Ages 3 - 18 YEARS Wednesdays | Saturdays www.thectc.co.uk Easter Workshop 2nd-3rd April | 9am - 3pm MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD KIDS COUNSELLING WORKSHOP P18 COMPETITIONS P18 raring2go.co.uk SPRING 2024 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD FUNDED HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES P14 WEST SUFFOLK
Raring2go! HOLIDAY CAMPS 2 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! WELCOME 3 GET IN TOUCH e: emily.parker@raring2go.co.uk t: 07841 337054 w: raring2go.co.uk/west-suffolk 2024 Welcome to our Spring magazine! It’s my favourite time of the year, with longer days, warmer weather on the way and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun with the family. We have lots of Easter activities and holiday clubs featured, plus ideas for the family to get active together. Whether it’s a trip to Colchester zoo or a visit to Ickworth House with their Easter egg trail. Don’t forget that the clocks ‘spring’ forward on Sunday 31st March. Have fun and remember to mention Raring2go! when visiting places featured in this edition. Emily Editor & local mum.
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 4 raring2go.co.uk
5 Raring2go! HOLIDAY CLUBS believe in you We th Children’s holiday clubs Join us every school holiday! Choose from a range of activities at our venues in Ipswich and Lowestoft From only £18 per Day* New for 2024: a full day of football at our Ipswich venue From only £20 per Day* Visit inspiresuffolk.org.uk to book ‘Inspire’ is the trading name of Inspire uffol Limited. ddress: Inspire uffol Ltd, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich, I 3 9QX. Registered in ngland and ales: 04881803. Registered charity: ngland & ales 1101519. * plus 3% boo ing fee
6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 7 nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate © National Trust 2024. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography © National Trust Images/James Dobson Easter Adventures at Ickworth Estate Join us this Easter as for a family adventure at Ickworth Estate. Discover our interactive spring-inspired Easter egg trail, get crafty, and explore the estate on two wheels. Enjoy a great day out for the whole family. Friday 29 March - Sunday 14 April | Open daily
8 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON The South Suffolk Show Ampton Racecourse, Ingham, Nr Bury St. Edmunds, IP31 1HU SUNDAY, MAY 12th 2024 A Traditional Agricultural Show Celebrating Country Life featuring ‘Heart Of Horsemanship’, - a team of highly skilled performance horses and riders with an inspiring display of horsemanship, combining classical dressage, liberty, stunt and trick riding. Plus cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, farm machinery, Food Hall, Arts & Craft Marquee, a Fun Fair and much, much more! “If you love country living, you’ll love the South Suffolk!” www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk See website for discounted pre-show e-tickets and retail outlets FREE CAR PARKING The South Suffolk Show Come and celebrate country life at The South Suffolk Show near Bury St Edmunds on Sunday 12th May! ‘HOH Equestrian’ will be performing in the Grand Ring, demonstrating poise and precision with a display of classical dressage, liberty, stunt and trick riding. Whilst the Shetland Pony Grand National will provide a gutsy spectacle of speed! And there will be plenty to see outside the grand ring including farriers in the forge, gun dogs working, terriers racing, farm machinery new and old, the Ferretworld Roadshow and the infamous ‘Sheep Show’! Not to mention the Art and Craft Marquee packed with unique creations, the Food Hall full of tempting treats, and sheep, pigs, cattle and horses all competing for rosettes amongst trade stands galore! Even canine companions will be catered for with a fun dog show (entries on the day), and if you dare, the fun fair will be there! www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk
OPEN DAILY from 10.00AM DISCOVERSOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL OWLS & AND FASCINATING BIRDS OF PREY • MEERKATS DISCOVERY CENTRE, INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND SOS SAFARI • FERRETS AND MORE Great Easter & Bank Holidays treats! Reg. Charity 1086565 KASTLE AT MEER All you need for a fun day out at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary & Nature Centre Lots of things for young visitors to see & do! Don’t forget to visit the Meerkat Mob at SOS2 for more fun next door! S.O.S. SAFARI STONHAM BARNS PARK, Stonham Aspal Suffolk Owl Sanctuary and Nature Centre Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stonham Barns Park, Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT 0345 680 7897 • info@owl-help.org.uk • www.owl-help.org.uk Discovery trail for youngsters with a prize for all!
11 Raring2go! WHAT’S ON @suffolkarchives l www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson Exhibition at The Hold, Ipswich Open until 14 April 2024 l Free entry Suffolk has a rich history of welcoming people from around the globe. This exhibition delves into the experiences of migrants to Suffolk since the conclusion of World War II, exploring how social and political events have influenced the cultural landscape of the county. The ‘Arrivals’ exhibition is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Sat 6 April, 10am. The Hold, Ipswich. Free entry. Despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead where he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. ARRIVALS CINEMA CLUB: COCO (FILM RATING: PG) Tues 2 April, Wed 3 April, Thurs 4 April, 10.30am - 12.30pm. The Hold, Ipswich. £5 entry. Join us for some crafts inspired by spring. Suitable for children aged 5 - 11. Children must be accompanied by an adult. LET’S GET CRAFTY: SPRING
12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES
Raring2go! CLUBS & CLASSES 13 The Quay School of Dance is a warm and friendly school offering classes in Ballet, Modern/Jazz, Tap & Street. We believe in providing fun and wellstructured classes in a positive and nurturing environment. We run Ballet, Tap & Modern lessons for children aged 3 & above and children can take exams through the I.S.T.D. if they wish. Children aged 6 & over can attend our Street Dance sessions. We offer fun, informal Tap classes for adults of all ages and abilities in Acton, Sudbury & Ixworth. Our Adult Ballet classes are very popular – they are a great way of improving posture, stamina and flexibility. Book in for a trial session! TRAINING FOR STAGE & SCREEN AGES 6-18 ON STAGE. BACKSTAGE. WHATEVER STAGE YOU’RE AT. DISCOVER MORE AT PQACADEMY.COM NEW FRIDAY EVENING ACADEMY COMING TO BURY ST EDMUNDS ON 19TH APRIL We’re a dab hand at bringing out the best in children. Through our creative projects, performance opportunities and our diverse lessons in musical theatre, film and tv, comedy and drama, we give your child the confidence to be themselves. FIND OUT MORE PQACADEMY.COM KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL, IP33 3BH
HAF is funded by The Department of Education
15 Raring2go! ACTIVITIES Attention Kids! (of all ages) Go wild!...Be Free!..Have Fun!...Be Noisy!... ! 01473 602347 • info@suffolkskicentre.co.uk • www.suffolkleisurepark.co.uk The Suffolk Leisure Park, Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich IP2 8NQ Go wild!...Be Free!..Have Fun Skiing • Tobogganing • Ringos • Snowboarding • High Ropes Go w Skiing • gganing Tobo • Ringos • Snowboarding g Golf Driving Range • Mini Adventure Golf • Birthday Parties Holiday Activity Days and The Lodge Restaurant Call now for more information about Kids Skiing Workshops age 7-15 years and Snowboarding lessons ( age 12 and over) surepark co uk e 7 y
Raring2go! CRAFTS Raring2go! 25 TOP TIP Make an egg pin drying board out of foam board and pins, push pins all the way through to the other side then turn the board over and pierce the egg with the pin, the eggs will dry with no marks on them! Chuck the chocolate eggs and go for the real thing this year! Cultures round the world have been painting eggs of all sorts as part of their Springtime celebrations for centuries. If your children are very young it’s probably best to use hard-boiled eggs and crayons, stickers or the age-old method of vinegar and food colouring to do the job – if you’ve used non-toxic materials, you can always use them up in sandwiches later. Hard-boiled eggs are also perfect for stashing around your home and garden for an egg hunt. If your children are older, or you just fancy a bit of a challenge, try preparing your eggs the traditional way, by blowing out the yolk. It’s easy and fun to colour hard-boiled eggs and you can use items you probably already have in your kitchen. Age Guideline: 3 years and up Time Required: 30 minutes (does not include drying time) Create your own Easter-Eggstravaganza! You will need hard boiled or blown out eggs, food colouring, vinegar and water. In a cup, mix half a cup of water (room temperature water), 1 tablespoon of vinegar and several drops of food colouring. We used about 20 drops of each colour, but you can adjust this for lighter or darker. Prepare several different colours in this manner. Carefully place the eggs (individually one at a time!) in each cup of food colouring. Remove the eggs when they reach the desired shade with a spoon to remove the egg and place it in an egg holder or on a paper towel to dry. 16 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 17
Raring2go! LOCAL SERVICES & COMPETITIONS 18 raring2go.co.uk WIN Family tickets to the South Suffolk Show Hadleigh Show www.raring2go.co.uk/competitions
Raring2go! BIG WALK 19 1 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! On each day of the challenge schools compete to record the greatest proportion of their pupils walking, wheeling, scooting, and cycling to school. Sustrans are delivering the challenge with headline sponsors Schwalbe Tyres UK, to make active travel the easiest choice for everyone. Since data collection for the challenge began in 2011, a staggering 23.9 million miles (1) have been travelled by pupils taking over 15.9 million active travel journeys to school. That equates to around 200 trips to the moon, or over 1,900 journeys around the Earth (1), saving 12,700 tonnes of CO2 polluting the air on the school run, from 31.7 million car journeys had the participants been driven to and from school (1). Just under 2.7million active journeys to 1,862 participating schools took place during the 2023 challenge, saving an estimated 1,890 tonnes of CO2 emissions if the journeys logged had otherwise been made by car (2). Xavier Brice, CEO at Sustrans, said: 15 years of the Big Walk and Wheel challenge Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is celebrating its 15th year as the UK’s largest inter-school active travel challenge from 11- 22 March 2024. 1. These figures are an estimation only, and depend on a number of assumptions and national or regional averages. 2. Based on approximations of assumed modes of travel. "For 15 years, millions of pupils across the UK have enjoyed taking part in the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel by walking, wheeling and cycling to school with friends and family…and winning prizes along the way! “The challenge shows how people of all ages want to travel actively. Parents save money by not having to drive and children get to be out and about exploring their world.This gives our children healthy habits they can take with them into adulthood.”
20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! LEARNING Reading Eggs is the perfect way to teach your child to read. Designed by experienced educators, children follow structured, one-on-one lessons that teach phonics, sight words and reading skills in a fun way. In fact, 91% of parents see an improvement in just a few weeks! 20 million users & 16,000 schools worldwide Proven to boost reading & math skills in just 15 minutes/day! FREE 30-DAY TRIAL 1.1 million lessons every week ✔ Used in over 193 countries readingeggs.co.uk/spring 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, until 31st July 2024. in 30 Days Learn to Read FREE!
Raring2go! LEARNING 21 Selecting age-appropriate books for our children is a crucial part of developing their love for reading whilst supporting them in this early cognitive and emotional development. Tailoring this literature to a child’s age makes sure that the content is engaging, easily understandable and of course relevant to their evolving interests and abilities. In the early stages of childhood, board books full of colourful illustrations and simple storylines are ideal for igniting visual and auditory stimulation. As children progress to the preschool and early years foundation, picture books with more complex storylines can capture their expanding attention spans and spark their imaginations. Look for themes that resonate with their daily experiences, so they can connect the literature they read to their own lives. For emerging readers, early chapter books with large fonts and slightly shorter sentences can help with independent reading. Consider stories with relatable characters and straightforward plots that align with the child’s growing reading skills. As they get older and their reading proficiency increases, introduce more challenging texts that encourage critical thinking and vocabulary expansion. When choosing age-appropriate books, it is important to bear in mind your child’s emotional readiness. Themes, stories and characters should be easily relatable and age-sensitive to avoid overwhelming or confusing the child. Also consider diverse perspectives and cultural representation in literature as this can help to broaden a child’s worldview and encourage a sense of empathy. A child’s enthusiasm for reading is often influenced driven by the balance between challenge and accessibility. Getting this balance right is the key. You can regularly reassess their preferences and adjust book choices accordingly to ensure that reading remains an enjoyable, enriching experience throughout this phase of their developmental journey. By carefully selecting and providing a diverse range of age-appropriate books, parents and caregivers can lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. Choosing Age Appropriate Books for Children
22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! LOCAL SERVICES East Coast Cremations will arrange a low cost direct cremation provided with care. £1299 direct cremation which is unattended 24 hour care line: 07747 114 396 EastCoastCremations@outlook.com www.eastcoastcremations.co.uk Proud to care for the ones you care for ECC We cover all of Suffolk East Coast Cremations are a direct cremation service covering Suffolk and Essex. A direct cremation means there is no formal funeral service, no hire of the chapel, no limousines or flowers allowing for the cremation costs to be lower than the typical funeral services. Sometimes families who choose this type of service are solely price related others have no desire for the traditional funeral. With our 24 hour into care team, we will take your loved one into our care, liaise with relevant third parties on your behalf, arrange cremation and personally deliver your loved ones remains back to you. With choosing to not have a service we are able to re-unite you with your loved one sooner than normal, you may then want to arrange a wake / celebration of life for a time that isn’t restricted to the normal working hours and allows for many people who may not of been able to attend due to work commitments or distance needed to travel the chance to do so. www.eastcoastcremations.co.uk
Football kits Sportswear Personalised hoodies School wear Print & embroidery Tel: 07841 337054 E: wearing2go@hotmail.com
As the world awakens with the vibrant colours and fragrances of spring, it's the perfect time to channel our newfound energy into creative activity with your little ones. Involving children in do-it-yourself spring crafts not only nurtures their artistic abilities but also provides an outlet for fun, learning, and the joy of self-expression. 1. Flower Power Collages: Celebrate the beauty of spring blooms with flower power collages. Collect a variety of colourful petals, leaves, and blossoms, and let children arrange them imaginatively. Whether it's a floral masterpiece or an abstract creation, this activity encourages an appreciation for nature's artistry, textures and colours. 2. Egg Box Caterpillars: Turn ordinary egg boxes adorable caterpillars. Cut sections of the box, let children paint each segment, and attach googly eyes for that whimsical touch. It's a delightful way to recycle and repurpose materials which also spark the creative senses and fine motor skills. 3. Butterfly Mobiles: Capture the enchanting spirit of butterflies in a DIY mobile project. Cut butterfly shapes from coloured paper or use printable templates. Then decorate with markers, stickers or glitter and attach them to strings to hang from a wooden hoop or a branch. This craft not only encourages creativity but also introduces children to the beauty of symmetry. 4. Rainy Day Puddle Paintings: Embrace the unpredictable spring weather with a craft that celebrates rain. On a rainy day, place paper on the ground and let raindrops create unique puddle paintings. Add a splash of colour with watercolour paints or powdered drink mix for an interesting and whimsical twist. Beautiful art will be created! 5. Garden Rock Markers: Transform ordinary garden rocks into decorative plant markers. Paint the rocks with vibrant colours and add the names of herbs or flowers with acrylic paint or markers. It's a practical and charming way to involve children in gardening while personalising the family garden. 6. DIY Nature Journals: Encourage young explorers to document their springtime adventures with DIY nature journals. Provide blank notebooks and allow children to decorate the covers with drawings or collages of items they find in nature. Take the journals on outdoor walks to record observations, sketches or pressed flowers. Engaging children in DIY spring crafts not only stimulates their imagination but also provides a platform for learning about the season's natural wonders. These simple and enjoyable activities build creativity, motor skills, and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us during this season. So, roll up your sleeves, buy crafting supplies, and let the artistic exploration begin in your home this spring. Blooms and Brushes: DIY Spring Crafts to Ignite Children's Creativity 24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! CRAFTS
25 Raring2go! HOLIDAYS EVERY POSSIBILITY UNDER THE SUN Family holidays built around you • Over 450 amazing destinations in Europe • Beachside, countryside, lakeside or mountainside locations • Choose a Campsite, Village or Resort • Modern, detached holiday homes with everything you need • Lots on parc, from pools and spas to shops and restaurants • Free kids’ clubs at selected parcs, six days a week • Flexible holiday dates to suit you • Choose how you travel: fly, ferry, train • Just one price for everyone For the best savings on your Eurocamp holiday visit: raring2go.co.uk/eurocamp Eurocamp_24_Raring2go_210x148.indd 1 12/02/2024 14:46
26 raring2go.co.uk Picnic in the Park: Pack a delicious picnic and head to a nearby park. Enjoy the fresh spring air, play some outdoor games like frisbee or badminton, and relax on a blanket surrounded by nature. Bike Ride Adventure: Explore local bike trails or ride through your neighbourhood together. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the budding flowers and greenery while getting some exercise as a family. DIY Bird Feeders: Make simple bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang them in your back garden or a nearby park, and watch as birds come to enjoy the tasty treats. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find in nature, such as specific flowers, leaves, or even certain types of insects. Go on a scavenger hunt as a family and see who can find everything on the list first. Outdoor Movie Night: Set up a makeshift outdoor cinema in your back garden. Use a projector and a white sheet, and enjoy a family movie night under the stars. Don't forget the popcorn! 10 fun things to do as
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 27 Plant a Family Garden: Start a small garden together with flowers, herbs or vegetables. It's a great way to teach children about nature and responsibility while enjoying the process of watching plants blossom and grow. Pavement Chalk Art: Head to your driveway or a local park with colourful pavement chalk. Encourage creativity and create vibrant spring-themed artwork on the pavement. Make sure you take a selfie before a spring rain shower washes your creation away! Fly a Kite: Take advantage of the spring winds and fly a kite in an open field. It's a simple yet enjoyable activity for the whole family. It’s still one of those things that makes us stare in wonder! Go on a Nature Walk: Take a leisurely stroll through a nature reserve or on a hiking trail. Bring a guidebook to identify different plants and animals and take the time to appreciate the beauty of the changing season. Spring is such a lovely time to be outdoors so make the most of it! Outdoor Yoga or Exercise Session: Find a peaceful spot in a park or your back garden and practice yoga as a family. Alternatively, engage in a fun and energetic outdoor exercise session, such as a family friendly workout or a game of ultimate frisbee. a family this Spring
Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Raring2grow! Family gardening fun this Springtime Planting Adventures: Embark on exciting planting projects, choosing colourful flowers, aromatic herbs, or easy-to-grow vegetables that capture children's interest. Bug Safari Hunt: Transform your garden into a bug safari. Explore together, identifying insects and their roles in the garden ecosystem. Decorative Plant Markers: Craft decorative plant markers using lolly-pop sticks, letting children unleash their creativity while learning about plant identification. Seed Bombs Creation: Form seed bombs with a mix of clay, compost, and wildflower seeds. Launching these 'bombs' spreads beauty and teaches about seed dispersal. Butterfly-Friendly Blooms: Choose nectar-rich flowers that attract butterflies. Witnessing these colourful insects brings delight and adds an engaging educational touch. Garden Art: Engage in garden art projects. Paint rocks colourfully to use as bright garden decorations or as the chimes of a hand made wind chime set. Weeding Challenges: Turn weeding into a challenge. See who can pull out the most weeds while learning about the importance of regular garden maintenance. Vegetable Harvesting: As vegetables mature, involve children in the exciting harvest process. Getting them involved helps to create a connection to food and nature. A connection that will stay with them forever. Composting Creations: Create a mini composting station. Teach your children the importance of recycling kitchen scraps and witnessing the magic of turning household waste into nutrient-rich soil. They’ll be amazed at what the soil goes on to nurture. Keep A Garden Diary: Maintain a garden journal. Documenting observations and experiences will enhances a child’s understanding of plant growth and the changes it goes through over time. Family gardening fun during spring is a delightful and very simple way to bond, learn and embrace the wonder of nature. These interactive activities not only create a love for gardening in children but also cultivate valuable skills and knowledge. Sow the seeds of curiosity and teamwork with your children and nurture not just plants but a deep appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of the natural world in your very own back garden! Raring2grow! Outdoor fun for budding green-fingers Springtime opens a world of family gardening fun, providing an opportunity for hands on learning where lasting memories are created. Here's a brief guide to enjoyable gardening activities to do as a family. 28 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! RARING2GROW
29 Raring2go! EARTH DAY
30 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON proudly presents NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING 3rd - 6th July 2024 Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice Book by Linda Woolverton This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe www.mtishows.co.uk BOOK ONLINE theatreroyal.org BOOK BY PHONE 01284 769505 Performances at 2pm and 7pm
Raring2go! WHAT’S ON 31 29th March to 14th April Our most popular Easter Event returns! Lambs, Goat Kids & Piglets Interactive Animal Sessions Fun Rides & Activities Easter Arts & Crafts Season ticket holders go free Tel: 01728 746475 eastonfarmpark.co.uk £13.95 per person aged 2 and over £50 for a family of 4 • £62 for a family of 5
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