1,120 new babies in East Cambridgeshire in 2011

In October, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its annual statistics on births in England and Wales.

1,120 live births to East Cambridgeshire mums

Last year, there were 1,120 live births to women living in East Cambridgeshire. Congratulations if you were one of these mums! 

Across the whole of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, there were over 10,600 live births. Almost half of these babies were born to women living in the north east of the county (Huntingdonshire and Peterborough).

Rapid increase in number of babies in Cambridgeshire

Over the past five years, the number of babies born to mums living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has risen by 14.8 per cent - higher than the national average increase of 8.1 per cent.

Across Cambridgeshire, the biggest increase has been in East Cambridgeshire - a large increase of 22.3 per cent.

Across England and Wales, there have been a number of continuing trends

• The average age of women giving birth continued to rise. In 2011, the average age was 29.7 - the highest since records began in 1938;
• The percentage of births occurring outside of marriage reached a new record high (47.2 per cent). This has increased rapidly since the 1980s;
• At 25.5 per cent, the percentage of babies born to non-UK born women also broke a new record, with a strong increase since the late-1990s.

Defying trends, the fertility rate (the average number of children per women) fell in 2011 to 1.93, from 2.00 in 2010. This was the lowest rate since 2007 but remained higher than most of the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s.

More information can be found on the ONS website

Research finds childhood obesity risk factors

High birth weight, rapid weight gain and having an overweight mother who smokes can all increase the risk of a baby becoming obese later in childhood, research by experts at The University of Nottingham has found. The study, published in the latest edition of the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, also discovered that children who were breastfed and were introduced to solid food later had a slightly reduced chance of becoming overweight. The findings come following a systematic review and analysis of data from around 30 previous studies looking at the impact of factors affecting babies during the first 12 months of their lives and their potential link with childhood obesity.

HealthCanal.com 29/10/12

This Week is 'Nestle-Free Week'

Nestlé- Free Week, taking place on 29 October - 4 November, is a time for supporters of the Nestlé boycott to do more to spread the word and for those who don't boycott to give it a go- at least for a week!

Nestlé continues to push its breastmilk substitutes in ways that break internationally agreed marketing standards in order to make company profits. Nestlé refuses to bring its instructions on how to prepare formula into line with World Health Organisation guidance, so endangering babies who have to be fed on formula. This boycott gives executives a financial reason to think again and helps to force changes. 

Check out the Nestlé- Free Week website here for more information on how you can get involved including posters, labels and logos you can share!

http://info.babymilkaction.org/nestlefree

Privately run Hinchingbrooke hospital in financial difficulties

Aim-listed Circle Health took over the running of Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Cambridgeshire in February. The groundbreaking 10-year deal was widely seen as paving the way for other cash-strapped NHS hospitals to be taken over by private companies. But an ambitious target to turn a projected annual deficit of £10m into break-even in the first financial year has suffered a setback and the company’s losses doubled to £4.1m in the first six months of running the hospital. Hinchingbrooke has been forced to request a £4m cash advance from the local healthcare trust. Circle receives £80m a year in 12 monthly instalments for the management contract, but it said part of this has been brought forward to ease “cash flow problems”.
FT.com 26/10/12

Soaring cost of childcare 'stops parents seeking work'

A report out this week: Counting the Costs of Childcare, by the politically independent Resolution Foundation, found that the rising cost of childcare means that going out to work full-time is now hardly worthwhile for a growing number of "second earners" in middle- and low-income families. In the most extreme case – where a second earner takes a full-time job at the minimum wage – a couple who use childcare could be left just £4 a week better off with two incomes than with one. The study finds that a family with two children in which two earners bring in a total of £44,440 could end up just £4,000 better off than a similar family earning £20,000 less, because of the combined effect of benefits, tax, tax credits and childcare costs. In some cases a family's income can fall when a second earner takes on more hours, because of the complexities of the tax and benefits regime.
The Observer 28/10/12

NHS paid £3.1bn in damages over 10 years for staff errors during childbirth

A report from the NHS Litigation Authority, which details the mistakes that occurred in 5,087 births in England between 2000 and 2010, has been described by maternity doctors as "staggering" and "a serious wake-up call".
It recommends that more senior maternity doctors need to be on duty more of the time in order to reduce the number of blunders, which can result in grave injury for the mother and brain damage to the baby. It often costs the NHS £6m or more to settle an action involving a brain-damaged baby, because their lifetime care needs as a result of their disability are so expensive.
The Guardian 27/10/12

What's On - Local Events: November 2012

Every Day

Ickworth - 50 Things to do before you're 11 and three quarters, 9am-5pm

Come to Ickworth to try out some activities every child should do before they're 11 and three quarters. Join us for a series of activities and try out some new things; eat some wild blackberries, find a geocache, build a den or climb a tree. You can also look inside a tree, make a mud pie and enjoy a wide variety of activities with friends and family. See how many things you can do at Ickworth and other National Trust properties.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth/things-to-see-and-do/events/#iframeEvents

Thursday 1 November

Denny Abbey: Children’s Activity Day – Exploding Chandeliers, 10am-4pm

In preparation for Bonfire Night celebrations. Drop-in session. No need to book. Suitable for children aged 4+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Café and shop open. Play area and picnic area. Free car parking.

http://www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk/content/events/children%e2%80%99s-activity-day-exploding-chandeliers

Wicken Fen – Family Fun Walking Trail, 10am-4.30pm

Get outdoors and closer to nature on our family trail. Your chance to tick off some more of the ‘50 Things to Do before you're 11’.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Wicken Fen: Owl Prowl, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm

Come and find out all about owls with our quiz trail, crafts and pellet investigation to find out what the owls at Wicken are eating. Booking essential.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Ickworth: Walking Festival, 11.30am-1pm

Join our walks this week with trails for the children in the gardens or join our guided parkland walk on Thursday 1 November taking in the church, medieval village, lake, walled garden and the eccentric Hervey family. Long walks and short walks for all. Lots of fun in the park this half term.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth/things-to-see-and-do/events/#iframeEvents

Ickworth: Family Fun Challenge Trail, 11am-4pm

Join our fun family trail in the woods around Ickworth with clues to solve, treasures to collect and fun challenges for all the family. Great views and great fun for the whole family including your four legged friends. Walk is approximately 3 miles long.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth/things-to-see-and-do/events/#iframeEvents

Peckover House: Halloween Trail, 12-4pm

Griselda the Witch is making some soup for Halloween. Can you help her find the spooky ingredients?

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/peckover-house/things-to-see-and-do/events/#iframeEvents

Welney Widlfowl and Wetlands Trust – Half Term Family Activities

Enjoy the start of the winter wildlife spectacle as thousands of birds migrate to the UK to stay at wetlands like WWT Welney.  Have a go at the activity stations in the pond room or take an activity clipboard (recommended donation 50p) and explore the reserve.  With discovery trail and swan feed at 3.30pm there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors at WWT Welney this half term.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/welney/whats-on/2012/10/27/half-term-family-activities/

Ely Museum: Fireworks Crafts and Autumn Fun, 11am-12.30pm

Join in with our fun crafts. Suitable for ages 4-11 years. Please purchase tickets in advance from Ely Museum.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/fireworks-crafts-and-autumn-fun-1st-november-2012

Cambridge Arts Theatre – Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, 2pm

From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience! Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, this show is guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips.

https://cambridgeartstheatre.purchase-tickets-online.co.uk/public/show.asp

Cambridge Arts Theatre – Horrible Histories: Vile Victorians, 7pm

Could you be a Victorian historian? What exactly did a baby farmer do? Can you escape the misery of the mines or the filth of the factories? Do your best to dodge to escape the rotten railway and prepare for the Charge of the Light Brigade? Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, this show is guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips.

https://cambridgeartstheatre.purchase-tickets-online.co.uk/public/show.asp

Ely Cinema: Brave (PG), 3pm

Pixar is back with a computer-animated story that evokes the classic fairy-tale formula of Disney’s early hand-drawn gems. Set in the rugged, emerald wilds of the ancient Scottish Highlands, BRAVE follows a young princess named Merida (Macdonald) as she challenges tradition and faces her destiny head on.

http://www.adec.org.uk/index.php?adec/eventdetail/brave_pg_ely_cinema

Amey Cespa: family activity sessions, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm

This autumn half-term, come and join in family activity sessions at AmeyCespa’s waste management park which promise to bring recycling to life.  These sessions will include hands-on, practical activities using waste materials as well as a chance to see parts of the site in operation. The activities are particularly aimed at children aged between six and 12 years old, but all children over the age of six are welcome. All youngsters must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential.

http://www.ameycespa.com/east/index.php?c=page&id=2454&s=more&id_pages_content=1018

Friday 2 November

Anglesey Abbey – Children's Garden Discovery Walk, 11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm

What will you discover on this wonderful walk around the Anglesey Abbey gardens? Guided by our experienced volunteers, children can discover new and exciting ways of engaging with the nature that surrounds them. Maximum of 15 children per group. Booking essential. Appropriate for age 3-7.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Kid's Crafts – Bonfire Night (March Town Hall), 10am-12pm

http://www.fenlandarts.org.uk/famain.php?page=home&area=main

March Fireworks, 5.30pm

Firework's and bonfire spectacular. This is the tenth year that All Saints Primary School has held a firework display, and the second year it has hired a professional company to light a spectacular array of pyrotechnics.

http://www.wisbechstandard.co.uk/what-s-on/autumn-fun

Wicken Fen: Family Fun Walking Trail, 10am-4.30pm

For information, see 1 November

Ickworth: Family Fun Challenge Trail, 11am-4pm

For information, see 1 November

Peckover House: Halloween Trail, 12-4pm

For information, see 1 November

Welney Widlfowl and Wetlands Trust – Half Term Family Activities

For information, see 1 November

Cambridge Arts Theatre – Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, 2pm

For information, see 1 November

Cambridge Arts Theatre – Horrible Histories: Vile Victorians, 7pm

For information, see 1 November

Amey Cespa: family activity sessions, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm

For information, see 1 November

Saturday 3 November

Wilburton Fireworks Night, 6pm

The theme this year will be Great Explorations - Explorers from the Antarctic to Space. Gates open at 6:00pm, bonfire lit at around 6:30pm, fireworks start at around 7:30pm. Please note that sparklers are not allowed at the event. As well as one of the best firework displays in the region, there will be music, fairground rides and stalls, novelties, BBQ, hot drinks and bar. Free parking.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/wilburton-fireworks-night-3rd-november-2012

Fitzwilliam Museum: Family First Saturdays, 2-4pm

On the first Saturday of each month visit our Fitz Family Welcome Point in the Courtyard and collect drawing materials, activities and trails to use throughout the museum.

http://www.visitcambridge.org/whats-on/family-first-saturdays-p534451

Botanic Gardens: Perfect Pumpkins,  11am-3pm

Create your own squashy pumpkin using felt or fake fur fabric, a plastic shopping bag as stuffing and a twig for a stalk. Part of our drop-in Family Saturdays series which take place on the first Saturday of every month.

http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/whatson/detail.shtml?uid=731544e1-7e18-4d84-ae68-23c5164cb8fd

RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes nature reserve: A Walk on the Wild Side, 2.00-3.30pm

Celebrate the highlights of autumn with us on this family wildlife walk. Crunch some leaves, join in spotting birds and hear their incredible stories of migration, and keep your eyes peeled for fungi too – it’s a wonderful time of year. Recommended for ages 7+. No need to book.

http://www.visiteastofengland.com/thedms.aspx?dms=13&feature=8&venue=0287485

Wicken Fen: Family Fun Walking Trail, 10am-4.30pm

For information, see 1 November

Ickworth: Family Fun Challenge Trail, 11am-4pm

For information, see 1 November

Peckover House: Halloween Trail, 12-4pm

For information, see 1 November

Welney Widlfowl and Wetlands Trust – Half Term Family Activities

For information, see 1 November

Cambridge Arts Theatre – Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, 10.30am and 7pm

For information, see 1 November

Cambridge Arts Theatre – Horrible Histories: Vile Victorians, 2pm

For information, see 1 November

Sunday 4 November

Wicken Fen: Family Fun Walking Trail, 10am-4.30pm

For information, see 1 November

Ickworth: Family Fun Challenge Trail, 11am-4pm

For information, see 1 November

Peckover House: Halloween Trail, 12-4pm

For information, see 1 November

Welney Widlfowl and Wetlands Trust – Half Term Family Activities

For information, see 1 November

Monday 5 November

Cambridge Fireworks Display, 6-10pm

This year's fireworks show will be held on Monday 5 November, starting at 7.30pm at Midsummer Common. A bonfire will be lit immediately after the fireworks display and the Thurston Family Fun Fair will be open from 6 to 10pm. Please do not bring fireworks or sparklers.

http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ccm/content/leisure-and-entertainment/festivals-and-events/fireworks.en

Saturday 10 November

Ely Fireworks Spectacular, 5.30-7.30pm

The annual Ely fireworks display will return to Cherry Hill Park with a bang in 2012, lighting up the skies of East Cambridgeshire. This year the city celebrates bonfire night on Saturday November 10th and rarely have the actions of Guy Fawkes and his failed 'Gunpowder Plot' been marked in such a beautiful setting. With the famous Ely Cathedral as its backdrop, it is a thrilling show of colour and noise for all the family. Gates open at 5.30pm, with the bonfire being lit at 6.15pm and the fireworks being set off at 6.45pm.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/ely-firework-spectacular-10th-november-2012

Family Fun Day (Ditton Lodge Primary School, Newmarket), 10am-1pm

A family fun day based on the Heritage theme. Activities to include: Calligraphy, Embroidery, Cake making, Nail art, Archery, Making music, Henna designs, Jewellery making. Free event.

http://www.cambridgeshire.net/event/-family-fun-day-/81193.aspx

Children’s Crafty Christmas Fayre (Bottisham Scout Hut), 11am-3pm

Bring the whole family to this Christmas event. Your children can make some fun crafty items to give as Christmas presents, including: Ceramics, Cakes, Jewellery. There will also be: Crochet Items, Cards, Face painting, Glitter tattoos, Lucky Dip, A sweet shop. Come and have a look at the stalls and have a crafty play with the kids. It’s free entry and free squash for the children.

http://www.netmums.com/south-cambridgeshire/local/view/whats-on/november/childrens-crafty-christmas-fayre

Sunday 11 November

Wicken Village Hall: Backhand Theatre Company, ‘The Reluctant Dragon’, 4pm

Backhand Theatre brings to life the classic tale of The Reluctant Dragon, the story of a boy who meets a dragon who is not your average fire-breathing monster. This wonderful tale, told with beautiful hand crafted puppets, including an elaborate 5 foot dragon and a fresh new score, is fun for all the family with comedy, puppetry and adventure.

http://www.adec.org.uk/index.php?adec/eventdetail/backhand_theatre_company_the_reluctant_dragon_act_autumn_2012

Wednesday 14 November

Wicken Fen: Mucky Pups Do ... Misty Magic, 10.30am

Pre-school trails and craft to get you into a mysterious November mood. Booking essential. This event will be suitable for pushchairs.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Wimpole Estate: Christmas Craft Fair, 10.30am-5pm

Wimpole's festive season starts up with our fantastic Christmas Craft Fair. Find unique and unusual presents from the sixty craft stalls.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/find-an-event/?c=1#iframeEvents

Friday 16 November

Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair, 10am-4pm

An exceptional Christmas shopping experience at this unique event. Whether you're looking for a special gift, accessories or decorations to complete your festive ensemble, you'll be spoilt for choice. Over 75 exhibitors will be located in the Nave in addition to a Festive Food Hall in the Magnificent Lady Chapel. Throughout the event there will be seasonal floral presentations and cookery demonstrations.  Entertainment will be provided by our own Cathedral Choirs together with performances from local choirs and groups.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/ely-cathedral-christmas-gift-food-fair-16th-17th-november-2012

Saturday 17 November

The Brook (Soham): Breakfast with the Gruffalo, 9.30-11am

Join Burrows Bookshop and The Gruffalo for a Breakfast Feast.

http://en-gb.facebook.com/events/155411857930400/

Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair, 10am-4pm

For information, see 16 November. At 2pm on Saturday, Galton Blackinston of Morston Hall, Norfolk and BBC's Saturday Kitchen and 'The Great British Menu' fame will be doing a live presentation.

Mumford Theatre: How to Catch a Star, 11.30am-1.30pm and 2.30-4.30pm

Based on the bestselling children’s book by award-winning author Oliver Jeffers. Once there was a boy and the boy loved stars very much… Every night he watched stars from his bedroom window and wished he had one of his own. One day, he decided he would try to catch a star...but first he had to think of a plan. This clever new show comes to life with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and storytelling - a must-see for small people aged 4+, and grown-up stargazers!

http://www.visitcambridge.org/whats-on/blunderbus-theatre-company-how-to-catch-a-star-p527971

Sunday 18 November

Cambridge Christmas Lights Switch On

This year’s Big Christmas Lights Switch On Event will take place on Sunday 18 November and we hope you are able to join us in the fun and festivities.

http://www.love-cambridge.co.uk/christmas_in_cambridge.htm

Saturday 24 November

Burwell Festive Craft Fair, 10am-4pm

Stock up on gorgeous handmade items, made by our talented sellers, from the local and more far afield area. From jewellery to art, from glass to felt, from jam to ceramics - you are sure to find something you love! And when you are shopped out, sit down and enjoy a scrumptious homemade cake in our cafe!

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/burwell-festive-craft-fair-24th-november-2012

Sunday 25 November

Ely Flower, Food & Craft Market – Christmas Special, 10am-4pm

Our Christmas Special Flower, Food & Craft Market takes place on Sunday 25 November 2012 on Ely Market Place from 10 am - 4 pm.  A great selection of seasonal plants and flowers with food and craft stalls and Christmas tasters and entertainment.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/flower-food-craft-market-sunday-25-november-christmas-special

Friday 30 November

 

Ely Christmas Lights Switch On, 4pm-8pm

Live stage acts, stalls/ craft fair, fun fair food and drink makes this the Biggest and Best Christmas light switch on in the area. The acts on stage start at 4.30pm and the lights go on at 6.45pm.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/ely-christmas-light-switch-30th-november-2012

Haunting Halloween Hints

What do you do for halloween?

I live in a small, child friendly cul-de-sac and my neighbours are great at halloween. Last year there were cobwebs and witches, pumpkins and spiders adorning nearly every porch. OTT? Well, maybe, but maybe not. I found it to be a sign of 'neighbourliness', an indication that we are in this together, between us we can make this fun, your kids are welcome to knock on my door - I liked it!

For me, with a three month, old this neighbourhood enthusiasm was a sign I should get prepared for visitors! I had no sweets in the house so I quickly knocked up some chocolate butterfly cakes, only instead of making a butterfly shape, I turned them into witches hats. OK, so they weren't great - I did have to explain what they were supposed to be - but everyone was impressed with my efforts none the less.

This year I have a 15 month old. I need to make a little more effort. I am going to carve a pumpkin for the first time in my adult life! I've been asking seasoned mums for hints - a pumpkin carving kit was recommended by each of them, so I have been onto a well known internet site and purchased this.

I have been searching for hints, and found some great images of brilliant carvings

But mine is probably more likely to look a bit like this

I have bought two - a practice one and another one. 

Then of course there are the treats! I feel I need to live up to my reputation of making nice cakes, but I also want to better my previous efforts... I have decided on pumpkin muffins (well, can't let all that pumpkin go to waste now can we!) which I am going to ice with white icing, and then paint on a spider  using black writing icing. Ambitious? For me maybe, but I can do a practice run on these too. I am thinking we could have visitors on Saturday night, though with the school holidays being a week later than usual this could mean that the majority of folks come on the actual day.

I'll let you know how it goes!

So what are you doing?

Any more halloween expert parents got some tips to share to help the rest of prepare?

Please comment below - or if you have your own blog and want to link in your creations before or after the big day, please use the linky below to share with us all

Review: The Pro’s and Con’s of Houseswapping

By Michelle Maurice, Vale of Evesham NCT

Probably quite a few of you out there think that the last thing you’d fancy is having someone else come and live in your house for a week. What about my stuff? What about my private paperwork? What happens if anything gets broken? And, if any of you are remotely like me, you’ll be thinking WHAT ABOUT THE MESS? I need a holiday to gather the energy before I can even begin to think about tackling it. Also, you might (like me) be feeling a little uncomfortable at the idea of sharing usually private spaces with complete strangers.

The first time my husband suggested taking advantage of the NCT houseswap scheme to me, I said no. Firmly. Resolutely. Definitely. There was just too much to worry about.

When the prospect of another holiday of just doing the same old things again loomed, however, and we faced the stark reality that no way could we realistically afford a holiday abroad/hotel/holiday cottage I started to think about it a little more seriously. And when my husband started reading out to me the different places we could visit, I was actually seriously tempted and finally began to give it proper consideration. And I’m so glad I did!

The result was a very successful houseswap to the fabulous city of Cambridge, followed by 4 further exciting houseswaps to the Isle of Portland, Bath, Bristol and Norwich. We had a fantastic time in all of these places, and our enjoyment was much boosted by the fact we could really afford to enjoy ourselves a bit because we weren’t having to foot large accommodation bills.

We were also impressed by the generosity and respect shown by all of our houseswappers – the homes we visited were clean and spotlessly tidy, and usually set up to welcome us as guests – clean bedding, towels etc – sometimes even soap! Our home was also treated with respect. One family did break a couple of mugs, and left us £5 to cover costs – which was more than enough. Amazingly, we managed to not break anything ourselves when away (a small miracle – we must have eaten out more than we realised!).

There are so many beautiful places to see in the British Isles (although the houseswap register does usually carry a couple of abroad destinations too).

 

The main pros to houseswapping are this:

1. No hotel fees/ticket-passport fees = lots of money suddenly freed up to spend on enjoying yourself. Major plus.

2. The house you’re going to is already set up for children ... exciting bedrooms filled with different books and toys  meant our son would finish one house swap and immediately demand to know where we were going on the next.

3. If the weather is bad, you have a whole house to be in – you don’t have the prospect of being desperate to leave a hotel room/holiday cottage with limited facilities. All the home comforts of ... well ... a home, are right there for you to enjoy.

4. Your house is immaculate when you return to it (see 2 below).

5. NCT houseswappers tend to be people like you. They aren’t interested in your paperwork, they will take care of your stuff, and they will put bedding in the wash/clean bathrooms etc before leaving your house at the end of the visit. (Pop a plea in your notes if you want to though!) And we’ve had (and left!) some lovely welcome packs/thank you flowers sometimes too – a really nice touch!

6. Local knowledge is on tap – all houseswappers usually leave out notes/leaflets/maps of where’s good to go. And they KNOW.

The main cons, in my experience, have been:

1. Having to tidy one’s house before going away. It’s amazing how much dust/dirt/family detritus I found when I began looking at my house through the prospective eyes of a newcomer who would be experiencing every aspect of my home – not just the living room.

2. The time it takes to clear up said dust/dirt/family detritus.

Things to discuss with houseswappers before heading for their home:

1. Are you happy to swap bedding? Towels? – We always did. It’s difficult to fit the children in the car once you’ve crammed a King Size duvet and a large suitcase in there.

2. If you are bringing your own bedding, check bed sizes!

3. Check about pets and allergies. I’m allergic to cats, but have successfully swapped to a place with 2 cats because they lived in the garage.

4. Check about pets generally – we’ve taken our dog on some swaps, but not others – not everyone is comfortable with having an animal in their house. Some swappers leave their pets in situ and I’ve heard good reports about this. We never have (our dog’s a bit barky sometimes) but one family were actually disappointed to find we’d shipped her off to our parents so they weren’t going to have her for the week!

5. Reassure them you’ll leave clear instructions/guides about the finer tuning of your heating/plumbing etc. They’ll do the same for you.

For more information, check out the NCT’s Houseswap Site – there are lots of lovely places to choose from!  Anyone up for a swap to Evesham?

http://ncthouseswap.ning.com/

http://elynct.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/member-exclusive-nct-house-swap.html

 Are you on the NCT houseswap register? What's been your experience? Let us know by commenting below.