JU AUGU LY ST 201 6
ISSUE 47
LEEDS’ FAVOURITE PARENTING MAGAZINE
SUMMER SPECIAL SWIMMING & CAMPS
ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM
SAXON
SUMMER TUES 26 JULY – SAT 3 SEPT
FALCONRY HORSE SHOWS WARRIORS SPORTS CRAFTS DIGGING UP THE PAST SUPERHEROES WARRIOR TREASURES EXHIBITION
www.royalarmouries.org
Action-packed events and activities for all the family
Visit our website for more information
Summer Adventures
23 July - 5 September, 10am - 6pm
Family fun perfectly located between Harrogate & Leeds, LS22 4AN
www.stockeldpark.co.uk
The winners of last issue’s Orchard Toys competition were Lizzy Woodhead and Jane Sanderson. Our Shuffles Entertainment competition was won by Bella Barnes. Congratulations to them and thank you to all who entered.
Welcome Back… Without fail, I will cry when my son leaves Year Two this term. His teacher, class and school are so much part of our lives that I know it will bring me up short when it is time to say goodbye. He’ll still be with the same friends next year, in the same lovely school, but it is a small loss that’s a reminder that all of it is ultimately temporary. That one day he will leave forever. As he himself would say: “sad face”. However, when I’ve wiped away the tears, there’ll be a sense of freedom, elation even, at being released from the shackles of the school run. No more homework, book bag monitoring, uniform maintenance and shouting “PUT YOUR PANTS ON WE’RE LATE!” For six whole weeks. Smiley face. And by the time we’ve got home, kicked back and relaxed, the true debauchery of the summer holidays will have started to set in. The days are so relaxed. And in the words of Olivia Newton-John, Oh – those summer nights! Abandoning The Bedtime Routine and letting the children stay up late – and hopefully lie in a bit too, is one of the key advantages of the summer holidays for me. Whether it’s playing with the neighbours, the end of a long day with friends, or a trip to the park, pub or cricket club, my children are social animals with a voracious appetite for communal scooting, tig, crisps, J20s and the hours past sunset. Throwing them into bed at the end of such an evening is a moment’s work. By the end of the summer holidays they will be feral and filthy, and it will be time for school and order once more. We’ll be sad that our summer holidays are nearly over, but there will be something to relish about giving them a good clean, buying new school shoes, and starting all over again.
Contents… 4 & 5 NEWS 8 & 9 POOLSIDE Swimming Special 10 & 11 WHO’S OFF TO CAMP? Workshops and holiday clubs – there’s still time to book 13 PRE-SCHOOLS Learn all about them 14 & 15 CLUBS & CLASSES All the latest news 17 STARTING SCHOOL A beginner’s guide 22 – 27 WHAT’S ON? Our bumper round-up of all that’s on offer in July & August
Have a wonderful summer! Claire Bottomley www.familiesonline.co.uk
For this issue’s competition, see page 19.
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Families Leeds Ltd is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Leeds Ltd are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.
CONTACT US: 07799 667 041 • editor@familiesleeds.co.uk CIRCULATION: We distribute 18,000 copies of the magazine free of charge through schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, selected retail outlets and sports centres. Read by more than 40,000 parents. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know. DESIGNED BY: JUSTIN LEEMING • 07745 038 005 • www.jgl-design.co.uk PRINTED BY: CHARLESWORTH PRESS, Wakefield • www.charlesworth.com
Next to Moortown Primary School
Loving Care and Superb Education Come and join us for the best day ever, at our visonary nursery. With inspiring rooms and adventurous outdoors, our learned & dedicated team look forward to welcoming you! The Old Chapel, Shadwell Lane, Leeds. LS17 6DR t: 07766 808 257 e: leedsmontnurtury@aol.co.uk
www.yorkshiremontessorinursery.co.uk
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FAMILIES NEWS… Soft play centre Eddie Catz comes to Mothercare in Leeds
Say hello to the Big Friendly Summer Reading Challenge It’s that time of year again – the Summer Reading Challenge is back for another school summer holiday. It’s a fantastic way to keep your children reading over the summer, and encourage them to expand their reading choices. This year’s Big Friendly Read Summer Reading Challenge is linking up with Roald Dahl 100 celebrations, honouring the world’s number one storyteller. The Big Friendly Read will feature some of Roald Dahl’s best-loved characters and the amazing artwork of his principal illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake. Running across the school summer holidays, it will encourage reading on a giant scale and will feature themes such as invention, mischief and friendship as explored in Roald Dahl’s books. Children can sign up at their local library, then read six library books of their choice to complete the challenge. There are exclusive rewards to collect along the way, and it’s free to take part – so why not pop down to your local library and sign up? For more information, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.
Recommended by
A brand new softplay centre has opened up in a popular destination for parents and little ones – Mothercare. Eddie Catz is a softplay business with well-established centres in London. It will offer a three tier play frame for children up to age five, with a crawler’s zone and a studio and community space, which will host a variety of pre-school and toddler and post-natal classes, holiday drop off workshops and birthday parties. The softplay and studio will be on the first floor alongside Angelina's Café, PixiFoto
Calling all Parents: 22 Street Lane is the place to be… A brand new exclusive day nursery has opened its doors in Roundhay. 22 Street Lane Nursery offers an outstanding learning experience for children aged from three months to five years. The nursery offers parents a reassuring, safe and secure setting with state-of-the art technology that requires finger print recognition on entry. Spacious rooms are equipped with natural furnishings and toys; the extraordinary garden features an outdoor tipi classroom, chicken coup, mud kitchen, outdoor toilets, a live performance stage, as well as vegetable patches and a potting shed for cultivating healthy food. Nursery founder Caroline Pollard said, “Our aspiration is to become the UK’s leading nursery provider, delivering excellence in early years care. “Each room operates above the required staff ratio, meaning that children can have
Buy of the day
Keep tabs on their clothes
the extra attention they need during their early development. Our healthy menu has been designed by a top children’s nutritionist using locally sourced, quality ingredients. “We are delighted with the positive feedback received from parents; the interest to date has been overwhelming and continues at pace.” To book a viewing, email info@22street lanenursery.co.uk or call 03330 43 22 22.
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Studio and Shortcuts children’s hairdresser. Combined, the new area will provide a space for parents to meet up, relax and have a drink while their children play. Darren Johnson, owner of Eddie Catz said, “We are delighted to join Mothercare’s store to add to what makes it already not only a great shopping destination but an experience for young families.” Eddie Catz will open to the public from July 5, Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 6pm, Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
with Car Track, Pre-school Area, Enclosed Baby Area, Café & Party Rooms www.littlebeesplay.co.uk 19 Limewood Road, Leeds, LS14 1LU info@littlebeesplay.co.uk • Tel: 0113 2329 822
Families News
ORIETTA O’TOOLE
New website for Families… Look out for the launch of the fantastic new Families website in early July. The areas covered by this magazine will now be covered by five websites covering the local areas of South Leeds, South West Leeds, North West Leeds, North Leeds and East Leeds. This new hyper-local approach will allow Families Online to bring you information about a wide range of things to do both close to where you live – and across your region. You can look forward to seeing the best of the current site, including places to go and what’s on events and activities, education, childcare, classes and clubs and parties, as well as some great new features, including eating out and local services.
PERSONAL TUTOR Ages five to GCSE Maths & English
e: ettyotoole@hotmail.com Charge: £25 per hour
Make back to school easier with Snappy Tags
The site will be more comprehensive than ever and easier to use, offering inspirational ideas for things to do with the kids locally and helpful parenting tips and advice to support you and your family. It’s in the same place – so look at www.familiesonline.co.uk.
Dad takes bear on record-breaking trip A school bear got the trip of a lifetime when he joined a Leeds dad as he broke the world record for the number of countries visited in 24-hours using only public or scheduled transport. Adam Leyton from Horsforth broke the record by visiting 12 countries using only planes, trains and buses. The father-of-three had as a companion Featherbank Bear, mascot of Featherbank Primary School, where his daughter Amber, seven, and son Josh, six, attend, and where his other son Theo, four, will join in September. Adam was forced to run the final 4km of his journey in order to make it into his 12th country before the end of his 24-hour deadline, and he only managed to get two hours sleep during the adventure, on a night train between Warsaw, Poland and Bratislava, Slovakia. He successfully reached the Szobor sculpture park, where Austria meets Slovakia and Hungary with just eight minutes to spare.
We’re all looking forward to a long summer of days out with the children, and afternoons in the garden with friends. But before you know it, it’s a week before the beginning of term and a mad dash to the shoe shop and school uniform shop ensues. On the last day of the holidays, instead of a last minute treat, the day is spent labelling clothes – what an anti-climax! That’s why it’s a good idea to order some Snappy Tags, making a half day job a 20 minute one. Order tags with your child’s name etched in and get a Snappy Tag Kit. All you have to do is attach the tag to the care label inside the uniform and you’re done. This year, Snappy Tags are introducing a Snappy Tags Family Kit which contains a Snappy Applicator, two packs of 50 tags and a spare packet of 25 replacement backs – all for £38.50 plus postage. For more information or to order, visit www.snappytags.co.uk.
Adam said,“When I got there I was absolutely elated. I had tears in my eyes as it was something I had been thinking about for months.” Adam’s challenge is raising money for Sands, a charity which offers support to people affected by the death of a baby before, during, or shortly after birth. To find out more about the trip and to donate visit www.12in24.co.uk.
Open courses are run regularly or can be arranged for groups
Underwood Training run courses that teach First Aid Skills specific to babies & children for Parents, Childminders, Nurseries & Schools. First Aid for Parents includes:
•
Recognition of illness — High temperatures, Meningitis & Meningococcal Septicaemia
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Infant & Child CPR Infant & Child Choking Burns Bumps to heads
Mention Families Leeds & receive £5 discount on course fees.
For course dates see: www.underwood-training.co.uk
Underwood Training Limited are HSE Approved to deliver First Aid at Work courses. Our full range of courses can be seen on our website. For more information contact: Tel: 0845 650 5660 or 07971 298265
Email: mail@underwood-training.co.uk
5
Families News
Keep an eye out in our Back to School issue for a very special promotion for the award-winning Reading Eggs Programme. For all you mums and dads who haven’t yet seen how Reading Eggs can help your children learn to read, make sure you pick up the September/October issue!
Stuck for time? Get stick-on clothing labels
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Get ready early for back to school this year with name labels for clothing, ties and uniforms. Labels4Kids provides stick on labels which don’t need ironing or sewing – just stick the adhesive name label onto the care label. They are developed especially for clothes and with strong adhesion to last many washes. Labels4Kids is an award winning family business that has been selling name labels online since 2004. It offers a wide range of labels as well as personalised gifts including major brands like Disney, Mattel and Nickelodeon. For more information, visit www.labels4kids.com.
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As Becky and her mum get used to the ‘new normal’, she introduces her family to some of the finer things in life‌ It’s getting embarrassing when mum comes for tea now. Not because she’s so old she farts without realising or the dementia’s induced her to swear at the neighbours and lick her knife clean (far from it), but because over the last few months, my house has begun to take on the appearance of her house. Or to be blunt, I’ve got most of her stuff. With dad safely tucked away in a wine bottle (the best place for his ashes, we thought), mum has settled rather nicely into the nursing home. As such, it’s meant their house is on the market and the contents need taking care of. But it’s odd, because even though they absolutely insisted that my siblings and I took anything we wanted, I still feel like a burglar in my old bedroom. It started with the small things (as in most clepto cases) – a few bits of pyrex from the kitchen cupboards, a bundle of envelopes from dad’s office, a couple of cushions, a can of pledge, a book. But now, my daughters want to youtube the ’shopping haul’ every time I come back (Google it). I’ve nabbed a Dualit toaster, four antique chairs, the decent cutlery and a full set of Wedgwood. Even my salt and pepper pots have had an upgrade. It’s been noted that mum’s taste has a touch of the ’Margo’ about it (you know, the Penelope Keith character from the 1970’s TV series ’The Good Life’?). But unlike Margo, mum’s earlystage dementia means she has a tendency to hoard. So in the ’might-as-well-use-it’ box, went enough cling film to last until 2026, NINE bags of frozen broad beans and more sanitary pads than a carefree girl could ever wish for... A real bonus was their love of wine. Mum only drinks rosĂŠ, but dad had bought a load of red in bulk on a booze cruise. I’d like to say us siblings had enough to see us through until Christmas but we’ve pretty much necked the lot already. Hey, it’s been a stressful six months – a girl needs something to take the edge off now and again. Hic. The most touching thing we stumbled across was a box of love letters from when they were courting. Dad’s are a classic: ’My darling Jill, I’m so looking forward to holding you in my arms again...’, followed swiftly by: ’Sold another dumper today – got a right good price for it’. Who says romance and practicality can’t go hand in hand? But it’s me who’s taking mum’s hand now as we enter into our new normal. One of the routines we’ve established is ’hair and dinner’ night. While mum sips rosĂŠ, Alison-the-Hairdresser sets up shop in our kitchen and tackles the old bird’s birds nest. Then when mum’s all spruced up, we sit down as a family and enjoy a meal. This is fast becoming known as ’posh tea night’ by my daughters, who claim it’s the only time I make an effort to cook something from scratch. But when I serve my offerings on Wedgwood, it feels right that we’re all enjoying Margo’s stuff – and I sense mum associates the silver salt pot with taking a step toward the good life again. To read other columns written by Becky, visit www.beckybondwrites.comÂ
6
Families Leeds Capture imaginations this summer at Leeds Museums and Galleries — we’ve got this holiday sorted!
leeds.gov.uk/ schoolholidays
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Interview with Olympian Adrian Moorhouse IIClaire Winter talks to Adrian Moorhouse MBEII IIabout his swimming career – which started hereII IIin Leeds, commentating at the upcoming RioII IIOlympics and how parents can best encourageII IItheir children...II ADRIAN MOORHOUSE MBE was a world champion at 22, and Olympic gold medallist in the 100m breaststroke at Seoul two years later. Having learned to swim at the age of six, he went on to swim for Bradford Grammar School, where he was a pupil, and then for the City of Leeds Swimming Club. “By 10 I was swimming 20 hours a week. I was tired and my schoolwork suffered, although I did ok at what we now call GCSEs,” he said. “But on the positive side, I had massive progress in swimming at the age of 15. I won the national age groups for my age but I also came second in the senior championships. At the age of 15 I was on the junior and senior British team.” From the age of 16 Adrian became the British men’s number one. By 17 he was third in Europe and by 18 he had won the Commonwealth Games. “I left school and went to university in America for a while and learnt great technique around nutrition, psychology and strength training and then came back to Leeds. “I had reached the pinnacle of success in 1986 at the age of 22 when I was world number one, at 23 I broke the world record and at 24 I got gold at Seoul and I had even better years after that. I competed in two other Olympics, 1992 was my last Olympics and I retired at 28.” Adrian has commentated on Olympic swimming since 1998 and will be at Rio this year. He has high hopes for the British swimming team. “I am really happy to be commentating at Rio. A fantastic British swimmer, Adam Peaty, has recently won the European Championships. He’s also a breaststroker and won the World Championships last year. So he goes into Rio in the same position I was in, when I
“You’ve got to help kids look at focus and commitment. Try and find out why they don’t want to do something and give them a reason to continue with it.” 8
ADRIAN MOORHOUSE
won the gold at Seoul. It will be the first time we have had someone win it since I won back in 1988.” So how best does he think parents should encourage kids in sport? “Our job is to support and create an environment where they feel cared for, because it should be the coach who challenges them and pushes them and gives them feedback on their stroke, running or throwing,” he said. “They’ve got to want it themselves. You have to create opportunity, find out what someone is passionate about and also recognise that it might not be your passion or interest. “Equally you need to teach your children about staying power. You’ve got to help kids look at focus and commitment. Try and find out why they don’t want to do something and give them a reason to continue with it. “At 12 and 13 kids often get dispirited because they are coming fifth or sixth but if they keep practising they will improve. Tell them to compare yourself, against yourself, rather than another individual and most importantly, be the best that you can be.”
Swimmin g
Off to a Swimming Start… IIInspired to get your little ones in the water? Not everyone will be anIIIIIIIIII IIOlympic champion, but it’s a vital life skill that is fun, great exerciseIIIIIIIIIIII IIand can save lives. If you’re looking for swimming lessons for your IIIIIIIIIIII IIlittle ones, here are some great classes for babies and children…IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII BABY, TODDLER & SCHOOL-AGE CLASSES AT COOKRIDGE HALL
BABY SWIMMING WITH FLUTTERBABIES
Cookridge Hall offers excellent swimming lessons which start with baby and toddler Little Splashers classes and go right up to coaching older children to perfect their strokes and achieve ASA Levels 1 – 7 as well as Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. “We always encourage parents or carers to get in the water with their babies and children from a very young age. This has many benefits – to name a few, water confidence and water safety awareness, to improve a child’s strength and co-ordination,” explained Children’s Co-ordinator Lisa Mathie. “It also gives them the opportunity to spend quality time with their child. As children grow older it can sometimes be harder to teach them to swim as they may be more apprehensive about their surroundings and it can take a child longer to overcome their fears in water if they have them. “In our Cookridge Hall Little Splashers Baby and Toddler classes we use songs and games to build the children’s confidence and as they progress through to the older school their confidence has grown enough to enable them to swim independently (from roughly 3 – 4 years onwards) in a group class without their parents.” Lisa added,“I’m delighted to say that three children in our older swim school have this year gained places on the Leeds City Council Stage 8 Competitive Swim programme which is the starting block for progression into the Leeds Training Scheme and beyond if they do well in the next stage.” n As well as weekly term-time lessons, intensive, one-on-one lessons and short intensive courses during the summer holidays are available. n Members and nonmembers are welcome to all children’s swimming classes. www.cookridgehall.co.uk/ health
Flutterbabies offers a nurturing child-centred approach to introducing babies to the water. Their style is kind, gentle and effective working closely with each individual child and parent pair. In their classes you will learn techniques to impart a sound foundation for swimming for parent, child and baby, through interactions based on trust, fun and love.
“When the baby is small we teach parents how to handle them in the water, how to swim with them and give gentle guidance towards unaided swimming without ever resorting to forceful conditioning,” said Samantha Dalton of Flutterbabies. “The sooner a child discovers the freedom of buoyancy, the more relaxed and independent he or she will be in the water. Our safe practices are all baby led and we let them choose whether to enjoy underwater swimming or not.” www.flutterbabies.co.uk
BABY SWIMMING WITH WATER BABIES Water Babies runs fun, innovative baby swimming classes. They say their teachers could have trained as private pilots – five times over – in the time it takes them to fully qualify. With a multi-award winning programme which teaches vital water confidence and safety skills from birth, the overall aim is to teach parents to teach their babies to swim. “We’ll always explain why we’re doing everything, as well as carefully demonstrate exactly what to do,” said Arran Macdonald of Water Babies. “Through carefully structured training, babies can be taught life-saving skills such as turning onto their backs or, following a sudden submersion, swimming to the nearest solid object.” “They grow familiar with what it feels like to fall into water, so that should they ever accidentally fall in they are far less likely to panic and drown. And our results speak for themselves: more than a dozen Water Babies have used their skills to survive after accidentally falling into water, even though they were very young at the time.” www.waterbabies.co.uk
COOKRIDGE HALL
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Summer C a m p s
FINAL CALL for SUMMER CAMP! It’s not too late to book your children into one of the fantastic summer schools, workshops or holiday clubs taking place over the summer break. They’re a great opportunity for them to spend time doing their favourite things or learning a new skill. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer. Hurry up and secure a place – and don’t forget to say you saw it in Families Leeds! OPERA NORTH
*31 + 8',% 027 !) %#1 ," $2#0 !&--* 0# 2# *3 1
Orchestra Camp with Opera North is a brand new summer programme for young enthusiastic musicians from Leeds and the wider area. They’ll meet and work with professional musicians on work inspired by Billy Budd, a largescale opera by Benjamin Britten. It tells the story of an ill-fated sailor, and the young musicians will present it through music and drama with the Orchestra of Opera North in a final performance at the end of the week. During the camp, instrumental practice, percussion workshops, vocal workshops, drama and movement workshops will be delivered by experienced and friendly Opera North Education staff. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and meet young musicians,” said Michaela Lesayova of Opera North. “This will offer everyone an inclusive and stimulating experience contributing to children’s and young people’s general musicianship in an inspiring and enjoyable way.” Orchestra Camp is for children and young people aged 10 plus, and takes place between from August 22 to 26. For more information, visit: www.operanorth.co.uk/opera-north-orchestra-camp.
STAGECOACH From page to stage in just five days – that’s the plan at Stagecoach, where they’ll be casting gangsters aged from six to 16 in Bugsy Malone, and for little ones aged three to five it’s Peter Pan. After a fun-packed week of rehearsals starting on Monday morning, there will be a performance for family and friends on the Friday. The week-long courses are available during the last two weeks in August, held at Boston Spa School and Garforth Academy. You don't have to be a Stagecoach student and boys and girls are welcome regardless of experience or ability. For more information, visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/leedskippax andselby or www.stagecoach.co.uk/wetherby or call 0113 2103 505 or 0808 208 5134. 10
Summer C a m p s COOKRIDGE HALL All manner of sports and activities are on offer at Cookridge Hall Holiday Kids Camps, including swimming, golf, arts and crafts, and much more. Weekly, full day or half day sessions are available. With so much variety, and a friendly, professional team looking after the children, the camp is hugely popular. For more information, visit www.cookridgehall.co.uk, call 0113 2030 000 or email kids@cookridgehall.co.uk. FOOTLOOSE
Get set for a magic carpet ride with the hugely popular Footloose summer school, which is working this year on Aladdin. “The week is full of dancing, singing, drama, arts and crafts, costumes and set design,” said Footloose principal Katie Bold. “It is for all abilities, no previous experience needed and our main aim is to have tons of fun.
“We have a tuck shop for refreshments and treats which the kids love nearly as much as the dancing!” She added,“I am always amazed at the show on the Friday, just how much the summer squad have learnt and how confidently they perform, as are their families. It is the perfect way to celebrate the week.” The week runs from August 8 to 12, with juniors aged from four to nine having sessions from 10am to 1pm from Monday to Thursday, seniors aged from 10 to 18 having sessions from 1pm to 4pm from Monday to Thursday and both Juniors and Seniors on Friday from 10am, followed by the performance at 1.30pm. “We are very proud that we get many kids returning year after year,” said Katie. “Some are pupils at our main weekly classes but many just come with their friends for some summer fun. Last year we had pupils returning for their tenth year. It’s so lovely as a teacher to see them grow in confidence and ability over the years.” For more information, visit www.face book.com/FootlooseAcademyOfDance, email kboldfootloosestudios@hotmail.com or text/call 07746 010 376. Forms can also be picked up from any weekly classes at Footloose Studios at St Edmund’s Church hall in Roundhay. O
THE LITTLE GYM Combining fun, sport, creative activities and learning to keep your kids active, entertained and laughing, The Little Gym’s OFSTED registered camps run throughout the summer holidays. Children love them! For more information, call 0113 3359915 or visit www.leeds.thelittlegym.eu. CREATION STATION Arty holiday clubs with firm favourite Creation Station are the perfect place for children to paint, draw, model, sculpt, collage, cut, stick, squish, squirt, laugh, imagine, think, create, experiment and make new friends. And you don’t have to do any of the clearing up afterwards! For more information, visit www.the creationstation.co.uk/childrens-art-classand-party-entertainer/leeds or call Anna on 01274 899 408.
22 – 26 August
I I
PUT ON A SHOW
I I
SUMMER WORKSHOPS
15TH - 19TH & 22ND - 26TH AUGUST ‘PETER PAN’ Age: 3 - 5 year olds Time: 9.30am -1.00pm (Performance 12.30pm) Cost: £65 (£50 for siblings) ‘BUGSY MALONE’ Age: 6 - 16 year olds Time: Mon - Thurs, 10.00am - 4.00pm Fri 10.00am - 7.30pm (Performance 6pm) Cost: £110 (£80 for siblings) Venue - 15th - 19th: Boston Spa School, Clifford Moor Rd, Boston Spa, LS23 6RW Venue - 22nd - 26th: Garforth Academy, Lidgett Lane, Garforth, LS25 1LJ
stagecoach.co.uk/ wetherby
stagecoach.co.uk/ leedskippaxandselby
wetherby@ stagecoach.co.uk
0113 2103 505 0808 208 5134
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.
Take part in instrumental activities, singing sessions, drama and movement Meet new people and make new friends Explore and rehearse new pieces Perform side-by-side with the Orchestra of Opera North
Open to young people aged 10 – 18 Sign-up deadline:
Sunday 31 July 2016
Contact:
education@operanorth.co.uk www.operanorth.co.uk/opera-north-orchestra-camp
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Nurseries
PRE-SCHOOLS
Your Need to Know Guide…
||More parents than ever send their children to pre-school or nursery, thanks to free places|| ||for three and four-year-olds, and for some two-year-olds.|| By Liat Hughes Joshi
RE-SCHOOL is about learning through play and gets your child used to being separated from you and other carers. It helps kids become familiar with a more schoollike environment and the behaviour expected there, such as sharing and taking turns.
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HOW CAN I GET MY CHILD SETTLED? Staff will be aware that many young children need help getting used to new places and people and should have a settling in procedure – you may be able to stay during their first visits.
HOW MUCH FREE CHILDCARE AM I ENTITLED TO? All three and four-year-olds in England receive 570 hours annually – this can be in a pre-school, nursery or with a registered childminder.
CASE STUDY: Cliffe House Day Nursery Cliffe House is a group of nurseries with several settings in Leeds. It is passionate about all children attending nursery being kept safe and cared for in a stimulating environment – as well as having lots of fun. However, it is in its Pre-School rooms that activities and environments are particularly designed to enable children to reach their full potential, assisting in their emotional, social and ultimately academic success.
HOW CAN I CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRESCHOOL FOR MY CHILD? Get other local parents’ views, read Ofsted reports and most crucially take a look around and meet staff.
Using the Early Years Foundation Stage as its guide, the ‘structured’ environment within Pre-School helps young children learn to make friends, play respectfully with others and practice independence within the safety of smaller groups and with key worker adults. “The layout of Pre-School is organised to encourage social interaction, minimise congestion and conflicts and is an ideal opportunity to learn how to share, take turns and follow instructions, ultimately laying the foundation for the learning that will occur at ‘big’ school,” explained owner Della Stocks. In Pre-School a child’s cognitive skills are strengthened by engaging them in a wide range of hands-on activities, challenging them to observe closely, ask questions and problem solve. She added,“They gather interest in premaths and pre-literacy skills, they are curious and observant and this natural desire to learn is encouraged within group and one-to-one sessions. Della added,“Pre-School children also have very active imaginations and learn through make believe play. We recognise that imagination fuels learning and it’s often in this area of play that children progress steadily from playing in solitude to one-toone and eventually enjoying seeking out others to share their experiences.” Cliffe House has vacancies at all its settings for Pre-School places in September 2016, offering term time and full time attendance. Every threeyear-old can access 15 hours of free government funded care each week, and parents and carers are welcome to call in and visit.
Contact Sara Hall on 0113 834 6522 or email sara@pyjamadrama.com
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Dance, Drama, Music – Action! We’re lucky to have some fantastic classes for babies, toddlers, children and teens which tap into their imagination and natural love of music and movement. As well as teaching them some impressive skills, they can help to boost their confidence, co-ordination and be a great way to socialise – for you as well as them! T’S exciting times, with some new classes launching and old favourites building on their success. Here, we bring you all the latest news, along with a reminder that, whatever you choose, now’s the time to book for the new term in September…
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PYJAMA DRAMA PRESENTS NEW BABY CLASSES COULD YOU TEACH BABYBALLET?
What could be more adorable than Dewdrops – drama classes for babies. “Before coming along to a class, people often ask how we ’do drama’ with babies,” says Sara Hall of Pyjama Drama. “After all, babies can’t pretend, they haven’t yet developed their imaginations so what’s it all about? Well, put quite simply, it’s about play!” She explained,“Young children don’t need complicated equipment or expensive toys. In fact we firmly believe that you are your child’s favorite toy – after all there is nothing that delights a young child more than seeing the face of someone they love. Perhaps most importantly of all, we know that when children play, they laugh, and that is why our classes are jam packed full of fun, original and exciting games!” Aimed at babies and young toddlers aged roughly between 10 to 22 months, the classes offer original games – simple, exciting activities designed to stimulate the senses and make babies smile, giggle and join in – that parents can replicate at home. They will also listen to a story, sing, play music, dance, jump and more. For more information, visit www.pyjamadrama.com.
STAGECOACH
CURTAIN UP FOR GARFORTH’S NEW STAGECOACH SCHOOL Stagecoach Garforth is launching a brand new drama, singing and dance school for four to 18 year olds at Garforth Academy, Lidgett Lane, Garforth. It would like to invite you to a free Discovery Session on Thursday, August 25, at 6pm so you can experience Stagecoach first hand. Stagecoach classes explore the performing arts and offer important life skills, as well as boosting students’ self-confidence, creativity and curiosity. “Anyone that comes to visit us here agrees that there is a wonderful atmosphere and the schools are always buzzing with energy,” said Principal Lisa Druett. “As well as performing in large-scale shows and demonstrations for parents we also offer endless activities to keep the students busy; including holiday workshops, LAMDA exams, theatre trips and auditions for film, TV and theatre. As well as being educational and lots of fun, these are skills which will benefit them in whatever path they choose to take in the future.” For more information, visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/garforth COULD YOU TEACH BABYBALLET?
PYJAMA DRAMA DEWDROPS
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Are you a bit of a Darcy Bussell? Are you looking for family-friendly work? Here’s an opportunity that might interest you. Babyballet wants to hear from dance teachers and parents with a strong dance background who would be passionate about teaching fun,
lively dance classes for pre-schoolers as it launches new classes in north Leeds and Wetherby. Dance experience is a must, along with a DBS certificate (formally known as a CRB although this can be organised on your behalf). You must drive and have use of a car and be available to work one weekend morning. Miss Louise, owner of Babyballet Leeds North said,“The work we offer is really family friendly as we need teachers at weekends when one parent can often work without paying for childcare. We are term time and school hours in the week for those with children of school age. You need to be completely animated to engage children so young, so we really value experience as a mum.” Full Babyballet training will be provided to the successful candidate. Email a CV and covering letter to Miss Jane at leedsnorth@babyballet.co.uk or call 07702 965 932 for a chat. GET THE MUSIC BUG Families favourite Music Bugs offers play-based, sensory music classes for children from newborn to four years in MUSIC BUGS Leeds. Why not give it a go? Classes feature puppets, parachutes, pom-poms, bubbles, ribbons, scarves, teddies, hobby horses and lots of colourful musical instruments. Children, babies and parents love its nursery rhymes, counting songs, finger-play rhymes and action songs. You can have a trial for £4.50 or three consecutive trial classes for £10. For more information or to book, contact Vicky at leeds@musicbugs.co.uk.
C lubs & Classes PAT-A-CAKE – A NEW MUSIC GROUP TUNES UP
quality musical material and activities. All the music used is original and unique. It has been planned, developed and arranged especially for the classes and is recorded and produced by my husband in his studio. We’ve had some great feedback from parents about the resources used in the class and it’s so rewarding to see the littles ones responding to and learning from
Parents and pre-schoolers are putting their hands together for a popular new music class. Pat-a-Cake Music is created and delivered by Leeds mum and music teacher Hayley Russell. “After having my first son PAT-A-CAKE MUSIC in 2012 I took the decision to leave my teaching career so the music.” I could spend more time with my family. Pat-a-cake Music has also delivered music Going to parent and child groups and seeing activities in Nurseries and Children’s Centres my son’s love of singing and making music and can offer a series or one off sessions for inspired me to launch Pat-a-cake Music last all pre-school ages. summer,” said Hayley. “It’s been a very busy time since I launched “Creating and developing Pat-a-cake Music the classes a year ago,” said Hayley. “I’ve has combined my passion for making music even managed to fit in having another baby!” with my skills and knowledge of music She added,“I’m really excited to develop education. I aspire to create a group that the classes further over the next year. gives you and your little one time to experiThere will be more class venues added to ence music together but also time to meet the weekly timetable plus age specific classes other parents and have a hot, fresh cuppa to help the children progress and develop and cake too!” further.” “People often ask if Pat-a-cake Music is a For more information, visit franchise. But no, it’s just me, with lots of www.patacakemusic.com or call Hayley help and support from my musician husband. on 07932 696 714. I work hard to make sure my classes provide
DANCING SHOES ON WITH FOOTLOOSE Our moto is “Fun, Fitness, Friends – Footloose!” – so says the principal of Footloose Academy of Dance Katie Bold. The school was established in 2003 and has been bringing classes to children and adults FOOTLOOSE at its studios in Roundhay ever since, and among the most popular are boys street dance classes. “Back at the start we found that boys were reluctant to join, especially if they came and saw a room full of pink tutus,” said Katie. “We decided to create some boys-only street dance classes which filled up immediately. We now have two very popular classes on Wednesdays. “I absolutely love teaching these classes they are so high energy and fun and the boys love trying out new moves and tricks like their favourite street dancers. “Within our main school we offer the opportunity to take part in examinations and medal tests, displays, charity events and we hold two big shows at the end of each year. Our Junior School show in December and Senior School show at the end of November. Showtime is our favourite time, it’s so exciting. “We’re probably one of the only dance schools to not have classes on a weekend but have found that like us, there are lots of parents who like to keep weekends for family time. It also frees us up to take part in local events and fairs with our pupils, who love to perform there, which is always fun and exciting.” For more information or to enrol, email kboldfootloosestudios@ hotmail.com or call or text 07746 010 376.
EMBRACE CREATIVITY Stagecoach Garforth and Wetherby are delighted to invite you to our Free Discovery Days for 4 – 18. Stagecoach Garforth – August 25th at 6pm Garforth Academy, Lidgett Lane, Garforth LS25 1LJ Stagecoach Wetherby – September 10th at 2pm Wetherby High School, Hall Lane, Wetherby LS22 6JS Students and parents are welcome to come along to explore Stagecoach and see what we have to offer. You’ll get to sample three 20-minute taster sessions in each of our disciplines; Singing, dancing and acting so your child can really experience what it would be like to attend our classes, plus you’ll get the chance to meet the Principal, teachers and ask any questions you may have.
stagecoach.co.uk/ wetherby stagecoach.co.uk/ leedskippaxandselby wetherby@ stagecoach.co.uk 0113 2103 505 0808 208 5134 Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.
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Education
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The UK’s Leading Inclusive Independent Day and Boarding School for boys and girls ages 3-18
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Award-winning tuition with a difference. For ages 5 -14.
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Education
Starting Primary School
THE EASY WAY
By Liat Hughes Joshi
||Starting primary school is a major milestone in your little one’s childhood – and indeed in your life too.|| ||So how can you ease them into this big change and limit the potential for tears on the first day?|| Here are a few tips to help you prepare your little one for their very first day at “big school”…
their own coat on and eating using cutlery. Being able to listen, sit still, share and follow instructions will make school life easier too.
ready now – uniform laid out, packed lunch made (if they aren’t having school lunches) and school bag packed.
HELP YOUR CHILD GET USED TO THE IDEA OF SCHOOL In the months approaching the big day, read books about going to school together – Janet Ahlberg’s Starting School or Lauren Child’s I am Absolutely Too Small for School are ideal. This will introduce them to what goes on and let you discuss school together, answering any questions your child might have. Talk too about your own happy school memories or encourage an older sibling or friend to discuss the things they enjoy at their primary school.
THE DAY OR TWO BEFORE THE BIG DAY… Highlight the things they’re excited about, such as a toy that caught their eye in the reception classroom, or seeing the lovely teacher or their friend from nursery again. Pre-empt their anxieties too – these can be little things, for example, how to let the teacher know if they need the loo, or what happens if they don’t like any of the lunch options.
HELP THE FIRST MORNING RUN SMOOTHLY Getting kids from bedroom to classroom on time can be challenging even for the most organised parents. Minimise stress (and how many times you have to say ‘hurry up’) by putting away any toys or turning off screens that are too distracting. Be clear with your child about what needs doing when and keep any messy eaters in PJs until breakfast is over, to avoid ruining that pristine first-day uniform.
BUILD FAMILIARITY WITH THEIR NEW SCHOOL Attending settling-in sessions is invaluable to build familiarity and demystify what school is all about. They’ll let your little one meet their teachers, see the classroom, dinner hall and loos, and at least a few prospective classmates. Meanwhile, if you’re driving or walking past the school, point out positive features, such as the playground equipment. DON’T WORRY ABOUT READING, WRITING AND MATHS BEFOREHAND Many parents are concerned that their child can’t recognise letters or count before they begin school but remember this is what they’ll be going there to learn – teachers don’t expect any prior knowledge. Focus instead on non-academic ‘school ready’ skills: things like going to the loo independently and cleaning themselves afterwards, putting
TINY TOES PLAY CENTRE is holding ’Getting To Know You’ school play sessions for seven Horsforth primary schools, so that little ones can go along and meet other children who will be starting reception class at their school, and parents can meet each other too. Tickets include a music session and party food for children and cost £7.50. Call 0113 2588 856 to book. Double check where you are meant to be and when on the first day and what your child needs to bring with them. If you’ll be driving, remember to work out where you’ll park – mum or dad spending 30 minutes getting flustered because you’re late and can’t find a space will not create a relaxed mood for day one. THE NIGHT BEFORE… Ease the morning rush by getting everything
IT’S TIME TO GO IN… We all want that perfect first day photo but don’t make them late – and irritable – with endless attempts to get it. Stringing out your goodbyes for ages can end in tears that otherwise wouldn’t happen – simply remind them to have fun and that you’ll be there to collect them later and give them a hug. If they’re nervous or unsure, start a small ritual, perhaps putting a ‘kiss’ in their pocket for them to grab later if they’re missing you. DON’T FORGET THE TISSUES There’s a time and a place for concealing your own feelings from your children and if you’re upset or anxious, this is one of them! Try your best to wait until you’re out of sight before sobbing, otherwise you could confuse or upset your child unnecessarily. Once they’ve gone in, if the waterworks do roll, rest assured you probably won’t be the only one, so don’t worry about what other parents or teachers think!
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Summer ideas
PROJECT SUMMER! The long summer holidays are a great time to do the activities and projects that are hard to squeeze in during term time. Kids love taking ownership, learning new skills and getting a sense of achievement. Without the time constraints of school, it’s also a good opportunity to teach them things like riding a bike or tying their shoelaces. We’ve put a few ideas together for you… FRUITY STICKS
COOKING: fruity treats your child will love… Children love creating things in the kitchen, and these tasty recipes have the added bonus of getting their five a day inside them, as well as providing something new and exciting for those never-ending summer picnics!
Great play for the under-8s, parties and daily activities, plus yummy food and bean to cup coffee
30 TOWN STREET, HORSFORTH Phone 0113 2588856 • www.tinytoesplaycentre.co.uk
You will need: • 3 thin plastic straws • Mixture of fruit such as grapes, strawberries, kiwi fruit, pineapple, banana, apple • Lemon or lime juice How to make: 1 Cut the larger fruit into squares and squeeze some lime or lemon juice over them to prevent them from going brown. 2 Push the straws through the pieces of fruit one at a time – make sure you mix up the colours to make it look extra special. Note: Children who are under four should not be offered whole grapes because of the danger of choking.
SNOWY STRAWBERRIES This one is super easy and great to get the kids helping in the kitchen. Ideal for summer snacks, they can be kept in the freezer and brought out after a hot day in the garden. You will need: • 1 punnet strawberries • 1 large pot Greek yoghurt
Pamper Parties Glitter Parties Parent & Child Packages Parties for children aged 5-14yrs in a real salon. Treatments performed by qualified therapists. Ăůů ůĂŝƌĞ ŽŶ Ϭϭϵϰϯ ϴϳϬϭϴϵ Kƌ ĞŵĂŝů͗ ůĂŝƌĞΛƚƵŵďůĞƚŽǁŶĂĚǀĞŶƚƵƌĞƉůĂLJ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ
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How to make: 1 Wash the strawberries and trim the stalks and leaves off each one. 2 Put some of the Greek yoghurt in a bowl and roll each strawberry in the yoghurt. Lay them on a flat baking tray. 3 When you have covered all the fruit with the yoghurt, place the tray in the freezer on an empty shelf and leave to freeze overnight. You can then take them off the tray and store them in freezer bags until needed.
RIDING A BIKE: Teach them in seven easy steps Teaching your child to ride a bike has never been easier with these seven simple steps. 1 Begin with a balance bike: Balance bikes are great because they have no pedals or stabilisers and are much lighter. 2 Start on flat ground: Always begin to teach your child on flat ground – so at a local park or area with no traffic. 3 Teach them to use the brake: At the age of two and a half to three, children are able to operate a hand brake, as long as it’s gentle enough for their fingers. 4 Always wear a helmet: Wearing a helmet is a must. The sooner your little one gets used to it, the better. 5 Look for safety add-ons: A steering limiter is highly recommended as this will enable your child to keep in the right direction and prevent falls. 6 Get an adjustable seat: Try to choose a bike that has an adjustable seat as this means the bike can be adjusted to suit their height. 7 Upgrade to a bigger bike: When your child has developed enough skill and confidence you can transfer them to a pedal bike without stabilisers.
WIN, WIN, WIN…
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LOLLIES PADDLING
SUNCREAM PICNIC
SHADE JOURNEYS
SEASIDE SHORTS
SEWING: help them make something to treasure forever Now I Can Sew: 20 Hand-Sewn Projects to Make by Sian Williams is a lovely book to teach your little ones how to sew. Aimed at children eight and above, the projects are simple, colourful and safe enough to be achieved by ambitious younger crafters. The techniques and projects are explained with step-by-step photographs and instructions, with the added advantage of keeping reading practice up over the school holidays. Projects include a noughts and crosses game with felt pocket, finger puppets, headband, pirate loot bag, pencil case, book cover, cushion and drawstring bag. We have a copy of the book to give to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance to win it, send an email with the word SEWING in the title to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk by July 31.
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A Small Community with a
BIG CITY FEEL IIHomeowners and potential buyers shared their thoughts onII IIthe Horsforth Vale housing development at a recent event.II
SHOW HOMES LAUNCH, which also marked the two-year anniversary of the popular Horsforth Vale development, has celebrated what makes the location such a great place to live. With the Sunday Times recognising Horsforth as one of the areas in the UK ‘offering the best quality of life to the widest number of people’, Redrow set about asking visitors to its new Woodlands show homes, what they like so much about living where they do. A pop-up video booth proved a hit with many visitors and potential home buyers during the event, with a host of positive comments highlighting the area’s attractive combination of country living in close proximity to the city. Richard Barker, who lives locally, took the opportunity to express his thoughts,“I love Horsforth and this location, Horsforth Vale, for the schools and you’re within two minutes of wonderful countryside. It’s a small community with a big city feel and lovely people,” he said. Rehna Khan, who was the first to complete on an earlier phase of Horsforth Vale, attended the celebration event with her family. She explained,“We really enjoy living here. We have access to the canal and to the river, which means lovely walks at the weekend. When we need to go and get the groceries, the supermarkets are just a few minutes away. Horsforth has the best schools in Leeds. All in all it’s the best place to live.” Potential buyer Elizabeth Gregson agreed, “Horsforth is really good. It’s great for bars, shops and restaurants,” she said. Woodlands is the newest addition at Horsforth Vale, following on from the success of neighbouring developments The Green
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and Abode. To eventually feature 125 new homes of three, four and five bedrooms, Woodlands is in a heavily wooded location on the site of the former Riverside Mills, off Low Hall Road. With exteriors inspired by the Arts & Crafts design era and modern family-friendly interiors, the Heritage Collection homes start from £489,950 with the first phase including a mix of four-bedroom properties. Patsy Aicken, sales director for Redrow Homes (Yorkshire), said,“This was a really fun way to launch our new show homes, as well as celebrate the success of what’s already here, and we had fantastic feedback from those who came along. As well as looking around the homes, potential buyers enjoyed a steel band, a children’s entertainer and a face painter. There was a great atmosphere and with the weather so warm and sunny, our heritage style ice cream tricycle was very popular too! “Many of our visitors were shy when it came to recording a video, but it was great
THE ICING ON THE CAKE: THE OPENING OF THE WOODLANDS SHOW HOMES AT HORSFORTH VALE
to hear from those who did it. The overwhelming message was how Horsforth seems to have it all; good quality essential amenities on the doorstep yet set in the heart of the great outdoors. “Our development at The Green is selling fast and we still have a final few of our contemporary Abode homes available. Initial interest in Woodlands is high with visitors especially pleased to see the return of the ever-popular four-bedroomed Henley.” A selection of the ‘Why I Love Horsforth’ videos will be available to view very soon on Redrow Homes’ social media channels. The Green has four-bedroom Heritage Collection homes currently from £321,950, while the more contemporary looking two and three-bedroom homes at Abode start from £269,950. For further information on Woodlands, The Green or Abode visit: www.redrow.co.uk/horsforth or call 0113 318 0717.
Horsforth Vale, 3 & 4 bedroom homes available from ÂŁ321,950
VERY DESIRABLE FIND THE NEW HOME YOU DESERVE IN HORSFORTH 3 stunning developments: The Green, Woodlands & Abode, with a range of properties available to suit all life stages, in Horsforth. Voted one of the best places to live by the Sunday Times.
Very Inspiring, Very Distinctive, Very Redrow
Abode, Horsforth, 2 & 3 bedroom homes available from ÂŁ269,950 Visit: redrow.co.uk/ horsforth Call: 0113 318 5569 Images typical of Redrow homes. Prices correct at time of going to press.
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School’s out for the Summer… IISo make the most of it with some fantastic family fun. Meet superheroes, pond dip, escapeII IIinto the magical world of books, roller skate, build your own telescope, enjoy a vintage fayreII IIand much, much more. Here’s our bumper guide to the summer holidays, with all you needII IIto know about what’s on and where to go…II
Saxon Summer at the ROYAL ARMOURIES Charge down to the Royal Armouries Museum for a packed programme of exciting events and activities inspired by the amazing exhibition of Saxon Gold from the Staffordshire Hoard. Don’t miss falconry Tuesdays, Warrior Wednesdays, Sports Day Thursdays and the Superheroes who’ll be flying in from August 9 to 11. As well as all that action there’ll be Saxon-inspired craft workshops and the chance to dig up the past in interactive archaeology sessions. From July 26 to September 3. Admission is free, some activities carry a small charge. For the full programme, visit www.royalarmouries.org.
MUSEUM… IA ED M L A N O TI A N e th t FACE OFF a ut a person? How What does a face say abo faces to say things do people change their erent people see about themselves? Do diff faces in different ways? seum’s summer The National Media Mu Face will be asking family exhibition In Your ny more as it explores these questions and ma
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, selfied, examined, the most photographed human body and expressive part of the erent exhibits, through more than 20 diff s. activities and experiment y well-known Visitors can try to identif en an unusual twist; faces that have been giv ng the latest police create a facial profile usi
y might look with technology; see how the ut special effects facial decoration; learn abo m’s Hammer Films make-up from the Museu uence of the emoji. collection; or trace the infl 30. For more From July 23 to October ationalmedia information, visit www.n . museum.org.uk
, What s on?
Pond Dipping, Cycling & More at FOUNTAINS ABBEY Make the most of long summer days at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Use some pedal power on a family bike ride and enjoy a rare chance to cycle around the water garden and the abbey ruins (July 1 and August 3). Delve into the moon ponds on a pond dipping day and discover which water-loving creatures live beneath the surface (July 3 and August 5). Track wild deer like a true nature detective (July 30 and August 23), learn all about bee keeping (weekends August 13 and 20) or dress up on a family abbey tour and find out what life was like for the monks of Fountains Abbey (August 6 and 27). You can also find eye-popping artworks in the water garden’s Folly! Exhibition, including a chandelier that comes to life before your eyes. And the brand new play area is a must, with a mini wooden abbey to scramble over, tall towers to climb, a zip wire to whizz along and much, much more! For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ fountainsabbey.
Pirate Adventures at STOCKELD PARK… Ahoy there! You can do a pirate treasure trail every day of this year’s summer adventure at Stockeld Park – pick up your treasure map and track down the jewels and gems that are being guarded by dastardly pirates. There’s a special Pirate Weekend on August 13 and 14, with a guest appearance from Gem the Pirate from the popular children’s TV show Swashbuckle. Plus, there’s an Ugly Bug Ball on July 30 and 31 to help celebrate the grand opening of a brand new adventure play area in the Enchanted Forest – The Spider’s Lair. All this, plus the usual Stockeld Park fun, activities such as The Enchanted Forest with its adventure play areas and new this summer The Buccaneer boats on the lake. Try the outdoor Roller Rink, Maze, Go Karts or jump and slide in the inflatable zone or drive the electric scooter trail. There is also indoor covered play, games, crafts and creativity, so that adventures await whatever the weather. Re-fuel at the Woodland cafe or treat yourself to an ice cream at Hansel or Gretel’s Cabins. For more information, visit www.stockeldpark.co.uk.
What does your face say about you?
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nationalmediamuseum.org.uk #yourfaceisace
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, What s on?
Cranes, Robots & Pirates at THWAITE MILLS Watermill
RAINBOW FACTORY
Sensational Summer of Storytelling at the RAINBOW FACTORY This unique attraction brings children’s books to life through theatre, music, crafts and stunning handmade models of storybook scenes. Start your day with a performance in the Enchanted Theatre; meet models of your favourite characters in the Woodland Tales; make mini-masterpieces in Goldilocks’ Creative Kitchen; dress up and take to the stage, listen to tales in the Labyrinth Library with eccentric librarian Looby Loo and venture outside into the picturesque Secret Garden. Kids can make a chocolate volcano as part of a mouth-watering new theme Fabulous Feasts – with activities inspired by books including Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Green Eggs and Ham, and many more. Then grab your cape and prepare to join the battle between good and evil, when the theme changes to Heroes and Villains in August. The Rainbow Factory is aimed at children up to the age of 10. With a talented team of staff including authors, artists and drama professionals, handpicked for their ability to engage with children, you’re guaranteed an enchanting family day out. Open from 10am to 4pm daily during school holidays, weekends and Bank Holidays. For more information, visit www.rainbowfactorykids.com.
Did you know there is a fully working five ton 1946 steam crane in operation on Thwaite Mills island? Experience its full power in action as it returns to its former glory days lifting and lowering objects from the water on some Thursdays in August. There will also be three fun family construction challenges, one week making a working crane, the next week a robot and lastly a Mars Rover! And on Sunday, August 14 there will be a pirate party on Thwaite Island, back and even bigger and better than ever. Hunt for buried treasure, build your own telescope, enjoy boat rides, face-painting and enter the competition for best dressed pirate. For more information, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsand galleries/Pages/Thwaite-Mills-Watermill.
LOTHERTON HALL
Time for Tea at CRAG HOUSE FARM Babies, toddlers children and adults alike will all enjoy exploring at Crag House Farm. With a farm trail, bird hides, a sensory garden and ponds it is a perfect taste of the countryside just 20 minutes from Leeds City Centre. And what better way to end a walk in the countryside than with afternoon tea? These renowned offerings, along with an amazing array of freshly homemade cakes are available each day. Don’t forget to visit the well-stocked nursery and farm shop before you leave. The shop sells some home grown produce, including strawberries, eggs and a large selection of meat, as well as gifts and cards. For more information and to check the calendar for special events, visit www.craghousefarm.com. 24
Vintage Fun at LOTHERTON HALL There are so many reasons to visit Lotherton Hall again and again over the summer holidays, with six weeks of themed activities from the great outdoors to all things vintage. The beautiful Edwardian estate will be brought to life with brass band music, sideshows, face painting and family activities for its annual Edwardian Gala on July 16 and 17. Then on August 20 and 21, step back in time again to celebrate all things vintage in a retro weekend of fun inspired by the fifties and sixties. You can also find out about history’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale, who had ties to Lotherton Hall, in the special exhibition, Our Cousin Florence. For more information, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsand galleries/Pages/Lotherton-Hall.
, What s on?
DIARY DATES… FOLLY! – FROM JULY 1 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Follow paths through the water garden to the Banqueting House and Temple of Piety to see visual magic by internationally renowned artist Mat Collishaw. HEROES & HEROINES EXHIBITION – FROM JULY 1 National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Wakefield, Overton, Yorkshire, WF4 4RH www.ncm.org.uk/heroes Explore the real lives of people who went beyond the call of duty in mining and add your own heroes and heroines to the museum’s archives. 10am – 5pm. TODDLER TOUR DE FRANCE – JULY 1 Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Kirkstall-Abbey Take your little one and their bike to celebrate the fun of the Tour de France. Fun races in the cloister with mini grass courses, big races, games and lots more fun. 10am – 11.30am. FABULOUS FEASTS – JULY 1 – AUGUST 19 Rainbow Factory, Springfield Commercial Centre, Bagley Lane, Farsley, Leeds, LS28 5LY 0113 257 5750 • www.rainbowfactorykids.com Make a chocolate volcano as part of mouth-watering theme Fabulous Feasts. With activities inspired by books including Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Green Eggs and Ham, and many more. Bringing books to life through theatre, music and craft. 10am – 4pm Fri, Sat, Sun during term time. 10am – 4pm daily during school holidays. MINI EINSTEINS – FRIDAYS, JULY 1 – JULY 15 Rainbow Factory, Springfield Commercial Centre, Bagley Lane, Farsley, Leeds, LS28 5LY 0113 257 5750 • www.rainbowfactorykids.com Aimed at kids aged three to five. Grab your mini lab coat and discover the wonder of the world around us. Wow your friends with magic tricks that will blow your mind when you discover the science behind them. 10am – 11am. WILD ART WEEKENDS – SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS FROM JULY 1 – 16 East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Keighley, Yorkshire, BD20 5EL See what nature has to offer, gather materials already on the ground, explore the meadows and create your own wild art to take home. 11.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 2.30pm.
HORSFORTH WALK OF ART – JULY 2 & 3 www.horsforth-woa.org Community festival celebrating local and Leeds-wide creativity, with 102 locations hosting professional and amateur art exhibition, hands on activities and lots of fun for the whole family. Every activity free to participate for all. There are also 50 decorated Horses to spot all around the Walk of Art, a Scarecrow Trail, Lacemaking in Gardens, Make your own String Art, Creative Nail Design, Learn to spin, feting and much, much more. Maps are available from Art of Gold on New Road Side and at Firefly Pottery and The Library on Town Street, and there will be a map at every venue. POND DIPPING DAY – JULY 3 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk There’s an extraordinary world just waiting to be discovered hiding under the surface of the still ponds in the water garden. Nets, identification charts and pots are provided, so you can see what you might find. Pop along to the water garden moon ponds to have a go at this drop-in session. 11am – 3pm. MESSY MONDAY – MONDAYS, JULY 4 – JULY 11 Rainbow Factory, Springfield Commercial Centre, Bagley Lane, Farsley, Leeds, LS28 5LY 0113 257 5750 • www.rainbowfactorykids.com Messy Play (0 – 3 years) – little ones can join in with a host of activities involving sensory play with entirely edible materials. Sensory Stories (0 – 4 years) – stories are enjoyed through sensory activities, movement and song. Music Monkeys (0 – 3 years). Sing and act out nursery rhymes while creating your own music. Messy Play 10am – 10.45am & 12.45pm – 1.30pm; Sensory Stories 10am – 10.45am & 11am – 11.45am; Music Monkeys 10am – 10.45am & 12.45pm – 1.30pm.
GEM FROM SWASHBUCKLE WILL BE AT STOCKELD PARK
GANGSTA GRANNY – JULY 4 – 8 Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1AJ 01274 432 000 • www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 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. BEHIND THE SCENES – THURSDAYS, JULY 7 – AUGUST 25 Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB 0113 378 2100 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/discoverycentre Go and see inside the state-of-the-art storage facility. Discover hidden treasures in the dress and textile, social history, natural science, geology, archaeology and world cultures collections. Every Thurs, 11am – 12pm & 2pm – 3pm. SUMMER TRAIL – DAILY FROM JULY 7 – SEPTEMBER 4 Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Thorp Perrow, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 2PR 01609 770 255 • www.thorpperrow.com Lots of summery fun for the whole family. Follow the trail through the Arboretum and answer the questions as you go. Collect your prize when you finish. KIRKSTALL FESTIVAL – JULY 9 Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.kirkstall-festival.org.uk One of the largest community festivals in Leeds, run entirely by volunteers, this year’s Kirkstall Festival promises to be the best yet. With a fairground, over 160 stalls, Battle of the Bands, tea dance, comedy, live music, food and drink, a parade which sets off from Hesketh Road at 12pm and much more, this is a date for the diary not to be missed. 11am – 5pm. DEER WATCH – JULY 9 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Do you know your stags from your hinds and your Reds from your Sikas? Begin your guided walk of the medieval deer park at the Visitor Centre. 11.30am – 1.30pm. ODDSOCKS OUTDOOR THEATRE: MACBETH – JULY 11 & 12 RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB 0845 265 8070 Shakespeare’s dramatic story of ambition turned bad is brought vividly to life in Oddsocks’ hilarious new musical adaptation of Macbeth. 7.30pm – doors open 6.30pm.
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, What s on?
THWAITE MILLS WATERMILL
THE GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW – JULY 11 – 13 The Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8NZ 01423 541 000 • www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk Fabulous day out for all the family celebrating all things agricultural. WOW! I DIDN’T KNOW THAT – JULY 15 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Join Mike at the Visitor Centre and enjoy a walk bursting with 101 interesting facts about the wildlife on the estate. 11.30am. POP-UP NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM OF SIERRA LEONE – JULY 16 Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, Canal Rd, Armley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2QF 0113 263 7861 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/armleymills Back to celebrate the sistering of two Leeds built engines, a fun filled day with lots going on. Find out more about Nellie who lives in the museum in Freetown and Aldwyth who is kept at Leeds Industrial Museum. 10am – 4pm. EDWARDIAN GALA AT LOTHERTON HALL – JULY 16 – 17 Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Lotherton-Hall Take yourself back in time and celebrate the golden age with the annual Edwardian Gala at Lotherton Hall. The beautiful Edwardian estate will be brought to life with brass band music, sideshows, face painting and family activities. 11am – 4pm both days. WIND IN THE WILLOWS – DAILY FROM JULY 22 – AUGUST 6 Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire, BD23 6AL Brand new adaptation of the popular classic. SUMMER FUN AT EUREKA! – DAILY FROM JULY 22 Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE 01422 330069 • www.eureka.org.uk/whats-happening/events 42 days of summer with over 30 performers on selected dates. Themes include Space, Animals, Science, Pirates, Carnival, Survival Challenges, Story Making. WILD ART WEEKENDS – SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS FROM JULY 22 – AUGUST 26 East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Keighley, Yorkshire, BD20 5EL, www.nationaltrust.org.uk See what nature has to offer, gather materials already on the ground, explore the meadows and create your own wild art to take home. 1 – 2pm & 2 – 3pm. PIRATE TREASURE TRAIL – DAILY FROM JULY 22 Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586101 • www.stockeldpark.co.uk Just pick up your treasure map and track down the jewels and gems that are being guarded by dastardly pirates. SUMMER HOLIDAY ADVENTURES AT LOTHERTON HALL – DAILY FROM JULY 26 Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Lotherton-Hall There are so many reasons to visit Lotherton Hall again and again over the summer holidays. Hosting six weeks of themed activities from the great outdoors to all things vintage.
ROYAL ARMOURIES
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SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM – DAILY FROM JULY 26 Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Abbey-House-Museum The six weeks of summer are inspired by some of your favourite story books. Hunt for the golden ticket around Victorian Streets; enter a world of cauldrons, masks and mice inspired by The Witches or try your hand at craft activities taking inspiration from The BFG. 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm. FALCONRY DISPLAYS & BIRD-THEMED CRAFT ACTIVITIES – TUESDAYS FROM JULY 26 – AUGUST 30 (NOT AUGUST 9) Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT 0113 220 1999 • www.royalarmouries.org Be amazed by the speed and elegance of these magnificent birds of prey as they swoop overhead and demonstrate the ancient art of falconry. Great photo opportunities with the birds after the show. 12noon and 2.30pm. Plus craft activity drop in sessions, 11am – 3pm. OBJECT EXPLORERS – WEDNESDAYS FROM JULY 27 – AUGUST 31 Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB 0113 378 2100 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/School-Holidays Go along and explore the weird and wonderful objects in the museum store at regular, free, hands-on family activities during the summer holidays. Every Wednesday you can explore a different theme including Toys and Games: Old and New, Romans in Residence and All Things Extinct. 10am – 12pm. WARRIOR WEDNESDAYS AND WARRIOR-THEMED CRAFT ACTIVITIES – EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM JULY 27 – AUGUST 31 Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT 0113 220 1999 • www.royalarmouries.org Meet warriors from history. Watch live combat demonstrations and dramatic presentations, plus get your hands on history at special object handling sessions. POND DIPPING AT BRIMHAM – JULY 27 – AUGUST 3 Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW 01423 780 688 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks Go along and be amongst the first to discover what’s in the newly restored pond. All pond dipping equipment is provided.
UGLY BUG BALL – JULY 29 – 30 Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586101 • www.stockeldpark.co.uk Visit Reptile Rangers with real life creepy creatures and enjoy live music and entertainment. TRACKS AND SIGNS – JULY 30 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Follow footprints like a true tracker and seek signs of deer to see exactly what they get up to when they think we aren’t looking. Join Anne and Mike from the wildlife team on an exploration for the whole family through the deer park and become a nature detective. Meet at the Studley Royal entrance. 2pm – 3pm. SAXON SATURDAYS CRAFT WORKSHOPS – SATURDAYS FROM JULY 30 Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT 0113 220 1999 • www.royalarmouries.org Take inspiration from the new Warrior Treasures exhibition. Learn how to create Saxon pottery, jewellery and intricate filigree works with decorative art workshops, delivered by expert crafts people and artists. Workshops suitable for under 16s and adults. DIGGING UP THE PAST: ARCHAEOLOGY SESSIONS – WEEK DAYS IN AUGUST Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT 0113 220 1999 • www.royalarmouries.org Get your hands on history with an interactive archaeology workshop. Dig in special pits to unearth objects from the past, including replica Saxon treasures. Have a go at gridding and sieving and use x-ray imagery to discover more about your finds and the people who would have made and used them. TUESDAY THEATRICS – AUGUST 2 – 30 Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum Inspired by the history of the museum as the Civic Theatre, look forward to a sensational summer with special performances, stories and shows. There will be various activity/show times each Tuesday; just follow the signs or musical sounds! Tuesdays during opening hours.
SPORTS DAY – THURSDAYS FROM JULY 28 (NOT AUGUST 11) Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT 0113 220 1999 • www.royalarmouries.org Go along and have a go at ancient Olympic sports. Archery, fencing, martial arts and target shooting, plus don’t miss the dare-devil horse shows. Check the website for full details of these have-a-go sessions and shows.
FAMILY BIKE RIDE – AUGUST 3 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Use some pedal power and enjoy a rare chance to cycle around the Water Garden at Studley Royal and the ruins of Fountains Abbey. Use some pedal power and enjoy a rare chance to cycle around the Water Garden at Studley Royal and the ruins of Fountains Abbey. A single circuit is approx. 2.5 miles or for little legs there's a short cut! 6 – 8pm.
SCHOOL’S OUT AT TEMPLE NEWSAM – TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS FROM JULY 28 Temple Newsam Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 395 7400 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/School-Holidays This summer holiday you will find a host of activities in this fantastic historic house to keep the kids busy. Regular Crafty Tuesdays, Story Wednesdays and Drawing Thursdays. 10.30am – 4pm.
STEAM CRANE DAYS – EVERY OTHER THURSDAY FROM AUGUST 4 Thwaite Mills Watermill, Thwaite Lane, Stourton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1RP 0113 2141 914 Did you know there is still a fully working five ton 1946 steam crane in operation on this magnificent island? Experience its full power in action as it returns to its former glory days lifting and lowering objects from the water. 11am – 3pm.
PICNIC WITH A DRAGON – THURSDAYS FROM JULY 28 – AUGUST 25 Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Kirkstall-Abbey Go along to the abbey every Thursday in the summer holidays for a picnic with the friendly dragon Barry. Take your own picnic, just make sure Barry doesn’t eat your sandwiches! 12pm – 1pm.
CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE – EVERY OTHER THURSDAY FROM AUGUST 4 Thwaite Mills Watermill, Thwaite Lane, Stourton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1RP 0113 2141 914 During the summer school holidays there will be three fun family construction challenges. One week make a working crane, the next week make a robot and lastly a Mars Rover! Thurs Aug 4, Aug 18 and Sept 1, 11am – 3pm.
, What s on? OUTDOOR THEATRE: GULLIVER’S TRAVELS – AUGUST 4 RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB 0845 265 8070 Join a fantastical and hilarious voyage into the unknown in this new adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s classic story.
FOLLY! AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY
POND DIPPING DAY – AUGUST 5 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Pop along to the water garden moon ponds to have a go at this drop-in session. 11am – 3pm. FAMILY ABBEY TOUR: A MONK’S LIFE – AUGUST 6 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Join the guide and dress up as a monk to find out what life was like for the monks of Fountains Abbey in the Middle Ages. They had to keep silent, eat one meal a day and always wear the same clothes; would you have liked to be a monk? Meet at Porter’s Lodge. 11.30am – 1pm. THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD – AUGUST 6 & 7 The Victoria Theatre Halifax, Fountain Street, HX1 1BP 01422 351 156 • www.calderdale.gov.uk/victoria Tall Stories Theatre Company brings Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to life in this magical, musical adaptation. 3+. Saturday 2pm & 4.30pm; Sunday 11am & 2pm. In the Main Auditorium. SUPERHEROES – AUGUST 9 – 11 Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT 0113 220 1999 Three action-packed days. Live combat demonstrations, comic book art workshops, live drawing sessions, face-painting and crafts. Meet your favourite Superheroes. PIRATE WEEKEND – AUGUST 12 & 13 Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 • www.stockeldpark.co.uk Pirate fun all weekend. Gem the Pirate from the popular children’s TV show Swashbuckle will make a guest appearance on Sunday at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. You can dress for the part and enjoy walking the plank or meeting the Enchanted Forest Pirates. FAMILY FUN DAY & CLASSIC CAR SHOW – AUGUST 13 Temple Newsam Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 218 5565 • www.st-gemma.co.uk In aid of St Gemma’s Hospice. Bigger and better than ever! Go-karts, children's activities, bouncy castle, classic cars, hot food and drink, fire engine, stalls and games. 10am – 4pm. BUSY BEES – AUGUST 13 – 14 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Keeping bees is quite a craft, the monks keep bees for their honey and highly-prized wax for making candles, honeyed wines, mead and for sweetening food. Swanley Grange has been turned into a hive of activity for this weekend with fun activities to get stuck into like candle rolling and candle making and bee keeping demonstrations from members of the Harrogate and Ripon Beekeepers throughout the day. 10.30am – 4pm.
LEEDS CITY MUSEUM
PARTY ON PIRATE ISLAND – AUGUST 14 Thwaite Mills Watermill, Thwaite Lane, Stourton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1RP 0113 2141914 Calling all pirates and treasure hunters – enjoy a pirate party on Thwaite Island, back and even bigger and better than ever. Hunt for buried treasure, build your own telescope, enjoy boat rides, face-painting and enter a competition for best dressed pirate. 11am – 4pm. HEROES AND VILLAINS – DAILY FROM AUGUST 19 Rainbow Factory, Springfield Commercial Centre, Bagley Lane, Farsley, Leeds, LS28 5LY 0113 257 5750 • www.rainbowfactorykids.com Grab your cape and prepare to join the battle between good and evil with a new theme – Heroes and Villains. Celebrating some of the most popular - and most dastardly – characters from your favourite tales and bringing their stories to life through theatre, music and craft. 10am – 4pm. WOW! I DIDN’T KNOW THAT – AUGUST 19 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Join Mike at the Visitor Centre and enjoy a walk bursting with 101 interesting facts about the wildlife on the estate. 11am. VINTAGE WEEKEND AUGUST 20 AND 21 Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Lotherton-Hall Step back in time and celebrate all things vintage! A retro weekend of fun inspired by the fifties and sixties; with live music, dancing, a vintage fayre, family activities and prizes for the best vintage outfits. 11am – 4pm.
BUSY BEES – AUGUST 20 & 21 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Keeping bees is quite a craft, the monks would have keep them for their honey and wax for making candles, honeyed wines, mead and for sweetening food. Swanley Grange has been turned into a hive of activity for this weekend with fun activities to get stuck into like candle rolling and candle making and bee keeping demonstrations from members of the Harrogate & Ripon Beekeepers throughout the day. 10.30 – 4pm. LEEDS CLASSIC BUS DAY AT LEEDS INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM & THWAITE MILLS WATERMILL – AUGUST 21 Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, Canal Rd, Armley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2QF 0113 263 7861 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/armleymills Travel in vintage style, for free, from the city centre to Leeds Industrial Museum or Thwaite Mills Watermill on restored 50s and 60s City Transport buses. There will also be a classic car show and plenty of other transport themed activities on the day. Usual museum admission applies but if you visit one museum keep the ticket to also gain free entry to the other for this day only. 10.30am – 5pm. TRACKS AND SIGNS – AUGUST 23 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Follow footprints like a true tracker and seek signs of deer to see exactly what they get up to when they think we aren’t looking. Join Anne and Mike from the wildlife team on an exploration for the whole family through the deer park and become a nature detective. Meet at the Studley Royal entrance. 2pm – 3pm. OUTDOOR THEATRE: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – AUGUST 24 RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB 0845 265 8070 The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present Shakespeare’s story of trickery, treachery and love. FAMILY ABBEY TOUR: A MONK’S LIFE – AUGUST 27 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY 01765 6088 88 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Join the guide and dress up as a monk to find out what life was like for the monks of Fountains Abbey in the Middle Ages. Meet at Porters Lodge. 11.30am – 1pm. HAPPY 300TH BIRTHDAY TO LANCELOT ‘CAPABILITY’ BROWN – AUGUST 30 Temple Newsam Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 395 7400 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Temple-Newsam Don’t miss this Happy 300th Birthday to Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown event. Dance, music and Capabili-teas in the glorious Great Hall (booking required for afternoon tea). 10.30am – 5pm.
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