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mar/apr’16

free

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

BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL

128 Duchy Road, Harrogate HG1 2HE

OPEN MORNINGS Friday 11th March 2016 Friday 20th May 2016

Harrogate’s only stand-alone Preparatory School for 2-11 yr olds.

10.00 am –11.30 am ✓High academic standards ✓Traditional Values ✓Warm family atmosphere Currently reserving our final places for Nursery and Reception 2016.

Please contact us for further information or a tour of the school

T: 01423 508558 • www.brackenfieldschool.co.uk

welcome to families Book by 1st March

My daughter wants her bedroom decorating. This is directly related to the fact one of her best friends has just had her bedroom decorated. Her colour choices are (naturally) the same. I’m using this as a bargaining tool for de-cluttering and have said I’ll think about it when she’s thinned down some of her ‘stuff’. She began with her bookshelf and took off everything ready to make two piles – one to keep and one to give away. When I returned there were just four books on the ‘give away’ pile because she couldn’t bear to part with the rest. Next came the clothes. It’s not always easy to guess what fits, so this involved trying everything on in a lengthy cat-walk experience which almost had me reaching for the Pinot. Unfortunately, I’m raising a hoarder who, like her mum, thinks everything will “come in handy” or has a memory attached to it. And I do see her point; it is after all, only in my dreams that I live in a minimalist heaven.

From swimming, zorbing and tennis to archery, art and cookery - a new experience every day! See online for dates.

www.ultimateactivity.co.uk 0844 870 7077

A r e dventures t s a E 23 March - 17 April

Fab family outdoor fun & indoor play. Located between Harrogate & Leeds. LS22 4AN

2 Families Vale of York

After emptying the drawers full of artwork, throwing away the school Stonehenge project and a finding a cache of lip balms we thought had been eaten by the cat, I called it a day. As I went to search out a glass of something cold, I popped the four books back on her bookshelf. No point in trying to re-home just four books and, after all, they remind me of when she was little…

Editor of Families VOY

in this

issue

families magazine

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

p4 news P8 education P10 books P12 clubs & classes P13 little bites recipe P14 car journeys P15 skincare for kids P16 easter P21 what’s on

The deadline for the May/June 2016 edition is early April 2016 Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel: 01405 869045 Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk Front Cover: www.shutterstock.com Families Vale of York is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Vale of York are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

ENTER A NEW WORLD

stagecoach.co.uk/york york@stagecoach.co.uk 01904 672662

ACTING, SINGING AND DANCE CLASSES FOR 4-18 YEAR OLDS

THURSDAYS 5-8PM

Joseph Rowntree School, Haxby Road, York YO32 4BZ

FREE DISCOVERY SESSION

Thursday 14 April at 6pm - Book Now!

Families Vale of York 3

news Distinction for Brackenfield Speech and Drama pupils

Brackenfield pupils are celebrating a wonderful clean sweep of distinctions in their recent speech and drama LAMDA exams. LAMDA exams are aimed at developing a clear speaking voice, positive body language and self-confidence by exploring different uses of spoken English. The successful pupils gained distinctions in Speaking Voice and Prose and Reading for Performance. Brackenfield’s LAMDA teacher, Joanne Bainbridge was deservedly delighted with the pupils’ results; “The children thoroughly enjoy their LAMDA lessons, benefitting tremendously from the skills they learn. I am so pleased for them that they have achieved distinction, the highest grade possible.”

Inspired forest school adventures for children aged 2 to 11 years old Gruffalo hunting Elf rocket blasting Leprechaun gold tracking Fairy villages Super rainbow volcanoes Wand making...and lots more

Music and Drama plays an important role in the curriculum at Brackenfield with productions by the Junior, Infant and Nursery classes, including many successes at festivals such as the Harrogate Competitive Festival and the final of Music for Youth.

We run birthday parties and holiday camps too! Now running midweek term time sessions at local parks

Wear your hat on Wear a Hat Day – 24th March

If you’ve not already saved the day, save it now! Wear A Hat Day is a fun-filled, annual brain tumour awareness and fund raising event helping to support research. The organiser, Brain Tumour Research, is asking families, children and schools across the UK to put Thursday 24th March in their diaries and don a hat to support the cause. Involving families and school children in the campaign is poignant, given that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Children have lost parents, family members and teachers, and in many classrooms there remains a tragic reminder of a child whose life has been lost or damaged by this cruel cancer. Schools, nurseries, organisations and individuals can all find out how to register and take part at www.wearahatday.org

NEW Bushcraft adventure sessions for 5 to 11 years old Our exciting new program that includes survival skills, bow & arrows, den making and fire lighting

Birthday parties Parent and child classes Events and fetes Primary, nursery and preschool’s INSET and training days

Classes and parties run all year round across Yorkshire

Call 07788 713 393 bushbabies.wa@hotmail.co.uk www.bushbabies-woodlandadventures.co.uk

Looking for First Class Tuition?

For best value and professional out-of-school tuition for your child, head to First Class Learning at Tesco, Askham Bar in York. Staffed by teachers and teaching assistants with a wealth of experience there is no better place for your child to grow in confidence and gain the skills to get ahead at school. Just £99 per month buys 6 hours of maths and English tuition in a supportive and friendly study centre. Single subject study is only £60 per month and sibling discounts are available too. Children from 4 to 16 are all welcome. Visit www.firstclasslearning.co.uk/york-south

*This voucher must be provided at the start of the session. Terms and Conditions apply. See website for details. Expires 30th April 2016

4 Families Vale of York

Are You Looking At My Bird?

Families urged to spot the species in January for Birdwatch The first month of 2016 saw the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB) Big Garden Birdwatch, when families around the United Kingdom were asked to see which of our feathered friends visited their garden during the 30th and 31st January. Once the results were collated, the RSPB has published findings that show, worryingly, that some species are still on the decline. Starlings and house sparrows have both seen a decline in their populations by 80% and 58% respectively since the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch began in 1979. Their decline is put down to changes in farm management and the loss of suitable habitats. Over 585,000 people took part this year and former RSPB conservation director Mark Avery said it showed how strongly people felt about their garden birds. “More people counted birds in their gardens than are members of all the political parties put together,” he said.

Jamie Oliver in Victory over McDonald’s

Celebrity Chef has claimed he has forced the burger giant to change its recipe Jamie Oliver is no stranger to a controversial but well-meaning campaign. He has frequently lambasted the food industry for failing to provide nutritious school meals for our children and the government for avoiding legislation to cut down on sugar in food. However he took on even more of a giant when he criticized McDonald’s for using meat suitable for animals in its burgers. One of the ingredients in hamburgers from the worldwide chain in the US is a processed food type that Oliver calls ‘pink slime.’ He was shocked when he discovered that ammonium hydroxide was being used to convert fatty beef offcuts – the kind usually suitable only for dog food – into a ‘beef filler’ for the burgers. Though the filler is not used in the UK, Oliver has denounced the process on his show, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. “Basically, we’re taking a product that would be sold at the cheapest form for dogs and after this process we can give it to humans,” he explained. The burger chain has now removed the beef filler from its burger patties.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES for children aged 5 to 12

m Fro 5:30 5 8:1 very E y Da

Fun and active clubs EVERY SCHOOL HOLIDAY !!!!! Venues Across York & Harrogate

for prices and more info please visit :

www.totalsportslimited.co.uk Childcare vouchers accepted T: 03444 14 13 13

Easter T rail Join us for a madcap caper this Easter on our fun, family day out with lots of chocolatey prizes!

FRI 25th March To SUN 10th April www.mothershipton.co.uk

Families Vale of York 5

news Brackenfield School team up with Open Country as their Charity of the Year

Playground dangers Cookery classes for 3 - 11 year olds M: 0776 820 7839 E: info@littlebitescookery.com www.littlebitescookery.com

“Professional, reliable childcare from Bright Beginnings” Qualified Nannies Maternity Practitioners Nursery Staff Mobile Creches Babysitting Parent helpers Tel: 01904 691698 or 0782 333 2627 Email: info@bbchildcareuk .com www.bb-childcare.co.uk

Lead found on playground equipment Paint with up to 40 times the recommended safe levels of lead has been found on playground equipment. The journal Science of the Total Environment studied the equipment and said that the levels might post a significant risk to children’s health. The study was carried out by scientists from the University of Plymouth who tested paint in 50 play areas in parks across England. European rules drawn up in 1977 say that paint used on children’s equipment should contain no more than 0.25% lead. However, the scientists found some parks with up to 10% lead in the paint. Reader in Environmental Science Dr. Andrew Turner from Plymouth University said that the levels were avoidable. “You’d expect the older playgrounds to be more dangerous as people have become more aware of the dangers of lead but our findings suggest this isn’t the case,” he said. Ingestion of lead can lead to brain damage and learning difficulties.

Brackenfield School have announced their charity of the year will be Harrogate based, Open Country, a local charity that seeks to enable anyone with any disability to access the countryside. Open Country achieve this through a variety of countryside activities and Brackenfield Headteacher, the provision of information, Mrs. Pat Sowa with training and advice. They David Shaftoe from Open Country. provide accessible transport and teams of trained volunteers to offer assistance as necessary. Brackenfield will be fundraising to support the purchase of Open Country’s new minibus, Star of Hope, central to fulfilling the aims of the charity. Principal, Anthony Comerford is delighted that Open Country has been chosen as Brackenfield’s Charity of the Year. “To support a local charity that carries out such worthwhile work is a great partnership. Although we will continue to fund raise for a wide range of other causes throughout the year, as our Charity of the Year, Open Country will benefit greatly from collections at our major events in addition to the children’s own ideas. I seem to recall last year our pupils could pay to stick our Head of Games to the wall! We are looking forward to seeing the new minibus!” For further information on Open Country visit www.opencountry.org.uk

Ashville Turns Clock Back For Living History Day

Pupils at a Harrogate Junior School turned the clock back 950 years as they re-enacted one of the most decisive events in the history of the British Isles.

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6 Families Vale of York

The Year 6 Ashville Junior School students spent a morning immersing themselves in the events that led up to the Norman Conquest in 1066, when William and his Norman army defeated Anglo Saxon king, Harold Godwinson. Leading the visual and physical history lesson was David Thirlwall – Living History Manager at York’s Danelaw Living History Centre – one of the leading exponents of his trade. During the morning, David brought to life both the Battle of Hastings and its precursor, the Battle of Stamford Bridge, and their subsequent outcomes.

He educated his young audience about both William the Conqueror and King Harold II, their respective fighting forces and the intrinsic link between the State and the Church. He also brought with him an array of props, including swords, axes, and the clothes the foot soldiers, knights and priests wore almost a millennium ago. Ashville Junior School Headteacher Simon Bailey said: “When it comes to bringing history to life, David Thirlwall is one of the best in the business. “His passion for the subject, the

props he brings with him and his ability to captivate his young audience, combine to create a history lesson the children will never forget. “Bringing in outside experts, such as David and his colleagues from Danelaw Living History Centre, is something we do frequently and the results speak for themselves.”

Inspiring tuition – free trial session!

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life. As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership today. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.

New Stagecoach School To Open at Joseph Rowntree School Stagecoach Theatre Arts York is opening a new theatre school at Joseph Rowntree School, Haxby Road, on Thursdays after school to give many more youngsters between the ages of 4 and 18 the chance to join them. Stagecoach provides an outlet to perform and also gives youngsters the freedom to embrace their creativity and express themselves as they learn new skills. Classes boost self-confidence, creativity and curiosity and help students build skills that last a lifetime.

Scarcroft School on Fridays after school. Over the past 18 years Stagecoach York has built up an enviable reputation including being awarded Stagecoach School of the Year out of 600 schools across the UK and abroad. The last independent inspection rated the teaching and performance of students in dance, drama and singing as outstanding, so it is little wonder that it is the preferred theatre school to train students to appear in professional tours.

Classes are small which means every child is given attention and allowed to realise their potential at their own pace. The teachers lead and support youngsters as they conquer fears and rise to new challenges. Stagecoach York is currently training Principal Sally Thrussell said: students to appear in the professional tour “We are very excited to be able to offer of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor students Thursday evening classes at Dreamcoat starring Joe McElderry at the Joseph Rowntree School. It will make it Grand Opera House in York from April 26 easy for children across the North of York to 30th. Students are also appearing in and beyond to attend and also enable Goodnight Mr Tom and Tosca and have children to experience our classes who appeared in many more shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Shrek The have weekend commitments.” Musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The new school complements existing Annie, Madame Butterfly, Carmen and schools at Archbishop Holgate’s School on Aida. Saturday mornings and afternoons and at Many students taking part in the professional tours never thought they would have enough confidence to do so but after attending Stagecoach they have become so much more confident that they were happy to volunteer to train for a show. A total of 75 students will appear in Joseph over the course of its run in York. A free Open Day which gives prospective pupils the chance to experience Stagecoach sessions will take place at Joseph Rowntree School on Thursday 14 April at 6pm. To enrol their children, parents should ring 01904 672662 or email york@stagecoach.co.uk. Details are also on the web – www.stagecoach.co.uk/ york. Term begins on Thursday 21 April from 5pm to 8pm. For further information contact Sally Thrussell on 07799 622880

Families Vale of York 7

How to boost your child’s

literacy + numeracy

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Literacy and numeracy are central to your child’s learning in primary school and will underpin many of the subjects they’ll cover during their secondary education. They are of course crucial to later life too. Whether they’re already acing their algebra or still struggling with basic sums, here are some ideas on how to give these key skills a boost.

A little extra learning at home can work wonders… but don’t go overboard!

Employ tech to your advantage

There are some brilliant educational apps and websites out there with masses of kid appeal. Try to find ones which align with the National Curriculum (or at least use British English to avoid conflict with what’s done at school). Many of the best apps have an in-built system of rewards and some even provide parents with progress reports.

Encourage reading

Realistically, it isn’t always possible for teaching staff in busy classrooms of 30 pupils to provide the one-on-one attention children benefit from – perhaps looking at improving handwriting or listening to reading daily. By sitting with your child and working on specific areas, you can make a huge difference to their attainment. Keep it sensible though – even just ten or fifteen minutes a day for Key Stage 1 children can have an impact, yet still leaves hours and hours for Lego building, climbing trees or playing with friends.

Reading opens the door to almost endless learning and enjoyment. Some children are naturally enthused by books, others need more nudging to get the reading bug. Firstly, encourage any reading at all – be it comics, magazines, the back of the cereal packet – without worrying much about what they are reading. Also try and home in on your child’s interests and give them books that work with these – reluctant readers might gain confidence with non-fiction relating to their hobbies, or a football-mad child might enjoy some sporty tales and then decide fiction is for them. Bedtime stories are a crucial opportunity to snuggle up discussing books together. They’re still beneficial even once children can read independently - parents of older kids could take on a more challenging classic together, taking it in turns to read a page before talking about what’s going on.

Find out about the methods their school uses to ensure consistency

Incorporate ‘stealth learning’ into everyday activities

If you want to do some work at home, it will help your son or daughter greatly if the methods you use are consistent with those they’re being taught at school – otherwise you can do more harm than good by confusing them. Reading and aspects of numeracy are both typically taught quite differently to when most of us were children, so do attend any curriculum information evenings the school holds, or ask their teacher for more information about methods.

Sneak some maths and literacy into their day-to-day life and you can improve their skills without it feeling like schoolwork. Adding up the cost of the shopping, dividing the bill in a restaurant, playing Monopoly or snakes and ladders, budgeting for that much-longed for Christmas present or helping with cooking are all brilliant but subtle numeracy activities. For literacy, writing shopping lists, sending a postcard or email to the grandparents, or finding a pen pal might all help.

Is your child ready for school?

With a child’s social skills and confidence topping parents’ list of concerns when it comes to starting school, a new app has been launched to help equip pre-schoolers with the core skills they’ll need in Reception.

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8 Families Vale of York

Using fun games, activities and parents’ own observations, Ready for School offers ideas and activities to help parents ensure their child makes the transition to school with ease. The app contains sections on basic literacy, numeracy and phonics. However, as ‘school readiness’ also refers to softer skills – taking turns, concentrating and self-care – extensive emphasis is given to personal and emotional skills too. Ready for School has lots of suggestions for observing children, for example when playing with friends, to see if they join in or just watch. There is practical advice for boosting skills too, like putting time aside during the day when your child has to wait, which helps to develop concentration. It’s not bossy or prescriptive and many activities have been designed simply to create ideas for conversations between parent and child, such as what clothes they would wear on a cold or hot day. These activities can help children understand and accept new rules when they start school, such as the need to wear a sunhat in the playground on a hot day. Divided into three categories – Personal (such as dressing and friendship), Attitude (including being considerate and concentration) and Learning (maths, writing and phonics the app encourages parents to work with children as they are asked a series of questions by the app. This allows them to use the activities as opportunities for discussion. The child or parent can then respond, either verbally or by interactive screen, to the questions. The app costs £3.99 and is available to download from iTunes.

homework The ultimate guide to

Helping your little one with their homework needn’t be difficult if you follow these simple tips....By Liat Hughes Joshi Like it or not, homework is a necessary part of school life. However, it does bring benefits: helping you see what your children have been doing in class, understanding their strengths and weaknesses and reinforcing learning. So how can you make homework run as smoothly as possible and avoid it becoming a chore for the whole family?

Incorporate homework into a routine Many children benefit from having a set homework time - they’re somewhat less likely to push back if it is just what happens at 5pm. However you might both prefer homework to be completed at the earliest opportunity so they can go off and relax, or favour a spell of winding down after school – simply see what works for your child. If, like many primary schoolers, they only get one or two pieces of homework a week, it might be best to tackle it at the weekend when they’re not tired from school.

education

Home visits, group bookings with friends, gift vouchers. Learn how to relax and soothe your little ones with a loving touch. Help ease the symptoms of colic, teething, wind, and digestive problems. Strengthen the bond with your baby. Clare Bevan Holistic Infant Massage Instructor Email: twinklestarsbaby@yahoo.com Mobile: 07565602728

Help, yes, but don’t do it for them! As a parent your key role is to ensure that your child has somewhere comfortable and quiet to do their homework and the items required, e.g. a dictionary or ruler. You may also need to clarify what a question means or provide support if they’re stuck. But do remember it’s their homework not yours – if you’re having to do it all for them on a regular basis, it may be too difficult for your little one - discuss this with their teacher.

How much is too much? Most primary age children will get 30 to 60 minutes a week plus reading and perhaps spellings and times tables. If you think your child is being set too much homework, again, it’s definitely worth having a chat with their teacher. Additionally, if it’s taking what you feel is an inappropriate amount of time on a particular day, don’t be afraid to stop and write him or her a note along the lines of ‘X spent an hour doing this and we felt it was enough’. Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

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Families Vale of York 9

How to help your child enjoy

BedtimeReading We’ve all been there – it’s bedtime, everybody is tired and a little grumpy because homework, bath-time and tooth-brushing all have to happen when both the grown-ups and the children are at their weariest. So perhaps the best answer to create a calm environment after the mayhem is a good bedtime story. It’s never to early to start a bedtime story routine. Babies are soothed by the sound of your voice, so make sure you have a comfy chair in the nursery to settle down in. Soon, your baby will learn to recognise this as their bedtime story moment.

When they are a bit older, reading together is not just an opportunity to bond with your child but also to help establish and maintain a good bedtime routine, which is vital in getting the kids off to sleep at a sensible hour. For older children, this is a time to explore your child’s imagination, as story time becomes a shared time of fantasy. Consistency is good and a regular treat at bedtime gives your child something to look forward to. It also does no harm at all to enforce the idea of reading as a positive thing for your child. There’s no harm in choosing your child’s favourite book for their first story time. However, ensure the end of the story is calm and soothing to help your little one drift off. As your child grows you’ll find story-time becomes longer. This is a great opportunity to encourage your child to listen for longer periods of time without interrupting. Soon you will be able to choose long stories and break them up into manageable pieces or chapters and leave another exciting instalment for the next night. As they grow older and can read by themselves, you can encourage their interest in a story by reading the first part to them at bedtime, then allow them to continue the story by themselves the next day. Try to find time to discuss the plot and the characters to ensure they understand what’s going on and to explain any ‘big’ words they may not have come across before; This is a great way to improve vocabulary.

As the books become more difficult, you’ll find the number of illustrations also decrease. However, it’s important to recognize that images are still important

10 Families Vale of York

to your child’s understanding and imagination.

By the time your child is able to read lots of text without any help from you, it’s time to step back and allow them to read what they choose for themselves before going to sleep. Be prepared for the fact that they may have different tastes to you and their siblings. It’s still a good idea to set a time limit before lights out even now, as otherwise you might find your child still gripped by their book at midnight! Don’t abandon the idea of reading together completely; every so often, you could offer to finish a chapter for them to save their tired eyes; they’ll use that time for their own thoughts and fantasies. Bedtime stories are also great for educating your child or sharing news with them. For example, a good story can encourage them to learn to swim or potty train and even welcome a new sibling.

Many books on subjects such as these have been used by parents to get over tricky stages. Local bookshops and libraries can advise you on the best titles to choose depending on the event or situation and many online book companies categorise books by subject, so it should be quite easy to find what you need. Have a quick read through the book yourself before sharing it with your child to make sure it says what you want it to. Having time to ourselves with a great book is something that adults really appreciate and once they’ve got the hang of it, children also benefit from winding down with something to read. In the words of Dr Suess: “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. Parent of three, she owns her own bookshop with her partner, The Bookseller Crow on the Hill, and is a qualified swimming teacher. And in what little spare time she has, she also runs gastronomic writing retreat courses in France and is the food critic of The Transmitter.

Best New Book Releases - By Justine Crow Baby & Toddler

Jane Foster’s Black and White – Templar, £6.99 This top designer’s fresh, attractive sequence of board books are in black and white, which newborns respond to better than pastels in their earliest days. With ‘Colours’ and “First Words’ also included in the series, they will take your baby up to toddler years.

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Outfoxed by Claudia Boldt – Tate, £9.99 This author and illustrator has an eye for the absurd and it is shown in this story about a fox called Harold who chooses not to eat chickens. Harold’s preference is for detective novels as he fancies himself as a bit of a sleuth. When he is accused of stealing chickens, he must use all his ingenuity to save himself and his friends. This busy, arty adventure book is ideal for the older pre-schooler.

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Zoo Boy by Sophie Thompson – Faber, £5.99 Vince is just an average lad whose dad just happens to own a zoo. But Vince doesn’t like animals at all and when he discovers that he can speak to the animals, he is decidedly unimpressed. Worse, it seems that everybody has forgotten it is his birthday.

The Astounding Broccoli Boy by Frank Cottrell Boyce – Macmillan, £6.99 In this book we have a superhero of sorts, Rory, who doesn’t realise he has extraordinary powers until he turns green on a school trip. Unfortunately, so does his worst enemy, the bully Tommy-Lee. The pair get into several scrapes that night and commandeer a milk float as their getaway car.

12 to teen

Beautifully decorated bell tents for any occasion

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton – Faber, £7.99 This trilogy of books creates a science fiction fantasy with more than a touch of the gunslinger Western about it. The sharpshooting protagonist is no cowboy; little Amani wants to escape from the bleak town of Dustwalk, but does not expect the wonderful adventures that lay ahead when a mythical horse appears.

(07809) 573 687 info@bluebellpartytents.co.uk www.bluebellpartytents.co.uk

TIME TO ENTER A NEW WORLD

Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 to 18 year olds. stagecoach.co.uk/york 01904 672662

stagecoach.co.uk/wetherby 0808 208 5134

stagecoach.co.uk/leedskippaxandselby

0808 208 5134 stagecoach.co.uk/harrogate 01423 771138

Families Vale of York 11

Pre-School Rules!

Clubs and classes for pre-schoolers.....By Sally J. Hall We take a look at the kinds of activities you can find near you to keep your pre-schooler amused.

Music From nursery rhyme singalongs in the local park or café to learning a simple instrument, teaching a very young child to love music will give them a lifelong gift.

Arts & Crafts There are lots of places to drop in to get involved in crafting with your kids. They can learn skills such as painting, gluing, cutting out and sticking and of course the art of adding glitter!

Football & Rugby Little ones can learn how to kick and control the ball, use gross motor skills and understand teamwork. Mini rugby is always gentle and does not involve contact and the skills and size of the pitches are suited to the kids’ ages. Look for a local club which may allow kids to go into more serious games as they grow.

Swimming

Swimming Lessons • • • • •

All Ages and Abilities Group lessons One to One Lessons Lessons Local to you Gift Vouchers

Learning to swim is a great and useful life skill and it seems that the younger you start, the less likely it is that your child will be nervous in water. Many local leisure centres run mother and baby swim sessions where you can start to teach your child how to gain confidence in the water.

Call Debbie or Ray: 01757 247047 or 07768 179840

Languages w

or ti m e .

Email : Sarah.roberts@swimtime.org Learn to swim, be safe, have fun!

.s w im

Under 5’s Gymnastics We’re here to have lots of fun… ...why don’t you come and join us? Lots of activities specially designed for different stages of physical development including balancing, jumping, swinging and rolling. Learning through play and music using hand apparatus and large apparatus for variety. Building strength, co-ordination, agility and balance and increasing physical confidence and self esteem Parent and child classes and independent sessions.

WETHERBY SPORTS ASSOCIATION

Lodge Lane, Wetherby,LS22 5HA (in the leisure centre car park) for class times and availability on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Contact Lisa 07946 082801 Gym_Gems@yahoo.com

Gymnastics

Indoor gym activities are good for rainy days and help with flexibility and strength. Look for classes suited for very young kids that show them how to roll, jump and use gym equipment in a safe and controlled environment. As they get older, they can start to take more serious classes and enroll for certificates like those run by the British Gymnastics Association.

Children from bi-lingual families seem to cope well with two languages from a very early age. Even if you and your partner both speak English, you may want your child to learn a second language from an early age to stand them in good stead for their later education and also if you have family or a holiday home in another country. Find a small group or one-to-one sessions where your child has fun and plays games in a second language.

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

Theatre It’s never too early to start treading the boards and there are lots of drama and acting clubs for even quite small kids. They teach about self-expression, working within a group and confidence.

Dance Teaching grace, strength and movement; dancing is a great form of exercise and can be enjoyed from a young age. Look for a class that is not too formal at first so that the emphasis is on play and enjoyment. If your child shows promise, they can go on to take Royal Academy of Dance certificates later on.

If you are looking for a preschool class contact our local advertisers in this magazine or visit www.familiesvoy.co.uk for an extensive list of local preschool clubs & classes.

Cocoa and Orange Balls

Explore the city this Easter and discover nine fascinating attractions crammed with a range of exhibits, workshops, activities and headline events â€” weâ€™ve got this school holiday sorted!

These are a sweet treat which can be made with or without rice pops and you can use different nuts (makes 16-18) balls

6 Skills: Weighing with scales, tearing, squeezing, measuring with spoons, stirring, shaping

Equipment:

What you need:

Scales, food processor, bowl, squeezer, zester, measuring spoons, spoon, chopping board, knife

125g 125g 5 tbsp 1 tbsp 1/2 50g

Pitted dates Cashew nuts Cocoa powder (unsweetened) Maple syrup or honey Orange Rice pops/krispies

leeds.gov.uk/ schoolholidays

What to do: 1. Weigh out the dates and tear before putting into a food processor. 2. Squeeze the juice of half an orange and add to food processor with the zest.

3. Weigh the nuts and add to the food processor. 4. Blend up until it forms a paste.

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7. Take small spoonfuls and shape into balls.

6. Weigh out the rice pops and stir into the mixture until well coated.

8. Place in fridge to firm up.

Little Bites Cookery School is for 3 -5 year olds during term time and for 5 -11 yr olds during holidays in York. The school aims to educate and promote healthier cooking and eating in children and parents. Classes are run by a qualified Home Economist and Nutritionist, who has composed all the recipes for the classes. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible.

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Outstanding performing arts tuition for 4 - 18 year olds. PQA Harrogate runs on Saturdays from 9.45am - 1pm. Find us at Harrogate Grammar School, Arthurs Avenue, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 0DZ PQA York runs on Saturdays from 9.45am - 1pm and 1.45 - 5pm. Find us at Huntington School, Huntington Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9WT

Call FREEPHONE 0800 531 6282 or visit www.pqacademy.com

Families Vale of York 13

Are we there yet Travelling long distances with kids can be tricky. They get bored, they need entertaining, they argue and they think even a short journey is the longest ever!

Our top tips on how to survive long car journeys with the kids By Sally J. Hall Here are some ways to get there without going grey in the process. Create a magical destination

If the children know where you’re going and what they’ll find when you get there, they can be more enthusiastic about the journey. Find out facts about your destination, make them a booklet they can fill in with things they spot and have a ‘prize’ when they get there for being good.

Pack Snacks Kids get bored if energy levels drop, so pack snacks they can nibble on along the way; rice cakes, crackers, crisps and mini sandwiches are ideal. However, let the front passenger control these so they don’t eat them all at once. Always save sweet treats until last and make sure drinks are in spill-proof cups.

Play Games Why not play the spotting game. The kids win points for every animal they notice - on pub signs, shops, etc. - and the winner gets to pick what you spot next. If you’re feeling really generous, you could offer a small prize.

14 Families Vale of York

Play Music or Films Whilst you might restrict the use of tablets at home, this is when they are worth their weight in gold. Give each child their favourite film, and of course headphones. If you only have one tablet, you can buy an inexpensive converter for two sets of headphones. Then you don’t have to hear “Let It Go” fifteen times. If they are getting really stir crazy, classical music can calm them. Try Mozart clarinet and string concertos, ballet music, Radio 3 or Classic FM.

Know where you’re going Make sure you have directions to where you’re going or invest in a Satnav. If you don’t have one, you can use a map package on your smartphone, or alternatively get a helping hand from the AA (aa.com).

Other essen

tial

tips • Travel at a time when your ch ildren would us or napping. ually be sleepi ng • Take plenty of loo breaks an d a portable po • Take exer tty. cise breaks to al lo w them to let se rv ice stations ha You can also have endless discussions off steam. So ve play rooms. me • Take a chan about whether mythical creatures like ge of clothing. dragons count or not. • If your ch ild gets car si ck, en Alternatively, spot coloured cars – horizon and pa ck a few plastic courage them to look at th yellow and blue are unusual enough e bags! • Take some colouring book to be worth it. s and pens or pe and games. ncils, sticker bo oks • Take pillow s and blankets . • Keep a min i first aid kit in the car. • Allow more time than you need to allow for traffic jam s.

skincarefor kids

By Radhika Holmstrom

We’ve triaged them, so you don’t have to…some of the common skin problems parents encounter

Treat at home

Keep an eye on

Apply unperfumed, gentle moisturiser and use wash products specifically designed for kids – the more natural, the better. Most of the lotions and creams you’ll find are based on petroleum jelly but if you’d prefer a more natural option, there are lots of gentle oil-based products available. Just remember that essential oils can also irritate. Plain coconut oil works well. Avoid: olive oil, especially for babies. It’s not great for the skin barrier (so might lead to a nastier skin condition). Try: Oats in the bath (put them in a knotted popsock to keep them from turning it into porridge) for a cut-price skin soother.

Start by using lots – and we mean lots – of gentle, moisturiser (see if you can get this on prescription). But if you spot cracking or other signs of infection, get to the doctor, as a topical steroid cream may be needed on prescription. Avoid: using over-the-counter aqueous cream as a moisturiser, as it can irritate. It’s designed for the bath. Try: a quick body-search. If your child has five palm’s worth of eczema, it’s likely to be more than just a ‘mild’ case.

Dry skin

Eczema

Warts and verrucas

When treating them, make sure the product you buy is suitable for children – check with the pharmacist. These usually look nastier than they are but if they become bothersome or change in some way, see the GP. Avoid: putting wart treatments which contain salicylic acid on a child’s face. Try: putting a little piece of duct tape over the wart/verruca. Every six days, remove and soak the wart, and scrub off dead skin with an emery board. It may do the job naturally…

Take to the doctor Impetigo

These itchy sores aren’t too serious but they’re unpleasant and highly contagious, so get to the GP for antibiotic creams or tablets, which will clear them up quickly.

Psoriasis

This isn’t always serious – it’s the result of a build-up of skin cells – but it can be and of course the flaky patches can be quite upsetting to live with too. The recommendation is that you see the GP, who should be able to offer treatments from creams to UV light therapy. For more advice and tips on dealing with skin problems in children, visit the NHS website and search for skin problems in babies http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/skin-rash-babies

Radhika Holmstrom has a strong background in health journalism. She has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues. She is a visiting lecturer at Middlesex University, lecturing to undergraduates and postgraduates on feature-writing.

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Free trial session - book today! York 01904 406 355 www.explorelearning.co.uk Families Vale of York 15

the great Don’tt! forgeer East y is Sundcah 27 Mar By Sally J. Hall

Keep up this fun tradition with your children this Easter... Easter means different things to different people; for some it’s a religious celebration, for others a few days off work and the chance to meet up with friends and family for meals and outings together. But for the kids it is quite simple; it means time off school and plenty of Easter eggs! So why not organise an Easter Egg Hunt with your children and their friends?

Here’s how to make this year’s Easter’s egg hunt one that will be talked about for years to come.

What is an Easter Egg Hunt?

If you’ve never done this before, you – and your kids – are in for a treat. The day or evening before Easter Sunday, the grown-ups go around the house and possibly the garden too, including any safe sheds or garages, hiding Easter eggs and other treats. Then the kids have to find them on Easter morning. For many parents, the planning and organising beforehand is almost as much fun as watching the kids chasing around trying to find where you have hidden the eggs.

First, the shopping list

• You’ll need a few eggs per child – perhaps one large one each and then several eggs of smaller sizes and colours. Look for bumper packs that will be cheaper to buy than lots of individual eggs. • Next, you need holders for the children to collect the eggs in. Though this could be as simple as paper bags, you could find some inexpensive baskets in a craft shop, some plastic bowls or even washed plastic flower pots. • If you don’t want the kids to overdose on sugar, a few small gifts may be nice among all the eggs. Perhaps some small books or colouring pens. • The final thing you’ll need is a list of where you have hidden all the eggs. You don’t want to find melted chocolate later on where the kids have failed to notice those eggs under a sofa cushion!

Some nice ideas to do the day before, especially if it’s raining

• Encourage the children to decorate the bags or bowls that they and their friends will use for collecting the eggs in. If you’re using paper bags, make potato stamps and use poster paints to stamp on bold egg or bunny shape designs, then add stickers or glitter. • If you have found little wicker baskets, line them with straw or shredded paper and tie ribbons to the handles. • If you’re using plastic flower pots, tie a ribbon around each and add a paper label with the child’s name on it.

16 Families Vale of York

Where you do an Easter Egg hunt?

• At home, inside the house. This is particularly good if the weather is bad and as Easter is very early this year, it may be cold or wet. Make sure you lock or mark outof-bounds rooms that you don’t want the children in – such as the kitchen and your own bedroom. • In the garden. If it’s fine, this is ideal. Don’t put the eggs out the night before though, as animals may eat them, leave this until the morning. As an extra cute idea, why not make bunny footprints near each hidden egg? Cut the shape out of a piece of card and sprinkle flour or talcum powder through the template. • In the woods. If you live near some open space, gather the kids and their parents together and delegate one or two members of the grown-ups to keeping them amused (perhaps with an egg themed story) until the other adults have planted the eggs and clues around. Then let the little ones loose!

Some ground rules

• So that the children all feel they have been treated fairly and for safety, have some rules. • When they have collected three eggs, they must come back to ‘base’ before going off again. This gives them all a chance to find plenty of eggs. • Make sure you give the kids boundaries that they must not stray outside. If they go into the garden, make sure any gates or openings to the road are guarded by an adult and unsafe sheds or outhouses are locked. If you’re in the woods or a park, place small kids with grown-ups or much older children for safety. • Children could be asked to collect different colour eggs each – you can achieve this by wrapping eggs in several different colours of tissue or wrapping paper. Alternatively, you could have different colours for very small children and make them much easier to spot but have the slightly better hidden ones nearby for older kids. • Get older children to pair up with younger ones to help them. • Don’t allow the kids to eat the eggs as they find them – they have to bring them all back to base. • Once the game is over, allow them to eat one or two and then the rest should be taken home.

Make it better

If you want to increase the amount of time the hunt takes up, you could have some challenges or activities along the way. For example, when they all get to a particular place, they could sit down on a picnic blanket for an Easter themed story, or play some games like “What’s The Time, Mister Wolf?” This helps to slow down the hunt and to let off steam too.

Give us a clue

cluding tions in c a r t t a age cal er of lo sh Herit b li g m n u E n A and nts and l Trust Egg Hu r e t Nationa s a to you. eE e local ties hav s r o e h p t o t r u p eck o s, so ch activitie

If you wish, you can add an extra dimension to a hunt, especially for older children, with clues. Think about where you can hide eggs and then make up a clue about that place. For example, if you have hidden some in the washing machine (unplug for safety), you could have a clue about ‘where clothes go for a bath’ and so on. You could also make a map and have clues that they find as they follow the map around. This could be themed; they might be looking for numbered pictures of bunnies tied into the trees if you’re in the woods, they could be pirates looking for buried treasure in the garden (and could dress up too) or fairies looking for magic eggs in the house. Use your imagination!

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 25 March - 10 April

Production supported by

time together

Hop along for the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt any day this Easter holiday. Team up to find a secret golden egg, challenge your family to egg and spoon racing on abbey green and learn about all things woolly at Swanley Grange.

01765 608888 nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey

Families Vale of York 17

e v i t a n r lte

by Zhara Armstrong of Treasures

Would you like to give a Toy this Easter? We have a fantastic selection of new toys at Treasures that your children will love. They won’t cost you more than a chocolate Easter egg and are guaranteed to last a lot longer. I have selected some of my favourite finds from this year’s Toy Fair including two Toy Fair 2016 awards winners.

ed Award w e Best N Toy

StikBot

The brand new StikBot range is already creating a stir since it arrived at Treasures in January and this looks set to be one of the top toys of 2016. StikBots were named Best New Toy in the Pocket Money category at London Toy Fair. StikBot can be posed in numerous different ways and has its own stop frame animation app for making videos quickly and easily (free to download). Kids (and adults!) can film, pause and edit their StikBot videos. Its great fun and addictive!

Beanie Boo’s & new Teeny Ty’s

These are adorable and children love to collect these cute characters. Each comes named and with their birthday date. I am expecting the new Teeny Ty’s to be just as popular and a great addition to our party bag gift selection at just £2.99 each. Beanie Boo’s £4.99 and Teeny Ty’s £2.99 Suitable from birth.

ed Award F TOY O 2016

My children have been testing these for Treasures and we have already watched StikBots attempting to steal shields from Nexo Knights with a T – Rex making an appearance too. My daughter’s video was a far more chilled affair with StikBots enjoying a Sylvanian picnic. StikBot figures come in 6 colours and are priced at £4.99 The Studio pack includes two StikBots and a phone tripod to make shooting your own stop frame animation movie easier.. Prices: £4.99 for single StikBot & £12.99 for StikBot Studio. Suitable from 4 years.

Sylvanian Families Sylvanian Families is a very popular range at Treasures and there are some lovely new additions to this very cute toy range. I particularly liked the new Sylvanian Bakery and the Boutique.

For a small Easter treat the Baby Carry Cases are great value and each contains a figure and play piece that can be added to any other Sylvanian set you already own. There are 10 to choose from. My favourite is the Chocolate rabbit baby in her high chair. Sylvanian Carry cases £4.99 at Treasures (recommended retail £5.99) Suitable from 3 years – and a cheaper option then many chocolate eggs will be!

18 Families Vale of York

Nexo Knights

Enter into a futuristic world of a group of valiant but inexperienced (and very funny) knights as they battle an evil jester for control over powerful magic books. New from Lego, the hero knights are Clay, Macy, Axl, Lance and Arron who battle the villains Jestro, Scurrier, Beast Master, Moltor and Sparkks. The Nexo Knights cartoon is showing now and you can buy your character building set for just £6.99. There is a full range of Nexo Knight building sets, including all the vehicles used in the story. The character sets at £6.99 are great value and are likely to be a big hit with Lego fans this Easter. Prices from £6.99 Suitable from 6 years.

AFTS

CR Easter Egg Bunny

EGO NEW L HTS IG N K NEXO RE IN STO

Find the perfect gift this Easter Have you tried the Treasures wish list service?

You’ll need:

1 hard-boiled egg Yellow and white felt PVA glue Felt tips pens in yellow, orange and black What to do: Take a freshly cooked and cooled hard-boiled egg. Cut shapes for the bunny’s feet and hands out of the yellow felt; then cut larger ears shapes out of yellow felt and smaller ones from the white.

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Stick the feet on the base of the egg, making sure the egg can stand upright on them. Stick the white ears onto the yellow and when they have dried a little, stick them on to the rear of where the face will be. Finally, draw a rabbit’s face on the front of the egg with the pens and decorate with patterns as your child likes.

Egg Bunting You’ll need:

Plain white paper Poster paints Stickers Glitter Glue Scraps of paper, fabric and wool Mini pegs String What to do: Cut out lots of Easter egg shapes from the paper Get the kids to use paint to create patterns on the eggs; stripes and circles work well. Next, use the scraps of craft fabrics and stickers to make the eggs even more decorative. Use some glue to create lines or shapes and scatter the glitter for the final touch. When the egg shapes are dry, hang them on a piece of string with the colourful pegs. If you can’t find pegs, use coloured paper clips or simply thread the string through a hole in the top of each egg.

Bunny Ears You’ll need:

White cardboard Grey and pink paint Scissors PVA glue An Alice band What to do:

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Get the kids to paint sheets of paper plain grey or plain pink Help your children (using child-safe scissors) to cut out larger grey ears shapes and smaller pink ear shapes from the painted paper. Be sure to leave a longer bit of paper at the bottom of the grey shapes Stick the pink inners on the grey ears.

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Next, attach the shapes to the Alice band with the glue and leave to dry.

Families Vale of York 19

what’s on at Easter

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. More ‘Days Out’ can be found online at www.familiesvoy.co.uk . All events are now searchable by date, venue & age range making it much easier to find all our local events at the click of your mouse.

Until 31 July

18 Mar – 11 Apr

Scotsman Season 2016

Easter Trail

To mark Flying Scotsman’s eagerly anticipated return to the tracks the museum is planning a whole season of events and activities in 2016 to celebrate the fame & celebrity of the locomotive legend. 08448 153139 www.nrm. org.uk

Follow the trail around the Arboretum for lots of Easter-themed fun. Collect your prize when you complete it! www.thorpperrow.com

The National Railway Museum

1-6 Mar

Snowdrop Spectacular Burton Agnes Hall

Wander through a wonderful blanket of snowdrops in the woodland walk. 11am - 4pm 01262 490324 www.burtonagnes.com 5-6 Mar

Afternoon Tea Special Weekend Goddards

Treat the mum in your world to a luxurious afternoon tea in the decadent Drawing Room at Goddards. Pre-booking essential. 2-4pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk 5-6 Mar

Mothers’ Day Arts & Crafts East Riddlesden Hall

Create a unique gift in the Discovery Room before exploring the spring flowers together in the garden. Then treat mum to a delicious slice of cake in the cosy tearoom. Yummy! www.nationaltrust.org.uk 5-6 Mar

Mothers’ Day Treat Nunnington Hall

Make a special gift for your number one Mum! Plant your own spring flower, decorate the pot and make a beautiful card. The Tearooms will be providing a special Mother’s Day afternoon treat for you all to enjoy as a family. 11am - 4pm 01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 5-6 Mar

Mothers’ Day Weekend Harlow Carr

“We’re all mad here.” Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

25th March – 10th April 10am – 5.30pm last admission 4.30pm. The table is laid, the teapot is ready, the eggs are hidden and the rabbits are hopping with excitement, which can mean only one thing,: it’s Mad Hatters Tea Party time! With treasure to find and whimsical characters to behold, Mother Shipton’s Cave is being transformed this Easter by Alice & her band of mischievous friends. There will be plenty of fun and frolics in the family filled Easter adventure. For more information visit www. mothershipton.co.uk or find them on Facebook simply search Mother Shipton’s Cave

20 Families Vale of York

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a wander around the garden to see earlyspring flowers, and enter the photo competition for the chance to win a fabulous hamper. 0845 265 8070 www.rhs.org.uk 6 Mar

Mother’s Day Artrageous Beningbrough Hall & Gardens

Celebrate Mothering Sunday and make something special for mum in the popular family art workshop. 1pm-3pm. 01904 472027 www. nationaltrust.org.uk 6 Mar

Mothers’ Day Thorpe Perrow

Free Tea & Cake with entry for your lovely Mum. www.thorpperrow.com 6 Mar

Mothers’ Day Trail Brimham Rocks

Get your family outdoors to celebrate this Mothers’ Day in the rocks. 11am - 3pm 01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Thorpe Perrow

23 Mar – 17 Apr

A‘maze’ing Pirate Treasure Trail Stockeld Park

Arrrr... track down the all the cheeky pirates hiding out in the Maze and solve the riddle to find your gold! Collect a coin and head to the shop to redeem your treasure! 01937 586101 stockeldpark.co.uk 23 Mar – 17 Apr

The EGGstravagant ‘Hatch It’ event Stockeld Park

Visit throughout the Easter Season for excitement and anticipation as Stockeld Park is joined by ‘Hatch It’ of York to greet some very cute and fluffy Easter chicks into the world. Observe and anticipate the eggs hatching live and follow the chicks’ progress and see them develop. 01937 586101 stockeldpark.co.uk 23 Mar – 17 Apr

Easter #BonnetBonanza Stockeld Park

Take yourself along to Stockeld Park wearing your best #BonnetBonanza and have your picture taken to enter their social media competition. Simply wear your best designed Easter bonnet, have your picture taken in the photo card and see your picture on the Easter wall of fame. Or as part of the indoor Craft area, create and take part in making your own Easter bonnet. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 23 Mar – 17 Apr

Giant Egg Hunt Stockeld Park

Throughout the whole of the Easter Adventure you can take part in the giant unique egg hunt around the Enchanted Forest with prizes up for grabs. Also track down Old MacDonald’s lost animals. Complete the activity sheet and return to the shop for your chance to win a giant Chocolate Easter egg. There’s even a small chocolate treat just for entering. The prize draw will be done on the final weekend of the Easter adventure. 01937 586101 stockeldpark.co.uk 25 Mar

Bible Stories in Pictures Temple Newsam

A guided tour of the bible stories in the art works hanging at Temple Newsam House. www.leeds.gov.uk 25-26 Mar

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Brimham Rocks

Go along and hunt for giant eggs hidden amongst the rocks. Find them all to claim your Cadbury Chocolate Egghead. £2 per trail/egg. 11am 3pm. 01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

25 & 28 Mar

25-28 Mar

Leeds City Museum

Egg-citing Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts

Hopalong Bunny’s Basket of Puzzles and Treats

Easter Fun at Stockeld

Stockeld Park is open for fun and adventure every day this Easter holidays from 23rd March – 17th April. The magical Enchanted Forest with its themed adventure playgrounds will have Giant hand painted Easter eggs hidden as part of a treasure trail quiz. Or you can discover the pirate’s treasure trove at the heart of the real Yew tree maze, go roller skating, go karting or take an electric scooter ride round the forest. To warm up and re-fuel, visit the yummy Woodland Cafe and try out the indoor inflatable play area. If that isn’t enough, there will be hatching chicks, a visiting petting farm and across the Easter weekend itself, the Easter bunny and Old Macdonald will be there to entertain young and old alongside the Easter bonnet parade, face painting and Easter crafts. For details of all Easter events at Stocked Park, visit www.stockeldpark.co.uk

28 March The Railway Children If you missed York Theatre Royal’s wonderful production of The Railway Children last summer then you’ll have a chance to see this award-winning production at cinemas across the country on Easter Monday. Filmed at the National Railway Museum with seven cameras by an expert team, the film the film captures every moment of the fast-paced production including the unique staging, moving platforms, props and rail carts. For tickets and details of venues go to www.railwaychildrenfilm.com

Ultimate Fun this Easter

With an exciting range of sport, art and games activities for children of all ages, Ultimate Activity Camps are guaranteed to give your child the most enjoyment and excitement they have ever had during the school holidays. Ultimate will be running Easter activity camps from 29 March – 8 April at Ashville College, Harrogate. For more details or to book visit www.ultimateactivity. co.uk or call 0844 870 7077

Bushbabies Woodland Adventures

The Woodland Adventure Company runs fabulous outdoor adventure sessions for little ones. They’ve recently introduced a loyalty card, where 6 stamps will entitle you to a free session to the value of £12. They also offer school sessions that cover their curriculum topics such as the Stone Age, Romans Space & Bonfire night. For more information and to book any of the session below, call 07788 713393 or visit www.thewoodlandadventurecompany.co.uk A number of themed outdoor sessions are running this Easter: 29 Mar 5 April 7 April Stamford Bridge, York Stamford Bridge, York The Pinewoods, Bog Babies The search for Harrogate 1:30pm, 2-6 year olds. the Gruffalo’s Bog Babies Child 10:00 - 2-6 year olds 30 Mar Stamford Bridge, York 10am - 2-4 year olds Dragon Fire

Star Wars themed

10am - 3-6 year olds 1pm - 3-6 year olds

Bow & Arrow making

1:00pm - 6-11 year olds

6 April 1 April Stamford Bridge, York Stamford Bridge, York

Dragon Fire Rockets & Swords New &

Frozen themed

10:30am - 3-6 yr olds

1:00pm - 3-6 year olds

10am - 2-5 year olds

Robin Hood Improved with a pizza lunch themed

Rockets & Swords

12:30pm - 3-6 year olds.

Watch out, the museum bunny’s hopping in and out with a basket of springtime treats. Spend a fun family day in the museum with calming Easter puzzles. www.leeds.gov.uk 25–28 Mar

Bonny Bonnets and Handsome Hats Temple Newsam

Create your own jolly Easter headgear inspired by the hats, caps or crowns on show in the House.www.leeds.gov.uk 25-28 Mar

300 Years of Beningbrough Easter Beningbrough Hall & Gardens

Bunny has gone down the rabbit hole, travelling through time, as Beningbrough celebrates 300 years since it was built. Join the hunt for Bunny to win a Cadbury chocolate bunny, decorate an egg to try and win a prize in the art workshop and see who can beat the rest of the family in the egg and spoon races. 01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 25-28 Mar

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt East Riddlesden Hall

A delicious Cadbury chocolate egg is waiting for each young explorer who completes the trail. Seasonal themed crafts will also be available and are included in the trail price.Trail sheets £2 each. General admission prices apply (under 5’s go free). www.nationaltrust.org.uk 25-28 Mar

Cadbury Easter Hunt Weekend Treasurers House

Climb the stairs to follow the indoor family trail for a Cadbury sweet treat or head into the garden for games on the lawn. 11am - 4pm. 01904 624247 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 25-28 Mar

Easter Adventure Quest Whitby Abbey

It’s time to get clue-cracking. Find characters from the past to help you solve the challenge and seek out your chocolate reward. 11am - 5pm. 01947 603568 www.english-heritage.org.uk 25-28 Mar

Easter Adventure Quest Brodsworth Hall

Get clue-cracking and find characters from the past to help you solve the challenge and seek out your chocolate reward. 11am - 5pm. 01302 722598 www.english-heritage.org.uk 25-28 Mar

Egg and Spoon Easter Challenge Stockeld Park

Enter the main field arena and be a part of the race challenges. Goodie bag prizes to be won, as well as chocolate treats for those who take part. 2.30pm 01937 586101 stockeldpark.co.uk

Nunnington Hall

Join Vic, Val and Venus on an Easter egg hunt around the house and garden. Can you help them to track him down, solve the puzzles and claim your Cadbury chocolate prize? 11am - 4.30pm. 01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 25-28 Mar

The ‘Eggciting’ Easter Bunny & Old MacDonald Show Stockeld Park

From Good Friday to Easter Monday go along and meet the Easter Bunny with Old MacDonald and see the Easter themed show featuring Stockeld Park’s resident Mascots PomPom and Stanley. Shows will be at 11:30am, 12.30pm, 1:30pm, 15.30pm and 4:30pm. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 25-28 Mar

Easter Adventure Quest Scarborough Castle

It’s time to get clue-cracking. Find characters from the past to help you solve the challenge and seek out your chocolate reward. 11am - 5pm. 01723 372451 www.english-heritage.org.uk 25 Mar – 10 Apr

Cadbury Easter Trail

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

I spy with my little eye… an Easter bunny! This spring at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal little bunnies have been hoppety-hopping around the estate. Head over bridges of the river Skell, explore around every corner of the abbey ruins, and follow the waterways of the Georgian gardens to find them and get a yummy Cadbury chocolatey prize. Trails £2, with a shorter route for little legs. 11am - 4pm. 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 25th Mar - 10th Apr

Great Easter Egg Hunt Piglets

Find hidden chicks around the farm, grab an egg from each one and then receive a special treat. www.pigletsfarmpark.co.uk 25 Mar – 10 Apr

Easter Trail

Burton Agnes Hall

Follow the fun clues on a trail around the grounds, and receive an Easter treat once complete. 01262 490324 www.burtonagnes.com 25 Mar – 10 Apr

Easter at Harlow Carr Harlow Carr

Celebrate Easter and become a garden detective for the Easter holidays. With stories, crafts and bunnies galore plus the magical Lindt Gold Bunny hunt, there’s plenty to discover in the garden! 0845 265 8070 www.rhs.org.uk

Families Vale of York 21

Family Friendly Activities at Harrogate Climbing Centre this Easter and Beyond

With something to do on every day in the holidays, Harrogate Climbing Centre can keep the whole family entertained over the Easter break. From Kids’ Clubs and Family Taster Sessions, to Outdoor Days and Day Camps, let the enthusiastic climbing instructors show you the ropes and get you scaling the walls. Climbing is a great activity for all abilities and each climb presents is own unique mental and physical challenge to the climber. As a long term hobby climbing can help to improve communication and build confidence. Harrogate Climbing Centre runs one off sessions throughout the year and delivers the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) which is a progressive climbing programme for young climbers 7+ years looking to develop their climbing skills and knowledge over a period of time. Throughout the NICAS courses children are coached by a highly trained in-house team who are passionate about passing on their skills. All sessions are supervised and all equipment is provided in the cost of each session. One off sessions cost £8 for Little Monkeys (5-6yrs), £11 for Rock Its (7-11yrs) and £11 for Hang Time (11-17yrs). NICAS courses start at £10 per session and are booked as half term blocks. For more information or to book visit www.harrogateclimbingcentre.com or talk to one of the team on 01423 815024.

Remember collect your Families magazine voucher to receive 10% off your booking - see p4 Kids Day Camps

Family Outdoor Day at Brimham Mon March 28th & Rocks (7+yrs) (7-11yrs)

MoN April 4th 9:30am - 3pm A day of fun climbing and abseiling related activities. £35 per climber

Little Monkeys (5 & 6yrs)

Every day from Mon 28th March Sun 10th April 10:30am - 11:30am & 12noon-1pm A fun session to introduce young people to climbing. £8 per climber.

Friday 1st April 10am - 4pm A day of weaselling, climbing & abseiling with Harrogate Climbing Centre. Children must be accompanied by an adult (max 2 children per adult). No previous experience required. Suitable for children aged 7+yrs. £35 per person.

Kids Outdoor Day at Brimham Rocks (7-17yrs)

Tues 29th March 10am - 4pm A day of weaselling, climbing and abseiling with Harrogate Climbing Centre. No previous experience required. Suitable for children aged 7-17yrs. £50 per child.

Rock Its (7-11yrs)

day from Mon Hang Time (11-17yrs) Every 28th March - Sun

Mon, Wed & Fri 6:30pm - 8pm A sociable climbing session for older kids and teenagers. £11 per climber

10th April 10am - 11:30am A fun session of climbing and climbing related activities. £11 per climber

Easter Egg-stravaganza Fun at Piglets Adventure Farm

With brand new attractions, cute baby animals and exciting activities, there is plenty to see and do this Easter at Piglets Adventure Farm. In addition to the Easter Egg-stravaganza fun there is the newly opened Piglet Maternity Ward, where you can get up close with the pigs, meet expectant mums and if you are lucky see piglets being born! You will also be able to grab refreshing drinks and delicious snacks in the new Piglets Coffee House while the little ones enjoy the new Piglets Play Pen. Plus, from 25th March to 10th April, little egg hunters can take part in the Great Easter Egg Hunt. Find hidden chicks around the farm, grab an egg from each one and then receive a special treat. Other egg-citing activities include lambing live, lamb bottle feeding, baby chicks, Chicken Flappin’ and the Magic Hatter returns with his comedy magic and springtime silliness! There’s also all the regular activities including trailer rides, crazy farm golf, bouncing pillows, petting barn, giant sand pit and loads more. It’s egg-hilarating fun for all the family!

25 Mar – 10 Apr

27-28 Mar

Golden Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

There’s a tiny golden egg hidden somewhere on the estate and it’s your job to track it down. However, you must keep its location a secret! Team up with your family and friends for this challenging treasure hunt. Say where you saw it and they’ll enter you into a prize draw to win an eggstremely eggcellent prize! 10am 4pm. 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 25 Mar – 10 Apr

Mad Hatter Easter Trail Mother Shipton’s Cave and the Petrifying Well

With treasure to find and whimsical characters to behold, Mother Shipton’s Cave is being transformed this Easter by Alice & her band of mischievous friends. 10am - 5.30pm. www.mothershipton. co.uk 25 Mar – 10 Apr

Weaving in the Workshop Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

Looms at the ready? Get your fingers working and creative juices flowing this Easter with a woolly medieval craft. Just head to Swanley Grange where there’s plenty to discover about the history of the wool trade. 11am - 4pm. 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 26, 27, 30 & 31 Mar, 1-3 & 6-10 ApR

Easter Animals Abbey House Museum

Fun Easter crafts for all the family. www.leeds.gov.uk 26-27 Mar

Terry’s Chocfest Goddards

Have a go at doing the chocolate orange trail or find out more about the Terry chocolate business in 10 minute bite sized talks. Make chocolate boxes and enjoy a stroll in the garden overlooking the chocolate factory. 10.30am - 5pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk 26-28 Mar

Easter Eggstravaganza Murton Park

Lots of Easter fun. 01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk 26-28 Mar

Easter Fair Castle Howard

Find the giant eggs nestled among the flowers and lush green of spring and claim your prize. Meet Molly the Rabbit and ride the traditional fairground including children’s chair-o-plane, helter skelter and swing boats, and enjoy interactive entertainment with the lost explorers and face painters. 01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk 27 Mar

Thwaite Mills Watermill Thwaite Water Mills

Piglets Adventure Farm is located 15 minutes from the centre of York, on Towthorpe Moor Lane, between Strensall Road and the A64, North of York. www.pigletsfarmpark.co.uk 01904499700

22 Families Vale of York

Celebrate the coming of Spring, with fun activities for all the family including face painting, bouncy castle, the Easter Bunny and much more. www.leeds.gov.uk

Burton Agnes Hall

Enjoy searching the grounds and woodland walk for chocolate Easter eggs over the Easter weekend. Fun for all the family! 01262 490324 www.burtonagnes. com 27-28 Mar

Easter Family Fun Nunnington Hall

Visit Nunnington Hall this Easter weekend and see cute farm animals including chicks, ducks, pigs, lambs and even a donkey! Everyone is invited to join in with the fun animal races so put your best foot forward to waddle like a duck, bounce like a bunny and strut like a peacock. 11am - 5pm 01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 27-28 Mar

Easter Family Fun Days Newby Hall & Gardens

Lots of Easter fun. 11am - 5pm 0845 4504068 www.newbyhall.com 27-28 Mar

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Rievaulx Terrace & Temples

Join Bunny and his woodland friends as they search the wood and across the Terrace to claim your Cadbury chocolate prize. 10am - 4pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk 27-30 Mar

Water Wheel Workshops Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

Make a ‘splash’ down by the 800 year old mill as Simon shows you how a water wheel works – and gets you to make your own! It’s completely free and there’s no need to book beforehand, but spaces are limited so get here early. 11am & 1pm 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 28 Mar

Easter Eggsploits Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

Take your hard-boiled eggs and get your game face on for the best decorated egg and egg rolling contests. Beat ‘em all hands down and you’ll win a prize. 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 28 Mar – 1 Apr & 4 – 8 Apr

Bee Happy Ripon Workhouse

As the first bees start appearing in the Workhouse Garden discover why the Victorians kept bees and how they used the honey and wax they produced. The bee and honey themed family activities run on weekdays during the Easter holidays and include making wax candles, mixing honey medicines, baking Victorian milk and honey bread, meeting the beekeeper and an Easter Bee Trail. The Workhouse Museum also has story times on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. www.riponmuseums.co.uk

31 Mar

24 Apr

Brimham Adventure

Cliffe Scarecrow Festival

Brimham Rocks

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

Spring along to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this Easter where there’s fun to be had over the whole estate. This year for the first time there’s even more chance to claim a Cadbury chocolate prize with the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt every day of the holiday! Easter bunnies have been hopping about all over the place – can you help to find them? A tiny golden egg is hiding somewhere secret, team up with family and friends to take on this challenging treasure hunt. Fill out a card if you find it and you can win a very special prize. Join in an afternoon of eggciting Easter Monday traditions with egg rolling on abbey green and a best decorated egg competition. A very special long eared guest has been invited too! Have a splash down by the mill and make your very own mini water wheel to take home (27, 28 & 30 March, 11am & 1pm), challenge your family to games of egg and spoon, skittles or croquet and learn more about all things lambs, sheep and wool down at Swanley Grange, where you can try your hand at a spot of weaving. www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

Theatre 1 -5 Mar

Lord of the Flies

Bradford Alhambra

William Golding’s 20th-century classic Lord of the Flies explodes onto the stage in a remarkable production direct from London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre. www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 1-5 Mar

Snow Child

The De Grey Rooms

It’s not easy, bringing up a wild daughter of the blizzards & the wind. As the seasons turn, & winter gives way to spring & summer, will the Snow Child and her parents find their “happily ever after”? Suitable for ages 3+. 01904 715455 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk 6 Apr

Tortoise & the Hare Harrogate Theatre

Bringing this much-loved Aesop’s fable to life, Tortoise & the Hare is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live

01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk /brimham-rocks 1-3 Apr

Easter Kids Activity Days Thorpe Perrow

Easter-themed activities perfect for active kids aged 4+ - don’t forget to wear your wellies! 11am - 4pm www.thorpperrow.com 4-10 Apr

Petting Farm Stockeld Park

Pet the real farm animals at Stockeld Park. Meet the rabbits and ducks, say hi to the baby goats and even bottle feed some new born lambs. A great way to welcome in the Spring season. 10 am - 5pm

Get Hands-On this Easter at Leeds Museums & Galleries

A world of wonder awaits you right on your doorstep, as Leeds Museums & Galleries host a number of hands-on activities to capture imaginations over the Easter break. Easter weekend will see hop-along bunnies, Easter bonnet making & a special spring festival; then the activities continue throughout the school holidays with new family trails, Easter egg hunts, springthemed crafts, garden games & face-painting! Don’t forget the museums are fascinating days out themselves, from fashion galleries, to replica Victorian streets, a Leeds tiger and even a toddler town there’s everything you could need for a fabulous day out – including cafes for that well deserved break! Take a look at leeds.gov.uk/ schoolholidays to see what’s on.

Join rangers for this 50 Things-themed adventure. Wrap up warm for some Brimham Rocks fun and games. Suitable for accompanied children aged 5+. 1-2.30pm

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Putting the magic back into the Easter holidays

16-17 Apr

World Heritage Weekend Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

Looking for something for your children to do this Easter? Then Super Camps daily activity camps are the perfect way to put the magic back into the school holidays. The programme is jam-packed with fun activities that will keep your children entertained for hours, ant their ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating gives you the peace of mind that your children are in the best possible care. Camps include a variety of sports, games, and arts & crafts. No two days are the same & the price includes all activities. Supercamps will be running a multiactivity camp at St Peter’s School, York from 4-8 April. Visit www.supercamps. co.uk or call 01235 467 300 to book or for further details.

Celebrate International World Heritage day and discover more about what makes Fountains Abbey a World Heritage Site. 10am - 6pm

ballet, music & theatre. 01423 502 116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/whats-on

‘Alice’ characters portrayed by a cast of four talented actors. Expect brand-new catchy sing-along songs, fabulous puppets & lots of surprises. From the moment Alice falls down the rabbit hole to the hilarious & curious ending, we can guarantee that you will be spellbound. The production is suitable for families & specifically children aged 5 to 9. 2pm.tickets.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk

11 Mar

Frolicked: Who Killed the Rats? Junction, Paradise Place

Through half-closed doors, holes in the walls and along the skirting boards, a sinister series of gruesome murders has taken place at Junction. Have you got what it takes to catch the culprit and solve the puppet rat-infested murder mystery? Suitable for ages 7. 01405 763652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk 17-19 Mar

Bugsy Malone

Joseph Rowntree Theatre

Prepare to return to the 1920’s for a nonstop performance of fun, entertainment and charmingly madcap routines, presented by an all youth cast from Flying Ducks Youth Theatre based in Haxby. 01904 658197 www.thelittleboxoffice.com/flyingducks 1 Apr

Alice in Wonderland

The Georgian Theatre Royal

This colourful show features all the favourite

01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 23 Apr

St George’s Day Arts & Crafts East Riddlesden Hall

Enjoy creating some wonderful arts and crafts to celebrate the day. Suitable for children of all ages. 11am - 3pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk

2 Apr

Image Theatre: The Railway Children Junction, Paradise Place

In Image Theatre’s trademark style, the whole audience will rehearse the chorus and some children will be given the opportunity to perform on stage. Family entertainment at its very best. 2pm. 01405 763652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk 6 Apr

Bear Behaving Badly

Harrogate International Centre

Get ready for chaos and calamity as the hilarious CBBC show Bear Behaving Badly takes to the stage in his first ever nationwide live tour.

Cliffe Preschool

Maps £1 available from Cliffe Village InstituteFun family day out finding all the creative scarecrows around the village. There will also be a giant raffle, cakes and refreshments, BBQ and children’s games and activities. Raising funds for Cliffe Preschool, 11am - 3pm www.cliffepreschool.co.uk 24 Apr

Spring Family Nature Walk Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

As nature wakes up from its winter slumber, enjoy discovering the new sights and smells of spring on a nature walk with gardeners. 2-3pm 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

table tots www.tabletots.co.uk

Families to Families Nearly New Table Top Sales 50 + tables available for hire at each sale on www.tabletots.co.uk Events are for Baby & Tots items up to age 10

12 Mar Pontefract, New College 13 Mar Horsforth, Leeds Trinity University Sports Centre 19 Mar Hull Indoor Sports Centre 20 Mar Rothwell, Rothwell Sports Centre 26 Mar Guiseley Craft & Gift Fair, Aireborough Lesuire Centre 2 Apr Shipley, Titus Salt School 3 Apr Brighouse, Brighouse High School 9 Apr Halifax, Trinity Academy 10 Apr Wakefield, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School 16 Apr Barnsley, Horizon Community College 17 Apr Leeds, Leeds Futsal Arena 23 Apr Otely, Prince Henry’s Grammar School 24 Apr Catterick, Catterick Leisure Centre

7 Apr

The Railway Children Harrogate Theatre

E. Nesbit’s well-loved tale is brought to life in this new adaptation by Woolford & John. 01423 502 116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk 16 Apr

Tortoise & the Hare

Junction, Paradise Place

Bringing this much-loved Aesop’s fable to life, Tortoise & the Hare is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music & theatre. 2pm, 4pm & 6pm. 01405 763652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk 30 Apr

How the Koala Learnt to Hug Pocklington Arts Centre

Written especially for parents to enjoy with their children, How The Koala Learnt To Hug is a charming new musical about the magic of family and, of course, the importance of a nice warm hug! 3pm. 01759 301547 www.pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk

Families

Ashville

Ashville is now welcoming children from 3 years old in our outstanding new Pre-School

A leading independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3-18

‘Acorn Adventures’ Friday afternoons, 1:15pm - 2:45pm (during term time) Join us for a sociable, fun and play session for parents and toddlers held in our brand new Pre-School facility. Free of charge, no need to book, just turn up!

Pre-Prep Ages 3 - 7

Junior Ages 7 - 11

Senior Ages 11 - 16

‘Large enough to challenge, small enough to care’ Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate Tel: 01423 566358 | admissions@ashville.co.uk www.ashville.co.uk

Sixth Form Ages 16 - 18