Families Vale of York Issue 59

59

july/aug2014 issue

free The useful magazine for families with young children in York, Harrogate, Tadcaster, Wetherby and Selby

10% off any booking!

The perfect present

01423 815024 @HarrogateClimb Harrogate Climbing Centre

Call now quoting FAM01 to claim your 10% discount* 01423 815024

Discover more at harrogateclimbingcentre.com Hornbeam Park Avenue, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate HG2 8QT *This voucher must to be provided at the start of the session. Terms & Conditions apply.

See website for details.

families ad 87 x 130

C

ad may 14 outlines .pdf

10/6/14

15:09:03

FINE YORKSHIRE FISH AND CHIPS FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Kids eat for £1

at the Wetherby Whaler York!

As a family-run business with more than 40 years’ experience, the Wetherby Whaler has a tradition of value for money and delicious fish and chips.

camps

The restaurant at the Wetherby Whaler in York is the perfect place for a family treat!

& activity days

Terms and conditions: This voucher is only redeemable at the Wetherby Whaler York, Nether Poppleton, York, YO26 6RA restaurant. This offer is valid from 30th June 2014 - 31st August 2014. The offer is only redeemable on a kid’s meal. One voucher per meal. No cash or product alternative is available. No voucher photocopies accepted. The voucher is not transferable.

Each child must be accompanied by one full paying adult. To receive the offer, children must be under 12 years old.

Wetherby Whaler

@wetherbywhaler

Wetherby Whaler York, Nether Poppleton, York, YO26 6RA

TEL: 01904 784500

w w w. w e t h e r b y w h a l e r. c o . u k

2 Families

Vale of York

ys

welcome to families So the long summer break is upon us again and I for one am certainly looking forward to a bit of a rest.

I love the end of term – summer fetes, leaving parties and class trips; the promise of a long warm summer and weeks without having to think of homework or getting up early. As soon as the bell goes for the last time I’m taken back to my own childhood and the sheer joy of being free for six whole weeks.

I certainly had more freedom than I allow my own children but I like to think I’m still fairly relaxed about their being out and about: my 12 year old is starting to venture further afield and my six year old is quite happy to spend all day playing with her friends ‘at the front’ of the house – and round the corner where I can’t see her!

Letting go is difficult but it’s what the summers were made for – venturing just a little bit further, learning how to be more independent. And it all leaves me time for planning some socialising with my friends.

Have a lovely summer!

Editor of Families VOY

in this issue p4 news

p8

p6

summer reading

p7 families meets

p10 p8

moving house

families magazine

Tel: 01405 860831 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesvoy.co.uk Circulation: 18,000 Deadline:

The deadline for the Sept/Oct 2014 edition is early Aug 2014

p10 summer holiday fun

Designed by: MOOIdesign

Tel: 01405 869045

p16 car journeys with kids

Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk

p17 summer camps & activity days

p20 what’s on

p17 p23 beta mum

Copyright Families in the Vale of York July/ Aug 2014. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owners’ own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Families in the Vale of York is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Families Vale of York

3

news BushDoublesided:Layout 1 22/01/2013 07:35 Page 1

NEW AND EXCITING FOREST SCHOOL ADVENTURES FOR CHILDREN FROM 2 TO 11 YEARS OLD

Bushbabies is a Magical and Innovative way for Children to connect with the Wonders of Nature

SESSIONS AVAILABLE FOR: CHILDREN’S PARTIES, FAMILIES, NURSERIES AND SCHOOLS

Call Adam on 07854 377777 | bushbabies.wa@hotmail.co.uk

www.bushbabies-woodlandadventures.co.uk

Could You Teach Football?

Football Tots are looking for a new Selby coach for Saturday mornings. Classes run from 9am – 12pm during term time. You’ll get a good rate of pay and full training.

Work promises to be varied, good fun and challenging.

Contact Jenny on 01765 620374 or 07595 297639 or email info@football-tots. net for more information.

www.familiesvoy.co.uk gets fresh new look We are delighted to announce Families Online is now much easier to use than ever.

Our fresh re-branding expresses our aim to cover all things ‘families’, as well as offering ‘endless ideas for families’. You can set the website to show only information local to you. See top left? Simply enter your postcode once and the site will remember you after that, no need to log in. Use our interactive Whatson calendar to search for things to do locally (or where you want to go), our Directories are filled with clubs & classes, schools &nurseries, party entertainers etc and we have a huge amount of content of interest. It’s all for you and to make your life easier!

s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C ime Swimt

e are hool Swimtim Local Swim sc t’s on 4 Little Ones e Wha finalists in th take place at Drayton to e du ds awar ne 20th. e Park on Ju Manor Them anding st ut r ‘Most O Nominated fo nal Activity Provider atio h them Special Educ roup’, we wis or Support G t you know how le ill well and w our next they got on in issue.

Babyballet teacher needed Babyballet is looking for a new teacher to support the growing demand for classes in the York area. Since starting classes in York nearly 3 years ago the school has grown to almost 200 pupils and needs a new teacher or teachers to support more classes.

Babyballet aims to introduce children from 18 months to 5 years to ballet but in a way that is informal, fun and appropriate to their age.

“We feel the job is perfect for a Mum,’ says Miss Jane of Babyballet York, “as work is all within school hours and Saturday mornings.

What’s more we only have classes during term time.”

Dance teaching experience is a must, along with a DBS certificate (formally known as a CRB although babyballet can organise this on your behalf). You must drive and have use of a car. Most importantly you will need to be fun, lively and passionate about bringing the magical world of babyballet to the children (and parents!) and have experience of preschool children.

New Classes at Pauline Quirke Academy

PQA Harrogate will be launching a new Poppets class for children aged 4 to 5 this September. For more information and to book a free taster day contact Kellie on 084567 32022 or email kellie@pqacademy. com

Mount Junior girls score 100% Distinctions Girls at The Mount Junior School have achieved 100% Distinctions with a respected national drama examination board.

The students, in years 3, 4, 5 and 6, all scored Distinctions in their examinations for the London Academy of Music and the Dramatic Arts (LAMDA).

LAMDA’s Head of Examinations, Guy Norris, said “To pass a LAMDA examination is a significant achievement for any learner. For every candidate in a school to achieve a Distinction is a remarkable achievement. I congratulate all the learners at The Mount Junior School, their teachers and their supportive parents on a superb result.”

“The girls performed their pieces for parents and the Senior School during our annual drama showcase, called ‘I See A Voice’ said Rachel Capper, the Head of The Mount Junior School.

“They showed such confidence and ease in their performance that it was a joy to watch.

“Creative arts help the girls gain valuable tools to communicate their thoughts and ideas and develop their imagination. Junior School girls have access to the same facilities and teaching resources as our Senior School, and these high standards help to nurture their own creativity.”

If you’d like to apply they’d love to hear from you - email a CV and covering letter to Miss Jane at york@babyballet.co.uk or call 07702 965 932 for a chat.

Pictured above: Girls who took the LAMDA exams, with Leo Scruffles, The Mount Junior School’s mascot. (L-R): Grace Copeland; Romilly Hex; Bebe Dyl; Ophelia Cay; Rosie Morrison; Emma Frandino; Rebecca Brown; Matilda Burton; Jocelyn Tucker; Lily Copland-Jones.

4 Families

Vale of York

s ith Labels4Kremid Order Early w ber to get in early em so r me g ing a very busy sum

for school. The orderin Labels4Kids is expect ick turnaround in time qu a e nte ara gu to er in ord year: not only can you faster and smoother this ge if free for £20 or more, process will be much sta po t on screen now, bu have any problems design your vinyl order back guarantee if you ney mo % 100 a e hav and they te with your labels. modernized the websi new offices in May, and Having just moved into is continuing last year, the company te to improve bsi we ir the expansion of s. your ordering proces h a large tried Labels4Kids offers suc els that lab of nt ou am and tested ryone. eve for there is something Wistow Smart Start Community Prek, Pinterest, oo eb Fac on m the Follow School near Selby are celebrating ir the up n sig and kr Twitter or Flic their recent Ofsted success after this r late nts me op blog for more devel being judge ‘Outstanding’ in all m/fam .co ids 4k els ab w.l ww year! areas. Inspectors observed that children are “highly engaged, well motivated and willing and eager to join in.” They are also “consistently busy, well occupied and active, which means they behave exceptionally well.”

A landmark Act comes into law this Praising their “well-resourced” summer giving greater protection to setting for being “stimulating” and vulnerable children, better support for “welcoming”, everyone involved is children whose parents are separating thrilled with the outcome. and help for parents to balance work “Smart Start Community Preand family life. It will also help children School runs daily during term with Special Educational Needs and time from the village hall,” says disabilities, while ensuring vital changes pre-school leader Karen Vincent, to the adoption system meaning more “and provides quality care and children who need loving homes are education for children aged 2 – 5 placed faster. The Act will also make it years. easier for families to access more flexible “We are currently taking bookings childcare, while making amendments to for September and welcome visits the law to protect children in cars from from prospective families.” the dangers of second-hand smoke, and giving parents new options to share You can contact Kate for more parental leave following the birth of a information on 07973 918 517. baby.

Wistow Pre-School

is outstanding

DIGGERLAND Save 20% this Summer!

Willowbridge lane, Whitwood, Castleford, West Yorks, WF10 5NW DIGGERLA ND

WWW.DIGGERLAND.COM - 0871 22 77 007 Present this advert at Diggerland YORKSHIRE park for 20% off standard admission gate entry prices.

Offer not valid in conjuction with any other offer, voucher, discount, experience or group booking.

MAX 4 PERSONS PER VOUCHER. Height & age restrictions apply. See website for details.

Code: 16688 - Offer expires 30/09/2014.

New Children and Families Act

Possibly the most interesting change is that from this June every employee across the country will be granted the right to request flexible working hours, with a duty on employers to consider requests in a Singamajigs is looking for a new ‘reasonable’ manner. teachers for the York area to work term‘Current workplace arrangements have not time, mum-friendly hours. If you are a kept up with the times,’ said Jenny Willott, confident singer and enjoy working Employment Relations Minister. ‘By with pre-schoolers give Karen a ring on enabling any employee to request to work 01423 552918 flexibly, we want to remove any cultural assumption that flexible working is only for women, or just for parents and carers.

The new system is good for business as it will create a more motivated and flexible, talented workforce. Employers Little Monkeys is a baby and toddler will be able to attract and retain women group run by a group of local mums – from the boardroom to the shop floor in Carlton near Selby, meeting - and prevent them from dropping out of weekly at Carlton Methodist Church the world of work once they start a family.’ schoolroom. The group has been meeting for over 10 years now and provides a wonderful opportunity for babies and toddlers – and their parents - to meet, play, chat and support each other.

CREATING THRILLS & SKILLS FOR LIFE With outstanding Performing Arts tuition, your very own movie screened at the cinema, free Trinity exams and our WestEnd show - what are you waiting for?

PQA York are enrolling now.

Academies run on Saturdays To enrol and for further information please visit www.pqacademy.com or call us now on 084567 32022

Singamajigs teacher wanted!

Could you help Little Monkeys?

July Offer with Explore Learning

Join Explore Learning during July and you’ll get 25% off your first month. To find out more about the specialist maths & English tuition centres near you visit www.explorelearning.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. Participating centres only.

“With a fluctuation in numbers recently, we’re struggling to raise enough funds to buy new toys and activities for the children,” said local mum Kerry Woodard. “We would gladly accept any donations of unwanted toys and games suitable from birth to 4 years for our preschoolers to play with.”

Any items can be collected – please contact: Kerry 07595 177991, Chantelle:07454553505 or Nathalie: 07850426622 Families Vale of York

5

summer reading

ed’s

reading room

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online and from good bookstores. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS Humphrey’s Tiny Tales: My Really Wheely Racing Day!

by Betty G Birney (Faber £3.99) ED SAYS: ‘Humphrey has lots of friends in Room 26 where he is the class hamster but he is delighted to make a new pal Winky.

When he sees Winky’s new hamster racing car he thinks it is unsqueakably wonderful and decides he wants a set of wheels of his own. At school a hamster race is set up and Humphrey practises hard but when his car rolls against a wooden block will he be able to zoom across the finishing line first?

‘Here is another FUN-FUN-FUN story in this super series for young readers who can enjoy Humphrey’s latest adventure reading on their own or reading together.’

Superhero School: The Revenge of the Green Meanie

by Alan MacDonald (Bloomsbury £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Stan Button knows that to be a superhero like Captain Courageous he must practise his surprise attack moves.

When he is offered a place at Mighty High School he is over the moon but also flabbergasted as he is not sure he has any superhero characteristics yet. The evil and dangerous Green Meanie soon starts to stalk the school corridors – time for Stan and his pals to concoct a cunning plan to overcome this supervillain!

‘This is a laugh out loud tale for boys and girls alike. If you enjoy it as much as I did, look out for other books by this super-funny author.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS Scam on the Cam

by Clementine Beauvais (Hodder £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘Sesame Seade has reason to be suspicious about the strange goings-on by the river. She is rather half-hearted about being part of a rowing crew herself but she becomes very interested in certain events in the build-up to the Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge. When the Cambridge crew go down one by one with a mysterious bug it’s time for Sesame to get into supersleuth mode.

‘This is a brilliantly written hilarious story peppered with super illustrations. Sesame is a fantastic character and a very smart heroine.’

SWARM: Operation Sting by Simon Cheshire (Stripes £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘The Secret Intelligence Agency’s new weapon SWARM is set on a mission. The robotic bugs working as undercover agents are put into action to locate a stolen device that has the power to wreak havoc on the world’s electronic communications. Will SWARM be able to recover the device before the encryption code is cracked and the villains have their evil way?

‘This is an action-packed page-turner of a book by this fantastic writer. It is the first book in this adventure series featuring robot technology.’

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www. edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

On Monday I Lo st My Rabbit

by Victoria Cul len

£4.99 Amazon ISBN: 978-099276

4401

“On Monday I Lo st My Rabbit” is the story of loss and the was lost, in this ca joy of finding what se, four well-loved toys.

This book follow sa on separate days young child who loses four of his toy of the week. Th educational basis e story has a str s and can be linke ong d to many areas Early Years Founda of the tio all colours, four toy n Stages: it has been created to inc lude box toys and sim to build confidenc ple repetitive lan guage e in reading. Th e illustrations en the child to look courage and identify the toy which helps to de from their ears or velop their visual tails, pre reading skills Author Victoria Cu . llen has tried wh ere possible to ma story accessible to all: ke the “I hope it can be used to encoura ge the use of sig symbol systems ning as the high frequ ency words in the and lend themselves to being signed,” story sh e said.

The book which contains 16 of the firs words children lea rn to read can als t 100 high frequency o be used as a sta point for many ex pressive arts and rting design.

You’ll find the bo ok online at Am azon and on Vic website www.vic toriastory.com toria’s

And one for the grown-ups....

Looking for a summer holiday read and fond of vampires and zombies? Local author and teacher Jane Lovering’s latest novel is the next in her instalment of alternative York history.

Falling Apart ng

by Jane Loveri pire m Va to el The sequ d in M of e Stat June 2014, £7.99 l paperback origina n ISBN: Paranormal Fictio 31 11 978-178189

orlders for ises with Otherw falling in Jessica Grant lia t tha she knows York Council so leap of faith. a es tak ire love with a vamp ire in charge , the City Vamp But her lover Sil out on her, run n’t rk, would n get the of Otherworld Yo mo de uldn’t let his would he? He wo ? he uld wo better of him. Or bad haircut, a reason for his s re’ the s ow kn Sil ing humans ed ble of il tra d the worse clothes an ber exactly em rem ly he could him and in his wake. If on ds fin fore someone what he did be ht. shoots him on sig estioned for ies already qu With her loyalt ders no one orl rw he Ot the defending zombies must choose which side ss cares about - Je turn him in. help her lover or she’s on, either k o.u g.c www.janeloverin

www.recording4fun.co.uk

r Popstia ng Recorid Par t es!

We bring our professional mobile recording studio to your home or party venue! Be ‘Real Popstars’ celebrate and sing your favourite songs together and record a CD with our Chart Topping Music Producers!

Call: 07580 662 308 or 01405 469 453 email: recording4funstudio@gmail.com 6 Families

Vale of York

For over 20 years, Brayton Busy Bees has been offering high quality care for children aged 2 to 5 years • • • • •

• Perfect for Birthday’s • For ages 7 upwards • Kids, Teens & Adults too!

• Groups from 5 to 20 Singers • As seen on Britain’s Got Talent!

• Mobile all across Yorkshire

Fun, friendly and stimulating environment Caring, dedicated and highly qualified staff Ofsted report of “Excellent” Strong, open partnership with parents and carers Secure outdoor play areas and garden Helping to keep your little bees busy!

Sessions available during term time: Full day (9am-3pm), Mornings (9-12), Afternoons (12-3) For more information: • Talk to Alyson or Mel on 07932 907943 • Visit braytonbusybees.co.uk • Email admin@braytonbusybees.co.uk Based at The Methodist Chapel, Chapel Lane (off Brayton Lane), Brayton Registered Charity No. 1041141 | Pre-School Learning Alliance No. 30385

Popsicle Parties Families Meets...

Families chats to Popsicle Parties who are looking for new staff to help with their busy expanding party business.

Tara Kidd and Luisa Walsh set up Popsicle Parties Ltd in 2012.

‘As we both have young children,” says Tara, “we wanted to find something challenging that would fit around them - so Popsicle Parties was born!”

“We decided to create a unique birthday experience – one that children – and their families will treasure and remember for years to come.”

“Our parties are an affordable and complete party experience,” says Luisa, “that takes away the hassle of organising your own and leaves the family time to enjoy the birthday party - all they need do is bring the cake and the children and we do the rest!”

Tara and Luisa offer a friendly personal service working closely with each client to tailor the

party to their needs.

“We have an extensive range of party extras that allows us to personalise each party, so no two parties are ever the same,” says Luisa.

From the variety of themes they offer, one of the most popular is the Princess and Pirate party, which is always a hit with little ones. They have also recently launched a ‘Monster High’ theme and are always willing to discuss new ideas with clients.

“All our parties have the option to be themed from the decor to the music, to the games and activity table, and we love it when our little guests come dressed for the occasion!”

Popsicle Parties offer 2 permanent venues and are now launching their ‘Other Venue’ option.

“Now we’ll be able to provide entertainment or entertainment and decor with or without food all the client does is book their own venue and we can do the rest - again closely working with each client to tailor their party to their specific needs,” says Tara.

Every party at one of their selected venues includes: themed party games with prizes; room decor (including chair and table covers) and balloons; party food buffet; disco music and lights. You’ll also get a bubble machine, bouncy castle (at the Eastrington venue only), activity table, dress up and accessory box, party bags and a balloon for every child. And if that’s not enough the birthday child receives a

gift and you get themed invitations to send out prior to your party.

All this is hosted by a minimum of 2 enthusiastic and energetic party hosts for the duration of each party – plus refreshments for the grown-ups!

“Our business is really starting to grow,” says Tara, “often from word of mouth and we see many familiar faces now at our parties. However, our biggest struggle is searching for staff. We are currently looking for dedicated enthusiastic individuals to join our fun team - each candidate needs lots of energy, confidence and to be able to multi-task and use initiative. We offer work at weekends only, on either an ad-hoc or regular basis, built around our party bookings.”

Could you work for Popsicle Parties?

If you think you fit the bill, contact Popsicle Parties for more information on 07552 374019 or popsicleparties@icloud.com www.popsicleparties.co.uk Popsicle Parties are currently in great demand, so to book your party or to discuss your party needs please call Tara or Luisa who will be happy to help with your enquiry.

Adult Education

ADULT LEARNING

at York College

Enrol now for NEW courses starting in September 2014 For a full course listing visit our Adult Learning page at www.yorkcollege.ac.uk Or call 01904 770200 York College, Sim Balk Lane, York YO23 2BB

Be Part of It Families Vale of York

7

Muddling through a house move

By Wendy Flynn

The average family moves 8 times in their lifetime. To date, I’ve clocked up a staggering 20 new addresses but, thankfully, only five of those have been with husband, children and pets. Moving home as a singleton with few belongings and a free storage facility back at home base is a breeze compared to moving lock, stock and barrel to an unfamiliar place with children in tow.

When it comes to buying, selling and moving to a new family home, Murphy’s law applies – what can go wrong, will go wrong. Yet, with a little bit of pre-planning (or, to be strictly honest, with some strategic military-style planning) it can go rather more smoothly than my muddled efforts would suggest.

With the benefit of hindsight I have learnt rather a lot. For example: never have children in the house at the same time as viewers. I learnt this the hard way when my then 5-year-old daughter cheerily informed a potential buyer that our kitchen was so small that we couldn’t fit all the family in at the same time, and then proceeded to accompany her outside where she pointed out that the front garden was dangerous for children. (The garden sloped away from the house and there was a drop over the retaining wall to the pavement). Needless

Prepare the children -

to say – that viewer never returned.

I also once had removal men half way through loading up the entire contents of another house when I got a call from my solicitor to say our buyer had not exchanged contracts as scheduled. And, on that same illfated move, when the van had finally gone and I had loaded the children into the car, I couldn’t find the cat. Hours later with the cat found, duly caged and in the car, I discovered I had a puncture and faced the prospect of driving a 100 mile journey to our new home on an emergency tyre (the garages all being closed by then) until a kindly neighbour stepped in to the rescue.

So with the benefit of all that has gone wrong on my moves – and some sage advice from fellow Families magazine editors - what can you do to make sure your house move goes without hitch?

w

m in

ha

es

im

ve

Com

fu n!

First, prepare the children. If they are very young don’t assume they understand what a house move is all about. As one mum recalls “We moved house when my son and daughter were 6 and 9 years old. Although we did talk with them about moving, it wasn’t until they asked whether they could take their belongings with them that we realised we hadn’t made it clear that we were only selling the building; they thought we were selling the house plus its contents.”

A good way of preparing young children is to read stories about moving, for example Topsy and Tim Move House. If you do that when your own house is on the market, it gives your child time to become familiar with the idea before the time comes to move out.

If you are moving within your local area and no school move is involved, it is easier than when you are moving to a totally new area. Older school age children are likely to be upset – and often angry - at the prospect of losing friends. Listen to their fears and be endlessly patient and positive about the move (however you are feeling yourself), and explain how they can keep in touch with old friends while making new ones. Children are very adaptable and the chances are they will settle in the new area and have firm friendships a lot sooner than you will, but they need to vent and they need your reassurance.

g, b e saf e a n

d

Sing & play through our structured awards programme and see your baby progress to a confident little swimmer Babies from 6 weeks to 6 years old Classes at... Batley l Leeds l Bradford l York l Harrogate l Pocklington T: 0808 133 44 55 or 0333 8008 345

www.babyswimmers.co.uk

8 Families

Vale of York

www.shutterstock.com/ Kostenko Maxim

Moving on...

A practical plan

Once your house is sold you can breathe a sigh of relief that you no longer have to run around stuffing toys back in cupboards to make the house presentable for viewers, but then sit down with a cup of coffee and make a plan. The key to a smooth move is in the planning:

Declutter – don’t move your junk from one

house to another. Take the time between selling and moving to do a thorough clearout.

Quotes for removal companies – get several. They can vary hugely in price. Decide whether you are going to do your own packing or want the removal company to do it. It doesn’t cost a lot more to let the removal company do the packing and with their speed and efficiency it is often money well spent.

If you are pregnant when moving, have to move in a hurry with jobs or for a house sale, or have loads of belongings, it is definitely recommended.

Change of address list –

do this in advance and have your letters or e-mail sorted ready to go out before you move. It is not just day to day contacts you need to inform – you will also need to change address on TV licence, driving licence and vehicle reg. And, you need to contact pension providers from previous jobs, ISA savings providers and so on. You can find a good list of people you need to contact on www. bbc.co.uk/homes/property/ moving_notifychecklist.shtml Don’t forget to set up a redirection with Royal mail.

Inevitably you will forget one crucial contact to notify so redirection of mail is essential.

Insurance – you need

to make sure you have insurance on your new home from the day you move into it.

Pets – they too can get stressed with moving house.

Make a plan in advance to ease their transition. Helpful websites include www.dogstrust.org.uk and www.bluecross.org.uk

On the Day

Utilities: Don’t forget to take utility readings before leaving the house Mobile phone: make sure your mobile is fully charged in case there are any last minute snags to sort out like getting keys from the estate agent.

Essentials kit: One mum says: “The best advice we were given was to pack a separate box with the kettle tea/coffee milk, mugs etc in it so at least when we were in the midst of chaos we didn’t have to hunt to find the kettle.”

I second that. You also win brownie points with the removal men who will be much more amenable if their thirst is quenched when you change your mind about where you want the wardrobe!

Bedrooms linen, blankies and cuddly toys: “The first thing we did when we got in our new house was to make the beds so later on when exhausted and tired we didn’t have to do it before falling into bed,” advises another Mum. You can also make sure any special sleep ‘blankies’ or cuddly toys are on your child’s bed waiting for them, and that a few familiar toys are unpacked from their own special box to make them feel at home.

A toast: The final word in this piece goes to Families Leeds editor Sarah Butters who moved home twice in 6 months:

Packing the wine glasses somewhere handy is an absolute MUST.” When all does not go according to plan – and believe me I know all about this – this is sensible advice indeed.

So, to everyone involved in a house move, we say: ‘Here’s to your new life!’ And, even if all does not go smoothly, somehow or another you will muddle through. Cheers!

School Shoes for tots to teens

We stock an exceptional range of school shoes, trainers, rugby and hockey boots.

All fitted by our experienced fully trained friendly staff. Available in store or on line from mid July.

47 Market Place, Pocklington, York, YO42 2AP Telephone 01759 301201 www.footloose-shoes.net

Maths & English tuition centres Why choose Explore for your child?

• Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.

• Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

• Convenient for families - open 7 days a week.

• Ofsted registered.

• We accept Childcare Vouchers.

Free trial session - book today!

York

01904 406355

Inside Sainsbury’s, Monks Cross

www.explorelearning.co.uk Families Vale of York

9

summer

fun Ideas holiday Top 20 Summer

It’s summer and time to unplug and reconnect with your family: Joanna Moorhead has some ideas on how to do it.

Summer is a great time to enjoy being together with your nearest and dearest. But for many families these days, even together time is fire and what foods are best to cook on 15. Play Old-Fashioned Games: dominated by mobiles phones, iPads, it (sausages, haloumi cheese, peppers, Teach your kids a game you haven’t TV and other devices. According to burgers are all easy peasy). played siince you were a kid. Get some elastic and try French skipping or cat’s a recent survey, though, even kids 6. Go on a long bike ride: if you’ve cradle. Or what about a scavenger hunt? themselves recognise the need to all got your own bikes you probably do this all the time. If not, it can be a really unplug and welcome the chance fabulous and different day out to hire bikes 16. Switch roles in the kitchen: if you’re usually the meal-maker, and the to ‘do something different’. Here and follow a cycle trail. children are usually the table-setters, are our top 20 ideas for what that do things the other way round. Let the 7. Go wild swimming: swimming in children plan, shop for and prepare the ‘something different’ might be. a pond or lake, or in the sea, is a very

1. Play

a board game: this sounds so simple you can’t quite believe I’m recommending it! But a game like Monopoly or Cluedo, which children can play from a young age or can play in teams, is a genuinely bonding experience. Put those mobile phones and other devices way out of reach – yes, parents too – and concentrate on the game. And on one another.

8. Reorganise your family photos:

or in the garden, or out in the woods or on the beach, you’ll have loads of fun. Joint tasks like making a den together bring out teamworking skills and help you see one another’s hidden strengths. Once the den is built, do something wacky like having tea in it.

9. Borrow

2. Build a den: whether you do this indoors

3. fruit

picking: not only will you have a good time picking your favourite fruits and discovering new ones, you’ll also be setting up your next family project which will be making jams and chutneys or just a massive fruit salad to see you through the next few days.

4. Sleep under canvas: if you’re regular campers this one may be a bit too boring – but for families that haven’t camped before, even one night away can be a huge adventure. Alternatively, if you’ve a big enough garden and can borrow a tent from someone, just pitch it outside the back door on a warm evening and dig out your sleeping bags.

5. Cook

on a campfire: this is a perfect add-on to your camping adventure.

Get advice online about how to build your

meal (depending on their ages, they may need some help) while you put together an excitingly-laid table. It’s always good in a family to do things a different way round… everyone learns, and there’s plenty of fun to be had.

different experience from an indoor pool.

Children love it, and there are plenty of websites packed with ideas: but do check the one you’re heading for is family friendly.

these days, many families’ photographs remain in online galleries. They can be a great way of sharing pictures with relatives and friends – but there’s a huge amount of fun to be had from creating an old fashioned album together, when you relive past fun and remember what you enjoy most as a family. a dog for a weekend: if you have your own dog, this isn’t for you.

But if you’re not a dog-owning family, having one on loan for a few days can be a hugely rewarding experience. See www. borrowmydoggy.com

17. Have

18. Make

scrap

a big hill: this can be a mountain or a fairly small hill, depending on how old your children are. Enjoy helping one another to make the climb; your reward is the view from the top, and the picnic lunch you have up there!

11. Go

fishing: you can do this with a net in the rock pools at the beach, or in a stream or river inland. a snail: find some snails, and set up the course; place bets on which snail will win, and watch the action unfold.

13. Go

14. Hunt

family

journal

/

book: this can be a good

19. Fly

a kite: they’re cheap and easy to buy, or you can even make your own.

Read up on tips about how to fly them (www.thekitesociety.org); or if you’re really challenged and doubtful about your skills, seek out a master kiteflyer to help you learn (google kite flying lessons in your area). There’s nothing better than seeing your kite soar into the air, knowing you’ve pulled together as a family to make it happen.

star-gazing: find a place where

the sky is open, ideally away from too many artificial lights; do some research beforehand so you know what to look for, and when you get a clear evening, head off in search of the North Star, Saturn and the Plough. Take a blanket with you so everyone can lie down and look up, which makes it more relaxing.

a

project for a fixed amount of time, like a family holiday or a school holiday. Like a talent show, everyone needs to contribute something. Theme the book to the holiday you’re on or the season you’re in, and invite ideas on descriptions of where you are, reviews of local pubs or restaurants, accounts of days out or activities, book reviews or accounts of favourite ways to spend time together as a family. Writers can write, artists can draw. You’ll keep this book forever; it will be a snapshot of your family in a certain place, at a certain time.

10. Climb

12. Race

a family talent show:

this is a good one when you have another family or relatives visiting. Everyone has to do a turn; no wriggling out allowed, however shy the mums and dads are.

Allow time for rehearsing, and have one person double up as a compere.

Reciting a poem, singing a song, doing a mime, dancing, playing an instrument… everyone has a talent to share.

20. Go

birdwatching: you don’t need to know anything about birds to enjoy watching them, but if you go to a birdwatching sanctuary or wetlands centre you’ll learn loads. Being in a shelter makes birdwatching more fun and should in theory mean you see more interesting birds. Take your binoculars, and get the children to draw pictures of the birds they see. For more information see www.wwt.org.uk

for

treasure/bones:

beaches can be great places for this, or look online to see if there are any ‘treasure troves’ near you.

summerholiday

is summer you to try out th r fo es ac pl t me grea ed a change We’ve found so home or just ne at s ea id of t run ou to add things so when you’ve nd. We’ve tried ha to t lis r ou ep of scenery, ke athers! dgets – and we bu , es st ta l al for

FREE

things to do...

Be sure to check out our new ‘What’s On’ at www.families.voy.co.uk as we’ll be updating regularly there too.

(– or almost )

You may have to pay to park but other than that, these things cost next to nothing.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

A superb day out combining culture & exercise. Take a picnic and stay all day and enjoy works by Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and this summer you’ll find work by Ursula von Rydingsvard and Roger Hiorns.

Enjoy a long walk round the lake or play hide & seek in the woods. Admission is free but there is a parking charge which helps support everything they do.

Bolton Abbey Estate

Bolton Abbey is the perfect place to do as much or as little as you like. From a brisk walk across the moor, a fun day for all the family at an organised event, a little retail therapy and afternoon tea with friends or a private moment of tranquillity. Admission to Bolton Abbey £8 per vehicle which includes all passengers. 01756 718000 www.boltonabbey.com

National Railway Museum

Admission to the NRM itself is free and there’s something for everyone including an adventure playground, steam rides, science shows and storytelling. Throughout the holidays you’ll be able to get involved in various activities at the museum.

0870 421 4001 www.nrm.org.uk

Geocaching Geocaching is a real-world

10am as possible as the underground tour is often fully booked by this time. Under 5s not allowed underground. Admission to the Museum, including car parking, is FREE. Open 10.00 am - 5.00 pm with regular tours running until 3.15pm. 01924 848806 www.ncm.org.uk

The Beach

Not one of the big resorts where you’ll be tempted into amusement arcades. Try one outdoor treasure hunting game. Players of the smaller, less commercial coastal try to locate hidden containers, called retreats such as Fraisthorpe. geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. There’ll almost definitely be some hidden near you – wherever you are. www.geocaching.com W for A fun and educational tennis OOK NOoliday & National Coal Mining B mer h E m E play and skills programme forsu Fn tR erm time classe Museum For England The children from 2-8 years old autumTRIAOLN s museum is a unique collection of buildings, displays and activities that reveal the hidden world of mining through the centuries, telling the stories of mining methods and machinery, the miners and their families. Arrive as close to

Classes across Harrogate, Wetherby & York

LESS

Call Caroline on 07843 342662 /caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk for Harrogate & Wetherby classes or Ben Walker on 07933 026 956 for York classes.

www.tennistykes.co.uk

Summer Adventure At PigletS FArm PArk to la the su unch seaso mmer introd n we uce...

FAt WAter mAt’S WArS circuS new for this Summer! everyday from tuesday 22nd everyday July til Sunday throughout 27th July the Summer Holidays, crazy upside 19th July til down Juggling, 31st August death defying stunts and Soak your amazing friends with acrobatics all water bomb in the giant wars!

Pink Big top.

Pig tHe rAcing mAize mAze everyday throughout the Summer Holidays, 19th July til 31st August

On your marks get set Oink!

Watch ‘lester piglet’, ‘Against all Hogs’ and all our other porcine racers take on the ‘Pork-shire Hurdle’.

Open everyday throughout the Summer Holidays, 19th July til 31st August complete the maze mission by successfully navigating your way through our tricky maize maze.

Plus all the usual farm park fun... Pedal go karts / Farmyard trail / ride-On tractors / trailer ride / Barrel train / Big Pigs Bouncing Pillow / giant Sandpit / Piglets Pillow / Animal Petting Barn / crazy Farm golf / Olym-Pigs Assault course Piglets Adventure Farm Park, towthorpe grange, York, YO32 9St / tel 01904 499183 / www.pigletsfarmpark.co.uk

summer holiday fun

Hall h g u o r b g in Ben & Gardens - an award-winning day out

Fancy hanging out at Beningbrough this summer? You can choose to begin your adventures either inside or outside, or even upside down in the Wilderness play area!

Inside the Hall, the whole of the top floor is an interactive gallery where you can learn about portraits while having fun. There’s dressing up, puzzles, and even your own unique virtual portrait to be made: your face superimposed onto an 18th-century painting. Pose alone or as a Georgian family group.

Follow the Clarence the Corgi trail to discover the portraits in the Royals: then and now display. This famous royal companion will introduce you to kings, queens, princes and princesses. The display is in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery and features work by internationally renowned artists and photographers – you can follow Clarence’s trail both indoors and out.

For letting off steam, the south lawn to the rear of the Hall is ideal for games and a good old run around. Then you can follow the path through the trees to discover the Wilderness play area, with its wooden fort, pirate boat, swings and slides. There’s a new den building zone for the inventive, and a cantilever swing for the adventurous.

And while you’re outside getting close to nature you could also tick off some of the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 and ¾’; ‘climb a tree’, ‘discover what’s in a pond’ and ‘find a geocache’ are just a few of the possibilities.

As well as galleries and gardens, there are 80 acres of parkland at Beningbrough, including woodland and riverside - great for cycle rides and wildlife spotting, and for generally hanging out this summer!

For details of family art workshops which run throughout summer, and other special events, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough.

Stockeld Park Summer Adventure

Piglets Adventure Farm Park

To launch the summer season Piglets have some fabulous activities on offer:

Fat Mat’s Circus will take place everyday from Tuesday 22nd July - Sunday 27th July. See crazy upside down juggling, death defying stunts and amazing acrobatics all in the giant Pink Big top.

Water Wars is new for this summer! Everyday throughout the Summer Holidays, 19th July - 31st August. Soak your friends with water bomb wars!

Pig Racing - everyday throughout the Summer Holidays, 19th July - 31st August. On your marks get set Oink! Watch ‘Lester piglet’, ‘Against all Hogs’ and all the other porcine racers take on the ‘Pork-shire Hurdle’.

The Maize Maze is open everyday throughout the Summer Holidays, 19th July - 31st August.

Complete the maze mission by successfully navigating your way through the tricky maize maze.

As well as these you’ll also find loads of other things do including tractor & trailer rides, a sandpit, bouncing pillows, a nature trail, crazy golf, go karts and a football zone. And that’s all before you see the animals! You’ll find lots out in the paddocks and in the animal barn you can see rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks, kunekune pigs and more.

They also have a fabulous café and shop for refuelling! Child £6.95, Adult £5.95, Concessions £4.95, Family £24, Under 1s Free Piglets Adventure Farm Park, Towthorpe grange, York, YO32 9ST

tel: 01904 499183 www.pigletsfarmpark.co.uk

Stockeld Park hosts its Summer Adventure season

Stockeld Park is open again this summer and as always lots of fun is to be expected…

Why not explore the Enchanted Forest in the sunshine and discover the host of new coves and camps that lay behind the undergrowth? Head off to the Teepee Encampment to hide amongst the tents and high slides and after that you can take on the Tangle Tree Climb that’s at the end of the woodland trail.

For some seaside adventure this Summer, there’s Woodsands Cove – a giant sandpit housing a couple of abandoned ships for your pint sized pirate to lay claim to. At the edge of the forest sits Farmer Foster’s Barnyard – a superb wooden playground equipped with giant wooden tractors, a train and hidden tunnels to explore.

There’s also roller-skating, go-karting and the chance to explore the grounds on an electric scooter. After all that, everyone will certainly have earned an ice cream at the new parlour in the heart of beautiful Stockeld. The perfect Summer adventure!

Open daily from 10am-6pm from 19 July – 1 Sept. Open until 8pm on a Saturday for the weekly roller disco. Season cards available.

www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Swimming Lessons

Singing Dancing Skipping Hopping Music Instruments Colours Numbers Balance Confidence Coordination Interaction Fun Certificates To find out where your local classes are contact...

Tadcaster/York Area: T: 07541 811354 E: kat.turnbull@kids2dance.co.uk Selby Area: T: 07591 621636 E: Julia.horn@kids2dance.co.uk www.kids2dance.co.uk

12 Families

Vale of York

All Ages and Abilities Group Lessons One to One Lessons Summer Crash Courses Lessons Local to you

Call Debbie or Ray: 01757 247047 Email: d.feeney@swimtime.org Learn to swim, be safe, have fun!

w

ww

r

g

Our dance and movement classes are a great introduction to physical exercise for kids from walking to 4 years

• • • • •

.s w im ti m e . o

Diggerland e York Maz ‘Get lost’ this summer at York Maze, one of the largest mazes in the world, and winner of many awards including Yorkshire’s Best Tourism Experience Open daily Sat 12 July – Mon 1 September 10am – 6.30pm (last admission 4.30pm) York Maze is an amazing family day out with over 20 rides, attractions and shows including the Crowmania Tractor Trailer Ride and Kernel Kernel’s House of Cornfusion where rooms magically begin to shrink, fall over, and even turn upside down. New for 2014 enter the Mineshaft Maze, a mind-bending mix of tunnels, bridges, walkways and secret chambers!

Special Events: 19 July: Kernel Kernel’s Birthday 26 July: Mad Hat Day 1 Aug: Yorkshire Day 9 Aug: World Sweetcorn Eating Championships & Festival 16 Aug: Beach party & barbeque 31 Aug: Dog Day York Maze, Elvington Lane (B1228), York, YO19 5LT (just off the A1079 Hull Road).

Tel: 01904 607341 www.yorkmaze.co.uk

Cawood Craft Festival

20% off with Families

see voucher on p5

Diggerland is the Ultimate Adventure Park experience where children and adults can ride and drive REAL full size construction machinery – it’s the perfect place to go for an action packed day out!

For the ultimate adrenaline rush take a ride on Spindizzy or test your driving skills on the dumper trucks. Want some real JCB experience? Try out your excavating skills with a 6 tonne Digger, drive a monster JCB 3CX, or take five and enjoy the views 50ft in the air from the Sky Shuttle.

There is plenty of free parking, disabled access and picnic areas and as well as the Diggerland rides and drives there are activities for children of all ages which include indoor play areas, and computer digger games.

Pay on the day admission prices for 2014: Children under 90cm enter Diggerland free of charge.

Adults and children over 90cm pay £19.95 per person to enter Diggerland.

Over 65’s pay £9.95 to enter Diggerland.

These prices include unlimited rides and drives throughout the day (excludes coin-ops and dodgems).

Before you head out be sure to cut out the voucher on P5 and you’ll save 20% on your day out right up to the end of September.

Height restrictions do apply on most rides – be sure to check these out before you go.

For more information visit : www.diggerland.com or find them on Facebook & Twitter.

...Fantastic for Families

23,24 & 25 Aug Cawood Festival takes place across the village of Cawood, (including Cawood Caravan Park) and with a free shuttle bus running between the centre of the village and the caravan park, f amilies can enjoy three days of fun. With craft demonstrations and competitions, craft stalls, vintage cars, live bands, local produce and a wide variety of activities and entertainment there’s plenty to keep the whole family happy.

As always the festival showcases traditional arts and artisan crafts, including clothes, bags, jewellery, woodwork, gifts, workshops, glasswork, tapestry, pictures and toys. And as ever local stall holders will tickle your tastebuds with local cheeses, honey, ice-cream, meats, preserves, chutneys and traditional sweets.

Animal lovers can enjoy the popular dog show (1pm, Sunday 24th August) at Cawood Primary School.

The vicarage gardens will play host to a full weekend of music, dance and drama, including country, pop, rock and a covers band. After enjoying all the activities and stalls on offer, you can sit back, relax and watch the world go by whilst you enjoy a glass or two of wine or microbrewery beer from the bar.

Parking is free and under 16’s get in free too.

For further information log on to www.cawoodcraftfestival.co.uk

“Professional,

Summer Camps The Little Gym Harrogate

reliable childcare

21st July – 31st August 2014 For children aged 3-12 years

from Bright

During the school holidays, rain or shine, The Little Gym’s 3 hour OFSTED registered camps provide children with a fabulous variety of fun, activity, learning and creativity.

Beginnings” Qualified Nannies Maternity Practitioners Nursery Staff Mobile Creches Babysitting Parent helpers

The Little Gym Harrogate • 1 Cardale Park Harrogate HG3 1RY • 01423 701560 harrogate@thelittlegym.eu www.thelittlegym.co.uk

Tel: 01904 691698 or 0782 333 2627 Email: info@bbchildcareuk .com www.bb-childcare.co.uk

Families Vale of York

13

summer holiday fun The Library – Summer Reading Challenge

Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the long summer holidays. The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps gets three quarters of a million children into libraries to keep up their reading skills and confidence.

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six books during the long summer holiday.

There is a different theme each year.

Children can read whatever they like - fact books, joke books, picture books, audio books - just as long as they are borrowed from the library.

Every time children finish a book they get stickers and rewards and there’s a certificate for everyone who finishes.

The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all school children and is designed for all reading abilities. Schools work with local libraries and give out information to encourage children to take part, and most libraries run Summer Reading Challenge linked early years activity for pre-schoolers.

The theme for the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge is Mythical Maze. Visit your local library or www.readingagency.org.uk for more information.

Great Value

Duncombe Park

Gardens, parkland centre, tearoom & shop & parkland walks open 10.30am - 5.00pm Sunday to Friday until the end of August (closed Saturdays). Gardens and parkland, adults £5.00, concessions £4.50, child under 5 years FREE, child aged 5 to 16 years £3.00 www.duncombepark.com

Cannon Hall Farm

Cannon Hall Farm is an award winning working farm set in the rolling Pennine hills.

You’ll find Lambs, piglets, goats, llamas, rabbits and many more animals to pet & feed. Deli, tea rooms, huge picnic area and truly fabulous adventure playground. You can spend the whole day there - and at least an hour watching the children get lost in the tube maze! A great day out. Open 10.30am - 5pm. Adults & Children £6.95, concessions £6.50. Under 3 free. www.cannonhallfarm.co.uk

Lotherton Hall Lotherton Hall is a charming Edwardian house and country estate and you’ll find something there for everyone to enjoy. From the country house to the bird garden, the gardens and exhibitions, the shop and stables to the woodland walks and playgrounds you can easily enjoy a whole day with the family.

New this year are twin zip wires in the woodland play area and a great family interactive area in the house.

Adults £5, Children £4, Families £15. www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries

Honeysuckle Farm

Animals, cart rides, farm trail, milking, playbarn, fort. Enjoy ice cream made on the farm too. Adults £4.25, Seniors £3.75, Children (Age 3-15) £3.75, 2 and under FREE. Hornsea www.honeysucklefarm.co.uk

Temple Newsam & Temple Newsam Farm

Most weekends and during school holidays activities and demonstrations will be happening around Home Farm. During the summer the farm is open from 10.00 - 5.00 Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays & occasional events. House: Adult £4.50, child £2.50, Farm: £3.50 & £2.20 Combined: £7.00 & £3.80. Under 5s Free.

Parking charges apply. www.leeds.gov.uk/templenewsam

Rainy Days

York Castle Museum

Plenty of activities going on all summer with a ‘Joining Up’ experience every day. You’ll be able to meet the Recruitment Officer and find out if you have what it takes to join the volunteer army in 1914. Special drill sessions will take place at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, & 3pm.

Coded communications will also happen each day and on Thursdays & Fridays you’ll be able to drop in for Morse Code workshops. 01904 687687 www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Magna

A fabulous way to spend a rainy day explore the four pavilions of Air, Earth, Water & Fire. There’s loads to see and do and you can easily spend four hours enjoying the indoor pavilions & multimedia shows.

On dry days there’s an outdoor play area SciTek and on warm days there’s Aqua-Tekfor which you’ll need a towel & change of clothes. Open every day 10.00am – 5.00pm throughout the holidays. www.visitmagna.co.uk

The Deep

Award-winning visitor attraction which is home to over 3,500 fish including spectacular sharks and rays – making it the perfect family day out.

Open daily 10am – 6pm www.thedeep.co.uk

Hesketh Farm Park

Plenty of indoor fun to be had on a rainy day including animal handling & feeding, play area, straw maze, pedal tractors as well as outdoor activities including swings, an adventure trail, spider’s net, diggers & pedal go-Karts. Great on fine days too! Open 10am – 5pm Tues – Sun. Adults £5, children £5.50, under 2s £2.50, under 1s FREE. Closed Mondays Bolton Abbey, Skipton www.heskethfarmpark.co.uk

Children’s Parties

at Ashville College, Harrogate

• • • • • • • • •

Hall hire & catering options Dedicated party co-ordinator Pool parties Football parties Roller Disco parties Face painting Bouncy Castle Enjoy-a-ball activities Peppa Pig lookalike appearances Contact our events team on 01423 724 827 or email parties@ashville.co.uk Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP www.ashvilletrading.co.uk

14 Families

Vale of York

Open up the world for your child with our Montessori nurseries.

Outstanding care and education to inspire and guide each individual child.

Tel: Fulford 01904 642666 or Tel: Strensall 01904 490339

www.yorkmontessori.com

ent Something Differ The Forbidden Corner

The Forbidden Corner is a great place for a family visit. Visitors follow clues to find such places as the temple of the underworld, the eye of the needle, a huge pyramid made of translucent glass as well as paths and passages that lead nowhere. Admission is only by booking.

The Tupgill Park Estate, Coverdale, Middleham, Leyburn 01969 640638 www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk

Cycle The Solar System

Starting at either the Sun (close to York College campus) or Pluto (at the Greyhound Pub, Riccall) you can cycle part of the Trans Pennine Trail between York and Selby whilst learning all about the solar system. Planets are laid out along 10km of old railway track at a 576 million to 1 scale so that you can appreciate in a physical way just how close they are to each other and their relative size.

Treasure Hunting

Hunt Fun has treasure hunts in over 240 locations across the country that the whole family will enjoy.

The hunts encourage families to explore a local area, unearthing hidden historical gems they might ordinarily have walked right past.

They include everything you need – directions, clues and a map. They take about two hours to complete but if you want to make a day of it, just stop off for a bite of lunch or stop in at some attractions en route.

There are hunts all across our region including York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Strensall, Selby, Knaresborough - and many more.

The hunts start from just £4.99 plus postage for a black & white printed hunt, £6.99 plus postage for a colour printed hunt or can be downloaded from £7 depending on the number of participants.

They can also be personalised to make your family day out even more special.

Go to www.huntfun.co.uk for more information

www.york.ac.uk/solar

Families Vale of York

15

Tips for

with Kids

www.shutterstock.com/racorn

Long Car Journeys

by JW Patrick

The key to successful long car journeys with kids is to think of it as part of your holiday and make sure you all enjoy it. This is a chance to spend family time together, to talk, to share each other’s music, to see new things and to visit new places and forge great memories. Every time you complete a journey that is actually fun for the children, the easier it will be to sell them on the idea next time.

Our family regularly drives long daistances with the children and much prefer it to flying.

Tantrums, spills, accidents and illness are so much more easily handled in a confined, (and sound-proofed) car than when stuck in a long queue of tense fellow travelers.

Our last two summers involved approximately 4000 mile road trips around Europe and the kids had a fantastic time though it has to be said, the back seat of the car has never really recovered.

Comedian Sean Lock says that his car doesn’t require child seats anymore as the rear seats are so sticky the kids are effectively glued down!

Top Ten Tips for Long Car Journeys with Kids.

1.

Treat the car journey as the start of your holiday (and not a chore).Make sure it is fun for the kids and as stressfree as possible for mum and dad.

Eliminate as much time related stress as possible. In other words, try not to have a ferry crossing booked at the end of a 7 hour car drive. If you can, overnight near the terminal. Otherwise every single contraflow will stress you out, right from the start of your trip. If there’s no rush to get where you are going, there’s no need to get stressed about traffic or roadworks. Remember your holiday has already started.

Charge up your screens & other gadgets. Buy or borrow at least one portable DVD player, Nintendo or iPod etc. Ensure every gadget is charged ahead of travelling and that you have enough travel leads and multi adaptors for everyone to use the 12v cigarette lighter socket. Obviously you don’t want the kids plugged in to screens for too long as they’ll never see where they have been. So ration their screen time and use it as a tool for rewarding good behaviour if necessary.

Take regular breaks. Break up your journey regularly with picnics, walks and play areas. Fresh air and a runaround for the kids plus a power nap for the driver reduces stress all round. If budget allows, an overnight hotel with a pool gives the kids something to look forward to and burns off energy before bed time.

2.

3.

4.

5. Buy some journey presents (these 8.

could be called bribes).

Buy some small presents, like Christmas stocking fillers, and wrap them up for the journey. Action figures, crayons, DVDs etc. Ensure they see the bag full of presents beforehand. You can then award a present (bribe) for milestones or legs of the trip achieved without arguing, fighting or tantrums. This encourages and rewards good behaviour as well as keeping them entertained for the next leg of the journey.

Stock up with snacks. OK, your back seat upholstery will take a bit of a hammering but snacks are so, so important. Pack a snack bag that can be pulled out when you sense that their attention and patience may be waning.

Play games and quizzes. Kids have you all to themselves for once (and vice versa) so why not take advantage? 50 Games to Play in Cars is good. Our favourite is this number plate game: Take the letters from the number plate of the car in front of you and make up a proper sentence. Score points and prizes for cleverest or funniest etc.

Nowadays, you can buy all sorts of spotter charts for particular landmarks and vehicles for the children to look out for. Car journeys are also a good opportunity to test their spelling and maths ability. There are no distractions (for either of you) and they often enjoy this time, knowing you are not secretly checking your emails or texts.

6.

7.

Travel in convoy, if possible.

If you’re holidaying with friends or grandparents then, if possible, travel in convoy. It makes such a difference for them to see a new friend or face when you stop and gives them something else to look forward to.

Stock up on essentials such as baby wipes and water. Lots of baby wipes are a must. As well as bottles of drinking water, we keep several big jerrycans of 5 and 10 litres of water in the boot, pretty much permanently.

Sooner or later you’ll be thankful you did too. (Spills, puke, poo, sand, mud etc.) We also keep a roll of black bin bags in the boot as sometimes a complete set of clothing or shoes needs separated from everything else until such time it can be dealt with properly.

Involve them in navigation. We have a map and a globe that the kids can place stickers on once they have visited those places. Take with you a map or two and buy a couple of packets of ‘organiser’ sticky dots, one colour for each child. Tell them where they are heading to, where they are staying next, or are passing though and award them coloured dots to place on the map for whoever sees the town/sea/river first. If you have SatNav, you’ll notice how quickly they fathom the concept of the map and soon become aware of how long it takes to travel from town to town.

9.

10.

www.popsicleparties.co.uk

Mobile Nail Technician CND Shellac & Harmony Gelish Luxury manicures & pedicures Pamper parties & childrens 'sparkle' parties victoria.brigham@gmail.com

Ta i l o r-m ad e p arti es i n m ag i cal them ed setti n g s Quote:POPFAM14 when booking for your special offer

16 Families

Vale of York

Fully Insured

07748 767656

camps

& activity days

If you’re looking for activities over the summer, here’s a selection of the best of what’s going on.

sports & activities SUPER CAMPS

Multi-Activity Camps Camps are for children aged 4-14.

They are action packed and full of variety with over 40 activities on offer (sports, arts & crafts). Instructors are experienced and enthusiastic. You can book individual days or full weeks.

St Peter’s School, York 14 July – 8 Aug & 18- 22 Aug Ashville College, Harrogate 28 July - 22 Aug A Passion For… Holiday Workshops for children aged 6-14. These workshops give children the chance to explore and develop in a specific activity. Children can follow their passion or discover a new one! The workshops are led by specialist leaders.

St Peter’s School, York 4 – 8 Aug Arts & Crafts 18 -22 Aug Invention Ashville College, Harrogate 28 July - 1 Aug Invention RAW Adventure Camps For children aged 7-14 these five day courses give your child the opportunity to explore and discover survival skills in the outdoors. Activities include building a survival kit, wild bug hunt, map making, trap making, wilderness cooking and many more!

Ashville College, Harrogate 28 July – 1 Aug Book now at www.supercamps. co.uk or call 01235 832222

SWIMTIME

Swimtime Summer crash courses will be available throughout August and are available in a block of 5 consecutive 30 minute lessons from Monday - Friday. Book two courses and Save. Classes will take place in Selby, York and Skipton. Caters for any age, level & ability. For more details & to book contact Swimtime on 01757 247047 or 077308 86436 or d.feeney@swimtime.org www. swimtime.org

FLUTTERBABIES SWIMMING & YOGA

Flutterbabies is running a summer baby swimming course starting 14th July at the Quality Hotel Leeds Selby Fork. They also have baby yoga classes running at Mumspace in Mothercare Leeds over the summer with the course starting on Wednesday 16th July at 10.00 am and 11.15 am.

Contact Samantha on 07768 538527 or Samantha@flutterbabies.co.uk to book.

SAMBARCA FOOTBALL SCHOOLS Summer Holiday course will provide your children with the opportunity to

learn lots of new skills. Teachers ensure children enjoy the week using small sided games, penalty shoot-outs, kick up challenges and the course finishes with a mini World Cup Tournament.

Sambarca will be running 3 Holiday Courses: 4 - 8 Aug, 9.30 - 12.30 for children aged 8 - 12 years.

4 - 8 Aug, 13.30 - 16.30 for children aged 6 - 8 years.

11 - 15 Aug, 9.30 - 12.30 for children aged 8 - 12 years.

All courses running at Osbaldwick Primary School. Course costs £15 per day and £60 for the week.

Tennis Tykes

Harrogate Kidsplay 24 July, 7 Aug, 14 Aug 10 -10.45am & 10.45 – 11.30am 2-4 year olds. Free soft play before or after the class.

Ripley Town Hall / Tennis Court 24 July, 7 Aug, 14 Aug 1 – 2.30pm 5 – 8 year olds York The Poppleton Centre 24, 25 July, 4, 6 Aug 9.15 – 10am 2-4 year olds Wigginton Recreation Hall 12, 14 Aug 9 – 9.45am 2-4 year olds Wigginton Tennis Club 5-8 Year olds - contact Ben, see below.

Short classes are £6 and longer ones £12. All classes focus on tennis with other fun activities too.

For Harrogate classes call Caroline on 07843 342 662 or for York classes call Ben on 07933 026 956 www. tennistykes. co.uk

The Little Gym Harrogate

Six weeks of classes & camps will take place at The Little Gym Harrogate. Classes cont inue the school holidays, so why not book throughout a FREE introductory visit! Alongside classes they also offer 3hr OFSTED registered holiday cam ps for 3-12yr olds, providing children with a fabu lous of fun activities, inspired learning and variety creativity. Themed sessions chan every week to stimulate physical and ge motor skill development with games, gymnastics and creative workshop s, all in the care of a highly qualified and dedicated team of instructors. Holid ay flexible registration is available. Choo camps run alongside weekly classes; se as many weeks and days as you to suit your holiday plans. Limited like plac classes and holiday camps. Call to es are available in both Summer Term book a FREE trial or reserve a plac e.

01423 701560 harrogate@thelittl egym.eu www.thelittlegym.eu/ha rrogate

ACTIVATE SPORT SUMMER ACTIVITY CAMPS

KINGS SUMMER CAMPS

York & Harrogate King’s Camps provide children’s activity camps during the school holidays. The camps take place in ASHVILLE COLLEGE, HARROGATE surroundings of the best schools & universities & here in North Yorkshire 28 July-1 Aug Andrew Flintoff you’ll find them at The Mount School Cricket Academy & Harrogate Ladies’ College as well as 18-20 Aug International Netball at Hymer’s College, Hull this summer.

Roadshow For children aged 3+yrs (pre-schoolers can attend for 4 hours a day) & offering 27-29 Aug Hockey Masterclass YORK SPORT @ UNIVERSITY OF YORK over 30 different sports & activities, there’s something for everyone & 28 July - 1 Aug Multi Sport & activities run both daily & weekly.

Activity with Performing Arts King’s Camps are part of the King’s Foundation, a not for profit registered 4-8 Aug Multi Sport & Activity charity & is also a registered day-care 11-15 Aug Gold Medal Academy provider. They will accept childcare vouchers as full or part payment.

18 – 22 Aug Multi Sport & Activity www.kingscamps.org with American Allstars 0114 263 2160 www.activatesport.co.uk Multi sport & activity academies for ages 5-16 including cricket, netball, rugby & more.

10% OFF

ALL CLIMBING THIS SUMMER WITH HARROGATE CLIMBING CENTRE

Why not try something fun and different this summer? Climbing is an activity all the family can do together – whatever the weather!

Harrogate Climbing Centre will have daily children’s sessions this summer and will be running new Monday Camps & outdoor climbing sessions. What’s more - if you quote FAM01 when booking you can enjoy 10% off your booking on all these sessions below.

Summer Day Camps

Every day of the Summer holidays 28 July, 14 Aug & 28 Aug 28th July - 31st Aug Kids Outdoor Climbing Days Brimham Rocks Daily Kids Club Sessions £50 per child for 10am-4pm Harrogate Climbing Centre climbing and activity day.

Little Monkeys sessions for 5 & 2 Aug, 17 Aug 6 year olds, daily from 10.30amFamily Outdoor Climbing Days An action-packed mixture of 11.30am. £8 per person Brimham Rocks climbing, abseiling , games & lots For families wanting to explore the of fun! Lunch can be provided by Rock Its sessions for 7-11 year the Indulge Café for £3.50 or take a olds, daily from 10.00am-11.30am. great outdoors together. £35 per £11 per person person, min 1 adult & 1 child. 10ampacked lunch. Cost £35 per day.

4pm climbing & activity day.

28th July-25th Aug Every Monday through the Summer holidays Harrogate Climbing Centre 9.30am to 3.00pm

www.harrogateclimbingcentre.com

Families Vale of York

17

Enjoy-a-Ball Summer Camp 23,24,29,30 & 31 July 9:30am-3:30pm Ashville College, Harrogate Burn off excess energy & learn some great skills in the process. Each day children will be placed into similar age groups & rotated through a programme playing sports, active games and arts & crafts. All sports done outside if the weather is good and inside if it is bad. £20 per day. To book call Lesley on 07789861108

Performing Arts & Creative STAGECOACH SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

Stagecoach York Archbishop Holgate’s School, Hull Road, York 28 July-1 Aug Stagecoach York will be running two workshops during this week: For 6-18 year olds “Ogre-licious” is a tribute to lovable ogres everywhere, and timed to coincide with the first national tour of Shrek the Musical which opens in Leeds in July.

Stagecoach York student Mabel Carrington has won the part of Young Fiona in the tour and will be appearing in the professional show this summer in Leeds. 10am – 4pm each day.

Four to six year olds will be performing “Cinderella” with sparkle and glitz for all, led by an experienced team of friendly and energetic DBS checked teachers. 9.45 – 12.30 each day.

Stagecoach York workshops start from £75 for the week and are a fantastic way to have fun, build confidence, learn new performance skills and make new friends. No experience is necessary. The students will build up to a performance to family and friends at the end of the week. It’s a great

STOCKELD

way to start off the summer holidays and friends at 6pm on Friday evening! of the week. Students will learn and who knows where it will lead! The workshops are open to anyone, dances to perform in both shows To enrol ring 01904 672662 or go boys and girls aged 4 -18 regardless of to friends and family. Children will online www.stagecoach.co.uk/york. experience or ability. A show from page have the opportunity to participate to stage in just five days! in the shows, costumes provided, Stagecoach Harrogate and their hair & make-up done.

Workshop Information: 11- 15 Aug Stagecoach Harrogate PRICES: £50 for 2-5 yr olds,£65 for JUNIORS: (4-6 years) -9.30am till will be running two workshops 6yrs upwards. For more info email: 12pm Mon-Fri £75/£60 Siblings during this week: principal@enpointeyork.co.uk For 8-18 year olds “All for One” will be SENIORS: (7-16 years) - 10am till www.EnPointeYork.co.uk an adventurous musical extravaganza 4pm Mon-Thurs (7.15pm Friday) £120 / £85 siblings based on The Thee Musketeers. 10.30 Butterfly Dance Studios, – 4.00 each day.

Call 0113 2103 505 to reserve a place. Goole For 4-7 year olds “Rapunzel and EN POINTE CLASSICAL DANCE Summer School Friends” will keep younger children SCHOOL busy each day from 10am – 1pm.

Poppleton Road Memorial Hall, Holgate 4 – 8 Aug Five day action-packed course full of dancing, singing & Stagecoach Harrogate Holiday 5-9 Aug Attend a five day Summer acting. Ages 5 – 21 with performance workshops are open to all current and school taught by a highly trained at the end of the week. non-stagecoach students. The week- professional dancer and experienced www.butterflydancestudios.co.uk long camps are packed full of singing, teacher, participating in two ballet 01405 780626 dancing and acting and are based performance shows at the end around a central theme where each child will have a character to build and play. Parts will be allocated based on the child’s agegroup and ability. The workshops include lots of singing, dancing, acting and everybody gets a part with plenty to learn everyday for the final performance.

Call 01423 771138 or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/ Bushbabies Woodland Adventures harrogate for more details. provides educational programmes Stagecoach Wetherby, for parents and children and is run by Leeds, Kippax & Selby Brigshaw High School, Brigshaw Adam Dove who has over 10 years’ Lane, Allerton Bywater experience in outdoor education: 18 – 22 Aug Wizard Of Oz “If you enjoy the outdoors then we have a programme for you,” says Adam.

Filled with dance, drama and “As well as working with children we can help parents learn some fun ideas, singing this fun summer school promises to be an action packed activities, and games to use in adventures of their own. We use a large week for everyone and every child teepee with a wood burning stove which keeps us warm and sheltered even will be given a part suitable to on the coldest and wettest of days. There we cook all sorts of treats like their age and ability. Stagecoach popping popcorn and toasting marshamallows, washed down with a lovely Holiday Workshops are a week organic hot chocolate on the campfire.” long fun packed activity! Students begin rehearsing at 10am on “For the older groups we focus on surviving in the woods and as always with Monday morning, and present every session we have lots of fun. Suitable for any budding Bear Grylls, we their finished production to family will be putting our hands to shelter- building, tool using, fire lighting, tracking

BUSHBABIES - WOODLAND ADVENTURES

PARK

Where magic is made & adventures

begin

and many games and activities to stimulate the most active of imaginations.”

Adam is once again running a series of summer activity days for children ages 2-6 and 5+.

Any children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult and all sessions include toasted marshmallows, popcorn and hot chocolate.

www.bushbabies-woodlandadventures.co.uk York sessions at Jollydays Luxury Camping

Fab family Summer Adventures

Open daily 19th July - 1st Sept

Great family days out for every season Outdoor fun & indoor play Stockeld Park is perfectly located between Harrogate & Leeds.

Sat Nav: LS22 4AN T: 01937 586333 Also open 5th & 6th July - French Cycle Festival with Giant Screen

www.stockeldpark.co.uk

26th July 2-6yrs 10.30am - 12.00 £8 5yrs + Mini survival skills 1.30 - 3.30pm £10 27th July 2-6yrs 10.30am - 12.00 £8 5yrs + Mini survival skills, 1.30 - 3.30pm £10 31st July 5yrs + Bow & Arrow making, 1pm - 2.30pm, £9 - includes your own bow & arrow 7th Aug 2-6yrs 10.30am - 12.00 £8 5yrs + Bow & Arrow making, 1pm - 2.30pm, £9 - includes your own bow & arrow 9th Aug 2-6yrs 10.30am - 12.00 £8 5yrs + Bow & Arrow making, 1pm - 2.30pm, £9 -includes your own bow & arrow 14th Aug 2-6yrs 10.30am - 12.00 £8 5yrs + Bow & Arrow making, 1pm - 2.30pm, £9 - includes your own bow & arrow 16th Aug 2-6yrs 10.30am - 12.00 £8, 2-6yrs 1.30pm - 15.00 £8 21st Aug 2-6yrs 10.30am - 12.00 £8, 2-6yrs 1.30pm - 15.00 £8 23rd Aug 2-6yrs 10.30am - 12.00 £8 5yrs + Bow & Arrow making, 1pm - 2.30pm, £9 - includes your own bow & arrow 28th Aug 2-6yrs 10.30am - 12.00 £8 2-6yrs 1.30pm - 15.00 £8 6 - 11yrs 4pm - 5.30, Make and launch 2 different types of rockets and other skills £8

York sessions at Tadcaster Grammar School 29th July 2-6yrs 10am 11.30, £7.50, 2-6yrs 1pm - 2.30, £7.50 8yrs + 3pm - 5.30, Make and launch 2 different types of rockets and other skills, £8 5th Aug 2-6yrs 10am 11.30, Cost £7.50, 2-6yrs 1pm - 2.30, Cost £7.50, 8yrs + Bow and Arrow making, 3pm - 4.30pm, £9 - includes your own bow & arrow 12th Aug 2-6yrs 10am 11.30, Cost £7.50, 2-6yrs 1pm - 2.30, Cost £7.50, 8yrs + 3pm - 5.30, Make and launch 2 different types of rockets and other skills, £8 19th Aug 2-6yrs 10am 11.30, Cost £7.50, 2-6yrs 1pm - 2.30, Cost £7.50, 8yrs + Bow and Arrow making, 3pm - 4.30pm, £9 - includes your own bow & arrow

Pauline Quirke Academy, York

Huntington School, York

18 - 20 Aug 9.45AM – 3PM Summer Holiday Music Video School - 3 Day Music Video Course Working With Industry Professionals!

PQA York are running a 3 day music video course where students will be taught by professionals in the industry, working on the vocals and choreography for pop songs, before working with a professional recording studio to record the music and filming and editing their own music video. The students will be posted a copy of the music video on DVD when it is finished! For 6-18 year olds. £100 PQA STUDENTS / £120 NON PQA STUDENTS 18 - 20 AUG 9.45AM – 12 PM SUMMER HOLIDAY FROZEN ADVENTURE - 3 Day Frozen Themed Summer School PQA’s 3 day course for 3-5 year olds is based on the hit film “Frozen”. The students will embark on an imaginary adventure to the world of Frozen, meeting all the main characters from the film.

They will be learning musical numbers from the film, before performing them on the last day to friends and family!

For 3-5 year olds. £50 PQA STUDENTS / £60 NON PQA STUDENTS. To book a place contact James Aconley: james@pqacademy.com 07753 179070 www.pqacademy.com

WILD WOOD CHALLENGE

York Theatre Royal

5 - 30 Aug During the run of this year’s production of ‘The Wind in the Willows’, York Theatre Royal will be running one hour workshops where children can take the Wild Wood Challenge and learn the ways of a Wild Wooder. You can learn how to make something from nothing, how to spin a good yarn and how to repel a

weasel attack! If you prove yourself worthy you’ll join the merry band of Wild Wooders, unless you’re a badger of course, then you’ll be in the miserable band! Ages 7 -11.

Tickets are £5. www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

RHYTHM TIME Rhythm Time is running the following summer classes - 45 minutes, mixed ages, refreshments. £5 per child.

Kids can get fit this summer at The Academy New Graduate Programme for younger members

The Academy Health Club in Harrogate has released a new activity programme designed for their younger Mon 11th Aug 10.30 Green Hut, members.

HG2 0AS The Academy Graduate Programme was created to Tues 12th Aug 10.30 Elim guide its younger members through a programme of Church HG1 5LZ recreation, sport and fitness all the way through their childhood and teenage years and up until they can Weds 13th Aug 10.30 Green Hut, become an adult member.

HG2 0AS Classes range from crèche activities for 3-6 year olds, Thurs 14th Aug 10.30 Elim sports for 7-12 year olds and Teen Active and 13+ Church HG1 5LZ classes for teenagers. There are activities for every age group on most days of the week. The Academy also has Booking only as places are an exceptional swimming and mini tennis programme. limited. Call Lynne on 07789 895894 This term has also seen a new exercise class www.rhythmtime.net programme at The Academy Health Club. Eleven new classes have been added to the timetable due to the Kids2dance ever-increasing popularity of group exercise - more people are now participating in group exercise than Kids2dance will be running sessions ever before at The Academy. throughout the Summer at varying locations across, Goole, Selby, York Additional Keiser Cycle classes have been added to and Tadcaster. You won’t have the the timetable in the new dedicated studio as cycling hustle and bustle of queues, go along continues to gain popularity coming up to the summer. The Academy and have a fun high energy high has introduced a Cycling Gold class for its older members and a new impact dance and movement session Beginner’s class for new starters. with a fabulous teacher. The sessions Insanity is a completely new class developed from the successful are 45mins long and your first time is home workout DVD’s created by Beach Body. You can now FREE. participate in these classes on Mondays and Fridays at The Academy Contact Kat for Tadcaster, Wetherby – if you dare! and York areas on 07541811354 or Other additions include Les Mills Body Attack, Sh’bam, Body email kat.turnbull@kids2dance.co.uk Balance, Pilates, Boot camp and more.

Contact Julia for Goole, Selby and To view the timetable in its entirety visit surrounding areas on 07591621636 or www.theacademy.co.uk. email julia.horn@kids2dance.co.uk.

Full class details visit www.kids2dance.co.uk

Families Vale of York

19

what’s on in july/aug14

We’ve ordered everything according to start date – be sure to look

out for all the events which run for several weeks / weekends too.

And be sure to check before you set off. These were correct as we went to print but may have changed. Check if you need to book ahead too.

Every Day

4-6 July

5-6 July

9, 30 July, 13, 27 Aug

19 July

Penguin Feeding

Dare 2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling

Tour De France Celebration Weekend

Pushabout Clumber

Jazz on the Lawn

Harewood House You must be aged 10+. Price £10. www.harewood.org

Harewood House www.harewood.org

Throughout Aug

5 July

50 Things to do before you’re 11¾

Abba Tribute Band

Clumber Park Tick off lots of your 50 Things activities list-various activities throughout the month. www.nationaltrust. org.uk/clumber-park

Thorp Perrow www.thorpperrow.com 5 July

Stan & Mabel Cast castindoncaster.com

Until 2 Nov 11am-5pm

5-6 July

Royals: then & now

Cycling & French Festival

Beningbrough Hall & Gardens Contemporary display from the National Portrait Gallery including the first public viewing of Prince George’s christening portrait. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ beningbrough-hall Until 2 Nov 11am-5pm

Clarence the Corgi family trail Beningbrough Hall & Gardens Join Clarence the Corgi on a royal adventure around the hall & gardens following a brand new family trail created with the National Portrait Gallery. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ beningbrough-hall 3 July 6.30pm

Handlebards’ Macbeth Hardcastle Crags Gibson Mill Shakespeare’s dark tale of murder & ambition done differently-by four actors on bikes! www.nationaltrust. org.uk/hardcastle-crags

20 Families

Vale of York

Stockeld Park Get in the spirit of the ‘Tour’ with an early breakfast (available from 5am). As well playing in the Adventure Zones you will be able watch the race in relaxed style on a giant screen in the picnic field, whilst enjoying French food, treats & drinks.

The kids can soak up the atmosphere of the weekend by trying their hand at Unicycle training, or the ‘Likeabike’ balance course, take part in themed crafts, get a ‘cycle’ glitter tattoo & have their Faces Painted.

Stockeld will will also be screening the first on the ¼ finals of the World cup on their Giant screen on the Saturday night & the Wimbledon Final on the Sunday to make the most of an amazing sporting weekend.

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

The National Railway Museum As Yorkshire prepares for the arrival of the biggest sporting event in the world, have a go at riding a rail bike or watch the Grand Depart live on the big screen in Station Hall. There’ll also be a selection of rail bikes being demonstrated & adventurous visitors can even have a go at riding one! www.nrm.org.uk 7 July-7 Sept11am-5pm

Children’s Illustration Exhibition Nunnington Hall A firm favourite, as over the summer they showcase work from well-known children’s literature. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ nunnington-hall 8-10 July

Clumber Park A buggy walk around Clumber which lasts about an hour. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ clumber-park 11 July

Sense & Sensibility - Outdoor Theatre Helmsley Castle www.english-heritage.org. uk/daysout/properties/ helmsley-castle 12 July

The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe Harrogate Theatre www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk 12 July onwards

The York Maze www.yorkmaze.com 12-13 July

Cowboys & Vikings!

Murton Park www.murtonpark.co.uk

The Great Yorkshire Show

13 July 11am-4pm

The Great Yorkshire Showground www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

Lotherton Hall www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Lotherton-Hall.aspx

9 July 7.30pm

Edwardian Gala

A History of Britain

13 July

Thorp Perrow A historical, hysterical outdoor theatre event-a History of Britain as you’ve never seen - a breathless race through the centuries with Henry III, Queen Victoria & many other famous heads!! Suitable for all ages. Take a picnic & a chair. www.thorpperrow.com

Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre www.henshaws.org.uk

Craft Fair

13 July

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Ripley Castle www.ripleycastle.co.uk

Nostell Priory www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ nostell-priory 19-20 July

Roman Weekend Murton Park www.murtonpark.co.uk 19,26 July, 9,16,23,30 Aug

Skittles, Hoops & Whistles Brodsworth Hall & Gardens Tell the kids to leave their computer games & mobile phones at home, & let them get their hands on some traditional Edwardian games. www.english-heritage.org. uk/daysout/properties/ brodsworth-hall-and-gardens 19 July-31 Aug

Made by Me Eureka! www.eureka.org.uk 19 Jul - 31 Aug

The Medieval Armoury Clifford’s Tower Get to grips with helmets, shields, swords & a whole host of lethal weaponry. www.english-heritage.org. uk/daysout/properties/ cliffords-tower-york 19 July-30 Sept

Summer Holiday Children’s Trail Treasurers House www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ treasurers-house-york 20 July

Interactive Craft Fair Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre www.henshaws.org.uk

Artrageous Family Workshops Beningbrough Hall & Gardens www.nationaltrust.org. uk/beningbrough-hall 21 July-29 Aug

School Holiday Activities Hardcastle Crags Start ticking off 50 things including raft-building, scary mini-beasts, ponddipping, dens & more. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/hardcastle-crags 21 July-31 Aug

Six Weeks of Summer Fun Lotherton Hall Activities & games all summer. www. leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Lotherton-Hall. aspx 23 July-17 Aug

Shrek The Musical The Grand Theatre & Opera House, Leeds www.leedsgrandtheatre.com 23 & 24 July

Much Ado About Nothing

many faces of this stately home, including historic face painting, caricatures, posing in a portrait… Check the website to see what’s happening on different days. www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Temple-Newsam

Temple Newsam An action packed summer of activities bringing to life the

26 & 27 Jul, 2, 3, 9,10, 16, 17, 23 Aug

Dracula

Whitby Abbey To truly understand Bram Stoker’s gothic icon, you need to hear his tale in the setting of the writer’s inspiration. www.englishheritage.org.uk/daysout/ properties/whitby-abbey

Thorp Perrow www.thorpperrow.com 24 July 9.30 -12.30

Children’s Summer French Workshop

26 & 27 Jul, 2, 3, 9,10, 16,17,23,24,25 Aug

The Old Foundry Kitchen For children approx 6-9 years but may also be suitable for some children a little older or a little younger.

Activities include singing songs, games, arts & crafts to help learn the French language & facts about France. www. oldfoundrykitchen.co.uk

Heroes on Horseback

Scarborough Castle A series of events dedicated to ‘heroes on horseback’, with different events each weekend. www.english-heritage.org. uk/daysout/properties/ scarborough-castle

24 & 31 July 2-3.30pm

Summer Smarty Art Session Messy craft & play for 2-12 year olds. Each session lasts 45 mins & is run by Fiona, a qualified & experienced teacher. £5 per child. www.oldfoundrykitchen. co.uk

The Many Faces of Temple Newsam

Nunnington Hall An interactive performance of well-loved children’s stories - just relax on the lawn & watch! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ nunnington-hall

Summer Trail

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

23 July-31 Aug

Children’s Theatre on the Lawn

23 July-1 Sept

The Old Foundry Kitchen

Fountains Abbey Little Billy & Lizzy are time travelling twins who are now stuck somewhere in time!

Follow the clues they’ve left to find out where they are. You can also design your own time travelling machine in Swanley Grange. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/fountains-abbey

26 & 27 July 12-3pm

Yorkshire Museum www.yorkmuseumstrust. org.uk

23,30 July, 6,13,20 & 27 Aug

School Holiday Fun-Time Wizards

The Lawrence Batley Theatre www.thelbt.co.uk

Dinosaur Detectives & Dino Dress-up

25 July 11-11.45 & 1.30-2.15

23 July-31 Aug 11am-4pm

Courtyard Circus

23 July-31 Aug From 10 am

Newby Hall & Gardens Shakespeare’s Globe Touring Company performs for two glorious evenings of romance & intrigue. www. newbyhallandgardens.com

Castle Howard www.castlehoward.co.uk

26 July

Pond Dipping Brimham Rocks www.nationaltrust.org. uk/brimham-rocks

hanging out

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens Outdoor play and adventures or indoor dressing up, trails and interactive fun this summer.

Members and under 5s go free.

01904 472027 nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough

Families 118mm x 70mm full colour.pdf

1

02/06/2014

09:46

© National Trust Images/David Levenson. Registered Charity Number 205846.

20 July-25 Aug 1-3pm

25 July

Fairy Story Train The North Yorkshire Moors Railway www.nymr.co.uk 25 & 26 July

Peter Pan Musical Leeds City Varieties www.cityvarieties.co.uk 26 July 11am-1pm & 2-4pm

Dinosaur Detectives Family Workshop Yorkshire Museum www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

August Bank Holiday

23rd, 24th & 25th Open 10:30am - 5pm www.cawoodcraftfestival.co.uk Families Vale of York

21

what’soncontinued...

26 Jul - 31 Aug

Myths & Legends Summer for Kids Whitby Abbey Discover a whole range of myths & legends, from St George to King Arthur.

Magical stories, dressing up & hands on activities.

Take part in Arthurian sword practice, medieval hobby horse jousting & training. www.english-heritage.org. uk/daysout/properties/ whitby-abbey 26 July-31 Aug 11am-4pm

The Great Garden Quest Harlow Carr Somethingnew to discover each week. Design your own ancient quest map or become an explorer in the weekly bug hunting sessions. www.rhs.org.uk/ gardens/harlow-carr 27 July 1-5pm

28 & 29 July, 4,5, 11, 12 18, 19, 25 & 26 Aug

Abbey Myths & Legends

Summer Smarty Art Session Messy craft & play for 2-12 year olds. Each session lasts 45 mins & is run

by Fiona, a qualified & experienced teacher. £5 per child. www.oldfoundrykitchen.co.uk

31 July

1-2 Aug

Alice in Wonderland: Outdoor Theatre

Birds of Prey

Castle Howard Interactive tale with workshop before (additional charge) www.castlehoward.co.uk 31 July-2 Aug 11am-4pm

Children’s Activity Days Thorp Perrow www.thorpperrow.com 31 July-2 Aug

Nostell Priory Meet actors playing real life characters from July 1914, play period games, enjoy tea & cake on lawn whilst listening to period pieces from a local Brass band.

Watch a leisurely game of cricket & relive this last golden moment before Britain was plunged into World War One. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/nostell-priory

Grand Opera House York www.atgtickets.com/venues/ grand-opera-house-york

Princess & Pirate Picnic Party Burton Agnes Hall Take a picnic & enjoy princess pampering & pirate fun, with magic shows, bouncy castle, fancy dress & much more. www.burtonagnes.com 28 & 29 July

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Workshop Helmsley Arts Centre Two day workshop with a performance for parents at 4pm Tuesday. www.helmsleyarts.co.uk 28 July-1 Aug

Musical Theatre Summer School

The Old Foundry Kitchen

Whitby Abbey From the cast that brought you our thrilling Dracula performances, discover the myths & legends of Whitby Abbey. www.englishheritage.org.uk/daysout/ properties/whitby-abbey

Party at the end of the world

27 July

1 Aug

Our House

31 July, 7,14,21,28 Aug

Boredom Busting Nostell Priory Fun themed days. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ nostell-priory 31 July-30 Aug

The Wind in the Willows York Theatre Royal www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk 1 Aug

Yorkshire Day with Yorkshire Cancer Research Stockeld Park A host of events planned throughout the day whilst raising for Yorkshire Cancer Research with a giant ‘Mad Hatters’ Tea Party. Lots of other events, throughout the day to celebrate our fantastic county including a Treasure hunt for Yorkshire Roses, face painting & glitter tattoos, & bun decorating - all ready to eat at the Tea Party.!

The Magic Hatter will be performing two fantastic magic show as well as walk about magic & Make a Wish Entertainment’s favourite fairy, Fairy Enchantica will be there too. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Harlow Carr www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ harlow-carr 2 Aug 9.30-12.30

Children’s Applique Sewing Workshop

6 Aug 2.30pm

Little Brother & Little Sister Pocklington Arts Centre www.pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk 6-10 Aug

Vikings on the Village

find something going on in every corner of the town from street theatre & openair concerts, to live music & the art trail. www.feva.info 9 Aug 9.30-12.30

Do Not Disturb Chalkboard Door Hanger

7-9 Aug

9-10 Aug

Richard III Royal Progress - An Audience with the King

The Witches

Crafty Kids

Harrogate Theatre

By Harrogate Youth Theatre www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

Clifford’s Tower As part of a series of English Heritage events dedicated to the controversial King, Richard III will be visiting Clifford’s Tower. www. english-heritage.org.uk/ daysout/properties/cliffordstower-york

7-9 Aug 11am-4pm

Nunnington Hall Crafting & making for all ages. www.nationaltrust. org.uk/nunnington-hall

2-3 Aug

Medieval living historians on the village Murton Park www.murtonpark.co.uk 2 & 3 Aug 11am & 1pm

Wild at Art Workshops Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ fountains-abbey 3 Aug

Peter Pan & The Lost Boys The Lawrence Batley Theatre www.thelbt.co.uk 3 Aug 11am

Theatre on the Terrace

Pirates Story Train

St. George’s Hall www.bradford-theatres. co.uk/st-georges-hall

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway www.nymr.co.uk

5 & 19 Aug 2-3.30pm

Vale of York

Murton Park www.murtonpark.co.uk

2 & 3 Aug

1 Aug

22 Families

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

The Old Foundry Kitchen www.oldfoundrykitchen.co.uk

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash

29 & 30 July

6 Aug

.co.uk bletots www.ta m y 1-3p e, 19 Jul s Centr rt o p eS Energis York m y 2-4p 26 Jul r Sports oo Hull Ind ull H Centre, 1-3pm mmar g 30 Au Gra Henry’s Prince y e Otl School,

Murton Park www.murtonpark.co.uk

The Old Foundry Kitchen www.oldfoundrykitchen.co.uk

Rievaulx Terrace Take part in an interactive performance of well-loved children’s stories, or just relax on the terrace whilst you watch! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ rievaulx-terrace

Helmsley Arts Centre For ages 12 - 17 www.helmsleyarts.co.uk

Studley Royal Water Garden Hands-on family activity.

Meet at the Studley Entrance. To book call 01765 643176. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ fountains-abbey

s Table Tot

Pond Dipping Fountains Abbey &

Children’s Activity Days

9 & 10; 16 & 17 Aug

Thorp Perrow www.thorpperrow.com

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden A hive of activity with fun activities like candle rolling & candle making. Watch beekeepers as they give live demonstrations throughout the day. www.nationaltrust. org.uk/fountains-abbey

7,14,21,28 Aug

50 Things Thursday Brimham Rocks Join the Rangers for a ‘lucky dip’ of activities. From bug hunting & wild art to den building, what will be picked out of the hat? Suitable for accompanied children aged 5+. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/brimham-rocks 8 Aug

George’s Marvellous Medicine Clumber Park www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ clumber-park 8 Aug

Hogwarts story Train The North Yorkshire Moors Railway www.nymr.co.uk 8 Aug

Orienteering Harlow Carr www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ harlow-carr 8-17 Aug

FEVA Knaresborough Annual festival of entertainment & visual arts. Every summer, for ten days a year, the town stages a wonderful array of shows & events. You’ll

Bees at Fountains

10 Aug 11am-3pm

Summer Sixties Picnic Lotherton Hall www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Lotherton-Hall.aspx 12 Aug

Walk This WayKids’ Curator Talk Dinosaurs Yorkshire Museum www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk 12 Aug 1.30-4.30

Children’s Summer French Workshop The Old Foundry Kitchen For children approx 6-9 years but may also be suitable for some children a little older or a little younger. Activities include singing songs, games, arts & crafts to help learn the French language & facts about France. www.oldfoundrykitchen.co.uk 13 Aug

Teddy Bear’s Picnic Murton Park www.murtonpark.co.uk

13 Aug

22 Aug

Dinosaur Myths & Legends

Pirates Story Train

Yorkshire Museum www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway www.nymr.co.uk

15 Aug

22 Aug

Fairy Story Train

Milkshake! Live Tour

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway www.nymr.co.uk

Grand Opera House York www.atgtickets.com/venues/grandopera-house-york

15 & 16 Aug

22 Aug

Medieval Courtly Combat Richmond Castle Chain-mailed & adrenalin-fuelled knights meet head-on. Feel the heat of the battle as they fight with shield & sword in this genuine contest of skill & strength. Which knight will emerge victorious & who will you support? www.english-heritage. org.uk/daysout/properties/ richmond-castle 15 Aug

Alice in Wonderland Nostell Priory www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nostell-priory 22 Aug

Wuthering Heights Outdoor Theatre Mount Grace Priory www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mountgrace-priory 22-23 Aug

Archery

Great Garden Quest Interactive shows

Harlow Carr www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr

Harlow Carr www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr

16 Aug

23 & 24 Aug

Flashback to the 80s

Hugless Douglas

Clumber Park One for parents! Party the night away with Billy Ocean Kim Wilde ABC Jimmy Somerville Go West Midge Ure Katrina The Doctor from Dr & the Medics. Camping tickets are available. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park

The Lawrence Batley Theatre www.thelbt.co.uk

16 Aug

Fimo Clay Jewellery Making

23-25 Aug

Discover Nature Nunnington Hall Learn all about the natural world with butterfly & bug hunts, snail racing, face-painting, a bouncy castle & lots more www. nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall

The Old Foundry Kitchen www.oldfoundrykitchen.co.uk

24 Aug 11am-4pm

17 Aug

Thorp Perrow www.thorpperrow.com

The Merchant of Venice Mount Grace Priory Outdoor Theatre www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mountgrace-priory 17 Aug

Craft Fair

Children’s Circus Day

24-25 Aug10 am-5pm

Nostell Priory Steam Fair Nostell Priory www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nostell-priory 24 -25 Aug

Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre www.henshaws.org.uk

Bank Holiday Special

19 Aug

27 Aug 11am-1pm & 2-4pm

Much Ado About Nothing - Outdoor Theatre

Real Reptiles

Helmsley Castle www.english-heritage.org.uk/ daysout/properties/helmsleycastle

29 Aug

20 Aug

Really Wild Wednesday Yorkshire Museum www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk 21 Aug

Alice in Wonderland: Outdoor Theatre Castle Howard Interactive tale with workshop before (additional charge) www. castlehoward.co.uk

Murton Park www.murtonpark.co.uk

Yorkshire Museum www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

Hogwarts story Train The North Yorkshire Moors Railway www.nymr.co.uk 30 Aug

Sounds in the Grounds Castle Howard Enjoy a mini festival atmosphere with local bands performing on the Minster FM Stage & entertainment for all the family including inflatable games & food stands. www.castlehoward.co.uk

beta mum

‘It doesn’t get any easier, you know.’

A phrase that’s right up there among the most disheartening, unhelpful, negative and damaging things you can say to parents of very young children. Not to mention that it’s just plain wrong.

Challenges change, but if you think it doesn’t get easier, you’ve forgotten the sheer exhaustion of broken nights, a bad back from hauling round a large baby and all its accessories, constant cleaning of poo and wee, realising that your hitherto comfy home is actually a death trap and never being able to so much as go to the loo in peace.

Granted, those hazy baby days are, in many ways and for most people, a wonderful bubble of mutual adoration with your deliciouslyscented, wide-eyed infant. On the whole, nature prevails and parents fall head over heels in love with their offspring. But it’s pig-headed - and dangerous - to pretend that it’s all cooing and cuddles.

My own children are now 12 and 10.

I have to bang on constantly about the twin gripes of homework and armpit washing, but they can lay the table and at least let me have a wee in peace.

My handsome, easy-going, witty and smart eldest stepson has just been accepted into the army. It’s a sobering reminder that you never stop worrying about them, but he’s a wonderful young man, with his own hopes and dreams and I respect his choices. It’s true though, that I’m already fretting about him and I didn’t even meet him until he was (just) a teenager. He’s not my own blood, and I didn’t change his nappies and watch him take his first, faltering little steps.

But day to mundane day, blessed with healthy kids, it does get easier.

My friend V reminded me of this last week.

It was the end of a long day. Nestled on the sofa with her newborn daughter, she contentedly watched the baby doze off on her chest and yawned, getting up carefully, intending to pop babe into cot and slump into her own bed.

At this point she remembered it was her son’s second birthday in two days’ time and she needed to bake a cake. V is no fool. She had

bought a packet mix requiring only three further ingredients (oil, water and eggs). But of course, this was the day when the carefully-reserved eggs were nowhere to be found her husband had enjoyed them for a sneaky snack. And so begins the adventures of a Beta-Mum…..

Shoes on and round to the chickenkeeping neighbours to beg for eggs, which they kindly provide.

V puts the scrounged bounty to one side, makes up the mix and wonders why it looks so dry. Notices eggs still sitting, intact and accusingly, on the worktop. Adds them in to the cake mix, resorting to electric whisk to try to blend them in and get some air into it.

Pulls out lovingly-bought moulds of train engine and carriages and fills with mix. Pops into preheated (see? organised) oven, irritated to realise she has wasted time and effort greasing too many tins.

Cook’s reward time: V licks whisk clean and realises it has dripped chocolate cake mix over her white top. Undaunted, strips to bra and soaks top in Vanish.

Decides not to wash baking tins, but instead to make flapjacks. Weighs out ingredients all in one bowl and then realises the butter is meant to be melted before mixing.

Puts entire thing into microwave to melt the butter and pours into tins.

Checks train cakes. They have risen voluptuously. Nice, but she had filled the moulds to the top and now they are bulging out all over, like Katie Price’s over-enhanced breasts.

Decides only way to get them to sit, train-like, on a board is to saw off the bottoms of the cakes. While waiting for them to cool enough to be sawn, she forgets about the flapjacks and they burn.

V washes up, turns the whisk over to drain, realising too late that it’s full of mucky water, which cascades all over skirt, floor and slippers.

She ignores husband’s ‘hilarious’ suggestion that she ‘whip your skirt off and become the naked chef.’

Decides to admit defeat and deal with it in the morning.

Goes to bed.

Baby wakes up.

Jacey Lamerton juggles motherhood with running her own ethical clothing label Jacey Lamerton: Style with Soul. Some days the juggling goes better than others. Join in the chat on Facebook and Twitter.

Families Vale of York

23

24 Families

Vale of York