F
www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
E R E
Ž Cambridgeshire I s s u e 1 0 • M ay / Ju n e 2 0 1 1
Parties Special Win tickets to Wind in the Willows Secondary Fertility
Quirky Family Restaurant Great fun and food Family Sundays Specials Events 01223 812660 Newmarket Road Stow Cum Quy, www.themissingsock.co.uk
The Useful magazine for families with children from birth to teenage
Editor’s Welcome Welcome to the tenth issue of Families Cambridgeshire - the really useful magazine for parents and children!
News - May/June 2011
Once again, we’re offering a jam packed issue covering topics such as radiation levels that babies are exposed to - it really is quite frightening. Do check out our webiste at www.familiesonline.co.uk for more information and videos and let us know what YOU think on our forum at www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk However on a brighter note, and with all this lovely sunshine, you’ll find plenty of ideas for children’s parties on pages ten and eleven - we’ve had some great ones this year! As always, I do hope you enhoy this issue of Families and feel free to contact me with any news or events that you would like to see featured in future issues. Please mention Families whenever you contact of our advertisers. Best wishes
Sara
In this issue
Contact Sara Carr, editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk tel: 01223 319437 mobile: 07748 183700
Design: Louis T Koehorst tel: 01223 576688 ted@happyted.co.uk
A fun programme of Dragonfly activities for all the family is planned including guided dragonfly walks, larva-feeding demonstrations, pond dipping, work sheet activities for children and exciting craft activities, including making pipe cleaner and origami dragonflies.
The Fen is also home to the National Dragonfly Centre. The centre which is open at weekends throughout the summer is staffed by knowledgeable enthusiasts and houses colourful displays and interpretation on dragonflies. The centre also offers a regular programme of events from dragonfly safaris to introductory and advanced dragonfly courses.
08 Baby Page 10 Party Feature 12 Royal visit 13 Secondary Fertility 15 Out and About
Circulation 12,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, libraries, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let me know.
Print: Bishops Printers Limited, Portsmouth tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk.
Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, near Ely, Cambridgeshire will be holding a Dragonfly Day on Saturday 11 June to officially launch National Dragonfly Week (11 - 19 June).
Wicken Fen is one of the best locations in the United Kingdom to spot Dragonflies with 21 species such as the Emperor Dragonfly, Hairy Dragonfly, Emerald Damselfly and Red Eyed Damselfly breeding on the fen. On a warm summers day thousands of these beautiful highly coloured insects can be seen performing their aerobatic flying displays along the waterways and ditches.
Cover photograph courtesy of Sonya Etchison Dreamstime.com
02 Welcome and News 03 News 04 Immunity Article 06 French Exchanges 07 City Services 07 Pedal Power
Wicken Fen to launch National Dragonfly Week
Families Cambridgeshire is part of the Families Group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing for the magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences.
Today’s dragonfly species are closely related to the huge insects that flew over our forests 300 million years ago. Most of the dragonflies’ life cycle is spent underwater first as an egg and then a larva. The larval stage can last two years or more, whilst flying adults mostly only survive a couple of weeks. Wetland habitats such as Wicken Fen are very important for dragonflies, which are in decline nationally. The loss of wetland habitat due to development and intensive agriculture, together with run-off and wind drift from insecticides and herbicides is having a devastating effect on the dragonfly population. All activities for Dragonfly Day are free. Normal admission fees to Wicken Fen Nature Reserve apply. Entry is free to National Trust members.
Purple Fitness tel: 07545 284 928 www.purplefitness.co.uk ® Mention when calling to receive a free taster Boot Camp! ®
2
® ®
Oek dWc[ _j M[ bWX[b _j
BkdY^Xen[i MWj[h 8ejjb[i BkdY^Xen[i MWj[h 8ejjb[i 8eeai Kd_\ehci <eejm[Wh 8eeai Kd_\ehci <eejm[Wh
T: 01635 298326 mmm$[Wio(dWc[$Yec
May/June 2011
By Joanna Parry and Sara Carr New courses at La Dante
20th May/24th June - Travel Talks: Discover culture and tradition of Italian regions of Tuscany and Umbria. Held in English.
5th May - Under a Tuscan Roof: specialities from Tuscany. Cooking class and wine tasting. 5 weeks every Thursday. Held in English.
13th May/17th June - Italian short stories: Discuss in Italian modern Italian authors. Good intermediate and above levels. We also continue with our Italian classes for children and teenagers: Italian for young learners: Bilingual children and teenagers. Age groups 6-11 and 11+
Beginners Italian for young learners. Age groups 5+ and 8+
Mothers and Toddlers: 8 weeks course starts 3rd of May Tuesday 10-11am. Italian Cultural Centre, La Dante in Cambridge 60 Hills Road, CB2 1JP Tel: 01223 315191 Email: ladanteinfo@gmail.com
Dragonfly at Burwash Manor www.burwashdragonfly.com May 12th - Bumps and Babies Dragonfly has been a firm favourite with expectant mums since it first opened. Their 'pitter patter preparation' packages offer total relaxation for mum, natural products that won't harm baby and include help to keep those now hard to reach feet in top condition! So it seemed a perfectly natural idea for them to join up with the National Childbirth Trust for an evening of fun, relaxation, demonstrations and fundraising (entrance will be £10). As well as being able to try out some mini versions of the mother-to-be treatments, they will have talks from the NCT, their fabulous reflexologist Julia and the senior therapists on products and .how they can help during pregnancy and beyond. Lots of the other shops at Burwash Manor will open for the occasion, so it's all that, plus drinks and nibbles, a little goodie bag to take home and a chance to spend the evening with other mums, or mums-to-be, like you! 5pm until 8pm
Food for their brain New research has been released showing that a poor diet in the early years of life may have an impact on the IQ of young children. Children who eat a steady diet of fast or processed food from an early age may find it difficult to concentrate, have poor retention skills and suffer from behavioural problems. These children may have also high cholesterol levels and blood fats by the age of 8, 9 and 10, which increases the risk of obesity and other health disorders. But don’t panic - there is plenty we can do to encourage our children’s brain cells and there is sound evidence to suggest that certain foods are essential for their maintenance. Dr. Lin Day, founder of the baby development classes Baby Sensory May/Ju n e 2 0 11
News
(www.babysensory.com) suggests that we increase the following top brain foods in our children’s diets: vitamins in meat, seeds, nuts, fish, whole-grain cereals, green vegetables, fruit, eggs and milk for carrying information from one brain cell to the other; minerals in red meat, lentils, beans, nuts and seeds for making haemoglobin, used to carry oxygen in the blood to the brain and tissues; essential fatty acids in oily fish, nuts and meat for brain cell efficiency. And don’t forget exercise which actually generates new brain cells, and drinking water which increases cognitive ability and concentration. With a good night’s sleep, natural sunlight and fresh air, you can keep your child’s brain in tip-top condition.
Sleep well with Bed Ted Bed Ted, a new brand of high quality baby bedding, is helping to keep both parents and babies feeling lovely and warm inside thanks to its Love One Give One pledge. For every Bed Ted item purchased a beautiful Bed Ted blanket will be donated to a family in need. Check out the website www.loveonegiveone.com for cotton and fleece blankets for cots and prams, fitted sheets in jersey and flannelette and nursery packs with quilt, cot bumper, sheets, wall hangings and mobiles in seaside and jungle themes, perfect for gifts. And while shopping, you can donate blankets to a number of worthy charities you can choose from, including a Romanian orphanage and a children's hospital in South Africa. More charities are set to join the programme in the future, including those based in the UK. It’s baby bedding with a conscience!
Are you a single dad? The Kids and Me is a new adventure holiday company for single parent families, in particular single dads and their kids. From dog-sledding in the Arctic Circle to following war-time freedom trails across the Pyrenees, brand new holiday company The Kids and Me offers real-life adventures that will appeal to both dads and mums and their children. The Kids and Me focuses on a voyage of discovery together, leaving lasting memories that money just can’t buy. Founder Richard Gould, himself a single dad, launched The Kids and Me when he had to adapt from seeing his children every day to just in the holiday time and weekends – he wanted to make sure his time with the kids counted. “I have always loved the outdoors and, post divorce, found that doing activities together were a great way to connect with my children.You have a laugh whilst learning new skills and there is always something to talk about at the end of the day.” Choose from a Wilderness Experience in the Arctic Circle at Easter, an Alpine Challenge in the Alps in August or an Island Escape in Corfu in July, plus many more. The Kids and Me holidays are organised in small groups, staying in fully catered lodges where friendships will be made and sustained. “Both the parents and children on our holidays have a fantastic time,” says Richard. “The activities really build confidence in some of these children – it’s really touching to see first-hand. Dads can be dads and kids can be kids.” www.thekidsandme.co.uk ® ®
3
Family N AT U R A L WA Y S T O STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM By Penny Crowther, nutritionist Most people know that the immune system defends the body against infections, viruses, cancer cells, fungi and other parasites. What is less realised is that an unhealthy immune system speeds up the ageing process and is a major factor in fatigue, chronic inflammation (e.g. asthma, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis) and allergies. A well functioning immune system is vitally important for overall health. As we emerge from winter into spring, the seasonal change can often bring an increased vulnerability to infections and illness. I asked experienced complementary health practitioners with an integrated approach to health and in this article they share their knowledge with you on helping to strengthen the immune system.
Boost up your defences Modern medicine is based on the theory that germs cause illness. But there are a significant number of experts, scientists amongst them, who believe that germs are not the primary cause of illness. If this were true, how can we explain the fact that out of three people exposed to a respiratory germ, only one will get pneumonia, the second person will get minor cold symptoms whilst the third person remains unaffected? This is because whether or not the germ becomes disease causing is dependent on your internal body environment. Even Louis Pasteur, the father of the germ theory, recognized this when he said “The germ is nothing, the terrain everything”. There is much you can do to improve the “terrain” and strengthen resistance. Two key areas to focus on are stimulating the flow of lymph and reducing the effects of stress. The lymphatic system transports the army of immune cells and acts as a drainage channel for wastes and toxins. Lymph nodes are concentrated in the neck, chest and groin and when there is a lot of immune activity going on, these areas will swell. The thymus gland (at the top of the breast bone), spleen and tonsils are important lymph organs. Many people (mistakenly!) do not think of osteopathy in relation to immune health. Osteopath Adam Beaumont explains the benefits of working on the chest area. “If the ribs are tense or restricted in movement, this affects the efficient working of the thymus gland and reduces the number of circulating immune cells to deal with the infection. The diaphragm is another key area to focus on in relation to immunity. Lymph flows
4
® ®
through a major channel which is affected by the movement of the diaphragm. A tense diaphragm will slow the flow of lymph. Osteopathy will help loosen the muscles of the diaphragm and those between the ribs”. Unlike the blood circulation which is constantly activated by the heart, the lymph has no pump. Lymph is dependent on physical movement for its flow. Treatments such as massage and reflexology are very helpful to stimulate the flow of lymph and the blood circulation. Reflexologist Sara Wood explains “My focus is to help balance and support the vitality of the the lymphatic system, working the lymph, the spleen and the thyroid by applying pressure to specific reflex points in the foot which connect to these organs. A lymphatic massage technique that reflects the movement of the lymph through the body can also be applied as well as working on the organs of elimination such as the kidneys, liver, colon and skin through the reflexes. This helps the body clear itself of toxins and waste, allowing the immune system to work better. Massage therapist Clare Williams says “Massage increases the activity of white blood cells that target and destroy infectious agents and in immune deficiency it increases antibody production. With regular massage, the immune system is strengthened and it becomes more robust.” In our 24 hour society it is hard to escape stress of one kind or another. Under immediate stress, such as, for example, having a row with your partner or children, the adrenal glands pump out adrenaline which prepares the body for what is in effect a “state of emergency”. Various physiological changes take place including increased heart rate and blood pressure. This is known as the "fight or flight" response and if it is constantly stimulated, it has a “wear and tear” effect on the immune system. With more prolonged stress, levels of cortisol start to rise which not only weakens the immune system but affects sleep and weight and contributes to bone loss and hormonal imbalance. The field of psychoneuroimmunology is revealing links between the mind and the immune system. Worry, anxiety and negative thoughts will trigger a stress response in the same way as an actual threat. Anxiety has been shown to increase susceptibility to viral infection. Anxious people exposed to stress showed increases in infection rates from 74% to 90%, and clinical colds rose from 27% to 47%..[1] May/June 2011
Family
Regular, deep relaxation is known to boost immunity. Hypnotherapist Diana Penny says “One of the most effective ways is a deep hypnotic relaxation, particularly when specifically designed to strengthen the individual’s immune function. As well as training the body to relax and restore, hypnosis also promotes a positive mental attitude and an optimistic attitude. This in turn impacts how the body fights disease.”
Massage and reflexology also help calm the nervous system. During a treatment the Reflexologist stimulates more than 7,000 nerves when touching the feet. A recent study concluded that after receiving reflexology, healthy people experienced a significant decrease in anxiety, tension and worry and an increase in wellbeing.[2]
Experienced acupuncturist Julia Davis has a keen interest in the immune system and the way stress affects our health. “Acupuncture works to restore and maintain balance in body and mind. Acupuncture can stimulate the body by treating the spleen, kidney, liver and lung channels. When balance is achieved, a person has a greater opportunity to resist illness and maintain good health”. Julia has worked with acupuncture in the NHS and private practice and uses a special no needle technique for babies and children. May/Ju n e 2 0 11
Homeopathy treats each individual according to his or her own pattern of symptoms. A specific remedy is applied, taking into account how the person is affected in both mind and body functions. A good homeopath will get to the root cause of the symptoms, for the particular person. A homeopath with 15 years experience, Ilana Dannheisser explains “By tapping into the specific nature, the person’s vitality increases so he or she is more able to fight off infections and disease.” Finally, don’t forget the importance of good nutrition. Many people don’t realize that 70% of the immune system is in the gut which means that what you eat will have a powerful impact. Healthy bowel movements are essential to avoid a breeding ground of unhealthy bacteria caused by waste backing up in the intestine. Probiotics and fibre intake are important in this respect. Fibre should be the gentle soluble kind such as oats, brown rice, spelt rather than irritant wheat fibre. Too much sugar will help yeast organisms to flourish in the gut and it blocks the uptake of vitamin C, a key immune enhancing vitamin. Nutritional therapist Penny Crowther advises “Make sure you are getting enough of the key immune nutrients that may be lacking in the average diet. Research has proved that deficiency of vitamin D, an important immune related vitamin is relatively common so make sure you eat oily fish, or take a supplement. Zinc is also vital, particularly for children and teenagers. The production and function of immune cells are dependent on adequate zinc levels and very recent research found that this mineral helped reduce the duration of a cold. Meat such as lamb and seafood are the richest sources. Lastly, check you are eating foods containing Omega 3 and 6 fats (oily fish, nuts and seeds). These fats are converted into substances which regulate immune function. [1] McEwen & Stellar, 1993 [2] MC Vicar A, et al. Evaluation of anxiety, salivary cortisol and melatonin secretion following reflexology treatment: A pilot study in healthy individuals. Complementary Therapies in Clinical practice. 2007. ® ®
5
Education
Exchange for life Learning a language can be the key to your child’s future,giving them an invaluable skill that will set them up for life. A French exchange can be a fun and interesting part of that learning - your child is immersed in the culture of the country, which often proves to be the most effective way of rapidly improving language skills.“They develop greater mental agility,better communication skills and awareness of another culture,”saysAnnie,a mother of 3 who is a great fan of French exchanges. “Beyond the academic benefits, exchange visits are a wonderful way to develop your child’s self-confidence and interpersonal skills and for them to make new friends.” But how easy is to organise a French exchange, and how do you start going about it? Many schools have their own exchange programmes, however more and more parents are opting to organise exchanges through a number of different companies, all of whom will help you to arrange the swap. Here is our guide to help you navigate your way through arranging an exchange, so that your child has a successful and enjoyable experience. Exchange visits are based on reciprocal hospitality - your child will stay with a French family and one of the French family’s children will stay with you. Once you register with an exchange company, they will ‘match’ you with a French family based on age, interests and family background and then discuss with you possible dates of visits. Finding dates that work for both families can be tricky, so try to be as flexible as possible. Remember, you don’t have to restrict yourselves to the summer holidays – a half term swap can be a good bet too. An exchange should only cost you a minimal fee to arrange, and then the cost of your child’s transportation. Be aware of some of the expensive foreign language travel programmes that sometimes masquerade as exchanges. Most companies recommend exchanging when your child is 12 or over, for a maximum of 2 weeks. However it is possible to arrange an exchange for a younger child and some sites arrange for swaps for an extended period of up to 6 months. Most exchange companies are available to provide assistance with translation and travel advice and to generally act as a ‘go-between’ if this is needed. Although you will make your own travel arrangements, the French family is contracted to meet your child at the nearest port, railway station or airport.
Top tips When you’re choosing a family to exchange with, make sure you look for a match not only with your child’s age but also their interests - shared passions are often the key to a successful exchange, whether it be football, horse riding or music. "My son went to stay with a lovely French family in August,” says Kate, mum of four. “We liked the family and the boys had similar interests, that was key!” A reputable exchange site will help you find a good match, but you can help by emailing or chatting to a number of families before confirming the exchange Once you have chosen a family, encourage your child to communicate in French with to their exchange by telephone or email Make sure your child’s health records are up to date and write a parental authorisation in case of medical emergency. If your child has to take any kind of medication, make sure everything has already been purchased and that the prescription goes with your child. Make clear notes of allergies to food or medicine Send your child to France with some spending money for outings and souvenirs Don’t forget to encourage your child to pack a camera, a notebook for writing down daily adventures and an MP3 player for the trip. A welcome present for their exchange’s family and a mini-dictionary will be useful too ! Make sure your child has full travel insurance and an E111 form It may sound obvious, but don’t forget to double check their passport is still in date ! When your child’s exchange comes to stay with you, enjoy taking them around your home town and seeing some of the sites you never found time to visit yourselves! Sending your child off to live with another family can be stressful. “You need to be bold, have an open mind and be willing to trust another family with your child,” says Annie.“In return, when it is your time to host somebody else’s child, you will need to provide for them and make sure they feel equally at home. But I promise you, it’s all worth it.You will be giving your child the gift of a new language and a friend for life.”
Websites www.linguisticexchange.com. www.french-exchange.co.uk www.enfamille.com http://www.lingua-links.com/en/welcome.html www.lingoo.eu/language-exchange-french.html
6
® ®
May/June 2011
Family
City Care Services
CAMBRIDGESHIRE NURSERIES WANTED: TAKE PART IN PEDAL PUSH City Care Services is a reputable organisation that provides quality care of the highest degree to elderly clients that live within their own homes in the community. The company is committed to providing exemplary and first class service to its clients. Their vision is not to be biggest care providers but they want to be the best. They actively encourage and promote independence, dignity and respect for their clients. Their clients comfort and needs are their primary focus. City Care Services offers a range of services to clients which include providing personal care, companionship, assistance with shopping and daily living. City Care services not only cares for the Wellbeing of their clients but also for the members of their staff, no matter what position they hold within the company. The staff receives competitive benefits including an attractive salary package, NVQ training, Child Care vouchers, Pension contributions, mileage allowance, over time and enhanced pay rate at the weekends. This is a rapidly growing and innovative organisation that consistently seeks to improve its services and be the best that they can be. The Company Directors Christine ThorntonBowen and Gillian Green have been recognised for their hard work as they have been voted “Business Woman of the Year” by the Cambridgeshire News in 2009 and they are currently in the running for the prestigious award for 2011. If you know of an elderly client that may benefit from our service then please contact our Liaison Team today on 01223842100. Alternatively, you are welcome to come to our new offices for an informal conversation regarding your requirements. City Care services are always looking for new carers to continue its successful journey and to be part of its family, where family values and morals are key to the foundation of this thriving company.
The NSPCC is calling on nurseries in Cambridgeshire to take part in its annual Pedal Push. Pedal Push is a mini bike ride for children under fives. Children at nurseries, creches and playgroups can take part, by hopping on their bikes, trikes and scooters to raise funds for the NSPCC, making a real difference to children’s lives across the UK. Nurseries can also choose to raise funds for their own group or cause by keeping up to 25 per cent of the money raised. It's easy to organise and can be held between now and September. Nurseries will receive a special Pedal Push pack, including lots of activities and top tips to download. Chris Morris, NSPCC community fundraising manager said: “Pedal Push is a fun and exciting way to get children on their bikes, trikes and scooters to make a difference for other children. ”The money raised will help the NSPCC to run services for children, young people and families like ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline. None of these services would be possible without the continued generosity of donors, fundraisers and supporters.” If you are interested in organising your own Pedal Push, register now at www.nspcc.org.uk/pedalpush, call 0800 101 996 or email pedalpush@nspcc.org.uk for more information.
The School with traditional values and a 21st Century vision www.whitehallschool.com office@whitehallschool.com • (01487) 840966 ‘Each child is treated as a unique individual making going to school a joyful experience.’ Independent Schools’ Inspectorate October 2009
Every day is an Open Day! See us in action! Are you using your FREE Nursery entitlement?* Would your son/daughter enjoy small classes?
Whitehall School Somersham Cambridgeshire PE28 3EH Whitehall School is a member of ISA (The Independent Schools Association)
May/Ju n e 2 0 11
*Contact us for details ® ®
7
Baby Care Did you ever realise that your cordless baby monitor emits radiation?* That your cordless (DECT) phone is like one of those dreaded masts, acting as a transmitter? You can’t see it but electromagnetic radiation is all around your baby. Have you ever thought whether it might be harmful to your baby? It is never too soon to find ways to protect your baby from ElectroMagnetic Radiation (EMR) produced by wireless devices and mobile phones. In the same way that you can choose how to use this technology safely, you can also choose to create a safe zone for your baby at home.
Ever thought about the leve By Patty Hemingway, RMANM
No official safe levels for babies The current international safety limits for exposure to EMR radiation are measured in relation to the heating effect that microwave radiation—for this is indeed the type of radiation that comes from wireless devices, has on a fully grown, thick skulled, adult male, ie. not on a baby, which has a much thinner skull! These safety limits refer only to the tissue heating effect, and take no account of the more subtle effects on health, which can arise from radiation: disruption to the central nervous system, heart rate, skin sensitivity and dysfunction at a cellular level causing a range of symptoms1. There are NO safe levels of radiation for babies and small children. The Stewart Report in 2000 recommended the precautionary principle in relation to mobile phones and children2 ; the Bioinitiative report3 in 2007 declared that safety
8
® ®
thresholds are far too high; and in February of this year a new consensus statement was issued by the SELTUN Scientific Panel 4 urging the adoption of significantly lower exposure standards based on the latest body of evidence for biological harm.
naturally. By eliminating wireless radiation from your baby’s environment you will be rewarded with a contented baby with better sleep patterns, fewer skin problems such as eczema, and improved cognitive development.
So what can you do to make sure your baby is safe?
Physicians working with autistic children have proved that children living in an EMR-free environment 24 hours a day respond faster to treatments than those given the same therapies, but who are not protected
When you are at home you can create a completely safe environment for your baby to grow and develop
May/June 2011
Baby Care
els of radiation your baby is exposed to? from EMR5. Dr Dietrich Klinghardt goes further, and observes that autism can be linked to the mother’s exposure to EMR during her pregnancy (in an interview for ESUK6). Perhaps they know about this in China where a protective apron is available for pregnant women. If you are not sure it is safe, why take the risk? Better be safe than sorry Recent research has found that children who are exposed to mobile phone radiation in the womb, and who have used one themselves are 50 % more likely to develop behavioural problems. If you are pregnant or want to, ensure that your sleeping environment is EMR free: switch off mobile phones;
switch off wireless routers;
switch off electric blankets;
switch off anything electronic, to avoid winking LED lights which can disrupt the sleep hormone, melatonin9; pregnant women should not carry their phones next to their bodies, (as recommended in mobile phone instruction booklets!)
mobile phones should not come to rest anywhere close to the baby’s body, not in the pram, not in your pocket, etc. Simple but effective solutions I hear parents protest that they have no choice but to use their cordless DECT phone while feeding their infant, or that microwaving baby foods is essential. A moment’s reflection on how this was done as recently as 10 years ago will remind us of the alternatives. Standing a May/Ju n e 2 0 11
Low energy light bulbs (compact fluorescent lights) also emit radiation. For more information about creating a safe environment for your baby see: http://www.buildingbiology.net/
bottle in a jug of warm water will safely heat formula milk without degrading its nutritional value. If you need to phone in the baby’s room, or from your favourite feeding chair then simply invest in a wired telephone! Then either buy an extension cable or get an additional phone socket installed by your phone company. Make use of the speakerphone facility when you need to be hands-free. Choose low-radiation or analogue baby monitors. Warnings were issued a few years ago about the problems with some wireless baby monitors, and parents reported that their baby seemed to be restless and unable to settle, or even in pain when it was switched on. If mobile phones can produce headaches in adults, there is every reason to wonder whether a wireless baby monitor might not have a similar effect when placed near a baby’s head.
Patty Hemingway (RMANM) is a family homeopath with a special interest in electromagnetic radiation sickness. www.pattyhemingway.com or tel: 020 8333 0413 If you have a question on this issue and want to talk with Patty and EMR experts, or simply talk with other parents, please go to Families Forum: www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiationtalk New mobile phone leaflet issued by UK Department of Health! Extract: “As a precaution, the UK Chief Medical Officers advise that children and young people under 16 should be encouraged to use mobile phones for essential purposes only, and to keep calls short. “ Placing a baby monitor all day and all night close to a baby is therefore not recommended. How far should it be placed? Radiations go much further than you think.
* Watch videos of baby monitors being tested for radiation levels www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation
to find out simple ways to create a safe zone at home see www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation If you feel you can help Families campaign, please email the editor.
®
9
Party ideas !
Bright ideas for birthdays DID SOMEONE SAY party? Yes, I’m afraid so. One thing’s as sure as eggs is eggs your child WILL have another birthday in the next year. It’s Families to the rescue - we’ve put on our party hats to find the best suppliers around to ensure your ‘do’ is one they’ll talk about, until at least next year... by Robina Cowan Before you start It’s worth bearing in mind the differing needs, interests and numbers of particular age groups. Don’t feel the party has to last all afternoon - around two hours is enough, before everyone gets tired and emotional (not least the host parents). As a guide: One and two year-olds aren’t yet ready for a big affair. Most parents opt for a family get-together or a not too big buffet with a handful of friends with similar aged children. Enjoy it while you can - it’s a doddle to organise and sociable for the adults ((it has been known for babies to sleep right through while the grown ups catch up over nibbles) Three year-olds need planned activities. Name badge them on arrival then capture their imagination with simple ‘circle time’ singing and clapping games, or ‘dancing’ (ie jumping up and down to music). Balloons burst and it can all end in tears - hang them high as decorations rather than introducing them as playthings. The ideal guestlist for this age is around 8-12 children in a venue where they feel familiar - usually your home (sorry about that!) Four to six year-olds enjoy joining in with traditional party games, such as Simon Says, Musical Bumps, Pass the Parcel, What’s the Time Mr Wolf, and Musical Lions (a favourite with parents, as the children have to be quiet, and still!). Allow space and time too for simply zipping around for a burst of unstructured play (which is where you’ll be thankful you blew up all those balloons). Plenty of engaging games and giggles keep things rolling, and if you’re hiring help, puppeteers, music-makers or storytellers are a good bet.A maximum of 20 guests at this age is about right Seven to nine year-olds are ready for more concentration and involvement in the party entertainment. Most are now old enough and skilled enough for arts and crafts (making their own goodie bag filler at the same time, which is jolly handy). Alternatively, dancing, circus skills, drama or a team treasure hunt are good ways of harnessing energy - if you fail to plan they’re likely to fall back on that old favourite - “who can scream the loudest?”
dropping magic show, particularly when they can ‘help’. Hopefully too, by this age they won’t harangue the magician with “I know how you did that”, as I overheard recently.
Planning your party Crowd control: entertainers Bubbles, puppets, drama, music, ‘make’ party or magician? A good entertainer will bring your party to life and keep the children enthralled while you enjoy the fun from a safe distance. While there are parents who think nothing of timetabling two hours of games, entertaining Other People’s Children is not a breeze, which is where expert help is well worth the investment. TIP: Children’s entertainers generally have vast experience and contacts which you can tap into.Ask them about local venues for hire, a realistic timetable and suitable prizes as well as the entertainment itself. Find out their preferred age group, and the maximum number of children they will cope with - too many and you’ll not get the best out of them. Write down everything you’ve agreed together so there is no doubt on the day.
Take them out: venues It might feel less imaginative than an organised bunfight at yours, but do you really have the time, energy and creativity to decorate your house as a fairy or superhero den, then clear it all up four hours later? Thought not. Happily there are plenty of places where all you have to do is pay the per-head charge and the guests will be entertained and fed, leaving you to return to your quiet, tidy house afterwards. Try child-friendly restaurants, bowling alleys, go-karting, indoor playcentres, sports clubs, the zoo, a pottery painting studio or cinema. TIP: Book well ahead. There are only so many party groups venues can accommodate at any given time - you don’t want to be scratching around at the last minute and end up having to book ‘second best’.
Ages 10+ and this worldly-wise lot is unlikely to want Mummy and Daddy embarrassing them by donning a paper hat and insisting on joining in (save it for when they’re reaching their teens - it’ll be SO much more fun for you). They’ll be wanting to do something special, such as bowling, karting, a mini disco in the living room, or a Glee style drama and singing workshop. Alternatively, a good bet is a jaw-
10
® ®
May/June 2011
! Party ideas 2. Avoid expensive party bags Try these ideas: – Use brown paper bags or even sandwich bags. – The cake is the sweet treat in your party bag. – Packs of books from www.thebookpeople.co.uk can cost less than £1 each. – Car boot sale toys are always cheap. Give them a clean, wrap them up, put them in a lucky dip and your guests will be chuffed to bits. 3. Simplify your party menu. Pizza delivered to your party is a great idea and the kids love it and for drinks do squash rather than individual juices. Jelly is cheaper and more amusing than lots of biscuits or fairy cakes.
Themed parties A great idea when your child has a particular interest, themes can be explored in many different ways. How about a drama, musical, circus or magic party, a sports party; or get crafty making bags, jewellery or cookies, or print t-shirts to match the theme. Catherine Clough, who runs Monkey Music is now arranging Parties for your little ones, alongside her regular classes for babies and young children. Contact her on 01353 668 662 or catherineclough@monkeymusic.co.uk Or for a little treat for your young ladies contact Claire at Holistic Harmony to arrange for a nail painting treat! 01223 322 856 Elaje on Homerton Street also provide parties for girls, curling their hair and painting nails. 01223 244 888 TIP: Take the theme throughout the party - print off related pictures from the web as wall decorations, ask the guests to dress up with a prize for the best home-made hat.
Top tips It’s all in the timing: For little children, 11am-1pm or 12-2pm are best. Most of them have been up since six and they’re past their best by the afternoon. For older children a lunchtime slot or mid afternoon start will work Liaise with parents whose children have birthdays around the same time. If you both book the same day for a party, the guest list will be tricky. Joining forces is a much better idea - you can share the costs and the hassle Keep the food simple and don’t over cater. Most children are too excited to have a big appetite. Limit the junk food and remember some children maybe vegetarian or have a food intolerance Sleepovers: come midnight, you’ll be regretting it... Planning ahead is KEY. Read our ‘been there, done that’ parent’s guide: go to www.familiesonline.co.uk and type ‘successful sleepovers’ into the search box.
Partying with prudence Parties can cost a small fortune so we’ve put together a list of top tips on how to cut cost that involve a little extra effort on your part but without being a party pooper. 1. Share your party You’ll half the cost at least and the more the merrier – however, beware of parties with flocks of children as they can be impersonal and a little unruly. May/Ju n e 2 0 11
4. Get creative with your party entertainment It’s much more fun (and hard work) to do it yourself than hiring an entertainer but children love traditional games and parents will be impressed. Try some of these: – Pass the parcel with forfeits, musical statues, musical bumps and disco dancing competition. – Make a junk robot – save all your recycled bits and pieces and the children can have fun sticking and painting or do a massive collage together. – The newspaper game is brilliant fun – a pile of broadsheets, two teams, screw up the paper into balls, shout “GO” and the winning team is the one with least on their side. – Paint a plant pot. This doubles as an activity and a going home gift and you could add seeds like sunflowers or cress seeds too. 5. Party in the park or garden. If you’re lucky enough to have a spring or summer birthday then the park or garden is a must. Our last party was simply taking my seven year old punting at Scudamores (01223 359 750), where we all dressed up as Sound of Music characters, then back for tea with bread jam! 6. Do your venue research or use your house. For kids born at cooler times of year it’s hard to avoid the expense of hiring a venue so do your research. Check church halls and council run venues like leisure centres, playgroups or nurseries. If you are brave enough to have a party in your home then put down big sheets so the mess can be cleared easily and create boundaries for the guests – you don’t want to find jelly in your bed!
Something different............The Missing Sock What can we say about this, its up to your imagination. collection of guests, on board entertainment, mystery tours and who knows what we could rig up for you as a party stunt. The lower deck is a fully equipped bar with all round servery, sound system, onboard generator and whatever. Upper deck is fitted out with leather seating around the edge for 30, offering panaromic views of the location. Onboard or outdoor catering can be arranged. Tel: 01223 812660 • Email: finder@themissingsock.co.uk ® ®
11
Education
The Queen opens the Sainsbury Laboratory S
unny skies and crowds of well-wishers greet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on their visit to the Botanic Garden. Cheering schoolchildren from local schools including St Paul's, St Mary's and Chesterton were amongst the crowds waving flags and relishing the privilege of glimpsing the Queen on her visit to Cambridge on 27th April. The royal helicopter landed at 11am and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived at the Botanic Garden shortly afterwards.They were
greeted by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, the Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Sheila Stuart, and the Lord Lieutenant, Hugh Duberly. After the formal ceding of authority to Her Majesty, symbolised by the lowering of ceremonial maces, the Queen proceeded through to the Sainsbury Laboratory. Here she met those most involved in this landmark project to create a world-leading research laboratory studying plant development, before unveiling a carved stone inscription commemorating the opening. Here at Families we spoke to a few of the children at St Paul’s to capture their memories:Abigail :- “ I was very excited to see the Queen get out of the car and I think I was the first person she looked straight at!” Louis :- “ It was very exciting to see the Queen but I think I waved my flag to hard and might have poked her” Cordelia :- “The Queen’s car was beautiful and she was very nice and waved at us before she got to the Gardens” Mr Jordan, Headmaster of St Paul’s also told Families how proud the school felt to be invited to form the welcome for the Royal Party.
Photograph far left by Nigel Luckhurst ©2011.
Get a unique experience: language and cultural events Learn Italian at La Dante
By making learning a new language as exciting as it is thorough La Dante, the Italian Cultural Centre in Cambridge, supports both adults and children from beginners to bilinguals. Small classes led by trained native speakers lead learners to success by giving everyone individual attention through novel audio-visual teaching material. Courses are tailor-made to meet your specific needs, ensuring that they are relevant, practical, effective and fun. La Dante also cover topics like Italian cuisine, Italian wines, fashion and youth culture, music, Italian films, books, travel, as well as supporting the process with cultural events to make the experience enjoyable and effective as possible. Italian for Adults 'It's amazing how quickly we have moved to another level' -- Mary C Our small classes and our novel interactive methodology improves the rate of learning, high attention from the native teachers and the additional FREE conversation classes for our students improve the quality of their learning experience. Italian for Children 'Annabella was speaking Italian during the holidays and was a joy to hear.' -- Bruna S Where fun and novel material is used for learning, where children learn without realising.
Enrol Now! tel 01223 315191 www.ladante-in-cambridge.org
12
® ®
Italian for Exams GCSE and A-Level preparation University preparation Summer and holiday courses We offer a unique blend of group and personal tuition. Our small classes (an average of 5 or 6 students) encourages the in-depth acquisition of knowledge, the development of important examination and personal skills, and the deeper understanding that comes from regular interaction with experienced native teachers. Our students achieve high scores at La Dante. Italian Workshops Discover more than just a language with one of the many workshops run by La Dante - all taught by experienced native speakers. Our broad range of cultural and cooking events, wine tasting, piano recitals, films, opera shows and art history will enhance your learning and interests in Italian culture. Come to the opera workshops and enjoy the famous arias you can sing along on your way home... Or find out just why Italians spend so long at the table for their two hours lunch! Cultural events at La Dante The Italian Cultural Centre, La Dante in Cambridge organises and supports a broad spectrum of language courses and cultural events. It provides a stage in Cambridge for the Italian art scene and for intercultural exchanges. It offers Italian language courses and exams, as well as workshops and seminars for those interested in learning about Italian language and culture.
Cambridge Touring Theatre Wind in the Willows – Outdoor Family Theatre “has families rolling around their picnic mats with laughter.” (The Guardian) Cambridge Touring Theatre, Cambridge Touring Theatre, this robust and vibrant family theatre company, bursting with energy and enthusiasm takes to the road for the ninth successful year with its lively and often hilarious performance of ‘Wind in the Willows’. They invite you to take a journey to The Riverbank with them. They perform Fun Family Theatre at some of the most picturesque spots in the country.They sing, dance, steal your sandwiches and spray you with water. What more could you want! They also run drama workshops aimed at 5 -11 year olds before most performances. These last 45 minutes.Together we explore the story of ‘Wind in the Willows’, taking them through some adventures and introducing the children to characters from the play. This production has been especially written for the family audience; lots of jokes, fun for all, audience participation and songs and dances. Toad is boastful and proud and obsessed with motorcars. It is the job of Ratty, Moley and Badger to keep him under control. Poop, poop! Along the way, they learn important lessons about what it is to have friends and to be a friend. This group of dedicated performers is headed up by Rosie Humphreys who moved to Cambridge after working for the English National Opera in London. “We have a very strong family feel to the company”, she says.“All performers are chosen because they enjoy working with families.
To win a family ticket to the Wind in the Willows performance at Houghton Mill on 10th June, please e-mail editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk. Good luck! May/June 2011
2 childcare Struggling with secondary fertility? B y Je a n e t t e Wa l l i s , I T E C , M A R , N L P, D i p R aw. Jeanette is also an NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) practitioner. She helps people to change the way they think and see things and believes this can help women with fertility issues too. “I rarely see anyone who is laid back about getting pregnant. I had one patient who insisted she was OK about having had many miscarriages. After five minutes, she spent the rest of the hour crying. I realise there are often medical reasons why people miscarry but she really believed that her body would always let her down, as it constantly did. In her case, changing that belief seemed to have a dramatic effect. I am happy to say she is fine now and has a healthy baby boy.”
Fertility problems in women and men can have both medical and hormonal reasons. Some couples, though, are told all is well physically, even after extensive tests. Perhaps the state of your mind can also affect the physical working of the body? Jeanette Wallis, a reflexologist and NLP practitioner practicing in Wimbledon who has been working with couples who have fertility problems for twenty years, definitely believes it can. She sees many couples who have had secondary fertility disappointment; couples who conceived their first born without problems and planned an age gap of about two years before trying for a second child, but have no luck conceiving again. They have no known medical reasons for not being successful. Jeanette calls them ‘the silent voices’: “Why silent? Because all the mums they meet in their pre-natal classes are all having their second children. They are obviously happy for them, but are also holding resentful feelings and are not able to express them. Possibly their relationship with their partner is suffering with the stress of the disappointing situation. People are constantly asking: ‘When are you going to have another one?’” The mind works with the body Jeanette believes the mind does affect the physical working of the body and tries to give couples a way to change the way they think, thereby instigating a subtle physical shift in the body so that they can achieve a pregnancy naturally. Reflexology, according to Jeanette, is an effective treatment in that respect. Reflexology uses the reflex points in the feet that determine the physical imbalances in the body. By working on these points, a reflexologist can kickstart the body into working more efficiently. It assists in pinpointing where the imbalances are and corrects them. “Patients usually notice a difference after one treatment”, Jeanette finds. “The feedback I get is very positive. Women become more aware of ovulation, more aware of their natural cycle – generally they just begin to feel more in control of their body rather than feeling their body is constantly letting them down.”
May/Ju n e 2 0 11
Each person is unique and individual in their thinking, and in their physical conditions too. Often women will tell Jeanette about their birth experiences. Again, most women first-time round encounter difficulties, long labour times, intervention, or poor after-care; sometimes their babies needed extra care or they suffered with post-natal depression. Jeanette believes strongly that there is a connection to the trauma of their first birth and the fact they can’t conceive again: in some way their experiences might be holding their body back. The couple themselves are key in the process too. “Most are just not having fun. Bringing up a child is not easy and most couples just don’t give enough time to each other, time for being intimate is pressured. I sometimes ask how often they have sex and I am sure you can guess that it isn’t that often. I do believe that once you start to feel physically and emotionally better, you are more able to see the bigger picture. The changes my patients encounter definitely make the difference that is needed to help towards a happy outcome. How many times do you read about couples who, after many attempts at IVF or who finally adopt a child, suddenly fall pregnant naturally? There has to be something in the way the mind works.” As food for thought, Jeanette tells the story of one client who was trying to conceive her second child. She was progressing very well with the treatment until her husband’s sperm test came back. It was a very poor result. Instead of dealing with the bad news directly, Jeanette started asking questions about the new house they were moving into and which room they had planned for the new baby. The client was shocked at her avoidance of the matter, but described the house anyway. As the client was leaving, Jeanette told her: “You only need one good sperm and you never know – getting pregnant can be just good luck in some cases”. She conceived that cycle. For more information on Jeanette Wallis go to www.wallishealth.co.uk. ® ®
13
Education News
Compiled by Joanna Parry
Music disappears from state schools
Support for special needs children The future of music in state schools is in peril, with This spring Ministers have unveiled plans for the councils across the country laying off music teachers in a bid to reform and cut budgets. Teachers and heads of local authority music services have already been threatened with redundancy as a result of the Coalition Government's squeeze on council spending, with at least 64 councils issuing redundancy notices to staff, according to the Incorporated Society of Musicians. Professor Sue Hallam, of London University's Institute of Education says: "Music education always suffers when there are cuts. It is seen by some as a Cinderella service – although it is not. The long-term consequences can be disastrous." The redundancies are the beginning of an assault on music education in 2011 – later in the year £80m aimed at providing music education will cease, followed by the pulling of funding for the teaching of arts and humanities courses at university, meaning they will be solely dependent on finance from student fees. "Already you've got a shortage of primary school teachers trained in music," says Carole Lindsay-Douglas, secretary of the School Music Association. "We're going to get to a case of the blind leading the blind." She adds: "We're in danger of creating a divide between the state school system and the public schools, which value music very highly and teach to very high standards."
biggest overhaul of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities in 30 years. The package of measures outlined by Children's Minister Sarah Teather includes a proposal that parents be given a wider choice of schools and, by 2014, a legal right to control the funding for their child's support. A Department for Education green paper proposes an expansion of direct payments to parents for education and health services, with parents given a personal budget to spend on services such as education at home and equipment such as laptops and wheelchairs. The green paper also proposes replacing the existing statement of special educational needs (SEN) with a single care plan covering schooling, health and social services from birth to the age of 25. "We have heard time and time again that parents are frustrated with endless delays to getting the help their child needs, and by being caught in the middle when local services don't work together,� says the Children’s Minister. “At the moment there is an appalling situation where public money is being wasted as children are growing out of equipment like wheelchairs before they even arrive. The new single assessment process will tackle this issue and mean that parents don't feel they have to push to get the services they are entitled to." But
Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) is concerned that cuts to council budgets will reduce the services available for parents to choose from. “Savage cuts are already being made to many of the specialist services teachers rely on to help them support children with special educational needs, and we are worried that local authorities will have less funding to provide community education services.� Andy Burnham, shadow education secretary adds the green paper's aims are "hopelessly out of touch with reality. Councils are laying off the specialist teams that carry out the assessments and provide the support these children need.The green paper sets out a vision of integrated services but the Tory-led government's own health and education reforms make that harder.�Although the number of pupils with statements has stayed "relatively stable" over time, there has been an increase in pupils with special needs but without statements – up from 10% in 1995 to 18.2% in 2010.
The Bed Bumper from purple daisies 100% Safe: 100% Simple: 100% British The time has come for your little one to sleep in a ‘big bed’ and this is a major milestone for all of you. A smooth transition, without any crashes in the night, would be a dream come true. Ideally, you want a bed guard that is simple to fit, totally reliable and 100% safe, and your child wants to feel like a big boy or girl (after all cot sides are just for babies !) but safe and snug all night long. The Bed Bumper is an innovative new bed guard with none of the fiddly assembly, clamps and screws, or special sheets that other bed guards require. It is a firm foam wedge that sits directly onto the mattress and fitting it couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is place The Bed Bumper onto the mattress, remake the bed, pulling the sheets over the Bumper and tuck them in. The Bed Bumper is 13cm high and creates a soft ’bumper’ along the open edge of the bed which is both discreet and effective. You can all sleep soundly knowing that your child can safely roll up against The Bed Bumper and it won’t move at all.
We cater for 2-5 year olds in a fun, stimulating and multicultural environment. Excellent Ofsted Reports Committed & Professional Established over 45 years
All Staff Fully Qualified Safe and secure Good outdoor facilities
Come and see for yourself Make an appointment Please telephone Principal: 01223 356565 4a Millington Road, Newnham, Cambridge www.millingtonroadnursery.co.uk
$XSDLUND DJHQF\ )ULHQGO\ ) ULHQGO\ O\ DX SDLU DX SDLLU DQG PRWKHUVV KHOS DJHQF\ IULHQGO\ :HH DLP DW JLYLQJ \RX D ZDUP DQG IUL HQGO\ FKLOGFDUH VHUYLFH 2XU VHUYLFH LQFOXGHV LQWURGXFWLRQQ RI WKDW KDDQG $X SDLUV 1DQQLHV 0RWKHU¡V KHOS DQG +RXVHNHHSHUV WR IDPLOLHV WKD DW DUH ORRNLQJ IRU D KHOSLQJ KDQG D SURYLGHHV D SURIHVVLRQDO VHUYLFH WR KRVW KRRVW IDPLOLHV DQG FDQGLGDWHV DQG DQQG RXU LV UHOLDEOH DQG SURYLGHV $XSDLUND DJHQF\ :HH WDNH RXU WLPH WRR FDUHIXOO\ VHOHFW RXU FDQGLGDWHV FDQGLGDDWHV VR DV WR PDNH VXUH WKDW DOO DOOO QHHGV FRPPLWPHQWW LV DQG UHTXLUHPHQWV UHTXLUHPHQWWV DUH PHW &5% DQG UHIHUHQFHV UHIHUHQFHHV FKHFNHG
ZZZ DXSDLUND FR XN ZZZ DXSDLUND F L N FR XN N H LQIR#DXS H LQIR#DXSDLUND L I # SDLUND L N DJHQF\ 2XU UHJLVWUDWLRQ LV IUHH \RX \ SD\ QRWKLQJ XQWLOO \RX JHW D SODFHPHQWW
The Bed Bumper is available in 50cm, 100cm and 150cm sizes and cost from just ÂŁ5.99.
Visit www.bed-guards.co.uk for lots more info and photos
14
ÂŽ ÂŽ
DW Sports Fitness, Unit 2a (near ASDA), Beehive Centre Cambridge, CB1 3ER Lessons at
May/June 2011
What’s on/Events Saturday 14th May
Monday 30th May
Wimpole Hall - Artisans in the Barn 10.30am-5pm
Kettle’s Yard 13.00 - 16.00 Bank Holiday Bonanza
Multi period living history artisans making and selling their wares in the barn, from a candlemaker to leatherworker, potter Normal Farm admission applies www.wimpole.org 01223 206 000
Pop in workshop for the whole family 01223 748 100
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May The Grantchester Fair - 10.30 - 17.00 Family Show with all day entertainment including birds of prey, dogs, children’s entertainments and arts and crafts. www.oakleighfairs.co.uk
Sunday 15th May Disability Sports Festival - Chesterton Sports Centre 10.00 - 16.00
Tuesday 31st May Wicken Fen - Pond Dipping 11.15 11.45 or 12.00 - 12.30 Everyone’s favourite - a classic 30 minute session of pond dipping with experts to help identify your catch. £1.50 or add on a minibeast hunt afterwards for an extra 75p. Booking 01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk
Access Art at Burwash Manor 10.30 to 14.30 Art School: for ages 7 to 12 Four hours of sculpture, drawing, and printmaking activities. £20.00 To Book: 01223 262134, or online www.accessart.org.uk/events
A day for children and adults with disabilities to try out fun sports and arts activities for free.
Kettle’s Yard 10.00 - 12.00 Superheroes and Talking Mice
Saturday 26th March 2011
Playful art workshop using old comics. 01223 748 100
Open Day - Secret Garden Burwash Manor. 10.00 - 17.00
Wednesday 1st June
View the beautiful venue and sample some catering. www.burwashmanor.com
Fitzwilliam Museum 12.00 - 16.00 Drawing Together.
Saturday 21st May
Drawing at the museum for all ages 01223 332 900
Botanic Gardens - 13.00 - 15.00 Sick Children’s Trust Summer Walk
Kettle’s Yard 10.00 - 12.00 Time Travellers
£5.00 registration. You must be registered to participate with the SCT 01223 336 265 www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
Photography and Collage Workshop 01223 748 100
Thursday 2nd June
Sunday 22nd May
Wicken Fen - Pond Dipping 11.15 - 11.45 or 12.00 - 12.30
Duxford Imperial War Museum Celebrating Women in Aviation
Everyone’s favourite - a classic 30 minute session of pond dipping with experts to help identify your catch. £1.50 or add on a minibeast hunt afterwards for an extra 75p. Booking 01353 720 274 wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk
The Spring Air Show celebrates the achievements of women in aviation - from technological development to daring aerial aptitude. www.duxford.iwm.org.uk 01223 835 000
23rd - 28th May Cambridge Beer Festival www.cambridgebeerfestival.co.uk
27th - 30th May FIA European Drag Racing Championships, Santa Pod Raceway, Podington
Botanic Gardens - 10.30 - 12.00 Dragonfly Safari £5.00 per child. Normal admission for adults. Booking required 01223 336 265 www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
Friday 3rd June Botanic Gardens - 10.30 - 12.00 Dragonfly Safari £5.00 per child. Normal admission for adults. Booking required 01223 336 265 www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
01234 782 828. www.santapod.com
Saturday 28 May Wimpole Hall - Wild about Insects 11.00am Learn about dung beetles, wasps, bees and butterflies on a guided walk in the Park.0 Adult £6, child £3. Booking Essential 01223 206000
May/Ju n e 2 0 11
Friday 3rd Sunday 5th June Wood Green Animal Shelter Cambridgeshire Garden Show 01702 549 622 www.aztecevents.co.uk ® ®
15
What’s on/Events Saturday 4th June
BROUGHT TO LIFE
Botanic Gardens - 11.00 - 15.30 Fabulous Fibres £2.00 per child 01223 336 265 www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
Tuesday 7th - Sunday 12th June
29 MAY – 5 JUNE 2011
Cambridge Arts Theatre Mr Stink The first stage show to actually pong! Meet Mr Stink the local tramp in this new musical adaptation of David Walliams hilarious children’s novel. 01223 503 333
TOUCH
MEET
EXPLORE
Saturday 11th June Duxford Imperial War Museum Unseen Duxford
NO NEED TO BOOK - JUST TURN UP! 01223 835000
This tour gives an opportunity to explore unseen parts of Duxford in the company of a museum guide. See more of the historic buildings which are part of the Second World War fighter station and find out more about their role during the war. www.duxford.iwm.org.uk 01223 835 000
WWW.IWM.ORG.UK/DUXFORD M11 JUNCTION 10 (40 MINUTES FROM M25), 10 MINUTES FROM CAMBRIDGE
FREE PARKING
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June East of England Show, East of England Showground, Peterborough 01733 234 451 www.eastofengland.org.uk
Children
Mon 20, Tues 21 & Wed 22 June
O-I5 years
FREE
Wimpole Hall - Investigating Bugs 11.30am Join the House team on a short tour, investigating how we monitor and capture bugs in the Hall. Meet in the Entrance Hall. Spaces are limited and are on a first come first served basis. Normal Hall admission applies www.wimpole.org 01223 206 000
Wednesday 22nd June Thursday 23rd June Corn Exchange Peppa Pig’s Party This BAFTA award winning children’s TV show is recreated live on stage featuring beautifully true to life puppets 01223 357 851
" #
Thursday 23rd June
!
Kettle’s Yard 10.00 - 11.30 Creative Chaos Drop in sessions for pre-school children 01223 748 100
Professional tuition in maths & English tutoring programmes for your child, using proven Kip McGrath methods. ; Maths ; English ; Reading ; Spelling
16
TEL: 01635 298 326 You name it - we label it!
Cambridge North U 01223 304602
Call today for a FREE assessment
301 Histon Road, Cambridge, CB4 3NF
kipmcgrath.co.uk
® ®
e.com www.easy2nam
Keeping track of everything is easy with Easy2Name. We can label lunchboxes, flasks, books, stationery, footwear, all types of clothing and uniforms, toys and sports equipment... you name it!
www.easy2name.com tel: 01635 268326 May/Ju ne 2011