ACT SING DANCE www.thectc.co.uk Ages 3 - 18 YEARS Wednesdays | Saturdays CTC Studios | Needham Market | IP6 8NZ MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2026 IPSWICH, FELIXSTOWE & WOODBRIDGE GLADWELLS PET SAVE £5 p30 COMPETITIONS jhjkhjkhhhjhjhjhhp29 WIN HALLOWEEN FUN jhjkhjkhhhjhjhjhh p2
Raring2go! WHAT'S ON 2 raring2go.co.uk
Hello Autumn! Autumn is here, and we couldn’t be more excited for those crisp, golden days, crunchy leaves underfoot, and plenty of chances to get outdoors with the kids - or settle in for cosy evenings at home. This edition of the magazine is packed with brilliant ideas to keep the whole family entertained through the autumn term and every precious weekend in between. Inside, you’ll find inspiring local clubs and classes to help nurture new hobbies, plus a great selection of family-friendly events to help you make the most of harvest time, Halloween and everything in between. We’re also delighted to share an exclusive offer of £5 off at Gladwells Pet & Country Store – because our furry friends deserve some autumn adventures too! And don’t miss the chance to win some great competition prizes on page 29. Here’s to fresh adventures and creating beautiful memories together this autumn. Emily Editor, Raring2go! Suffolk GET IN TOUCH: emily.parker@raring2go.co.uk t: 07841 337054 w: www.raring2go.co.uk/area/ ipswich-and-felixstowe 3 Raring2go! EDITOR'S WELCOME raring2go.co.uk/area/ipswich-and-felixstowe
Raring2go! WHAT'S ON 4
Raring2go! OPEN MORNING 5 START HERE REMARKABLE JOURNEYS ROYALHOSPITALSCHOOL.ORG OPEN MORNING – SAT 3 OCT SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING – WED 23 SEPT Esther’s journey was shaped at RHS. Now studying Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham
Raring2go! CLASSES & PARTIES 6 raring2go.co.uk
7 Raring2go! HOLIDAY CLUBS
Raring2go! WHAT'S ON A Truly Magical Time of Year! Christmas At Find out More Information bressingham.co.uk/events Christmas Fair Pinewood Community Hall SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER TH 1pm - 5pm THIS EVENT IS SUPPORTING & COLLECTING DONATIONS FOR 4YP Craft Stalls • Food & Drink • Santa’s Grotto • Music • Mulled Wine • Festive Family Fun & More! FREE Entry! TO THE EVENT FREE CAR PARKING PINEWOOD COMMUNITY HALL Laburnum Close | Pinewood | IP8 3SL Due to limited space inside the venue, we kindly ask that buggies and prams are not brought inside and, where possible, are left safely outside. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 8 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT'S ON 9 TICKETS NOW ON SALE WWW.HELMINGHAM.COM Voted one of the best Christmas light trails in the UK - The Times Illuminated Garden Trail THE 2026 THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER - SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER TH TH Keep your kids entertained at our amazing soft play area! Book today at www.everyoneactive.com/softplay MID SUFFOLK LEISURE CENTRE 35204_Raring 2 Go West Suffolk_Half Page Advert.indd 1 01/09/2026 17:36
10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! RECIPE MORE DIFFICULT EASY Ingredients 6 apples 6 tbsp caster sugar 85ml water 600g demerara sugar 100g unsalted butter 2 tsp vinegar 2 tsp vanilla essence Preparation • Wash and dry the apples • Remove the stalks and push in a lollipop stick • Place all the ingredients in a heavy-based pan and bring to the boil. Cooking time is approximately 30 minutes. If you have a sugar thermometer it should read 150C or 300F, or you can test by dripping into a bowl of cold water. The toffee is ready when the drops harden. • Dip each apple into the toffee, remove and air-cool for a few seconds, then repeat until thickly coated. • Dip into a bowl of cold water and place on a sugar-dusted tray until cool. Ingredients 6 apples 1 (400g) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped 2 tbsp milk Preparation • Remove the stem from each apple and press a lollipop stick into the top • Butter a baking sheet • Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly. • Roll each apple quickly in the caramel sauce until well coated. • Place on a prepared sheet to set
11 Raring2go! WHAT'S ON Learn about the brutal Suffolk witch trials of 1645-1647 Featuring prestigious loans from across the country Explore how the image of the witch has evolved through time Ipswich Waterfront 16 Oct 2026 – 21 Feb 2027 Adult: £5, Concession: £4.50, Child: £4 (4-16 years old), Group Ticket: £14 (2 adults, 2 children), National Art Pass members: £2.50, Under 4s and support individuals are free Scan the QR code to find out more about this exhibition plus additional talks, walks, workshops, and family events! Made possible with a grant from the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund and with support from Debach Enterprises The Hold Raring 2 Go 08 Aug 2026.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2026 15:49 Page 1
Raring2go! BRINGING BOOKS TO LIFE 12 raring2go.co.uk Quay School of Dance CLASSES HELD IN SUDBURY & IXWORTH, NR BURY ST EDMUNDS Pupils accepted from 3 years • Ballet • Modern • Jazz • Tap • Street • Cheer-leading • Adult Tap • Adult Ballet t: 07771 648649 e: quaydance@hotmail.co.uk www.quaydance.co.uk Exams - Shows - Summer Schools Quay Dance Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES 23 Looking for October half term holiday clubs? Find details of clubs, classes and camps running over the holidays Six things worth asking your club Once a club becomes part of the weekly routine, it's easy to stop thinking about it much beyond turning up and paying the fee. But most clubs offer more than the average family actually uses - it's just not always advertised loudly, so it's worth asking. A few things worth checking with your child's club: Sibling taster sessions. Many clubs will let a brother or sister try a free or low-cost session - handy for working out what's next before a new term starts. Holiday camps or extra sessions. It's often easier to book alongside the termtime place than to find separately later - and a good way to fill the holidays Multi-activity or sibling discounts Some clubs quietly offer a reduced rate for a second child, or for signing up to more than one session - worth a direct ask, since it's rarely on the price sheet. Pre-loved kit. Uniforms, boots and equipment are outgrown fast, and a lot of clubs keep a stash of pre-loved kit or know a family passing theirs on - try asking before buying new, especially early on. Watch-and-cheer opportunities. Performance days, open sessions or endof-term showcases are often available and loved by the kids doing the showing off - check if and when they're happening so it's on your calendar Referral offers. Some clubs offer a discount or free session for recommending a friend - definitely worth knowing if there's already someone you'd tell anyway. None of this requires any extra effort beyond one quick question, usually at pickup or in a message to the club. Most families are only ever a conversation away from getting a bit more out of something they're already paying for and already enjoying.
Raring2go! BRINGING BOOKS TO LIFE 13 Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES FIND YOUR VOICE at PQA. BOOK YOUR FREE SESSION AT PQACADEMY.COM PQA IPSWICH Ormiston Endeavour Academy, IP1 6SG ENROLLING NOW FOR AGES 4-18! MUSICAL THEATRE. COMEDY & DRAMA. FILM & TV.
In a world that's constantly on the move, cycling remains a timeless activity that brings families closer together while promoting a healthy lifestyle. At bikebook, we're not just passionate about bikes – we're dedicated to ensuring every family's cycling journey is as safe as it is enjoyable. Our mission is simple: to connect families with local bicycle mechanics who ensure that their children's bikes are not only ready to ride but also safe. In this article, we'll explore how bikebook your families’ bikes are safe to ride, and we'll delve into the importance of wellmaintained bikes and safety measures for night time riding. There's nothing quite like the joy of watching our children pedal down the street with their friend. But as parents, ensuring their safety is paramount. That's where bikebook steps in – our platform simplifies the process of finding a reliable local bicycle mechanic. These skilled professionals specialise in tuning up bikes, inspecting safety features, and ensuring that every nut and bolt is secure. By connecting families with these expert mechanics, bikebook is empowering parents to give their children the gift of safe and worry-free cycling adventures. As we head into autumn and the days get shorter, the dangers of night time riding increase. Riding in the dark poses unique challenges and requires additional safety precautions. Reduced visibility makes it crucial for cyclists to be visible to others on the road. Therefore, it is imperative that your children’s bikes have the proper lighting for the conditions. Just as stars light up the night sky, bike lights and reflectors illuminate the road, ensuring that cyclists are seen by drivers and pedestrians alike. Bike lights and reflectors are a cyclist's best friends when the sun dips below the horizon. Reflectors bounce back light from vehicles, making cyclists visible from a distance. At bikebook, we recommend outfitting bikes with reflectors on wheels, pedals, and handlebars. But don't stop there! Adding front and rear lights is equally vital. A white light on the front signals your presence to oncoming traffic, while a red light at the back warns those behind you. The synergy between reflectors and lights creates a protective shield that envelops cyclists in a warm glow of safety, even in the darkest of nights. In a world full of fast-paced adventures, cycling provides families with a timeless way to bond and explore. With bikebook's dedication to connecting families with local bicycle mechanics, parents can ensure their children's bikes are in tip-top shape for every journey. Moreover, our commitment to promoting safety extends to night ime cycling, where lights and reflectors become the stars guiding cyclists through the night. So, saddle up, families, and let bikebook be your guiding light to safer and more memorable cycling experiences. Safety when riding your bike at night Bicycle servicing made easy! Raring2go! ROAD SAFETY
70 Owls and Birds of Prey Flying Displays Armadillos • Porcupines Meerkat Kastle Red Squirrels Feed Times • SOS Safari for kids • Open Daily 10-5 Stonham Barns Park • Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT t: 03456 807n897 • www.suffolkowls.org.uk
16 raring2go.co.uk THREE MAGICAL PARTY EXPERIENCES Fairytale Magic Comes to Suffolk CTC PARTIES UNFORGETTABLE PRINCESS EXPERIENCES CREATED BY CTC-TRAINED PERFORMERS. Families across Suffolk can now add a little extra magic to their celebrations as The Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) launches its brand-new children’s party experience – CTC Parties. Based in Suffolk and working with children and young performers since 2009, CTC is well known locally for its performing arts training and productions. Now, the team is bringing that theatrical experience straight to children’s birthday parties, beginning with a collection of much-loved princess characters. CTC-TRAINED PERFORMERS CTC’s princesses and Royal Advisors are played by performers who have trained with CTC. They bring experience in acting, singing, dancing and live performance to every party – creating magical, immersive moments that children will never forget. MORE THAN A PRINCESS CTC Parties is designed to be more than a character appearance. Depending on the package chosen, children can enjoy storytelling, singing and dancing, Royal Party Games, crafts, a Royal Parade, live performance and even the chance to create their very own Royal Show. There are special moments for the birthday child too, including their Birthday Coronation and the Royal Wish – a magical moment encouraging children to dream big and believe in themselves. MEET THE ROYAL ADVISORS Every princess is accompanied by a Royal Advisor – another CTC-trained performer who helps create the magic from beginning to end. From the grand royal arrival to games and activities, they keep the party flowing while the princess stays completely in character. MADE IN SUFFOLK CTC has been training young performers in Suffolk since 2009, developing skills in acting, singing, dance and live performance. CTC Parties brings that professional training and performance experience directly to children’s celebrations. And princesses are just the beginning, with more characters and experiences coming soon! SPOTLIGHT PACKAGE 30 MINUTES A perfect royal visit with storytelling, games, music and magical moments. SHOWTIME PACKAGE 60 MINUTES More time for fun, with extra activities, a Royal Parade and a live performance. STANDING OVATION 90 MINUTES The ultimate royal experience – more magic, more memories! Your royal guest has arrived… Meet the characters and request your booking online. www.thectc.co.uk/parties parties@thectc.co.uk • Follow CTC Parties on Instagram
Raring2go! WHAT'S ON Christmas at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds 27th November 24th December to 20 Nov - 17 Jan See website for details. 17
Help your child learn to read in 30 days for FREE with Reading Eggs! Created by experts and loved by over 20 million children worldwide, Reading Eggs is designed to develop early essential literacy skills such as phonics, sight words and vocabulary, planting the foundation for a life-long love of reading. Here’s why you’ll love our programs: FREE 30-DAY TRIAL in 30 Days Learn to Read FREE! readingeggs.co.uk/bts21 Scan QR code for 30-Day FREE trial This 30-day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of the trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel any time by selecting the ‘Cancel Subscription’ option located on the ‘Manage My Subscription’ page in your family dashboard. Offer is valid for new UK customers only. Hundreds of fun learning games Exciting rewards keep your child motivated See results from just 15 minutes of play a day! Positive screen time that’s KidSAFE & Ad-free Automated progress reports Log in across multiple devices at the same time, with no restrictions!
19 Raring2go! ACTIVITY Five Things to Do With Conkers There's more to Autumn's favourite find,than a string and a dare! 1. Conker sorting and counting For younger children, conkers are a brilliant hands-on maths tool. Sort by size, line them up biggest to smallest, or simply count how many you've found on the walk home. No worksheet required. 2. Conker painting Dab a conker in paint and roll it around inside a shoebox lined with paper. The wobbly, unpredictable trail it leaves is oddly satisfying - and a genuinely different kind of "painting" for kids who have done every other version going. There's a moment every autumn when a child spots their first conker, and something switches on. It doesn't matter how many they've collected before - that shiny, deep brown shell still gets picked up, turned over, and pocketed like treasure. The traditional game is brilliant, but conkers have quietly earned a reputation as one of nature's best free toys, and there's a lot more you can do with a handful before they shrivel up on the windowsill. 3. A Conker Olympics Set up simple challenges in the garden or park: see who can roll one furthest, balance the most on a spoon, or get one into a bucket from a distance. Zero equipment, instant entertainment! 4. Conker creatures With a bit of help (and maybe a cocktail stick or two), conkers make surprisingly good mini animals - add a few twigs for legs and you’ve got a hedgehog, a spider, or whatever else your imagination decides on the day. 5. A Conker Trail Jar Keep a jam jar on the windowsill and add one conker from every autumn walk. Watching the collection grow over a few weeks turns an ordinary walk into something to look forward to. The best bit? None of this needs planning, kit, or even leaving your usual route to the shops. Just eyes open, pockets ready, and a willingness to stop for two minutes when someone shouts “found one!” Whether you’re counting, painting, competing or just enjoying, be sure to have fun this Conker season!
Raring2go! LOCAL BUSINESS Professional accountancy services with a personal touch Hadleigh Office 9 Byford Court Crockatt Road Hadleigh, Ipswich Suffolk IP7 6RD T: 01473 657000 E: info@suffolk.tax W: www.suffolk.tax With offices in Hadleigh, Ipswich & Felixstowe certified advisors Accounts Preparation Bookkeeping, Payroll & VAT Management Reporting Company Secretarial Services Personal Tax & Returns Making Tax Digital Software Training & Assistance Specialist Tax Advice & Planning To discuss your accountancy and taxation requirements please feel free to contact us – our initial meetings are free! 20 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! EATING OUT Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating. ANSWERS: 1: Cardiff- 2: Egypt - 3: Big Ben 4: 3 - 5: 14 6: The Milky Way- 7: Alexander Graham Bell 8: Mount Kilimanjaro - 9: Steam - 10: Oak 11: Greece - 12: Red THE 1 Which is the largest city in Wales? 2 Pharaoh is the title given to the rulers of which ancient county? 3 What is the nickname for the bell of the clock at the Palace of Westminster in London? 4 How many sides does a triangle have? 5 How many days are there in a fortnight? 6 What galaxy is Earth located in? 7 Who invented the telephone? 8 Which is the highest mountain in Africa? 9 What do you get if you boil water? 10 From what tree do acorns come? 11 Where did the Olympic Games originate? 12 What is the top colour in a rainbow?
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WORD SEARCH CAN YOU FIND THE ITEMS FROM THE CHEF’S SHOPPING LIST IN THE WORD SEARCH AND THEN FIND THE PICTURE OF THE SAME ITEM? Carrots Pepper Onion Pear Banana Radish Watermelon Grapes Apple Lemon Orange Oh no! The chef has lost 5 ladles. Can you find them to help finish the meal? I s H O
Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES - HOLIDAY CLUBS Profitable Part-Time Business for Sale Have you ever dreamed of running your own business, making your own decisions and taking control of your working life to fit around your family? After 10 wonderful years, I am now looking for a new owner to take over the Ipswich, Felixstowe & Woodbridge and West Suffolk editions of Raring2go! magazine and website - a well-established local business with a loyal customer base. Why This Business Works: • Profitable part-time income • Strong forward bookings • Home-based with flexible hours around family life • Be there for school runs, sports days and holidays • Low overheads My Story: During my years as Editor I've enjoyed discovering new places to visit with my family, reviewing shows at the theatre and trying out new activities with my children. By working for myself, I've been lucky enough to build a career around my family's needs. As my children are now older, I feel it's time to start a new chapter. I'm looking for another local, passionate parent to take over this business I've built with care. Don't worry though, I'm not going anywhere until I find the right person to hand over to. What You'll Need: • No previous experience necessary • An interest in the local community and what's on for families • A self starter with an eye for detail and a cando attitude • Enjoy building relationships with local businesses and attractions The Details: While Raring2go! means you work for yourself, you're part of a franchise network with systems and support in place. I will provide full handover support to help you succeed. Next Steps: If you're interested in learning more - including full financial details, the current franchise agreement terms, and an honest conversation about both opportunities and challenges - please get in touch. Call Emily on 07841 337054 or email me at emily.parker@raring2go.co.uk Do you dream of owning your own business?
Raring2go! BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 24 raring2go.co.uk
Solar pays you back faster than you think... Did you know? *All our quotes include a personalised 25-year ROI forecast. Find out more How fast does the typical Solar PV system pay for itself? ? Can’t recommend these guys enough. Fantastic workmanship and very friendly guys to deal with.” a happy Generate & Store customer Average Payback 7-9 years Some of our customers report 4–6 years Free Electricity 15+ years Based on a 25-year system lifespan* Cost From £6,999 (inc. VAT) Includes 12 panels + battery storage Ready to your solar journey? We’re here to help – speak to our team today: 01206 912195 | solar@generateandstore.co.uk start
Raring2go! FOOT CARE 27 corns | calluses | nail conditions | maintenance we treat feet. ALL .
29 Raring2go! COMPETITION WIN a Magical Princess Visit! One lucky family will win our 30-minute Spotlight Package with a visit from their choice of CTC Princess and her Royal Advisor! WORTH £95 YOUR MAGICAL VISIT INCLUDES: ✦ Royal Arrival ✦ Princess Storytime ✦ Princess Academy ✦ Royal Parade ✦ Birthday coronation ✦ The Royal Wish raring2go.co.uk/area/ipswich-and-felixstowe/competitions/ Prize is one 30-minute CTC Parties Spotlight Package, worth £95. Winner can choose their preferred CTC Princess, subject to availability. Prize can be used for a birthday celebration or special princess visit. Valid for bookings in Suffolk and must be redeemed by 31 July 2026. No cash alternative. Non-transferable. Full T&Cs apply. Competition closes: 31st October 2026. Scan me! *GB only. 18+. Promotion opens 00:00 hours on 26/08/2026, closes 23:59 hours on 16/12/2026. Automatic entry for participants re-starting their Direct Debit for swimming lessons, joining swimming lessons on Direct Debit or paying in full in advance for lessons at participating centres during the promotional period. Valid email address and telephone number required to enter. One entry per adult or child enrolled. Prize: 1 × 3-night trip to Lapland for 2 adults (18+) and 2 children (2 - 12), including half board hotel/cabin accommodation (3* equivalent or higher) and a private visit to see Santa. Must be taken during December 2027. Max 1 entry per person. Visit www.everyoneactive.com/lapland for full terms. 35203_Raring 2 Go West Suffolk_Quarter Page Advert.indd 1 11/09/2026 10:23 11/09/2026 10:23
30 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! OFFER £5 OFF STORES LOCATED AT: - BURY ST. EDMUNDS - COPDOCK - STOWMARKET WWW.GLADWELLSPET.CO.UK Where pets are family... For readers of Raring2Go Suffolk. Offer ends 31/12/26. Hand this voucher to the cashier at the start of your purchase to get £5 off a £30 or more spend. Valid at any Suffolk Gladwells Pet & Country Store. Retail only. No cash alternative. One voucher per transaction. Copies will not be accepted. Excludes delivery service. Not redeemable online.
31 Raring2go! WHAT'S ON
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDA0NjA=