The Race for Life are women only events that you can take part in.
Get the family involved!
Plus you get a free pack and water at the end!
Showing posts with label Bury St Edmunds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bury St Edmunds. Show all posts
Race for Life
The Race for Life are women only events that you can take part in.
Get the family involved!
Plus you get a free pack and water at the end!
Suffolk Walking Festival
Saving money on days out
I love to get out and about but it can get expensive. Here are ways that I save money on my outings:
- Become a member. If you are going to going to sights become a member. I recommend doing English Heritage one year and National Trust another. They have different types of sights so they are worth it. Also you get free parking at their locations. Another one that is worthwhile it the Historic Royal Palace Membership. You get into Tower of London ,Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace.
- Take advantage of Heritage Open Days. These are every September and sometimes you get to see things that are not open all of the time. They are also free!
- In Cambridge, there is a Bridge The Gap walk. This is a great way to view the colleges as you get into over 10 for a round £15!
- Also if you live within 12 miles of the St Mary's Church, you can get into Kings College for £10 for 3 years! You just have to get a resident's card.
- Go to local events. I love to go when there is a local festival. You don't have to buy anything but I just like to have a wander.
- Bring a picnic. I usually pack something to eat while I am out and about. Also bring a water bottle, there is always somewhere to fill up. You can even bring food in to the cinema as long as it is not hot.
- Remember when I said collect your Tescos Club Card and Nectar points and not use them on food? You get a better value if you use them for days out. I always try to see where we can go on a voucher.
- Many museums are free and really good ideas for rainy days!
- Go for walks, there are so many footpaths, look one up and get out there!
Hope this gets you started on planning your next day out!
Kimx
American to Britain
Gourmet Burger
I just ate at Gourmet Burger when we went to Nottingham for the weekend. It was a very interesting approach to burgers, I should know, I eat a lot of them!
You pick what type of meat you want and then can pick the sides and toppings so it suits you.
I had the Wild Boar with sweet potatoes chips and it was amazing!
If you love your burgers, like I do, this place is for you!
You pick what type of meat you want and then can pick the sides and toppings so it suits you.
I had the Wild Boar with sweet potatoes chips and it was amazing!
If you love your burgers, like I do, this place is for you!
Thankful for free events!
As much as I love the sun and warm weather, my favorite time of the year is Autumn rolling into the winter. The reason why is during the summer you struggle to meet up with friends because everyone is so busy going on holiday and trying to make the most of the warm weather so I find that I get together with friends in the later part of the year.
Here are some free things going on in the next few months:
September
October
November
Here are some free things going on in the next few months:
September
October
November
- Bonfire Night- All over the place
- Remembrance Day- All over but you can get into Duxford Air Museum for free
- Veteran's Day at Cambridge Madingley American Memorial Cemetery
- Bury Christmas Fayre
December
Please get out there!
Schools
It is mandatory for children to be schooled between the ages of 5 and 16, although some arrangements are made for children under 5, and many pupils remain at school beyond the minimum leaving age.
British schools observe British holidays, not American ones. School terms (3 per year) start the 1st week of September to a week before Christmas, then begin again the first week of January until Easter, starting the summer term after Easter and going on to mid-July. There is a week off school for half-term in each of the three terms.
Autumn
• September to December
• Half term- end of October
• 2-week Christmas break
Spring
• January to Easter
• Half-term- mid February
• 3 weeks off for Easter
Summer
• After Easter to Mid July
• Half-term- May
• 6 weeks off for summer holiday
Below is a comparison chart of American/British grade levels:
American Grade British Year
Kindergarten 1
1 2
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 6
6 7
British schools observe British holidays, not American ones. School terms (3 per year) start the 1st week of September to a week before Christmas, then begin again the first week of January until Easter, starting the summer term after Easter and going on to mid-July. There is a week off school for half-term in each of the three terms.
Autumn
• September to December
• Half term- end of October
• 2-week Christmas break
Spring
• January to Easter
• Half-term- mid February
• 3 weeks off for Easter
Summer
• After Easter to Mid July
• Half-term- May
• 6 weeks off for summer holiday
Below is a comparison chart of American/British grade levels:
American Grade British Year
Kindergarten 1
1 2
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 6
6 7
7 8
8 9
9 10
10 11
11 12
12 13
Although it is only mandatory for children to begin school at the age of five, there are other options you have to start them early. When you enroll them in the following options they begin to teach them to read and other subjects to prep them for school unlike in American nurseries and preschool.
• Day nurseries:
8 9
9 10
10 11
11 12
12 13
Although it is only mandatory for children to begin school at the age of five, there are other options you have to start them early. When you enroll them in the following options they begin to teach them to read and other subjects to prep them for school unlike in American nurseries and preschool.
• Day nurseries:
- Provide care for children 6 months to 5 years old
- Open long hours and school holidays
- Private- Must pay fee to enroll children
• Pre-schools or play groups
- Led by trained staff
- Aided by parents
- Care for children from 2 to 4 years old
- Sessions last up to 3 hours per day, usually inexpensive
• Nursery schools
- State or privately run
- Stand alone schools- follow a particular teaching school.
- Cares for children from 3 to five years old
- Children attend for five half days
According to the Status of Forces Agreement USAFE families are welcome to use British state (public) schools, and, in doing so, are bound by the same rules that govern the British. Americans tend to put their younger children into British primary (elementary) schools, while their older children go the schools on base. The US and UK college systems are very different, and the American high school is better able to prepare American teenagers for their own system.
English school hours are typically:
Primary
• 0900 to 1500
Middle/Upper
• 0830 to 1530
Schools in England require children to wear uniforms to school. Primary uniform is usually fairly simple, polo shirts and sweatshirts in school colors and purchased inexpensively via the school office. The school will inform you their requirements and it differs between schools.
Primary
• 0900 to 1500
Middle/Upper
• 0830 to 1530
Schools in England require children to wear uniforms to school. Primary uniform is usually fairly simple, polo shirts and sweatshirts in school colors and purchased inexpensively via the school office. The school will inform you their requirements and it differs between schools.
As you can imagine, they also grade the schools differently. The link to get more information on how they rate schools and you can look up the schools you are looking to enroll your children: www.ofsted.gov.uk
Many American parents see a few years spent in a British school as an excellent experience for their children. Places can usually be found at local schools, though not always at the school nearest to home, as this part of the country has a steady influx of young British families and has shown a consistent pattern of growth for the last fifteen years.
There is no point in looking for a school until you have a house. We can give you a list of the local schools. Call the school and speak to either the head teacher or the school secretary, who will make an appointment for you to visit the school with your child. Schools have no specific registration day. Each child is registered when necessary.
The bases runs a school bus service, so before you find a home, you might want to make sure that the bus comes to that area so you can get your children to school. Contact the School Bus Office at Lakenheath School Bus Office Registration- 01638-526584 and Feltwell School Bus Registration at 01638-527810.
Many American parents see a few years spent in a British school as an excellent experience for their children. Places can usually be found at local schools, though not always at the school nearest to home, as this part of the country has a steady influx of young British families and has shown a consistent pattern of growth for the last fifteen years.
There is no point in looking for a school until you have a house. We can give you a list of the local schools. Call the school and speak to either the head teacher or the school secretary, who will make an appointment for you to visit the school with your child. Schools have no specific registration day. Each child is registered when necessary.
The bases runs a school bus service, so before you find a home, you might want to make sure that the bus comes to that area so you can get your children to school. Contact the School Bus Office at Lakenheath School Bus Office Registration- 01638-526584 and Feltwell School Bus Registration at 01638-527810.
Swimming Pools
I know that there aren't any swimming pools on base but some of the ones off base are so much better than what you probably would get on base. Here are a few in the local area:
- Brandon Leisure Centre
- Mildenhall Leisure Centre
- Mildenhall Swimming Pool
- Newmarket Leisure Centre- has a great gym too!
- Bottisham Leisure Centre
- Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre
- Ely- Paradise Swimming Pool
- Jesus Green Lido (one of the biggest in England)
Brownies
 |
| Girl Guiding Centenary |
I really enjoy helping the girls improve in their confidence and watching them grow. It is a boy free zone where they can be secure in who they are. I cannot wait to have children and get them involved with a group such as this. The women I work with are my friends and I have been involved with so many great events that would have never happened if I hadn't been in search of volunteer work. We do crafts, take trips and have parties. We do not sell the traditional American Girl Scout cookies here.
Every year we celebrate Thinking Day for the creation of Girl Guiding. Lord Robert Baden-Powell was starting up scouts in 1907 for boys and girls showed up to the First Boy Scout Rally in 1909 wanting to join too. He put his sister, Lady Agnes Baden-Powell, in charge of The Girl Guides Association in 1910 and the rest is history. There are now Girl Guides and Girls Scouts in over 145 countries in the world (the American Girl Scouts are a spawn from the British verison).
If you have a daughter between the ages of 7-10 years old I would suggest you have her join a local brownies group. It will be beneficial for the culture and the confidence she will receive. If you are looking for a local group, contact the Girls Guiding Anglia and they can point you in the right direction.
The scouts over here do allow girls so if you think she might prefer that atmosphere, contact them.
Bury St Edmunds Challenge
The Great Barrow Challenge
The challenges are:
- Walk - 6,10,15 or the full 26.5 miles per day
- Run - 6,10,15 or the full 26.5 miles per day
- Cycle - 30, 60 or the full 125 miles per day
The event is based around raising funds for Help for Heroes. An organization that raises money for wounded service men and women.
However, it is entirely up to the individual or group to choose what they wish to do, some options are:
- To raise money for our suggested charity Help for Heroes.
- To raise money for any charity or legal cause of your choice.
- Take part for a personal challenge, fitness or simply for the enjoyment or being part of something special.
So come and join us to see a view of England you can't replicate and challenge yourself.
Race for Life
The Race for Life are women only events that you can take part in.
Get the family involved!
Plus you get a free pack and water at the end!
Suffolk Walking Festival
The Bull Inn
The Bull Inn in Woolpit outside of Bury St Edmunds is a very nice pub and serves great food. Jon and I were supposed to be at a dinner across the street but arrived so late, we felt embarrassed so we went to dinner at The Bull Inn instead. It is another one of those pubs with character and off the beaten path.
Lackford Lakes
Although you cannot bring your dog, you can take a walk around and see nature as it should be with beautiful flowers and amazing wildlife. There are otters, ducks and dragonflies!
They have regular events and courses for adults and children. These cost money but other wise it is free to visit.
This is a great place to bring the children, they can watch the feeding stations from the visitor centre which also has a children's area to enhance their learning. There are also circular walks that are available to stretch the little legs and tire them out.
How lucky are we to have something so close!
West Stow
West Stow is an Anglo-Saxon village near Bury St Edmunds which is where you can walk around and see how they may have lived. It has been reconstructed on an area that was previously excavated.
They have a lot of different events and because you can touch and try the furniture and other items out it makes learning about them fun!
You can make a day of it and walk around the 125 acre park as well. Dogs are not permitted.
You can get an unlimited visit Heritage ticket for a year for both West Stow and Moyes Hall for only £7, a great value!
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Country Park
The Visitor Centre
Icklingham Road
West Stow
Bury St Edmunds
IP28 6HG
Parks
Thankful for the Markets
I don't really use the markets as much as I should. I am currently taking part in a course called, Carbon Conversations, so that I can reduce the amount of carbon I contribute, I know I am just one person but I want to do my bit. Buying local food not only reduces the distance you food travels, but then you can eat foods that are in season and help out the local farms and business people, sounds like a win-win to me!
I am very fortunate that Cambridge has their market everyday of the week. I went last week to get my bits for Thanksgiving (yup, I still celebrate it) and really got some good fresh vegetables. I was trying to make a pumpkin pie but I have two problems, one- you can't get the pumpkin pie filling in the can and two- I am allergic to milk and soya so I couldn't have it if I can get it. So I initially was going to try it with butternut squash but they had cooking pumpkins (suggested by the stall holder). I like that being able to talk to someone which seems rare in today's world when you need some help. It turned out okay but its not the same but I wouldn't expect it to be most dairy-free recipes are close but never exactly the same. The good thing is all my guests were British so they didn't know what it should taste like:)
I got my other bits and had bought the turkey from the local butcher. Who was very knowledgeable and has helped me to cook two perfect turkeys.
Where I work now, they have bus that will take you into the centre of town at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I get off early on Fridays so I think I might have to make using the markets a more regular things.
That way I can know that not only am I reducing my carbon footprint, helping out the locals but I am getting good food that is very fresh.
So maybe you can't make it every week, but do try to use the local markets for your fruit and vegetables. I think that they are also cheaper than what you will get in the supermarkets and definitely fresher than the produce you will find on base.
I am very fortunate that Cambridge has their market everyday of the week. I went last week to get my bits for Thanksgiving (yup, I still celebrate it) and really got some good fresh vegetables. I was trying to make a pumpkin pie but I have two problems, one- you can't get the pumpkin pie filling in the can and two- I am allergic to milk and soya so I couldn't have it if I can get it. So I initially was going to try it with butternut squash but they had cooking pumpkins (suggested by the stall holder). I like that being able to talk to someone which seems rare in today's world when you need some help. It turned out okay but its not the same but I wouldn't expect it to be most dairy-free recipes are close but never exactly the same. The good thing is all my guests were British so they didn't know what it should taste like:)
I got my other bits and had bought the turkey from the local butcher. Who was very knowledgeable and has helped me to cook two perfect turkeys.
Where I work now, they have bus that will take you into the centre of town at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I get off early on Fridays so I think I might have to make using the markets a more regular things.
That way I can know that not only am I reducing my carbon footprint, helping out the locals but I am getting good food that is very fresh.
So maybe you can't make it every week, but do try to use the local markets for your fruit and vegetables. I think that they are also cheaper than what you will get in the supermarkets and definitely fresher than the produce you will find on base.
Thankful for Sundays
I love that Sundays here are a family day and that there is a preservation of having a day of rest in the week from everything. I like that the shopping hours are limited but 6 hours is plenty of time to do and 'emergency' shopping and most corner shops are open longer in case you need to get milk or other staples items.
During the summer we go to the sailing club and walk the dog around the River Cam, have a leisurely lunch and wind down. I love seeing the families out walking along the paths spending time together. I personally feel that we all need a break from the go, go, go mindset and hope that you will enjoy the downtime and spend time with your family. It doesn't have to cost anything either. During the months when the weather is good you can picnic in the park or walk along the footpaths. When the weather is bad, you can go to the free museums or stay home playing games, watching movies but I think being with each other is important. We are often so busy, coming home only to leave to go somewhere else and we need to reconnect frequently, I know I am just like you with my calendar filled to the brim.
I even try to unplug myself from my computer on Sundays, I think 6 days is enough of time being spent on here.
So I hope that you will unplug and enjoy the day with your family and rest because I know you have a lot on the coming week.
During the summer we go to the sailing club and walk the dog around the River Cam, have a leisurely lunch and wind down. I love seeing the families out walking along the paths spending time together. I personally feel that we all need a break from the go, go, go mindset and hope that you will enjoy the downtime and spend time with your family. It doesn't have to cost anything either. During the months when the weather is good you can picnic in the park or walk along the footpaths. When the weather is bad, you can go to the free museums or stay home playing games, watching movies but I think being with each other is important. We are often so busy, coming home only to leave to go somewhere else and we need to reconnect frequently, I know I am just like you with my calendar filled to the brim.
I even try to unplug myself from my computer on Sundays, I think 6 days is enough of time being spent on here.
So I hope that you will unplug and enjoy the day with your family and rest because I know you have a lot on the coming week.
Moyes Hall
It was built in 1180. It used to be a tavern and a 'gaol'.
You can also buy a heritage ticket for £7 which provides you with unlimited visits to West Stow and Moyse's Hall. See more here.
You can also buy a heritage ticket for £7 which provides you with unlimited visits to West Stow and Moyse's Hall. See more here.
Moyse's Hall Museum
Cornhill
Bury St Edmunds
IP33 1DX
01284 757160
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