/helping children Call 07855 798789

Young people today face significant challenges that may be daunting and it is vital that they acquire the necessary life skills to meet those challenges head-on, with resilience and self-confidence. A wide-ranging education is essential for us to survive but in order for our young ones to truly thrive in today’s world they will also need to be resourceful, self-aware, creative and able to collaborate with others.

Learning through unstructured play outdoors was a natural part of childhood in the past but our current lifestyle has meant that many of our children spend less and less time outdoors. Based on a highly successful Scandinavian education model, Forest School is a way of enabling young people to have the opportunity to spend time in the natural environment to learn through practical involvement and free play.

Children who struggle in the classroom often have a very different experience when given the space and time that a Forest School session offers. It can enhance and support mainstream education by focussing on the emotional, social and behavioural development of pupils.

Sessions are tailored for young people of all ages and abilities. Pupils take part in childcentred and child-led activities where they also learn some practical skills that they may not get a chance to otherwise. Forest School leaders are trained to give supportive guidance to children and young people on how to use outdoor tools safely and to develop their understanding and love of the natural world.

Forest School sessions also support young people to improve their physical fitness and their overall health and well-being.

There is a great deal of fun and laughter in a Forest School session and a lot of natural free play - balancing on logs, climbing trees (with supervision, of course!) building dens or looking for bugs and evidence of other animals.

Crucially, they develop their awareness of the environment and the importance of assessing hazards and risks - they learn to consider what might be a reasonable risk and to experience the consequences of their choices.

We learn best from our mistakes and Forest School provides opportunities to do just that.

To find out more:

www.greenlighttrust.org | 01284 830829 10

July - August 2016

Summer Reading Challenge 2016

Education Feature

By Suffolk Libraries

Come and join in with The Big Friendly Read!

The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest reading for pleasure programme in libraries for primary school aged children, with 800,000 children taking part last year.

2015 was the most successful ever in Suffolk with over 8,200 children signing up and as 2016 is officially Suffolk Libraries’ Year of Reading, it’s hoped that this summer will be another huge success.

The Summer Reading Challenge runs throughout the summer holidays from 16 July to 3 September, and Suffolk Libraries are on the lookout for volunteers to help support it. Each library in Suffolk will be looking for help in running activities and listening to children discuss the books they have read. Anyone aged 13 and over can volunteer to help – it’s very rewarding and anyone interested can contact their local library or apply online via suffolklibraries.co.uk/src The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to read six or more library books of their choice during the summer holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate, or medal for every child who reads all six. Children can sign up at their local library at the start of the summer holidays – it’s absolutely free and many libraries will also be running related activities through the holidays.

Alison Wheeler, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: “Every year more and more Suffolk families enjoy and take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. We really enjoy offering thousands of children the chance to keep up their reading during the summer and this year there is the

added draw of a brilliant Roald Dahl theme. What's not to like?!”

This year Suffolk Libraries are also running a bumper fundraising prize draw alongside the summer reading challenge with some incredible prizes including some great family days out.

The ‘Big Friendly Read’ will feature some of Roald Dahl's best-loved characters and the amazing artwork of his illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake.

It will encourage reading on a giant scale and will feature themes such as invention, mischief and friendship as explored in Roald Dahl's books.

As with previous years there is also a free interactive app which will allow children and families to activate extra materials. This summer, Suffolk Libraries will also be running the ImagiNation project which aims to provide young people with an opportunity to celebrate their love of reading over the summer by getting creative! Anyone aged between 11 and 18 can take part, simply by visiting their local branch of Suffolk Libraries to collect an ImagiNation log book crammed full of activities to help young people express ideas or feelings about what they have read.

For more information go to:

www.readingagency.org.uk/summerreadingchallenge

@familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

01473 788546

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Education

Preschools: Your need to know guide

By Liat Hughes-Joshi

More parents than ever send their children to preschool or nursery, thanks in part to free places for three and four-year-olds, and for some two-year-olds.

Preschools are about learning through play and their benefits can be significant, although there’s no obligation to sign up if you don’t think it will be right for your child.

So what are the upsides?

Beyond the obvious – a few hours of childcare – preschool is a great way to get your little one used to being separated from you or other carers. It could also help them become familiar with an environment that’s more like school and some of the routines and behaviours expected there, such as sharing, listening and taking turns.

How much free childcare am I entitled to?

All three and four-year-olds in England receive 570 hours per year of free childcare. This can be in a preschool, nursery or with a registered childminder and is normally taken as 15 hours weekly over 38 weeks, but there’s often flexibility on this.

How can I choose the right preschool for my child?

Speak to other local parents about their experiences and read Ofsted reports for the nurseries/ preschools you’re considering.

Really though, there’s no substitute for taking a proper look around, meeting staff and seeing what your own impressions are.

Read more online: www.familiesonline.co.uk

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July - August 2016

Explore Suffolk

Explore Suffolk:

Woodbridge In our new Explore Suffolk feature we take a look at three different parts of the County and provide you with a snap shot of just some of the wonderful attractions and events taking place this summer for the whole family to enjoy.

The wonders of Woodbridge...

1. Woodbridge Tide Mill 2. The Cake Shop Bakery Living Museum This iconic piece of local heritage is over 800 years old.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled this Mill to be lovingly restored to working order and be brought to life with dramatic demonstrations and interactive displays.

Visit www.woodbridgetidemill. org.uk for the wheel turning and milling times during the open season between Easter and October and see the flour being milled the old-fashioned way. Families can easily lose an hour in this popular attraction.

And, as it rests on the bank of the Deben, the kids will enjoy a wander down the river path and into town for refreshments.

many beautiful sights, as well as the towns many independent shops and family-friendly restaurants. Visit www.chooseowoodbridge.co.uk for more info.

4. Explore Sutton Hoo For award-winning bread and cakes look no further. With a cafe next door, you can easily grab something special to enjoy at home or sample the delights right then and there. Some products are baked using Tide Mill flour too, giving a real flavour of Woodbridge.

The Cake Shop Bakery has been providing Woodbridge with award winning bread since 1946. Now in its third generation and after winning ITV’s ‘Britain’s Best Bakery’ and winning 4 Gold’s and 2 Silvers in the World Bread Awards – in 2014, it is a must see if you are visiting the town.

Once you’ve explored Woodbridge, it’s easy to make the short trip to the National Trust exhibition at Sutton Hoo - an Awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site.

The site is spread over several acres with beautiful views back towards Woodbridge over the River Deben. Children will enjoy a tour of the burial mounds as well as the dramatic, colourful and engaging exhibition. For families there are quizzes, rune-writing, and the opportunity to dress up as an Anglo-Saxon.

3. Characterful shops and restaurants It’s worth taking a stroll around the town centre to enjoy the @familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

5. Rendlesham Forest walks

And if the children aren’t quite sleepy enough after all that fun, pop over to Rendlesham Forest and take a saunter in the flat lands. When compared to the rest of the UK Suffolk is flat and has less rainfall so it’s perfect for a family adventure!

The beautiful forests to the east of Woodbridge, just beyond Sutton Hoo, provide the makings of a beautiful family activity.

The Forestry Commission works hard to maintain an effective network of forest paths and there are benches, playgrounds, sculptures and ample den making and bear hunting opportunities. www.familiesonline.co.uk

01473 788546

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Explore Suffolk

Explore Suffolk:

Sudbury Summer Fun in Sudbury...

1. Belle Vue Park Pack a picnic, grab a bucket and spade and head to the local park, conveniently located in the centre of town.

What you will find: • A really BIG sand pit • Water to play with Toddler multiplay with slide • An adventure climber with slide • A HUGE adventure climber • Toddler swings with cradle seats • Bus Climber Roundabout • Tornado swing • Dizzy discs • Trim trail • Basketball court • Skateboard park

2. The Quay Theatre: Children’s Storytime Session

As well as an eclectic programme of summer shows, once a month The Quay Theatre have a Children’s Storytime session. A theatrically experienced storyteller reads a popular book for little ones with interraction, aimed at 0-4 years.

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Ju;y - August 2016

This is a free event and always fun!

Refreshments are also available for adults and children and parents/ guardians can leave cumbersome pushchairs and the like in the care of the Box Office staff. No booking required, and these sessions are completeky free to attend.

Sessions Dates: 10.30am Monday 1st August & Monday 5th September To find out more visit: www.quaysudbury.com

3. River Stour Trust Pirates on the Stour Monday 31st August This event is held annually on the August Bank Holiday Monday at The Granary Tea Room in Sudbury. They offer FREE boat trips for young pirates (under 12 years old) when accompanied by a fare paying adult (at £5).

Come and join our pirate crew for the day, me hearties!

There is no admission charge and no pre-booking before the event.

There is a bankside ticketing system on the day meaning that you are able to book places on trips running approximately every 30 minutes.

also on offer, such as Artsmart, a Saturday morning art class for children, and a monthly Life Drawing session for adults.

Why not pop into the Tea Room after and enjoy a drink and slice of homemade cake. All proceeds from The riverside Tea Room at The Granary, go towards the River Stour Trust.

Art history lectures and gallery talks are programmed throughout the year. Outreach sessions to schools, art societies and other community groups are also offered.

To find out more visit: www.gainsborough.org

To find out more visit: www.riverstourtrust.org

5. Gainsborough Trail 4. Gainsborough House Nature Walk

You can walk in the footsteps of Thomas Gainsborough on the Gainsborough Trail, a 12.5-mile loop of pathways through Sudbury and the surrounding countryside.

Gainsborough House Explores the life and art of Thomas Gainsborough. One of the greatest artists of his age.

They run a variety of workshops and guided tours for schools, community groups and organised parties of visitors from the region and beyond.

During the school holidays, they organise a series of exciting events for children and families. Regular classes are

A haven of biodiversity and home to many animals, insects and birds.

Watch out for kingfishers skimming across the water, harmless grass snakes and water voles.

To truly follow in the footsteps of the great painter, why not visit Suffolk, take a sketchbook with you and create your own landscape masterpiece?

To download the Nature Trail visit: www.discoversuffolk.org.uk

Explore Suffolk

Explore Suffolk:

The Coast Family Fun on the Suffolk Coast...

1. Catch a crab at Walbeswick

the lives it saved, all displayed in the most wonderful way, For more information visit: www.alfredcorry.co.uk

3. Coastal Voyager

Enjoy hours of fun for the cost of a piece of string and some bacon! Make a day of it, pack a picnic and kite and enjoy some family games on the glorious sandy beach, or jump on the small ferry across the river Blyth to Southwold Harbour.

2. The Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum

The museum is full of items of local history, both of the boat and the shed in the form of various artefacts connected to the industry, and an extensive collection of old photographs depicting all aspects of the boat and its crew and the history of

Thrill seeking families can enjoy a high speed boat trip with Coastal Voyager, who also offer a range of trips from Seal watching to coastal cruises, if you are really lucky you might see a dolphin!

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

4. Discover Landguard Fort & Felixstowe Museum Little explorers can step back in time at Landguard Fort - one of England’s best preserved coastal defences. Take part in the Summer Holiday quiz trail around the Fort from 22 Jul- 31 Aug. Normal admission charges for the Fort apply, plus £1.50 for a trail sheet

Next door, Felixstowe Museum offers a range of exciting displays and artefacts, including parts of real woolly mammoth!

Surrounding the Fort, Landguard Nature Reserve and Landguard Bird Observatory provide the chance to get up close to nature. Special children’s events run throughout the summer holidays with the reserve ranger including Bird Watching for Beginners (29 Jul) and a Bug and Beastie Day (5 Aug). You can also spot giant container ships heading in and out of Felixstowe docks and check the ‘ship tracker’ at the Landguard Visitor Centre and View Point Café.

For full details go to www.discoverlandguard.org.uk

5. The Harwich Harbour Foot & Bicycle Ferry

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Why not let the kids plan the route, it’s a great way to encourage map and timetable reading skills, you could even join the world’s largest treasure hunt and try Geocaching along the way. (www.geocaching.com) Booking is not essential but advisable for the ferry. Prices start from £3 for Adults and £2 for Children, babies and dogs go free, and bicycles £1.

For the full timetable visit www.harwichharbourferry.com.

6. Aldeburgh Carnival

Embark on an adventure and climb aboard The Harwich Harbour Foot & Bicycle Ferry. Running between Felixstowe, Harwich and Shotley, the vessel has a maximum 58 passenger capacity and operates daily in safe weather conditions. It’s a great starting point to explore the many footpaths and cycle routes

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along the River Stour, River Orwell and Felixstowe and Harwich coast.

Soak up the traditional carnival atmosphere at the Aldeburgh Carnival from Sat 13 – Mon 15 Aug. Thought to be at least 170 years old, this colourful 3 day event provides a range of fun activities, stalls and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. To find out more and see the full programme of events visit: www.aldeburghcarnival.com

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Parents Place

Mum in Business: Erin Freeman Suffolk based Photographer Erin Freeman speciliases in newborn, baby, child and family photography. She shares with Families Suffolk how she manages work and family life.

Name: Erin Freeman Name, location and nature of your business: Erin Freeman Photography has a studio in Lavenham, Suffolk. I am a newborn, baby, child and family photographer.

How long has your business been running and why did you start it up?

I started up Erin Freeman Photography 4 years ago.

Photography has been a passion of mine for years, I needed to have flexibility for raising my son and having my own business just made sense, it made even more sense to combine it with something that I love, photography.

What do you enjoy about your role and running your business?

By far I enjoy getting to know my clients and giving them photos that they will treasure for years to come. I love seeing my client’s reactions to the photos when they first see them for the first time.

What was the best piece of advice regarding work you were ever given?

Knowing your value, it is so easy to be taken advantage of and you can really start to doubt yourself and how you run your business.

But knowing my value has helped keep me focused on the important parts of my business.

What does the future hold you/the business?

This year has been exciting and already so much growth for my business, I moved into a new studio premises in Lavenham (that is when I realised how many photography props I really do have!). I will be rolling out some exciting services for parents, I can’t spill the beans just yet!

How do you fit your work around family life?

Let’s just say I have to be extremely organised. I home educate my 9 year old son, so running a business can be challenging at times. By having a set work schedule and knowing

Pig trail is must-see event this summer The streets of Ipswich have been taken over by stunning swine sculptures as part of the must-see event this summer – the Pigs Gone Wild interactive art trail! Pigs Gone Wild is the biggest art spectacular that Suffolk has ever seen with 69 beautiful pig sculptures adorning the streets and corners of the town.

There are 39 larger-than-life pigs created by artists and sponsored by local businesses, plus 30 junior sculptures decorated by schools and community groups. You can follow the trail, which has been brought to the town by St Elizabeth Hospice in collaboration with Wild in Art, from now until 2 September.

At the end of the trail, the junior pigs will be returned to the schools and groups that created them, whilst the larger pigs will be auctioned off, raising funds for St Elizabeth Hospice.

To find out more about Pigs Gone Wild and to download the app and a trail map, visit www.pigsgonewild.co.uk

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July - August 2016

when to say no to things has helped me keep my family life normal. Saying no does not come easy to me, and I have learnt the hard way that you can’t do it all.

So having and knowing priorities is extremely important, otherwise the things that are the most important can get buried under menial tasks.

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

Don’t just jump in without getting to know your market, costs etc.

Take the time to learn all you can about your chosen industry. Don’t

throw money at your marketing, have a marketing strategy know where to spend your hard earned money. You may need to learn to love social media to reach your market, there are so many tools out there to make posting to social media quick and easy. Finally, do what you love, running a business has it’s challenges and there will be good days and bad days, doing what you love makes those bad days a little less challenging.

To find out more about Erin Freeman Photography visit:

www.erinfreeman photography.co.uk/

Take a

family-friendly

trip back in time this summer

Discover something new and join Suffolk museums for over 60 low cost, family-friendly events and activities during the summer holidays!

Download your FREE EVENTS PROGRAMME at suffolkmuseums.org or like us at /summerinsuffolkmuseums

@familiessuffolk

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Baby & Toddler

Sponsored by Erin Freeman Photography

Helping to secure your children’s future Future Life provide a friendly, simple and hassle-free will-writing service to families across East Anglia. Company Director Rob Waller tells Families Suffolk readers why having a will is so important

We know it’s something nobody wants to talk about but don’t put it off, as parents you need a will to protect your children and make your voice heard in their upbringing if something happens to you and we are here to help. If you die without a will a court will decide who brings your children up, you will have no say in that process and your wishes will not be heard.

Why you need a will

5 reasons why parents need to make a will:

A will is a legal document stating who your money and possessions will go to if anything should happen to you. More importantly for parents, a will specifies who will look after your children if the worst should happen. As parents we want to be in control of the decisions taken about the future of our children. If you don’t have a will some of the decisions about your children will be made by the authorities.

1. Being able to choose your executors / trustees Your executor / trustee is responsible for carrying out your financial wishes when you die. If you have children, they will look after and invest the money until your children are 18 or over.

2. Choosing who will look after your children Would you leave your children with no one to care for them for a day, a month or for ever? No. A will allows you to appoint your children’s guardians should both parents die before they are 18. A will is the only way to protect your children’s future.

3. Specific gifts Proud Sponsors of

Who gets the family heirlooms? What charities are important to you? Do you want to leave any money to friends or more distant family members? Writing a will is the only way to ensure these wishes are achieved.

4. Your husband / wife will NOT inherit everything automatically Depending on your family structure and wealth, husbands and wives do not automatically inherit everything.

5. Are you living with a partner and not married?

For a FREE Professional Will Writing Service Visit our stand at the Suffolk Super Hero Weekend: Sat 16th & Sun 17th July

Call us or visit our website www.future-life-wills.co.uk | Freephone: 0800 193 4002

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July - August 2016

Your partner is not automatically entitled to anything from your estate. Without a will, they have to go to court and fight for their share, a process that might involve taking your children to court.

Contact Us To find out more call us on: 0800 193 4002 or visit: www.future-life-wills.co.uk.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue

Abi, 21

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

SWIFT TO SERVE

Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service

#SwiftToServe

We are looking for new recruits to become on-call firefighters ■ ■ ■

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■ ■

Are you 18 and older?

Do you have a reasonable level of personal fitness?

Do you live or work within five minutes of a fire station in Suffolk?

Can you be released from your main employment to attend emergency incidents?

Can you operate at heights and in confined spaces?

Are you calm under pressure?

If you answer yes to these questions you could be who we are looking for.

Become a Suffolk on-call firefighter, visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/oncall Abi works at a supermarket in Bury St Edmunds and provides on-call support for the town’s fire station.

@familiessuffolk

/FamiliesSuffolk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Suffolk Super Hero

Suffolk Super Hero Weekend Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th July 2016 Trinity Park, Ipswich, IP3 8UH

Come join us for a fun packed weekend for the whole family! Kids can come as their favourite superhero and enjoy a huge array of superhero themed activities, including inflatables, crafts, entertainment and more!

Gates Open: 10am - 4pm - Please note: TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ON THE GATE! Tickets must be purchased in advance!

For more information go to: www.superheroweekend.co.uk or find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/suffolksuperhero

Meet & Greet Schedule We have been working hard with the lovely folks at Hero-Hire on our fabulous MEET AND GREET schedule!

We have worked carefully to ensure that all your heroes will be available for multiple sessions throughout the day, so if a queue is looking too long you can always pop back later, and you can be assured that your little one will still be able to meet their favourite!

Characters visits •themed disco • events • parties • nerf battles

www.herohirehq .co.uk 07554446959

herohirehq *Please note that this schedule may be subject to change.

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July - August 2016

Summer Holiday Fun

School’s out and we have something to shout about

There will be no cries of “I’m bored” in Ipswich this summer holidays thanks to an extensive programme of activities arranged by Ipswich Borough Council.

How Was Your Day? is a mixture of free and paid-for events scheduled throughout the six-week break to keep kids happy and parents from tearing their hair out.

The fun-filled agenda includes football matches, street golf, dance, cycling and swimming alongside trips to a range of museums and art clubs.

ts Free even include: Jumpers for Goalposts Delivered by Positive Futures in the parks around Ipswich from 1st to 26th August, Jumpers for Goalposts offers kids a chance to enjoy a host of exciting and lively sports activities.

From kicking a football around to trying a game of tennis or having a go at street golf, the programme has something for everyone.

Councillor Bryony Rudkin, portfolio holder for Culture and Leisure at Ipswich Borough Council said: “There is something

for everyone in this fun-filled programme which is sure to make the summer break active and exciting.

Indoor and outdoor activities, free events and taster sessions along with structured and unstructured play is sure to appeal to children of all ages.

The aim is to bring the community together in their local space and give young people the opportunity to try something new with friends and family.”

Some of the activities need to be booked in advance. For others, you can just turn up on the day.

This Girl Can

The Sky Ride

This Girl Can is a national campaign developed by Sport England to get more women and girls into sport and physical activity. It’s a celebration of energetic women up and down the country who are embracing a range of sports, dance clubs and fitness activities no matter how well they do it, how they look or how red their face gets.

Want to experience your town on two wheels? Join the Ipswich Sky Ride!

Kids – and their parents – are being invited to bring their bikes and join thousands of other cyclists on the streets of Ipswich for an unforgettable traffic-free ride.

Here at Ipswich Borough Council, we want to get more women and girls active. So we are rolling out a selection of sessions designed specifically for girls including swimming, badminton and boxercise. All participants will also receive a free 10 day iCard trial.

Along with the actual cycle, there will be the opportunity to try lots of free activities including styling your bike, taking part in our cycling game shows and getting snapped in our groovy photo booth.

The Sky Ride takes place on Saturday August 14th. If you register in advance, you’ll be entitled to a free expert bike check worth £14.99 at Halfords – perfect to get you all set for the big day.

In preparation for the Sky Ride, why not try one of the free Sky Ride local events around Ipswich? Sky ride local will also take place after the Sky Ride, so you can continue to enjoy cycling around the town.

A spot of culture While we all have our fingers crossed for a sunshine-filled summer break, we know better than to rely on the British weather.

So just in case there are a few rainy days – or you have simply run out of steam for another workout – we have added a range of cultural activities to the programme to offset the volume of sport.

Ipswich Museum, Christchurch Mansion and the Ipswich Art School are all opening their doors to youngsters during the Summer holidays.

And more…

As well as the free activities, our programme of activities over the Summer holidays includes some fantastic bookable events. For the full list of sessions and information on booking,

visit www.ipswich.gov.uk

@familiessuffolk

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What’s On

Birch Farm Nursery Established 1991 – 2016

25 Years

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

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

Our team of qualified BHS Staff offer a range of classes, including Tots classes from 2 years with Creche facilities available Friday mornings.

EMAIL: HILLFARMEC@HOTMAIL.CO.UK

You can also follow us on

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July - August 2016

What’s On Newmarket Races Newmarket Racecourses is midway through its summer programme of free action-packed activities for children on the Adnams July Course, guaranteeing family fun all through the school summer holiday period.

‘Summer Saturdays’ are brimming with free entertainment, offering highly affordable days out for families during July and August on the picturesque Adnams July Course. There is plenty to see and do so that families can have a great day out without having to spend too much.

There are four remaining Summer Saturday events to enjoy as well as one themed Friday at the end of the summer holidays ahead of the August Bank Holiday.

With children under 18 being admitted FREE on course across all enclosures for Summer Saturdays, a family of two adults and any number of children pay a total of just £20 for the Family Enclosure, while the Premier Enclosure – with tickets ordered in advance – is £45. The Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure – for the same family of two adults with children – is under £29.

The July/August Summer Saturday schedule includes the following themes with entertainment confirmed to date (subject to change and updates);

Great British Summer – 16 July From sandy ice-creams at Skegness to strawberries and cream at Wimbledon, donkeys and deck chairs to Pimms and punting, there is nothing quite as evocative as the British summer. Join us as we revel in all that is great about a British summer including donkey rides, Punch and Judy, face painters and more!

Horseplay - 23 July This fun new family race day will allow children to learn all about the magnificent horse while having fun and competing in our hobby horse gymkhana, crafting winners rosettes, and enjoying puppet shows and story time, along with many other ‘horseplay’ activities for the whole family to enjoy!

Summer Saturday, featuring PAW Patrol – 30 July Continuing our Summer season of Saturday family fun days, PAW Patrol’s Chase and Marshall will be making appearances throughout the day. We’ll also have all of our regular FREE family entertainment, including the ever popular bouncy castles and face painters.

All Was Quiet In The Deep Dark Wood - 13 August With appearances from The Gruffalo, a Teddy Bear’s picnic and all that is wonderful about our native woodland you’re sure of a big surprise! Activities and entertainment are provided free of charge and compliment the afternoon of competitive racing.

Super Hero Day – 26 August There is a hero in all of us and this is the day to share your hero with the world! Along with our regular complimentary family entertainment we’ll also have a competition for the best dressed super hero, we only ask you don’t use your super powers to sway the judges.

To book tickets visit www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk Full Page A4.pdf

Jump Street

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One year on and Jump Street is delivering healthy fun for all the family As the summer approaches, and school holidays stretch out longer than mid-afternoon shadows, most parents ask the big question: How can we unglue our kids from their phone screens long enough to get some exercise? Especially if the weather is doing the classic British summertime trick of raining heavily when you’ve made plans.

Fortunately, Colchester’s Jump Street trampoline park has the perfect solution – fun, positive and thrilling exercise. Most youngsters get so lost in the moment they won’t even realise they’re getting a full workout.

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Jump Street bounced onto the scene this time last year, and has since been giving people of all ages plenty of good excuses to burn off their energy in their vast warehouse of trampolines!

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With Tots sessions for toddlers and regular sessions for everyone over 4, Jump Street has proved popular with young people. But Jump Street is all about inclusivity so they run fitness sessions for those 16+ and support sessions for those with special needs too.

If you prefer to catch up with your emails or with friends, watch from the mezzanine café with a delicious barista coffee and free wifi.

So if you’re looking for a safe, positive and fun indoor activity that really is active, then Jump Street might be the perfect place for your family. There’s plenty of activities at Jump Street to put in your summer schedule! So for information and to book please visit www.jumpstreet.co.uk @familiessuffolk

The adrenaline rush. rush.

The ultimate adrenaline Family fun,fun, fitness classesclasses & corporate entertainment.

Family fitness & corporate entertainment.

220,000 0,000 S Q F T TRAMPOLINE T R A M P O L I N E PARK P A R K WITH: W I T H: SQ FT FREE DODGEBALLCOURTS COURTS| |‘THE ‘THEBAG’ BAG’ FREEBOUNCE BOUNCE || BASKETBALL BASKETBALL HOOPS || DODGEBALL

h...h... g ghig hig pin jumpin It’s all abo aboututjum It’s ng soft saf. e. andsafe ...landi softand nding ...la /FamiliesSuffolk

jumpstreet.co.uk jumpstreet.co.uk

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