Families Pennines Magazine May June 2016

LOCAL INFORMATION

for parents of 0-12 year olds in

HUDDERSFIELD DEWSBURY HALIFAX BRIGHOUSE TODMORDEN LITTLEBOROUGH OLDHAM ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE SADDLEWORTH

PARTY TIME! – pull out and keep directory STAY SAFE near water this Summer

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PLUS: News, Education, Classes

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WHAT’S ON for May and June

WELCOME

5 YEARS

03 05 07 11 12 14

NEWS 201 EDUCATION & CHILDCARE 1-2016 PARTY PULL-OUT FEATURE DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK CLUBS AND CLASSES WHAT’S ON

FAMILIES PENNINES Editor: Emily Raleigh 07974 401663 editor@familiespennines.co.uk www.familiespennines.co.uk @FamiliesPenn

/FamiliesPennines

CIRCULATION 20,000 DEADLINE Early June 2016 FRONT COVER David Conway Photography DESIGNED BY Theresa McDermott, 07462 961793, designedbytree.com PRINTED BY Russell Press, 0115 9784505, www.russellpress.com Copyright Families Pennines May/June 16

Families Pennine is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Pennines are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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NEWS

HELLO

FROM YOUR NEW EDITOR! Spring is all about new beginnings, and here I am embarking on a new, exciting journey with Families Pennines – I’m really looking forward to the challenge!

So just a little bit about me. I’m a local mum with two young children, Joseph (5) and Eliza (2), married to retired rugby league player, Andy.

I’ve worked for various regional and national PR agencies over the years, but for the last four I’ve been running my own freelance PR consultancy supporting local and regional businesses.

And what a way to celebrate my first issue with a party pull-out feature, packed full of party ideas and a directory of venues and suppliers across the region! Don’t forget to check out the advice on how to stay safe near water this Summer to mark the Royal Life Saving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week in June.

Head down to Party @ Pit! The National Coal Mining Museum has just launched Party @ Pit, its new, unique underground children’s party offering that takes you to new depths to discover what it was like to be a miner.

NCMME

Head 140 metres down the pit shaft with your friends and take part in interactive underground activities. There’s even an underground ‘party room’ where you can solve tasks that the miners had to do, as well as tuck into your mining-themed ‘party snap’.

Families Pennines is for you, the local families, so if you’ve had a cracking family day out that you think other mums and dads should know about, or any news or feature suggestions, just drop me a line.

All the best,

If being underground’s not for you, the Caphouse Suite in the Museum can be hired out for parties, providing you with a blank canvas to decorate the room in your favourite theme, and add finishing touches, such as a bouncy castle or children’s entertainer.

Packages also include party food, a visit by Maurice the Miner, a visit to the Pit Ponies and the opportunity to visit the Museum’s galleries at your leisure. Parents also get 10% discount for the café.

For more information, contact Jaine Binns on 01924 844581 or email jaine.binns@ncm.org.uk

Emily Raleigh Editor, Families Pennines

Is the sugar tax unfair on diabetics?

SHUTTERSTOCK

In March, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne announced new plans to bring in a ‘sugar tax’. The additional tax on sugary products such as soft drinks and sweets came as a response to calls from campaigners like Jamie Oliver to reduce the amount of sugar that children consume. Sugar is one of several factors blamed for the rise in childhood obesity.

However, parents of children with Type 1 diabetes have said that the tax may unfairly penalise their children, as they sometimes use energy drinks to manage their sugar levels. They have pointed out that, while parents whose children have Coeliac disease can get prescriptions for gluten-free foods, parents of diabetic children will have to pay more for their sweet drinks.

Type 1 diabetes can result in a sudden drop in sugar levels in the body (hypoglycaemia) and sufferers can bring their levels back up with a quick sweet drink or a snack to prevent them going into a coma.

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NEWS Get involved in NSPCC’s Big Board Game Day The NSPCC is calling on people to dust off their favourite board games and take part in the charity’s Big Board Game Day 2016.

Taking place on Friday 27 May, and supported by Hasbro Gaming, the Big Board Game Day is a simple way to support the NSPCC’s fight for every childhood. All you need to do is get together with friends, family or colleagues and play your favourite board games.

All the money raised from Big Board Game Day events will help fund the NSPCC’s vital services with children, young people and families across the UK. Register at www.nspcc.org.uk/ boardgameday for your free fundraising pack with everything you need to organise your Big Board Game Day event.

SHUTTERSTOCK

Academy battles

Best new releases

By Emily Victoria Baby & Toddler Baby’s Very First Fingertrail Playbook Garden by Fiona Watt Usborne, £7.99 Watt contrasts bright colours in this touchy-feely board book that engages the sight and senses of young babies. It also has a trail that your child can follow with her finger to help with hand-eye coordination.

3-5 years How Many Legs? By Jim Field and Kes Gray Hachette Children’s Group, £6.99 Guests keep coming to tea, and with each new guest it becomes harder to keep count of all the legs around the lunch table.

The pictures add to the charm of this funny rhyming book.

6-8 years Tom Gates Yes! No (Maybe...) by Liz Pichon Scholastic, £6.99 Tom Gates, of Pichon’s bestselling series, is back. Tom’s having a hard day; his mum wants him to get rid of some of his things but he can’t decide what to give away. Children can join Tom in his amusing struggles to appease an impatient mum. A good read guaranteed.

9+ Beetle Boy – The Battle of the Beetles

by M.G. Leonard Chicken House, £6.99 Instantly likable Darkus must save his missing dad with the help of a beetle.

Balanced well with humour, this book has a dark undertone to be aware of.

The Government has announced that it plans to turn all schools into Academies, taking them out of local Education Department control.

Parents and teachers have expressed their concerns about the plans, which they say will be disastrous for education. The National Union of Teachers, which represents staff at many schools across the UK, has organised protests across the country.

The Government says that it is making the change because Academies, which are not within local authority control, are able to raise standards as they are more autonomous. They say that heads have more powers to improve failing schools and that greater control is put into the hands of teachers and heads.

However, critics of the scheme have said that the move will have a devastating effect on schools, as there is no evidence that Academies perform better than other schools.

12 to teen The Siren by Kiera Cass HarperCollins, £7.99 Cass, of the bestselling Selection Series, brings another captivating read exploring adult emotions. Kahlen the siren is bound by rules; should she break them to follow her heart but risk losing everything in the process?

Emily Victoria is mum to one small baby, and a journalist who writes for parenting titles and works in her spare time in broadcast media. She is founder of a startup that revolutionises the way mothers exercise with their babies – to be launched later this year.

Independent family-run garden centre and bistro café

Gardening... Homeware... Eat... Drink... Relax...

Outdoor play... Kids’ craft events... Parties

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

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EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE HEATHFIELD CELEBRATES HIGH-ACHIEVING TERM! Pupils at Heathfield Junior School had a busy last term working hard to gain academic and sporting achievements, including some outstanding examination results and scholarships.

Young Voices, Young Musician of the Year and the Trinity Music examinations showcased some excellent musicianship. Pupils were helped by a large team of visiting music teachers who together delivered individual lessons to 85% of Key Stage 2 children, with many gaining Grade 5 in three years in a range of instruments.

Mathletics mania swept through the whole school, with some pupils well on track for a gold certificate before the end of the academic year.

Sport continued to excel for the school’s teams, with some spectacular individual success stories, from fencing (Yorkshire champion ranking 16th in Europe) to biathlon (with representatives in the national finals over the past three years), and BMX (with a pupil in Year 2 ranked #4 in the Under 12 category) to skiing (20th in the British Skills Downhill held in Italy!).

Away from the academia and sports, Heathfield enjoyed a memorable production of Robin Hood; school trips out, as well as celebrating World Book Day and British Science Week.

CALLING ALL ASPIRING YOUNG WRITERS!

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR THE 11+ EXAM

Is your child excellent with words? Do they like telling stories? Or do you want to encourage their creativity? Well it’s time for them to put pen to paper because the National Young Writers’ Awards have returned for the eighth year! Judged by best-selling author of the Charlie & Lola, Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort books, Lauren Child, and organised by tuition provider Explore Learning, this year’s theme is ‘The Mash-Up’ where children are asked to write a 500 word story of a ‘mash-up’ of two genres. Whether it’s an alien landing his spaceship in Victorian England or a Disney princess as a zombie slayer, there is huge scope to let their imaginations run wild!

The competitive nature of the 11+ exam is increasing year upon year. Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Non Verbal Reasoning (NVR) are a significant part of the tests and these topics are not part of the National Curriculum and as a result, are not normally taught in Junior schools. In addition, pupils’ maths & English skills need to be beyond that of the curriculum for their age due to the additional tests in these subject areas. That’s why it is vital that pupils receive supplementary tuition in maths, English, VR & NVR strategies prior to taking the 11+ tests. The majority of successful pupils start this preparation in Year 4.

Here’s how NumberWorks’nWords helps its pupils prepare for the 11+:

The competition is free to enter and your child could win a fabulous family trip to Disneyland and £500 worth of books for their school. Open to children aged 14 and under, the closing date is 7 June.

• We avoid doing full practice papers. We work through all various question types, ensuring that there is no type your child does not understand.

Children can fill out an application form at their local Explore Learning Centre in Bradford (01274 800 762), Oldham (0161 641 0969) or Ashton under Lyne (0161 300 6260), or enter online at www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters.

• We improve a child’s core skills through individually tailored lessons that will improve vocabulary, arithmetic, accuracy and speed of mental processing.

OLDHAM HULME LIKES TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE!

• We offer a range of teaching strategies individually tailored for your child such as written methods and practical methods, allowing the preparation to become a fun learning process, as it is vital that their learning is not too intense.

For a free, no obligation, assessment, introductory lesson and a discussion on how NumberWorks’nWords can address your child’s specific requirements, call 01484 487911 or email huddersfield@numberworks.com.

On Saturday 21 May from 10am-11am, Oldham Hulme Grammar School is bringing summer early to Oldham with its seaside-themed open morning to showcase its nursery and reception provision.

Parents can find out more about the Kindergarten facilities available for 3 – 7 year olds, while children can make ice-cream in the Ice-cream Parlour role-play area, build sandcastles in the sand pit, or try and catch a fish in the mini rock pool. You can also take a nature walk in the beautiful woodland area, but don’t forget to bring your wellies!

For more information or to book, call 0161 630 6255, or e-mail prepadmin@ohgs.co.uk, or go to www.ohgs.co.uk.

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EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE YOUR CHILDREN ARE AMAZING ALREADY. WE JUST HELP THEM PROVE IT.

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Maths & English From Reception to Year 11, NumberWorks’nWords afterschool tuition brings out the best in every student by:

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• tailoring lessons according to each individual’s needs

Registered with Ofsted

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• setting achievable goals and monitoring their progress

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• developing our own programmes using only qualified Maths and English experts • following the national curriculum • teaching Verbal Reasoning skills and strategies

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New courses available this Spring •CPR/AED Workshops •Emergency Paediatric First Aid (6 hrs) •Expectant Mums workshops (2 hrs) •Families First Aid workshops (3 hrs)

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Contact Trudy at kissitbetter@live.com & 07903 655195

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The Junior School to Rishworth School

Heathfield Junior School, ages 3-11

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PARTIES pull-out

let's g e t ready to

party!

SHUTTERSTOCK – OLESIA BILKEI

FAMILIES PENNINES’ PARTY PULL-OUT FEATURE 2016 Planning a child’s birthday party can be stressful.

Having to think outside the box and come up with something a little bit ‘different’ to last year’s, with the added pressure of what classmates did for theirs and what was in their party bags. And then there’s the cake – bake your own or bring in the professionals?!

Worry not, as Families Pennines has come to the rescue! Our region is bursting with exciting party venues and activities, so check out our local listings, as well as seven great party themes and ideas to entertain your guests – and what’s more you can pull this section out and keep it all year round!

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PARTIES pull-out

seven party themes kids will love PLAY This theme really suits all those old-fashioned party games like Pass the Parcel and Musical Chairs.

EAT Tea can be a traditional one with little sandwiches and dainty cakes. Look for cardboard tiered cake stands and use pretty cloths and bunting.

jungle

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By Sally J. Hall

Parties can go with a swing if you choose a theme that your little ones can have fun with.

pirates INVITATIONS Create a treasure map with “X marks the party spot” and a pirate poem with plenty of “aaaaaahhhhhhhs!”

WEAR Dress as a pirate and make eye patches to wear.

PLAY Fill a wooden chest with torn up newspaper and pop in some lucky dip gifts.

EAT Give them chicken, vegetable or fish fingers and let them eat with their hands and make jelly with pomegranate seeds in it to look like sunken treasure.

disney INVITATIONS Use stickers of Disney characters and glitter.

WEAR Offer accessories such as paper crowns and a sash made from coloured paper. Old net curtains make good veils.

PLAY Create a Disney piñata by covering a balloon with papier maché and turn it into a Mickey Mouse head.

EAT Serve drinks in plastic goblets for a castle theme and make cucumber sandwiches for Princes and Princesses.

superhero

INVITATIONS Make animal themed invitations; these can be as simple or artistic as you like.

WEAR Come as your favourite animal or get your guests to bring an animal toy.

PLAY Have a Safari game in the garden where you hide pictures of animals which the kids have to spot, then play Sleeping Lions.

EAT Create a Bush Tucker Trial with the use of jungle themed plates and cups.

circus INVITATIONS Create a big, red Clown’s shoe or circus ticket as the invitation.

WEAR Dress as circus folk; ballet costumes double as acrobats, riders can wear jodhpurs and boots and all the kids can be clowns with some face paint.

PLAY Buy modelling balloons and then play some tumbling games.

EAT Make popcorn, have hotdogs and burgers, and don’t forget the ketchup and mild mustard.

football INVITATIONS Make football shaped invitations.

WEAR Whether it’s their school PE kit or a duplicate of their favourite team’s uniform, ask the kids to dress for a game of football.

PLAY Ask a coach from a local team to teach skills such as keepy-uppy.

EAT Use paper cloths in your team’s colours with matching napkins.

Eat football ground-style food such as burgers and chips.

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

INVITATIONS On Superhero coloured invitations, write: “Dear Super Zac, please come to my Superhero party.”

WEAR Make simple masks for each child and a badge with their name and super power. You can also make capes from plastic tablecloths.

PLAY Create a super hero obstacle course from ropes, pop-up tunnels, boxes and cushions, then have a quiz about superhero powers.

EAT Add cake toppers with “Boom!” “Pow!” and “Zap!” on them to cupcakes.

tea party INVITATIONS Make invitations festooned with flowers from wrapping paper and doilies.

WEAR Make accessories such as fascinators or hats and bow ties.

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PARTIES pull-out NEWS s

ue e party ven it r u o v fa r u me of o ion.

Here are so oss the reg r c a m o fr s r and provide

ACTIVITY-BASED PROVIDERS From nerf gun parties, cupcake bath bomb making, to underground activities and scenic train rides, our region is packed full of party venues and providers. So if you’re looking for something different for your child’s next party, what about one of our following suggestions?

THE STAR TREE STUDIO

THE STAR TREE STUDIO Littleborough, OL15 9DB 07778 543233 www.thestartreestudio.com

If your child loves arts and crafts, then why not try a Create & Make Party? Perfect for both boys and girls, for ages 2 to 12 years old. Either book into The Studio or at a venue of your choice. They can tailor make parties just for your child, offer keepsake creations, provide party games, pass the parcel, face painting and party bag gifts. You just need to provide the food or use your own caterer.

PYJAMA DRAMA

Mirfield, WF14 9JJ, 01924 919422 christine@pyjamadrama.com Welcome to the wonderful world of Pyjama Drama parties – a world in which anything can happen! These unique drama parties for children up to 7 are packed full of fun pretend play designed to thrill the senses and ignite the imagination! With a variety of exciting themes and ageappropriate activities, look no further for a party that will delight your child and your guests with an unforgettable experience!

SCENTED EVENTS

Huddersfield, HD2, 1UA, 07980 586813 jo@scentedevents.co.uk, www.scentedevents.co.uk Girls will love these bath bomb cupcake making parties!

They get to design, decorate, colour and scent their own fizzy bath bomb cupcake to take home in a decorated gift box. The parties are fun, interactive, with plenty of sparkle and glitter. You just need a venue with a large enough table for up to 10 guests to sit or stand around – that’s easy to sweep as it gets a bit messy! The classes usually last about an hour.

TOTTIES GARDEN CENTRE / OLIVE BISTRO CAFÉ Holmfirth, HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 www.tottiesgardencentre.co.uk

COLNE VALLEY BLACK BELT ACADEMY

Huddersfield, HD7 5QG 01484 844386, www.cvbba.co.uk Looking for an action packed party for your child? Why not try a Nerf gun party? Let the kids run wild for 2 hours – it’s a great team exercise!

The sessions are fully insured with an instructor and equipment provided (guns, bullets, safety goggles, team bibs, venue, and hideouts!). There’s a safety talk, a break for party food and cake, more games plus 5 minutes of karate basics. You just provide the food, party bags and cake.

NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM FOR ENGLAND Wakefield, WF4 4RH, 01924 844581 jaine.binns@ncm.org.uk

Head 140 metres underground and explore where the miners worked, take part in interactive activities and eat your ‘party snap’ in the underground party room. Meet Maurice the Miner and the Pit Ponies, and visit the Museum.

NCMME

Set among the idyllic rural surroundings of Huddersfield and Holmfirth, budding little gardeners can plant their own seeds, learn how to take care of them, and take them home to watch them grow.

Packages start from £7.50 per child and you can choose from a mini afternoon tea or chicken nuggets (which customers say are the best in the Holme Valley!). Smaller groups during opening hours, but larger groups after opening hours.

KIRKLEES LIGHT RAILWAY

Clayton West, Huddersfield, 01484 865727 www.kirkleeslightrailway.com Enjoy a children’s party venue with a difference at the Kirklees Light Railway. Children can dine in their own private party carriage, travel on the main steam KLR train to Shelley, where they can play party games, before returning back on the train to hand out party bags, which is all overseen by your own friendly party host. Parties take place every Saturday and Sunday (except special event weekends) and prices start from just £95 for 10 children.

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PARTIES pull-out POOL PARTIES Kids love water, so why not have a pool party this year? Great for older kids who are usually more competent swimmers. Contact your local leisure centre for more details:

HUDDERSFIELD LEISURE CENTRE HD1 6PG, 01484 766131 www.huddersfieldleisure.co.uk

SPARKLES ADVENTURE PLAY Royton, OL2 5QD, 0161 628 5530 www.sparkles-play.co.uk THE MAGICAL FOREST Huddersfield, HD1 4QA, 01484 537799 themagicalforest.co.uk

AND THOSE LITTLE EXTRAS….

A party isn’t a party without the cake, party bags and presents. Check out our selection of providers that can help you put the cherry on top of your party!

PLAY PALACE Halifax, HX1 2TE 01422 353700, www.play-palace.co.uk THE FUN FACTORY Linthwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5QG, 01484 845711

LITTLE CAKE CORNER LTD Oldham, OL4 5DJ, 0161 879 1309

DEWSBURY SPORTS CENTRE WF12 8EN, 01924 565254 www.kirkleesactive.co.uk/dewsbury

GO HYPER Dewsbury, WF12 8EB, 01924 451461 www.go-hyper.co.uk

THE MAGIC BOX TOY SHOP Lindley and Marsden, 01484 766230 / 841365 www.magicboxtoys.co.uk

BATLEY BATHS & RECREATION CENTRE, WF17 5JH, 01924 565388 www.kirkleesactive.co.uk/batley-baths

PLAY OLDHAM Royton, OL2 6LH, 0161 627 3000 www.playoldham.com

PEPPERMINT PIG Cleckheaton, BD19 3JD, 01274 878592

SPENBOROUGH SWIMMING POOL & FITNESS COMPLEX Liversedge, WF15 6LW, 01274 891767 www.kirkleesactive.co.uk/spenborough

DIDDY MIDDY’S Cleckheaton, BD19 5LY, 01274 865 495 www.diddymiddys.co.uk

COLNE VALLEY LEISURE CENTRE Slaithwaite, HD7 5AB, 01484 766292 www.kirkleesactive.co.uk/colne BRIGHOUSE POOL & FITNESS CENTRE HD6 4AX, 01422 288068 www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure SOWERBY BRIDGE SWIMMING POOL AND FITNESS CENTRE HX6 3AB, 01422 288078 www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure TODMORDEN LEISURE CENTRE OL14 7DF, 01706 839090 www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure

PLAY GYMS Play gyms are great places for birthday parties. They do all the hard work for you, and you can sit back and relax. Below are some of the region’s play gyms that offer fantastic party packages:

SAFARI SAM’S Honley, HD9 6QB, 01484 667383 www.safarisamsplaygym.co.uk TUMBLES PLAY GYM Cleckheaton BD19 3AF, 01274 852542 www.tumblesplaygym.com

BIG BLUE FROG Halifax, HX1 5AN 01422 363878, www.bigbluefrog.co.uk FUN HOUSE Halifax, HX1 1QR, 01422 383131 www.funhousehalifax.co.uk

LILY VANILLA Cleckheaton, BD19 5AF 01274 864927, lilyvanilla@live.co.uk THE LOLLIPOP TREE Almondbury, HD5 8US, 01484 533660 www.lollipoptreesweets.co.uk

FIZZY LIZARD Huddersfield, HD1 3LG 01484 467321, www.fizzylizard.co.uk

FINISHING TOUCHES And that all important what to wear.

Below are some fabulous children’s clothes shops in the region for picking up the perfect party outfit:

DOLLY PEG BOUTIQUE Halifax, HX1 1PW, 01422 431545 www.dollypegboutique.co.uk SHOELY SCRUMPTIOUS Mirfield, WF14 8AT, 01924 503825 www.shoelyscrumptious.co.uk TICKETY BOO CHILDRENSWEAR Lindley, 01484 646 572 www.ticketyboochildrenswear.co.uk YOUR CHILDREN’S WARDROBE Denby Dale, 01484 865458 www.yourchildrenswardrobe.com

THE ZONE Huddersfield, HD1 6PT 01484 484134, www.thezonehct.com

PUDDLEDUCKS CHILDREN’S DESIGNER WEAR OL3 6BD, 01457 875769 www.puddleduckskids.co.uk

CHEEKY CHIMPS Saddleworth, OL4 3DE, 0161 6262552 www.cheekychimpsplaycentre.co.uk

LITTLE LIONS BOUTIQUE Holmfirth, HD9 7DF, 01484 681481 www.littlelionsboutique.co.uk

JITTERBUGS PLAY CENTRE Littleborough, OL15 9EG, 01706 378123 www.jitterbugsplaycentre.com

CLOBBERBOX Huddersfield, ruth@clobberbox.co.uk www.clobberbox.co.uk

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DESIGN 24 Cleckheaton, BD19 3JD 01274 851371, www.design-24.co.uk

www.familiespennines.co.uk

Contact Christine on 01924 919422 or email christine@pyjamadrama.com

DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK

STAY SAFE N EAR WATER THIS SUM M ER As Summer approaches, the promise of balmy days means the paddling pool comes out, we head to the seaside, swimming pools and lakes, or jet off to even sunnier climes for relaxing beach holidays.

Cooling down in water can be fun, but can also bring its dangers.

18 – 26 June marks Drowning Prevention Week, the campaign of the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS), the Drowning Prevention Charity that aims to promote water safety and raise money for its drowning prevention work.

Mike Dunn, head of Community Education for the RLSS, said: “Drowning can happen very quickly and in less than 2cm of water, so filled bath tubs, swimming pools, hot tubs and even buckets of water and sinks can be dangerous. There is a real risk of drowning in the home and garden.

“Sadly, accidents happen each year and drownings are reported which could have been avoided. It only takes a split second for tragedy to happen.”

But don’t go banning your children from going near water this Summer, it’s all about being prepared and making sure they are aware of the dangers of water, and what to do should an accident happen.

Below is some useful water safety advice from the RLSS to teach your child should they fall into water:

1. Don’t panic

The cold temperature of the water (even in Summer) will make you gasp for breath, so focus on keeping your head above the water and not splashing water around your face.

2. Get out

Local swim classes cater for all ages and abilities, so if your child requires lessons, or needs to build their water confidence, contact your nearest swim school or leisure centre for more details (see our party feature for leisure centres in your area).

For more information on Drowning Prevention Week, go to www.rlss.org.uk.

DROWNING FIRST AID ADVICE Check out these tips from local first aid expert Trudy McLaughlin from Kiss it Better, that offers CPR/AED workshops and the opportunity to practice resuscitation skills for babies, c hildren and adults.

Drowning is when a person is unable to breathe because their nose and mouth are under liquid. You don’t have to be in the sea, or a swimming pool, accidents can happen at home in the paddling pool or bath. NEVER leave your child unattended in water, even the smallest amount can cover a child’s nose and mouth.

Once your breathing is a bit more controlled, climb out as soon as you can. If you can’t get out and the water is deep, there are two ways that you can stay at the surface:

If you are first on the scene, check for danger to yourself and others and consider any cross contamination issues, i.e. is there a first aid kit available with gloves and a face shield/mask for resuscitation.

Floating – lie on your back, push your hips up, and make

Acting quickly can have immediate life-saving results:

Treading water– in order to tread water effectively:

• Check for a response. Open the airway if they are unconscious and check for effective breathing.

a star shape with your arms and legs.

• Position your body in a standing or sitting position in the water • Kick your legs • Use your hands to push down on the water.

3. Call and signal for help

When floating or treading water it can be difficult to see or hear rescuers looking for you, so remember to regularly look for signs of rescue and shout for help.

• Ask someone to call 999/112 for emergency help.

• If there is no effective breathing, then start resuscitation (CPR), beginning with 5 rescue breaths, followed by 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths. Continue on a 30:2 ratio until help arrives or the casualty shows signs of regaining consciousness.

Swimming lessons aren’t just about learning how to front crawl, they can help build a child’s confidence in water and teach them what to do if they accidentally fall in. Sadly, accidents do happen and these lessons can be the difference between life and death.

www.familiespennines.co.uk

SHUTTERSTOCK

Shockingly, around 400 people accidentally drown every year, nearly 50 of those are children and young people, with thousands more suffering near drowning, many resulting in life-changing injuries.

According to the RLSS, accidental drowning is the third highest cause of death in children in the UK.

If you are on your own, call for emergency help after one minute of CPR. If you have to leave the scene to get help, re-assess safety when you return. Continue with CPR.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

How to get kids started in outdoor sports

By Adrian Warner Most parents agree that getting young children involved in sport from a young age will help them to keep fit and get into the habit of enjoying regular exercise.

Sport can also help kids learn important life lessons such as how to deal with winning and losing. It also encourages them to make friends and learn how to be part of a team.

Outdoor sports are a great way for children to get some fresh air and have fun with their friends. But how do you choose which sport is right for your child?

It’s important for children to get a flavour of a range of sports available and decide for themselves which one they prefer. Sport should always be fun, especially for small kids, so to help you decide which one to introduce your child to, here are five outdoor options they will love:

Football There are a number of clubs around the country that offer coaching during the school holidays for boys and girls aged from five to 11. These are usually a morning or afternoon class where young children are introduced to the basic skills of the sport.

SHUTTERSTOCK (BOTH)

Rugby Firstly, don’t panic: the first years of rugby are not about scrums, mauls and tackling and you don’t need to worry about the complicated rules of the game either. Boys and girls alike are encouraged to play a simple, non-contact game together involving tags, in which tackles are replaced by touching a player or removing a tag from their clothing. The focus here is on developing passing and running skills.

a variety of sports such as athletics, rugby, football, netball, tennis and cricket. These are often available in the summer holidays and are a great way for kids to find out what they really like.

Adrian Warner has been a sports journalist for 30 years and has reported from 13 Olympic Games and 5 World Cups for Reuters, London’s Evening Standard and the BBC. He also lectures in Sports Journalism at the University of Bedfordshire.

Tennis Children from three years old can learn the basic rules and skills of tennis using smaller courts and nets and with child-sized rackets.

Some clubs will also have squash and badminton courts, so your child can try out a range of games with friendly coaches.

LOCAL PARENTING CLASSES

Hockey For children, the game will be much gentler than that for adults and sticks and pitches are smaller. Some clubs have a game called “Quicksticks” which is suitable from seven years, which is a four-a-side game that can be played anywhere and uses a bigger ball for safety.

Multi-Sports If you are not sure which sport to choose, look out for multi-sports sessions run by companies or local authorities where kids can try out

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3 hour ses id’ clas t ‘Firs A able avail nts of for pare 0-1 babies

Workshop topics include: • Baby safety • Newborn choices • Role of dads • Calming and cues • & many more!

Baby Babbles is part of the BabyNatal family

FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Sue Bagworth on 07557 807351, e-mail sue@babybabbles.co.uk or go to www.babybabbles.co.uk

www.familiespennines.co.uk

SHUTTERSTOCK – BROCREATIVE

CLUBS & CLASSES LOCAL FIRST AID COURSES FOR FAMILIES Considering learning first aid or want to scrub up on your skills?

First aid company Kiss it Better provides practical, flexible and fun First Aid courses in the local area: L3 Paediatric First Aid (12 hours) 5 & 12 May | 13 & 14 June | 4 & 5 July L2 Emergency First Aid at Work (6 hours) 13 May | 20 June L3 First Aid at Work (18 hours) 13, 19 & 20 May | 20, 21 & 22 June Training takes place at Cote Royd House, 7 Halifax Road, Huddersfield, HD3 3AN. The Kiss it Better trainer Trudy McLaughlin is happy to travel to different locations in the area if required.

For more information or to book, contact Trudy on 07903 655195, e-mail kissitbetter@live.com, or go to www.kissitbetterfirstaid.co.uk.

LOCAL MUM WINS BABYNATAL’S TEACHER OF THE MONTH Local mum, Sue Bagworth, has been awarded BabyNatal’s Teacher of the Month for her dedication to antenatal and postnatal support for local expectant and new parents.

Sue owns Baby Babbles (part of the BabyNatal family), which offers practical, hands-on baby care workshops in the Huddersfield area. Workshops cover topics including: baby care basics, baby safety, bathing, newborn choices, calming and cues, sleep, the role of Dads and many more.

Baby Babbles also offers BabyNatal Paediatric First Aid for parents of babies from birth to one.

Frightening statistics show that currently only 1 out of 10 parents would have the skills and the confidence to help their own child in a medical emergency. Sue’s 2hr practical class gives parents the skills to know the difference between normal everyday complaints and real life-threatening situations.

Sue is professionally trained and accredited by UK antenatal regulator FEDANT and AoFA for First Aid. BabyNatal delivers antenatal classes that support families, guiding them to make the right choices for them and their baby, so they become confident and empowered, and parenthood becomes a more enjoyable experience.

Huddersfield’s Premier Family Martial Arts Centre

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ls ! un party? n for boys and gir fu y a Nerf g Why not tr ction packed team fa 2 hours o

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www.familiespennines.co.uk

Contact us for more information on 01484 844386 or e-mail info@cvbba.co.uk

Colne Valley Black Belt Academy Unit 108, Colne Valley Business Park, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5QG www.cvbba.co.uk

13

WHAT’S ON MAY – JUNE 2016 THEATRE & SHOWS Fri 13 May – Sat 14 May THE RETURN OF NEVERLAND The Carriageworks, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Events 40 years have passed and the magic in Neverland has rapidly decreased.

With twists in the tales and unexpected revealing, Neverland is about to have its first adventure in years! Age: 5+, 7:30pm, 2:30pm – Sat matinee.

Come along to this entertaining session and listen to an excerpt of ‘Billionaire Boy’ by David Walliams.

You will also make a wallet full of cash and a roll of ‘Bum Fresh’.

Booking required. Age: 5-8.

2pm-3pm.

BILLIONAIRE BOY – FILM SHOWING Halifax Central Library – Meeting Rooms 1 and 2, Northgate, Halifax, HX1 1UN www.ticketsource.co.uk/discover Come along to this special filming of Billionaire Boy, based on the well-loved book by David Walliams.

Booking required. Age: U. 2pm-4pm.

Thursday 2 June

SMALL CINEMA: THE UNBEATABLES

STORYTOTS: NORMAN – THE SLUG WITH THE SILLY SHELL

Sunday 22 May MONSTERSAURUS! Square Chapel Centre for the Arts, 10 Square Road, Halifax, HX1 1QG 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk This is a brand new show from the creators of Aliens Love Underpants and it’s monsterously good!

Approx. running time: 50mins (no interval) Age: 3+. 2.30pm

Tuesday 31 May THE ADVENTURES OF WALTER LEMONFACE The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP, 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org Ever wanted to control what happens in a cartoon? Now you can in this fun-filled experience for the whole family. Ages 3-10. 2.30pm.

Tuesday 31 May STORYTOTS: NORMAN – THE SLUG WITH THE SILLY SHELL King Cross Library, 151 Haugh Shaw Road, Halifax, HX1 3BG www.ticketsource.co.uk/discover Come along to this ‘Sue Hendra’ themed story time session and create your very own Norman...complete with shell! Booking required. Age: 2-4.

10.30am-11.30am

Tuesday 31 May BILLIONAIRE BOY Brighouse Central Library, Halifax Road, Brighouse, HD6 2AF www.ticketsource.co.uk/discover

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Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax is the only fully interactive museum totally dedicated to children aged 0-11 anywhere in the UK – perfect for a fun-packed family day out!

Thursday 2 June

Saturday 14 May

Gallery Oldham, Oldham Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL 0161 770 4653 www.galleryoldham.org.uk Follow the adventures of Amadeo and his table football team, who magically come to life. Crafts from 12 noon, performance 2pm, £3.50 each – kids get a free goodie bag with drink, popcorn and treats.

EUREKA! GOES BACK IN TIME

Shelf Library, Shelf Village Hall, Halifax Road, Shelf, HX3 7NT www.ticketsource.co.uk/discover Come along to this ‘Sue Hendra’ themed story time session and create your very own Norman...complete with shell! Booking required. Age: 2-4.

10.30am-11.30am

Thursday 2 June STORYTOTS: NORMAN – THE SLUG WITH THE SILLY SHELL Bailiff Bridge Library, Devon Way, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 4DT www.ticketsource.co.uk/discover Come along to this ‘Sue Hendra’ themed story time session and create your very own Norman... complete with shell! Booking required. Age: 2-4. 2pm-3pm

Friday 3 June STORYTOTS: NORMAN – THE SLUG WITH THE SILLY SHELL Skircoat Library, Skircoat Green Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 0LQ www.ticketsource.co.uk/discover Come along to this ‘Sue Hendra’ themed story time session and create your very own Norman... complete with shell! Booking required. Age: 2-4. 2pm-3pm

Friday 3 June MINIONS Square Chapel Centre for the Arts, 10 Square Road, Halifax HX1 1QG, 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk A special relaxed screening of Minions, perfect for little ones.

Approx. running time: 90 mins Age: PG. 11am.

Friday 3 June BILLIONAIRE BOY Elland Library, Coronation Street, Elland, HX5 0DF

This half term holiday, they’ll be stepping back in time and bringing the past to life with their Back in Time event. The kids will be able to meet the people who made history, and find out what life was really like.

The event is on from Saturday 28 May to Sunday 5 June and they offer an annual pass, which means you pay once and can enjoy free unlimited visits for a whole year, which is great for repeat visits in the school holidays.

To find out more, visit www.eureka.org.uk www.ticketsource.co.uk/discover Come along to this entertaining session and listen to an excerpt of ‘Billionaire Boy’ by David Walliams.

You will also make a wallet full of cash and a roll of ‘Bum Fresh’.

Booking required. Age: 5-8.

10.30am-11.30am.

Saturday 4 June THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Square Chapel Centre for the Arts, 10 Square Road, Halifax, HX1 1QG, 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk Image Musical Theatre returns with this wonderful adaptation of E Nesbit’s classic, The Railway Children.

Approx. running time: 110mins (with an interval). Age: 5+. 2.30pm

Thursday 9 June BEDTIME STORY TIME King Cross Library, 151 Haugh Shaw Road, Halifax, HX1 3BG www.ticketsource.co.uk/discover Celebrate National Bookstart Week with a special ‘Under the Sea’ Bedtime Story time. Why not wear your pyjamas and bring a teddy?

Booking required. Age: 0-5.

5.45pm-6.45pm.

Sunday 26 June STORM IN A TEACUP Square Chapel Centre for the Arts, 10 Square Road, Halifax HX1 1QG 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk It’s not always easy making friends, especially when you live in a lighthouse surrounded by dangerous rocks, towering waves and troublemaking seagulls.

Approx. running time: 45mins.

Age: 4+. 2.30pm

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FATHER’S DAY Sunday 19 June FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH & LUNCH Totties Garden Centre & the Olive Tree Bistro Café, Downshutts Lane, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, HD9 1AU 01484 680227 www.tottiesgardencentre.co.uk Treat your dad to brunch 10am12pm or lunch 12pm-3.30pm.

Booking essential. It’s a great place to buy lovely gifts & cards too!

Sunday 19 June FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST & BOAT ‘TRIP Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre, Waters Road, Marsden, HD7 6NQ 01484 844298 www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Enjoy a delicious breakfast sandwich at Watersedge Café, followed by a guided boat trip at 11am into Britain’s longest, highest and deepest tunnel on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. £12 adults, £8 under 12s. Booking essential as places are limited.

Sunday 19 June FATHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, WF4 4RH 01924 848806 www.ncm.org Enjoy an afternoon of music with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Brass Band, while enjoying a Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea. The perfect way to say thank you. 1pm – 4pm. £19.95pp, under 10’s £9.95. Booking essential.

WHAT’S ON MAY – JUNE 2016 Saturday 28 May TODMORDEN CARNIVAL

MAY & JUNE EVENTS Thursday 12 May STARRY, STARRY NIGHT – A MUSEUMS AT NIGHT EVENT Bagshaw Museum, Wilton Park, Batley, WF17 0AS 01924 324765 www.kirklees.gov.uk/events A special out-of-hours opening with torch light tours of the galleries and visits to the neighbouring Observatory. Learn about constellations with a range of starry crafts for children. Booking advisable.

7-9pm, £2 per adult, £1 per child

Friday 13 May OAKWELL AT NIGHT – A MUSEUMS AT NIGHT EVENT Oakwell Hall, Nutter Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG 0844 686 1176 www.kirklees.gov.uk/events Enjoy a taste of 17th century delicacies, atmospheric costumed tours around Oakwell and Shakespearean themed music from the Leeds Waits. £15 per person, £12 for Friends or annual ticket holders.

7.30pm-10pm. Booking essential.

Sat 14 – Sun 15 May A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE AND FRIENDS Kirklees Light Railway (KLR), Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 9XJ 01484 865727 www.kirkleeslightrailway.com Kirklees Light Railway (KLR) is expecting a very special Tank Engine. Booking advised.

From 10am

Sunday 15 May OVERGATE HOSPICE GARDEN PARTY Overgate Hospice, 30 Hullen Edge Rd, Elland, HX5 0QY 01422 379151 www.overgatehospice.org.uk A great family day out held in the beautiful hospice gardens with a selection of food and drink stalls and entertainment for all the family between 12-4pm.

Friday 27 May NATURE TOTS Stirley Community Farm, Hall Bower Lane, Berry Brow, HD4 6RP 01484 663185 www.communitydirectory.kirklees. gov.uk Outdoor and Nature adventures for pre-schoolers. Large warm indoor space and accessible toilet facilities available. Advance booking is essential. Donation of £3 per child (member) or £5 (non-member).

Accompanying adults free.10.30am -12pm

Todmorden Town Centre & Centre Vale Park 07778 614128, www.todmordencarnival.com A day out for all the family providing fun and entertainment. The theme for this year is ‘Story Book Characters’. 12.30-6pm. Advance tickets £1, on the day adults £4, children & OAP £3

Sat 4 - Sun 5 June BRIGHOUSE 1940’S WEEKEND Brighouse Town Centre 01484 400664 & 01484 722462, www.brighouse1940sweekend.co.uk Transporting the town back to the 1940s with vintage vehicles, reenactors in period dress, a full size replica Spitfire, fairground rides, variety shows, tea dances and much more! 10am-5pm. Mix of free and paid.

Saturday 11 June FALCONRY DAY Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre, Waters Road, Marsden, HD7 6NQ 01484 844298 www.canalrivertrust.org.uk A free day out for the whole family with the Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre (Falconry UK). Static display: 11am – 4pm. Talk and handling session with photo 12pm & 3pm. Plus free kids’ activities and face painting.

Saturday 11 June HALIFAX CHARITY GALA (60TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS) Manor Heath Park, Halifax, HX3 0EB www.halifaxgala.org.uk The procession starts at Eureka!

Children’s Museum ending up at Manor Heath Park where there will be floats, stalls, rides and entertainment. Gates open 11am, official opening 1pm. Advance tickets £1, on the day adults £2, children & OAP £1

90th Birthday. Come and listen to Kirklees Junior Brass Band play a range of popular tunes in the Memorial Garden. Bring your own picnic and seats! Organised by the FoTR. Free. 1pm

Sunday 12 June CLASSIC CAR RALLY Oakwell Hall, Nutter Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG 0844 686 1176 www.kirklees.gov.uk/events Organised by the Yorkshire Rover Club, this event on the front lawn of the Hall features classic cars of all makes and models. Plus the Artisan Emporium showcasing local crafts and produce in the Visitor Centre.

Free. 11am-4.30pm

Sunday 12 June QUEENS 90TH BIRTHDAY PARTY ON THE GREEN National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, WF4 4RH 01924 848806, www.ncm.org.uk An entertaining day out featuring a local brass band and 1940s singer, plus face painting and children’s entertainers. £25 per adult, £15 per child, which includes entertainment plus a delicious Yorkshire picnic box (alcoholic or non-alcoholic option).

Saturday 18 June TODMORDEN AGRICULTURAL SHOW Centre Vale Park, Todmorden, OL14 6LH www.todshow.org.

The Todmorden Agricultural Show is a fantastic day out for all the family, with animals, rare breeds, displays, a fun fair, trade stands, vintage vehicles, special events and more.

Tickets can be pre-booked or purchased on the day. Under 4’s go free. 8am-4pm.

Sat 18 – Sun 19 June HALIFAX FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Halifax Town Centre www.halifaxfoodfest.co.uk The Halifax Food & Drink Festival returns for another two days packed with live cookery demonstrations, workshops and of course, stalls and stalls of fabulous food and drink.

Free.

Saturday 25 June BRIGHOUSE CHARITY GALA Wellholme Park, Brighouse, HD6 4AF www.brighousecharitygala.org From donkey rides to dog shows, fairground to floats, it’s a fun-packed family day out! The procession will leave Garden Road at around Noon, winding its way through the town centre to Wellholme Park. 12pm.

Under 5’s go free, under 15 £1, adults £2

Sunday 26 June HANDMADE PARADE Calder Holmes Park, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8EE 01422 844154, www.handmadeparade.co.uk World-class giant puppets and floats, funky street bands, stilt walkers and a thousand costumed participants dance down the streets. Parade 12pm. Festival in the park. 1-4pm.

FREE.

Sunday 26 June RAVENSKNOWLE GALA Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, Huddersfield, HD5 8DJ 01484 223240 www.kirklees.gov.uk/museums Stalls, entertainment, music and rides. The museum will be open with refreshments for sale. Free entry, some attractions may charge a fee.

12noon-7pm

Sat 11 – Sun 12 June COME ALONG AND MEET THE GRUFFALO Kirklees Light Railway (KLR), Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 9XJ 01484 865727 www.kirkleeslightrailway.com Children’s Stories & Steam Weekend featuring appearances from The Gruffalo at intervals on each day.

From 10am.

Sunday 12 June PICNIC IN THE PARK WITH BRASS IN THE GARDEN Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, Huddersfield, HD5 8DJ 01484 223240 www.kirklees.gov.uk/museums A picnic to celebrate the Queen’s

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15

WHAT’S ON MAY – JUNE 2016 B OLD MOOR

GET ONE WITH NATURE AT RSP

SPRING BANK HOLIDAY EVENTS Sat 28 May – Sat 4 June BACK IN TIME Eureka! Discovery Road, Halifax HX1 2NE 01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk Meet the people who made history.

Sat 28 May – Sun 5 June ODD ONE OUT – HALF TERM TRAIL Oakwell Hall, Nutter Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG 0844 686 1176 www.kirklees.gov.uk/events Fun quiz in the Hall spotting objects in the rooms that are the ‘odd one out’. Normal Hall admission charges apply. 12-5pm

Mon 30 – Tues 31 May DRAWING, DIPPING AND DISCOVERY RSPB Old Moor, Old Moor Lane, Barnsley, S73 0YF 01226 751593 www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor Activity centre open for self-led crafts all about homes for wildlife. Pond dipping kits and activity backpacks are available to hire.

Mon 30 May – Fri 3 June MAY HALF TERM: ANIMAL MAGIC National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, WF4 4RH 01924 848806, www.ncm.org.uk Follow the new Animal Trail and find out about the animals at the Museum. Create some animal crafts to take home and meet some costumed characters. Free.

Tuesday 31 May DROP IN: FAMILY ART DAYS Huddersfield Art Gallery, Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield, HD1 2SU 01484 221964 www.kirklees.gov.uk/museums Try out something new at the drop-in art and craft sessions, something a little different to spark the interest of both parents and children. £1 per child, no need to book. 1pm-3pm

Tuesday 31 May THE MUMMY RETURNS… Bagshaw Museum, Wilton Park, Batley, WF17 0AS 01924 324765 www.kirklees.gov.uk/events A fun day of all things ancient Egyptian. See how an ancient Egyptian dressed, sample what they ate and try some Egyptian make-up.

Write hieroglyphics on papyrus and learn about mummification. Age: 5-16.11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, £5 per adult, £2.50 per child. Booking essential.

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Wednesday 1 June WILD WEDNESDAYS

Become a wildlife explorer this Spring at RSPB’s Old Moor nature reserve in Barnsley. Go pond dipping to discover more about what swims, squirms and crawls in the water. Get up close and personal with the birds that live at the reserve, or explore the paths, pools and meadows of the reserve for more wildlife.

RSPB Old Moor, Old Moor Lane, Barnsley S73 0YF 01226 751593 www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor RSPB Old Moor’s most popular holiday time activity. Go pond dipping on the reserve with a wildlife expert and find out more about everything that swims, squirms and crawls in the water.

And when you’re ready for a rest and a cuppa, head to the activity centre where you will find lots of seasonal craft items, so you can draw, make or write about what you have seen.

Weds 1 June – Thurs 2 June

Events taking place at Old Moor over Spring Bank include: Monday 30 - Tuesday 31 May Drawing, Dipping and Discovery Discover the paths, pools and meadows of the reserve, keeping an eye out for the wildlife that live there.

Wednesday 1 June – Wild Wednesdays Go pond dipping on the reserve with a wildlife expert and discover what lives in the water.

Thursday 2 June – Thinkbomb Thursdays Use binoculars and telescopes to view the variety of beautiful and noisy birds that live and breed on the reserve.

Activity backpacks and pond dipping kits are available to hire for £2.50. The entry fee to the Reserve is £11 families, £5 adults, £2.50 children. Entry and backpack hire is free for RSPB members.

For times and bookings, go to www.rspb.co.uk/oldmoor or call 01226 751593.

Don’t forget to take your voucher with you from page 13 of this issue for FREE family entry to RSPB Old Moor – valid until the end of June, so don’t miss out!

TASTY TREATS AT TOTTIES Once again, the calendar at Totties Garden Centre and the Olive Tree Bistro Café is bursting with fantastic events this Spring for the whole family. If you love cakes, why not try the scrumptious afternoon tea offering, served daily from 2:30pm, with gluten and dairy free options available, all for just £10.50pp.

On 1 June and 2 June (9-11am), Totties will be hosting fairandfunky SCRAPtastic workshops. For just £3.50, children (3-12 years) can turn recycled bits and pieces into something new. And once they’ve created their scrap masterpiece, they can enjoy the tasty children’s menu, cool down with an ice cream, or test out the garden games, such as a giant Connect 4 and sandpit.

And if you fancy treating dad this Father’s Day (19 June), head down to the Olive Tree Bistro Café for breakfast (10am-12pm) or a spot of lunch (12pm – 3.30pm). Booking is essential, and if you’re looking for something special to buy him, check out the garden centre’s shop for cards and quirky gift ideas.

Call 01484 680227 to book or visit www.tottiesgardencentre.co.uk

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FAIRANDFUNKY SCRAPTASTIC WORKSHOPS Totties Garden Centre & the Olive Tree Bistro Café, Downshutts Lane, Holmfirth, Huddersfield HD9 1AU 01484 683363 www.tottiesgardencentre.co.uk Children aged 3-12 years get to create a masterpiece turning recycled bits & pieces into something new. From 9.30 until 11.00am. £3.50 per child. No need to book.

Thursday 2 June PAINT THE QUEEN A BIRTHDAY PORTRAIT Dewsbury Museum, Crow Nest Park Heckmondwike Rd, Dewsbury, WF13 2SG, 01924 324766 www.kirklees.gov.uk/museums To celebrate the Queen’s official 90th birthday why not paint her portrait?

The best will be selected and sent to the Palace. Age: 3-12. Free.

No need to book. 11am-3pm

Thursday 2 June TRAVEL IN ROYAL STYLE Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, Huddersfield, HD5 8DJ 01484 223240 www.kirklees.gov.uk/museums Join in the Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrations by designing a coach or car fit for a Queen. Card blanks and lots of glitter provided! £1 per child.

11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm

Thursday 2 June THINKBOMB! THURSDAYS RSPB Old Moor, Old Moor Lane, Barnsley S73 0YF 01226 751593 www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor Discover the beautiful and noisy birds that live and breed on the reserve. Help is on hand to identify each bird and how to use binoculars and telescopes to get the most out of your wildlife watching.

Families Pennines listings can also be found on our fully searchable online What’s On, and we update regularly, so make sure you bookmark www.familiespennines.co.uk.

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