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THE TRADE MAGAZINE FOR MUMS & DADS!

FREE! Cambridgeshire NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 ISSUE #21

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ! IN

£100

Lands End Kids Clothes Vouchers!

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

I love autumn! Crackling fires, family walks in the woods and the cosy glow of candlelight as the night draws in and the days get shorter. As we start to think about Christmas shopping, Christmas dinner, school nativities, pantomimes and that very important visit to Father Christmas, life can get pretty hectic. So whatever your family traditions, this issue will save some precious time providing you with dates, times and locations of your local pantomimes, where to find Santa and carol services. Hopefully we will inspire you with a few gift ideas too. We ran out of room in this issue to include the ‘Whats on at the Church’ this Christmas, so if you would like to know what’s on at your local church then visit www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk. If your local church isn’t listed please email assistant@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk and we will update the list. We hope you have a fantastic holiday season – enjoy the issue!

What’s in this issue? 4 News & Views 7O h No it isn’t! Pantomime classics in your area this Christmas.

8W hat’s On Great days out and events to keep you and your family occupied during November and December.

11 W hat’s on for Christmas Where to find Santa. Great days out and treats for the kids!

12 T urn It Around @familiescambs

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

14 B ook Reviews Turn of the telly, and indulge in these great Christmas reads.

15 G ift Guide

Competition time!

Some vintage treats for your little one’s stockings or under the tree…

WIN! £100 of Lands End gift vouchers

Caroline Judd of Burwell Cambridge.

Last months winner of the Duxford autumn air show tickets was

How to spot, and take measures against possible anxiety and depression in your child.

12,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

Keeping out the winter chills is easier with snuggly layers. Lands End is a much-loved, high quality clothing brand. Colourful, practical and packed with innovative details, their outerwear is scientifically tested in all weather conditions to ensure your warmth, comfort and enjoyment - whatever the weather.

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Children will love playing out in outerwear designed for adventure. Mothers will appreciate the long-lasting value of the ‘Grow-A-Long’ sleeves range, designed to adjust to little ones’ growth spurts. Grownups will find an extensive collection, from luxury tailored wool cashmere blend coats, to hi-tech performance outerwear including a range of down-insulated, super-light jackets and full-on weatherproof coats.

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Lands’ End truly has something for everyone and what’s more - for your first order, Lands’ End are offering £10 off on orders over £40. Simple enter FAMILY10 at the checkout for your exclusive discount. To view the collection, head to www.landsend.co.uk. Tweeters can follow @LandsEnd_UK and there’s a Facebook page too.

Enter online To be in with a chance of winning visit

www.familiescambridgshire.co.uk/competitions by the closing date December 6th

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 the magazine, but the publishers and distributers cant be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2013

News & views

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Brilliant Bonnets

These gorgeous locally handmade hats and gloves are made using British wool. Wool can breathe: absorbing water vapour from the body and releasing it into the atmosphere, help to regulate temperature, repel rain, clean itself, keep you warm in winter and cool in summer and is naturally antibacterial. Not only are these cute but practical too and come in various designs for boys and girls. Prices start from £10. www.keepingmewarm.co.uk

JoJo comes to Cambridge!

The UK’s leading boutique mother and baby brand, JoJo Maman Bébé, has recently opened the doors of its latest store at 7-8 Rose Crescent, Cambridge CB2 3LL. JoJo offers discerning mumsto-be and parents everything practical for their pregnancy, new baby or child. JoJo stores offer invaluable services for mum’s-to-be such as nursing bra fittings and the in store staff are trained to offer advice on products to help with weaning, potty training, travel and sleep. There is also a baby changing facility and WC for customers and a colouring area to keep your little ones entertained whilst you shop! www. jojomamanbebe. co.uk

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2013

Won’t cost an arm & leg!

Constantly on the move and constantly growing, dressing your kids can be a challenge. Luckily at Lands’ End you can find a wide range of jackets and coats for girls and boys with Grow-A-Long sleeves that extend to keep pace with your child’s growth spurts. Sleeves can be let down up to 3.5cm with just a few simple steps. The ski-pants also have extendable legs. Longer lasting – great value! Available in a wide range of styles, patterns and colours the extendable Grow-A-Long range has something for every child. Visit www.landsend.co.uk to view the entire collection.

Throwing an iPaddy! Six out of ten (59%) parents say they have experienced an ‘iPaddy’ when they try and forcibly end their kids’ gadget game time. Researchers at leading online retailer Pixmania found restricting use of gadgets is now the preferred form of punishment for eight out of ten (79%) parents in the UK. This new trend for tech-punishment has led to the coining of the term ‘iPaddy’, bad behaviour brought on directly from children having their gadgets confiscated. Common symptoms reported by parents include tears, tantrums, sulking and the silent treatment.

Confiscating Smartphone’s and tablets were revealed as the most hated form of punishment as they stopped children having contact with friends and enjoying entertainment. It comes as nearly six in ten (57%) of parents have actually banned their children from playing on gadgets – or have taken them away for a period of time. Ghadi Hobeika, Marketing Director of Pixmania.com, explains, “The uniqueness of gadgets such as Smartphone’s and tablets is that they provide both a method of communication between friends and a form of entertainment. When parents remove them this then becomes a double whammy for children.” Read full article at www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

Rhyme with your tot An exciting new initiative launches this November with Nursery Rhyme Week. Taking place 11-15 November, this is a national event aimed at promoting and celebrating the importance of nursery rhymes. It is free for anyone who has a child under the age of 5 or who works with the under 5s – all you have to do is register online and you can download a free resource pack containing nursery rhyme themed activities, free songs, activity sheets and participation certificates for everyone who completes the ‘rhyme a day’ challenge. www.musicbugs.co.uk/national-nursery-rhyme-week / 01793 722072

News & views

Fight for Every Heartbeat

As part of their new campaign Fight for Every Heartbeat, the British Heart Foundation are launching a DVD and a series of booklets to support parents coming to terms with their child being born with a heart defect. Finding out that your child has a heart defect can be an extremely distressing and traumatic time, and it is often difficult to know where to turn. 12 babies are born every day with a congenital heart condition, making it the most common defect at birth. While the number of children dying from these defects has fallen more than 80 per cent in the last three decades, heart problems account for more anomalies than combined figures for limb defects, facial problems such as cleft palate and respiratory problems. Through these booklets entitled ‘Understanding Your Child’s Heart’, the nation’s heart charity wants to raise awareness of the UK’s 70,000 children living with heart defects. Support is available for parents and children affected by congenital heart conditions at www.bhf.org.uk/congenital.

Against Bullying

National Anti-Bullying Week takes place the Roadshow includes music, science, 18-22 November this year, with the theme strategies and up-to-date research and ‘The Future is Ours: Safe, Fun information on bullying. Check and Connected.’ As always, out the website too for their r u yo Is d? the Anti-Bullying Week Anti-Bullying Village ie bull child being t en ll website is packed for Kids and Teens – a ce ex ChildLine is an ce vi ad h with resources for virtual space created it w ed resource pack ow h on n schools, parents and by young people for io at and inform ng. yi ll children, plus online young people where bu ot sp to 1111 or 00 workshops, practical you can interact with 08 ee fr ll Ca ine.co.uk resources and short others, as well as find www.childl films on how to survive out about events on bullying. You can also join school bullying, violence, the Anti-Bullying Roadshow racism and xenophobia through which tours schools, youth clubs and workshops, young people’s conferences parents groups throughout the UK during and exhibitions. November. Powerful, fun and exciting, www.antibullyingweek.co.uk

Looking for an extra pair of hands? More and more families are using au pairs as a cost-efficient and flexible form of childcare. Many host families are working mothers or families where mum is at home with two or more children, or a newborn and just needs that extra pair of hands. Some families choose a long term au pair, some just for the summer holidays. Generally an au pair provides childcare and light housework for approximately 25 hours each week in exchange for accommodation, food and £75 weekly pocket money. For more information www.cherishchildcare.com

National Adoption Week Making a space for a child in your life is an amazing thing to do. It is also a big decision and there is a lot to think about and learn. Find out more during National Adoption Week which takes place 4-11 November this year. Since its launch in 1997, National Adoption Week has gone from strength to strength, reaching people across the UK who want to

know more about adoption, wanting to find out about their own adoption or about a child they put up for adoption. The website is packed with advice and support for people thinking of adopting a child, as well as help for adopted children, birth parents and adoptive parents. Discover some fascinating real life stories and find out more about the steps you should take if you are thinking seriously about adoption. Check out the myths and facts of adoption, how to go about it and all the support you will need at www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk.

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2013

News & views

Summer Born Kids can catch-up with 1-to-1 tuition

Pupils with birthdays between May and August are around a third more likely to require intensive tuition in numeracy to bring them up to speed, it emerged. Research found that large numbers of summer-born children were lagging 13 months behind in terms of maths compared with the average for their year group at the start of primary education. Boys, children from lower income families, those with special needs and pupils speaking English as a second language were also more likely to have poor maths skills. But the study found that these children caught up – and in many cases overtook – other pupils after being given oneto-one help and small-group tuition by teams of specialist teachers in the first two years of school.” To see how Tutor My Kids can help your child catch-up, see the blog at www.tutormykids.blogspot.co.uk/ 01223 858421 www.tutormykids.co.uk

The Great Outdoors 90% of parents think children are losing their imaginations by age ten, a new study reveals. Researchers found lack of outdoor play and too much time spent on computers and games consoles are being blamed for making today’s children less imaginative. This winter will see the launch of the Stick Man Trails, which will encourage children to learn more about the natural world in forests and also online. The trails will take place in 12 forests across the country between October 2013 and January 2014. The campaign aims to engage a whole generation of youngsters in imaginative

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outdoor play and reverse perceptions many parents have about their child’s interest in the world of pretend. Rachel Giles of the Forestry Commission said: “Our research shows that many children aren’t engaging in outdoor play to the same extent as their parents did, and we must work harder to encourage those young people to go outside and use their imaginations before the joy of make-believe and pretend is lost forever.” Stickman events will take place from October 2013 until January 2014 at High Lodge. www.forestry.gov.uk/highlodge

Families Fun Between 5 Dec - 5 Jan Sleeping Beauty

WHEN? From 10th Dec WHERE? Angles Theatre,Wisbech HOW MUCH? £34 for a family ticket 12 fairies join the whole kingdom to bless King and Queen Ballysilly’s newly born baby Princess Aurora. Everything is going wonderfully well when, with a crash and a bang, the evil fairy Zelda bursts in on the scene and in a fit of jealousy places a horrible curse on the baby princess… RATz is the Angles Theatre’s award winning in-house company that has been putting on pantomimes for many, many years and really knows how to press the right buttons to give you a really fun and enjoyable treat around Christmas time. 01945 47 44 47 www.anglestheatre.co.uk

Cinderella

WHEN? 5th December - 5th January WHERE? Key Theatre, Peterborough HOW MUCH? £9-£17 including concessions The much-loved and ever popular tale of Cinderella. Get down to the Key Theatre for the perfect treat for your festive celebrations. 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com

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Panto special!

Beauty and the Beast

WHEN? 14th December - 30th December WHERE? The Cresset Theatre Peterborough HOW MUCH? from £11.50 An enchanting story of a young girl who learns to love a grizzled beast, her love releases him from a cruel spell cast by the evil Carabosse. With Beauty’s eccentric nurse, Silly Billy and a magical frog helping them along, you can expect them to live happily ever after! 012733 265705 www.cresset.co.uk

Scrooge

WHEN? 9th -15th December WHERE? The Broadway Theatre, Peterborough HOW MUCH? from £20 per ticket Bill Kenwright presents the spectacular family musical, Scrooge. Leslie Bricusse’s musical extravaganza Scrooge is a heart-warming family story based on Charles Dickens’ classic ‘A Christmas Carol’. 01733 822 225 www.kenwright.com

ROBIN HOOD

WHEN? 5 December 2013 12 January 2014 WHERE? Cambridge Arts Theatre HOW MUCH? Child tickets from £10 Cambridge Arts Theatre’s traditional family pantomime is back. For the first time in nearly fifty years the adventure of ROBIN HOOD will be brought to life by a spectacular cast on the Arts Theatre stage. West End star Ross Hunter (Rock of Ages) is Robin, helped by his Merry Men: Jonny Weldon (Jack in last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk) as Will Scarlett; Ian Redford as Friar Tuck; and Richard Earl (Theatre By The Lake) as John Little. Sophie Isaacs (Jill from Jack 2012, Legally Blonde) will lend a

sprinkling of pantomime magic as Fairy Willoweb whilst Coronation Street bad boy Stephen Beckett (Squire Nastee from Jack 2012) is the evil Sheriff of Nottingham; Lorna Want (Dreamboats and Petticoats) makes her Arts Theatre debut as Maid Marian; and Cambridge’s favourite funnyman Matt Crosby, will be returning to Cambridge in his 9th Arts Theatre pantomime as Nurse Nellie. 01223 503333 www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

Beauty and the Beast

WHEN? 6th December - 31st December WHERE? Kings Lynn Corn Exhchange HOW MUCH? £7.50 - £10.00 This spellbinding tale combined with all the magic and fun of a traditional family pantomime promises to be an allsinging, all-dancing festive spectacular. Darren Day will join the cast of this year’s pantomime, in the role of the Beast and Prince, Darren has a wealth of West End experience having played the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Copacabana and Summer Holiday. He is also no stranger to the tradition of pantomime, having played the role of Captain Hook in Peter Pan for the last two years. Making his pantomime debut is KLFM’s Breakfast show host Adam Newstead who will be taking to the stage as Bertrand the Butler. Also in the show is West End performer, Chloe Hart who is currently starring in Wicked. 01553 764864 www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

Cinderella

WHEN? 21st December WHERE? Brook Theatre, Soham HOW MUCH? £9.50/£7.50/Family ticket £30.00 Bullied by her two Ugly Sisters, Cinders’ future looks bleak until her Fairy Godmother casts a spell and sends her to the ball. How will the Prince ever find her when she flees at midnight, leaving behind a single glass slipper? 01353 721748 www.brookentertainment.co.uk

Jack and the beanstalk

WHEN? 26th December – 14th January WHERE? KD theatre The Maltings Ely HOW MUCH? Family tickets £32 Audiences can expect everything from a traditional family pantomime and more… live music, lavish costumes and scenery, dazzling choreography and the messiest slapstick ever to grace the stage! 01638 781037 www.kdtheatre.co.uk NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2013

Families Fun Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair 2013

15-16 NOV 10AM TO 4PM WHERE? Ely Cathedral HOW MUCH? £2.50 The cathedral will be opening its doors for another exceptional Christmasshopping experience. Beautiful and affordable items you’ll rarely find on the high street – Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair is an ideal event for your seasonal shopping. www.elycathedral.org

Crafty Christmas

16 NOV, 10.30AM-1PM OR 2-4.30PM & FRI 29 NOV, 10.30AM-1PM WHERE? Wicken Fen, Ely HOW MUCH? £18 Make your own rustic Christmas decorations using willow & rush. Booking essential on 0844 249 1895

only

£3.00

It’s Magic! 19 NOV

WHERE? Fitwilliam Museum, Cambridge HOW MUCH? £3 per child. Ages 2 - 5.

(Children must be accompanied by an adult) Looking at art can be magical. Explore work in the collections and make art of your own in the studio to take home. Booking essential, tel. 01223 332904 or email education@ fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

Christmas Fair Crafts, Food and Gifts

22-24 NOV WHERE? Sandringham Park HOW MUCH? Adults £6, Seniors £5.50, Children £2 Scores of specialists will be offering a range of unique handmade gifts that’s bound to include something just right for someone you know. Further information www.craft-show.co.uk

Winter Lights

Christmas Around the World

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Painting Party

30 NOV 10:30AM – 12:30AM WHERE? Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge HOW MUCH? £5 per child. Explore how to use paint through music and games. Join in playing ‘pass the picture’, ‘musical paintings’ and much more. As it will be messy, old clothes are advised. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

Christmas Countdown

30 NOV 10.30AM-12.30PM WHERE? Peterborough Museum HOW MUCH? £5 per child, adults free. Start your countdown to Christmas by making your very own advent calendar garland with decorative paper, vintage Christmas images and ribbons! Suitable for children aged 5+. Peterborough Museum, call 01733 864 663, email museum@vivacitypeterborough.com or visit www.vivacitypeterborough.com

29 - 30 NOV. 1,6,7,8,13,14,15 DEC WHERE? Anglesey Abbey, Cambridge HOW MUCH? Tickets cost £10.50 for adults, £7.50 for children (5-17 years), and £32 for a family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children). Enjoy an enthralling family adventure as Anglesey Abbey’s gardens are transformed into a light-fantastic wonderland. For three weekends, the Winter Lights event will see the Winter Garden and Riverside paths of these famous gardens illuminated at night -highlighting the natural beauty, shape and texture of the trees and shrubs in a unique, colourful way. Music will drift through the trees, whilst entertainers will enthrall visitors young and old alike. 01223 810080 angleseyabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2013

30 NOV 1 DEC 10.30AM-12.30PM. WHERE? Peterborough Museum HOW MUCH? £5 per child, adults free. Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the world—learn about some of these traditions and stories while making decorations such as a Lithuanian Christmas tree ornament, a La Befana broom from Italy and an Ojo de Dios from Mexico. Suitable for children aged 5+. Peterborough Museum, call 01733 864 663, email museum@vivacitypeterborough.com or visit www. vivacity-peterborough.com

Mill Road Winter Fair

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7 DEC 10:30AM-4:30PM WHERE? Mill Rd Cambridge HOW MUCH? Free A fantastic day of delicious food, entertainment, community, creativity and fun in Cambridge’s most vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood. www.millroadwinterfair.org

Weekend Winter Wander 7 DEC 9:30AM-3:00PM WHERE? Nene Park, Peterborough HOW MUCH? Free Join Ranger David Linscott on a 10 mile walk around Nene park. Suitable for ages: 16+ Please call for details. Booking essential. Please telephone 01733 234193 to book a place, or email visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk

A Victorian Christmas 7 DEC 1PM-2PM WHERE? Orton Library Peterborough HOW MUCH? £2 per person. Find out how Peterborough celebrated the festive season in the Victorian period by using real newspaper articles and images from over a hundred years ago. Make some

Families Fun Christmas crafts including a Victorian card, tree decorations, cracker and hat! Suitable for ages 8+, children must be accompanied by an adult. Orton Library, call 01733 864 296, email ortonlibrary@vivacity-peterborough.com or visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Christmas at Wimpole 7-8 AND 14-15 DEC 11AM-4PM WHERE? Wimpole Estate, Cambridge HOW MUCH? Adult £9.60 (Non National Trust Member), Child £5.20 (Non National Trust Member), Family £27.10 (Non National Trust Member) Christmas trees are decorated the Hall is festooned, the brass band plays carols and mulled wine and roast chestnuts are on offer. 01223 206 000 wimpolehall@nationaltrust. org.uk

Winter Wonderland Charity Christmas Concert 7 DEC 7:30 PM WHERE? Ely Cathedral HOW MUCH? £20/£15/£10 A Christmas Concert with a Swing ! Winter wonderland is a highly popular Christmas Concert featuring many celebrated seasonal favourites from stage & screen. The Cathedral Choir, the Choristers and the Ely Imps will be supported on stage by a Jazz Quintet led by Pat Brandon. 01353 660349 box.office@ cathedral.ely.anglican.org

Christmas at Denny 7 DEC 12-4:30PM WHERE? Denny Abbey Farmland Museum HOW MUCH? Adults £5, Concessions £4, Children (aged 5 – 17) £3 ,Under 5’s Free, Family ticket £13.00 A chance to buy presents at the mini craft fair or be creative in the children’s ‘make and take’ space. Then visit the Abbey at 4pm for Christmas carols by candlelight – wear warm clothes! www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk

What the Ladybird Heard

11 & 12 DEC 11AM & 1.30PM WHERE? Cambridge Corn Exchange HOW MUCH? Family Ticket £44 Based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson MBE & Lydia Monks. Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun! This colourful farmyard adventure features live music, plenty of audience participation and one or two surprises! 01223 357851 www.cornex.co.uk

A Christmas Celebration

student standby £5) • Alison Balsom trumpet • The King’s Men • Stephen Cleobury organ A seasonal feast of music for solo trumpet, trumpet and organ and close harmony arrangements. Virtuoso trumpet player Alison Balsom joins Stephen Cleobury and the Choral Scholars of King’s College Choir. 01223 769 342 shop@kings.cam.ac.uk For VIP dinner tickets in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, please email concerts@kings.cam.ac.uk

14 -18 DEC 12-6PM WHERE? Peckover House and Garden HOW MUCH? Normal admission Selected rooms of Peckover House will be decorated for Christmas with festive floral arrangements and Christmas trees. Music by local choirs and musicians. Mulled wine and homemade mince pies available in the Reed Barn 01945 583463 peckover@nationaltrust.org.uk

Christmas Fair

14 DEC 10:00AM-4:00PM WHERE? Nene Park, Peterborough HOW MUCH? Free Nene Parks first ever Christmas Fair is in the wonderful natural surroundings of Ferry Meadows Country Park. Attractions will include Carol singers, Santa train rides, a petting farm and a ‘Santa’s workshop’ providing seasonal craft activities for children. There will also be opportunities to shop for Christmas presents and decorations from a range of local crafts in the Christmas market. No need to book, just come along! 01733 234193 visitor.services@ neneparktrust.org.uk

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A Celebration of Christmas 16 DEC 6.30PM WHERE? Kings College - The Chapel HOW MUCH? £25, £18, £15 (unsighted,

Dr Bunheads Very Dangerous Christmas Show

11 & 12 DEC 1:45PM, 13 & 14 DEC 7PM, 15 DEC 4:30PM WHERE? Cambridge Corn Exchange HOW MUCH? Family Ticket £44 Can reindeer really fly? TV stunt scientist Dr Bunhead gets out his reindeer bazooka to answer this and many more Christmas mysteries. As seen on Brainiac! Box Office 01223 357851 www.cornex.co.uk

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour dream coat

17 DEC – 5 JAN WHERE? Broadway Theatre – Peterborough Brilliant! It explodes like glittering fireworks” John Peter – Sunday Times Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s “Amazing”, “Superb”, “Wonderful” and “Brilliant” production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance. - Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me. 01733 822225 www.kenwright.com

Hark the Herald - Annual Carol Concert 21 DEC 7:30 PM WHERE? Ely Cathedral HOW MUCH? £20/£16/£10 A magical evening of traditional carols and seasonal music performed by the Cathedral Choristers and the Choir of Ely Cathedral. Supported by Cambridge based brass ensemble, Prime Brass. Tickets available online or from Ely cathedral box office 01353 660349 or email: box.office@cathedral.ely.anglican.org NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2013

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Christmas Fun

Where to find

Santa this Christmas…

Introduce your little ones to the man himself this holiday season! Santa Special Train – Nene Valley Railway

WHERE? Departs from Wansford – Peterborough WHEN? Date: 1st to 24th December 9.30am to 3.30pm HOW MUCH? From £11.00 Let your festivities begin with Santa at the Nene Valley Railway where the whole family will enjoy themselves on this Christmas outing. Your Santa experience starts with a visit to Santa’s log cabin where each child receives a special present from the man himself. Families then join the decorated train for a 55 minute ride to Peterborough and return. On board the train staff serves the children with a drink and chocolates. Parents and other adults receive a serving of a mince pie with either an alcoholic miniature, wine or a hot drink. Santa walks through the train to see the children and to wish everyone the compliments of the season. 01780 784444 www.nvr.org.uk

Santa`s Magical Journey

WHERE? Thursford, Norfolk WHEN? 16th 23rd 24th 30th November & 1st 7th 8th 14th 23rd December HOW MUCH? Adults £9.00 & Children £15.00. Visit Father Christmas in the magical setting of Thursford. A treat to cherish for everyone who wants to experience this magical fantasy journey and visit Father Christmas in his very special house. Your journey takes you past the penguins and polar bears to see all the giant-sized teddy bears ready to load Santa’s sleigh. Then past the busy elves, hard at work in the toy factory taking in the wonderful wrapping machine, through the magical forest to reach Santa’s House where you meet the man himself. There is a special gift for all the children that visit. 01328 878477 www.thursford.com/christmas-spectaclur-info

Where to find Father Christmas

WHERE? Church Farm Stowbardolph WHEN? 30th November every Thursday – Sunday until the 23rd December (pre-booking not necessary) HOW MUCH? Entry to Father Christmas is £8.00 per child Price is for Father Christmas only. Church farm has a real life nativity with the farm animals to walk around in a beautiful and traditional setting. 01366 382162 www. churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk

Santa Special Trains

WHERE? Ferry Meadows, Peterborough WHEN? 30 Nov-1 Dec, 7-8 Dec, 14 -15 and 21 -22 Dec HOW MUCH? £8.00 per person and £4.00 for under 1 year olds Enjoy a steam train ride across the Park to visit Santa in his workshop.

Presents for children, refreshments for all and a prize draw for parents. There will also be time to take photos. Tickets available in Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre or at www.ferrymeadowsrailway.co.uk

Santa Special train

WHERE? Between Sheringham and Weybourne WHEN? 1-2 Dec, 8-9 Dec, 15-16 Dec, 21-24 Dec HOW MUCH? £16.00 Imagine the excitement of a Steam Train journey to Santaland! Trains depart from Sheringham station and take in some of Norfolk’s most beautiful winter scenery. Santa is waiting by his open fire at Weybourne Station (specially transformed into Santaland!), ready to give all children a warm welcome, both young and old. 01263 820800 www.shop.nnrailway.co.uk

Christmas Elves Workshop

WHERE? Wicken Fen / Ely WHEN? 18-19 Dec HOW MUCH? Child £5.95 Come and meet Father Christmas in his workshop as he and his elves prepare all of the presents. There are lots of decorations to make, and a Christmas trail to follow. 01353 720274, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wicken-fen/things-to-see-anddo/events/

A Victorian Christmas

WHERE? Audley End WHEN? 30 Nov & 1 Dec HOW MUCH? Adult £15, Child £9 Family £39.20 Visit Audley End House for a Victorian Christmas. Encounter a range of costumed characters

preparing the house for the festive season, meet Father Christmas and his reindeer and take part in a festive fun trail around the house and grounds. AudleyEndHouse@englishheritage.org.uk 0870 333 1181

Santa and his reindog & craft activities

WHERE? Wood Green, Godmanchester Centre WHEN? 8 Dec 11:00 - 15.00 HOW MUCH? £6.50 per child including visit to Santa and crafting activities. Visit Santa in his Wood Green grotto with his reindog Wiggles. Get hands on making fun Christmas presents and cards for your pets. Drop in session so no need to book. www.woodgreen.org.uk

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Families Feature

Turn it aroundâ€Ś

How to help your child overcome stress, anxiety and depression You probably wonâ€™t be surprised to hear that stress, anxiety and depression in children is worryingly getting more prevalent. The Office of National Statistics has found that one in ten children now suffer from mental health problems, with children as young as five being treated for depression. With these shocking statistics, experts say it is going to become a major health problem in the future unless something is done now to tackle stress in children. Although stress is not the same as depression, prolonged periods of stress can lead to depression, and about half of people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. The earlier we can reach the children showing signs of stress the better we can help them.

Families Feature STRESSFUL LIVES?

Help reduce stress and anxiety

Considering our own increasingly for children with special needs stressful lives, it is no surprise to • Schedule exercise to get rid of learn that our children are suffering some of the stress from rising stress. Parents under • Get to know your child’s likes and pressure and overwhelmed with their dislikes - cater to them, not what jobs, affects the way they parent. the book says Rising unemployment and financial • Encourage friendships, then ensure problems associated with the a good night’s sleep economic downturn increases tension • Lever their independence - give that children pick up on. Heavily them the chance to do more orchestrated schedules of extra themselves, let them participate activities can also leave little free time and make decisions for children to be children, and to • Prepare for gatherings, then plan in child relax. some downtime Leading ir Linda Bla t, is g lo o School and social life also create • D on’t rush, and use relaxation g in psych us e ssive tim says exce pressures that can feel overwhelming techniques evices is d ed as screen-b ntion for children. NSPCC research recently • Last, but certainly not least... with atte associated d some an d o o low m found that academic worries were the take care of yourself s. er problems, rd o is gical d psycholo biggest cause of stress for nearly 50% of children. ines say: az ag m Families screen With an increase in the number of tests, and the need firm Children s. le time ru pressure on schools to perform in league tables, is it any surprise that studying comes top of the stress list? Other Exercise, a nature walk, dancing to music will all naturally common sources of childhood stress such as bullying, sibling release those ‘feel-good’ endorphins that help reduce stress. rivalry, peer pressure are all fairly normal parts of growing up, Eating well, drinking lots of water, a bedtime routine and set but because children now have less free time to relax these schedules so your child can rely on daily patterns, are all ways ordinary problems can become magnified and less easy for in which you can help. Erika Brodnock recommends a 15 them to deal with. minute ‘Golden Moment’ every day with your child, “this is an opportunity for the child to speak privately and confidentially with their parent, knowing they can say anything without Stress or anxiety in children can be difficult to spot. Signs criticism or complaint, which builds trust and strengthens to look out for would include a low mood, unhappiness, bonds.” This goes a long way towards protecting a young tearfulness or irritability not related to anything specific. person against developing depression. Sleeping problems, clingy behaviour, stomach aches and As a parent, it hurts to see your child unhappy or stressed, headaches are also signals. The main thing to look for is a but resist the urge to fix every problem for them and instead, change in behaviour. Trust your instinct. Erika Brodnock, one focus on helping your child grow into a problem-solver — of the UK’s leading experts on the subject of raising happy, who knows how to roll with life’s ups and downs, put feelings successful children says, “Don’t mistake your child’s behaviour into words, calm down when needed, and bounce back to try for being naughty, when they may be feeling stressed and again. By teaching healthy coping strategies, you’ll prepare anxious.” your kids to manage the stresses that come in the future. As a parent, you can’t protect your kids from the stresses of our modern world, but you can help them develop healthy ways to cope. Notice out loud. Tell your child when you notice that Many thanks go to Erika Brodnock who offered many something’s bothering them and name it, “Do you feel angry insights and information in compiling this article. Erika with what happened?”or “You must have felt worried about Brodnock is one of the UK’s leading experts on the subject that.” Erika Brodnock explains this as “Notice, it, own it, tame of raising happy, confident children. She offers a wealth it, – once you can identify the emotion you can then manage of knowledge and practical advice and has even produced it. Without this, things are significantly more difficult.” an eBook which she is happy to offer free of charge for Explore and empower. Once they understand the feeling parents looking for useful and practical information and they have, explore together what to do. Simple techniques techniques. Erika will also be launching some highly can make a world of difference and have a profound effect innovative new toys later in the year, which can help on the way they feel. When they start to feel stressed, children develop their self-esteem and confidence through encourage them to ask for help for example. play. For more information go to www.karismakidz.co.uk Be you! Look at your own moods, behaviours and energy levels. “We can all put a smile on our face at the end of a bad Additional information can be obtained from: day but when the energy isn’t there your child will notice” • www.kidshealth.org says Erika Brodnock, “Parents need to learn to manage their • www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression moods too!” This is backed up by statistics that show 60-90% • www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/anxiety-andof what we learn is through non-verbal communication. If we depression want our children to manage their emotions effectively, we • www.empoweringparents.com must model the behaviour we want them to embrace.

BUILDING STRESS-FREE KIDS

SPOTTING THE SIGNS

NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2013

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Book Reviews

Bedtime stories

Families reviews some of the best festive reads… THE WINTER SLEEPWALKER AND OTHER STORIES

THE TOMTEN

THE SMELLY SPROUT

CHRISTMAS STORIES

While everyone sleeps through the deep winter snow, the mysterious Tomten silently checks on the animals in the farm, reassuring them in a ‘silent little language’ of the summers to come. Adapted from a poem by Viktor Rydberg, Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren’s lovely, feelgood picture book shows the Tomten as a genial gnome -like figure. Delightful!

A poor little sprout is abandoned on Christmas day. First he isn’t wanted for the Christmas dinner and is thrown into the snow. Next a Christmas tree rejects him then even a noseless snowman doesn’t want him. Will he ever find a warm welcoming home? Perfect for popping into a stocking, whether you like sprouts or not; also look out for ‘The Christmas Carrot’ with the opposite problem!

Four beautifully told Christmas stories from Morpurgo, vividly brought to life by award -winning illustrators. Meet some charming characters, including Gertrude the Goose and The Sad Princess who needs a miracle. Includes a retelling of Jesus’ birth from a young shepherd’s perspective complete with empathetic Angel Gabriel. Perfect as a gift and sure to be brought out every year to read aloud.

Families Rating:

A collection of prayers for children. It includes traditional prayers which have been simplified and to make them accessible for children and are accompanied by beautiful illustrations. It makes an ideal first prayer book for young hearts and minds. A meaningful gift for that special child in your life then this is a great choice.

Families Rating:

BY ASTRID LINDGREN,

ILLUSTRATED BY HARALD WIBERG

BY JOAN AIKEN, ILLUSTRATED BY QUENTIN BLAKE

A fabulous collection of eight stories in the fairy tale tradition with modern twists and satisfying endings. With plenty of magic, royalty and sleepwalking bears – the result is a well rounded collection of intriguing stories perfect to curl up with during the long winter evenings. A great book to share for 9 – 11 year olds. Families Rating:

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NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2013

BY ALLAN PLENDERLEITH

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BY MICHAEL MORPURGO

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A STAR TO GUIDE ME – ILLUSTRATED PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN ILLUSTRATED BY RUTHILD BUSCH-SCHUMANN

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Christmas Shopping 1

All I want for

Christmas, is…

Put the games consoles away this holiday season, and get back to some good, old-fashioned fun!

1. Catapult toy with 4 foam balls £3.50 www.coxandcox.co.uk

2. Fire Truck Pedal Car £210 www.cuckooland.com 3. Knight’s Castle £62.00 www.GLTC.co.uk 4. Cherry Blossom house £110 www.GLTC.co.uk 5. I-wood My First Laptop chalkboard £39.95 www.conranshop.co.uk 6. Green Gummy bear light £25.00 www.conranshop.co.uk

7. Multi-Sport Set £60.00 www.thegreatgiftcompany.com 8. Adventurers TeePee £150 www.coxandcox.co.uk 9. Jolly Post Office game £16.50 www.Coxandcox.co.uk 10. Woodland Origami £6.50 www.coxandcox.co.uk NOV EM BER / DECEM BER 2013

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Kids Classics

Providing Designer clothes for kids in Cambridge