What's On - Local Events: February 2013

Saturday 2 February

Cambridge Corn Exchange: Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom, 1.00pm and 4.00pm

From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation for the first time ever live on stage! Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter on an enchanting journey through the Magical Kingdom. With actors, masks and colourful costumes this beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family.

http://www.cornex.co.uk/ccm/cornex/2013/ben-and-holly.en

Fitzwilliam Museum: Family First Saturdays, 2.00-4.00pm

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

Cambridge Botanic Garden: Plant People, 11.00am-3.00pm

Create giant plant people using lots of fun techniques including printing, sponge painting and collage. Drop-in, no booking required.

http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Event.aspx?p=27&ix=332&pid=2718&prcid=0&ppid=2718

Sunday 3 February

Cambridge Corn Exchange: Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom, 10.00am and 1.00pm

For information, see 2 February

Saturday 9 February

Cambridge Central Library: National Libraries Day - Pirate Party! 11.00am-1.00pm

Part of our ‘National Libraries Day’ celebations, a FREE story and craft event for children and their families. Come and have some piraty fun creating your own pirate hats, eye patches and treasure chests! Listen to pirate stories and sing along to pirate songs. All materials provided.

http://www.cambridgeshire.net/event/national-libraries-day--pirate-party/27894.aspx

St Ives Library: National Libraries Day - Children's Art Activity, 10.00am-12.00

Children's art activity.  Come and join in the fun and be creative!

http://www.cambridgeshire.net/event/national-libraries-day--love-your-libraries--childrens-art-activity/87649.aspx

Sunday 10 February

Kettle’s Yard: Studio Sundays, 1.00-4.00pm

Drop in practical art workshops for all ages. Join us to make your own artwork inspired by our exhibitions and collection. A chance to explore, chat, sketch, make and play. Try out our great new PropsBox of family-friendly activities: www.propsbox.org.uk

http://www.visitcambridge.org/whats-on/studio-sundays-p540311

Monday 11 February

Cambridge Botanic Garden: Crafty Gardens Workshop, 10.30am-12.00 and 1.30-3.00pm

Join family garden expert, Dawn Isaac, for a garden crafts session making beautiful tea-light candle holders and bird feeders. Dawn is a family garden designer and author of the recent book, Garden Crafts for Children. Booking required.

http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Event.aspx?p=27&ix=343&pid=2718&prcid=0&ppid=2718

March Town Hall: Kid’s Crafts

The Kids Craft activities have become extremely popular, to guarantee a seat we advise that you book in advance, we can then reserve a space for you and your child.

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

Tuesday 12 February

Cambridge Folk Museum: Half Term Trail – George's Marvellous Medicine

Uh oh! George is cooking up another marvellous medicine for his grumpy grandma and needs to find some ingredients. Can you help him find all the things he needs to make her a marvellously magical cup of tea? Self-guided museum trail, free with price of admission.

http://www.folkmuseum.org.uk/page.php?id=275

Wednesday 13 February

Ely Museum Half Term Activity: Story Writing Workshop, 10.00am-1.00pm

Story writing workshop led by Michael Rouse- author of 'Fens End' and new book 'The Ghosts of Fens End'. Write a short story inspired by Ely Museum, maybe with a ghostly theme? Recommended age 10 - 14 years. FREE Workshop - please book your place in advance at Ely Museum.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/half-term-activity-story-writing-workshop-13th-february-2013

Wicken Fen: Mucky Pups...Feathery February, 10.15-11.45am

Join our regular Mucky Pups sessions to discover all about the birds of Wicken Fen. What noises do they make, do they dance, and how do they build their nests?

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

Wimpole Estate: Make you own Bird Feeder, 10.30am-4.00pm

A drop in session to create a simple bird feeder to help your garden birds through the last of the winter. Family activity in the stable block. Drop in any time. Suitable for children aged 5-12 years.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Ely Cinema: Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings (U), 3pm

The fifth in Disney’s delightful Tinkerbell franchise sees Mae Whitman again voicing the title role, with Lucy Liu as her secret twin. Tink discovers a winter fairyland which offers much adventure.

http://www.adec.org.uk/index.php?adec/eventdetail/3pm_tinker_bell_and_the_secret_of_the_wings_u_ely_cinema_tickets_on_sale_so

Cambridge Folk Museum: Half Term Trail – George's Marvellous Medicine

For information, see 12 February

Cambridge Folk Museum: A Grand Day Out, 10.30am-12.00 and 1.00-2.30pm

Calling all Grandparents! Looking for something to do with your grandchildren this February half term? Come to the Folk Museum for a FREE workshop with local artist, Karen Jinks, and make a fabulous family memory book inspired by your best days out. Bring photos or souvenirs from your grand days out to give you ideas for your amazing makes. Aimed at grandparents with grandchildren aged 3+. Booking essential.

Wednesday 13 February – Twilight at the Museums

As darkness falls, the fun begins. Create glow-in-the-dark artworks, enter illuminated glasshouses and explore Cambridge museums and collections by torchlight. A mixture of free drop-in and bookable events are taking place from 4.30pm on Wednesday 13th February 2013. Here are some of them. Check out the University of Cambridge Museums website for other events: www.cam.ac.uk/museums/twilight

Denny Abbey: Light & Dark at Denny Abbey, 4.30-7.30pm

An evening of different sensations in the evocative setting of Denny Abbey. Above you, the twilight darkening into night, uncluttered by street lights and city noise. At ground level, in the lee of the centuries old abbey, a pathway of sparkling lights leads visitors on the trail around the site, towards the Visitors’ Centre where families can make coloured lanterns to light them on their way, perhaps towards the abbey itself to hear a reading of the Denny ghost story…, and perhaps later towards the tea room for some warming refreshment. Wrap up warm and bring a torch, and come prepared to enjoy an evening of unusual experiences. FREE ENTRY (Recommended – bring a torch!)

http://www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk/content/events/light-dark-at-denny-abbey

Cambridge Botanic Garden: Twilight – Deep Dark Plant Safari, 4.30-7.30pm (drop-in)

The Garden stays open after dark on Wednesday 13 February for this year's Twilight at the Museums (and the Garden!). So if you have ever wondered what happens in the Glasshouse Range when the lights go out, bring a torch and find out on our Deep Dark Plant Safari. While the rest of the Garden is sleeping, the Glasshouses will come alive with atmospheric lights. Why not take our expert explorer challenge and pick up a Deep Dark Plant Safari passport to guide you through the Glasshouses. All ages welcome, drop in anytime after 4.30pm (last entry at 7pm). Admission is free to the Garden after 4.30 for those coming to Twilight. Plus, great news, the Garden Café is staying open late until 7.30pm and is putting together a great menu for children, plus the usual range of hot drinks and meals to warm you up on a cold night exploring! Just turn up with a torch!

http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Event.aspx?p=27&ix=344&pid=2718&prcid=0&ppid=2718

Twilight at Cambridge Folk Museum: Eye Openers, 5.30-7.30pm

Use mirrors, torches, zoetropes, kaleidoscopes and more to create magical patterns and pictures that confuse our brains! Explore the museum and trick your eyes with confusing colours, puzzling patterns and strange shapes that will leave you wondering what’s real and what’s an illusion? Pre-book only.

http://www.folkmuseum.org.uk/page.php?id=277

Kettle’s Yard: The Glow Must Go On, 4.30pm and 6.00pm

We’ll start in the house with drawing activities and then move to the Education Studio to transform our sketches into a massive ‘glow in the dark’ artwork. Each session is 90 minutes. Booking essential.

http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/education/kids_families/index.php

University Museum of Zoology: Twilight at the Museums, 4.30-7.30pm

Discover a world of spooky animal sounds, glowing creatures and the animals that come out at night. Make your own glow worm, learn how animals ‘see’ in the dark, guess the mystery objects, and follow the trail of fireflies around the museum to explore the the wildlife of the world’s forests. No need to book.

http://www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk/events/

Thursday 14 February

Denny Abbey: Family Activity Day, 12.00-4.00pm

For those who missed the previous evening’s extravaganza, a chance to take part in the ‘Light & Dark’ trail, and to make your own lantern that you can test out at home. This event is part of our regular Family Activity Days. Drop-in session. No need to book. Suitable for children aged 4+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

http://www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk/content/events/light-dark

Ely Museum Half Term Fun: Roses are Red, 11.00am-12.30pm

Come and join in with our fun Valentines craft activities. Make red roses, decorate biscuits, make arrows and more.....Also the chance to see delightful antique Valentines cards. Suitable for ages 5 - 11 years. Booking essential. Please purchase your tickets in advance from Ely Museum.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/half-term-fun-roses-are-red-14th-february-2013

Wicken Fen: Mucky Pups...Feathery February, 10.15-11.45am

For information, see 13 February

Wimpole Estate: Woodland Crafts, 10.30am-4.00pm

Come and make woodland crafts from natural materials found at Wimpole. Activity taking place in the Stable Block. Suitable for children aged 5-12.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Bluntisham Village Hall: Rumplestiltskin, 7.30pm

It's pantomime time again, and do we have an action-packed story for you? Oh yes we do! We have a fair maiden who can spin flax into gold. We have a handsome prince and some ever-so-brave Knights of the Square Table who risk life and limb most days to serve their demanding King! We have ghostly zombies lurking in The Forest of Despair – and if that’s not all, we have an evil little gnome who is making terrible threats. If we can’t guess his name – well, something dreadful could happen. It’s touch & go but we’re hoping it will all end happily ever after. Come and join us to find out! Cabaret-style table seating (please bring your own refreshments). Raffle during interval.

http://bacstage.net/

March Town Hall: Batman the Panto, 7.30pm

Join crime fighters Batman and Robin as they fight to save the local school Pantomime from being infiltrated by the villainous Joker, Riddler and Catwoman in an attempt to break The Penguin out of Whitewash Prison.

http://www.cambridgeshire.net/event/batman-the-panto/87473.aspx

Cambridge Folk Museum: Half Term Trail – George's Marvellous Medicine

For information, see 12 February

Friday 15 February

Bluntisham Village Hall: Rumplestiltskin, 7.30pm

For information, see 14 February

March Town Hall: Batman the Panto, 2.30pm and 7.30pm

For information, see 14 February

Cambridge Folk Museum: Half Term Trail – George's Marvellous Medicine

For information, see 12 February

Saturday 16 February

Welney WWT: Half-Term Family Activities

Join us for the last chance to see the thousands of swans and ducks before they start to migrate. Don’ t miss the famous swan feeds, explore the reserve with our migration magic discovery trail, keep busy with activity stations in the pond room, or get out and about with the activity clipboards.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/welney/whats-on/2013/02/16/half-term-family-activities/

Bluntisham Village Hall: Rumplestiltskin, 2.30pm matinee and 7.30pm

For information, see 14 February

March Town Hall: Batman the Panto, 7.30pm

For information, see 14 February

Cambridge Folk Museum: Half Term Trail – George's Marvellous Medicine

For information, see 12 February

Sunday 17 February

Welney WWT: Half-Term Family Activities

For information, see 16 February

Cambridge Folk Museum: Half Term Trail – George's Marvellous Medicine

For information, see 12 February

Monday 18 February

Welney WWT: Half-Term Family Activities

For information, see 16 February

Tuesday 19 February

Welney WWT: Half-Term Family Activities

For information, see 16 February

Wednesday 20 February

Welney WWT: Half-Term Family Activities

For information, see 16 February

Thursday 21 February

Ickworth: Bug Hotel and Wildlife Area Fun, 11.00am-3.00pm

Join us in the wildlife area and help us build mini bug hotels and develop the wildlife area to make it a great habitat for lots of different creatures. Take a mini bug hotel home for your garden and complete one of your '50 Things to do before you're 11 and 3/4' challenge.

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

Welney WWT: Half-Term Family Activities

For information, see 16 February

Friday 22 February

Ickworth: Bug Hotel and Wildlife Area Fun, 11.00am-3.00pm

For information, see 21 February

Welney WWT: Half-Term Family Activities

For information, see 16 February

Saturday 23 February

Welney WWT: Half-Term Family Activities

For information, see 16 February

Sunday 24 February

Welney WWT: Half-Term Family Activities

For information, see 16 February

Kettle’s Yard: Studio Sundays, 1.00-4.00pm

For information, see 10 February

UK study looks at language development in babies

Researchers at the University of Lincoln are creating a new guide to decoding baby talk. About 1,500 babies aged eight to 18 months are taking part in the survey, which is the first of its kind. Kerstin Meints, from the university, said: "We are creating a large database of children to get an idea of how many words they understand and say at what age." It is hoped the study will help to identify language problems from an earlier age and become a useful tool for speech therapists.

Watch BBC video here 29/1/13

Review: Baby and Toddler Groups

Thank goodness for baby and toddler groups! A lot of the time, it’s the only adult contact I have during the day! Of course, it’s nice for my little girl, Maria, to get out of the house for a change of scenery too! As she doesn’t go to nursery, I’ve been keen for her to go to a couple of groups a week to meet and play with other children. We haven’t been to as many as we’d like as most groups meet in the mornings and, until recently, Maria was having a morning nap – very inconvenient! But now she’s cut that nap out, a whole new world has opened up to us!

At the moment, we mainly go to the groups in Stretham, where we live. But I’m hoping to venture a bit further and try some others. The only problem is – there are so many to choose from!

As you can see on our ‘Local Baby and Toddler Activities and Groups’ page, there are lots of groups on everyday in and around the Ely area.

So, what are they like?

I’ve written a short review of the groups in Stretham below. And it would be great if you could help us add to this. Which groups have you been to? Have you enjoyed them and would you recommend them to others? Let us know by emailing hannahlazarus at hotmail dot co dot uk and we’ll add your review here!

Little Bears

Day: Every Monday during term-time

Time: 9.30-11am

Location: St James’ Church, Stretham

Age: 0-4 years old, accompanied by parent/carer

Charge: Suggested donation of £2

We’ve only just started going to this group as Maria has recently cut out her morning nap. She has a great time here! There are lots of toys set up for the children and some craft activities for the older ones. Refreshments are supplied for adults and children – hot and cold drinks and snacks. Baby changing facilities are available. At the end, the vicar leads a story and singalong session. A great way to beat the Monday morning blues!

Monday Fun Days

Day: First and third Mondays of each month

Time: 1.30-2.45pm

Location: Stretham Parish Rooms

Age: 0-4 years old, accompanied by parent/carer

Charge: Free

This group is run by Sutton Children’s Centre. This was the perfect group when my daughter was around 6-14 months old. At this time, she was having a morning and mid-afternoon nap, so this slotted in quite nicely. Most other groups were in the morning. But now she’s having one nap after lunch, so we’re unlikely to make it over the next few months, which is a shame because we really enjoyed it!

This group has lots of different ‘stations’ set up for children with a playmat and toys for babies, and toys, books and activities for toddlers – it’s very informal and up to you and your children what you do! There are always some craft activities for the older ones. During the last 15 minutes, everyone gets together for a sing-song! The only downside to this group is the lack of baby changing facilities in the parish rooms. The Children’s Centre staff are very interactive and make the effort to talk to everybody – a great chance to discuss any issues you have, learn more about what the Children’s Centre are doing, or just have a chat with an adult!

Tiddlywinks Tots

Day: Every Wednesday during term-time

Time: 1.15-3.00pm

Location: Tiddlywinks Pre-School (within Stretham Primary School)

Age: 0-4 years old, accompanied by parent/carer

Charge: £1-£2

This is a lovely informal environment for children to play. As a pre-school, it’s perfectly set up for small children. There are plenty of toys, books and equipment and there is always some messy play and/or craft activity each week. Refreshments are provided for adults and children. In the last 30 minutes, the table is set out for snack time and each child gets a snack and a drink. If you live in Stretham, I think this is a great group for small children as it means pre-school and primary school will be a familiar place.

Rise in birth rates - but Mothercare loses market share

The UK is experiencing its biggest baby boom since 1971. The Office for National Statistics said last week that 723,913 babies were born in 2011, with hotspots in the south-east of England seeing birth rates up by more than 50%.  But Mothercare is losing market share to the likes of Tesco and Asda at one end, and upmarket boutiques such as Petit Bateau and JoJo Maman Bébé at the other.

Honor Westnedge of retail analyst Verdict says: "We've seen the average age of first-time mothers increase, and older mothers tend to spend more on their children because they have more disposable income. Nothing is too good for their baby." The number of first-time mothers aged over 35 has jumped by 44% over the past 10 years, with those over 40 up 84%. Average spending in infantswear has gone up over the same period from £334 a child in 2002 to £435 in 2012. With the market now worth £1.4bn a year, it's no wonder supermarkets are increasing their ranges of bibs, vests and outfits.

But Mothercare has a plan. A year ago Mothercare poached Simon Calver from film website LoveFilm as its new chief executive, with a nod to its online ambitions. Calver will also take the axe to many of Mothercare's high street stores, focusing on out-of-town shopping centres, where a trip can be a day out. Its flagship store in Edmonton, north London, now boasts a Costa Coffee shop, private ultrasound service and baby and toddler activities.

27th January 2013 The Guardian

More Fun in the Snow!

Well it seems that there are plenty of budding photographers out there! We've had a fantastic response to our request for snowy Ely pictures and Lynsey Jones has kindly sent us some more! 

Ely Cathedral looking as atmospheric as ever!

The horses were enjoying themselves!

So were the ducks...

...and the geese!

Lynsey's son, Jacob, looking out of the window - in the warm!

It looks like we've got about two days of the white stuff left before it all melts into a soggy mess! If you capture anymore lovely snowy moments before then, please let us know!