families cambridgeshire jul-aug 2011
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Families Cambridgeshire magazine Jul-Aug 2011TRANSCRIPT
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I ssue 11 • Ju ly/August 2011
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The Useful magazine for families with children from birth to teenageThe Useful magazine for families with children from birth to teenage
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Welcome to the eleventh issue of FamiliesCambridgeshire - the really useful magazine for
parents and children!
I’m really excited about this issue and know thatyou will find plenty to keep your little onesoccupied during the holidays, both in our
Summer Activities pages as well as our jam packedOut and About pages.
Once again we are highlighting the dangers of youryoungsters using wifi and mobile phones, please do let us knowyour thoughts on the forum at www.familiescambridgeshire.co.ukand any other issues you would like to share!
As you know, we are very concerned about the state of educationhere in Cambridgeshire, so you might be interested to read thatCambridge is one of the worst funded Counties in the Country(page 8). We’re also looking forward to our ‘Back to School’ issue inSeptember, where alongside details of schools, clubs and OpenDays we’re working on an informative article about school policiesand bullying. We know that every school is doing what they can,but what can we do?! There is already a thread on our forum soplease join in with your opinion or any issues you may have, orcontact me at [email protected]
I wish you all a fantastic summer holiday and as always, I dohope you enjoy this issue of Families and feel free to contactme with any news or events that you would like to see featuredin future issues. Please mention Families whenever you contactone of our advertisers.
Best wishes Sara
02 News
04 Baby Page
06 Mobile Phones and Wifi
07 Dad’s Point of View
08 Education News
10 Summer Fun
12 Great Days Out in
Cambridge
13 Childcare
15 Out and About
Editor’s Welcome �
Purple Fitnesstel: 07545 284 928www.purplefitness.co.uk
Mention when calling toreceive a free taster Boot Camp!
Cover photograph courtesy ofWin Green www.wingreen.co.ukAprons £15.00 Tablecloth £35.00
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News - July/August 2011Stay sun safe with a UVAngelSlapping on the suncream can be a battle especially when children don’tunderstand why it’s necessary. Families Leeds has discovered a fun rangeof sun jewellery fromYorkshire based UVAngel.These great products,made from sun sensitive beads, change colour to let you know that theUV you’re being exposed to could be damaging your skin.
“The idea came after a good friend developed skin cancer,” says AngelaThompson from UVAngel. “When the beads change colour, it makesyou think. It reminds you that there’s UV out there and you need toprotect yourself.”
There’s a wide range of UVAngelproducts to choose fromincluding bag tags, key rings,necklaces and bracelets.There’s a fun range forchildren, as well as amore contemporaryrange for mums.Thedarker the beads go, themore UV there is andthey act as a great way toprompt not just sun cream
application, but alsoconversation about the dangers
of the sun.
“Kids cook quickly so it’s a parent’s responsibility to protect them,” saysAngela. “If you have a bead on your bag or your body and you see itchange colour, ask do the kids need more cream? Do we need to get outof the sun?”
Take a look at the full range of UVAngel products at www.uv-angel.com.Prices start at £2.50.
Changes to SENSpecial educationalneeds statements willbe replaced with a‘health and care’ plan– and parents will begiven a personalbudget to spend onimplementing it,under new
government proposals.The aim is to give parents whose children haveSEN more power over their care – but ministers also believe it willreduce the number of children labelled as having SEN, because theybelieve too many children are currently given SEN status.The new plansare being piloted from September 2011, and will be introducednationally next year.http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/sen/a0075339/sengreenpaper
Circulation 12,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire availablethrough schools, nurseries, libraries, selected shops and restaurants.If you would like copies for your establishment please let me know.
Contact Sara Carr, [email protected]: 01223 319437 mobile: 07748 183700Print: Bishops Printers Limited,Portsmouthtel: 023 9233 4900www.bishops.co.uk.
Design: Louis T Koehorsttel: 01223 [email protected]
Families Cambridgeshire is part of theFamilies Group established in 1990 andheaded by Families South West. Allfranchised magazines in the group areindependently owned and operated underlicense. We take every care preparing for themagazine, but the publishers and distributorscannot be held responsible for the claims ofadvertisers, the accuracy of the contents norfor any consequences.
In this issue
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� NewsBy Joanna Parry and Sara Carr
Mediation fordivorcing couplesMediation has becomethe first-tier approachto sorting out disputesbetween divorcingcouples, under newmeasures that cameinto force in EnglandandWales this spring.Ministers hope themeasures will
dramatically reduce the burden of divorcing couples on already-overworked family courts, and also that they will reduce the emotionaland financial cost for couples who are splitting up – many who do end upin court say later that their battle wasn’t worth putting themselvesthrough, and that mediation would have been a better way. Under thenew rules, any couple wanting to use the courts will have to undergo acompulsory mediation session costing up to £140 – and only if mediationis found to be unworkable will they be allowed to proceed to court.http://www.nfm.org.uk/homeLet me know your views at [email protected] for aforthcoming article on this story.
Your child? ina mobileclassroom?Up to 72,000families across theUK will fail to gettheir first choice ofprimary school thisSeptember,according topredictions.Thedisappointment islikely to be greatest in London, where there is most pressure for schoolplaces – there, around a fifth of pupils are unlikely to get a reception classplace at their first choice school.A rise in birthrates, combined with aninflux of immigrants in some areas, has contributed to the currentpressure on places – and 70 per cent of councils are now planning toinstall mobile classrooms in playgrounds, or to erect new buildings, tocope with the shortfall.http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/ChoosingASchool/DG_4016309
The curse of the socialsites?Almost half of parents believetheir children would dobetter in school if theyweren’t constantlydistracted by socialnetworking sites andother websites, accordingto new research.TheYouGov poll found 62 percent of parents with kids
aged 12 to 17, and 36 per centof those with children aged six to
11, were worried about slipping gradesand a detrimental effect on schoolwork. In an
earlier survey of 500 teachers, half said pupils’ fixations on socialnetworking was affecting their ability to concentrate in class.http://www.talktalkgroup.com/press-centre/news/press-office/217/school-grades-suffer-as-social-networking-hampers-homework
Council bosses have announced Cambridgeshire’sGuided Busway will open on Sunday, 7 August.The revolutionary new link will offer a reliable, fast and frequent servicebetween Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge giving residents a highquality alternative to the long queues and uncertain journey times on thebusyA14.
Stagecoach andWhippet Coaches, who will run the services on TheBusway, are now in the process of registering the new Busway routes withthe Traffic Commissioner.
Busway services will run seven days a week, and from Monday to Saturday7am to 7pm there will be buses running between St Ives and Cambridgeat least every 10 minutes. Services to Huntingdon will be every 20minutes with an hourly evening service running until midnight.
Cambridge Gateway – a project to improve bus, cycle and pedestrianaccess into Cambridge railway station – was completed earlier this year,and the new link to Hills Road will also open on 7August to tie in with thestart of Busway services.
Bath Time with MunchkinMake bath time a fun time withbrand new bathing productsfrom award-winning babybrand, Munchkin.Thenew collection includesinnovative bath safetyessentials that tell youwhen the water is toohot for your baby andbath toys designed toexcite and delightchildren, whilst makingparents’ lives easier.Thecolourful range starts from£1.99 and is available to buy inselectWilkinson andAsda storesacross the country. For more details on therange visit: www.munchkin.eu.com.
The Munchkin bathing range includes yellow Ducks with a difference!Using pioneeringWhite Hot® technology, the award-winning bath toy letsyou know if the water is too hot for your baby. Simply place the duck inthe water and the word 'hot' will appear on the usually blue base if thewater is too warm. Simple and cost-effective, this household essentialeliminates the risk of scalding to your baby.
Made from a watertight, durable rubber the Munchkin Bath Ducky neverloses its colour and does not sink, leak or mould plus it has been tested toensure it never fails. The patentedWhite Hot technology is unique toMunchkin and is also used on the MunchkinWhite Hot® Inflatable BathTub a small bath for babies, providing parents with total peace of mind atbath time.The Safety Bath Ducky is available for £1.99 and theWhite HotInflatable Duck Tub is priced at £12.99.
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Lose that baby weight! Congratulations, you have a baby! Ortwo, or even three…. The downside of the arrival of your littlebundle of joy is probably that, like most of us, you’re carryingsome extra weight and you’ve got a mummy tummy and flabbythighs, not to mention the stretch marks! But when is it time toreally think about exercising? And with summer here and thatbikini threatening, just what is out there for new mums?
Exercise at homeWith a new baby, finding the time to exercise canbe difficult. Lack of sleep and breastfeeding canleave you feeling drained of energy, butremember that not only does exercise helpyour body recover from pregnancy and birth,there’s also some research to show that it canhelp treat and prevent postnatal depression.From pilates to yoga and running in the park toyummy mummy clubs, there is a whole range of
exercise out there that is just for you.
Getting back in shape is not something you can rush. It hastaken nine months for you to gain your pregnancy weight, so it may takea similar length of time to lose it. Your body has done an amazing job ofbringing your baby into the world, so give it a chance to recover. It’s alsoimportant to remember that if you’ve had a caesarean you should giveyourself six weeks to heal before you even think about any exercise.
If you’ve had a normal delivery there are some exercises you can dostraight away - the ones you'll have benefited from doing all throughyour pregnancy – the pelvic floor! 2-3 weeks later, it’s OK to do somesimple abdominal crunches, providing you have been checked out bya doctor. Your abdominal muscles have been stretched duringpregnancy and may have split down the middle so it’s important to beexamined before exercising.
After six weeks, there are more exercises you can try at home:
ROn your hands and knees, breathe in and as you breathe out,
tighten your pelvic floor muscles and pull your belly button inand up. Lift your left arm straight out in front of you and holdit there for 10 seconds. Repeat up to 10 times and then repeatagain with the right arm
RIn the same position, lift your left leg out straight behind you.
Hold this position for 10 seconds without holding your breathor allowing your pelvic floor or tummy muscles to relax. Repeatup to 10 times and then repeat with the right leg
RStay on your hands and knees and lift your right arm out in
front of you and your left leg out behind you at the same time.Hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat up to 10 times. Thendo the whole thing again with opposite arms and legs
RLie on your back and bend your knees. Tighten your pelvic
floor and then lift your bottom into the air as high as iscomfortable. Hold this position for around 5 seconds whilebreathing normally. Lower and repeat 10 times
RStill on your back, bend your right knee and keeping your left
leg straight, lift it slightly off the floor. Try not to allow your leftknee to wobble and keep your hips level. Hold for 5 seconds.Lower your bottom to the floor and repeat 10 times. Thenrepeat with the other leg.
RLie on your right side with knees bent towards your chest.
Tighten your pelvic floor and lower tummy muscles. Keepingyour heels together, lift your left knee up towards the ceiling.Hold for 5 seconds and then lower. Repeat 10 times, then moveto other side.
RDo some gentle sit-ups by lifting your head and shoulders off
the floor. Hold for 3 seconds and lower
Out and aboutIf you want to lose weight as wellas tone you will need to do somecardiovascular exercise such asbrisk walking or swimming. Ifyou’re lacking motivation, why nottry a buggy class in the park? It’s agreat way to meet other mumsand companies such as Buggy Fithold classes in Cambridgeshire.You
can also do a buggy work-out on your own or with friends with the PushyMothers BuggyWorkout Album – just download it from iTunes.With anhour of motivating music plus expert exercise advice for postnatal mums,it’s like have your own PushyInstructor on your iPod! For themore hardcore, Purple Fitness(07545 284 928) andRenaissance Fitness (07769 336369) run outdoor exerciseclasses across Cambridge if youcan leave your baby and buggy,at home.
Nice and warm, indoorsIf you don’t fancy the park, there are many other classes around that arespecifically designed for postnatal women. Yoga is not only great toprepare you before the birth but is also good exercise for new mums.Many yoga centres offer mother and baby classes where you can do yogawhile your baby lies on a mat next to you, (hopefully) gurgling happily.Then it’s baby’s turn, where yoga and music are used to encourage yourbaby’s development and flexibility. BikramYoga is another popular option.Taking place in a room heated to 40 degrees with 60% humidity, it mightnot sound like everyone’s cup of tea but it is a good way to build corestrength after you’ve given birth, and the heat adds a detoxing element.If you are breastfeeding, remember to get advice from your doctor beforetaking part.
Postnatal pilates is another option that is great for strengthening your core andburning calories. Many pilates classes offer a holistic approach to rebalancingyour body while improving strength, flexibility, posture and stamina.
Gyms and spasMany gyms offer postnatal exercise classes and also have crèches youcan use.With your membership you will often be offered a free sessionwith a personal trainer, who will be able to create a training programmeespecially for you, so take advantage of this.
If none of this rocks your boat and you think drastic action is called for,there’s always a residential bootcamp. From luxury, women-onlybootcamps to the more military style, if you can leave for your baby forup to a week you’ll be sure to see the results!
Whatever form of exercise you choose, remember to get checked outby a doctor before you start, don’t push yourself too hard and aboveall, good luck!
Post baby shape up by Joanna ParryM
Websiteswww.babycentre.co.uk,www.supernanny.co.ukwww.babyandpregnancy.co.uk
Out and aboutwww.caribrearley.com/fitbuggieswww.buggyfit.co.uk
Gyms and spaswww.theglassworksgym.co.ukwww.greensonline.co.ukwww.davidlloyd.co.uk
Bootcampswww.purplefitness.co.ukwww.ren-fit.co.ukwww.britmilfit.com
8Baby Care g
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Olympic Gold medallist Victoria Pendleton will be taking part inCycletta sponsored by Sky Ride, a unique series of women-only, massparticipation events, created for women to cycle for fitness and fun inthe perfect environment and to inspire more women to take upcycling. Two events are scheduled in 2011; Cycletta North on 2ndOctober at Tatton Park near Manchester and Cycletta South on the11th September at Whipsnade Zoo, Beds near London. Thousands ofwomen are expected to take part, inspired by the opportunity to cyclealongside Victoria and take on a new sporting challenge.
Cycletta events will take place on 40km course, a distance specificallydesigned to provide a fitness challenge, while remaining fun, achievable andaccessible. Cyclists of all abilities will be tackling the challenge, fromcommitted enthusiasts looking for a blast on traffic free roads, to womenwho are eager to regain their confidence back in the saddle. The Cyclettaexperience will begin from registration, with regular training tips, equipmentand nutrition advice, including personal anecdotes of support from thecurrent Olympic gold medallist.
Victoria Pendleton said:“Cycling has been my passion since I was a child. Through the Cyclettaseries I want to inspire women to join me and cycle; as a hobby, asport, a way to get fit and healthy. Whatever the reasoning, cyclingcan improve your life. I hope Cycletta will bring women together asthey take on their own cycling challenge. “
Victoria is joined by a dynamic group of Cycletta ambassadorsincluding celebrity Mothers Gabby Logan, and Gail Emms as well asMiranda Hart and Clare Balding who will do their part to encourageand motivate women to take up cycling. Join Victoria and others byvisiting www.cycletta.co.uk
TV Presenter Gabby Logan said “Cycling is an amazing sport. I havecome late to it, I used to be more of a jogger but i got my first proper
racing bike for my 37th birthday and I fell in love with it at first sight.Going on a long bike ride with my husband or my friends is so sociablethat after three hours on the road you forget that you have just donesome great exercise. It's a wonderful way of keeping fit, stayinghealthy and getting toned. And if you plan your route well you get tosee some amazing things too. And it's easy on the joints so I reckon Ican keep going for at least 50 more years. So ladies of Britain get onyour bike and give Cycletta a go, you'll love it.”
TV Presenter Clare Balding said “My first bicycle was a key to anew world. It was a taste of freedom - I could travel under my ownsteam, I was suddenly independent. As I grew older, instead of gettingbraver, I got less so and I wonder if that's a widespread problem.Collectively, we women may have lost our nerve. Recently, I havefilmed Britain By Bike and rediscovered my love of and faith in thebicycle. I hope the Cycletta will encourage more women to get backin the saddle and once again enjoy that childhood feeling of freedomand fun."
Comedienne Miranda Hart said “Cycletta is an amazing way toinspire womankind to take to the bicycle. The thought of 1,000swomen all cycling together conjures up many entertaining thoughtsand should be a huge amount of fun for everyone participating; socome on girls, go for it.”
Corin Dimopoulos, Director of Cycling at Sky said:"Sky and British Cycling are working in partnership to get a millionmore people in the UK cycling regularly by 2013 so we’re delighted tobe supporting the Cycletta events, which will give thousands ofwomen the opportunity to get on their bikes and rediscover the sheerfun of cycling again.”
For more information and to register for the Cycletta events,please visit www.cycletta.co.uk.
8Baby Care g � Family
Did you hear the news? A Council of Europe committee examinedevidence that the electromagnetic radiations have "potentiallyharmful" effects on humans, and concluded that “immediate actionwas required to protect children.”
They also said that mobile phones and computers with wirelessinternet connections pose a risk to human health and should bebanned from schools. The committee said it was crucial to avoidrepeating the mistakes made when public health officials wereslow to recognise the dangers of asbestos, tobacco smoking andlead in petrol.
The report highlighted the potential health risks of cordless telephonesand baby monitors, which uses similar technology. Fears have beenraised that electromagnetic radiation emitted by wireless devices cancause cancers and affect the developing brain. Children (and definitelybabies) have much thinner skulls than adults, so are not affected inthe same way, see illustration. Obviously no one can do any researchon real babies, so there is no official levels for babies. Levels officiallyquoted as ‘safe’ are those of a male adult! where is the safety in thisfor babies?
At Families Head Office we have switched off our WIFI and removedall our cordless phones. We simply bought wired phones and wired allcomputers, it took a Saturday afternoon and the price of a few phones:I can report it is business as usual here. We tested our office radiationsand interestingly our microwave oven to see how far the radiations go:we were shocked to see it radiates the whole room and goes throughwalls! (see our video online).
Although, thankfully, most children are not allowed to have theirmobiles on at school, the WIFi is full on at school. Luckily, at home,parents can do something to protect their children. We’ve thrownaway our home cordless phone and bought a wired one, we do nothave babies any more but I would never use a cordless baby monitor.(see baby recommended baby monitors on our site)
Powerwatch.org.uk is about topublish a list of 150 pieces ofresearch showing the
detrimental of WIFI on humans. 150? How many more are requiredbefore action is taken?
We’ve gathered in one convenient place(www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation), lots of useful and jargon freearticles, clear, easy to read books, good websites and recent mediacoverage. As a parent myself I urge you to:
�Inform yourselves, do a bit of reading. Has your child’s school ornursery got WIFI? If not, it may still come powerfully from nextdoor! Check whether your house or school is situated next to amast (you can’t always tell as they are often disguised as trees orbill boards, but you can find out where they are onwww.sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk).
�Protect your children at home, don’t wait for things to changequickly. See how to protect your children, now, on our dedicatedmini site. Can you switch off your WIFI at night to begin with?
�Take action. It is time to push for a moratorium until all scientistsagree: Download a ready written letter to your MP from ourwebsite and write to him/her, talk to parents around you, write toyour school. Find other parents to join up with you and see whatyou can do together. Let’s not be complacent.
Useful sites:www.wiredchild.orgwww.wifiinschools.org.ukwww.mobilewise.org
*At time of going to press there was coverage of the issue in theTelegraph, Mail, Metro, Radio 4 Your and Yours.
July/August 2011®®
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“BAN mobile phones and wireless networksin schools”, say the Council of Europe
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Education B � Family
July/August 2011
I find it hard to believe but this is my one hundredth “ADad’s Point-of-View” column. How best to celebrate thismilestone? I’d like to look back at the previous 99 andchoose ten strong ideas among them and briefly sharethem with you.
1. There’s no such thing as qualitytime.I learned early on in my parenting thatthe often-quoted notion of “QualityTime” was bunk. The only thing thatmatters to our children is “QuantityTime” since the only time they will openup is when they are good and ready. Youcan’t schedule time with your children
the way you might with a business appointment and themoments that will surprise you the most are when youleast expect it. There is no such thing as quality time,only quantity time.
2. GratitudeAbout five years ago, I survived a car crash thatshould have left me dead or worse. A man I greatlyrespect, Dennis Prager, has often said that the singlemost important ingredient to happiness is gratitude.That accident reinforced, very dramatically, his words tome. Too often we are living our lives waiting for thatsomething we think will make us happy rather than counting theblessings right in front of us.
3. My kids aren’t me, in spite of sharing the same DNAI learned a valuable lesson about parenting before I became a parent, whenI was a Big Brother to a little girl. We shared nothing in common. I learnedto bond with her in spite of our differences and found that experience tobe the best prep course for parenting my own two boys, who also turnedout to not fully share my interests. Too many parents think that justbecause their children share their DNA (which of course is not the case inadoption) that their children should share their same interests. All this doesis set a pattern of hurt and disappointment for both child and parent. Don’tdo this. Support what your child is interested in rather than push him orher to do what you want them to do.
4. Words that hurt, words that healThe power of words can be as harmful as the power of a fist. With theadvent of modern technology, we’ve seen the damage that a simpletext can do to a middle school child when something hurtful is spreadaround about him or her. And, like a leaf blown in the wind, it can’t beretrieved. It is incumbent upon us as parents to teach our children towatch what we say, what we write, and what we text and to model goodbehavior in this regard and not gossip and not disparage others withcasual disregard.
5. Best friend or best parentThe job of being a parent is not being our children’s best friend, yet toomany parents confuse the two and try to be their children’s buddy. Toachieve this buddy status, they forego being their best parent. That maymean not being strict, not holding high standards, or relaxing themwhen their children pout or throw a tantrum. Being the best parent youcan be may sometimes mean your son or daughter doesn’t like you ata given moment. So what. Being liked isn’t your job. Being their bestdad or mom is!
6. Do women need men?A popular feminist slogan of the 1960’s and 1970’s went somethinglike: “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.” “We’ve come along way, baby” is another slogan, I believe, from a cigarette that wasmarketed to women during the same general era. More bunk. Womenneed men just as much as men need women. It was foolish to thinkotherwise back in the hippie days and it’s foolish to think so now. Thefact that women now can earn as much and can do what men can dojust levels the playing field but doesn’t change our inherent natures.
7. A story of givingOne of the blessings of my writing and radio show is meeting peoplefrom all over the world. I met a group of children from a girl’s school inGhana, Africa, through my “A Dad’s Point-of-View” Facebook page. Myfamily began sending them books and soon my readers and radio showlisteners were also sending them books, toys, and other things. We all
learned the blessings of giving and charity and how when wegive, we get so much more than we ever could expect.
8. There are no perfect friendsMy mother taught me this basic lesson and I kept onforgetting it as I kept on wanting my friends to beperfect. Just like me. Ha! I also saw how my own boysgot into spats with their friends over silly andunrealistic expectations of their friends. My mom
always said that if you wanted perfect friends youwouldn’t have any.
9. The family dinnerI read somewhere that the children from families that share mealstogether suffer fewer problems than those that don’t. The family dinneris essential glue for my family and something that belongs as a ritual inevery family. As our children grow older and their friendships andextracurricular activities intrude more and more upon their lives, it iseasier to allow the family dinner to drift away. We parents must insiston having a family dinner at least once a week, period.
10. Walk a mile in my shoesEmpathy is a simple but very important word. How often do we pass ahomeless person without a thought or glance? Or hear a friend’s problemand promptly forget about it? Until you really do as the song says andwalk a mile in someone’s shoes, you can’t really know what he or she maybe going through. Too often we are caught up in our own problems, big orsmall, to pay attention to someone else’s problems, which I suggest, areusually bigger than ours. A little reflection upon someone else is a goodthing to do now and then. It is good for your soul.
I hope these shortreflections from thesecolumns give you somepause to consider theblessings in your lives,maybe to think what youmight do to help a friendor neighbour, or to simplyhug a loved one and offer
a kind word or thought. For me, it’s on to the next hundred.
Article courtesy of www.superdads.co.uk. Superdads, helping meneverywhere make the transition into fatherhood and beyond !!
We'd love to hear what you think about Bruce's views. Let us knowon the forum at www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk.
Meet Bruce Sallin who celebrated his 100th “A dad’spoint of view” column in www.superdads.co.uk Nononsense advice for parents.
A dad's point of view
SCHOOL FUNDING
July/August 2011®8 ®
Can stress be helpful?New research has been published that reveals that stress can actuallyhelp when studying for exams. In fact, the stress that can occur whenrevising at the last minute helps the brain form stronger memories,suggesting that this way of studying for exams might be the best wayto learn. Scientists have discovered that when we are stressed,hormones are produced within our bodies that cause changes withinour brain cells, helping memories to be retained in a more productiveand efficient manner. The stress hormones cortisol and adrenalinactually cause changes in the way the genes inside neurons function,so enhancing their learning ability. Lead researcher Professor Hans
Reul, neuroscientist at the University ofBristol, said that his findings suggest thatstudying while feeling stressed could helpincrease the ability of students whenlearning. "We often find that unpleasantmemories are the ones that stay with us forthe rest of our lives,” says Professor Reul.“This is because of the role that stress plays.
Essentially the stress hormones are enhancing the process that isnormally taking place when you are learning." But Dr Reul warnedthat while some stress can be good for retaining information, toomuch stress may well have the opposite effect. "When we areextremely stressed it is not possible to pick up any new information,"he adds. "The brain goes into an override mode and so the memoryformation is not efficient. Chronic, long term stress is also not good."
As fees rise, pupil numbers dipFewer children are being sent to independent schools after averagefees have climbed above £13,000 for the first time. According to theIndependent Schools Council, the number of children in privateeducation fell this year, dropping for the second year in a row as feesrose faster than earnings increased. Information from the ISC showsthe average parent will pay £13,179 in annual fees this year which isa 4.6 per cent increase on last year, and with the economic climateand the Coalition’s cuts already forcing families to tighten their belts,this increase is making private education less and less affordable.While the economy continues to force many private schools to shutevery year and boarding schools are looking more and more to foreignpupils to fill their numbers, private school pupils fell by 786 this year.However, school leaders are insisting that the figures actually show apositive result for the private sector in the face of enormous pressureon family incomes. “ISC independent schools are showing remarkableresilience against a difficult economic background, reflecting the highquality of education that our schools offer to parents and the valuefor money that this represents,” says David Lyscm, ISC chief executive.He continued to say that the average fee rise was the second lowestsince 1994 and showed that independent schools were "very sensitiveto the needs of parents and doing everything they can to keep feesto a minimum".
MPs JOIN FORCES IN SCHOOLSFAIRER FUNDING BID
MPs from across Cambridgeshire have joined the campaign tosecure a fairer funding deal for Cambridgeshire’s schools.
Cambridgeshire has received low levels of school funding for manyyears. In the 2010-11 financial year, Cambridgeshire received agovernment grant of £4,093 per pupil – ranking it 132nd out of 151local authorities.
For the current year, Cambridgeshire will receive £4,643 per pupil –meaning the county now drops from 132nd to 143rd out of 151 localauthorities.
Neighbouring Essex receives £4,816 per pupil, ranking the county108th, while Peterborough receives £5,168 – making it the 55th best-funded authority.
If Cambridgeshire was funded at the national average of £5,082 perpupil, this would mean nearly £35m more for Cambridgeshire’sschools – or an extra £441 per pupil.
The Cambridgeshire Schools Forum – chaired by Bottisham VillageCollege Chair of Governors Philip Hodgson – is leading the campaignto secure a fairer funding deal for Cambridgeshire, supported byCambridgeshire County Council and the region’s MPs.
Cambridgeshire’s six MPs have now written a joint letter to EducationSecretary Michael Gove, calling for an end to the current fundingsystem and a fairer method of distributing money to schools.
MPs James Paice, Andrew Lansley, Jonathan Djanogly, Shailesh Vara,Stephen Barclay and Julian Huppert say they welcome theGovernment’s moves to change the current funding system, but add:“We are asking that every pupil receives a basic funding entitlementthat reflects the cost of educating a child anywhere in the country.
Philip Hodgson said: “It is clearly wrong that Cambridgeshire receivesso much less than neighbouring authorities. It is the pupils themselveswho lose out. Headteachers have said how much more could beprovided for each pupil with funding levels at the national average –more teachers, greater and earlier intervention for students in need,extra lunchtime supervision and additional provision for sport, musicand drama. It is time for the Government to act.”
Cllr David Harty, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Cabinet Memberfor Learning added: “This inequality in funding has gone on for toolong. It needs to be addressed now. I am delighted that our MPs havejoined forces in taking Cambridgeshire’s campaign to the highest level,and I hope the Secretary of State will give our schools the fundingthey need and deserve.”
Educational News B
by Joanna Parry
MP Jim Paice with Philip Hodgson the Chair of Governors and Assistant Principal at BottishamVillage College.
July/August 2011 ®®
Educational News B
9
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Magical Theatre in Magical SurroundingsMilton Country Park, Cambridge, CB24 6AZ
Thursday 11th August, 3.00pmChapterhouse Theatre Company enters its 12th season of touring open-airtheatre at some of the most beautiful country houses, castles and heritagesites across the UK and Ireland.
Snow WhiteBy Laura TurnerChildren and adults alike will adore thislovely new adaptation of such a familiarstory, set in some of the most beautifulgardens in the UK. Snow White is alovely traditional fun filled show wheresix 1940s’ children decide to performtheir own version of the tale one hotsummer’s afternoon. Join the childrenand their special friend Milky-White the
cow and a host of woodland creatures for a wonderful afternoon’sentertainment – and don’t forget to come in fancy dress for the FairytaleParade during the interval!
Tickets and Information fromThe Visitor Centre (01223) 420060 The Junction (01223) 511511See Tickets (0871) 2200260 • www.seetickets.com
Adults £11 / Students and Children £7 / Families (2 Adults & 2Children) £32 • 10% Discount for parties of 10 or more
Grounds open for picnics from 2.00pm. Refreshments on sale.Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating.
Chapterhouse is also bringing The Taming of the Shrew to Milton on 27 July.
Win a family ticket with the opportunity of your child writing his or herown review to appear in the September/October issue of FamiliesCambridgeshire! Simply e-mail [email protected] your contact details.
Polarn O.Pyret launches online
Visit a pick-your-own farm“That was the best day of my life,” saysmy daughter Miranda, 12, of our trip acouple of summers ago to a pick-your-own farm. She loved everything about it:choosing which farm to go tobeforehand, looking online at what wouldbe in season on our visit, running aroundpicking strawberries when we got there,and making jam and puddings with her
fruit when we got home afterwards. There are more than 600 pick-your-own farms across the UK; to find some in your area, seehttp://www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk/Or try these local farms for fresh produce and fun!The Maize Maze - [email protected] Magog Farm Shop 01223 248 352Burwash Manor www.burwashmanor.com
Organise a street partyIf you enjoyed your Royal Wedding streetparty – or if you looked on enviously at otherpeople’s parties – why not throw one thissummer? It’s a lovely way to spend a summerevening – and if you don’t want to go to thehassle of getting the council to close the road,
and you’re lucky enough to have a park or green space nearby, youcould always hold it there instead. Simply drop invitations throughyour neighbours’ doors, and organise a planning meeting.Families love bunting from www.lockstockboutique.com
Plant a veggie grow-bagYou don’t need any more space than awindow-box, or a tiny space in your yard, fora veggie grow-bag – and your kids will lovedeciding what to plant, sowing the seeds,remembering to water them and thencharting their progress from seedling to stomach. Potatoes are anideal starter veg if you’re new to growing.
Pitch a tent in the gardenWhether your family are regularcampers or not, there’s nothing tobeat the excitement of a tent pitchedin the garden. If you don’t have yourown, borrow one from a friend whocamps – not too big, ideally, and nottoo difficult to assemble. Once it’s up,encourage the children to decorate itwith all they need for a long, lazy dayin the garden – cushions, blankets,books, iPods. And of course, lunch andtea can be picnics under canvas!Families loves www.wingreen.co.uk
Stargaze!Choose a night when the sky is very clear,and there’s no moon. Before you go out,look online or at a book about theconstellations, and choose a shape to lookfor that should be visible at the time of
year, and in the area you’re facing (check these before you go). Lookout for the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. If you’re anamateur at stargazing, start with a (relatively) easy constellation tospot, such as the Big Dipper. It might take a while to work thingsout, but stick with it – and once you’ve identified a constellation,you’ll always find it easy to spot. Always magical.
Go cycling Dust offyour helmet, pump upyour tyres, and head for aspin through a local park,along a canal bank, oralong a cycle track. Ifyou’re not sure whatroutes are available in your area, check out www.sustrans.org.uk .Or, if you really don’t have any old bikes hanging around that youcan crank back into service, why not investigate the possibility ofhiring them for a day (or even a week) and exploring yourneighbourhood in a whole new way? And if your kids are tiny, investin a baby seat – my children loved nothing more, as toddlers, thanthe chance to ride across the common singing nursery rhymes onthe front of my bike.Cambridge Bike Tours 01223 366 868
Build a denDen-building courses abound (see www.forestry.gov.uk or googlethem), and taking your kids on a course can give them ideas fordens for the entire summer. But you don’t need a tutor: den-building is as natural as breathing to most kids. Look for spaces thatare especially conducive to dens – woods, of course, are ideal. Ifyou’re confined to the garden, find some props to get them started– a huge cardboard box is perfect. If you’ve not got one to hand, try
July/August 2011®®
10 ®
Summer ideas ! ! Summer ideasThe sun is out, the school holidaysare almost here. What are you goingto do – ideally without spending afortune – in the lovely, long (wehope!) summer ahead? JoannaMoorhead shares her top ideas forhow to enjoy the days – and laydown some happy memories.By Joanna Moorhead
Fabulous th i ngs to do th is summer
asking a local builder or large store whether they have anypackaging you could have.Why not try the organised Den Building events at Wicken Fenon Monday 1st August, Wednesday 17th August and Friday2nd September.
Go wild swimming......or even, if your kids are tiny, wildpaddling? Nothing beats the fresh,cool, vibrant feel of wild water onyour face or even just between yourtoes. Some of my happiest summerdays as a mother have been spent
picnicking, and paddling, and even swimming in the streams andbrooks around where my parents lived in west Yorkshire. For ideas ofwhere to go to find wild water near you, seewww.wildswimming.co.uk. If you’re an abject townie who reallycan’t get to somewhere with a stream or river, make do with a lidoinstead – www.lidos.org
Families love...Jesus Green Outdoor Swimming Pool 01223 302 579Grantchester Meadows - to jump into the Cam!Hobson’s Brook (off Brooklands Avenue) for a paddle!
Try sand sculptureSand sculpting is bigger than ever before – each summer, the papersgroan with photographs of wonderfully-crafted figures, buildingsand entire kingdoms on beaches near and far. But it doesn’t have tobe a professional art – why not take your children on a beach dayout with sculpture in mind? Start with a flotsam and jetsam-collecting session, since this will add plenty of fuel to your ideas,and then set off. If you’re being competitive, give everyone a timelimit for the creation of their masterpieces.
Organise a rounders matchEveryone loves a rounders match (or you can make it cricket).Simply phone a few other families, identify your park or space forthe match, choose your day, and pitch up with the bats and balls,the post-markers, and the rugs and picnics for lunch. Make sure theteams are well-balanced in terms of age, ability etc, and play hard!It’s a wonderfully bonding experience.
Families love..Lammas Land, NewnhamGranchester MeadowsMidsummer Common
Row a boat or Take aPuntEveryone has a park with aboating lake somewherewithin striking distance, so
why not throw caution to the wind and try out the boats? Makesure the kids wear life jackets (which should be available from thehire attendant), and take it in turns to row (so what if you end upgoing round and round? It’s all part of the fun.).We love taking canoes over to Grantchester and having lunchat The Red Lion (www.redlion-grantchester.co.uk)
Families love.....Scudamores 01223 359 750 • Granta Punts 01223 301 845
Go fishingKids love fishing! If you know an adult whoenjoys fishing, get your child to chat withthem – or go to visit the local riverbank orlake where people fish, and let your childask the fishing folk questions. If your child
seems keen, this might be a good time to invest in a fishing kit –but if you’d like to try it out without a big outlay, or your kids areyoung, go for a dipping net. And remember that, if you and yourchild take up ‘proper’ fishing, you’ll need a licence from theEnvironment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).
Borrow a dogYou might own a dog already, of course, in which case just skip thisidea and go take him or her out for a walk instead! But if you’re nota dog-owner, and if you have a child or children, chances are that adog would be a welcome guest – so why not invite one over, for theday or even for the weekend? We regularly foster two dogs, Roccoand George, while their owners are away: my children love thechance to take them for walks and to bath them and feed them. It’sall the fun without the ties – and without enthusiasm ever waning.To find your dog, just ask around: dog-owners need breaks too.
Fly your kiteThe sun is out, the sky is blue. There’s abreeze fluttering: and what could be more funthan watching your child’s kite playing on thegentle wind? Kites don’t always fly first time,of course – they take practice. But mosthomes have at least one kite forgotten in acupboard – or you can make your own, usingdowelling and paper and glue. If you’re reallykeen, there are even professionals who’ll giveyou kite-flying lessons in windy spots across the country – seewww.kitevibe.com Families love Gog Magog Hills or Wandleburyfor this!
Summer Fun at St Neots MuseumHave fun, be creative and get your hands stuck in! St NeotsMuseum is a hub of activity in the school holidays with fun for allthe family.
Every week a different activity tempts you to have a go, and thissummer the museum is all about the Holidays. From sandcastlesand Punch and Judy, to sightseeing and hotels, holidays come in allshapes and sizes. Come and explore the past and present ofsummer ‘get-aways’ in the summer exhibition WHAT WE DID ONOUR HOLIDAYS, on show from Saturday 23 July to 3 Septemberat St Neots Museum.
Have a go at puppet-making, help decorate the beach hut mural,or why not get creative with the computer and make a digitalcomic strip? For the first time, activity days will be every Thursdayand Friday. Each week there will be a mixture of craft and digitalactivities for families to enjoy. The activities start at 11am and endat 3pm so drop in at any time and stay for as long as you like.
Have a look at our Out and About section on pages 15 - 16for more inspiration, and if your family have done somethingfun this summer, why not share your experience on theforum at www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
®®11July/August 2011
Summer ideas ! ! Summer ideas
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days out ☺ 2 childcare
The Great Days Out consortium of top days out in and aroundCambridge embrace National Play Day on 3 August with fun-packed family activities throughout the summer holidays
With members ranging from castles to cathedrals, galleries togardens, museums to mazes, wild fenland to fantastic heritagehouses, Great Days Out attractions have the summer sorted,whether it’s inside or out, sunshine or showers!
Sunny skies encourage even the most determined DS devoteesto explore and discover the great outdoors: at Anglesey Abbeythere’s den-building, wildlife watching, and even dressing up onoffer, while at close-by Wicken Fen, there’s pond-dipping everyTuesday in August and even the chance to join a Fenland Schoolto learn outdoor skills and crafts (01353 720274 for moreinformation). At the Botanic Garden in the City, young explorerscan borrow a backpack containing everything required by allaspiring Darwins to get up close with nature. From 4-7 August,the Botanic Garden’s Flower Power festival celebrates the scentsand colours of summer flowers with lavender bag making, flowercrowns and stink bombs from the Fairyland Trust(www.botanic.cam.ac.uk or 01223 336265 for more).
Cambridge is a treasure chest of collections, which draw togetherthrough the summer to inspire the innate creativity of every childfrom 3 to 93! Every afternoon from Tuesday – Friday in August,families can drop in at Kettle's Yard to experiment with artmaterials in the company of a gallery assistant who will helpunlock the ideas behind the exhibition and support the use ofsome messier materials. Have a go at collage, painting, sketching,sculpture.... At the Fitzwilliam Museum, free, drop-in familydrawing activities run on Wednesday afternoons throughoutAugust, plus there are bookable workshops for the over 5s tocreate buried treasures and curious keepsakes to take home(www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk for full details).
At the Stained Glass Museum in Ely, families can day-trip the lightfantastic and design their own stained glass windows on thespecial light box, or go on a safari to discover hidden animals inthe windows. On the afternoon of Monday 1 August 2-3.30pm, aCatching the Light workshop invites children to make their ownmobiles and light catchers from everyday materials (01353660347 or www.stainedglassmuseum.com for more)
It’s a busy time at the ImperialWar Museum, Duxford, withfamilies invited to discoverwhat life was like duringthe Second World War bysitting in a real ejectorseat, meeting acostumed character andtaking part in a wholehost of hands-onactivities. Machines cometo the fore at two greatevents: the Summer Car Showon 7 August and the iconicDuxford Air Show ends the holidays on3-4 September, with the chance to see the best historic andmodern aircraft taking the skies (duxford.iwm.org.uk).
May/June 2011
Play the days away this summer
Arranging suitable childcare during the school holidays can be ahuge challenge for working parents.
Many families get a hand from grandparents and other relatives, butif you do not have the luxury of family close by then we can help you
explore the different options forholiday childcare and activities.
Good quality childcare canprovide your children with funand new experiences duringschool holidays, withopportunities to make newfriends, stay fit and healthy andmaybe even learn a new skill atthe same time.
Best Bear offers a comprehensive childcare searchhttp://bestbear.co.uk/find-childcare/ once you have decided whichoptions are most suitable for your holiday childcare needs.
Holiday playschemes/clubsHoliday play schemes offer organised play and activities for schoolaged children during the school holidays, at an affordable price.
Activities on offer are designed to stimulate and educate children,and include sports, outdoor and indoor games, arts, crafts anddrama, swimming and day trips.
These clubs can be offered as part of a school's extended services,but can also be run by private or voluntary organisations. They canbe based on school premises, or in youth clubs, village halls,community centres or sports/leisure centres.
They usually open five days a week during school holidays, and offerchildcare for children aged 5 to 11, though some do also cater forolder children. They tend to run from 9.30am to 3.30pm, withchildren staying for lunch, though many also offer additionalbreakfast and late afternoon sessions, offering a full day’s childcarefrom 8am through to 6pm. Some holiday clubs only open forselected weeks in the holidays.
On average, holiday playschemes cost £20.00 per day, but thisvaries.
http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=18&LGIL=8&ServiceName=Find+out+about+school+holiday+schemes+near+you
Community playschemesCommunity play schemes (which tend to be run by councils orvoluntary organisations) are sometimes held fortwo week periods in the summer holidays incommunity centres, schools or village halls. Theyprovide morning and afternoon sessions and caterfor children 5 - 12 years.
There is usually a nominal charge to cover costs.
Childminders and day nurseriesSome childminders and day nurseries will offer placesduring school holidays, depending on whether they have freespaces.
Childminders offer childcare in their own home, and usually workfrom 8.00 am to 6.00 pm but many are flexible. They will chargeanything between £2.50 and £7.50 an hour depending on location.
Your local Family Information Service (FIS) can give you a list ofchildminders with places available
0800 096 0296http://childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk/childcarefinder/
Day nurseries care for children and babies from three or four monthsold up to school age.
The majority of nurseries open between 7.30 and 8.00 and close at6 or 6.30. They tend to cost from £150 to £200 per week, againdepending on location.
http://bestbear.co.uk/nursery-search/
Nannies and home-based carersNannies are employed by parents to look afterchildren in the family home either on a live-in orlive-out basis. They should either be qualifiedchildcare professionals or should have at leasttwo years’ experience of caring for children.
They can look after children of any age, and theirhours are usually flexible.
Nannies' fees will start at around £6.00 (or £9.00 in London) perhour, but this tends to vary greatly. You will also have to pay yournanny's tax and National Insurance contributions.
To cut costs, you might also want to consider a nanny share. Notonly will this cut the costs by nearly half it will also provide a playmatefor your child/ren. You can only operate a nanny share with one otherfamily. If a nanny takes on children from three families or more theywould have to be registered as a childminder.
http://bestbear.co.uk/find-nanny/
Holiday campsA number of organisations offer adventure and holiday camps forchildren. Some of these are residential, while others are simply daycamps. Activities offered include sport, arts and crafts or camping trips.
The British Activity Holiday Association is the trade association forproviders of activity holidays and courses in the UK. Member centreshave all agreed to abide by the BAHA Code of Practice and arecommitted to high standards of safety, value for money andcustomer service.
http://www.baha.org.uk/
RegulationIf a childcare setting caters for children younger than eight yearsold, they must be registered by Ofsted. Likewise, if they openmore than two hours a day on more than five days a year, theyalso need to be registered with Ofsted. All registered providersoffering childcare will have been issued a certificate from Ofstedproviding details of the number of children, age range andqualifications of the staff or provider.
Anyone who works with children and young people will also havehad to have had a police check (CRB check).
If you recruit childcare direct, for instance employ an au pair or nannyfrom a website which offers CV listings, such as Best Bear, then it isalways recommended that you ensure references are thoroughlychecked. Best Bear offers a cost effective reference checkingservice where we speak to each referee on the phone, askingdetailed questions before providing a report within 7-10 days.http://bestbear.co.uk/reference-checking-service/
Childcare VouchersYou may wish to consider joining a childcare voucher scheme.Childcare vouchers can be used to pay for all types of registeredchildcare, including day nurseries, nannies, au pairs, crèches,childminders, out of school clubs, holiday schemes, activity clubsand qualifying childcare offered by schools.
They provide tax savings and allow you to spread the cost of holidaychildcare throughout the year.
c
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days out ☺ 2 childcare
July/August 2011
bHoliday Childcare – Your OptionsBy Best Bear Childcare www.bestbear.co.uk
July/August 2011®®
14
Annabel LeePrivate art tuitionfor 3-303 year olds.
GCSE and ‘A’ level students welcome.01223 324030
www.annabellee.net
� What’s on/Events
Great competitions onwww.Familiesonline.co.uk
WIN• Little Charley Bear Musical TV• The DVD ‘Are you there, Charley Bear’• CBeebies magazine featuring
Little Charley Bear!
© Chapman Entertainment Limited and Annix Studios Limited 2011www.littlecharleybear.com
To enter, go to www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.Closing date for the competition is 5th September 2011.
w w w . f a m i l i e s c a m b r i d g e s h i r e . c o . u kLog on to read other interesting articles and to have your say on the forum.Have an item to sell or need to source something locally? Why not ask our other forum members! We promise we NEVER give your details to ANY third party to mailshot you.
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Cambridge Touring TheatreWind in the Willows –
Outdoor Family Theatre“has families rolling around their picnic mats with laughter.” (The Guardian)
Cambridge Touring Theatre, Cambridge Touring Theatre, this robustand vibrant family theatre company, bursting with energy andenthusiasm takes to the road for the ninth successful year with itslively 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 thecountry. They sing, dance, steal yoursandwiches and spray you with water.What more could you want!
They also run drama workshops aimedat 5 -11 year olds before mostperformances. These last 45 minutes.Together we explore the story of ‘Windin the Willows’, taking them throughsome adventures and introducing thechildren to characters from the play.
This production has been especially written for the family audience; lots of jokes, funfor all, audience participation and songs and dances.
Toad is boastful and proud and obsessed with motorcars. It is the job of Ratty, Moleyand Badger to keep him under control. Poop, poop! Along the way, they learnimportant 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 toCambridge after working for the English National Opera in London. “We have a verystrong family feel to the company”, she says. “All performers are chosen becausethey enjoy working with families.
To win a family ticket to the Wind in the Willows performance atAnglesey Abbey on 6th August, please [email protected]. Good luck!
Easy2Name Offto School setWe have 5 Easy2Name Offto School sets to give away,each set is worth £17.90 andcontains 30 waterproofstickers, 30 iron on nametapes, 1 set of shoe covers,
1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.
To enter the draw simply [email protected]
Please state clearly the name of your child and whetheryou require the shoe bag in red or blue.All readers can also get a 10% discount by mentioning‘Families’ when ordering.
The full Easy2Name range can be seen atwww.easy2name.com
Saturday 2nd July 2011
Fitzwilliam MuseumFamily First Saturdays. 14.00 - 16.00Activity Trails throughout the museum. 01223 332 900 [email protected]
Pymoor Agricultural and Country Show Nr Ely,Cambridgeshire01353 698 569 www.pymoorshow.com
Sunday 3rd July 2011
Aquafest, Ely, Cambridgeshirewww.aquafest.moonfruit.com
Thursday 7th July - Saturday 9th July 2011
The Newmarket July FestivalNewmarket, Suffolk. 0845 579 3010. www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk
Friday 8th July - Sunday 10th July 2011
The Big Weekend - Cambridge Summer in the City.Parker’s Piece, Cambridge. Fair and attractions for all ageswww.cambridge-summer.co.uk
Just Dogs LiveEast of England Showground. Peterborough01733 234 451 www.justdogslive.co.uk
Ely Folk Festival07500 527 334 www.elyfolk.co.uk
Saturday 9th July 2011
Wind in the Willows - Wimpole Hall18.00. Open Air Concert01223 20 60 00 www.wimpole.org
Bjorn Again and Bootleg BeatlesOne of the world's leading tribute acts, the Bootleg Beatles, and the mostfamous ABBA show, Björn Again, bring a rare double-headlining evening ofnon-stop hits to Audley End this summer.0845 658 6960 www.picnicconcerts.com
Saturday 9th July - Sunday 10th July 2011
Flying Legends Air Show, Imperial War Museum Duxford01223 835 000 www.iwm.org.uk/duxford
Tuesday 12th July
Fitzwilliam Museum 10.00 - 12.30It’s Magic. Discover how art can be magical. Ages 2-5. £3 per child01223 332 900 [email protected]
Saturday 16th July 2011
Fitzwilliam Museum 10.30 - 12.30Exploring Archeology. Ages 8+. £5 per child01223 332 900 [email protected]
Scouting for Girls and Sophie Ellis BextorIndie-pop heroes Scouting for Girls have made an indelible mark in the UK- don't miss them bringing their Brit Award-nominated live show toAudley End! Also appearing will be disco-pop star Sophie Ellis Bextor.0845 658 6960 www.picnicconcerts.com
Monday 25th July 2011
Wicken FenWicken Warriors. 01353 720 274 [email protected]
Tuesday 26th July 2011 (and every Tuesday until30th August)
Wicken Fen. Pond Dipping for all. from 10.30Pure pond dipping with guidance. Optional Minibeast hunt. Pond dipping£1.50 Minibeast hunt. 75pBooking required. 01353 720 274 [email protected]
Wednesday 27th July 2011 (and everyWednesday until 31st August)
Wicken Fen. Stand up PaddleboardingA one hour introductory session. Booking essential. £15 adult £10 child(over 1.4 metres) 01353 720 274 [email protected]
Wed 27 - Sun 31 July 2011
Time Travellers Go… WWII Air raids, rationing, evacuation - how would you have fared duringWWII? Find out what life was really like during the 1940s, and learn aboutAudley's role during the war, then take part in the children's drill andobstacle course. 0870 333 1181 [email protected]
Wednesday 27th July 2001
Wicken Fen.Mud Glorious Mud. 01353 720 274 [email protected]
Thursday 28 & Friday 29 July 2011
St Neots Museum Holiday Treasure BoxSuitable for age 4+ All children must be accompanied by an adult£2 per child 01480 214 163 [email protected]
Friday 29th July 2011
Wicken Fen Fairies and Pixies01353 720 274 [email protected]
Saturday 30th July 2011
Fitzwilliam Museum. 10.30 - 12.30Buried Treasure. Ages 5+. £5 per child01223 332 900 [email protected]
30 - 31st July 2011
Anglesey’s Finest HourGenerations of families have grown up watching Dad’s Army following theantics of the Walmington on Sea Home Guard led by Captain Mainwaring– now visitors to Anglesey Abbey will be given the opportunity toexperience life in the Home Guard. Anglesey’s Finest Hour (30-31 July)promises a weekend of nostalgia and family activities as the National Trustsalutes Lord Fairhaven and the contribution of Cambridgeshire residents tothe War effort. Why not join the Home Guard for drill practice, attempt theArmy Cadets assault course, make a gas mark, learn how to fold a parachute,sample the delightful fair from the Field Kitchen, dress up in 40’s fashion anddance to wartime hits. With vintage military vehicle displays and a rousingspeech from Winston Churchill, there’s something for all the family to enjoy.01223 810 080
Monday 1st August 2011
Wicken Fen. Den Building01353 720 274 [email protected]
Wednesday 3rd August 2011
Fitzwilliam Museum 12.00 - 16.00Drawing for all ages. Fitz Family Welcome Point01223 332 900 [email protected]
May/June 2011 ®®15
� What’s on/Events
Thursday 4 & Friday 5 August 2011
St Neots Museum Beach Hut Fridge Magnet Suitable for age 4+ All children must be accompanied by an adult£2 per child 01480 214 163 [email protected]
6th August 2011
Anglesey Abbey Wind in the Willows. Open Air Concert.Workshop 16.30 - 17.15. Show 18.00 (See our competion to win a familyticket!) 01223 810 080 www.cambridgetouringtheatre.co.uk
Wednesday 3rd - Sunday 7th August 2011
Audley End Time Travellers Go… Horsing AroundAre you mad about horses? Grab a hobby horse and take part in ourgymkhana and cavalry drill, then design a horse brass and learn abouthorses through history. [email protected]
Wednesday 7th August 2011
Wicken Fen. Wild Boutique01353 720 274 [email protected]
Saturday 6th August 2011
Fitzwilliam Museum Family First Saturdays. 14.00 - 16.00Activity Trails throughout the museum.01223 748 100 [email protected]
Monday 8th August 2011
Wicken Fen Fairies and Pixies01353 720 274 [email protected]
Wednesday 10th August
Wicken Fen Wicken Warriors01353 720 274 [email protected]
Thursday 11 & Friday 12 August 2011
St Neots Museum Wish You Were Here! - Postcards galore Rainbow Windmills Pebble Painting Suitable for age 4+.All children must be accompanied by an adult £2 per child 01480 214 163 [email protected]
15th - 16th August
Cambridge Summer Music Festival01223 894 161 www.cambridgesummermusic.com
Wednesday 17th August 2011
Fitzwilliam Museum 12.00 - 16.00 Drawing for all ages. Fitz Family Welcome Point01223 332 900 [email protected]
Wicken Fen. Den Building01353 720 274 [email protected]
Friday 19th August 2011
Wicken Fen. Wild Boutique01353 720 274 [email protected]
Duxford Imperial War Museum American Air Day. A family friendly day showcase.01223 835 000 www.iwm.org.uk/duxford
Monday 22nd August 2011
Wicken Fen Wicken Warriors01353 720 274 [email protected]
Wedsnesday 24th August 2011
Wicken Fen Fairies and Pixies01353 720 274 [email protected]
Thursday 25th August 2011
Fitzwilliam Museum 10.30 - 12.30 Curious Collections.10.30 - 12.30Ages 5+. £5 per child 01223 332 900 [email protected]
Friday 26th August 2011
Wicken Fen Wicken Warriors01353 720 274 [email protected]
Sun 28 & Mon 29 August 2011
WWII: Soldiers & SpiesVisit Audley End House aka Station 43 this weekend and be transportedback to the time of WWII. Join our troops as they train for battle, learnmore about Audley's secret wartime history and witness an explosivearena display [email protected]
28th - 31st August 2011
Cambridge Folk Festival01223 357 851 www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk
Wedsnesday 31st August 2011
Fitzwilliam Museum 12.00 - 16.00 Drawing for all ages. Fitz Family Welcome Point 01223 332 900 [email protected]
Wicken Fen. Wild Boutique01353 720 274 [email protected]
®® May/June 2011
� What’s on/Events
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Lessons at DW Sports Fitness, Unit 2a (near ASDA), Beehive CentreCambridge, CB1 3ER