LOCAL INFORMATION for parents of 0-12 year olds in HUDDERSFIELD DEWSBURY HALIFAX BRIGHOUSE TODMORDEN LITTLEBOROUGH OLDHAM ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE SADDLEWORTH Happy !

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ors do this ut S o p t r i e n

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WHAT’S ON NEW over EASTER FAMILY LIFE PAGE

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2 www.familiesonline.co.uk WELCOME Spring has sprung!

I can’t believe I’ve been with the magazine for a year now. That’s really flown by! I do hope you like what we’ve done with the magazine. IN THIS We’d love to hear your feedback, what you’d like 04 06 to see more of, so feel free to drop me a line at ISSUE NEWS FAMILY LIFE [email protected] or tweet or facebook us!

In this issue, we’ve introduced a new Family Life page which will feature information on anything relating to parenting, health and just general family life. If you have any suggestions or would like to feature on this page do get in touch.

Our education pages are packed with useful information on how to improve homework time, how to spot the signs of dyscalculia, and how to prepare your child for exams. 7 EDUCATION 10 OUTDOORS 12 With lots of events and activities taking place during the Easter AND CHILDCARE THIS SPRING EASTER holidays, your children will have no excuse to get bored. The Easter 06-Pavel Ilyukhin/Shutterstock.com 07-Explore Learning / Dominic James Bunny will be bouncing around the region, eggs will be hidden, plus there will be lots of places to go to see baby animals and enjoy the Spring outdoors. I’m looking forward to going on some al fresco FAMILIES PENNINES adventures with the family! Editor: Emily Raleigh 07974 401663 Have a great Easter! [email protected] www.familiesonline.co.uk

@FamiliesPenn /FamiliesPennines

CIRCULATION 20,000 DEADLINE Early April 2017 Emily Raleigh Editor, FRONT COVER Just Play Photography, www.justplay.photography Families Pennines DESIGNED BY Theresa McDermott, 07462 961793, www.designedbytree.com PRINTED BY Russell Press, 0115 9784505, www.russellpress.com

Copyright Families Pennines March / April 2017 Families Pennines is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines

Anna Tyukhmeneva/Shutterstock.com Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Pennines are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. COVER Inset image – ArtMarie/Shutterstock.com COVER Inset image – iStock.com/ ArtMarie

www.familiesonline.co.uk 3 News Eureka! still as popular as ever Huddersfield Literature Festival is back

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum has Do you love books?

revealed their numbers have steadily risen and are Then why not head to It’s RED NOSE DAY holding fast at 289,000, despite a national decline of on 24 March. this year’s Huddersfield over 2 million museum visitors last year. Literature Festival To find out how you which is being held at Museums have also seen a 6% fall in schoolchildren can get involved, go to various venues across visiting museums and attractions, largely attributed www.rednoseday.com. Huddersfield between to the increasing challenges schools face including 4-19 March. Since 2006, time restrictions and funding, rising transport costs and its growing success has security fears. However, school visits at Eureka! increased turned it into a major event in the by 6% in 2016, accounting for around 12 per cent of overall literary world calendar. From workshops, visitor numbers. comedy nights and theatre to talks with Eureka! Chief Executive best-selling authors, including Joanne Leigh-Anne Stradeski, Harris and Ian Rankin, it’s not to be said: “Museums have to missed! challenge themselves to For more information, go to stay relevant and that’s www.litfest.org.uk why we’re investing in Eureka! in 2017 with a brand new flexible gallery space. This will initially host an international digital Fairtrade football supports better working conditions arts touring exhibition, a first for us, showing that Thanks to the fairandfunky team Around 70% of the world’s hand 25 years since opening we for our football. We love it! We stitched sports balls are made are still as relevant to our are very lucky to have just one in Pakistan, and Bala balls are audience as ever.” of 50 limited edition balls that made in two of the six Fairtrade were made by workers in factories. Currently less than This year Eureka! celebrates its 25th birthday and a quarter Pakistan. fairand- a quarter of the 6 million century of learning through play. funky worked or so sports balls sold with cooperative in the UK each year For more news, visit Families Online: Bala Sports to are Fairtrade certified. www.familiesonline.co.uk/news produce the balls Bala exists to increase to help make a that amount in order for difference to the more and more workers lives of the workers to benefit from the Fairtrade Don’t forget to wear a hat on 31 March in aid who hand-make up to 3 to system on an ongoing basis. 4 balls a day – from better pay to of Brain Tumour Research. For more For more information go to improved working conditions. information, go to www.braintumourresearch.org. www.fairandfunky.com

Independent family-run garden centre and bistro café Gardening... Homeware... Eat... Drink... Relax... Outdoor play... Kids’ craft events... Parties

Totties, Downshutts Lane, Holmfirth HD9 1AU (2 mins from A635 at New Mill) Open 7 days www.tottiesgardencentre.co.uk 01484 680227

4 www.familiesonline.co.uk NEWS

Le Tour de Yorkshire returns!

Is the Tour coming near you? Taking place across the May bank holiday weekend, this free region-wide event is great to get kids excited and inspired by cycling – and it’s coming to Halifax and Huddersfield on Sunday 1 May! Books to help kids learn about money The route consists of three stages: Money makes the world go around, so teaching your stage 1 - Bridlington to Scarborough, children the subject is pretty important! stage 2 - Tadcaster to Harrogate and Nat Thom/Shutterstock.com Nat - Bradford to Fox Valley, stage 3 Master money the millionaire by Allan Ahlberg Sheffield via Halifax and Master Money is very, very rich! In fact this little Huddersfield. boy is so rich that he even smells of money! By the For more information age of four years old he’s managed to find buried on the route, go to treasure in his very own back garden! By the time www.letour.yorkshire.com he’s five, he’s found even more treasure in the

jiris/Shutterstock.com sandpit at school – and by six he’s got his hands on more at the beach! However, Mister Creep Call for official guidance on SCREEN TIME soon finds him… It’s not what you’ve got! By Dr Wayne W. Dyer This beautifully illustrated book presents A group of 40 leading authors, concepts such as; money doesn’t have to educationalists and child- define who you are, along with it doesn’t development experts have called matter what other people have. Unlike for official guidelines on the use of many other books on the subject of screen devices by children up to money, this one doesn’t try to teach little 12 to be drawn up by recognised ones how to spend and save, instead it authorities on child health and provides a rather spiritual approach on development. the matter. In a letter to The Guardian the group said it also wants to see the Noggin and the money by Oliver Postgate creation of a minister for children. The story of a friendly Viking, Olaf the Lofty who invents money This cabinet-level role would have – after all, it seems like a genius idea! However, it soon seems the responsibility for assessing the that money is actually more trouble than it’s worth. impact of all government policies This book is perfect for newly independent readers on children’s health and wellbeing. looking to learn about money. NadyaEugene/Shutterstock.com What is money? By Claire Llewellyn This book is great for answering kid’s questions Bronze for Yorkshire café in ‘free from’ awards about all things money. From how to tell the difference between different notes and coins The Olive Tree Café at Totties pleased. When designing our to how to get money and what to do with it. Garden Centre, Holmfirth, menu we ensure that we offer There’s also lots of notes for teachers and has been awarded bronze in a great variety of dishes to suit parents too! a national award to promote those with allergies, especially ‘free from’ dining out. gluten free. This award shows Show me the money by Alvin Hall we’re succeeding in that.” This book introduces children to the concept of “money makes Owner and manager, Sue the world go around, only if you know how to use it”. Within Brimble, said: “It’s the first time The café has long been known minutes of reading this wonderful book your kids will be entered we’ve been encouraged to for its gluten free afternoon tea into the crazy world of business and economics – learning enter these awards following and fish and chips, which was everything from the history of money to how to use it. great feedback from our something the judges picked customers. To get a bronze is up on. It was the only café The story of money by Martin Jenkins a real achievement and representing Yorkshire. A hilarious look on the subject of money; we’re very perfect for kids! This thought provoking tale explains that in some parts of the world money is a stone with a hole in it, a copper slab, or a string of shells. But one thing remains the same; money makes the world go around. And it doesn’t grow on trees!

If you want a little more help finding books for your kids, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/Bookclub

www.familiesonline.co.uk 5 FAMILY LIFE

When to say no!

Most parents want to appear to be in control, organised, and have appreciative, polite and well behaved children. Some try to perfect the art of ‘photo shop parenting’, only presenting the image of consistent perfection. However, this is never really the case. Children are complex. They need to learn boundaries and social skills, just as they need to learn to read a book and ride a bike. The word no is often seen as failure on the parents’ part as it implies your child is wrong, therefore we shouldn’t say it. Alternatively, it can quickly become a word that is an immediate response – it’s always better to say no first.

Remember your gut response is often the best one. Pavel Ilyukhin/Shutterstock.com Often a lot of the behavioural issues that I deal with in children are as a direct result of a child not learning that the word no means no, What to do if your child has because parents have become subject to ‘photo shop parenting’. a febrile convulsion To say no for a genuine reason and let the child understand it is not OK to do something is fine. This must be backed up with an alternative yes, or ‘yes we can do that, but later’. Stick to your word Febrile convulsions in children are often caused and ensure that the child knows you are genuine and consistent. by a rise in the child’s body temperature often If you say no and then change your mind after more tantrums, your related to an infection. The electrical systems in child will learn that no means ‘try harder for guaranteed success’. the brain are not developed enough to deal with the rise in temperature and this leads to the child having a convulsion or seizure. The body may display some of the following symptoms: Other ways to say no: We don’t do that, do we? Vigorous shaking all over the body This is not the place to do that. Clenched fists and arched back Is that a good thing to do? Holding of breath Develop the ‘stare!’ Possible vomiting Repeat what you expect, don’t change the words at all! Possible loss of bowl and bladder control ‘Billy, I expect you to sit still’ Possible loss of consciousness Have the back-up choices ready Although watching a child experience a seizure can be distressing, they are rarely dangerous and there are several things you can do to help the child move through the seizure. Be confident in why you are saying no. Call 999 Other parents may disagree, but Never restrain the child or hold them down they are your children. We have all had different upbringings Place soft padding around the child to prevent injury and as such our parenting Cool the child down by letting in fresh air or removing big items styles vary. Remember your of clothing gut response is often the best one. Talk to them in a calm voice to reassure them

Place them in the recovery position when the seizure has Michael Smith is a former school leader, dad of two, stopped and monitor their breathing and airway and managing director The majority of seizures only occur once but if they continue of Pivot that specialises in the personal to happen then you should seek medical advice. development, behaviour and welfare of children Sue Bagworth runs Baby Babbles that specialises in Baby Natal practical and young people. baby workshops and first aid classes for babies and toddlers. For more information on her classes go to www.babybabbles.co.uk Yuliya Evstratenko/Shutterstock.com Yuliya

6 www.familiesonline.co.uk SEND YOUR SCHOOL OR NURSERY NEWS TO [email protected] and ChildcareEducation

HOMEWORK HORROR? SCHOOL EVENTS

6 MARCH Open evening What is homework time like in your house? Rishworth School, Rishworth, West Yorkshire, HX6 4QA Harmony or horror? Most families will recognise 01422 822217, rishworth-school.co.uk Opening evening at Rishworth School for 11-18 year olds, that it can go either way – sometimes in the same from 6-8:15pm. Contact school for more information. night! Homework should be material which arises out of the work completed during the day, deftly 9 MARCH Senior School open evening balancing challenge and consolidation in roughly

Hipperholme Grammar Senior School, Bramley Lane, Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com equal measures. Not an easy ask. So, what can be Hipperholme, Halifax, HX3 8JE. 01422 202256, hgsf.org.uk done at home to encourage harmony and minimise Open evening from 6:30-8:30pm. For enquiries or to book, the horror? Here are five top tips: fill out the online form. Maintain a quiet, private space. Some children – and some 11 MARCH 1 adults – can work in the middle of chaos, but it is rare to Opening morning manage that truly efficiently. Heathfield School, Oldham Road, Rishworth, West Yorkshire, HX6 4QF, 01422 823564, heathfieldjunior.co.uk Work to an agreed timetable, including some ‘downtime’ – Open morning at Heathfield School for ages 3-11, 2 no-one can, or should, work flat-out, and don’t we all work from 9am-12noon. Contact school for more information. to live, not the other way around? 15 MARCH Try to let the child do the work – if it seems too difficult, Junior School and Nursery open morning 3 call a halt and let the School know. Resist the urge to do Hipperholme Grammar Junior School, 45 Wakefield Road, it yourself. It certainly cannot help – and imagine if you get Lightcliffe, Halifax, HX3 8AQ. 01422 201330, hgsf.org.uk it all wrong! Open morning from 9:30-11:30am. For enquiries or to book, A snack, short breaks, a bit of leg stretching – all fine, fill out the online form. 4 but avoid introducing opportunities for minds to wander. 26 APRIL Open event Get some sleep – after all, tomorrow is another day! Bradford Grammar School, Keighley Road, Bradford, 5 BD9 4JP, 01274 542492, bradfordgrammar.com/signup Anthony Wilkins is Head of Heathfield School in Rishworth. For more Open event for Junior, Senior and Sixth Form. Complete and information on the school, go to www.rishworth-school.co.uk, email [email protected], or call Mrs Gill Battye submit the online form. 9:15am-12noon. on 01422 823564.

Brighouse Dyslexia Centre SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND ADULTS Building confidence, self-esteem and achievement Assessment of dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia. For diagnosis, support and specialist dyslexia & dyscalculia private tuition contact Francine Garnier.

Services are offered to children, adults, schools, FE and HE institutions, employers and employees

07971 105743 www.brighousedyslexia.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk 7 EDUCATION

What is dyscalculia?

You may not have heard of dyscalculia as it isn’t as widely discussed as dyslexia. It is a specific learning difficulty that causes difficulties with maths.

Signs and symptoms of dyscalculia include difficulty learning to count in the early years, an inability to understand or apply basic maths concepts such as number bonds to 10 or 20, or struggling with place value or simple sums. Some children may be easily confused when working with simple numbers, use their fingers to count and have difficulty learning and remembering times tables.

With the right kind of teaching children with Malota/Shutterstock.com

dyscalculia can make good progress. Struggling in maths can lead to feelings of stress, frustration and anxiety around maths. If your child is having trouble with maths, They might find it difficult to retain and apply information they it’s a good idea to find out exactly what’s going on so you and have been previously taught in maths lessons. your child’s teachers can offer the right type of support so your child can make progress. With the right kind of teaching children Children with dyscalculia may be doing well in other subjects, with dyscalculia can make good progress. such as English. Those working with them may not understand why maths is causing such difficulty. Maths homework may To book a dyscalculia assessment, or, if have concerns about your child's cause tears and tantrums and can sometimes be exasperating progress in maths, contact Francine Garnier at Brighouse Dyslexia Centre for parents. on 07971 105743 or e-mail [email protected].

BradfordGrammar.com @BradfordGrammar

This is our ethos At ease with Make it yours excellence Open Event Wednesday 26 April bradfordgrammar.com/signup

8 www.familiesonline.co.uk EDUCATION

Take the fear out of exams in 2017

We all know that the lead up to exam season can be a respond better to conversations and answering questions aloud. daunting time for child and parent. With phonics Find a learning style and timetable that works for your child and create a plan to suit this. screening checks, teacher assessments, and SATs, you might often wonder how Be sure to remain positive and praise them when you see best to support your child. them accomplish something great: hearing “you’ve done a fantastic job today!” will undoubtedly build their self-belief. While there is no magic formula for exam success, there are many ways to help children feel prepared At Explore Learning, we’re here to support the whole and confident about assessments. family from day one. We offer tailored Maths and English tuition from expert staff, and exam preparation workshops Start early by planning ahead. Revisiting a range and parent information evenings throughout the year so that of subject areas in manageable, weekly chunks can everyone feels confident at home! be much more beneficial to supporting memory, skills, and confidence than ‘cramming’. For more advice and top tips, and to book your free trial session, visit our website: www.explorelearning.co.uk Everyone learns and revises in their own way. Some children like visual representations and sticky notes around the house whereas others will

F I E D D E VI SED CUI

DiD your chilD secure their seconDary school place?

If your child hasn’t been offered a place at their chosen secondary school, there is still time to join our boys and girls in Year 7. Academic excellence is only part of the story, so discover more and call our team or visit our website. 0161 624 4497 | www.ohgs.co.uk | [email protected] Mandarin Chinese Explore Learning / Dominic James most useful non-European language

UK parents see Mandarin Chinese as the most important non- European language for their children to learn.

French, Spanish and German were still the top languages of choice but a majority of parents saw value in learning Mandarin. More than half (56%) of those questioned in a Populus survey commissioned by the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) felt that the language would open their children’s minds to an “exciting and dynamic” culture. 51% also thought that learning Mandarin Chinese would boost their kids’ future career prospects.

www.familiesonline.co.uk 9 Outdoor Learning

OUTDOORS– just a gimmick or an essential tool in the development of our children? There has been much discussion in the press recently about wellbeing and mental health in young people. Our children are facing huge pressures and expectations from society, their peers and schools. Some of these pressures are unreasonable and can cause lasting damage to children’s self-confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Nature’s classroom As a primary class teacher, I have seen the crippling effects of low self-esteem on a child’s ability to succeed, socially or academically. The Forest School philosophy is becoming more popular as If not addressed, poor self-confidence and self-esteem can be people realise the vast benefits to children and young people, embedded during the primary years, and carried into adulthood. and even adults. Introducing new independent and practical skills can help build confidence, self-esteem and resilience, There are many approaches to dealing with this within primary as well as make them more aware of their surroundings and school. One extremely successful intervention is Nurture. I run appreciate their natural environment. a Nurture Unit at a school in Huddersfield and have seen tangible benefits for children with wide ranging needs. Children struggling Interested in outdoor learning for your child? Check out these in the classroom or school environment attend Nurture regularly. It is Forest Schools across the region: a dedicated space which is homely, calm and comfortable. It is a safe Babes in the Wood Forest School and Family Bushcraft place for children to express themselves, explore their feelings and Huddersfield, 07980 898113 bemoreoutdoors.org find ways to be at ease with themselves and their surroundings. Eden’s Forest Huddersfield, 07769 271020 edensforest.co.uk At Eden’s Forest we believe strongly that the outdoors provides the perfect context to compliment children’s wellbeing provision. The KITE (Kids In The Environment) connection with nature, fresh air, freedom from the confines of the Ashton under Lyne, 0161 342 4144 tameside.gov.uk/culture school building, opportunities to trust and be trusted all contribute Live Wild Hebden Bridge, 07866 514094 livewild.org.uk to creating ‘rounded’ children. We have seen the outdoors be transformative for children on the brink of exclusion, who have Manchester Forest School suffered trauma or abuse, or who cannot access academic subjects Greater Manchester, 07791 428876 in a classroom setting. manchesterforestschool.com

Find out what your school is doing to encourage Outdoor Learning Natures Footprints or take a look at our website or Facebook page to see what other Huddersfield, 07843 673011 naturesfootprints.co.uk schools in the Yorkshire area are doing to inspire and enthuse their Huddersfield, 01904 659570 ywt.org.uk/events children outdoors. Nature Tots White Wolf Bushcraft Huddersfield Jerome Barton is director and senior practitioner at Eden’s Forest that provides 07763 044927 castletrainingservices.co.uk bushcraft and outdoor learning across the curriculum for children. CatJB/Shutterstock.com

10 www.familiesonline.co.uk Get outdoors this Spring

Spring is the perfect time to get outside with the family for some good old fashioned outdoor fun. The weather is warming up and children are ready for some fresh air and adventure following months of cold weather and being stuck indoors. It’s also the time of year to explore nature as the flowers and trees start to bloom, and baby animals are being born – so let your child's imagination run wild this Spring. Our region offers plenty of opportunities to get al fresco, from woodland walks, nature reserves, petting farms and canal walks.

Check out these events taking place Check out these great places to across the region for some outdoor explore outdoors and get one with inspiration: nature:

31 March and 29 April CHILDREN’S FARMS NATURE TOTS Cannon Hall Farm Cawthorne, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Stirley Community Farm off Hall Bower S75 4AT, 01226 790427 Lane Berry Brow, Huddersfield, cannonhallfarm.co.uk Berry Brow, HD4 6RP, 01904 659570 www.ywt.org.uk Cockfields Farm Monthly outdoor play and activities for under Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8AR, 0161 331 3322 5's. Dress to get messy! £5. 13.30am-12pm cockfields.co.uk

1-17 Apr Lancaster Park & Animal Farm Middleton Road, Chadderton, Oldham, SPRINGTIME BABIES Greater Manchester, OL1 2TG, Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam 07745 723 999 lancasterpark.co.uk Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE, 0113 3367460 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre, Ponderosa Park, Off Smithies Lane, Meet new born baby animals on the farm, Heckmondwike WF16 0PN, 01924 235276 from lambs and piglets to baby chicks. ponderosa-park.co.uk Activities are also at the house.

2 April NATURE RESERVES KITE (KIDS IN THE ENVIRONMENT) Eastwood Nature reserve Stalybridge, Tameside, SK15 2QX, Park Bridge Heritage Centre, Park Bridge, 01948 820728 cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk Ashton under Lyne, OL6 8AQ, 0161 342 4144 tameside.gov.uk/culture Ogden Water Local Nature Reserve Fun, forest school activities, discovering and Halifax, HX2 8YA ogdenwater.org.uk exploring the countryside. 7-12 years. 10am to 12pm RSPB Dearne Valley – Old Moor Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Nature 5 April Reserve, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 0YF, 01226 751593 SPRING HATCHLINGS rspb.org.uk/oldmoor Gorse Hall, High Street, Stalybridge Enjoy a family friendly nature trail through the Upper Park Wood Nature Reserve grounds and look for life in the undergrowth. Northgate Road, Holmfirth, HD9 6QN Meet at 1pm at the bottom gates opposite the ywt.org.uk junction with Caroline Street WALKS

7 April Daisy Nook Country Park LAMBING LIVE Off Stannybrook Road, Failsworth, Manchester, M35 9WJ, 0161 308 3909 Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley, oldham.gov.uk South Yorkshire, S75 4AT, 01226 790427 cannonhallfarm.co.uk Dove Stone Reservoir Watch lambs being born into the night. Your Greenfield, Saddleworth, Oldham, OL3 7NE ticket gets you all-day entry into the farm and oldham.gov.uk you can stay until midnight. Hardcastle Crags 13 April Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7AA, 01422 846236 HOOT, SCREECH AND TWEET nationaltrust.org.uk/hardcastle-crags Hyde Park, Tameside, SK14 4JX See their owls, falcons, hawks and buzzards Huddersfield Narrow Canal and watch their flying displays. Get crafty and Connecting Ashton-under-Lyne and follow the bird themed trail around the park. Huddersfield, 01457 871800 12-3pm. Drop in. huddersfieldcanal.com

www.familiesonline.co.uk 11 DIY Bags

EASTER 1 2

The kids loved making these Easter bunny bags. They’re really simple to make and are great for Easter You’ll need White cardboard, Step 1 Cut out two large ear Step 2 Glue on two googly Egg hunts or just as a pink cardboard, brown/ white shapes from the white card, eyes and a coloured pom pom paper bag, googly eyes, cotton and two smaller ones from for the bunny’s nose. Anna Tyukhmeneva/Shutterstock.com bag! Get creative and wool balls, coloured pom the pink, and stick the pink in introduce more colours poms, scissors, glue, black the middle of the white card to and patterns! marker create your bunny ears.

3 4 5 6

Step 3 Using the black marker Step 4 Glue your bunny ears Step 5 Glue on a cotton wool Step 6 Why not use different draw on whiskers and a mouth, to the top of the bag, taking ball to the back of the bag for coloured or patterned card for and cut out two small strips of care not to stick them too close the bunny’s fluffy tail. the ears or introduce new pom white card and stick them onto to the handles. pom colours? the mouth for teeth. Lilypad Baby

• Baby, Pre-School & KS1 swimming lessons • Baby Massage Easter Wordsearch • Baby Yoga • Baby Sign classes E P O E P A R A D E EGG H C T T I E S E A D BONNET D E T A L O C O H C CHOCOLATE CHICKS A I E C V R E F H I 01484 868122 www.lilypadbaby.co.uk [email protected] HUNT @lilypad_baby F S N G I A G I A P /lilypadbabyswim /Lilypadbabymassage DAFFODIL F R N C G O C N S T BUNNY O C O T A K N A T N PARADE D N B N S E O S N D I R T A S Y N N U B L H Y I E T R L H X

12 www.familiesonline.co.uk EASTER

EASTER FUN Here’s what’s on over the Easter holidays to entertain the kids

1-23 Apr 13 & 20 April 14-23 April A MAD HATTER OF AN EASTER EASTER BUNNY FUN EASTER Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Shibden Hall, Lister's Road, Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 6XG, Park, Wakefield Road, LS25 3EB, 01422 352246 Huddersfield HD5 8DJ, 0113 378 2959 leeds.gov.uk ticketsource.co.uk/Calderdale 01484 223240 Daily springtime crafts, outdoor Join the Shibden Bunny in search of www.kirklees.gov.uk/museums games and a Mad Hatter’s trail to eggs and friends hidden in Cunnery Can you find the Easter Eggs hidden explore the house and gardens. Wood and grounds, then make a around the museum and solve the On special days play hopping games felt Easter themed craft. 11am- puzzle to win a small chocolate with the Easter Bunny, meet the 12pm, 1-2pm and 2-3pm. Ages 4-8. prize? 12noon-5pm. Free Mad Hatter and friends and make a Booking essential spring planter or basket. 10am–4pm 15 April 14-17 April TRAIL 8-23 April EASTER HOLIDAYS Bagshaw Museum, Wilton Park, EASTER EGG HUNT Kirklees Light Railway, Park Mill Batley WF17 0AS, 01924 324765 Oakwell Hall Country Park, Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, kirklees.gov.uk/museums Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley West Yorkshire, HD8 9XJ, Hunt for the colourful eggs hidden WF17 9LG 01484 865 727 around the museum and grounds. www.kirklees.gov.uk/museums kirkleeslightrailway.com Find them all, and you will win Look for the clues hidden around Meet the Easter Bunny. Other a chocolaty prize. Booking not the walled garden. Correct entries activities include: Easter egg hunt, necessary, and its free! 1 prize iStock.com/Imgorthand win a mini egg and a 2 for 1 voucher egg & spoon races, arts & craft per child. 12noon-5pm 1-16 Apr for entry into Oakwell Hall. 50p per activities, children’s entertainer, face EASTER HOLIDAYS sheet. 12noon-5pm painting, donkey rides, miniature train 14-17 April rides, platform rides and sand art. EASTER EGG HUNT Abbey House Museum, Abbey 8-24 April Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, GIANT EGG HUNT AT THE West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley 0113 230 5492 EASTER ADVENTURE Nature Reserve, Wombwell, leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays The Adventure Park, Stockeld Barnsley, S73 0YF, 01226 751593 Creative crafts and activities Park, Wetherby, Yorkshire, rspb.org.uk/oldmoor inspired by Alice in Wonderland, LS22 4AN, 01937 586333 Wily Weasel has hidden the Easter with everything from murder mystery stockeldpark.co.uk Bunny’s eggs all around the reserve. to flamingo croquet! In the second Find hidden eggs around the Can you ‘crack’ the code and solve week of the holidays it’s all about Enchanted Forest. Follow the clues the clues to find them? Reserve eggs, with family challenges and silly and work out the riddles. Complete entry fee applies. 9am-5pm. science plus the Easter Bunny. the forest maps and you could win a Giant Easter egg all for yourself! 1-17 Apr Explore the city this Easter and SPRINGTIME BABIES 12 April discover nine fascinating attractions Temple Newsam Estate, Temple E ASTER EXTRAVANGANZA crammed with a range of exhibits, workshops, activities and headline Newsam Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE, Stirley Community Farm off Hall events — we’ve got this school 0113 3367460 Bower Lane Berry Brow holiday sorted! leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Huddersfield, Berry Brow, Make your very own jolly Easter HD4 6RP, 01904 659570 headgear, and follow the trail and www.ywt.org.uk solve the clues to find the escaped Easter themed activities at Stirley lambs...to win a chocolate treat! farm. 2:00pm-4:00pm. £5

leeds.gov.uk/ schoolholidays

www.familiesonline.co.uk 13 LMG005_FamilyCampaign_PrintAd_87x130_AW.indd 1 04/02/2016 11:04 BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK Check out these science-themed events taking place over the coming weeks: Power of 13-17 March SEASONAL CHANGE Science Fiction Ogden Water Local Nature Reserve, Halifax, HX2 8YA, 01422 284415 calderdale.gov.uk We all know that kids love science fiction, from blockbuster film Seasonal Change workshops aimed at primary school children. franchises to bestselling toys and videogames; there is no doubt that Activities will vary depending on year group of children but will sci-fi fascinates children and big kids alike. But did you know that it include time outdoors in the woods so warm, waterproof clothing can be more than just wookies and lightsabers? will be required. 10-12pm. Booking required. Kiselev Andrey Valerevich/Shutterstock.com

There are countless examples of people being inspired to turn 18 March THE BIG BANG FAIR science fiction into science fact. The communicators from Star The National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, Trek are a perfect example. In the 1960s when Star Trek first West Midlands, B40 1NT thebigbangfair.co.uk aired, having a device you could hold in your hand that would let Largest free celebration of science, technology, engineering and you talk to somebody on the other end was pure science fiction. maths (STEM) for young people. With exciting theatre shows, But did you know that after watching Captain James T. Kirk using interactive workshops and exhibits and careers information from STEM professionals. Open to families on 18 March. his communicator in Star Trek, a Motorola engineer named Martin 9am – 4:30pm. Cooper created the first prototype mobile phone in 1973! Over the last 40 years this has transformed into the truly world changing 18-19 March BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK smartphone that most of us now carry in our pockets. Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, What better time to remember just how fun, inspirational, and West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE, ground-breaking science can be than during British Science Week. 01422 330069 eureka.org.uk Running from 10-19 March, BSW is a ten-day celebration of Celebrate all things science and make science, technology, engineering and maths – featuring fascinating, your weekend go with a bang at Eureka! entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK for Meet the amazing blue-haired Professor people of all ages. Pumpernickel and witness his truly explosive science show. At Eureka! we’ll be celebrating British Science Week with a programme of activities and special guests to inspire school 19 March STEAM PLAY DAY children and families alike. From 18-19 March, we’re excited to Huddersfield Library, Princess Alexandra welcome the amazing blue-hair Professor Pumpernickel to Eureka! Walk, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, for a limited number of truly explosive science shows full of whizzes, HD1 2SU, 01484 414868 kirklees.gov.uk/Libraries bangs, exotic chemical compounds. A day of free creative and engaging hands-on taster activities around science, tech, engineering, electronics, art, making, and Perfect for your mini sci-fi addicts! coding. Aimed at age 7-14 but all welcome. 11am-3pm. Booking required. 19 & 20 March FAMILY SCIENCE EVENTS National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, WF4 4RH, 01924 848846 ncm.org.uk On 19th take part in hands-on activities that show real-world science in action. On 20th see mining machines working and take part in experiments to find out about the Flame Safety Lamp. 12pm-4pm. Free. 26 Mar SUPER SCIENCE DAY Leeds Industrial Museum, Canal Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QF, 0113 378 3173 leeds.gov.uk A fun science day to coincide with British Science Week. Make simple machines, learn about local scientific heroes and take part in science experiments or the mystery science quiz. 1pm–4pm 5 & 12 April EGGSPERIMENTS Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB, 0113 378 2100 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Check out the amazing eggs and egg cases from the Natural Science collection. Take part in an egg drop challenge. Fun for the whole family. Free. Booking required. 10am–12pm 17 April MADLAB Portland Basin Museum, Portland Place, Ashton under Lyne. OL7 0QA, 0161 343 2878 tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/families To celebrate British Science Week, the Museum will play host to 3 Mad Scientists and their Fun Stations. Come along and get involved with all sorts of exciting experiments, from 3D printing to gaming themed activities. 11am – 3.30pm

14 www.familiesonline.co.uk WHAT’S ON MARCH – APRIL 2017

4, 12 April MEET TOMMY ATKINS: EASTER FIRST WORLD WAR SOLDIER THEATRE Portland Basin Museum, Portland Place, HOLIDAYS Ashton under Lyne, OL7 0QA, 0161 343 2878 tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/families Have you ever wondered what a soldier wore, what he ate, how he lived, fought and died in the 7 March ‘Great War for Civilisation’? 11am-3pm THE LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE PRESENTS 8-23 April 2017 WOW! SAID THE OWL EASTER HOLIDAYS Oldham Library, Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL, 0161 770 8000 National Coal Mining Museum for England, oldham.gov.uk/libraries Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wow! Said the Owl is brought to life through a blend Wakefield, WF4 4RH, 01924 848846 of beautiful storytelling, puppetry and music. This ncm.org.uk show will delight and excite. 11.30am and 1.30pm. Make an and a vesting day flag. £5 (£4 for library members). Age 2 – 5. Join the competition on Easter Sunday and meet some historical characters who will be 5 April popping up around site. Drop in 1pm-4pm. CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC 10, 11, 17 & 18 April The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax, DRAWING, DIPPING HX1 1BP, 01422 351158 victoriatheatre.co.uk AND DISCOVERY DAY Direct from a hit season in London’s West End, the Champions of Magic team return for a spectacular RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, ArtMarie/Shutterstock.com night of mystery. Ages 5 + Contains strobe lighting, Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Nature Reserve, water based smoke effects, pyrotechnics and loud Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 0YF, noises. £25 with concessions. 1-17 Apr 01226 751593 rspb.org.uk/oldmoor EASTER HOLIDAYS 8 April Enjoy self-led crafts, then explore the reserve to Thwaite Mills Watermill, Thwaite Lane, see what bugs, birds and pond life you can see. ROBIN HOOD Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1RP, 0113 3782983 Pond dipping kits and backpacks are available to The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax, leeds.gov.uk/school holidays hire. 10am–3:30pm. HX1 1BP, 01422 351158 victoriatheatre.co.uk Explore the grounds or pick up an artist pack Join Robin Hood and Maid Marian in this dashing, and get creative. Plus special activity afternoons; 10-13 April arrow-slinging, tights-wearing comedy adventure! Creative Tuesdays (4&11 Apr) and Experimental EASTER HOLIDAY FUN An all-star cast, including Dani Harmer from CBBC’s Thursdays (6&13 Apr). Tracy Beaker. £20 with concessions. 2pm/6pm Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, Oldham, 1-23 April OL1 1AL, 0161 770 4742 13,14,15 April galleryoldham.org.uk MEDIEVAL MAYHEM Free family art activities. 1-4pm THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Lane, Wakefield, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE, 11 & 12 April WF1 2TE, 01924 211311 theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk 01422 330069 eureka.org.uk SCRAPTASTIC WORKSHOPS A wonderful new musical adaptation of E. Nesbit's Bring your gallant young adventurers and go mad WITH FAIRANDFUNKY classic story by Stephen Kingsbury and Ben Sleep. for the middle ages at Eureka! this Easter. Try your 5pm. £14, £12, £9 (plus concessions) hand at jousting and archery, plus meet some truly Totties Garden Centre and The Olive Tree noble knights and legendary princesses. Bistro Cafe, Downshutts Lane, Totties, 14 April Holmfirth, HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 4,5,6 & 11,12,13 April tottiesgardencentre.co.uk PACE EGG PLAY Create Easter Egg Wreaths (11) and Cress Heads FIRE ENGINE FUN Littleborough Coach House, Coach House, (12) using recycled bits. 9.30-11.00am. Children Lodge Street, Littleborough, OL15 9AE, Leeds Industrial Museum, Canal Road, Armley, 3-12 years. £3.50. 07981 271 005 littleboroughcoachhouse.org Leeds, LS12 2QF, 0113 378 3173 A traditional Easter play. Come and see St George leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays 11-13 April slay the bold Slasher ... marvel at the quack doctor's Learn about the important role of our fire and SPARKS! EASTER HOLIDAY FUN attempts at revival. No need to pre-book. Free. 11am. rescue services. See a Victorian fire engine, dress up as a fire officer, make fire engines, and see Bankfield Museum, Boothtown Road, Halifax, 15,16 April some fire services objects. 11am-1.30pm HX3 6HG, 01422 352334 museums.calderdale.gov.uk JUSTIN’S PARTY 4, 6, 11,13 April Take part in a Wild West egg trail. Create an egg or horse shoe shaped dream catcher, make your own The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, MAKE, DO AND PLAY BD7 1AJ, 01274 432000 bradford-theatres.co.uk cowboy/girl, Native American Jewellery or hobby Justin's Party is a brand new show which is packed Portland Basin Museum, Portland Place, horse. 11am-12noon, 1-2pm & 2-3pm Ages 4–12. full of fantastic songs, dances and hilarious games Ashton under Lyne, OL7 0QA, 0161 343 2878 £3.50 per child guaranteed to make it THE party of the year! tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/families 11.30am/2.30pm. Age 2+ Artist led craft activities for all ages. £1 per child. 11am-3pm. 18,19 April 4-7, 11-14 April WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT HIPPO EASTER HOLIDAYS Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE, 01924 211311 theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, Michael Rosen’s award-winning book is brought to LS2 8BH, 0113 224 3732 life. Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays plenty of hands-on adventure. Age 3–7. £10.50- Multi-sensory family adventure sessions about the £14.50. 18-13:30/16:30 & 19-10:30/13:30. hippo, with storytelling you can touch, smell, hear and maybe even taste! 10am–12pm & 1pm–3pm

www.familiesonline.co.uk 15 WHAT’S ON MARCH – APRIL 2017

12 & 19 April 13 & 20 April 29 April-1 May WILD WEDNESDAYS THINKBOMB! THURSDAYS FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, Nature Reserve, Wombwell, Nature Reserve, Wombwell, LS25 3EB, 0113 378 2959 Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Barnsley, S73 0YF, 01226 751593 SPRING leeds.gov.uk S73 0YF, 01226 751593 rspb.org.uk/oldmoor EVENTS Lotherton Hall hosts its second Food rspb.org.uk/oldmoor Discover the beautiful and noisy & Drink Festival with stalls, local Nature themed craft activities plus birds that live and breed on the produce plus family entertainment pond dipping or bug hunting on the reserve. Pond dipping kits and and live music. 10am–5pm reserve with a wildlife expert. Pond backpacks available. 9am-5pm. dipping kits and backpacks are 29 April-1 May available to hire. 9am-5pm. 14 & 21 April 11-12 March MAY BANK HOLIDAY FREE FRIDAY WEEKEND 13 April DISABLED ACCESS DAY RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, Eureka! The National Children's DROP-IN FAMILY ART DAY Eureka! The National Children's Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, Huddersfield Art Gallery, Princess Nature Reserve, Wombwell, HX1 2NE, 01422 330069 HX1 2NE, 01422 330069 Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield, Barnsley, S73 0YF, 01226 751593 eureka.org.uk eureka.org.uk HD1 2SU, rspb.org.uk/oldmoor Spring has sprung! Join Eureka! for Eureka! will be supporting Disabled 01484 221964 Explore the reserve to see what a weekend packed full of family fun Access Day with lots of playful kirklees.gov.uk/museums bugs, birds and pond life you can see and games. and inclusive activities. Explore Drop-in art and craft sessions for plus self-led crafts. Reserve entry the ‘ickier’ side of the human body both parents and children. 1pm-3pm. is free to all children every Friday of with Gross Lab – an accessible, £1 per child. school holidays (South Yorkshire and interactive show for all the family. Kirklees only). 9am-5pm. On 11 March the Gross Lab will be 13 April supported by a BSL interpreter. EASTER MUSEUM MAKES 18 & 19 April KIDS BE HAPPY SAND ART Saddleworth Museum, High 18 March MOTHER'S

Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth, WORKSHOPS BISTRO NIGHT DAY OL3 6HS, 01457 874093 Totties Garden Centre and Totties Garden Centre and saddleworthmuseum.co.uk The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, Find out how rabbits played Downshutts Lane, Totties, Downshutts Lane, Totties, a part in cloth weaving and how wool Holmfirth, HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 Holmfirth, HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 from local Lonk sheep was used tottiesgardencentre.co.uk tottiesgardencentre.co.uk to keep feet toasty! Felt making, Make an Easter picture, including 3 courses for £27.99pp. Pre-book 26 March printing and projection drawing! eggs, bunnies and Spring flowers. only. From 7pm Book required. 1-3pm £3 per child £3 per child. 9.30-11am – just come MOTHER’S DAY (age 4-11) along. 25 March Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE, NATURE AND THE NIGHT SKY 0113 3367460 RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Plan a special day out with all the Nature Reserve, Wombwell, family this Mother’s Day. Create Barnsley, South Yorkshire, your own special teatime craft S73 0YF, 01226 751593 using Temple Newsam’s beautiful rspb.org.uk/oldmoor collection of teapots for inspiration. Take part in walks to see winter 10.30am–12.30pm & 1.30–4pm wildfowl, barn owls and bitterns. See a demonstration of a planetarium 26 March and watch new footage of earth MOTHER’S DAY from the International Space Station while you warm up with soup and hot Totties Garden Centre and drinks. £6 pp. 5–8.30pm The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, Downshutts Lane, Totties, 22 & 23 April Holmfirth, HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 tottiesgardencentre.co.uk ST GEORGE’S WEEKEND Brunch from 10am. Lunch from Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, 12noon until 3.30pm. Cards & gifts Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, are available too. LS25 3EB, 0113 378 2959 leeds.gov.uk Follow the Dragon Hunt Trail around DON’T FORGET the house and gardens or dress up as a knight, dragon or princess. Plus TO CHECK OUT medieval family crafts and live music OUR WEBSITE from the brass band. 11am–4pm www.familiesonline.co.uk FOR EVEN MORE EVENTS 29 April-1 May LE TOUR DE YORKSHIRE AND ACTIVITIES IN YOUR AREA! letour.yorkshire.com Taking place across the county during May Bank Holiday weekend. It will be in Halifax and Huddersfield on Sunday 1 May. Free.

Please be aware that things change so check details and suitability for your family with the provider before setting out as Families Pennines cannot be held responsible for the events we list.

16 www.familiesonline.co.uk