LOCAL INFORMATION for parents of 0-12 year olds in HALIFAX TODMORDEN LITTLEBOROUGH OLDHAM ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE IT’S SADDLEWORTH CHRISTMAS!

WHAT’S ON for November and December

LOCAL PARALYMPIANS plus FRESH FROM RIO 2016 NEWS EDUCATION FREE CLASSES TAKE A COPY ISSUE 35 NOV/DEC 2016 2 www.familiesonline.co.uk WELCOME Merry Christmas! What a whirlwind year 2016 has been!

Christmas is always a busy time of the year, so to help you out we’ve put together a bumper Christmas feature. It’s packed full of scrummy IN THIS festive recipes, craft ideas, inspiration for gifts and books, as well as 04 06 EDUCATION where to go to get into the Christmas spirit and meet the main man NEWS & CHILDCARE

ISSUE iStock.com/alvarez himself.

I was also extremely lucky to meet some of our local Paralympic heroes on their return back from Rio. Check out their inspirational stories on page 9 and 10 – they’re really worth a read.

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone that helps keep the cogs turning at Families Pennines. Theresa the designer, Patricia my sales agent, all my distributors who have been a great help over the last few months, Russell Press, and all our drop points across the region. Also huge thanks to my family and friends for all their support and 8 10 14 CHRISTMAS PARALYMPICS CHRISTMAS WHAT’S ON feedback. It’s all really appreciated and I couldn’t do it without you all.

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for a new venture for the New Year, we’re still looking for someone to manage our microsites at www.familiesonline.co.uk, so if you fancy a flexible role to fit around family life, do get in touch.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

See you in 2017!

Emily Raleigh Editor, Families Pennines

YEARS New Luxury Day Spa 5

A Revitalising Rural Retreat based between iStock.com/Zheka-Boss Holmfirth and Penistone.

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

@FamiliesPenn /FamiliesPennines

CIRCULATION 20,000 DEADLINE Early December 2016 FRONT COVER Just Play Photography, www.justplay.photography Relaxing Temple Spa treatments including massage, facials, DESIGNED BY Theresa McDermott, 07462 961793, manicures and pedicures. Gift Vouchers available. www.designedbytree.com PRINTED BY Russell Press, 0115 9784505, www.russellpress.com HIMALAYAN SAUNA | RASUL MUD ROOM STEAM ROOM | FOOT SPAS | HERBAL SAUNA Copyright Families Pennines November/ December 16 TROPICAL EXPERIENCE SHOWER | RUSTIC SAUNA Families Pennines is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. TREATMENT AND CHILL OUT ROOMS 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 Telephone 01226 767506 are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may Smallshaw Farm Cottages & Spa, Hollin Lane, be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care Millhouse Green, Sheffield, S36 9NH preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for [email protected] www.smallshaw.com the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. /Smallshaw Farm Cottages

www.familiesonline.co.uk 3 SEND YOUR NEWS TO [email protected]

ROYAL COUPLE CAMPAIGN NewsFOR CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH Save the date ... Pencil Friday 31st March 2017 in your diary in big, bold writing because Wear A Hat Day is back for the eighth time and it will be The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are EVEN HATTIER than last year. getting behind a campaign that aims to support children with mental health problems and offer support at times when their Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 lives change dramatically, such as when moving or during times than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on of family upsets. cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is the only national UK charity that funds The Duke of Cambridge said: “The Heads Together campaign is sustainable research into finding a cure. Wear A Hat Day is the all about getting people talking about the difficult times that many premier brain tumour awareness event, and is a great way to of us will face and have faced in our lives. show your support and raise money for brain tumour research “We know that parents sometimes don’t know how to help their during a day of hat-filled fun and games. Buy a hat, make a hat, children open up and talk about difficult times. Heads Together take a photo and share it online #HATTASTIC has published, on its website, some top tips for parents – to help Register now and start planning your event. We’ll send you them talk to their children about big changes you may be going an exclusive pack of fundraising goodies – including leaflets, through.” posters, balloons and any other merchandise you ordered at For more information on Heads Together Back to School visit time of registering – in plenty of time for your Wear A Hat Day. www.headstogether.org.uk/backtoschool Stuck for ideas? Our Hatter’s Workshop online at www.wearahatday.org is brim-ming with inspiration: event ideas, quizzes, additional poster designs and much more! Top 10 event New spa retreat for South ideas and fundraising tips are also available on our website. So get those thinking caps on, and start counting down to 31st A new luxury spa has opened between Holmfirth and Penistone. March. Together we will find a cure. Located in a converted historic farm building with breathtaking views of the Peak District, Smallshaw Spa includes the very latest in luxury spa facilities, from a rustic sauna, foot spas, tropical experience Helmets proven safer than you think shower, herbal sauna, chill out room and double treatment/nails room. A study of bike helmet use has found that the wearing of a bicycle Additional treatment rooms are crash helmet reduces your risk of a serious head injury by 70% – available for therapies including and your risk of a fatal head injury by 65%. The same study also massage and manicures using said that neck injuries are not caused by, or made worse by, Temple Spa skin and body care, wearing helmets. aromatherapy and spa products. Statisticians from Australia’s University of New South Wales took Guests staying at Smallshaw’s four data from 40 studies to come up with their findings and presented luxury holiday cottage properties can their results at Safety 2016 in Finland. use the spa, as well as day visitors for half day sessions or individual therapy treatments and packages. For more news, visit Families Online: More information can be found at www.familiesonline.co.uk/news www.smallshaw.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 BOOKS warm welcome for local paralympic heroes Our Editor went along to Council’s homecoming event at the MBi Shay Stadium in Halifax to celebrate the amazing achievements of local Paralympic athletes.

The event was an opportunity for the local community to congratulate Here is our round-up of the best their Paralympic heroes, new book releases… Halifax’s Hannah Cockroft and

Mytholmroyd-based Steve Nat Thom/Shutterstock.com 0-2 Years Bate; Steve’s tandem cycling partner, Adam Duggleby; Jungle Sounds by Usborne Publishing £12.99 Karen Darke and Harry This beautifully illustrated board book is the Brown. perfect way to entertain any young reader. You’ll find buttons to press featuring different animal sounds, The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr from roaring tigers and trumpeting elephants, to squawking Howard Blagbrough, said: “What parrots and a rather noisy orangutan! an incredible homecoming event! It was really heartening to see people 3-5 Years get behind our local Paralympic heroes and The Little Elephant Who Wants to Fall Asleep celebrate their fantastic achievements. All of the athletes by Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin £7.99 are truly inspirational, and we were delighted to let them From the author of best seller The Rabbit Who know that we are all so proud of them.” Wants to Fall Asleep, this latest installment ‘Hurricane’ Hannah surpassed her amazing medal total features Ellen the Elephant and a whole new from the London 2012 games, by winning three gold cast of lovable characters, who travel through medals, in the T34, the 400 metres T34, and a magical forest that leads to Dreamland. the 800 metres T34. 6-8 Years Steve and Adam won two gold medals in the cycling road time trial B and the cycling track men’s 4,000 The Girl Who Saved Christmas metres individual pursuit, as well as a bronze in the by Matt Haig £12.99 men’s road race B. Nine-year-old Amelia writes to Father Christmas to ask for her mother to get better. Unfortunately, Father Karen Darke won gold in the women’s cycling road Christmas can’t get his trusty reindeer off the ground time trial H1-3 and Harry Brown achieved bronze in the and Christmas is cancelled! A year on, Santa sets off basketball team. for London, with the aim to make this the happiest Check out page 9 and 10 to hear more from Hannah, Christmas ever for the very first child he visited. Steve and Adam about their time in Rio. 9-11 Years

The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson, £6.99 11-year-old Matthew is trapped in his bedroom by the crippling OCD brought on by his baby brother’s death. Spending most of his time staring out of his window, he is the last person to see his next-door neighbour’s toddler, Teddy, just before he goes missing. Turning detective to unravel the mystery of Teddy’s disappearance. 12+ Years

Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven £7.99 Libby Strout is the girl so heavy she had to be lifted out of her house by a crane. Everyone knows Jack Masselin, too – but Jack has a secret: his brain is different, and he can’t recognise faces. Landing in group counseling and community service, the angry duo find that the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel.

Claire Muffett-Reece is a freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others.

5 SEND YOUR SCHOOL OR NURSERY NEWS TO [email protected]

GROUP TUTORING REDUCES COSTS BUT PROBABLY WON’T BE AS TAILORED There are increasing numbers of tuition centres offering group classes, both independent companies and chains. These can work out cheaper per hour but your child won’t get the same one-on-one Education attention, and it’s vital to check that those in the group need to work on the same things at roughly the same level. and Childcare ANYONE CAN BECOME A TUTOR SO DO YOUR HOMEWORK Anybody can set up as and call themselves a tutor, even if they’ve never taught anyone anything – there’s no regulation, which means checking credentials and qualifications is vital. One-on-one tutors should be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked (formerly known as CRB checking) – if they aren’t, then be wary. DON’T BE SHY ABOUT CHECKING HOW THEY WORK Ask questions even if you’ve had a recommendation from other parents – what suits their child may not suit yours. Are they a teacher/ former teacher and if so where did they work? How long have they been tutoring for and what is their track record like? ARRANGE A TRIAL LESSON Many tutors will offer your child a trial lesson – this lets you get a feel for whether the tutor and your child gel and whether their teaching style is going to work for you both.

Good luck!

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘‎How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson). iStock.com/alvarez TUTORING: What you Benefits of tutoring for

need to know children with dyslexia

Children with dyslexia often learn differently. A qualified Whether it’s to prepare for exams or improve a struggling child’s dyslexia teacher can make a huge difference to a child’s confidence, a tutor can provide a significant boost to learning. learning, in particular through 1:1 sessions, as this helps the Yet finding a decent one can be a test in itself. Here’s how to find teacher focus on exactly what each child needs. the best one for your child… Many children with dyslexia have negative experiences PLAN AHEAD WHERE POSSIBLE at school, so it’s important to have a positive learning The best tutors may well have waiting lists, so if you know your child environment that can enable children to experience success. will need support for exams or perhaps before moving to secondary Experts will use specific dyslexia literacy programmes, as well school, begin your search well in advance. In very competitive 11+ as dyslexia friendly tuition in other subjects, (including French areas for example, you may have to register interest with the most and Spanish as dyslexic children can find learning languages in-demand tutors 18 months ahead. very challenging). Combined literacy and study skills programmes are often popular with older pupils at high school. ASK AROUND Word-of-mouth is often the most effective way to find a good tutor. Parents tend to see an improvement in their child’s Ask parents you know and trust for recommendations. For the 11+ self-esteem, confidence, reading, writing and spelling. or public exams, speak to those with kids a year or two older, who’ve Children are taught strategies they can transfer into lessons been there and done that recently. in school to help with their everyday learning. Children are FIND OUT THE LOCAL GOING RATE not moved on until they master a particular skill in the reading or learning process. This ensures solid foundations are built Expect to pay anything between £20 and £65 an hour, depending for future learning. on where you live and how in demand a particular tutor is. However, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. Francine Garnier runs The Brighouse Dyslexia Centre. CONSIDER AGENCIES If your child is struggling with their learning get in touch on 07971 105743 or e-mail [email protected]. If your requests for recommendations draw a blank, a well- established tutoring agency could be the answer. Reputable agencies will vet tutors’ credentials and should match you and your child to someone with a similar style. Another upside of an agency is that if your usual tutor is ill or away for a long period, they should be able to send someone else. hidesy/Shutterstock.com

6 www.familiesonline.co.uk EDUCATION AND CHILDCARENEWS

BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN MATHS

With our National Young Mathematicians’ Award returning soon, we want more children than ever to be confident and excited about maths! Here are a couple of top tips for inspiring maths at home:

Bring maths to life with fun and engaging ways to learn new skills. Baking, measuring objects and budgeting at the shops are great ways for your child to be hands on with maths. Ask questions during homework time: Why? How do you know? Are you sure? The more you can challenge your child to convince you of their reasoning, the more you will build skills such as problem solving from an early age. Be sure to praise them for their efforts afterwards, too! www.explorelearning.co.uk/blog/category/maths/

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 YOUR CHILDREN ARE

F I E D D E VI AMAZING ALREADY. SED CUI WE JUST HELP THEM PROVE IT.

YEAR 7 ENTRANCE EXAM

Wednesday 11th Academic excellence is Jan 2017 8.45am - 3.30pm only part of the story.

Hudds_Assessment_Voucher_new.indd 1 23/12/2013 17:21 Maths & English FREE ASSESSMENT – 0161 624 4497 | www.ohgs.co.uk | [email protected] From Reception to Year 11, BOOK NOW! NumberWorks’nWords after- school tuition brings out the best in every student by: • tailoring lessons according to Registered with Ofsted each individual’s needs • setting achievable goals and Huddersfi eld 01484 487911 monitoring their progress numberworksnwords.co.uk • developing our own programmes using only qualifi ed Maths and English experts • following the national curriculum • teaching Verbal Reasoning skills and strategies

Hudds_Assessment_Voucher_new.indd 1

23/12/2013 17:21 Hudds_Assessment_Voucher_new.indd 1 www.familiesonline23/12/2013 17:21 .co.uk 7

Hudds_Assessment_Voucher_new.indd 1 23/12/2013 17:21

Hudds_Assessment_Voucher_new.indd 1 23/12/2013 17:21 PARALYMPICS

What inspired you to get into wheelchair racing? I started playing basketball when I was 12 WHEN THE ED MET... and through the club started to play a bit of wheelchair rugby, then wheelchair tennis. local Paralympian Hannah Cockroft School realised that I didn’t need to be segregated anymore, so I got more involved in school sports, representing Yorkshire in Families Pennines Editor met local the discus. Off the back of it, I got to try out Paralympian ‘Hurricane’ Hannah Cockroft wheelchair racing and I just loved it, Lilypad Baby as she returned home following her I was hooked. It gave me a sense of speed, success at Rio 2016. Hannah surpassed freedom and independence that I’d never her amazing medal total from the London had before. • Baby, Pre-School 2012 games, winning three gold medals & KS1 swimming lessons What advice would you give to children in the 100 metres T34, the 400 metres • Baby Massage looking to take up a sport? • Baby Yoga T34, and the 800 metres T34. They No-one is judging you on your ability, what • Baby Sign classes discussed lively Rio, fresh food and you can and can’t do. Just take every how the Paralympics has transformed single opportunity you get given. I had my disability sport. doubts, but I tried it and that’s what got What was the atmosphere like when you me to where I am. 99% of the time people were in Rio? are not thinking about you, they’re having It was amazing. They were so passionate the same worries about themselves. Just and friendly, and so lively! After my first try everything and eventually you’ll find 01484 868122 event, I went to meet my mum and dad in something that you absolutely love. www.lilypadbaby.co.uk [email protected] the stands and loads of people came up @lilypad_baby Do you think the hype around the /lilypadbabyswim /Lilypadbabymassage to me. They knew my name, what I’d just Paralympics has made sporting facilities won. Everyone wanted a picture, a kiss and for disabled people more accessible? a cuddle. Everyone was so supportive and Definitely. The biggest barrier in disability welcoming. sport is the funding, and if they can support You’ve trained for so long in the run up that then they might find the next me to Rio – how does it feel to know that all who’s sat at home thinking I can’t do sport that hard work has paid off winning all because school says I can’t. I think the those medals? Paralympics sends that message out, and Just relief when I crossed that line. There encourages people to get active, despite was so much pressure going into it, so much having a disability or lack of confidence – expectation. I was sharing a podium with a Need a present for a child? it’s about having that encouragement and 15 and 16-year-old for every event, so a lot Want something different for a party? knowing what’s out there to help you. Organising an event or funday? of people were saying she’s too old now, so I felt I needed to show that I was still around And what’s next for Hannah? All of your and was right where I wanted to be. I go into Winter training now, then we have favourite Disney our domestic season, which characters As part of that training I imagine you had is just around Britain, and too! to be strict with your diet. What was the then the next big one is Independent Consultants first thing you ate after Rio that you had Louise: 07590 978956 Clare: 07810 698657 to give up during training? the World Championship [email protected] Diet is something that I have full control in July in London. http://sales.kidsbeehappy.com/louisehawley over, so I never ban myself or stop myself I’m looking from having anything. Everything in forward to being moderation is a lot healthier than cutting back in front of things out. Although I do try to stick to a home crowd a high protein, low carb diet. However, and back in the coming home all I craved was fresh fruit Olympic Stadium. and vegetables, because everything in the village was mass produced, and every day was the same.

8 www.familiesonline.co.uk PARALYMPICS AND... TANDEM PARA-CYCLISTS Steve Bate and Adam Duggleby

Steve Bate, originally from area for road riding is amazing just with all the climbing. I love riding New Zealand, but now my bike around the hills, which has been a massive part of my living in Mytholmroyd, has development. Retinitis Pigmentosa, a Do you have any advice for somebody wanting to make a career condition that has left him out of cycling? almost blind. He became Adam: Join a club with older people that have been doing it all a para-cyclist in 2013 and their life and learn from them. I’ve been riding my bike 20 years and cycles in tandem with his improved massively over the last two years since doing it full time pilot Adam Duggleby – or and concentrating on that one goal – Rio. I didn’t think it was possible as Adam’s passenger as to get as good as I actually got within that time period and it shows Steve puts it! Despite the that training for that one goal can actually achieve what you want to friendly banter off the bike, it’s obvious that these two make achieve. great team mates on the bike, winning two golds and a bronze at I’m a bit of a unique enigma in that sense, but I think riding Rio 2016, as well as numerous other accolades in para-cycling Steve: with friends that are experienced then that’s the way to learn. over the years. Glean as much information as you can from them and dream You’ve trained for so long in the run up to Rio – how big. Set your goals high, that’s what I did and if I can do it does it feel to know that all that hard work has paid off winning all those medals? anyone can. Steve: I think for me the pursuit and winning a gold medal So what’s next for you both? on the first day of the competition with two races still to go Steve: Well we’ve pretty much got until January before was amazing – it was the perfect start. We said before we we’re back on the tandem. Adam’s got some solo racing went out that we wanted to qualify the fastest or be in the gold/ to do before Christmas and I’m just enjoying some time off. silver ride-off, so we knew even if it went wrong in the final, we’d I think I’ve had one week off in the last two and half years, so it’s still have a silver medal. kind of nice to get a break. We’ll sit down in January and plot out As part of that training I imagine you had to be quite strict with what we need to do to try and win a World Championships jersey, your diet. What was the first thing you ate after Rio that you had which is in South Africa at the end of August. to give up during training? Steve: We’d literally just finished our final road race and were really happy to get a bronze. The last five miles of that was absolutely Huddersfield’s Leading horrific because we were chasing the Spanish bike. I think your sister Family Martial Arts Centre threw a couple of beers over the fence. Adam: Yeah, I asked for a beer! I didn’t really eat any chocolate or cakes or biscuits in the run up to Rio. We did have a few ice-creams though when we were out there. Steve: Yeah it was pretty hot. You have to when the sun’s out. What inspired you to get into cycling? Steve: I was told in 2011 that I had this eye condition that I could Building confidence in kids! potentially go blind in three years which was quite a shock. I was devastated. A month or two later I spoke to Karen Darke, who won a gold medal in Rio and silver in London. The first thing she said to me was you can ride on the back of a tandem and come and train with me in Majorca, ride for GB. So I went to a talent ID day and I was pretty rubbish, but they obviously saw something in me. I remember the first time I rode with Adam he turned around and said ‘well you’re better than my Dad on the tandem anyway!’. It’s quite a short period of time you’ve actually being cycling? Steve: I guess I didn’t think that when I first started with the talent ID day three years ago. Becoming a Paralympian was laughable – like Steve you’re going to fly to the moon. I was like it’s just not going to happen. We’ve both worked extremely hard. NEW Adam: Only two years ago I wasn’t getting picked for the World Family Martial Championships, but we started getting some results in World Cups Arts Classes then eventually we ended up winning a World Cup time trial. I don’t in Shelley think either of us expected to win it, but we did. and Bradley! Contact us for more information on 01484 844386 or e-mail [email protected] What do you think about the cycling facilities in the local area? Steve: I moved down from Scotland to be closer to Adam and the Colne Valley Black Belt Academy Velodrome in Manchester. I don’t think my progression would have Unit 108, Colne Valley Business Park, Linthwaite, been as steep if I stayed where I was in Scotland. I think the local Huddersfield, HD7 5QG www.cvbba.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk 9 CHRISTMAS

Book Review and Reader Giveaway Dinosaurs in 30 Seconds By Sean Callery. Illustrations by Sam Hubbard £7.99 ISBN: 9781782403999

Thirty topics and active missions designed to keep dinosaur detectives and archaeological adventurers on their feet!

When I first heard about this book, I thought my 5-year-old son would just love it. He loves dinosaurs and is a sponge when it comes to facts about them.

Although aimed at children 8+, we read it iStock.com/Christopher Futcher iStock.com/Christopher to him and he just loved learning more facts about dinosaurs, asking lots of questions. In his own words, ‘It’s a really good fact book and I learnt lots of interesting things about dinosaurs. I liked all the pictures and it had really good dinosaurs in it. My best bit of the book was learning about the Once upon a Christmas Gigantosaurus and the T-Rex.’ No matter what age your child Books don’t require batteries, they don’t need to be assembled, is, if they’re really into dinosaurs it’s certainly worth a read. and they don’t mean you have to build a loft extension to Families Pennines is giving away 5 of these books just accommodate them. They don’t even cause you excruciating in time for Christmas. For your chance to win one, answer this pain when you step on them in the middle of the night! Books – simple question below and send your answer to what’s not to like? [email protected], with your name and number, But it’s not just us grown-ups who appreciate the advantages putting ‘Dinosaurs in 30 Seconds’ in the subject box, by Friday of literary gifts for the wee ones. 9th December. They may not deliver the biggest instant What does the word Dinosaur mean? wow factor when ripped from gaudy a) Giant Dragon b) Terrible Lizard c) Big Monster wrapping, but books are what children Good luck! will return to, and lose themselves in, time after time. Watch how a person’s face lights up when they tell you about their favourite children’s book, and then decide if books are the most magical

iStock.com/tatyana_tomsickova present in the world!

Older children don’t have to be keen independent readers to appreciate the right book as a gift. If it’s well-chosen with them in mind, about something that enthuses them or captures their imagination, you’re on to a winner.

So, if you’re thinking about buying books as gifts for your own children or others this Christmas, here’s a few dos and don’ts:

Don’t worry about duplicating. Chances are, they may already have a popular, well-known book, but it is actually quite useful to have more than one copy. One for upstairs by their bed and another for downstairs in the daytime, or one to keep at a grandparent’s home.

Do write in them. It’s a lovely, personal touch to write in the inside sleeve or cover of a book. “Happy Christmas 2016, with love from Aunty Emma,” is something they will look back on with fondness in years to come.

Do buy them books about something they’re interested in, especially as they get older. Books about sports, dance, Minecraft or pets are great for junior enthusiasts. Remember they don’t have to be fiction books, factual books often go down really well.

Don’t worry if they don’t seem to like it. It might be that they will come back to it and discover it another day. Or maybe it’s just not for them. The thought was there and we are all individuals with our own tastes and preferences – children are no different. Getting the opportunity to try a wide range of reading material is the main thing, and books can easily be passed on to another friend or relative who might like it more.

10 www.familiesonline.co.uk CHRISTMAS

No Sew Sock Snowman 1. Pour rice into the 2. Fill the next part of Here’s how to create bottom of the sock then the sock with some rice, your very own fill with stuffing, about then stuffing, making a snowman using socks, the size of a large potato smaller ball for the snow- from Neela Jackson to make the body. Tie man’s head. Tie another from The Star Tree with an elastic band. elastic band around to Studio in Littleborough Shape round using your secure. Trim off any – little ones will love it! hands. excess sock at the top.

Materials: • white sock 3. Stick the googly eyes, 4. Finish off by cutting • a small coloured sock buttons and orange felt a small child’s sock in • rice nose on with a glue gun half to create a little • cotton wool or stuffing or fabric glue. (Or draw hat for your snowman! • elastic bands with pen) You could even use the • googly eyes spare piece to create a • buttons scarf to keep him warm!! • orange felt or pen

Could you sell Christmas cards on our behalf? How to get kids to eat Christmas dinner

We’d love to send you a box Hide and disguise is the order of the of cards to sell at your day, if you want your kids to eat veg Send a message that makes school, club, workplace around the Christmas table. Totties’ a difference this Christmas or local Christmas fair. Head Chef Nick has a few tips to We’ll send these to get some goodness into your little We have a fresh range of cards to you on a sale or return ones, without them even realising. choose from for Christmas 2016! basis so anything you After cooking and draining your Giving or sending cards is the perfect don’t sell, simply return carrots, add a knob of butter and a way to show you are thinking of someone to us along with any squirt of honey to the pan, stir in and during the festive season. Christmas is money raised. hey presto sticky snowmen noses. so often a time to reflect on the significant Visit our website to find out connections in our lives and a personal Most kids will eat mash, but sneak in more about buying or selling cards and card or note is a thoughtful touch that will some added vitamins by mixing in tiny to view our full-range of designs www. always be appreciated. bits of swede and call it rainbow mash. braintumourresearch.org/christmascards. Our cards are priced at £4 per pack and Add the water you’ve cooked your

When you’re ready to order, Joe Gough/Shutterstock.com at least 50% of the proceeds will go vegetables in to your gravy, it’ll not only please contact the office on 01908 towards funding our charitable aims. taste better but turns up the healthy 867200 or email supportercare@ factor – ‘cos we all need something to braintumourresearch.org. balance out the chocolate intake! Alternatively, purchase online via our eBay page www.ebay.co.uk/usr/ braintumourresearch.

Hoppers pre-school and out-of-school-club for 2-11 year olds Bolster Moor Chapel, Golcar

Well-establised Highly experienced Outstanding care Drop offs and pick up from local schools. Contact Alison on 07838 389702

www.familiesonline.co.uk 11 CHRISTMAS Edible Gifts

Christmas gifts don’t have to be expensive and you can have lots of fun making foodie gifts for your friends and family. Here are a few easy and delicious ideas for you to make with your children.

DARK CHOCOLATE WATER-BASED TRUFFLES

circlePS/Shutterstock.com These chocolate truffles use water instead of cream, making healthier truffles that don’t need to be refrigerated.

Ingredients (makes 12-14 truffles): 200g dark chocolate* About 80ml recently boiled hot water Pinch of salt Cocoa powder or icing sugar for coating (ready in a bowl) or any other coating e.g. oats, rice crispies, nuts, desiccated coconut Dash or two of rum, whisky or brandy (optional) * dairy free dark chocolate for lactose free

Method: 1. Melt chocolate being careful not to overheat or burn it – this should take a couple of minutes max.

2. Pour the hot water into a bowl and slowly add the melted chocolate, stirring continuously until combined – at first it will look terrible and then go beautifully glossy and start to pull away slightly CHRISTMAS COOKIES IN A JAR from the sides of the bowl (if the Ganache suddenly stiffens up just add a little more hot water).

Optional: Add your chosen tipple now. Just reduce the amount of This is a lovely gift as the jar can be used again water added by roughly the same amount. and it’s full of yummy, Christmassy biscuits too. 3. Pour onto a work surface lined with plastic wrap, spread until 1cm thick and leave to set – this should take about 1½ hours max. You will need: 250g soft butter or margarine 140g caster sugar 4. When set, cut into 1.5cm square pieces. 1 egg 2 tsp vanilla extract 5. With clean hands, quickly roll individual Ganache pieces into 300g plain flour balls and place in cocoa powder or icing sugar and coat. Quarter tsp ground cinnamon This recipe is from the Ministry of Chocolate, a leading provider of Tiny pinch of ground star anise experiential chocolate events – www.ministryofchocolate.com Quarter tsp nutmeg Large Kilner jar Ribbon and decorations such as mini bells

To decorate: Icing sugar Water Lemon juice Indoor & Outdoor Play Method: 1. Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the yolk from the Disco and Play Parties egg and the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and keep mixing Ideal for under 7’s until it forms a ball of dough. Kids can do this with their hands. 6 months to 1 year £1 2. Next, roll the dough out of a floured surface and use a variety of £3.50 entry £5 Play & Eat Christmas cookie cutters to make the shapes – stars, diamonds and Open 7 days a week hearts are all good. Bake for 12-15 minutes (gas 4, 190 C 375 F). Home cooked food 3. Once cool, mix the icing sugar with a teaspoon of lemon juice Toddler sessions and a little water, until it is easy to pour but still thick. Use a piping Holme Mills, West Slaithwaite Road, Marsden, bag to make decorations on each and leave to dry in a cool place. Huddersfield, HD7 6LS Tel: 01484 844137

4. Finally, place a selection of the cookies into a Kilner jar and www.chez-play.co.uk [email protected] Ticket Only

decorate with a Christmas ribbon, bells and a label. 18th December – Disco with Santa 10th and 24th December – Lunch with Santa

12 www.familiesonline.co.uk CHRISTMAS Gift Ideas

When it comes to choosing gifts for the kids at Christmas, we all want to make sure we give them something they will absolutely love. Here’s what’s on the best lists this Christmas…

For baby and toddler Orange monster hand puppet £19.99 Puppets By Post Personalised music box A favourite of our childhoods; hand puppets are £17 Not On The High Street making a massive comeback and this bright This is a gift that your little one can use and orange monster will be a great friend for your enjoy for years to come. Inside the wooden box child to play with. He can be a friendly monster or is a musical mechanism that plays You Are My a naughty monster, depending on what your child Sunshine and can be operated by turning the decides and it can help your child learn the art of handle. Personalise it with your little one’s name drama and role play. and a message on the top. BeatBo Wheelybug ride-on toy £29.99 Tesco £69.95 Hippychick This large and friendly toy will get your little one Your toddler will love zooming moving and grooving. Children can press his tummy around on a Wheelybug. Sturdy and or the buttons on his feet to activate tunes and comfortable, with a big handle to grasp, songs. He will help kids get to learn their colours, these can zip around in any direction and there are numbers and letter and they can even sing along. so many loveable characters to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite. Ours is the pig. Or maybe the bee. Or the ladybird… But if you buy the mouse this Christmas, the company will donate 9-12 money to help the endangered dormouse. Chip the robot dog VTech light up night light soft toy £199.99 Amazon £10.99 John Lewis He’s not cheap, but Chip is the toy they’re all This sweet little character is suitable for talking about this Christmas. He’s smart a boy or a girl from birth and as well as and does his own thing, or your child being a little friend to play with, it’s a night can train him using voice commands and light too. It has soft glowing lights that help your a remote control, giving him a unique baby drift off to sleep, plus there is a white personality – and he’s just like a real dog. Roll his ball and he’ll noise setting and nature sounds too. bring it back to you, pick up his front legs and he dances. You can Frugi soft toy also use an app on your smart phone or tablet. £25 Frugi Minions Pie Face Organic kids’ clothing brand Frugi has £19.99 Toys R Us extended its range to include soft, The toy that everyone wanted last year is back – and it cuddly toys. Choose from Doodle makes you into a Minion! Pop some whipped cream or the Crocodile, Dash the Leopard or a wet sponge on the arm (cold mashed potato’s good Giggles the Giraffe. They have been too), then a player puts their chin on the chin rest. lovingly made from velour and corduroy and this gives them Spin the dial to see how many clicks you must lots of textures for little hands to feel. turn the handles by – then watch out! Unlucky 5-8 players get a face full of goo! SmartMax Who Tooted From £8.99 Amazon £19.99 Toys R Us SmartMax is an amazing range of magnetic This is a hilarious board construction toys that kids will love. Featuring magnets game for all the family to that can hold 60 times their own weight, your play together. With integral little one can have endless fun constructing sounds and whoopee different toys from this set. It allows your child to cushions that – um – explore their creativity whilst learning about toot for you, everyone has to guess who tooted! magnetism and as the sets are made from Mickey Mouse Boot Toppers safe and high quality materials, they will last for £7.95 Disney Store years too. Even too kool for skool teenagers still love Cosmo teepee £149 MyWeeTeePee their soft toys, and these boot toppers are A bit pricey, but this will be the ideal location for games, a fun way for them to embrace their love dreams and dramas for years to come. Use it in the for all things Disney when out and about in house or in the garden, take it to the park for some autumn leaves and winter snow. Pop these shade and put it in the bedroom for a quiet story knitted toppers on a pair of boots and corner, this teepee is made from strong wooden the friendly face with pom pom ears will poles and thick, quality canvas. make everyone smile.

www.familiesonline.co.uk 13 THEATRE & CINEMA XMAS MARKETS

12 Nov - 7 Jan 2017 10 Nov - 20 Dec SLEEPING BEAUTY MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS Oldham Coliseum Theatre, MARKETS Fairbottom Street, Oldham, www.manchestermarkets.com OL1 3SW, 0161 624 2829 Manchester’s world famous coliseum.org.uk Christmas Markets spread With glitz and glamour, silliness across the city centre with 300 and slapstick and hit songs to traders offering international sing along to, this traditional food, drinks and Yuletide gifts. pantomime will appeal to the whole family. £17.50/ £15.50/ 11 Nov - 18 Dec 16 13 December £13.50 CHRISTKINDELMARKT THE SNOWMAN & OTHER TALES Millennium Square, 20 Nov Huddersfield Town Hall, Corporation St, Huddersfield, HD1 2TA, whatson.leeds.gov.uk 01484 225755 kirkleestownhalls.co.uk THE TINDERBOX Traditional wooden stalls Join the Orchestra of Opera North as it celebrates the festive Square Chapel, 10 Square Road, providing a range of gift ideas season with stories accompanied by music to enchant the Halifax, HX1 1QG, and speciality foods, festive 01422 349422 whole family. Joined by narrator John Savournin, the evening greenery and a Christmas squarechapel.co.uk begins with two adaptations of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes carousel ride. Hans Christian Andersen’s before the orchestra perform the soundtrack to the classic The classic tale of magic, bravery Snowman. Time: 6pm Tickets: Adults from £10, under 16s £1 19 & 20 Nov and love with puppetry, KIRKWOOD CHRISTMAS animation and music. Perfect EXPERIENCE for young children. 2:30pm 10 Dec 11 Dec National Coal Mining Museum Age: 4+ £8 MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (U) THE LION, THE WITCH for England, Caphouse Colliery, & THE WARDROBE New Road, Overton, , Gallery Oldham, 24 Nov - 31 Dec Yorkshire, WF4 4RH, Greaves Street, Oldham, Square Chapel, 10 Square Road, SLEEPING BEAUTY 01924 848846 ncm.org.uk Greater Manchester, OL1 1AL, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 1QG, Theatre Royal Wakefield, 0161 770 4742 01422 349422 35 Christmas stalls, hog roast Drury Lane, Wakefield, galleryoldham.org.uk/small-cinema squarechapel.co.uk & mulled wine in the courtyard West Yorkshire WF1 2TE, A festive classic for all the Introduce your little ones to plus a visit to Santa. £2 per 01924 211311, family starring Richard the magic of theatre with this adult (includes a raffle ticket). theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk Attenborough. £3.50 each – enchanting adventure in the Free for children. 11am – 4pm Wakefield’s very own panto includes a goodie bag with land of Narnia. 3pm & 6pm returns for another year with drink and popcorn! 2pm Age: 4 + £12 (£10 Concs & £40 20 Nov a timeless tale of the power (12pm-2pm – art and craft Family ticket) 110 mins VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR of true love’s kiss – Sleeping activities) , Ravensknowle Beauty. 15 Dec Park, Wakefield Road, 10 Dec OPERA NORTH CHRISTMAS Huddersfield HD5 8DJ, 1 - 4 Dec 01484 223240 UNCANNY THEATRE CONCERT SANTA’S POLKA DOT PIRATE kirklees.gov.uk/museums PRESENTS: THE LITTLE Dewsbury Town Hall, Wakefield Victorian Christmas Fair with The Victoria Theatre, PRINCE Old Rd, Dewsbury WF12 8DG, Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP, stalls, refreshments and music. Yorkshire Sculpture Park, 01484 225755 01422 351158 West Bretton, Wakefield, kirkleestownhalls.co.uk 11am-4pm. Free. victoriatheatre.co.uk WF4 4LG, 01924 832631 The Orchestra of Opera North is Santa’s Polka Dot Pirate is a ysp.co.uk joined by the combined voices 24 Nov fun-packed festive experience An interactive, participatory of Opera North’s Chorus, Youth LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS for children with the chance to SHOPPING performance inspired by the and Children’s Choruses for an meet Santa and receive a gift. Not Vital exhibition at YSP and evening designed to thaw the Huddersfield Art Gallery, Princess 2-6pm. Adults £7.50 Children Alexandra Walk, Kirklees, West The Little Prince. Fun for all winter chill. 7pm £16/£8 Yorkshire, HD1 2SU, 01484 221964 £10.50 including gift. ages! 1.30 & 3.30pm. £5. 4+ kirklees.gov.uk/museumsGalleries 17 Dec - 29 Jan 2017 9 - 31 Dec A evening of Christmas 10 Dec - 2 Jan 2017 PETER PAN shopping with unique gift ideas CINDERELLA PETER PAN The Alhambra Theatre, Morley from jewellery, prints, ceramics The Lawrence Theatre, The Victoria Theatre, Street, , BD7 1AJ, and glass to quirky stocking Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP, 01274 432000 Huddersfield, HD1 2SP, 01422 351158 bradford-theatres.co.uk fillers and cards. Free. 5pm-7pm 01484 430528 victoriatheatre.co.uk King of Bradford pantomime, thelbt.org 26 & 27 Nov A swashbuckling adventure Billy Pearce, boards the Jolly Come along for a show that’s YORKSHIRE VICTORIAN panto, with spectacular song Roger and heads to Neverland suitable for all ages – you’ll CHRISTMAS MARKET and dance routines, traditional to star alongside Darren Day, have a ball! Performance times Brighouse panto slapstick and a ticking Charlie Hardwick and Jon Lee vary. £17-£10 / Children under yorkshirechristmasmarket.co.uk crocodile! £15/ £18.95 in this year’s swashbuckling 16 £2 off Over 100 stalls of local foods panto. and crafts plus Christmas carols, mulled wine, roast chestnuts 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. and street entertainers with a Victorian theme.

14 26 & 27th Nov CHRISTMAS 11 Dec SADDLEWORTH XMAS 27 Nov, 4 & 11 Dec RED HOUSE CHRISTMAS DON’T FORGET HANDMADE FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIRS Red House & Gardens, Oxford TO CHECK OUT Uppermill Civic Hall, Lee Street, Road, , Cleckheaton Country Park, Nova OUR WEBSITE Uppermill, Uppermill Civic Hall, BD19 4JP, 01274 335056 Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG, Oldham, OL3 6AE, 01457 765632 kirklees.gov.uk/museums www.familiesonline.co.uk 01924 324761 creativenetwork-saddleworth.co.uk FOR EVEN MORE EVENTS kirklees.gov.uk/museums An 1830’s Christmas with Over 55 handmade and creative AND ACTIVITIES Enjoy the festive season with seasonal music, food, stalls from decorations, goodies IN YOUR AREA! Christmas crafts and goods for demonstrations and and gifts. Father Christmas sale in the Visitor Centre Barn. complimentary mulled wine. is visiting from 12pm. £2.50 Free. Admission charges apply. including visit and gift. 11-4pm. 12-4pm 1 – 24 Dec 20 – 23 Dec 3 Dec 17 Dec VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS ALL WRAPPED UP: CRAFTS CINDERELLA MAGIC WAND AN EXCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS Abbey House Museum, Abbey SHOPPING EVENT Leeds Industrial Museum, Canal , Lister’s Road, Walk, Abbey Rd, , Leeds, Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QF, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 6XG, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West 0113 378 3173 leeds.gov.uk 01422 352246 0113 230 5492 Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG, Make yourself some Victorian ticketsource.co.uk/Calderdale leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse 01924 832631 Meet Cinderella and Buttons ysp.co.uk Christmas decorations and Crafts, music and fun in the in this magical costumed Meet the designers and makers cards. Drop-in throughout Dec museum’s Victorian Streets as workshop. Age:3-8. £3.50/ £7. behind the fantastic products in during opening times. everyone gets excited for the 11.15am-1pm & 1.30-3.15pm YSP Shop, plus music, canapés big day! 1 – 30 Dec and mulled wine. 19, 20 & 21 Dec 21 Dec £10/ £8 6-8pm WINTER WONDERLAND AFTERNOON TEA SAND ART WORKSHOPS WINTER STORIES 3 & 4 Dec Totties Garden Centre and Totties Garden Centre and Leeds Discovery Centre, The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, KELHAM ISLAND MUSEUM The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB, Downshutts Lane, Totties, 24TH VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Downshutts Lane, Totties, 0113 378 2100 Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, MARKET Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, Explore the Winter Stories HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 linked to its collections and Sheffield Industrial Museums tottiesgardencentre.co.uk tottiesgardencentre.co.uk make your own artwork and Trust, Kelham Island Museum, Enjoy a Winter Wonderland Make a Christmas picture or Alma Street, S3 8RY cards. 10am–12pm. Call to Afternoon Tea throughout decorate a Christmas tree www.simt.co.uk book. December. £11.50pp bauble. £3 per child. 9.30-11am The Dickensian themed event attracts over 16,000 visitors to 10 Dec its cobbled streets and ambient CAROLS IN THE STREET market quarters home to over 120 stalls. Abbey House Museum, Abbey Make this Christmas Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, 3 & 4 Dec 0113 230 5492 an unforgettable one at Leeds ETSY MADE LOCAL leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse CHRISTMAS MARKET Carol singing in the museum’s , Millennium Victorian streets at 2.30pm. Museums and Galleries Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH, 0113 224 3732 10 & 11 Dec Take a spellbinding visit to Santa in leeds.gov.uk 500 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS his enchanted grotto, pick up some Etsy Made Local is a great opportunity to meet local Estate, Temple hand-crafted local treasures in our Newsam Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE, makers in the area and find 0113 336 7460 leeds.gov.uk/ Christmas market, or capture the handmade, unique gifts for Storytelling, music, games and spirit of the festive season with everyone on your Christmas list! craft activities at the festive cheerful crafts, fun and games. 11am – 4pm. farm. £17 for families/ £7.40 for adults, plus £4 charge to visit 10 & 11 Dec Father Christmas. Call to book. STANDEDGE TUNNEL 11am-4pm CHRISTMAS MARKET Standedge Tunnel and Visitor 10 & 11 Dec Centre, Tunnel End, Waters Road, Marsden, West Yorkshire, EDWARDIAN WEEKEND HD7 6NQ, 01484 844 298 , Off Collier Lane, canalrivertrust.org.uk , Leeds, West Yorkshire, www.leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Browse the festive stalls at LS25 3EB, 0113 378 2959 leedsmuseumsandgalleries thechristmasexperience.co.uk the 200-year-old transhipment @leedsmuseums #magicalleeds The annual Edwardian warehouse at Standedge Christmas in the house, with Tunnel, with unique gifts created carols, magic shows, arts and by local artisans, refreshments crafts, dressing up and wreath and seasonal music. making. 11am-4pm

15 WHERE’S SANTA? Meet Santa in his festive 3/4, 10/11, 17/18 Dec 12 Nov – 24 Dec underground grotto. Check SANTA’S GROTTO SANTA’S GROTTO website for dates and times. Abbey House Museum, Abbey AT STOCKELD PARK Child £6.50 (inc gift and Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, The Adventure Park, Stockeld certificate). Adults £5. 0113 230 5492 Park, Wetherby, Yorkshire, leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse LS22 4AN, 01937 586333 26 Nov - 24 Dec stockeldpark.co.uk SANTA SPECIALS Visit Father Christmas in his Entry to Santa’s Grotto includes magical grotto. Grotto price not Kirklees Light Railway, a gift suitable for all ages. Park Mill Way, Clayton West, included in admission: £4.50 Tickets to be purchased on the Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, (includes a present). day. £10.50 per child. HD8 9XJ, 01484 865 727 kirkleeslightrailway.com 3, 10,11 & 17 Dec melaics/Shutterstock.com 25 Nov–23 Dec Climb aboard the Santa MEET SANTA IN HIS GROTTO THE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE Express and travel in steam Totties Garden Centre and heated carriages to Shelley The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, only. Ticket only. £9.50 per Downshutts Lane, Totties, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, Station. Santa will be waiting in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, child. 1.30pm to 3.15pm (10th) LS25 3EB, 0113 378 2959 his cosy grotto with presents for thechristmasexperience.co.uk HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 and 11am – 1pm (24th). children. tottiesgardencentre.co.uk The ultimate festive day out Gift for each child. Book your 11 Dec with a 12 days of Christmas 26 Nov – 24 Dec place. £5 SANTA’S CRAFTY CHRISTMAS walk, fairy hideaway, Elf Village, SANTA plus the chance to meet Santa. SPECIALS RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, 3 – 23 Dec Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Prices vary. See website for The East Lancashire Railway, SANTA SPECIALS – BREAKFAST Nature Reserve, Wombwell, details and to book. Bolton Street Station, Bury, OR LUNCH WITH SANTA! Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Lancashire, BL9 0EY, S73 0YF, 01226 751593 Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, 26 Nov – 23 Dec 0161 764 7790 rspb.org.uk/oldmoor eastlancsrailway.org.uk Barnsley, South Yorkshire, SANTA UNDERGROUND S75 4AT, 01226 790427 Santa is back at Old Moor with Kick off your festive celebrations National Coal Mining Museum cannonhallfarm.co.uk gifts for girls and boys, plus with a visit to the East for England, Caphouse Colliery, Meet Santa and his reindeer; a range of Christmas crafts. New Road, Overton, Wakefield, Lancashire Railway’s popular take a tractor and trailer ride and Booking essential. £3 per child Yorkshire, WF4 4RH, Santa Specials, with festive enjoy a Christmas singalong (includes reserve entry, craft 01924 848846 music, Christmas characters ncm.org.uk with Rudolph and the elves. materials and gift). and the main man himself. 9.30am and 11.30am/2.00pm and 4.00pm. £15.95 18 December DISCO WITH SANTA 4 Dec Chez-Play, Holme Mills, West A CHRISTMAS CAROL Slaithwaite Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6LS, , Wilton Park, 01484 844137 chez-play.co.uk Batley WF17 0AS, 01924 324765 kirklees.gov.uk/museums Includes: entry, games, food, Visit Santa in his magical grotto. visit and gifts from Santa. Make a special Christmas Payment required on booking cracker and enjoy festive carols. only. Ticket only. £9.50 per Charges apply. 12-4pm child. 4pm to 6pm

10 Dec 17 & 18 Dec SANTA COMES TO OGDEN SANTA AT THE TOWER WATER! Castle Hill & Victoria Tower, Ogden Water Local Nature Castle Hill, Almondbury, Reserve, Ogden Lane, Huddersfield HD4 6TA, Road, HX2 8XZ 07968 426312 calderdalecountryside. kirklees.gov.uk/museums ticketsource.co.uk Come and meet Santa at Come along to Ogden Water Victoria Tower before he flies to visit Father Christmas in his around the world to spread joy woodland grotto. Select time to all! 11am-3pm when booking online. £7.50 charge (includes present) 17 - 31 Dec CHRISTMAS AT EUREKA! 10 & 24 December Eureka! The National Children’s LUNCH WITH SANTA Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE, Chez-Play, Holme Mills, West 01422 330069 eureka.org.uk Slaithwaite Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6LS, Weekends throughout 01484 844137 chez-play.co.uk December, visit the enchanted Includes: entry, games, food, grotto and meet Santa and his visit and gifts from Santa. elves, plus an interactive festive Payment required on booking show ‘Snow Day’ for ages 3-6.

16