LOCAL INFORMATION for parents of 0-12 year olds in HALIFAX TODMORDEN LITTLEBOROUGH OLDHAM ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE SADDLEWORTH

Here comes the sun

SCHOOL’S OUT FOR THE SUMMER!

WHAT’S ON for July and August

RIO 2016 – Olympian Adrian Moorhouse

PLUS: News, Education, Classes

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04 NEWS 07 EDUCATION & CHILDCARE 10 CLUBS AND CLASSES EAR 12 SUMMER HOLIDAYS 5 Y S 15 WHAT’S ON

2 FAMILIES PENNINES 011-2016 Editor: Emily Raleigh 07974 401663 [email protected] www.familiesonline.co.uk

@FamiliesPenn /FamiliesPennines

CIRCULATION 20,000 DEADLINE Early August 2016 FRONT COVER Melanie Worton, Just Play Photography DESIGNED BY Theresa McDermott, 07462 961793, www.designedbytree.com PRINTED BY Russell Press, 0115 9784505, www.russellpress.com

Copyright Families Pennines July/August 16 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 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. FAMILY AD_Layout 1 27/05/2016 12:49 Page 1 BIG BRANDS • LOW PRICES

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2 www.familiesonline.co.uk NEWS

HELLO SUNSHINE! NCMME I don’t know about you, but I rack my brains when it comes to school holidays trying to think of things to do with the children, fun activities or interesting places to go. Unfortunately, with the British weather we’re not always blessed with six weeks of sun, so having to find something indoors too is always useful!

Our summer feature has lots of ideas to entertain your children from family days out and fun activities. For those with younger children, you may find our top tips for flying useful if you’re jetting off on your holidays. And don’t forget to check out our What’s On section at the back of the magazine and online for even more inspiration.

There’s some tips on how to keep your child’s brain ticking over the holidays in our Education and Childcare section, as well as prepping your child for secondary school, and how to teach your child to ride a bike. We also spoke to Olympic swimmer Adrian Moorhouse ahead of Rio 2016, about life after winning gold and encouraging kids into sport.

There’s also some exciting news from Families Head Office as they launch a new look website. It’s going to bigger and better – so go check it out! Enjoy and have a great summer!

Emily Raleigh Editor, Families Pennines

www.familiesonline.co.uk 3 NEWS

New Website for Families! Your Local Families Team is Recruiting!

Digital work opportunity with Families Online in , South and North Kirklees! Destined to become the number 1 resource for local families, www.familiesonline.co.uk will soon have over 300 local sites across the UK. Like our magazines, the local sites in Calderdale, South Kirklees and North Kirklees are guaranteed to give users the very best ideas for spending time with their family locally.

We have a number of highly flexible, home-based work opportunities available for Area Managers to run our local sites. Look out for the launch of the fantastic new As an Area Manager you will enjoy a fun and flexible role Families website in early July. which fits around you and your family life, whilst affording you a great challenge – and the opportunity to make The areas covered by this magazine will money! There are no set up costs involved, you will be now encompass three websites covering trained by industry experts and you will develop valuable the local areas of Calderdale, South Kirklees new skills in the digital, print and social media marketing industry. and North Kirklees. This new hyper-local approach will allow Families Online to bring you information about a wide range of things to do You should be: both close to where you live – and across your region. • Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about what’s on locally for families You can look forward to seeing the best of the current site, including • Interested in working flexibly from places to go and what’s on events and activities, education, home at times that suit you childcare, classes and clubs and parties, as well as some great new • Online savvy and a regular user features, including eating out and local services. of Facebook and Twitter The site will be more comprehensive than ever and easier to use, • Able to write great articles which offering inspirational ideas for things to do with the kids locally and capture the imagination of local families helpful parenting tips and advice to support you and your family. • Have good networking and communication skills, and confidence when speaking to customers / the public It’s in the same place – so look at familiesonline.co.uk and find iStock.com/vvvita • A motivated self-starter who takes ownership and pride in your local site! your work

Responsibilities: Huddersfield’s Premier • Posting daily online and on social media with great ideas for your readers Family Martial Arts Centre • Populating and updating your site with useful and timely local content for families • Marketing and selling your site to local businesses and families • Building relationships with your clients and users and helping them get the most from your site Looking for a fun alternative To register your interest, please email [email protected] for a birthday party? Why not try a Nerf gun party?! 2 hours of action packed team fun for boys and girls

We provide the equipment (guns, goggles, and hideouts!) and you bring the food, party bags and cake. Contact us for more information on 01484 844386 or e-mail [email protected] Colne Valley Black Belt Academy Unit 108, Colne Valley Business Park, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5QG www.cvbba.co.uk

4 www.familiesonline.co.uk NEWS

IN THE NEWS... Academies U-Turn The Government has made a startling U-turn on its plans to force all schools Get ready early for back to school this to become Academies. year with name labels for clothing, ties Plans to require all schools to become and uniforms. Stick on labels are the Academies were announced in the before TREAT TIME easy way to label clothing – no Budget. However, after threats of ironing or sewing necessary! industrial action and a disastrous FOR THE ED Just stick the adhesive appearance by Education Secretary name label onto the care Nicky Morgan at the union meeting, the The Ed went along to the press launch of label of what you want to department announced that the plans Alexandra House Spa’s new underground thermal personalise and you’re would be scrapped. treatment rooms. After a tour of the spa and the finished. new Laconium and Tepidarium, she relaxed with The U-turn was made due to concerns a complimentary paraffin hand wax treatment. High-quality labels are expressed by parents, education made to order in the UK. If you want to take time out from your busy schedule experts, head teachers and teachers. Developed especially for some relaxation, the Ed highly recommends for clothes and with Alexandra House Spa! strong adhesion to last Alexandra House Spa in Huddersfield was many washes. Many other New booster car seat rules founded in 2007 by Dr Maxine Stead. alternative name labels also Did you know that there’s going to be For further details, visit available and personalised stricter laws on the use of booster seats www.alexandrahouse.org.uk gifts including major brands like to be announced later this year? after Disney, Mattel and Nickelodeon. At the moment, children as young as Labels4Kids is an award winning family three weighing 15kg can use backless business that has been selling name booster seats, but under the new labels online since 2004. Since 2014, rules only children taller than 125cm Labels4Kids has supplied John Lewis and weighing more than 22kg will be with school name labels. allowed to use them. Many child car Order early, beat the rush, and get seat experts say that backless booster some peace of mind this summer. seats aren’t suitable for young children as they aren’t held securely in the seat, Labels4Kids – because kids lose the adult seat belt doesn’t cross their stuff. www.labels4kids.com/fam body correctly, and they also don’t protect them from a side-impact crash.

Back to School Case win for holiday with M&M Direct during term time Jon Platt was issued with a fine for MandM Direct is now the UK’s biggest We have new stock every day, and once taking his daughter to Walt Disney online, off-price retailers. We offer big we lower the price of a product it will never World last April without permission from brands at low prices with up to 75% go back up! So whether you’re looking to the school or the Isle of Wight Council. off fashion, sport and outdoor wear for kit the kids out or treat yourself, we’ve got When fined £60 by the Council, Jon men, women and kids. Choose from it covered. refused to pay and the amount was over 250 of the world’s favourite brands Get the whole family kitted out this doubled to £120. Taken to court, including Converse, adidas, Levi’s, French summer at mandmdirect.com and bag Jon argued that as his daughter’s Connection and many more. yourself a bargain. attendance was over 90%, it was good and therefore he should have been allowed to take a family holiday with his daughter.

The courts agreed and in May Jon Platt won his case. The case raises an interesting point for other parents who wish to avoid the inflated costs holiday companies charge in school holidays.

www.familiesonline.co.uk 5 NEWS

The Big Friendly Read Best new releases

By Claire Muffett-Reece Libraries all over the UK are taking part in the annual Summer Reading Because it’s time to put down their iPad and bury their nose in Challenge, and this year’s theme is The Big Friendly Read, which a proper book... celebrates 100 years of the world’s favourite storyteller, Roald Dahl. 0-2 Years Over the school summer holidays, children aged 4-11 are being The Dinosaur That Pooped Daddy! encouraged to read six books, which can be anything from fact By Tom Fletcher. Penguin, £3.99 books, joke books, picture books, audio books – just as long as they It’s great to see that this latest Dinosaur are borrowed from the library. that pooped instalment has education Sign up for free at your local in mind, counting from 10 to one with library from 16 July, and every Danny and Dino as they seek out time your child finishes a Daddy’s hiding place – and book they get stickers watching out for Dinosaur poo and rewards. If your along the way! child manages to read 3-5 Years six books and visits the The Bumblebear by Nadia Shireen library three times over the Random House, £5.99 summer holiday, they get a Meet Norman the bear as he hatches a plan to dress medal and a certificate! up as a bee, in order to attend Bee School for some tasty The Summer Reading Challenge honey. However, when entering the bees’ world his identity enhances and supports the mission is revealed, with this book helping your child understand about for all children to read widely and for identity, learning and friendship. pleasure, as well as encourages parental engagement and family 6-8 Years involvement in reading. It can also kick start a child’s reading journey The World’s Worst Children, and also prevents the tendency for children’s reading to dip over the by David Walliams holidays. Harper Collins, £12.99 Local events over the summer A spectacular collection of tales about include: Summer Reading Challenge 10 delightfully dreadful children. Launch Party, Doodle a Dahl, Big There’s Sofia Sofa; a TV super-fan so Friendly Party, James and the Giant stuck to the sofa she’s turning in to Peach Walk, Big Friendly Picnic and one! Or how about Dribbling Drew, a Arts Award Workshops. Check out our boy whose drool gets him into trouble what’s on section or visit your local on a school trip... library for more information on events 9-11 Years in your area. Action Hero: The Fincredible Diary For more information on of Fin Spencer, by Ciaran Murtagh. The Big Friendly Read, go to Bonnier Zaffre, £5.99 www.bigfriendlyread.org.uk The third instalment of the fincredible or visit www.readingagency.org.uk diary series sees the return of Fin’s for a recommended book list. magic diary, which changes events of the past depending on what he writes inside. Banned from the class trip, Fin Independent family-run garden centre and bistro café uses the diary to visit Stevie Knuckles Gardening... Homeware... Eat... Drink... Relax... Action Camp – but will his plans Outdoor play... Kids’ craft events... Parties backfire? 12+ Years Finding Audrey, by Sophie Kinsella Corgi Childrens, £5.99 Meet Audrey, a girl recovering from social anxiety order to the extent she won’t leave the house. Then along comes her friend’s brother Linus, who shows her that finding her way back to the real world is achievable.

Claire Muffett-Reece is a freelance journalist who has written for a number of publications including The Evening Standard, Totties, Downshutts Lane, Holmfirth HD9 1AU (2 mins from A635 at New Mill) Metro, Fabulous, Cosmopolitan, Tesco, Boots, Emma’s Diary Open 7 days www.tottiesgardencentre.co.uk 01484 680227 and Wedding, among many others.

6 www.familiesonline.co.uk EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE

Here are a few tips to keep in mind once your child has started secondary school…

Expect them to be tired and emotional Many year sevens get very tired thanks to the ‘newness’, on top of a longer day and a more complicated journey. Stick to early nights and restful weekends to fend off exhaustion – and the moodiness that goes with this.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD Get super-organised with homework TRANSFER TO At primary, pupils might only have had a small amount of home- work; expect the game to be raised now. Not only will there be SECONDARY SCHOOL more but keeping on top of when it all needs handing in can be complicated. By Liat Hughes Joshi Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com Get used to knowing much less about what goes on In primary, you might well have been at the school gates most days and familiar with your child’s friends, parents and teachers. This will change: with independent travel comes a more hands- During the months before your little one off approach. makes the big move to secondary school, it’s

recommended that you begin the following… Be there for them bsd/Shutterstock.com It’s tempting to think this independence means you’re being RAMP UP RESPONSIBILITIES made redundant come September but they’ll still need you – albeit in different ways. Be there as a sounding board – some- Senior school children have to be considerably more responsible one to listen and advise. for their own belongings and themselves. Whereas primary school teachers send letters to parents, at ‘big’ school, communication on Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four day-to-day issues might well be to your child only. books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘‎How to Unplug BEGIN BUILDING Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: TheFamilies Primary pennine Years Rish(Pearson). Heath 2016_Layout 1 24/03/2016 09:41 Page 1 INDEPENDENCE OUT AND ABOUT Most secondary school pupils travel to school minus mum and dad, so get yours used to being out without you. It’ll be less daunting for them if this starts on the journey to primary school, rather than being OUTSTANDING thrown into travelling alone on a lesser-known route. LISTEN OUT FOR CONCERNS RESULTS Some children take this huge change in their stride and are OUTSTANDING ready to move on, while others will feel anxious. Common concerns include getting lost around a much larger school, dealing with the PUPILS journey, making new friends and managing the homework load. Nearer than you think! ATTEND SETTLING-IN DAYS Easily accessible from Halifax, Most secondaries hold a session for new joiners, usually during the Oldham, Huddersfield summer term of year six. This is an important opportunity to get to & Rochdale know the buildings, potential classmates and teachers and it should Extensive make the first day less intimidating. activities programme. Ask for details Heathfield The Junior School to Rishworth School Heathfield Junior School, ages 3-11

Tel: 01422 822217 Fax: 01422 820911 ‘Outstanding’ Heathfield School, Rishworth, HX6 4QF Email: [email protected] www.rishworth-school.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk 7 EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE

Doubling/Halving: 24 x 5 becomes 12 x 10 = both equal 120 AWARD- Multiplication strategies 14 x 6 becomes 7 x 12 = both equal 84 Trebling/Thirding: WINNING 36 x 3 becomes 12 x 9 = both equal 108 3 x 24 becomes 9 x 8 = both equal 72 approach Whichever way you do it – times tables are still critical, but if a child can learn to learning to change difficult numbers into a Have you considered the proportional manageable form to arrive at their answer adjustment strategies of doubling/halving – what a great skill to carry throughout life. and/or trebling/thirding? For more hints and learning tips Many children are capable of remembering contact NumberWorks’nWords their times tables, but when they venture Huddersfield on 01484 487911. beyond the 12s they often have difficulty At Explore Learning, our passion is to working the sum out. help students achieve their potential However, there are ways to manipulate and be the best they can be. the numbers and arrive at the same We get to know each child as an answer. Here are a couple of nifty individual and help them to fall in strategies to consider. love with learning. Our goal – to build confident, fearless learners who are hungry for knowledge. We’ve delivered

! award-winning maths and English tuition Jaroslaw Pawlak/Shutterstock.com Jaroslaw SATS to over 175,000 children across the UK.

test leaked Our approach has a proven record of online supporting children both academically and attitudinally. Celebrating children’s A “rogue marker” has published one Keep your kids achievements is an extremely important of this year’s SATS papers online, mentally active over thing. This summer we’re encouraging children and parents to learn new skills it was revealed by the Department the Summer holidays of Education. together, and to get excited about showing off what they have learned What can you do to keep your child Markers employed by Pearson, in our centres and back at school in mentally alert over the long summer a company who has been contracted September. Look out for their stories holidays and ensure that those hard- to issue and mark the papers, are on Explore Learning’s social media won academic skills don’t wither too usually allowed to log into and look channels and website! at papers on the company’s website. much in the sun? Anthony Wilkins, However, one of its staff had shared head teacher at Heathfield Junior the test with the media, meaning that School, Rishworth, provides some the paper almost had to be withdrawn. top tips for developing creative writing As only limited numbers of people saw through word-play: it and the journalist contacted with the • Increase vocabulary: think of information decided not to publish, descriptive words and encourage your the schools minister Nick Gibbs said child to develop alternatives. Take a it would go ahead. The test was in ‘boring’ sentence and takes turns in spelling, grammar and punctuation and adding to it – expand the description was for children aged 10 and 11. or make a story.

Mr. Gibb said that Pearson was • Play the ‘comparative’ game: think of investigating the matter and that the words that mean ‘big’, but which conjure company had apologised and would images of greater size: huge, enormous, aim to find the individual who had colossal? Can the words be put in order, leaked the answers. smallest to largest meaning? Explore Learning / Dominic James • Use similes and metaphors, and Hoppers proverbs and sayings, and explore pre-school and out-of-school-club what they mean; ask your child to for 2-11 year olds make up new ones – don’t be afraid Bolster Moor Chapel, Golcar of being ’funny’ or ‘silly’!

• Play word tennis between two people. Well-establised Highly experienced Exchange one word on a theme, or Outstanding care with a rhyme, or beginning with the Drop offs and pick up same sound, until one person can’t from local schools. think of anything! Contact Alison on 07838 389702

8 www.familiesonline.co.uk EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE

Teach your kids to ride a bike in 7 easy steps Teaching your child to ride a bike has never been easier with these seven simple steps: Begin with a balance bike Balance bikes are great because they have 1 no pedals or stabilisers and are much lighter.

Start on flat ground 2 Always begin to teach your child on flat ground – so at a local park or an area with no traffic.

Teach them to use the brake At the age of two and a half to three, children are 3 able to operate a hand brake, as long as it’s gentle enough for their fingers.

Always wear a helmet Wearing a helmet is a must. The sooner your little 4 one gets used to it, the better.

Look for safety add-ons 5 A steering limiter is highly recommended as this will enable your child to keep in the right direction and prevent falls. ISchmidt/Shutterstock.com

Get an adjustable seat Try to choose a bike that has an adjustable seat 6 as this means the bike can be adjusted to suit their height.

Upgrade to a bigger bike 7 When your child has developed enough skill and confidence you can transfer them to a pedal bike without stabilisers.

NEW GOLCAR PRE-SCHOOL AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL-CLUB A new pre-school and out-of-school-club will be launched in the Golcar area on 5 September.

Hoppers pre-school and out-of-school-club provides outstanding early years care and support for 2-5 year olds. It recently moved to bigger premises in Bolster Moor to build on its already well-established out-of-school facility, which has grown over the last few years, as well as establish its new pre-school provision. Its staff have a wealth of knowledge of the birth to five curriculum leading right through to primary education.

As part of its out-of-school offering for 2-11 year olds, Hoppers provides school drop offs and pick-ups from the following schools: Wellhouse, Clough Head, Wilberlee and Scape.

For more information or to book, call Alison on 07838 389702.

www.familiesonline.co.uk 9 CLUBS & CLASSES

OLYMPIAN ADRIAN MOORHOUSE TALKS TO FAMILIES

With the Rio Olympics only a matter of weeks away, Claire Winter talks to Olympian Adrian Moorhouse MBE about life after winning gold.

Adrian Moorhouse MBE was a world champion at 22, and Olympic “I am really happy to be commentating at Rio. A fantastic gold medallist in the 100m breaststroke at Seoul two years later. British swimmer, Adam Peaty, has recently won the European He now uses the skills he learned as a swimmer in his performance Championships. He’s also a breaststroker and won the World coaching business, Lane4. Championships last year. So he goes into Rio in the same position I was in, when I won the gold at Seoul. I am really excited about Having learned to swim at the age of six, he went on to swim hopefully seeing him win gold for Britain. It will be the first time we for his teacher’s club, then for Grammar School. have a had someone win it since I won back in 1988.” It all changed when he started swimming for the City of Swimming Club. We turned to discussing being a parent and how to encourage our kids in sport. “By 15 I was swimming 20 hours a week. I was tired and my schoolwork suffered, although I did ok at what we now call GCSEs. “Our job is to support and create an environment where they feel But on the positive side, I had massive progress in swimming at cared for because it should be the coach who challenges them and the age of 15. I won the national age groups for my age but I also pushes them and gives them feedback on their stroke, running or came second in the senior championships. At the age of 15 I was throwing. on the junior and senior British team. “You have parents who see that their child is talented but if their “From the age of 16 I became the British number one for men. child doesn’t want do it – they won’t succeed. They’ve got to want it By 17 I was third in Europe and by 18 I had won the themselves, you have to create opportunity, find out what someone Commonwealth Games. is passionate about and also recognise that it might not be your passion or interest. “I left school and went to university in America for a while and learnt great technique around nutrition, psychology and strength “Equally you need to teach your children about staying power. training and came back to the UK to Leeds. You’ve got to help kids look at focus and commitment. Try and find out why they don’t want to do something and give them a reason to “I had reached the pinnacle of success in 1986 at the age of 22 continue with it. when I was world number one, at 23 I broke the world record and at 24 I got gold at Seoul and I had even better years after that. “At 12 and 13 kids often get dispirited I competed in two other Olympics, 1992 was my last Olympics and because they are coming fifth or sixth I retired at 28.” but if they keep practicing they will improve. Tell them to compare After retiring Adrian worked on the British Swimming Team in Talent yourself, against yourself, rather Development for three years, and then set up his own company than another individual and most Lane4. importantly, be the best that you “When we set up Lane4, we took sports psychology and put it into can be.” business. I applied all the things I learnt as a swimmer. You have to It’s great advice from a very have focus and you have to have goals. When you are a swimmer inspirational man, whose spirit and you can be selfish because you compete as an individual. Knowing determination has defined all that he where to gather support and expertise for my performance has done in sport and business. business is very different. I‘ve got to be my best but I’ve got to know how to get the best out of my team too.”

Adrian has commentated on Olympic swimming since 1998 and will be at Rio this year. He has high hopes for the British swimming team.

SWIMMING LESSONS FOR BABIES AND PRE-SCHOOL

rning thr d song.. d relaxed t Lea ough play an . Friendly an environmen from birth aining co ater... Sm of 4 Babies onwards, g nfidence in w all classes Daytime ilable lessons ava Brighouse

Great fun for children and parents/carers Positive, uplifting, fun and educational Tel: 01422 888429 Helping to develop memory, language and co-ordination skills. E-mail: [email protected] www.ukswimstars.com The Craggs Country Business Park, New Road, To book these exciting classes for your 0-5 year olds; Cragg Vale, , HX7 5TT T: 07969 568939 E: [email protected] F: moomusicbrighouse RazvanIonut/Shutterstock.com

10 www.familiesonline.co.uk CLUBS & CLASSES

SUMMER CAMPS or kicking skills, why not learn from the professionals?

There are also lots of places where your kids can get one with nature, from den building, fire-lighting, woodland crafts, Summer Camps are a handy option during nature games, bushcraft skills, climbing the school holidays. There are loads taking trees and damming streams. Organisations place over the six weeks that will keep such as LiveWild’s Bushcraft Holiday Club your children entertained, active, and out in Hebden Bridge and Eden’s Forest and of trouble! Babes in the Wood in Huddersfield, offer Kids can enjoy a day of fun activities at fantastic activities in the great outdoors. the Super Camp at Huddersfield Grammar Holiday camps and alfresco activities are School or Kings Camp at Hipperholme great to keep kids entertained and meet Grammar School and Queen Elizabeth new friends – and you can be rest-assured Grammar School in . Project they’re in safe hands. Sport is also hosting its holiday project at locations in and around Huddersfield.

Your local leisure organisations, such as Oldham Active and Kirklees Active Leisure, host summer holiday camps and activities for kids, so check them out as well as your local leisure centre or swimming pool.

Huddersfield Giants’ players, Luke Robinson and Danny Brough Need a present for a child? have teamed up again and will Want something different for a party? be hosting their Skills Schools Organising an event or funday? during the Summer break. So All of your if your budding rugby players favourite Disney want to brush up on their tackling characters oliveromg/Shutterstock.com too! Independent Consultants Louise: 07590978956 Elsie: 07894203728 Bee creative with sand art [email protected] in Brighouse http://sales.kidsbeehappy.com/louisehawley Kids Bee Happy sand art is the new Moo Music craze, recently launched in the area by independent consultant Louise A MOO-SICAL Hawley, providing sand art classes and class for 0 to 5 workshops suitable for all ages and year-olds has come abilities. Children (and adults) can enjoy to Brighouse. this no mess, hands-on, bright, colourful The all-singing, arts and crafts activity using laser cut, all-dancing Moo pre-glued sand art picture cards. All you Music sessions are run by class leader need to do is pick the sand colours and Chelsea who moved into Brighouse last shake them onto the sticky sections on year and has an 8-month old son called the cards. From trains and animals to Jackson. motorbikes, horses and butterflies, as well as templates for all your favourite Each 45-minute session features a Disney characters – they also make the selection of Moo Music songs with a perfect gift. wide range of themes. Children get the chance to sing, dance, play games, So if you’re looking for an activity learn actions and experiment with for a party, wedding, school event or percussion instruments. workshop, go to sales.kidsbeehappy. com/Louisehawley or e-mail Classes are held every Wednesday [email protected]. at Bailiff Bridge Community Centre, Thursday at St Matthews Parish Centre and Fridays at Rowley Poleys.

For more information about Moo Music’s weekly classes or birthday parties, visit the www.moo-music. co.uk/areas/brighouse or like them on Facebook.

www.familiesonline.co.uk 11 SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Summer holidays are Or why not go on an underground boat trip at Standedge great for the kids. Tunnel in Marsden, followed by an ice-cream and a play in Six weeks off school, the adventure playground? Travel 500 metres underground a chance to wind down, into Britain’s longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel, opened in 1811, to learn about the outstanding history behind this spend time with friends iStock.com/Imgorthand magnificent feat of engineering. The guides bring to life the and family, and get all turbulent history of the hard working navvies that constructed refreshed for the start of the tunnel 200 years ago (canalrivertrust.org.uk/standedge). the new term. For parents it’s a bit more stressful. Yummy Yorkshire will be Trying to find things to celebrating all things tractors at its annual Tractor Fest in July, and entertain children for six Stockeld Park near Wetherby is weeks is no easy feat. having a summer of adventure – Whether you’re looking to explore the beautiful countryside, try roller skating, go-karting or visit want a thrill-seeking adventure, or in the mood for a bit of the maze and Enchanted Forest. culture, our region is packed full of amazing days out and Leeds Museums and galleries To get your adrenaline pumping, activities for families. head to Diggerland at Castleford. It seems a shame to miss the sun when it’s out, so why not Experience the thrills of spinning around fast in a Giant Digger head outdoors to your local country park for water sports, scenic bucket on the Spindizzy ride, operate a Giant JCB 806 Digger, walks or outdoor play? Ogden Water Local Nature Reserve drive a REAL car, race around in a go-kart, get lifted 50ft in the in Halifax has some great walks around its lake, or find out if air by the Skyshuttle, or whirl around on the Dig-a-round and there really is Room on the Broom at Anglers Country Park so much more! (diggerland.com) in Wakefield, an interactive trail that makes a leisurely walk more For a bit of culture, the National Coal Mining Museum for fun for kids. has just launched a Heroes and Heroines exhibition For something more active, try the water sports at Hollingworth to celebrate miners past and present. The Brontë Parsonage Lake Water & Outdoor Activity Centre in Littleborough, Museum in has Brontë themed drop-in art and craft or head to Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield that has just sessions, museum trails and ‘hands-on history’ sessions. launched its new Pirates Cove Play Area. You can also get one The interactive children’s museum, Eureka! in Halifax, is hosting with nature at the RSPB Old Moor nature reserve in Barnsley, 42 days of Summer, with exciting indoor and outdoor activities, which hosts a variety of activities during the week from self-led with themes such as space, animals, science, pirates, carnival, crafts and pond dipping to bird watching (rspb.org.uk/oldmoor). survival challenges and story making (eureka.org.uk).

The National Trust boasts some Museums and galleries across Leeds are bursting with of the most beautiful places to visit events, exhibitions and great cultural days out to capture the in the region. Go on an adventure imaginations of the whole family (leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays), in the enchanted woodland and and don’t forget to check out the programme of events at the rocky paths and visit a former museums and galleries across Kirklees from bushcraft cotton mill at events, summer quiz trails to family art days. in Hebden Bridge. Step back in is also hosting holiday fun art and craft events, Leeds Museums and galleries Gallery Oldham time and explore the beautiful as well as Super Saturdays for craft activities and its Bee Club; gardens at or why not head to the Portland Basin Museum in Ashton- in , or check out the fun Under-Lyne and enjoy local heritage craft activities and trails. holiday activities set in the beautiful surroundings of Feeling creative? Head to Totties Garden Centre near near Wakefield. Holmfirth and turn recycled bits into something new at its fairandfunky Scraptastic workshops for kids (tottiesgardencentre. Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends Percy, Toby and Mavis co.uk), or get creative and messy at The Star Tree Studio in will be visiting the Kirklees Light Railway again in July and Littleborough, which hosts fun and educational craft sessions for August, so don’t miss them and the Fat young ones (thestartreestudio.com). Controller, as well as a host of fun activities (kirkleeslightrailway. Whatever the weather, you can see there’s plenty to keep you com); the Keighley and and the kids entertained this summer – and this is just Worth Valley Railway a selection! So why not try somewhere new this year? also has daily timetables for scenic steam train journeys. For more information on events and activities during the summer holidays, head to our What’s On section at the back of the magazine, check out our new website

Diggerland www.familiesonline.co.uk for even more event ideas, or head to the venues’ websites for more details. Mila Supinskaya/Shutterstock.com

12 www.familiesonline.co.uk SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Fruity sticks your child will love Evdokimov Maxim/Shutterstock.com

Help them get their five a day with this fun snack, ideal for the lunch box! By Sally J Hall

You will need: • 3 thin plastic straws • Mixture of fruit such as grapes, strawberries, kiwi fruit, pineapple, banana, apple • Lemon or lime juice

How to make: 1 Cut the larger fruit into squares and squeeze some lime or lemon juice over them to prevent them from going brown. 2 Push the straws through the pieces of fruit one at a time – make sure you mix up the colours to make it look extra special.

Note: Children who are under four should not be offered whole grapes because of the danger of choking.

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

www.familiesonline.co.uk 13 SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Tips for flying with young children

Will you be travelling abroad with your young children this year? Here are 15 tips for a stress-free journey...

Inform the airline when you book your flight that you have 1 young children and take advantage of all the extra help they offer parents.

Check if your airport has a dedicated crèche. Some are 2 equipped with toys, books and rest rooms.

Ask if you can take your buggy to the flight’s gate so your 3 little one will have somewhere familiar to nap if your flight is delayed.

Pack plenty of wet wipes in your handbag. 4

Get your children used to drinking room temperature 5 drinks as it can be difficult to keep bottles cool or warm them up at the airport.

Pre-book children’s meals on flights. They get served first 6 and you’ll avoid the endless wait for food.

Breastfeed your baby, or have a drink ready for an older 7 child when the flight is taking off and landing as the sucking motion will help equalise the pressure in the ears (often an uncomfortable cause of babies crying on flights).

Under-twos usually travel free as long as they sit on a 8 Nadezhda1906/Shutterstock.com parent’s lap for the entire flight. If your budget will stretch to it maybe pay the extra fare so you have an extra seat.

A seat near the bulkhead (where there is a division or toilet 9 in front) may have a bit of extra room, so your toddler could play on the floor.

Take plenty of baby food and mini snacks with you. 10

P ! Try to time your child’s day so they will have a nap on the R ICE UNC S 11 HAN flight. Some airlines provide pillows and blankets. SIN GED CE 2 014 Dress children in layers as they can get too warm on a 12 flight – or too cold if the air conditioning is on full blast.

Take non-battery toys and games with you like good old 13 fashioned colouring books.

Let your child have their own carry-on bag of small games 14 and treats.

Keep an eye on your child’s feet to make sure the seat The only place where children & adults can ride & drive real diggers! 15 in front doesn’t get kicked.

DIGGERLAND But most of all; try to keep calm and enjoy yourself… *Applies to standard entry prices only 15% OFF it is your well-earned holiday too! EXPIRY DATE: 30/10/2016 Pay on the day only. Only originals accepted. Not valid with any OFFICE USE: 16810 other offer, concession or online entry. Height restrictions apply. Max 4 per voucher. Valid at Diggerland Yorkshire only. Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy

PRESENT THIS VOUCHER ON ARRIVAL AT DIGGERLAND YORKSHIRE TO RECEIVE 15% OFF THE STANDARD ENTRY PRICE! and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal Diggerland Yorkshire, Willowbridge Lane, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 5NW FUN College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, THIS WAY Co they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best ALSO AT DIGGERLAND... rpo rat medical and practical information. Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk e E s ve artie nts ay P Annual PasDses hd Racing Experiences igger Birt Experie *Discount offe nc rs do not apply to these events es

FOR OPENING TIMES, PARK LOCATIONS AND MUCH MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US TODAY. WWW.DIGGERLAND.COM | 0871 22 77 007

14 www.familiesonline.co.uk WHAT’S ON JULY – AUGUST 2016

01484 844 298 www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Take a boat trip all the way through Britain’s longest, highest and deepest THEATRE & SHOWS SUMMER canal tunnel. Hear about the tales SUMMER HOLIDAY and tribulations of the navvies who built it. 10am-3:30pm. Booking ACTIVITIES Sat 16 Jul 9, 30 Jul & 13, 27 Aug essential. SMALL CINEMA: DUMPER TRUCK RACING 28 May – 31 Dec MAYA THE BEE (U) Diggerland Yorkshire, Sat 30 – Sun 31 Jul HEROES & HEROINES Gallery Oldham, Willowbridge Lane, Whitwood, STANDEDGE TUNNEL EXHIBITION AT THE NCMME Greaves Street, Oldham, Castleford, West Yorkshire, COUNTRY FAIR National Coal Mining Museum Greater Manchester, OL1 1AL, WF10 5NW, 0871 22 77 007 Standedge Tunnel and Visitor for England, Caphouse Colliery, 0161 770 4742 www.diggerland.com/dumper-racing Centre, Tunnel End, Waters Road, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, www.galleryoldham.org.uk/small- Race specially adapted JCB Skid Marsden, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire, WF4 4RH, cinema Steer Loaders around the Diggerland HD7 6NQ, www.ncm.org.uk/heroes The little bee with a big heart in her course, swerving through slaloms 01484 844 298 Explore the real lives of people big screen debut. £3.50 including trying to avoid time penalties. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk who went beyond the call of duty in a goodie bag with drink and popcorn For over 17s only. 5pm, £39.99pp. Enjoy locally produced food and mining and add your own heroes for kids! Booking required. 2pm crafts, a petting farm, vintage tractor and heroines to the Museum’s (12pm-2pm – art and craft activities) Sun 10 Jul display and kids entertainment. Plus archives. 10am-5pm OLDHAM CARNIVAL ROOTZ boat trips, outdoor and indoor play. Thurs 4 Aug FESTIVAL Free. 11am-4pm Mon 18 Jul – 29 Aug PETER PAN Alexandra Park, Kings Road, DRAWING, DIPPING , Red House, Oldham, OL8 2BH, Sun 7 Aug AND DISCOVERY DAY Oxford Road, , 0161 770 4056 BRASS IN THE GARDEN RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, Nr , www.oldhamcarnival.org.uk WITH TOOTS BRASS Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley West Yorkshire, BD19 4JP, Family day out with live music, dry , Nature Reserve, Wombwell, 01274 335100 www. ice skating rink, fairground, theatre Ravensknowle Park, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, communitydirectory.kirklees.gov.uk and dance, food stalls, community Wakefield Rd, Huddersfield, S73 0YF, 01226 751593 Chapterhouse Theatre Company stalls, a dog show, plus much more! West Yorkshire, HD5 8DJ, www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor presents this classic children’s story 10am-6pm. Free plus payable 01484 223830 Enjoy self-led crafts, then explore the by J.M.Barrie in the award-winning activities and food stalls www.kirklees.gov.uk reserve to see what bugs, birds and garden. Refreshments available. An enjoyable afternoon of brass pond life you can see. Pond dipping Bring your own seating, no tables. Sat 16 – 17 Jul band music in the Memorial Garden. kits and backpacks are available to 7.30pm A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Bring your own seats. Organised by hire. 10am-3pm. Every Mon. the FoTR. Free with a collection by Sat 6 Aug & Sun 7 Aug Kirklees Light Railway, Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, Toots Brass. 2pm Tues 19 Jul – 30 Aug THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD West Yorkshire, HD8 9XJ, TUESDAY TALES The Victoria Theatre Halifax, 01484 865 727 Fri 19 – 22 Aug RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, Fountain Street, Halifax, www.kirkleeslightrailway.com A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley West Yorkshire, HX1 1BP, Kirklees Light Railway is expecting a Kirklees Light Railway, Nature Reserve, Wombwell, 01422351156 visit from a very special Tank Engine Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, www.calderdale.gov.uk and his friends. A great day out plus Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, S73 0YF, 01226 751593 Tall Stories Theatre Company fun activities. Booking advised. 10am HD8 9XJ, www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor returns bringing Julia Donaldson 01484 865 727 Join experts Chris and Bob for tales and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning Sun 17 Jul – 28 Aug www.kirkleeslightrailway.com of wildlife and explore the heart of sequel to life in this musical OVER AND UNDER Kirklees Light Railway is expecting the nature reserve. 11 am / 1 pm / adaptation. 3+ (Sat 2pm & 4.30pm, a visit from a very special Tank 2.30 pm. Every Tues. Sun 11am & 2pm) Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre, Tunnel End, Waters Road, Engine and his friends. A great day out plus fun activities. Booking Wed 20 Jul – 31 Aug Tues 16 Aug Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6NQ, advised. 10am WILD WEDNESDAYS THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, and Country Park, Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Nutter Lane, Birstall, , Nature Reserve, Wombwell, West Yorkshire, WF17 9LG, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, 01924 326240 S73 0YF, 01226 751593 www.friendsofoakwellhall.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor Chapterhouse Theatre Company RSPB Old Moor’s most popular returns for a performance of this holiday time activity, with nature classic story in the beautiful walled themed craft activities or go pond gardens. Bring your own seating, dipping or bug hunting on the no tables. 7:30pm. reserve with a wildlife expert. 9.30am-5 pm. Every Weds. Sat 20 Aug DOTTY THE DRAGON Sat 16 Jul RSPB Dearne Valley, SUMMER READING Old Moor, Old Moor Lane, CHALLENGE LAUNCH PARTY Dearne Valley Nature Reserve, Huddersfield Library, Princess Wombwell, Barnsley, South Alexandra Walk, Kirklees, Yorkshire, S73 0YF, West Yorkshire, HD1 2SU, 01226 751593 01484 221961 www.kirklees.gov.uk/ www.blunderbus.co.uk leisure/libraries/childrenslibrary This fantastic outdoor performance Write rhymes, make your own is full of charm, laughs and a life- marvellous medicines, meet the sized fire breathing dragon! 3+, BFG, and find your own Golden 3pm, £8. Bring a lawn chair or picnic Ticket. Free fun for all the family. blanket. 1-3pm

www.familiesonline.co.uk 15 WHAT’S ON JULY – AUGUST 2016

DON’T FORGET

Thurs 21 Jul – 25 Aug Kirklees Adventurous Activity Team. West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, TO CHECK OUT THINKBOMB! THURSDAYS Children must be 8 and over. £10 0113 230 5492 per child, booking essential. Every www.leeds.gov.uk/ OUR WEBSITE RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, Monday 10am-12noon or 1pm-3pm. museumsandgalleries www.familiesonline.co.uk Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Head to the abbey every Thursday FOR EVEN MORE EVENTS Nature Reserve, Wombwell, 25 Jul – 2 Sept in the summer holidays for a picnic AND ACTIVITIES Barnsley, South Yorkshire, with the friendly dragon Barry. IN YOUR AREA! S73 0YF, 01226 751593 HOLIDAY FUN AT GALLERY OLDHAM Bring a picnic, but make sure Barry www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor doesn’t eat your sandwiches! Discover the beautiful and noisy Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, 12pm-1pm birds that live and breed on the Oldham, Greater Manchester, reserve. Help is on hand to identify OL1 1AL, 0161 770 4742 www. 28 Jul – 1 Sep 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 Aug each bird and how to use binoculars galleryoldham.org.uk/small-cinema and telescopes. 9:30am-5pm. Free family activities taking place SCHOOL’S OUT FAIRANDFUNKY Every Thurs. during the school holidays. Face AT SCRAPTASTIC WORKSHOPS painting and craft activities. Suitable Temple Newsam Estate, Totties Garden Centre and Fri 22 Jul – 26 Aug for ages 4-10 years. 1-4pm Temple Newsam Park, Leeds, The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, DRAWING, DIPPING AND LS15 0AE, Downshutts Lane, Totties, 0113 395 7400 www.leeds.gov.uk/ DISCOVERY FREE FRIDAY 26 Jul – 25 Aug Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, BIG FRIENDLY PARTY museumsandgalleries HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, Find a host of activities in this www.tottiesgardencentre.co.uk Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Huddersfield Library, Princess fantastic historic house to keep the Children aged 3-12 years get to Nature Reserve, Wombwell, Alexandra Walk, Kirklees, kids busy. Regular Crafty Tuesdays, create a masterpiece by turning Barnsley, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, HD1 2SU, Story Wednesdays and Drawing recycled bits & pieces into S73 0YF, 01226 751593 01484 221961 www.kirklees.gov.uk/ Thursdays. Tues-Thurs something new. No need to book. www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor leisure/libraries/childrenslibrary 10.30am-4pm 11.00am, £3.50 per child Nature themed self-led crafts plus Help celebrate 100 years of Roald explore the reserve to see what Dahl by coming to a gloriumptious Thurs 4 & 11 Aug 2016 Fri 12 Aug bugs, birds and pond life you can party for games and quizzes. Fancy see. Reserve entry is free to all dress encouraged. Hosted at libraries PIRATE DAYS! BIG FRIENDLY PICNIC children. 9:30am-5pm. Every Fri. across Kirklees. 10:30am or 2:30pm Hall, Lister’s Road, Huddersfield Library, Princess Halifax, West Yorkshire, Alexandra Walk, Kirklees, 23 Jul – 4 Sept 26 Jul – 4 Sep HX3 6XG, West Yorkshire, HD1 2SU, SUMMER FUN AT EUREKA! SUMMER HOLIDAY 01422 352246 01484 221961 ADVENTURES www.museums.calderdale.gov.uk www.kirklees.gov.uk Eureka! The National Children’s Search for pirates and take part in The best, most pifflefizzing picnic Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, , Off Collier Lane, pirate crafts and activities. Free eye ever! Meet the Big Friendly Giant West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE, , Leeds, West Yorkshire, patch and discount for those in fancy and explore Roald Dahl’s world. 01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk LS25 3EB, 0113 378 2959 dress for the land train and boats in Prizes for the best fancy dress. 42 days of summer with over 30 www.leeds.gov.uk/ the park. 11am, 1pm, 2pm Bring your own picnic. 1-3pm performers on selected dates. museumsandgalleries Themes include Space, Animals, Visit Lotherton Hall again and again Science, Pirates, Carnival, Survival over the summer holidays. Six Challenges and Story Making. weeks of themed activities from the Capture imaginations this great outdoors to all things vintage. 25 Jul 2016 – 2 Sep 2016 Every day, 10am-4pm summer at Leeds Museums and Galleries — we’ve got EXPLORE THE WORLD this holiday sorted! WITH KIRKLEES MUSEUMS 27 Jul – 31 Aug Red House Museum, Red House, SPARKS! SUMMER Oxford Road, Gomersal, Nr Cleck- HOLIDAY FUN heaton, West Yorkshire, BD19 4JP, , Boothtown 01274 335100 www. Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, communitydirectory.kirklees.gov.uk HX3 6HG, 01422 352334 Summer quiz trails with a prize draw www.museums.calderdale.gov.uk and self-led craft activities in the Make a prehistoric creature, clay house to celebrate the Olympics. plaque, an aboriginal craft, pop up Entry charges apply to the house. card, mini aquarium, dream catcher, 12noon-4pm summer mobile, paper puppet or moving picture. Activities change per 25 Jul – 22 Aug week. 11am,1pm, 2pm. Every Weds. BUSHCRAFT MONDAYS AT OAKWELL HALL 27 Jul – 31 Aug leeds.gov.uk/ Oakwell Hall Country Park, WARRIOR WEDNESDAYS schoolholidays Oakwell Hall and Country Park, Museum, Nutter Lane, Birstall, Batley, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT, West Yorkshire, WF17 9LG, 0113 220 1999 01924 326240 www. www.royalarmouries.org communitydirectory.kirklees.gov.uk Meet warriors from history. Watch Learn bushcraft skills with the live combat demonstrations, get your hands on history at special object Families Pennines listings can also handling sessions, plus warrior- be found on our fully searchable themed crafts. Every Wednesday, online What’s On, and we update 11am-3pm. regularly, so make sure you bookmark www.familiesonline.co.uk 28 Jul – 1 Sep Please be aware that things change so check details and suitability for PICNIC WITH A DRAGON your family with the provider before AT setting out as Families Pennines Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Walk, cannot be held responsible for the Kirkstall Road, Leeds, events we list.

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