FamLeedsnovdec18

IN THIS ISSUE

Exclusive interview with Dame Jacqueline Wilson What’s On – a full festive round-up

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We use TEEPEES & DENS as a unique focal point for our luxury themed sleepovers.

Themes for BOYS & GIRLS aged six plus.

www.sleepteepeetight.com • contact@sleepteepeetight.com

Issue 61 November/December 2018

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GUIDING CHILDREN AGED 5)11 TO BUILD STRENGTH & AWARENESS, ALL WITH FEELING. Classes at the Grove Centre, Horsforth, LS18 4BH Tuesday 4.45pm & Friday 4pm E. bodymindandheart@hotmail.com • T. 07903 366 753 W. bodymindandheartyoga.com

Coming to your school soon.

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LOOKING FOR PRE-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES? DRAMA AND STORY TELLING

WEDNESDAY • 2pm - 2.45pm – 2 years to 4 years Drama

VENUE The Grove Centre, Horsforth

COST Advanced booking for half a term £5/session One off bookings £5.50/session

CONTACT US: E: getintouch@northernartsfactory.co.uk W: www.northernartsfactory.co.uk T: 07747 105 277 or 07590 820 920 Twitter: @NorthernArtsFac Facebook: @Northernartsfactory

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WELCOME BACK

CONTENTS…

Please contact Claire Bottomley to advertise in this magazine…

07799 667 041 editor@familiesleeds.co.uk

4–5

NEWS

6

FOSTERING TALENT Families talks to two fantastic foster carers

9

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Dame Jacqueline Wilson on her new book, My Mum Tracy Beaker

10 – 11

HAVE A COOL YULE Our pick of festive events and productions

12

SAY CHRISTMAS! A photographer’s top tips for capturing the moment

13 – 15

WHAT’S ON? Bumper three-page guide to what’s on for families across West Yorkshire this November and December

DESIGNED BY: Justin Leeming • 07745 038 005 www.justinleeming.crevado.com PRINTED BY: Charlesworth Press, Wakefield www.charlesworth.com Families Leeds is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Leeds are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Leeds. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Leeds Ltd; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot

The winner of our Clip ‘n Climb Ilkley ticket competition was Rebecca Martin. Congratulations to her and thank you to all who entered.

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13

I can’t believe this is the last issue of 2018!

On a personal level, it’s been an eventful year for me, with the arrival of our new baby.

Going back to the new-born days was lovely – and thankfully I have a fantastic group of mum friends who have had their own new arrivals at the same time.

That’s right – by happy chance, I have a readymade support circle, experiencing equally sleepless nights, keen to discuss feeding habits, and anxious about leaving their new additions.

Eleanor loves hanging out with Twix, Nancy and Denzil. We get lots of fresh air and there’s plenty to see in the park when we all meet up.

It only slightly concerns me that my daughter is wont to crawl around with one of my slippers in her mouth. She chews things, dribbles, and occasionally nips. That’s normal, right? And she’s always trying to crawl out of the door where she’s not meant to. But we find if we throw her favourite ball in the other direction it does the trick.

Well, with a peer group made entirely of puppies, can you blame her?

She’s hard work and very tying, but she’s so sweet and we all adore her more than we could ever have imagined. She has completed our family. Rest assured, she is most definitely not just for Christmas!

We’re Growing!

Have a lovely November and December – happy holidays!

be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

11

Welcome back...

Make sure you pick up a copy of our next issue, out early January!

CIRCULATION: We distribute 25,000 copies of the magazine free of charge through schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, selected retail outlets and sports centres. Read by more than 60,000 parents. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

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Claire Bottomley (Editor)

Families Leeds has become Families Leeds and West Yorkshire. We’re delighted to be expanding to cover Bradford, Huddersfield and Halifax. There’s so much going on for families across West Yorkshire, now you’ll find even more ideas and What’s On information from all over this fantastic region.

Families Leeds 3

Families NEWS… New yogA & MiNDfulNess Class for Children Would your child enjoy a fun, interactive, yoga and mindfulness class? The sessions, for five to 11-year-olds, held at the Grove Centre in Horsforth on Tuesdays and Fridays, incorporate poses, sharing, games, music, art and anatomy, as well as breath work and relaxation.

They’re run by accredited children’s yoga teacher Sian Stowell, of Body, Mind & Heart, who says there are many benefits of yoga for children. They include: n maintaining the flexibility their bodies are naturally born with and building strength and better posture n teaching them to breath more deeply, which is a great tool to help them to cope with the varied emotions they deal with – from being very excited to being sad, angry or nervous and helping to encourage better sleeping patterns n promoting effective concentration and communication skills

BABES for under 6 month olds STAGE 1 for 6–14 month olds

“One in ten children are struggling to cope with mental health and the government want schools to play a key role, but we owe it to our children, as parents, to play an equal part in this,” said Sian. “Life throws so much at them from such a young age and we can often under estimate the pressures that they feel.”

She added,“Yoga and mindfulness helps children to be more present in the moment without the concern of what went before or what is coming after. It has a big impact on their ability to cope with daily challenges and helps to maintain a peaceful mind.”

As well as the weekly classes, Sian is going to be working in primary schools with all age groups, including helping Year 6 children preparing for SATS. She’s also holding an adult and child yoga session on Saturday, November 24.

For more information, visit bodymindand heartyoga.com, email bodymindandheart@ hotmail.com or call 07903 366 753.

A DAily Mile improves ChilDreN’s heAlth

STAGE 2 for 14–30 month olds

www.singandsign.co.uk josiemartin@singandsign.co.uk

An initiative to get schoolchildren to walk or run a mile every day leads to significant improvements in their health, according to a study. The Daily Mile scheme is the brainchild of a Scottish head teacher who started it in 2012.

The idea took off, and according to the Daily Mile Foundation, more than 3,600 schools worldwide have introduced the initiative, including about 1,200 in England.

Now researchers at Stirling University have compared the health of children at a primary school taking part in the scheme with those at a school that wasn’t participating.

The children wore accelerometers which recorded how much moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) they were undertaking every day, and for how long they were sedentary. Children who were doing the Daily Mile were significantly healthier than those who were not. For more information, visit www.stir.ac.uk and www.thedailymile.co.uk.

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4 Families Leeds

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FAMILIES NEWS

settle down to the perfeCt proDuCtioN for pre-schoolers

School NEWS

If you’re looking for a show to catch this Christmas, Sleepyhead is the funniest 45 minutes for the under-fives.

Part magic show, part circus act, and an all-around fun piece of theatre, Sleepyhead is at the Carriageworks Theatre in Millennium Square, Leeds, from December 5 to 9.

Tackling the ups and downs of baby bedtime, Sleepyhead captures the universal, emotional roller coaster of putting little ones to sleep. With humour, heart, and just a little bit of magic, this show gives a new meaning to the circus act surrounding bedtime.

For more information, visit carriageworkstheatre.co.uk or call 0113 376 0318.

sleepover pArties are a dream come true…

Do you dream of someone organising your child’s sleepover party for you? Nadia Dogan, who runs Sleep Teepee Tight, does just that.

“Sleep Teepee Tight was born out of chance,” explains Nadia. “I was looking for ways to create a fun sleepover for my own family, and I came across other versions of the Teepee trend in Australia and thought how lovely it would be to do here. Sleepovers are not a new concept but the luxury, themed aspect of them definitely are, and one that I knew I could implement to its full extent.”

“With three Having children of my own, two of whom have outgrown the birthday parties, I know all too well how it can be quite daunting planning new and different party ideas.”

She added,“Sleepovers are a great way to create and make stronger bonds of friendships.

There are many themes to choose from – Tropical Hula, Unicorns, Space, Sleepy Slumber, Superheroes Movie Night and more. When Sleep Teepee Tight enter your home, your chosen space will be transformed into a night of memories and the best bit is that we will come back the next day and take it all away for you, leaving you to relax that little bit more.”

Everything from mattresses to bedding to fairy lights and accessories for your chosen theme are provided. With Spa trolleys, donut walls and photo booth just some of the added extras, it will definitely be a night full of long-lasting memories.

And it’s not just for the children. You can have a sleepover for a bridal party or girls night in, or a tent corner at a wedding, christening or party – a unique way of keeping the children entertained or even to have a little nap in.

For more information, visit www.sleepteepeetight.com or email info@sleepteepeetight.com

GLEDHOW PRIMARY SCHOOL in Roundhay is looking to recruit two co-opted governors, ideally with a background in either Human Resources or Business and Marketing.

“It is an exciting time to be a governor as Gledhow is expanding in size, setting its aims and objectives and we have recently appointed a new Head teacher,” said Karl Sinclair, a Parent Governor.

For more information, email head@ gledhowschool.org.

Got some news you’d like to share?

Email editor@familiesleeds.co.uk

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Header

FamiLiES FOCuS: What is it like to be a foster carer?

Have you ever thought about fostering?

Could you provide children who aren’t able to live with their birth families a safe and loving family home on a temporary basis? Claire Bottomley interviewed two foster carers from Leeds about their experiences…

MARIE & HER HUSBAND have been fostering children age 10 and above for 27 years.

They’ve looked after more than 60 young people in that time.

“Sometimes young people come to us short term and stay for 10 years and some come for a week and move on for whatever reason,” said Marie.

“It’s a real tricky age, especially with the life experiences those young people have had. But it’s also a lovely age and they give a lot back as well,” she said.

“There can be really difficult and unsettling times and that’s a challenge in itself, and it’s challenging understanding that other people are different.

“But the rewards outweigh the challenges for me. There are lots.

It’s always rewarding for me to see kids achieve, no matter how small. Seeing young people in such difficult circumstances being happy and being able to get on, and to grow up and live happy, independent lives, that is extremely rewarding.”

She says that goodbyes are always hard, but, to a greater or lesser extent, all the young people Marie has fostered keep in touch.

“We’ve always lived in the same house and had the same telephone number and every young person who has come to spend time with us knows that we’re there, and some need that more than others,” she said. “They’ve been part of our lives, so our door is always open.”

Marie and her husband don’t have children of their own. “I think that makes it easier for me, but it can work well the other way,” she said.

She added,“I still feel like I did 27 years ago, that it’s really, really important that our kids get a chance at a stable, happy childhood, and that’s got to be within a family setting.

I don’t think residential care can replicate a family. I can’t say how important that is.”

MICHELLE & HER HUSBAND have twins, who were two when they first fostered a 12-year-old for three years. Then, when the twins were five, a young person came to live with them just before his tenth birthday.

He has been with them for 11 years and is now 20. Soon they will be helping him to move out and get his own place.

“It is very rewarding,” said Michelle, whose parents ran a children’s home. “When our young person had been with us for 18 months I went to parents evening with him and the teacher said, ‘we’ve been doing stuff about family’ and he looked at me and smiled, and when I read it, he had put us.”

She remembers how it was to start with. “He and my son got on very well and played computer games, with a ball, with cars together.

My daughter fought for my attention a little bit at first, but that changed quite quickly.”

Cared for young people can seem very street wise, Michelle explains, but they can be emotionally and physically younger, so being able to play with toys and games that are younger, that they might not have experienced, can work well.

“If you’ve got kids and you are doing family things – going to parks and play areas – and a young person comes to live with you and wants to experience living in a family, it can be good,” she said.

“You’ve got to be fair and equal with everyone, while acknowledging that each individual has different needs,” added Michelle.

“It is challenging at times.”

“I’ve got pictures up of all of them on the wall and they all get the same money for birthdays and things.”

She added,“I think there are lots of positives to fostering and having children of your own. If you spoke to my kids they wouldn’t have it any other way. They’ve enjoyed it. And our young person will always be part of our family.”

For more information about fostering, call 0113 378 3538, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/foster4leeds or email foster4leeds@leeds.gov.uk Or, go along to a meeting to hear more at the Village Hotel South in morley on December 5, 6pm to 8.30pm.

6 Families Leeds

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Friday 30 November 2018 to Sunday 13 January 2019 CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL presents

Written by PETER ROWE Directed by MATT ASTON Designed by JUDITH CROFT Musical Director GREG PALMER Lighting Designer JASON SALVIN Choreographer SAM SPENCER–LANE Casting by DEBBIE O’BRIEN Recommended for ages 4+

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8 Families Leeds

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BEakEr’S BaCk! Families Magazine is lucky enough to have secured an exclusive interview with Dame Jacqueline Wilson in which our readers and their children ask her some of their most burning questions about her new book and her life as a writer.

ACQUELINE WILSON is arguably Britain’s favourite contemporary children’s author. She has over one hundred published books to her name, most of which deal with the often troubling and unvarnished realities of being a real-life child or parent.

First published in 1991, Tracy Beaker quickly became Jacqueline’s most well-known character. Now, over a decade after her last literary appearance, the fiery, former foster-kid is back in new book My Mum Tracy Beaker, and while she’s now mature and mother to Jess, she’s still the same Tracy readers know and love.

J

Why do you think Tracy is one of your most popular characters? Harbinder, age 7, Croydon I think because she’s naughty! She has reason for her bad behaviour, of course, and she’s naughty but she’s not spiteful, she’s funny.

I think she’s a character that children would like as a friend – I’m not sure about adults, I think a little of her as a child goes a long way!

How have you made the grown-up Tracy as appealing to children as Tracy, the child? Lily’s mum, Leeds I’ve kept her, not exactly naughty, but mischievous. She’s quite surprising – she might suddenly do something a bit mad, or a bit silly.

I think being a mum has slightly changed her because she’s a very loving, caring mum.

Is Tracy’s daughter the same or different to Tracy?

Olivia, age 8, Aylesbury They certainly look alike, but Jess is a quieter girl, partly because she has had a much easier, more loving, caring upbringing than Tracy herself had. Jess is probably more studious, and more of a bookworm, but when push comes to shove Jess can certainly stand up for herself too.

Your books depict real children’s real lives and challenges in a way that few others do – how do you get inside the heads of your characters?

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Lizzie’s mum, Glasgow Bizarrely, I can remember very vividly what it is like to be a child. I mean, ask me what happened or how I felt about something a couple of years ago and my mind is a complete blank, but ask me what I was worried about when I was nine, say, and I remember entirely. It’s just a happy trick of nature that I can take myself back.

How do you select names for your characters?

Readers at the Chatterbook Group, Ringwood Library, Dorset I like to try and have slightly unusual names, and if they are pertinent to the story that pleases me – for my identical twins in my book Double Act, I had them called Ruby and Garnet because they are both red jewel stones. For The Illustrated Mum, the mother Marigold has a great passion for tattoos and has called her girls the rather outlandish names of Star and Dolphin, simply because they are very popular tattoo icons. With Tracy I wanted a quirky, bouncy modern name – and with Hetty Feather, Hetty is an old-fashioned name and Feather because she’s light as a feather!

My Mum Tracy Beaker by Dame Jacqueline Wilson is out now, published by Doubleday

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We have a copy of My Mum Tracy Beaker to give away. To be in with a chance to win it, send an email with the title BEakEr BOOk to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk

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Families Leeds 9

Festive Round-up...

HO HO HO… Here are Families’ festive favourites when it comes to what’s on in Leeds and West Yorkshire this Christmas.

There are some fabulous pantomimes to choose from – oh yes there are! Plus a German market, Christmas parties, an enchanted fairy dell – there’s even a Christmas meerkat!

German Christmas market and Breakfast with Santa Millennium Square in Leeds will once again be transformed into a festive wonderland, with 40 traditionally decorated wooden chalet stalls, a Christmas Carousel and other themed children’s rides.

Every Saturday and Sunday morning from November 24 until December 22, children and families can join Santa for breakfast in the Alp Chalet.

They’ll be greeted and shown to their tables

by Santa's little helpers and enjoy a buffet style breakfast before Father Christmas pays a special visit to each table and presents a gift to the children.

There will also be table arts and crafts to help keep the children entertained.

A weekly children’s show will take place

each Sunday morning on the market square stage with face painting, balloon modelling, sing-alongs, creative arts and crafts and appearances from winter wonderland princesses and other costumed characters.

Open from November 9 to December 22.

For more information, visit www.leeds. gov.uk/christmasmarket

Christmas Parties Tumble Town Adventure Play is a favourite soft play centre for little ones, and they can soak up the festive atmosphere and see Santa there at a Tumble Town Christmas Party.

The events include Christmas activities, Christmas party tea and juice, a visit from Santa with a gift for each child followed by a fabulous Santa bubble disco.

December 21, 3.30pm to 6pm and December 22, 10am to 12.30pm. Tickets limited and available at the desk at Tumble Town.

For more information, visit www.tumbletownadventureplay.co.uk

10 Families Leeds

magical Christmas Experience At Lotherton Hall, families can embark on a festive adventure in the ultimate winter wonderland. Activities include seasonal favourites such as the Twelve Days of Christmas Woodland Walk, the Elf Village, the Enchanted Fairy Dell, The House and Edwardian Selfie Studio, and The Christmas Courtyard.

The Christmas Experience will also feature a very special North Pole, where children can help Santa’s elves in their workshop, as well as visiting Father Christmas himself to share their wishes.

November 23 to December 23.

For more information, visit www.thechristmasexperience.co.uk

mango the meerkat’s magical Christmas Bringing Christmas to the tropics is a tough job, so Santa has sent Mango the Meerkat on a special mission to spread the magic of Christmas at Tropical World, Roundhay Park.

This December take your little helpers to join Mango and enjoy lots of festive fun for all the family, including Christmas crafts and a gift from Mango.

And families can still enjoy Tropical World’s unforgettable adventure through rainforest, desert, mangroves and the nocturnal world.

Discover amazing animals along the way including crocodiles, snakes, monkeys, meerkats and much more.

For more information, visit www.tropicalworldleeds.co.uk

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FESTIVE ROUND-UP

Pantomimes…

Snow White at the Victoria Theatre Halifax Could this be the fairest pantomime of them all?

With all the perfect ingredients – a dastardly villain, a hapless comic and a hilarious panto dame, plus spectacular sets and costumes, fabulous songs and dances and bags of slapstick fun – it just might.

Neil Hurst is returning to Halifax for his tenth pantomime season, this year as Jingles the Jester and he is being joined by Jolyon Dixon as Dame Dolly Mixture and Felicity Skiera as the Wicked Queen.

December 13 to January 5.

For more information, visit www.victoriatheatre.co.uk

Beauty The Beast at Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds It’s a journey of enchantment in one of the most loved fairy tales of all time.

Featuring spellbinding special effects, glittering sets, stunning costumes, magic and mayhem, Beauty and the Beast stars the engaging and energetic Jez Edwards, bouncing onto the Carriageworks stage for a record breaking tenth consecutive pantomime appearance.

Sapphire Elia plays Belle, making a return to Leeds following her time as series regular Mia Macey in ITV’s Emmerdale.

November 23 to December 31.

For more information, visit www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk

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Cinderella at City Varieties music Hall, Leeds From the team that brought you Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin… the Rock’n’Roll Panto is back with Cinderella!

A cast of incredibly talented actor-musicians will thrill you in this spectacular production, mixing classic elements of panto with an amazing Boulder Battle and a panoply of pop, rock and soul hits played live on stage.

You’ll be on your feet dancing to timeless chart-toppers from across the decades plus a few more surprises along the way and plenty of opportunities to join in if the music grabs you!

November 30 to January 13.

For more information, visit www.cityvarieties.co.uk

Families Leeds 11

FESTIVE IDEAS

Boxing Day Five tips on Curry to make capturing with the kids the perfect CHriSTmaS photograph December is perhaps the most photographed time of the year for families. A visit to Santa, winter walks in the countryside and cherished family get togethers – photo opportunities galore! Here, Rachael from Film & Feathers Photography offers her top tips.

tip 1 – get CreAtive…

It’s finally been – and gone!

With Christmas over, it’s a great time for a few family pyjama days – watching a movie together and doing some baking or cooking.

Here’s a lovely, nutritious and easy recipe to make with your children from award-winning Indian food expert, Sarah Ali Choudhury. n Add 300g of chicken or turkey breast to a bowl with 2 finely chopped small shallots, 2 plum tomatoes cut into quarters, 1 spoon of garlic paste, 1 spoon of ginger paste, ½ tsp of salt, 1tbsp of mixed curry power and ¼ tsp of turmeric powder. Make sure the chicken or turkey is fully covered. n Next, add 2 tbsp. of sunflower oil to a wok or pan and when it’s hot add all of the ingredients, stirring thoroughly. n Cook for 3 minutes and then add ½ pint of water and cook for a further ten minutes. The water should be reduced and the chicken cooked thoroughly. Chop up some fresh coriander to garnish the curry and you are now ready to serve it.

The curry would be delicious with some rice or Naan bread. You can find more recipes at Sarah’s website sarahalichoudhury.com.

12 Families Leeds

Focusing on the finer details of what makes Christmas so special is a great way to take natural and emotive photography over the festive period. Get creative and photograph the things you cherish most with your family, such as hanging stockings up on Christmas Eve, putting the star on top of the Christmas tree or leaving a carrot out for Rudolf. It’s these moments that tell a story and help to capture the magical essence of Christmas.

tip 2 – go outDoors…

One of the best times to photograph your family is whilst out on a walk. Being outside will relax them in front of the camera as well as providing beautiful backdrops.

tip 3 – NAturAl light…

I love using natural light when photographing families as it adds beautiful tones and atmosphere to portraits and is available both indoors and outdoors. To use natural light for your indoor family photographs, turn off the lights, turn off your camera flash and stand your family side on to windows and doors.

tip 4 – the fAMily portrAit… Ok so this is the hard part. You’ve asked the whole family to stand still while you take a family portrait, but it’s not going to plan. Someone keeps blinking, you can’t find Uncle Albert and the kids won’t look at the camera. First of all, take a deep breath and tell yourself you can do this. Secondly, ask one family member to stand where you want to photograph the family and then start organising everyone around this person. Put the tallest at the back and the shortest at the front or sides. Finally, bring the children in last so they don’t have to sit still for long and if you’re having trouble keeping their attention, ask the whole family to start singing “When Santa got stuck up the chimney”.

tip 5 – priNt your photos…

These days, we tend to store photographs on our phones, laptops or up in the cloud, but how often do we actually get our precious memories printed out? A lovely way to surprise your loved ones and to keep your photographs safe is to create personalised photo gifts such as thank you cards, canvases, storybooks and framed prints.

Rachael is a creative professional photographer, specialising in family, maternity and newborn photography. See page 4 for details of an exclusive offer for Families readers. For more information, visit www.filmandfeathers.co.uk

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, ? n o s t Wha

Have you got an event you’d like us to list?

Email our What’s On editor, Lisa Ross, at lisa@familiesleeds.co.uk We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times change. Please double check with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Shoes! At Bankfield Museum – Tuesdays to Saturdays until November 17 Akroyd Park, Halifax, HX3 6HG 01422 352 334 www.museums.calderdale.gov.uk An exhibition exploring the large and varied shoe collection at Calderdale Museums! A celebration of shoes from Wellingtons to Winklepickers, Stilettos to Sandals.

Fusion: Adventures in digital art at Eureka! – Daily until November 25 Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE 01422 330 069 www.eureka.org.uk Experience some of the most exciting digital tech from around the world in this latest takeover of the Spark gallery. Create an animated creature, interact with a digital waterfall and explore virtual worlds.

Beavers to Weavers at Leeds City Museum – Except Mondays Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 www.leeds.gov.uk An environmentally friendly exhibition displaying beautiful objects made by animals, from beavers to weaver birds.

Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants at Leeds Central library – Daily until November 24 Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 3AB 0113 3785005 www.whatson.leeds.gov.uk Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants is a wonderfully bright and colourful touring exhibition all about favourite children’s author and illustrator Nick Sharratt.

Leeds Lights Switch On – November 8 Victoria Gardens, The Headrow, Leeds, LS2 3AD www.millsqleeds.com/whats-on Take your family to Victoria Gardens in Leeds this November and watch the big Christmas Lights Switch On! Edible Art for the Under 5s at Leeds City Museum – November 8 Milenium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH www.leeds.gov.uk Create foodie artworks in this craft session for the under 5s and their carers. 10.30am – 11.30am.

Leeds Christkindelmarkt November 9 to December 22 Millennium Square, Calverley Street, Leeds, LS2 3AD 0113 378 6988 www.whatson.leeds.gov.uk One of the most established German Christmas Markets in the UK, with traditional wooden stalls, a Christmas carousel ride and twinkling colourful lights all creating a continental festive atmosphere in the heart of Leeds city centre. Santa’s Breakfast experience for children and families take place in the Alp Chalet restaurant every Saturday and Sunday throughout December and during school holidays between 10.30am – 11.45am.

Bing Live at The Victoria Theatre Halifax – November 10 to 11 Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP www.bingliveshow.com Going to the theatre... it’s a Bing thing!

Day Out with Thomas at Kirklees Light Railway – November 10 to 11 Kirklees Light Railway, Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, HD8 9XJ 01484 865 727 The railway welcomes Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends – Percy, Toby, Mavis and Emily from the Island of Sodor. Advance booking is advised via: www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/kirklees or by calling 0843 208 0500.

Busy Beavers at Leeds City Museum – November 6 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH www.leedsinspired.co.uk Linking to the current exhibition Beavers to Weavers, Busy Beavers is a making session for the under 5s and their carers. 10.30am – 12pm.

Dick Whittington & His Cat at City Varieties Music Hall – November 10 Swan Street, Leeds, LS1 6LW 0113 2430 808 www.cityvarieties.co.uk Dick Whittington is a traditional family pantomime packed with music, comedy and audience participations!

James and the Giant Peach – November 7 to 10 Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD 0113 376 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk Join Leeds Children’s Theatre as James, the Old Green Grasshopper, Miss Spider, Centipede, Earthworm and Ladybird emerge from the peach and tell the people of New York the tale of their fabulous adventure.

Paddington’s 60th Birthday at Waterstones Leeds – November 10 93-97 Albion Street, Leeds, LS1 5AP 0113 2444 588 www.waterstones.com Go and celebrate everyone’s favourite marmaladesandwich-eating bear. Follow the footsteps to help Paddington solve a mystery, make your own Paddington Bear and join a special story time.

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Bradford Christmas Lights Switch On – November 10 The Broadway, Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 1JR www.visitbradford.com Activities include a Christmas light switch on with Pulse FM, roaming Storm Troopers, animatronic Snow Lion, Breakfast with Santa, The Snowman and the Snowdog appearance, plus lots more fun festive activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Family Fun At Ilkley Manor House – November 10 Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard, Ilkley, LS29 9DT www.visitbradford.com Themed family fun activities – drop in. Peace and the end of the Great War. Let’s Ride Pop Up at the Brownlee Centre – November 11 Bodington Playing Fields, Leeds, LS16 6HE www.letsride.co.uk/lets-ride-pop-up The Let’s Ride pop-up events are ideal for the whole family to enjoy cycling together. Free event.

12pm – 2pm.

Multi-Sensory Morning for under 5s at Leeds City Museum – November 16 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 www.leedsinspired.co.uk Multi-Sensory morning for the Under-5s and their carers.

Go and play in the pop-up sensory room and get crafty with Tiny Tigers. 10am – 12pm.

Mytholmroyd Christmas Market and Christmas Lights Switch On – November 17 Mytholmroyd Town Centre, St Michael’s Square, HX7 5DS Dazzling festive family fun with Mytholmroyd Christmas light switch on, 12pm – 5.30pm.

Victorian Christmas Market at Bradford Industrial Museum – November 17 to 18 Moorside Mills, Moorside Road, Eccleshill, Bradford, BD2 3HP www.bradfordmuseums.org/whats-on Join Father Christmas at Bradford Industrial Museum’s annual Victorian Christmas Market. There’ll be more than 80 stalls, face painting, a concert band, Sandy Kidz Sand Art and costumed characters. You will even have the chance to visit Father Christmas on Bradford’s festive tram. 10am.

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WHAT’S ON? The Snail and the Whale at Square Chapel Halifax – November 18 10 Square Road, Halifax, HX1 1QG 01422 349 422 www.squarechapel.co.uk/ whats-on/the-snail-and-the-whale Join a tiny snail on her trip round the world in Tall Stories’ magical, musical production inspired by the fantastic bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. For age 4 plus.

Santa Specials at Middleton Railway Weekends from December 1 to 24 The Station, Moor Road on Hunslet, Leeds, LS10 2JQ, 0845 680 1758 www.middletonrailway.org.uk Join Santa and his elves for a magical trip on board the Middleton Railway Santa Special steam train.

Morley Christmas Lights Switch On – December 1 Queen Street, Morley, Leeds, LS27 9EB 9am – 7.30pm.

The Magical Reindeer Parade The Kirkgate Shopping Centre Bradford – November 18 Kirkgate Centre, Bradford, BD1 1TQ 01274 392 663 Go and see Santa and his live reindeer as they parade through the streets of Bradford. 10am.

Ripponden Christmas Market – December 1 The Old Bridge Inn, Priest Lane, Ripponden, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 4DF 01422 822 595 www.rippondenfestival.uk Visit the festive market with stalls, Santa’s Grotto, entertainment and refreshments. 11am – 5pm.

Garforth Christmas Lights Switch On and Christmas Market – November 23 Garforth Town Centre, LS25 2PF Rides, festive farm, market stalls, food and drink, music, singing and Santa.

The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Hall – November 23 to December 23 Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB 0113 281 3259 www.thechristmasexperience.co.uk Lotherton’s popular Christmas Experience festival returns with more magic, more excitement, and Christmas on a bigger scale.

Beauty and the Beast Pantomime at Carriageworks Theatre – November 23 to December 31 The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LS2 3AD 0113 224 3801 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk Relive one of the most enchanting and magical stories of all time.

Holmfirth Christmas Lights Celebration – November 24 Market Square, Market Square, Holmfirth, HD9 3AZ 01484 687 587 holmfirthevents.co.uk Join the lantern parade and see the festive lights switch on in Holmfirth. 4pm – 6pm.

Halifax Christmas Lights Switch On – November 24 Woolshops Shopping Centre, Halifax, HX1 1RU 01422 345 277 Enjoy the festive entertainment as Halifax celebrates the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights. 2pm – 6pm.

Winter at Eureka! – November 24 to January 6 (closed December 24, 25 & 26) Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE 01422 330 069 www.eureka.org.uk Visit Eureka’s enchanted grotto, meet the friendliest elves in town and Santa himself. Enjoy watching the brand-new interactive winter show. Be amongst the first to experience the wonder of light and sound in the mesmerising Volatile Light and Patternarium in the Spark gallery. The fun continues after Christmas with extra activities on every day during the school holidays.

HeckmondLIGHT – November 24 Green Park, Heckmondwike, WF16 9RL 01924 437 966 www.creativescene.org.uk A fun-filled November night celebrating the town’s annual winter lights festival. 4pm.

At Home with Father & Mrs Christmas at Harewood House Sandy Gate, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG www.harewood.org A magical family encounter with Father Christmas, accompanied this year by Mrs Christmas.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Bonanza at Mytholmroyd Community & Leisure Centre – November 24 Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd, HX7 5AF 01422 883 023 The spooky Christmas walk will lead you in to a giant disco where you and the kids can have a dance, play some games, and even see Santa.

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Legends: Boudicca at the Royal Armouries Museum – November 24 to 25 Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT 0113 220 1999 www.royalarmouries.org An action-packed themed weekend featuring a fierce Celtic Queen who challenged the Romans. 10am – 5pm.

Keighley Christmas Lights Switch On – November 25 68B North Street, Keighley, BD21 3RY 01535 618 085 Guiseley Christmas Market & Lights Switch On – November 25 Town Gate, Guiseley, LS20 9JA War Horse: The Story in Concert at Leeds Town Hall – November 25 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AD 0113 3760 318 www.leedsconcertseason.co.uk In the centenary year marking the end of the First World War, the Orchestra of Opera North performs War Horse: The Story in Concert.

Birstall Christmas Lights Switch On – November 27 Market Place, Birstall, WF17 9EL Celebrate the start of the festive period with the Birstall Dickensian Christmas Lights Switch On. 3pm – 7pm, Santa’s Grotto from 3pm until 5.30pm.

Snow Queen at Bradford Playhouse – November 28 to December 2 4 Chapel Street, Little Germany, Bradford, BD1 5DL 01274 800 415 www.visitbradford.com The Bradford Players perform the original Hans Christian Andersen story on which Disney’s Frozen was loosely based, but with a Panto twist.

Cinderella – The Rock ’N’ Roll Panto – November 30 to January 13 City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds, LS1 6LW 0113 2430 808 www.cityvarieties.co.uk This year, there’ll be a unique Rock’n’Roll make-over for the most popular Panto of them all… Cinderella.

Not recommended for the under-4s.

Illuminate Bradford – November 30 to December 2 City Park, Centenary Square, Bradford, BD1 1HY www.visitbradford.com The Illuminate Bradford Festival is a magical gigantic animated light show beamed onto key Bradford City Centre landmarks, including the magnificent City Hall.

4pm.

Christmas Market with Santa’s Grotto at St Gemma’s Hospice – November 30 to December 1 329 Harrogate Rd, Leeds, LS17 6QD 0113 218 5500 www.st-gemma.co.uk St Gemma’s Hospice is holding its annual Christmas Market on Friday from 3pm – 8pm and Saturday 10am – 4pm. Stalls, games, entertainment and refreshments, Santa’s grotto, face painting and real non-drop Nordic Christmas trees for sale.

Santa Specials at Kirklees Light Railway – Not Tuesdays and Wednesdays, December 1 to 24 Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, HD8 9XJ www.kirkleeslightrailway.com Climb aboard the Kirklees Light Railway’s Santa Specials and travel in steam heated carriages to the North Pole (aka Shelley Station). Visit the website for specific details regarding dates, times and fares.

Santa Steam Specials Keighley and Worth Valley Railway – Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays, December 1 to 24 The Railway Station, Haworth, BD22 8NJ www.kwvr.co.uk Go on a journey behind one of the iconic steam locomotives for festive fun when Santa Clause travels along the railway spreading goodwill all round.

Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market – December 2 A brilliant day out for all the family to get into the Christmas spirit. 12pm – 6pm.

Santa Claus And The Night He Saved Christmas at Kippax Central Club – December 2 Gibson Lane, Kippax, Leeds, LS25 7BA 0113 2862 425 An enchanting and magical music score, stunning costumes and scenery and more panto comedy than you can shake an icicle at. 12pm.

Busy Beavers at Leeds City Museum – December 4 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH www.leedsinspired.co.uk Linking to the current exhibition Beavers to Weavers, Busy Beavers is a making session for the under 5s and their carers. 10.30am to 12pm.

Sleepyhead at the Carriageworks Theatre – December 5 to 9 The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD 0113 376 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk Mix in some magic, a pinch of circus and a large dollop of silliness and you have the recipe for a little adventure with a lot of laughs. 11am and 1pm.

Santa’s Sparkly Surprise at Victoria Theatre Halifax – December 6 to 9 2 Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP 01422 351158 www.calderdale.gov.uk Bring your little ones to see Santa, Ellie the Elf, Rudolph and the gang and help them to bring Christmas to the North Pole. You can also meet Santa and receive an early Christmas gift.

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WHAT’S ON?

Wrongsemble Presents The Princess and the Sprout & Other Festive Tales at Leeds Central library – December 7 to December 24, except Tuesdays Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 3AB www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/leeds A brand-new Christmas show for ages 3-8 and their grown-ups. Deep within the stacks of Leeds Central Library something magical is happening – a host of children’s stories have sprung to life from the pages of the books.

Bankfield Buddies at Bankfield Museum – Fridays, December 7, 14 and 21 Akroyd Park, Halifax, HX3 6HG www.calderdale.gov.uk Craft activities for children under 5. 10.30am.

Aladdin at The Alhambra Theatre – December 8 to January 20 Morley Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1AJ 01274 432 000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Hop aboard a magical carpet and fly to Old Peking in Aladdin, starring Billy Pearce as Wishee Washee in his 20th Alhambra Theatre pantomime.

Kids Comedy Club at The Piece Hall – Saturdays & Sundays, December 8 to 30 Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE 01422 525 217 www.thepiecehall.co.uk With jokes that are suitable for children but funny enough to get everyone laughing, it has all the feel of a real comedy club. Recommended for audiences 7 plus. A seated show, performed a Spiegeltent – a spectacular round wooden structure from the Netherlands, lavishly decorated inside with mirrors, glass and velvet. 2pm.

Dear Santa at King’s Hall and Winter Garden – Descember 9 & 10 Station Road, Ilkley LS29 8HB 01274 432 000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Rod Campbell’s classic children’s book Dear Santa is magically brought to life.

Let’s Ride Pop Up at the Brownlee Centre – December 9 Bodington Playing Fields, Leeds, LS16 6HE www.letsride.co.uk/lets-ride-pop-up An ideal opportunity for the whole family to enjoy cycling together. 12pm – 2pm.

Snow White at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax – December 13 to January 5, except Tuesdays Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP 01422 351 158 www.victoriatheatre.co.uk The Victoria Theatre will have all the ingredients for a perfect family panto, with the magical fairy tale Snow White, starring Neil Hurst, now in his 10th year.

Orchestra of Opera North: Gruffalos Child & The Highway Rat at Huddersfield Town Hall – December 13 Ramsden Street, Huddersfield HD1 2TA 01484 221 900 A double-bill of Julia Donaldson creations accompanied live by René Aubry’s original orchestral scores. 6pm.

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Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show at The Piece Hall – December 15 Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE 01422 525 217 www.thepiecehall.co.uk Explore the strange and magical properties of matter with fireballs, fire tornadoes and explosive chemical reactions. Suitable for age fives and over 12noon.

The Wizard of Oz – Christmas Show – December 21 to 30 The Bradford Playhouse, 4 Chapel Street, Bradford, BD1 5DL 01274 800 145 www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on We’re off to see… a wizardly wonderful Musical Pantomime adventure, The Wizard of Oz.

Cinderella Magic Wand at Shibden Hall – December 15 Lister’s Road, Halifax, HX3 6XG 01422 352 246 www.museums.calderdale.gov.uk Meet Cinderella and Fairy Godmother in this magical costumed workshop. Help Cinderella with her chores and discover old toys. Create your own magic wand and cast a spell to send Cinderella to the ball. Booking essential. 11.15am and 1.30pm.

Storytelling with Father Christmas at The Piece Hall – December 22 to 24 Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE 01422 525 217 www.thepiecehall.co.uk Father Christmas is taking a break from his busy schedule to read his favourite seasonal stories to all the good boys and girls. Go and join him for a magical morning of storytelling in the big top tent.

Recommended for audiences 1 – 8 years. 10.15am.

Storytime in Santa’s Grotto at Leeds Central library – December 15 Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 3AB www.ticketsource.co.uk Father Christmas is coming into Leeds Central Library for a wonderful Christmas storytime with songs. Each child will receive a special keepsake Christmas book which Father Christmas will personally sign during a magical meet and greet. Get creative with an assortment of festive crafts throughout the afternoon. 1.30pm.

Silent Disco: Families at The Piece Hall – December 15 Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE 01422 525 217 www.thepiecehall.co.uk Pop your headphones on and pick a channel for an evening of uncoordinated dancing to the very best party tunes around. 4pm.

The Nutcracker at Square Chapel – December 16 10 Square Road, Halifax, HX1 1QG 01422 349 422 www.squarechapel.co.uk Award-winning Story Pocket Theatre presents this colourful and magical Christmas story which brings imagination and make-believe to life. For age three plus.

3pm and 6pm.

The Snowman & The Nutcracker at Leeds Town Hall – December 16 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AD Always a Christmas favourite at Leeds Town Hall, the Orchestra of Opera North performs the music live in all its heart-melting splendour to a screening of the animation. 4pm.

Elf School at Cielo – December 16 Cielo Coffee, 41 Main Street, Leeds, LS25 1DS 0113 2863 534 A range of creative, festive activities. Finish with Hot Chocolate and Cookie Tasting. A ticket only event, 11am.

Messy Christmas at Left Bank Leeds – December 16 Cardigan Rd, Leeds, LS6 1LJ www.leftbankleeds.org.uk Take the children along for some fun Christmas themed crafts. There will be cutting, sticking, biscuit decorating, crown making and plenty of glitter. 12pm – 4pm.

A Winter’s Trail at TCV Skelton Grange Environment Centre – December 18 to 20 Skelton Grange Road, Leeds, LS10 1RS 0113 2430 815 A magical winter trail, wandering through the candle lit woods and gardens at Skelton Grange.

Tickets are needed for all adults and children attending the event, but babies are welcome free of charge. 4pm.

Shrek the Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre – December 18 to January 6 46 New Briggate,, Leeds, LS1 6NU www.leedsgrandtheatre.com Based on the story and characters from the DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairytales upside down.

Freckle and Speckle’s Christmas Calamity at Guiseley Theatre – December 22 to 24 The Green, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 9BT 07902 190 002 A captivating new piece of family theatre at Guiseley Theatre. Pay what you can. 2pm and 7pm.

The Jolly Christmas Postman at Square Chapel – December 23, 24, 27 & 28 10 Square Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1QG 01422 349 422 www.squarechapel.co.uk Award-winning Story Pocket Theatre brings this timeless Christmas tale and colourful characters to life in a brand new show full of music and puppetry, adapted from the bestselling book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.

The Boggle at The Piece Hall – December 27 to 29 Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE 01422 525 217 www.thepiecehall.co.uk John’ s dad has given him dire warnings about the strange creature that lives on their farm. So when John forgets to feed the Boggle, he is breaking a very important rule. As the mischievous and strange Boggle wreaks havoc, John must set out for adventure and mayhem in faraway lands. Using storytelling, comedy, puppetry, object manipulation and an original soundscape, The Boggle invites you into the fun and bizarre world of myth and folklore. Suitable for ages six plus. 2pm.

Wacky Woody’s Comedy Magic Show at The Piece Hall – December 27 & 28 Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE 01422 525 217 www.thepiecehall.co.uk A fun-filled hour of hilarious comedy magic. It’s packed full of audience participation, crazy magic and a very naughty puppet dog. Recommended for audiences: four plus. 12pm.

The Circus School at The Piece Hall – December 29 & 30 Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE 01422 525 217 www.thepiecehall.co.uk Amaze yourself and others in this family-friendly circus workshop. 9am and 11.30am.

Legends: King Arthur at the Royal Armouries Museum – December 29 to 31 Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT 0113 220 1999 www.royalarmouries.org An action-packed themed weekend featuring the legendary leader of medieval myths and romances.

10am – 5pm.

NYE Mini Rave with Boomchikkaboom at The Piece Hall – December 31 Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE 01422 525 217 www.thepiecehall.co.uk Join a Family Rave to celebrate the end of 2018.

All your favourite, feel good dancefloor fillers. Expect an explosion of fun, with snow machine, bubble machine, parachute fun, dance battles, photo booth and more.

Aimed at walking tots to eight years, but all ages welcome. 12pm and 2:30pm.

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