MAY JUN E 2017

ISS UE 52

LEEDS’ FAVOURITE PARENTING MAGAZINE

Parties Special Summer Camps Guide Nurseries: 30 free hours MA Y-HEM CIRCUS Crazy upside down juggling / death defying stunts / amazing acrobatics / giant pink big top / Bale Play Baaarn, tractor & trailer rides, NEW mini football plus the usual adventure farm fun

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PIGLETS, NR YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183 PIGLETSADVENTUREF ARM.COM S

The Grammar School at Village Hotel – Headingley Leeds Parkway Mercure Hotel Woodhouse Grove – The Highfield Hotel – Bradford From 6 months to 100 years! 0113 203 3549 [email protected] www.swimbriteswimmingschool.co.uk MAY – JUNE 2017 • ISSUE 52 CONTEN TS

4 –5 News

6 –7 Get set for Summer Camp! Our guide to some fantastic clubs, camps and workshops available during the school 7 holidays.

8 –9 30 is the magic number All you need to know about the doubling of free childcare hours for three and four year olds. 10 – 12 Party Time 10 Get inspired with our A – Z Please contact Claire Bottomley of party buzz words. to advertise in this magazine… 07799 667 041 13 – 15 What’s On [email protected] www.familiesonline.co.uk Find out what’s going on for Make sure you pick up a copy of our families during May and June. July/August issue, out early July! 13 CI RCULATION: We distribute 20,000 copies of the magazine Welcome Back… free of charge through schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, selected retail This year, for my youngest’s fifth birthday, I am going to outlets and sports centres. Read by more than throw him the biggest and best bash yet. Just to qualify, this 48,000 parents. If you would like copies for your really won’t be difficult. establishment please let us know. The youngest, unimpressed Yes, my desire to pull off the perfect party for once is driven by a birthday candle by every parent’s faithful friend: guilt. DESIGNED BY: As a second child with a December birthday, his expectations so far have been managed JUSTIN LEEMING • 07745 038 005 justinleeming7 7.crevado.com to a pretty low level. On his first birthday, we went out for a pizza. On his second birthday, I quickly recruited him some ‘friends’ from the school gate – siblings of his older brother, PRINTED BY: for a getting-to-know-you birthday playdate. CHARLESWORTH PRESS, His third birthday did see some more effort on our part at last, with games and a birthday www.charlesworth.com tea. However, it clashed with the school Christmas Fayre, and later turned into a proper Families Leeds Ltd is part of Families Magazines Ltd a Christmas get together for the grown-ups on a prime December weekend. franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group For his fourth birthday, we held his party at teatime on a nursery day in a great soft play are independently owned and operated under licence. centre. They were all so excited as they tottered in, it was lovely to see. You want the party- Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, goers to have lots of fun. You don’t, ideally, want to be hoping that over-excitement is the Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families root cause of them vomiting everywhere. As opposed to norovirus. In fact, both were at play. Leeds Ltd are fully protected by copyright and non of the His excited friend recovered well, but his brother had succumbed to the sickness bug and had editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in to be taken home by his daddy, leaving the birthday boy with just 50 per cent of his nuclear any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take family in attendance at his birthday party. every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of So this year, he’s getting an all-singing, all-dancing party-tastic celebration. Thankfully, advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for putting together our A –Z of party buzz words (pages 1 0–11) has given me tons of ideas for any consequence. themes other than ‘Christmas’. The winner of our Peppa Pig competition I hope it is useful to you too, and whenever your little one’s birthday’s fall, I’m sure they’ll was Saffron Collins, and our Royal Armouries have an awesome time! Tournament ticket winner was Becky Khan. Congratulations to them and thank you to Claire Bottomley all who entered. www.familiesonline.co.uk 3 Families NEWS…

WIIN A SUMMER PASS TO TUMBLE TOWN!

Tumble Town Adventure Play in Guiseley is offering one lucky reader a whole summer of free soft play fun with a special summer pass. Banish boredom and beat rainy day blues at the town-themed play centre – you’ll have summer all sewn up! PUPILS PICK UP FILM GONG There’s an exciting play frame, slides and lots of role play with cars, petrol station and Pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School in starred in Fantastic Beasts and Where to shop. Plus, you’ll find a dedicated area for Kirkstall have been presented with a national Find Them . babies and crawlers, and a great café offering film award at a star-studded ceremony The Magic Pencil is a fantasy-comedy freshly made food, bean to cup coffees, a in London. animation, which was made in collaboration variety of teas, cakes and treats. Daniel Craig, Eddie Redmayne and Ruth with Hull-based production company My The summer pass gives you free entry for Wilson were among the guests at the 2017 Pockets, as part of Into Film’s See It, Make It one child at any time during usual opening Into Film Awards in Leicester Square, along programme. hours between July 22 and September 2. with a group of pupils from Leeds who made Nevin, aged nine, said,“I feel really proud To be in with a chance to win, email the short film The Magic Pencil . and really excited about this film and I hope it [email protected] with the words The pupils, aged between eight and 11, inspires other people.” TUMBLE TOWN in the title before June 30. were invited on stage to pick up their award Toby, aged 10, added,“I feel amazed For more information on Tumble Town, in the Best Animation 12-and-under category, that our little project has turned into a really www.tumbletownadventureplay.co.uk . presented to them by actor Jenn Murray, who inspiring film which everybody loves.”

BEE HELPFUL TO SCIENTISTS

Scientists need families to help with The survey will also help you to research into the lives of pollinating consider whether your area is a good insects. Imagine living in a desert with environment for bees and other barely any food, hardly any water or any pollinators. It offers guidance on how place to shelter. This is what it is like you can create simple feeding and for the pollinating insects currently living nesting habitats such as a pot of in Britain. wildflowers, or nesting and shelter Now in its second year, the Polli:Nation habitats like a bee hotel, as well as other survey is looking for families across the cheap and easy ways you can improve UK to take part in aiding research. your outdoor space for pollinators. The survey can be completed in under Free survey resources can be down - an hour in outdoor spaces such as loaded at www.opalexplorenature.org/ gardens, school grounds, or local parks, polli-nation and results can be submitted and uploading your findings will con - either online or by post. tribute to important scientific research.

4 Families News Table Top SALE… COMPETITION TIME! Whether you’d like to clear out your clutter or bag a bargain, parents with children under Holidaying families will no longer be able to 10 should head to Bramhope Village Hall on take electronic devices on some flights to Sunday, May 14 from 10am to noon, where keep children entertained this summer. there will be a Children’s Table Top Sale in Following a government ban, gadgets aid of the hall. Tables cost £10 and can be like iPads and Kindles won’t be an option booked by phoning Peter on 0113 284 for playing games and watching films on 3361 . Admission for buyers is £2. Tea, while in transit. coffee and cakes will be on sale. So, it may be worth investing in more traditional forms of in-flight entertainment for junior passengers. The newly published Travel Activity Book is a perfect option, full of mind- teasing puzzles and fabulously fun colouring and drawing activities, which will keep alert minds occupied while they’re travelling to and from their destination, as well as rescuing them from boredom in restaurants, queues or on rainy days. Eight perforated postcards at the back can be drawn on and coloured in, encouraging children to reflect on their favourite holiday memories. The book, aimed at five to 11 year olds, is available from www.gmcgroup.com priced £9.99. We have one to give away! To be in with a chance to win it, email [email protected] with the words TRAVEL ACTIVITY BOOK in the title before May 31.

5 Viewpoint MuM Have You Made Becky Bond foundi hner setlf hin e Middle a bit of a sweaty situation...

“Right, just so you know, today’s session is being filmed.” Wait. What? I was at an exercise class called Body Attack, though I don’t think the name does it justice. It should be Body Massacre or Death By Lunge. The brochure describes it as an intense 55 minute, sports inspired cardio workout. Every time I go I think I’m dying, but it mobilizes the endorphins and means I can eat crisps. It’s really not the kind of thing you want to do with cameras rolling though. Nobody needs the added pressure of wondering if their lycra-clad camel toe’s going to end up bobbing about on a widescreen at a fetishist forum. But we could relax, it was just for training purposes. The rookie instructor had to show evidence that he could lead a class without tripping over his laces or getting cramp; proving beyond all doubt that he could scream enough encouraging words to make us clench our buttocks harder. I hope he passes first time. I don’t think I could cope with Hot Hooves 2 going viral. || STIR KRAZY KIDS || It wasn’t my first time on camera. I’ve been filmed in all sorts of Stir Krazy Kids hosts full-day cookery clubs during the school holidays, scenarios, most of which have been conducted with a smidgen more encouraging children aged from four to 12 to get hands-on with decorum. I did decline an offer once though. He knows who he is food. and it was never going to happen – not even after a bottle and a “The focus of the day is on making yummy, nutritious food!” says half of sancerre. It was his thing, he said. There’s the door, I said. managing director, Becky. "We’ve found that children absolutely love Perhaps he thought I’d feel comfortable on-screen, as I wasn’t to explore different ingredients, tastes and textures. The kitchen can long back from a two year stint in Tennessee, where I’d wound up often be seen as an ‘adult’ area, but with the right instruction it is working as a newsreader on a cable TV station. It was like Acorn really quite a magical place for children. Cooking can be a huge Antiques with Dolly Parton accents. All great fun, but I was as confidence booster!” rubbish. For a start, I mispronounced the occasional state (Ohio Along with making different recipes, club attendees also learn isn’t Oh-HE-Oh, apparently) and for some reason, the Editor thought nutritional know-how and take part in food-themed activities during I might be better understood if I dropped my Yorkshire accent and break times. “It’s really a celebration of food – we all choose our own read the news like I lived in Kentucky. We tried it just the once. foodie names, share our favourite things to eat and play lots of I’ve been behind the camera in some unusual situations too. games,” said Stir Krazy chef, Amy. “We make different recipes every Working for a corporate film company many moons ago, I got the day and children are always so proud to take home what they’ve plum job of tripod carrier in Daytona Beach, Florida. It was for created to share with their families! It’s lovely to see.” ’Bike Week’, an annual pilgrimage for Harley riders from around the Starting off with a regular holiday club at Gateways School in world. We filmed women wrestling in coleslaw, men taking baseball Harewood, Stir Krazy has since expanded to run additional clubs at bats to Japanese motorbikes and a bloke who had covered his tank Grammar School, Harrogate Ladies’ College and Queen Mary’s with animal skeletons and rotting fur. School in Thirsk. It was a more glamorous job than one we did for Yorkshire Water An apron, though. Health and safety wouldn’t allow it now, but the camera - packed lunch and man was dangled down a sewage pipe to illustrate where poo goes. tupperware is all We stank for the rest of the day then wondered why we hadn’t been attendees need to invited for lunch with the rest of the team. take with them. Stir My most embarrassing brush with televison was when I Krazy take care of auditioned for a programme on ITV called ’Soapstars’. They were everything else and looking for a new family for Emmerdale and I’d been dared to enter. encourage parents to Well, I got through to the quarter finals and was paired up with a continue the fun at guy to see if we would work as an on-screen couple. Great, until we home. “To make had a problematic snog. We both lunged left at the same time and something from scratch crashed noses. I forgot my lines in the melee. We clearly didn’t is a lot of fun and ’click’. He went on to get the part – with another partner. carries a huge sense of Get a 10% DISCOUNT But that wasn’t the worst bit. About 13 years later, I took my achievement,” added on your online booking by using daughter to a drama class and snog-man was the teacher. Cringe. Amy. “It can be easy to the code LEEDSFAM10 forget, but we’re here To read Becky’s blog, go to www.beckybondwrites.com to remind children of the joy of cooking!” or follow her on twitter @beckymenston For more information, visit www.stirkrazykids.co.uk or call 01937 206 063. 6 C hildcare Your HOLIDAY P LANS? Sorry – we’re not talking sun, sea and sand. No, we mean Plans. As in childcare for at least some of the six-week summer holiday. Thankfully, there are some fantastic holiday clubs, camps and classes taking place over the summer break (some offer half term too). They’re a great opportunity for children to spend time doing the activities they love most, or learning a new skill. So don’t stress at the thought of it – instead, look around, plan ahead and choose something that will enhance their holidays, as well as taking a weight off your mind. Here we highlight a few of our favourites. Hurry up and get booked – and don’t forget to say you saw it in Families Leeds!

|| COOKRIDGE HALL || Cookridge Hall Health & Fitness offers excellent quality, action- packed Holiday Kids Camps. They include arts and crafts, sports like swimming and golf, outdoor activities and much more. Weekly and full day sessions are available, from 8am to 6pm. With so much variety, and a friendly, professional team looking after the children, the camp is hugely popular, and quickly books up . For more information, visit www.cookridgehall.co.uk, call 0113 203 0000 or email [email protected]

|| LINEHAM FARM CHILDREN’S CENTRE || Outdoor adventure is the name of the game at Lineham Farm Children’s Centre summer camp. Climbing, cycling, archery, bushcraft, low ropes, assault course, team games, nature || LITTLEBRITE KIDS CAMP || explorers, animal care, From the team behind Swimbrite swimming school, these fun-packed orienteering and more camps are perfect for boosting water confidence, and for those kids are led by a team of who can’t get enough of the water. They include free swimming experienced and lessons every day, plus fun and games in the pool, lots of other sporting dedicated staff. activities as well as arts and crafts. Half or full days are available or you Taking place for three can book one or both of the weeks it runs during August. For children weeks during July and aged from six to 11. August, the camps are For more information, visit www.swimbriteswimming for children aged eight school.co.uk, call 0113 203 3549 or email to 12 with breakfast [email protected] and twilight club available. For more information, visit www.linehamfarm.co.uk, call || THE LEARNING CURVE || 0113 378 3945 or email [email protected] Summer School at The Learning Curve is a timetable full of fun. There’s kite making, dance, drama, treasure hunts, team building games, puzzles, music and || THE LITTLE GYM || even Junior Apprentice. Come rain or shine, The Little Gym’s The Learning Curve, OFSTED registered camps combine fun, which provides private sport, creative activities and learning to tuition for school children keep your kids active, entertained and as well as language laughing. All this, while carefully courses for adults, runs its developing their minds, bodies and summer school during the self-confidence. Children love them! first two weeks in August. Running for six weeks of the summer Discounts are available holidays. They run for six weeks during for siblings and lunch is the school holidays. provided. For more information, For more information, call 0113 457 2796 visit call 0113 335 9915 or visit www.thelearningcurveleeds.com www.leeds.thelittlegym.eu

7 C Spotlight on: 30 II From September, free childcare for three and II II four-year-olds will double for working parents, II II increasing from 15 to 30 hours per week. II

WHO QUALIFIES? n Both parents must be working – or one parent in a lone parent family FREE n Each parent must earn, on average, a weekly minimum of 16 hours at National Minimum Wage. (They may work fewer hours, but the earnings must be at this amount or more) CHILDCARE n Both parents must earn less than £100,000 a year The hours are available at participating nurseries and nursery classes, playgroups and pre-schools, childminders and Sure Start Up to 30 Hours Children’s Centres. for 3 & 4 Year Olds with We spoke to some nursery providers in this area about the changes. working parents Helen Gration, founder of Yorkshire Montessori Nursery, which (subject to criteria) runs the Montessori Nurtury in Moortown , worked with the Government on a pilot scheme at her nurseries in York. She said that for the parents who have been part of the pilot, it’s 15 Hours for been a welcome increase. However, she said there is some debate All 3 & 4 Year Olds among all types of childcare providers whether this is sustainable, given the under-funding for such a substantial number of hours. “The Government has said this funding is fixed until at least 2020 15 Hours for and with the increasing burden of costs which will continue to rise, it continues to be a real area of concern,” she said. Eligible 2 Year Olds Helen is this month meeting the Minister for Early Years, Caroline Dineage, to discuss the issue. She added,“Surely, children must No Registration Fee not suffer with decreasing quality just because politicians wanted a vote winner!” with this advert Ruth Johnston, who runs the Little Green Frog Nursery in , explained what preparations were being made for the changes there. : 01274 586 888 “In a busy community there are several different options available to families and of course each family is different and has different Bramhope: 0133 284 4004 childcare needs,” said Ruth.

Burley-in-Wharfedale: 01943 865 007

Horsforth Featherbank: 0113 345 2850

Horsforth Featherbank Out of School Club: 0113 345 2850

Horsforth Trinity: 0113 258 5522

Shipley: 01274 500 067

www.cliffehousedaynurseries.co.uk Helen Gration, owner of the Montessori Nurtury in Moortown 8 C hildcare Hours FREE Childcare…

Pre-School children at The Little Green Frog Nursery enjoy playing with coloured foam with nursery owner Ruth Johnson

“Here in Otley, providers have been talking to each other about Helen, Ruth and Della all advise parents to talk to their childcare what we are all able to offer and to find out if as a group of providers providers and try to plan in advance as far as possible. we are able to meet the potential demand for places. Ruth added,“This looks to be an exciting time in the sector and At The Little Green Frog Nursery I am currently consulting with no doubt will be of great benefit to families, so do find out what your parents and carers to find out what these changes might mean for childcare and early education provider is offering and try to plan in them and what we as a nursery can do to meet their needs.” advance as far as possible because early indicators are that demand Della and Adrian Stocks established Cliffe House Day Nursery will be high!” 20 years ago, when they were working parents looking for high Parents can contact the Family Information Service at Leeds quality care for their own three children. It has now grown to seven City Council, and visit http://familyinformation.leeds.gov.uk/ settings across , offering 500 childcare places. professionals/Pages/FEEE-30-hours.aspx for more information. Della said,“The Government offer of up to 30 hours is a positive step in assisting working parents, and also ensuring that three and FACT FILE: four-year-old Pre-school children are prepared for Reception.” n The eligibility covers those families with one parent only She added that all Cliffe House settings have large Pre-school earning when one is on maternity/paternity leave. functions, headed by Early Years Degree Managers and can offer n Those who are not eligible will still receive the 15 hours free the funded places, and in addition a new dedicated Pre-school at childcare that is currently available. Featherbank in Horsforth caters solely for this age group and can n The 30 hours are free for 38 weeks per year – the equivalent offer School Day attendance Term Time Only (9am – 3pm). to school term times. This is 1,140 free hours a year in total.

Next to Moortown Primary School

Come and join us for the best day ever , at our visonary nursery . With inspiring Lov ing C arreoo amn s dan dS audpve nrtbu roE uds uocutatidooorsn , our learned & dedicated team look forward to welcoming you!

The Old Chapel, Shadwell Lane, Leeds. LS17 6DR 07766 808 257 [email protected]

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www .yorkshiremontessorinursery .co.uk 9 is for Animals. From is for is for Golf. Enjoyable and exciting, donkey sanctuaries to creepy Entertainer. golfing parties are often a chance crawlies, there’s a whole animal A great to try a new sport. Book a bespoke kingdom for partygoers to get up close way to provide golf party at Cookridge Hall Golf Club and and personal with! all round entertain - get an hour long session ment in a tailored, which can be divided is for Baby Signing. Tiny Signers personal way, which into two half hours provides the perfect First Birthday helps to take the (one game of Party entertainment. pressure off the parents. choice per 30 Henrietta Rabbit is a professional actress, minutes). is for who offers a magic bubble machine, music, Ceramics. lights, balloonology, unique pass the parcel, is for An ideal gorgeous games with prizes and an optional HAPPY choice for arty karaoke and snow machine. BIRTHDAY! children. At Firefly Pottery on Town Street is for Frozen. is for Inflatables. There is nothing that is in Horsforth, parties take And other more guaranteed to get a young child place in a lovely woodland room where a magical smiling than the sight of a bouncy slide tree with twinkling lights grows through your characters. and castle at a birthday party! Find a suitable table and grass lines the floor. Party people When a venue to house these inflatables and hire can paint pottery, enjoy all the bright and favourite them in from Shuffles Entertainment . squidgy fun of a clay foam parties, or throw character a pottery wheel party. visits your child and their is for Dance. Little ones love to friends, what boogie. Diddi Dance provide could make a birthday fantastic dancing games, action more special? The wonderful Susie Sparkles songs, hoops, has a whole cast of characters who bring bubbles, dance favourite films and stories to life. As a trained ribbons, singer, she has an extra special edge, and balloons even though the Frozen theme has thawed and bells a little, her reputation as a singing princess and means she’s always called on to be Elsa, more. Anna, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella or Rapunzel. Recently, there’s been high demand for Mary Poppins!

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For classes in HORSFORTH and ROUNDHAY contact Julia: 07734 940 610 For classes in BOSTON SPA contact Cath: 07917 757 566 Contact Sara Hall on 0113 834 6522 or email [email protected]

10 FAMILIES DISCOUNT Parties is for is for One Stop Shop. Reduce party A swimming party Jumping. stress with a party provider that includes party bags Trampolining offers a venue, entertainment and and a buffet of parties are really food. Remember to check this out when you sandwiches, pizza, popular, and Oxygen are doing your research! Little Bees Play and crisps, jelly and Freejumping provides the perfect spring - Party is expert at providing perfect parties. ice-cream. Good for board. Jump, flip, leap, play and soar to your With three party rooms which can be opened all those hungry heart’s content. With multiple different jump - up to provide one large one, and excellent swimmers! ing zones, it’s equally uplifting for superstar play areas for all ages up to 10, it is a guaran - flippers and bouncing beginners. Parties teed winner, and all you have to do is provide is for Themed. Many party providers include an hour’s freejumping, followed by a cake! these days will plan your child’s an after-party in an exclusive room with pizza party around a particular theme, and drinks. Plus, exclusively for Families Leeds is for Pamper, either one from a selection they offer, or readers, you can save 15% on children’s and for Play. one chosen by you. Popular themes include parties if you use code JUMPING when You can do princesses, super heroes, pirates and booking. Visit oxygenfreejumping.co.uk both at Tumble Town mermaids, dinosaurs and jungles! Offer ends June 30, 2017. Adventure Play in Guiseley, which also is for Unisex. If your child is friends is for Karts. Go Kart Parties are a includes Uptown Beauty upstairs. with boys and girls, you may not whole lot of fun and suit kids from At weekends and evenings, the beauty want to alienate either by making age four to 14. parlour it is dedicated to providing pint sized things too gender specific! pamper parties for children aged five to 14. is for Leisure Centres. Many leisure Young ladies can enjoy jam jar mocktails is for Vintage – why not hire a centres provide great sport, soft play, and nibbles with a mini manicure, bubble Vintage Bell Tent from Shuffles gymnastics or scooter parties. footspa mini pedicure and more. Plus all the Entertainment ? classic soft play party options are available is for Music. Often with similar downstairs at Tumble Town. is for Winter Sports – head to features to the classes they derive the indoor snow slopes or ice from, music parties are generally is for Quiz. Or treasure hunt. rink for some cool fun. suitable for the pre-school age group who A great way to break the ice and love the mix of music, dance and musical get them working as a team, this is is for eXtraordinary! Don’t worry, instruments. an ideal activity to plan for a party your child’s birthday party will at home. always be eXtraordinary, just like is for Nature. Get into the great your child! outdoors for an adventurous is for Rain – remember to have a party like wet weather back-up plan if you’re is for Your Imagination. Prepare no other at hosting outdoors! to be whisked off on a magical Lineham adventure to an imaginary world Farm is for Swimming. A splashing good with Pyjama Drama , which provides parties Children’s time is had by all at these parties, for toddlers and preschool children. Pretend Centre . which are best held when the play, drama games and music combine to Bush craft children become competent swimmers. encourage children to work together, share parties and Cookridge Hall Health and Fitness holds their ideas and have lots of fun. climbing swimming parties from age seven. They are parties are hugely popular free play session with floats is for Zumba. You don’t have to available for up to in the water for playing on. Games towards be a teenager or an adult to enjoy 16 children or young the end of the sessions – for example relay this latin-influenced dance/exercise people aged between eight and 19. races – are optional. sensation. Try a Zumba children’s party! L

SUMMER CAMPS at LINEHAM FARM 24th–27th July, 31st July–3rd August & 21st–24th August

Wrap round A c oo king a nd b aking c lub f or available: 8am – 6pm food-l oving k ids . £5 off per day if you use this code: LFSC16

Activities may include 10% o nline d iscount: L EEDSFAM1 0 Ropes • Archery • Animal Care • Cycling • Bushcraft [email protected] www.s ti rkrazykids.c o.u k tel: 0113 3783945 • text : 07891274522 • www.linehamfarm.co.uk 11 Parties Make your own First Mate’s Telescope II Aaaarrrgh-ty pirates will love The Pirate Craft Book, which has lots of ideas for making II II costumes and props – ideal for pirate parties! This is one of them… II

You will need: Ste p 3 Ste p 7 ❍ 1 x cardboard cup, about 11 x 9cm On your sheet of Cut three 1cm wide ❍ 1 x cardboard tube, about 11 x 5cm acetate, draw around strips of gold card ❍ 1 x sheet of acetate, about 8cm square the end of the tube long enough to fit ❍ 1 x sheet of gold card, 20 x 30cm and cut out. Draw a around the top, middle ❍ Permanent markers in a range of colors little seascape image and bottom of the telescope ❍ Craft knife onto the acetate circle (with a slight overlap). Glue in place on ❍ Black acrylic paint and paintbrush using permanent markers. the telescope. ❍ Strong glue and masking tape

Step 4 Use strong glue to stick the seascape inside Competition Ste p 1 The Pirate Craft Begin by drawing a the bottom of the cup. Leave to dry. Book by Laura circle on the bottom Minter and of the cup, 6mm in Ste p 5 Tia Williams is from the rim. Use a Use masking tape to published by craft knife to cut attach the tube onto GMC and this out. the bottom of the available for cup. £5.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com . Ste p 2 Paint the inside of the To be in with a chance to win one, send Ste p 6 cup and cardboard Paint the outside of the telescope black and an email with the word PIRATE in the title to tube black and leave leave to dry. editor@families leeds.co.uk before May 31. to dry. You may need several coats to get an even coverage. COMPETITION! From Pirates to Romans! We have a fantastic Playmobil Roman Warrior’s Ship up for grabs. Susie Sparkles helped cr eate every 5 year olds dr eam Eternally popular, Playmobil toys always bath time fun! To be in with a chance to today and we will tr easur e get a positive reaction from pint-size birth - win one, email [email protected] the memories for ever ’ Fran, A va’ s mum day boys and girls. They can take themselves with the words WARRIOR SHIP in the title

Let the magic begin and book today . back in history and learn while they play before May 31. 07887 648 734 with this new Warrior’s ship, and recreate carla @amethystentertainment.co.uk amet hys tente rtainment.co.uk historic battles with the fire arrow artillery The PLAYMOBIL Roman Warrior’s Ship facebook.com/susie.sparkles.3 and detailed Roman figures. It can also be is available at www.playmobil.co.uk upgraded with an underwater motor for priced £34.99. S

Bouncy Castle & Soft Play Hire Garden Parties • Birthdays • School Fayres

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12 , Wha t s on? Wha t’s On…

May half term is a great time for a staycation, with loads going on for families and far more outdoor options opening up. For a whole host of ideas for half term and the rest of May and June, turn to our listings over the page. Meanwhile, Here’s our pick of some blooming good days out now that spring has sprung…. May-Hem Circus at Piglets Adventure Farm Piglets Adventure Farm near York is hosting a special May-Hem Circus for half term. Death defying stunts, upside down juggling and amazing acrobatics – all in a giant pink big top. It’s a fun-packed farm on any day of the year, boasting a new play barn with giant drop slides, straw bale mountain, junior tractor drivers’ area, rope swing and dig’n’play. There’s also mini football, a giant sandpit, bouncing pillows, crazy golf, barrel rides and go karts. Plus of course, oh-so-cute animals. Get up close to little piglets in the Piglet Maternity Ward and if you are lucky see piglets being born. www.pigletsadventurefarm.com Body Lab at Spring Thackray Medical Adventure at Museum Stockeld Park It’s always good to have a wet You know spring has sprung when weather option up your sleeve – you visit Stockeld Park for May half how about making fake poo, sick, term, where another fun-filled adventure blood, snot and wee? week is in the offing. Even when the weather is fine, this As well as the usual magical maze, roller-rink, enchanted forest, kind of activity holds strong appeal for the play areas and go-karts, the Stockeld Rangers will be on hand with children we know. arts and crafts, den building, team games and forest trails. Think snot is gross and unnecessary? Not sure of the purpose There’ll also be a 90ft Inflatable Assault Course from May 29 – of poo? Baffled by wee and why it changes colour? Don’t worry, June 2, and Donkey Rides and face painting too. at Thackray Medical Museum, all (well, hopefully not all!) will Plus, there’ll be some special guests visiting on various dates, be revealed. Find out the purpose of all these things and their including the Incredible Hulk – luckily not the real thing but a 9ft importance to a healthy body in fun hands-on workshops, which replica – and Transformers… Robots in disguise! So if you fancy a run from May 29 to June 2, 11am to 3pm. selfie with Hulk, Optimus Prime or Bumble Bee, check out their ETA s Don’t forget that if you already have an annual ticket you will get at www.stockeldpark.co.uk . in for free! www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk

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Suitable OPENING TIMES: for ages 0 –10 Mon –Fri especially 10am –5pm Sat –Sun pr e-schoolers 10am –6pm Pa mper Pa rt ies 3-TIER ADVENTURE PLAY AREA Glitt er P ar ties with Car Track, Pre-school Area, Enclosed Baby Area, Café & Party Rooms Paren t & Child www.littlebeesplay.co.uk Partie s for c hildre nP ag ced k 5 a-1g4yers sin a real salon. 19 Limewood Road, Leeds, LS14 1LU Ca ll Cl aire o n 01 94 3 8701 89 O r ema il: Cl aire@ tu mb leto wnadventu rep lay.co.uk [email protected] • Tel: 0113 2329 822 Trea tme ntsUp pteo wnrfo Brem au etyd S abloyn q Tumbleualifi eTodw nth Ae d venrap tu isre t s P .l ay Sou th View Bu sin ess P ar k Guis eley L S20 9P P 13 , Wha t s on?

We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times LEEDS WOOL FESTIVAL change. Please double check with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

GANGSTA GRANNY AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE – MAY 3 –7 46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU 0844 848 2700 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com From the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories comes the world premiere of this amazing story by David Walliams, the UK’s best-selling author for children.

MINI MAESTROS MUSICAL WORKSHOPS AT – MAY 4 & THEN EVERY THURSDAY Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 378 5001 www.whatson.leeds.gov.uk/Pages/eventdetails Music classes for little ones that include a mixture of rhymes and poems, singing with bounces and tickles, finger plays with puppets and movement games. Each week explore a different theme relating to the seasons and weather. For children aged 2+ but younger siblings are welcome too. Free, booking required. Call to book or email city.museum@leeds. gov.uk. Accompanying adults don’t need a ticket. 10.30am

THE STORYTELLERS AT CALVERLEY LIBRARY – MAY 4 Thornhill Street, Calverley, Leeds, LS28 5PD THEMED CRAFTS AT – SUPER SEED POUCHES AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY – 0113 214 6043 www.whatson.leeds.gov.uk MAY 27 – JUNE 4 MAY 27 – JUNE 4 Calverley Library's monthly Film Club “The Storytellers” Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH Ripon, HG4 3DY will be looking at the world of film making and 0113 230 5492 www.leeds.gov.uk/museums 01765 608 888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ creating short films. Suitable for children and families. andgalleries fountains-abbey Free activity, no need to book. 3.30pm. Daily themed trails and crafts throughout half term – Pop by Swanley Grange to make a medieval styled from a murder mystery in the Victorian street on pouch to carry precious spring seeds. DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL AT ROBERTS PARK – Monday to superhero crafts. 10am – 12pm & MAY 5 – 7 2pm – 4pm. SPRING ADVENTURE AT STOCKELD Higher Coach Road, Baildon, Shipley, BD17 5RN PARK – MAY 27 – JUNE 4 01274 433 828 www.dragonboatfestival.co.uk THE DINOSAUR RETURNS AT LEEDS The Estate Office, Wetherby, LS22 4AN Support the teams taking part in this event on the CITY MUSEUM 01937 586 101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk . Friday – youth day for secondary schools Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH Look out for the outdoor Roller Rink, Maze, and youth clubs. The first of its kind in the UK. 0113 224 3732 www.leeds.gov.uk/museums Go Karts and Buccaneer Bumper Boats and Saturday – whole community charity day (money andgalleries so much more! raised will go to the Lord Mayor’s initiative). Sunday – The dinosaur bones are back on the map for the Corporate Dragonboat Day, a colourful event which holidays. Fossils to investigate, crimes to solve, FAMILY FESTIVAL AT FARSLEY WORKING involves 30 teams of up to 17 people. 9am – 4pm. costumes to wear and dino things to craft. On the MEN’S CLUB – MAY 28 spot prizes for dino-fancy dress. opening hours Back Lane, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 5EU NORTHERN BALLET’S GOLDILOCKS AND THE (including bank holiday Monday from 11am). 0113 256 4475 THREE BEARS AT HARROGATE THEATRE – Live bands, balloon modelling, face painting, tombola MAY 6 FAIRYTALE WEEK AT – and lots of family fun from 2pm. Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF MAY 27 – JUNE 4 01423 502 710 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk Off Collier Lane, , Leeds, LS25 3EB PLANT IT, GROW IT, EAT IT AT FOUNTAINS With sell–out performances and hugely successful 0113 378 2959 www.leeds.gov.uk/ ABBEY – MAY 29 – 30 CBeebies TV adaptations, Northern Ballet’s produc - museumsandgalleries Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY tions especially for children are not to be missed. Follow the traditional tales trail and get lost in 01765 608 888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Now the magic continues with a brand–new retelling Lotherton’s own fairy tale. With storytelling, crafts, fountains-abbey of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Bringing this classic dressing up and a fairytale picnic on June 1. Plant some spring seeds with help from the gardeners story to life, this is the perfect opportunity for little and take them home to look after until they grow big ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first SILVER SERVICE FIT FOR A KING AT TEMPLE enough to eat! time. 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. NEWSAM – MAY 27 – JUNE 4 Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE BODY LAB AT THACKRAY MEDICAL MUSEUM – BECOME A GEOLOGIST AT BRIMHAM ROCKS – 0113 395 7400 www.leeds.gov.uk/ MAY 29 – JUNE 2 MAY 13 museumsandgalleries Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7LN Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW Follow the silver trail throughout the house. Discover 0113 244 4343 www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk 01423 780 688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ a recreated Victorian silver service banquet and try Make fake poo, sick, blood, snot and wee! Sign up on brimham-rocks have-a-go silver crafts. arrival at the museum. 11am. Are you interested in rocks and stones and cannot help but wonder what life was like on Earth hundreds ANIMAL ISLAND AT COMIC ART PHOTOGRAPHY AT ABBEY HOUSE of millions of years ago? Join the team for a fun day of WATERMILL – MAY 27 – JUNE 4 MUSEUM – MAY 30 – 31 exploration and geology to find out. Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1RP Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 2141 914 0113 230 5492 www.leeds.gov.uk/museums GUNG HO! AT TEMPLE NEWSAM – MAY 20 A week of fun exploring animal and insect life on the andgalleries Temple Newsam Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE island, with activities suitable for all the family. There Acclaimed photographer Sophie Lee will deliver a 0113 395 7400 www.begung-ho.co.uk will be nature packs, art kits, and the chance to make two-day teen workshop on comic art photography. Take part in the Seriously Fun 5K course over giant a butterfly or dragonfly. 30 May: 11am–4pm, 31 May: 12pm – 4pm. inflatable obstacles. WELLY WALK AT BOLTON ABBEY – WOOLLY WONDERS AT LEEDS INDUSTRIAL MINECRAFT CAFÉ AT LEEDS CENTRAL FROM MAY 27, EXC FRIDAYS & SUNDAY MUSEUM – MAY 3 – JUNE 2 LIBRARY – MAY 20 Bolton Abbey, BD23 6AL Armley Mills, Canal Rd, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QF Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 3AB Tree climbing, tunnels, slides, bridges and beams, 0113 263 7861 www.leeds.gov.uk/museums 0113 247 6016 www.whatson.leeds.gov.uk this is a great fun family event. The route follows the andgalleries Join fellow Minecrafters in the library. Share ideas and Priory Trial from the Stepping Stones to the Cavendish A celebration of all things woolly, leading up to the tips and enjoy challenges! Play on library devices or Pavilion. Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. annual Leeds Wool festival. Lots of activities with bring your own. The Cafe meets every four weeks on a Dogs are welcome on a lead. Sturdy boots or wool. Have a go at feltmaking or try weaving! Saturday. Free event, no booking required, 2pm. wellingtons are advisable. A spare set of clothing is 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm. suggested.

14 , Wha t s on?

SUPERHEROES LIVE AT LIGHTWATER VALLEY – STOCKELD PARK JUNE 3 – 4 North Stainley, Ripon, HG4 3HT 0843 504 3893 www.lightwatervalley.co.uk Grab your fancy dress costume and come along for a Zap, Zoom and Kapow-packed weekend of fantastic fun and amazing entertainment.

TRANSFORMERS – ROBOTS IN DISGUISE AT STOCKELD PARK – JUNE 3 –4 The Estate Office, Wetherby, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 wwwstockeldpark.co.uk Optimus Prime & Bumble bee will be on the forecourt meeting children of all ages, and mums and dads too!

THE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN AT CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL – JUNE 6 – 8 Swan St, Leeds, LS1 6LW www.cityvarieties.co.uk A special one-hour production of Horrible Histories! A history of Britain with the nasty bits left in. Shows at 11am, 2pm and 7pm.

GET MEDIEVAL AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY – JUNE 9 – 11 MINI GNOMES AT – MAY 30 EXPERIMENTAL THURSDAY – A BUG’S LIFE AT Ripon, HG4 3DY – JUNE 4 THWAITE MILLS WATERMILL – JUNE 1 01765 608 888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Abbey Walk, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1RP fountains-abbey 0113 230 5492 www.leeds.gov.uk/museums 0113 214 1914 Step back in time as you enter the Rosa Mundi andgalleries Become an investigator and discover the secret lives medieval camp and discover what domestic life was The usual under-5s session gets a magic makeover for of bugs. 1pm to 3pm. like in 15th century . half term with lots of gnome based activities. Older siblings welcome. 10 – 11am. BABY FRIENDLY CURATOR TALKS: DINO MINECRAFT CAFÉ AT LEEDS CENTRAL PARENTS AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – JUNE 1 LIBRARY – JUNE 20 CREATIVE TUESDAY: ANIMAL MASKS AT Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 3AB THWAITE MILLS WATERMILL – MAY 30 0113 224 3732 www.whatson.leeds.gov.uk 0113 247 6016 www.whatson.leeds.gov.uk Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1RP Find out about dinosaur parenting and dinosaur Join fellow Minecrafters in the library. Share ideas and 0113 214 1914 babies! With Curator of Geology Neil Owen. tips and enjoy challenges! Play on library devices or Get creative making your very own mask inspired 10.30am. bring your own. The Cafe meets every four weeks on a by your favourite animal to take home with you. Saturday. Free event, no booking required, 2pm. 1pm to 3pm. POP UP SENSORY ROOM AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – JUNE 1 THE FIRST HIPPO ON THE MOON AT KING’S THE SCARECROWS’ WEDDING AT WEST Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH HALL ILKLEY – JUNE 20 YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE – MAY 30 – JUNE 3 0113 224 3732 www.whatson.leeds.gov.uk 4 Station Rd, Ilkley, LS29 8HB Playhouse Square, Leeds, LS2 7UP /Pages/eventdetails 01943 436 224 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 0113 213 7800 www.wyp.org.uk A pop-up sensory room with bubble tube, dark David Walliams’ popular storybook adapted for the This truly heart-warming adaptation of Julia tents and tactile toys, for a calmer moment on your stage by acclaimed Les Petits Theatre Company. Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book museum trip in the holidays. Free, drop in. 10.30am. is bursting at the seams with Scamp Theatre’s FANTASTIC MR FOX AT ALHAMBRA THEATRE – inimitable style. Age 3+. TARZANNE AT CARRIAGEWORKS JUNE 27 – JULY 2 THEATRE JUNE 2 – 3 Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ THOMAS AND FRIENDS PLAYSTATION AT The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD 01274 432 000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk SMYTHS TOYS CROWN POINT – MAY 31 0113 224 3801 www.leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox is family fun at its Crown Point Shopping Park, Junction Street, Leeds, Tarzanne tells the story of a young girl lost to the finest. A juicy tale of greed, pride and the power LS10 1ET jungle as a toddler, growing up with an adoptive of friendship, this world premiere and flagship www.thomasplaystation.co.uk family of apes. Age 7+ All tickets include a pre-show production for the Roald Dahl centenary celebrations Take a journey with friends through Sodor! Thomas activity hour. 3pm and 7pm performances. promises a dahl-icious theatrical feast with live music will be stationed at the platform ready to start your and gloriumptious designs. adventure. Free event, 10am to 6pm. looking for expert legal advice? “I cannot speak highly enough of Emsleys. Everyone was friendly we can help. % and helpful. Thank you 98 for the great service.” OF CLIENTS would use us again Matthew There comes a time when everyone needs advice from an expert. & recommend us •Conveyancing & property •Family matters •Wills, trusts & probate •Employment law •Resolving disputes •Personal injury

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