Families Pennines Issue 39 July/ August 17

LOCAL INFORMATION

for parents of 0-12 year olds in

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

u S n o l s l hine e H !

SADDLEWORTH

w h at ' s o n ov e r t h e

summer

Huddersfield Giants’ EORL CRABTREE

plus

IS

SU

E

39

C

O

PY

U

FR TA EE KE JU A L/A

G

20 17

NEWS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CLASSES

Project Sport Summer Camps 2017

Book a camp of your choice: Adventure Day • Bubble Sports Olympics •Archery and Fencing Summer Sports • Cricket • Football

ount • sc

bling Di Si

tra Tim

ve 10% Sa

Ex

e

Free

in Huddersfield and Halifax

10% OFF WITH CODE FAM2017 Book online 24/7 at projectsport.org.uk StandedgeGot (FMP)_Layout 1 11/05/2017 Page 1 a question?

Call us on10:20 07860 367

031 or 07562 124 175 or email booking@projectsport.org.uk

Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre

A great day out come rain or shine.

Explore the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel in Britain on a boat trip, enjoy lunch overlooking the canal in the Watersedge Café and let little ones play in the FREE indoor soft play and outdoor adventure areas.

Visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/Standedge for more information or telephone 01484 844298 to book your boat trip.

@Standedge

2

@Standedge

www.familiesonline.co.uk

E FRE Y PLA S! A E R A

School's out for the summer!

This is the first Summer where I’ll have both children for the full holiday, which is going to be interesting! There are lots of family attractions right on our doorstep, from theme parks, museums and nature reserves, to holiday camps and clubs where kids can take part in a whole array of activities.

As always, we're packed full of news, interesting articles, as well as events taking place across the Summer months. Check out our fun free activities on page 13, or why not sign the kids up for the annual Summer Reading Challenge at your local library?

IN THIS

ISSUE

04 NEWS

06 FAMILY LIFE

07 EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE

12 SUMMER

13 WHAT’S ON

And not forgetting Huddersfield Giants’ Club Ambassador, Eorl Crabtree, who has a fantastic offer for Families Pennines readers – it’s not to be missed!

Have a fabulous Summer!

Emily Raleigh Editor, Families Pennines

FAMILIES PENNINES

DESIGNED BY Theresa McDermott, www.designedbytree.com

Editor: Emily Raleigh 07974 401663 editor@familiespennines.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

dip/Shutterstock.com

@FamiliesPenn

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT; Eureka iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages Leeds Museums and Galleries – Thwaite Mills iStock.com/wundervisuals iStock.com/ Berezko

WELCOME

PRINTED BY Brookfoot Print, 01484 722732, www.brookfootptrint.co.uk Copyright Families Pennines July/August 2017 Families Pennines is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company.

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

/FamiliesPennines

CIRCULATION 20,000 DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE Mid July 2017 FRONT COVER David Conway Photography www.davidconway.photography

11+ Summer School Crossley Heath Sports & Conference Centre, Spring Edge, HX3 OHG 29th August, 30th August, 31st August & 1st September 2017 9.30am – 12.30pm daily £25 per day English Comprehension, Mathematics & Verbal Reasoning including exam style questions ALL YEAR 5 WELCOME

Contact 07990 775779 learn@studywrite.co.uk www.studywrite.co.uk 11+ Pre-Tests 2017 Crossley Heath Sports & Conference Centre £30 per test 16th & 23rd September 2017 9.30am – 12.30pm 4 papers tested, different set each week

www.familiesonline.co.uk

3

s

New

Canal charity seeks community groups

Eureka! turns 25!

The Canal & River Trust is urging local communities to play a bigger part in looking after the waterways on their doorstep, by urging them to ‘adopt’ up to a one mile stretch of local canal.

Popular children's museum, Eureka! in Halifax is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. We caught up with Eureka!'s Chief Executive Leigh-Anne Stradeski to find out what makes it one of the region's most visited family attractions and its plans for the next 25 years.

When it first opened, Eureka!’s interactive experience was unique in the museum world. What was the thinking behind the concept?

Children’s museums are places designed especially for children for them to learn through play, exploration and discovery. Our life president Dame Vivien Duffield experienced children’s museums in the USA and believed passionately that the UK needed our own.

More than 7 million children and parents have passed through our doors since we opened (that’s about the population of Hong Kong), so she was definitely onto something.

Museums are now using interactive aspects to improve their user experience, however, Eureka! is still as popular as ever with families, why do you think this is?

Families love a great day out together. Factor in the learning that underlies all of our activities and exhibits and you’ve got a fun, family experience that parents also know will aid their children’s development, so it’s a win-win!

I have fond memories of the museum as a child (my own kids love it too!) – what seem to be the most popular areas of the museum?

It’s difficult to pin down the most popular areas as each child tends to have different favourites and highlights, though I’d say that my personal favourite right now is our All About Me gallery, exploring the human body and how amazing we all are.

Adoption groups will work in partnership with the Trust to make their local waterway shine; from improving wildlife habitats and access for local people, to creating a linear veg-patch for the community. Each group works at least one day a month for 12 months and agrees the projects they want to prioritise to make their mile matter.

There are already over 160 adoption groups working across the country, including scouts, neighbourhood societies, running groups and schools.

For full details of areas that are available to support visit https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/adopt-a-canal

The Piece Hall to re-open on Yorkshire Day The Piece Hall in Halifax will re-open its gates to the public on 1 August 2017 following Calderdale Council’s multi-million-pound transformation programme, with support of £7million from The National Lottery.

The opening will be a celebration of the restoration and transformation of the Grade I listed building.

Leader of Calderdale Council, Cllr Tim Swift said: “The transformation programme was about restoring and preserving The Piece Hall for future generations, but also about adapting an 18th Century trading hall into a world class venue for the 21st Century, which will attract visitors from the UK and beyond.”

What has been the museum's biggest achievement over the last 25 years?

I think the fact that we’ve been able to remain relevant and “on-trend” as children’s interests change is a major achievement. It’s not an easy thing to do in the fast-paced world we live in!

What’s next for Eureka!?

As part of our birthday celebrations we’ll open Spark Gallery on July 8th/9th, our first ever flexible exhibition space. Spark’s first exhibition will be digiPlaySpace – an unmissable touring collection bringing together 14 unique, interactive digital art works created by artists from around the globe. It’s an award-winning experience created by Toronto International Film Festival, and we couldn’t be more proud and excited to be bringing it to Europe for the first time. Don’t miss it!

4

www.familiesonline.co.uk

NEWS The annual Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to read six or more books of their choice – fact books, joke books, picture books or audio books – just as long as they are borrowed from the library. There are collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate for every child who completes the Challenge, which is run by independent charity The Reading Agency.

This year's theme is Animal Agents, illustrated by Tony Ross, illustrator of the hugely popular Horrid Henry series.

The Challenge is open to all primary school children and is designed for all reading abilities.

Most libraries will also run early years activities for pre-schoolers.

Children can sign up at their local library from the end of June onwards and all materials are free.

Read more at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

Nat Thom/Shutterstock.com

Summer Reading Challenge 2017 Bored no more: Best summer reads for kids Little Red

By David Roberts & Lynn Roberts-Maloney, due out in June, £6.99 Age: 3+ This book is about boy called Thomas, also known as ‘Little Red’, his grandmother, a wolf and a massive keg of fizzing ginger beer!

Can he save his grandma with this special beverage?

The Journey

By Francessca Sanna, £7.99 Age: 3+ This is a beautifully illustrated, child friendly picture book about a family fleeing war. What’s it like to leave everything behind and start a life in a new country? It’s recommended that you read this book with your child, so you can explain any questions they may have.

There's a Werewolf in My Tent!

Fun drawing app brainchild of local child Seven-year-old Freddie Dickson from Oldham is the brains behind a new fun interactive drawing app Design n Draw.

His parents Kathryn and Oliver who manage two soft play centres in Oldham, were looking for a family game to play, and soon ran out of ideas for their describing and drawing game using pen and paper, when Freddie said “if only the computer could show us what to draw”.

By Pamela Butchart and Thomas Flintham, £6.99 Age: 5-8 Izzy and her friends are really excited about going on a camping trip with the school but the excitement soon turns to trepidation. Weird things start to happen, sausages go missing, it’s a nearly a full moon and then they see their new teacher’s hairy legs…

Super Dad’s Day Off

Freddie, who attends Hodge Clough Primary in Moorside, said, “It’s really exciting seeing this game we came up with on the iPad and on Mummy’s mobile.

I can’t wait for my friends at school to see it and play it.”

By Phil Earle, £6.99 Age: 5-8 Stan is a normal boy whose dad happens to be the world’s best superhero. One Friday, they meet a series of people who need their help and end up in a series of mini-adventures, including rescuing a lion stuck up a tree and surviving shark-infested waters!

To find out how to play, go to www.describendraw.co.uk.

Cool Coding

By Rob Hansen & Damien Weighill, £9.99 Ages: 8-12 This fun book takes a look at everything your technical whizz-kid needs to know about computers and coding. With the subject now on the curriculum, it’s vital that kids know how coding has helped to build the websites and apps they love to use.

The Giant’s Necklace

By Michael Morpurgo, £8.99 Ages: 8-12 A thrilling ghost story set in Cornwall’s industrial past, begins with Cherry’s shell necklace that she needs to complete before the end of her holiday, but on her search for the last Cowrie shells, the weather turns and she gets cut off from the shore…

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

By Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo, £17.99 Ages 8-12 This book tells the stories of 100 heroic women, from Amelia Earhart to Serena Williams. Empowering, moving and inspirational, these real-life heroines will inspire generations of young women for years to come.

By Claire Winter

www.familiesonline.co.uk

5

FAMILY LIFE Your school shoe fitting guide Poorly fitting shoes can cause painful problems, in fact, your child’s feet will continue to grow and develop until they reach their teens, so getting it right now is vital.

Measuring your child’s feet_

iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages

It’s important to have their feet measured by a trained, professional shoe fitter every eight weeks or so. The fitter will measure your child’s feet from the tip of their longest toe to the back of their heel and across the widest part of the foot.

You can do it yourself in between professional fittings.

There should be roughly a thumbnail’s length between the end of the shoe and your child’s toes, to allow for movement and growth.

Warning signs to look out for_ Children are not always good at telling their parents when they have problems with ill-fitting shoes. The following signs are usually indicative of poorly-fitting shoes: • Blisters and rubbing • Poor posture or a rolling gait when your child walks • Reluctance to wear shoes at all • Refusing to wear socks (usually if the shoes are too small and tight) If they do complain get their feet measured professionally again, just in case they’ve outgrown them.

What to look for when choosing school shoes_ A firm heel cup is very important. The heel supports the foot and needs to be held in a straight position. If the heel leans to one side or the other, pain and postural problems could arise. Try pressing gently on the sides of the heel – if it sinks in easily, the shoe is not providing sufficient support.

The shoe should have a strap, Velcro or laces to prevent the shoe from slipping forward and scrunching your child’s toes.

Ill-fitting shoes that crush the toes can lead to permanent problems like clawed or hammer toes. The shoe sole should be flexible at the ball of the foot only and it should have sufficient cushioning so that the foot is supported comfortably when your little one runs or skips.

LABELS4KIDS

No more lost clothes or belongings!

Get all set for the new school year with name tags from Labels4Kids.

Labels4Kids is a family business with an award-winning range of name labels.

Since 2004, Labels4Kids has helped thousands of families in the UK to bypass the lost and found box and get back lost belongings quickly. In 2015, the company also started to sell name labels via John Lewis.

Labels4Kids range contains many different types of name labels to cater for different application methods. There are woven sew on labels, easy to use iron on labels, click on labels (tags that you simply click on with an applicator) or even stick on name labels that just go on the care label of the garment. Your labels are made to order in the UK and to the highest quality standards.

Visit www.labels4kids.com today to personalise yours.

You can now get 10% off your first order using the discount code FAM. Just select the labels you want to order on the website, personalise them and apply the code in the shopping cart to claim your discount.

Get some peace of mind this summer with Labels4Kids – because kids lose stuff!

Wagstaff Shoes Established in 1888

business Family-run independent shoe s shoe ol scho specialising in

Family footwear with personal service Clarks | Start Rite | Geox | Bootleg Angry Angels | Rhino | Skechers

Your feet in good hands

Shoe material should be breathable and water resistant. If your child’s feet sweat and can’t breathe, smelly feet and fungal infections can result.

It is a good idea to encourage your child to wear socks with their school shoes. Socks help to absorb sweat and can prevent damage to the feet caused by friction as your child runs and plays.

It’s really important that you choose well-fitting shoes for your kids, not just for their comfort now, but for their future foot health too.

6

We stock whole and half sizes and width fittings 01484 683233 waggiesshoes@aol.com 29 Station Road, Holmfirth, HD9 1AB 01484 683233 40 Lidget St, Lindley, HD3 3JP 01484 650510 17 Holmfirth Road, Meltham, HD9 4AA 01484 852220 Moor Bottom, Honley, HD9 6DN 01484 663848

www.familiesonline.co.uk

SEND YOUR SCHOOL OR NURSERY NEWS TO EDITOR@FAMILIESPENNINES.CO.UK

Once the primary school offers go out, you find lots of panicking parents worried that their little one will be left behind if they aren’t properly prepared. All children learn and develop at different rates and in different ways, however, there are a few basics that can be helpful.

Holding a pencil

Reading

No one expects a child who is four or who has just turned five to be able to write their name, but being able to hold a pencil confidently is quite useful. But don’t panic if they can’t. Some children are simply late at developing gross motor skills, and some may face other barriers. Playing with Lego or Duplo, or making models from modelling clay can help.

There is no expectation that any child will be able to read at such a young age. Don’t spend the summer trying to get them to learn the alphabet. Enjoy your time together instead. There are lots of studies out there that show reading to your child every day has a far better impact on their educational outcomes.

Mastering cutlery If your child can use a knife and fork, and cut their own food, it will make lunchtimes a lot easier for them. But don’t worry if not as there will be dinner supervisors there to help them. They will also be expected to carry their food tray and take plates up to be washed.

This is something you can prepare them for at home by getting them to carry their plates out to the kitchen after meals.

Independent dressing is something children should be able to do. Staff will be there to help them with dressing, particularly when they start changing for PE lessons, but avoid laces and get Velcro fastenings instead, which gives them a bit of independence.

Using the toilet on their own If your child has been in private day-care, they may be used to having staff around that help them with toileting. Unless a child has special needs, they will need to wipe themselves and be able to flush the toilet.

iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages

Dressing and undressing

iStock.com/3sbworld

ion e at ar uc ildc Ed Ch d an

What kids really need to know before starting school

For more information about starting school, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk

Brighouse Dyslexia Centre ID

F

SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND ADULTS

E

SE D

CUI

VI

D

E

Building confidence, self-esteem and achievement Assessment of dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia.

For diagnosis, support and specialist dyslexia & dyscalculia private tuition contact Francine Garnier.

Services are offered to children, adults, schools, FE and HE institutions, employers and employees

EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS AND

DEVELOPING CURIOUS MINDS 07971 105743 www.brighousedyslexia.co.uk

There’s a place for your child here at Oldham Hulme Grammar School.

0161 624 4497 | www.ohgs.co.uk | admissions@ohgs.co.uk

Infant and Junior places available

www.familiesonline.co.uk

7

EDUCATION

Funded early years childcare for working parents If you are a working parent you could now get an additional 15 hours per week (for 38 weeks/ year) of funded childcare for your 3 or 4 year old child from September 2017. This is in addition to the 15 funded hours all 3 and 4 year olds get giving you a total of 30 hours!

If you’re already using childcare, ask your childcare provider for more information.

Find out more at www.calderdale.gov.uk/freechildcare

Inspire

Achieve

Succeed

84%

pass rate in last 5 years

Is your child going into YEAR 4 or 5 this September?

OUTSTANDING

RESULTS OUTSTANDING PUPILS Flexi & Weekly Boarding available Ask for details

WILL THEY BE READY FOR THE 11+?

Scholarships & Bursaries available

Study Write can offer your child 11+ tuition

Ask for details

We are recruiting pupils from Year 4 forour 11+ prep 1 year course and Year 5 to join our 1 year 11+ Programme starting September 2017

Rishworth School & Heathfield

Register your child now or call for an informal chat

Vicky Queenan 07990 775779 Email: learn@studywrite.co.uk www.studywrite.co.uk or find us on Facebook Study Write Centres, All Saints’, Crossley Heath Sports & Conference Centre, Hipperholme Centre, Northowram & Salterhebble Primary

Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School Heathfield Junior School, ages 3-11 Rishworth School, ages 11-18 Rishworth, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom HX6 4QA. Tel: +44 (0)1422 822 217 Fax: +44 (0)1422 820 911 E: admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk W: www.rishworth-school.co.uk

Verbal Reasoning Mathematics English Logical Problem Solving ‘Outstanding 2011/12’

8

www.familiesonline.co.uk

iStock.com/Berezko

EDUCATION Seize the summer with Explore Learning!

At Explore Learning we are encouraging families to seize the summer! To help you do this we have put together a jam-packed summer programme with creative ideas on how to keep your child’s brain active over the holidays, so they are ready to settle back into the new school year confidently!

Start a blog Learn some new skills, as a family, by creating a blog together. Give your child a little note book to jots ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these are a great tool to help children who find writing tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing.

Have a movie night Research carried out by Explore Learning highlighted watching TV/ films is the number one thing children wanted to do over the summer.

Use this to motivate your child to read. Find a book that has been made into a film that your child wants to watch. Then plan a movie night far enough in advance so you can read the book together before enjoying the film.

Send a postcard Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to with a postcard. They’re only short so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write,

then why not try a postcard app like By Post? They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message.

Read, read and read some more A study by OUP showed that just 10mins of shared reading a day can have a huge impact on children’s progress. Pop a book in your bag so you can use any opportunity to get your daily 10 mins in.

We will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading.

Visit explorelearning.co.uk/summer to find out more and download your first activity!

Play some games There are bound to be some rainy days this summer, so use this as a chance to get out some board games. These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills.

Needs some new games? Have a scavenger hunt in local charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game.

Tuition To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting children to do work at home and get them along to a centre where there are lots of other children getting involved. Explore Learning runs maths and English sessions as well as a whole range of interactive workshops throughout the holidays to keep your child’s brain active.The best things is you can go along and try one of these for free, so get in touch today!

www.familiesonline.co.uk

9

children with ADHD, using sports that are well suited to the different challenges posed by those with the condition. They help them to participate in team sports, making it a fun experience and a great opportunity for exercise, learning, and development.

Clubs & Classes

Brownies Studies have shown that scouting organisations help children with their mental health in later life, and with the huge range of activities on offer in Brownies, and great fun ways to learn, you'll be sure to get your children off to a good start.

A parent’s guide to clubs and classes Clubs and classes are a great way to continue your child's development, as well as allow them to have fun, get exercise, socialise with others, and take part in activities they might not have the chance to at home.

Cubs The Cubs are a great way to keep restless young minds and bodies active as they learn about and participate in a huge variety of different activities. As well as learning skills, it's also a great way to get your child to exercise and work with others.

Here are just a few of the clubs and classes on offer, and some of the benefits they can bring.

Rugby Rugby is a great way for boys and girls to have fun and get exercise while learning to work and function as part of a team.

Your children can learn a wide variety of skills from the sport, including respect, winning and losing.

Trampolining Trampolining is a great fun way to get exercise.

Under supervision, it can be the perfect way to get into gymnastics and other athletics too.

Music Music classes will help your child develop their artistic talents by exploring how to create music and learning an instrument. It’s also a great way to learn other related abilities – like patience, discipline, and social and physical skills.

Drama Always fun and engaging, drama is a great way to help children develop their own sense of self, confidence and self-esteem – even shy children love taking part. It can also be a great way to develop an interest in other forms of art.

iStock.com/Ljupco

Sports for ADHD There are specific programs specifically designed for

Quote ‘Families’ to get your first three classes free

Baby and Toddler Physical Sensory Classes Great for very young children, this class allows you to explore a multi-sensory environment with your child. Your child can benefit from physical activity, learn to make friends, and have plenty of fun while doing so.

Martial arts Martial arts are a great way to help develop confidence in children, as well as learning values like discipline and patience. Teaching responsible self-defence helps to benefit children enormously, and it's a great and fun way to get exercise too.

Whichever class you choose, all of the above have great benefits for all kinds of children. As well as being open and beneficial, they're all designed to be as fun as possible and to get children active and working with each other.

The Fun Club at Portland Nurseries Portland House, 55 New Hey Road, Lindley, HD3 4AL 01484 538880 portland@portlandhouse.co.uk www.portlandnurseries.co.uk

Classes in Holmfirth, Shelley and Kirkheaton | from 18 months Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acro and Musical Theatre. www.SilkSchoolofdance.co.uk Silk School of Dance, Huddersfield

07795 573030

Dance classes for ages 2 to adult Specialising in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Acro and Street Dance.

Competitions, IDTA Examinations and Show Work Unit 1, Nortonthorpe Mills, Scissett, Huddersfield, HD8 9LA k on 07760 305506 Call Miss Natalie Coo om cademy@outlook.c cea dan alia nat ail or e-m

10

The Fun Club at Portland Nurseries is Out of School & Holiday Care for children aged 4-11 years. It has specially resourced rooms with plenty of space for playing and learning with regular outdoor play and Forest School sessions, as well as outings to local attractions. Other activities range from sport, drama and puppet making to painting, printing and costume design, as well as storytelling and writing plays. During holiday periods the children also enjoy visits from art and craft specialists.

The holiday care runs from 24 July – 1 September. Children need to bring a packed lunch but a morning snack and afternoon tea are provided.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Giants experience

Join the

Eorl Crabtree

After representing the Huddersfield Giants on the pitch for 17 years, legend Eorl Crabtree has hung up his boots and taken on an off-field role as Club Ambassador. At 6 foot 6 inches tall, everything about the iconic Crabtree says GIANT and he is on a mission to get more people enjoying Rugby League and in particular what the Huddersfield Giants have to offer.

Having retired from playing professional rugby league at the end of the 2016 season, Crabtree is enjoying his new role at the club, getting out into the community and helping to build the club and sport off the field: "After 17 years of playing professional rugby league, the transition from being a rugby player and training day in and day out has been quite tough but has been enjoyable at the same time. I miss training with the lads every single day, playing and winning rugby league games, but now I get to represent the club off the field. The important thing for me now is to get more people experiencing what the Huddersfield Giants have to offer.

"It’s really important that we keep trying to get people to games, trying to raise the profile, and this is why we’re trying to do more with schools and local clubs. We want to get as many families to come as possible, especially young kids to come through and watch the beautiful game that we love. The more people that we can bring down and the more that we can get through the gates, the more special the atmosphere will be and the bigger the crowds will be. Our ethos at the Giants is to create an experience for the whole family to enjoy."

This year the Giants are putting further emphasis on getting into more schools through the SkyTry initiative and making sure that they get more children into rugby league.

Eorl explains, "It’s massively important that we engage with parents and encourage them to come along with their children and provide them entertainment on and off the field. Our squad is now looking really exciting with our flying full-back Jake Mamo, England Internationals Jermaine McGillvary and Leroy Cudjoe, former Man of Steel and key playmaker Danny Brough, along with exciting new signing Jordan Turner."

The Huddersfield Giants are offering Families Pennines readers special priced tickets at £10 for adults and £1 for juniors. Check out the special voucher opposite. For more details on the Huddersfield Giants go to, www.giantsrl.com

www.familiesonline.co.uk

11

er !

Su m m FREE ways to keep the kids entertained this summer Trying to keep children occupied can be difficult enough on evenings and weekends, let alone when you have six weeks of summer holidays to contend with. But trying to keep them busy, and trying to not spend a lot of money doing it, is another matter.

TOP TO BOTTOM and LEFT TO RIGHT iStock.com/SolStock iStock.com/Petar Chernaev iStock.com/wundervisuals iStock.com/Georgijevic iStock.com/Mypurgatoryyears iStock.com/wundervisuals iStock.com/lostinbids

But don't fear, there are a lot of ideas and activities that can be done for next to nothing.

Hiking Getting out up a hill or through a forest can open up your children’s imaginations. The kids will love exploring new surroundings too.

Chalk Grabbing some chalk and scribbling on the pavements is a great way to open up their artistic side. You’ll be safe in the knowledge that they are creating art knowing the next spot of rain will clear away the evidence.

Museums and art galleries There are countless free museums to be explored on a whole range of different subjects. The beauty of them is that your children will be learning, having fun and being inspired at the same time, meaning they can be a wonderful recipe for knowledge.

Gardening Help them plant some flowers or seeds and not only do you have entertainment for one day, but it’s something you can go back to and chart how they grow. It's a wonderful biology lesson for children, and they won’t even realise it!

Bike ride Bikes are a great, free and fun way to spend a few hours.

It’s a great way to travel long distances in a short space of time, and they’ll feel like they’ve really achieved something.

Trip to the pond A local pond is a great way to find wildlife that may be missing from your back garden. From frogs and tadpoles to fish swimming below, it gives little ones a taste of the outdoors in a safe environment.

Make something All you need is some simple arts and crafts to let their imagination go wild. Make a paper boat or a plane. Or perhaps it’s someone’s birthday coming up and you want to make them a custom card. It’s a great way to get their creative side working.

Sports at the park Grab a bat, ball or whatever they love and head to the nearest park. Get your friends and their families involved and make a day of it.

Head to the beach Children love beaches, it’s almost universal.

Running away from the waves, skimming stones, building sandcastles, making pictures in the wet sand...

Home cinema Watch out for the latest premiere on your home TV, darken the room and make your own popcorn. The kids will love it, and you’ll love not having to travel and pay a small fortune for snacks.

Paint Children love painting and it shows them the beauty of creating something. Just make sure you're all wearing aprons and have a lot of newspapers down!

Volunteer Volunteering can be done on a huge range of tasks, be it simply providing company for a neighbour, walking a dog, helping out in a charity shop, helping plant trees or anything else that benefits another fellow human or cause.

Puzzles Sitting down as a family and completing a jigsaw, a puzzle or a board game is a wonderful way to spend a few hours.

Baking The kids will love getting involved in baking, especially with all the messy parts. Getting them to clean up after themselves, however, may be a bit more difficult!

So get out there and enjoy making some great Summer memories – for free!

12

Picnic Swap the dining table for a blanket and the great outdoors.

Get a collection of your favourite foods and make a day of it.

www.familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON THIS SUMMER 4 August JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH

THEATRE & FILM

8 July MILKSHAKE LIVE!

Ryecroft Hall Park, Manchester Road, Audenshaw, M34 5ZJ tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/ families With a trade mark of high quality, engaging theatre Gambolling Arena’s adaptation of James and the Giant Peach, initially written for the Dahl 100, is sure to wow the audience.

11.30am & 2.30pm

10 August GREAT EXPECTATIONS Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG, 01924 324761 kirklees.gov.uk/museums This Charles Dickens’ classic novel is brought to the stage in the walled gardens of the Elizabethan Hall. Bring your own seating but no tables. £15 per adult, £12 for senior citizens, £10 for children and students and family tickets £44.

7.30pm

Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE, 01924 211311 theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk Starring Milkshake! favourite characters, Milkshake! Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters, this is an all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece. 11am & 2pm £16, £14.50, £13.50 (plus concessions) Family ticket £56

15 July BEE MOVIE (U) Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL1 1AL, 0161 770 4742 galleryoldham.org.uk/small-cinema £3.50 including a goodie bag with drink and popcorn for kids. Booking required. 2pm (12pm-2pm – art and craft activities).

29 July DOGS DON’T DO BALLET

17 August CIRCUS SENSIBLE Haughton Green Playing Fields, Tatton Road, Haughton Green, Denton, M34 7PL tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/ families Bringing their unique blend of mayhem and madness, Circus Sensible are bound to excite and enthral. 11.30am & 2.30pm

19 August CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (U) Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL1 1AL, 0161 770 4742 galleryoldham.org.uk/small-cinema £3.50 including a goodie bag with drink and popcorn for kids. Booking required. 2pm (12pm-2pm – art and craft activities).

20 August DOGS DON’T DO BALLET RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Nature Reserve, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 0YF, 01226 751593 rspb.org.uk/oldmoor Brought to the open air by acclaimed Little Blue Monster Theatre Company, this hilarious new story for ages 3+ tells the very funny tale of a small dog with big dreams! 11am and 2pm. £8. Booking essential.

31 August REYNARD THE FOX The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP, 01484 430528 thelbt.org Blunderbus Theatre Company brings to life the hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams! 11am and 2pm. £8.

3-11.

Hyde Park, SK14 4JX The Fabularium is a self-contained touring outdoor theatre company with a medieval twist, specialising in a series of skills including storytelling, live music, mask work, puppetry, physical theatre and acrobatics. 11.30am & 2.30pm

www.familiesonline.co.uk

13

WHAT’S ON THIS SUMMER 11 August

EDWARDIAN GALA

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH

Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB, 0113 378 2959 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Leeds Museums and Galleries – Lotherton Hall

SUMMER

15-16 July

8 & 9 July EUREKA!’S 25TH BIRTHDAY BASH Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE, 01422 330069 eureka.org.uk Join Eureka! as they celebrate 25 years by opening digiPlaySpace – a new exhibition of the most innovative and interactive multi-media installations from around the world.

15 July LAUGH A’NORY – AN OPEN SPACE FESTIVAL EVENT Oldham Library, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UT, 0161 770 3000 oldham.gov.uk/libraries Brought up in the Romany tradition, master storyteller Richard O’Neill has leant hundreds of stories and will be sharing these and a few jokes in his own unique stand up style.

11am & 2.30pm. Free. advanced booking essential. Age 6+

This beautiful Edwardian estate will be brought to life with brass band music, sideshows, face painting, family activities and Punch and Judy shows. 11am-4pm

Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, 0113 230 5492 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Watch live bands perform, including the amazing line up from this year’s Battle of the Bands event and find out more about youth projects in your local community. 11am-4pm

12 & 13 August ANDY’S PRE-HISTORIC RAPS Lightwater Valley Theme Park, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HT, 01765 635321 Lightwatervalley.co.uk Join popular children's TV dinosaur adventurer Andy Day as he raps and rhymes about his favourite prehistoric creatures.

16 July

13 August PARTY ON PIRATE ISLAND Thwaite Mills Watermill, Thwaite Lane, Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1RP, 0113 3782983 leeds.gov.uk/school holidays Hunt for buried treasure, build your own telescope, enjoy boat rides, face-painting and enter the competition to be crowned the best dressed pirate! 11am-4pm

26 & 27 August MR MAKER Lightwater Valley Theme Park, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HT, 01765 635321 Lightwatervalley.co.uk Come and join arts and crafts hero Mister Maker, as he appears live on stage. With art at its heart, this fantastic show encourages Mini Makers and their grown-ups to sing, dance and make some noise!

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, Huddersfield HD5 8DJ, 01484 223240 kirklees.gov.uk/museums Enjoy an entertaining afternoon of music in the Heritage Memorial Garden with Musicakirklees Jazz Group. Please bring your own seats. Organised by the Friends of Tolson & Ravensknowle. Free with a collection by the Band. 2pm

Leeds Museums and Galleries – Thwaite Mills

HAIR RAISING SAVINGS AT LIGHTWATER VALLEY THEME PARK With over 40 rides and attractions to suit all the family – a day out at Lightwater Valley is fun-packed and great value for money; even our parking is free!

Theme Park entry for just £18 per person with this voucher or book online and use code FAMPEN18.

✁

Max 6 people per voucher. Offer expires 5.11.17. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or concessionary rate. Saving based on Over 1.3m pay-on-the–day price of £30.

Please note our online price is already discounted by 30%. Voucher Code: FAMPEN18.

lightwatervalley.co.uk Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3HT. Tel: 01765 635321

14

www.familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON THIS SUMMER 26 July – 4 September

SUMMER

HOLIDAYS From 22 July MINES, MINERALS AND MONSTERS Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, Huddersfield HD5 8DJ, 01484 223240 kirklees.gov.uk/museums Explore displays of beautiful minerals and ores, and learn about ancient fossils in the collection.

See fossilised plants and meet prehistoric marine reptiles that stalked the seas! Free.

22-26 July SUMMER READING CHALLENGE – ‘JUST SOPH’

UNDER-FIVES FUN Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, 0113 230 5492 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Every Friday afternoon from stories, messy play, nursery rhymes, crafts, toys and instruments. 2-4pm

26 July – 4 September UNDER FIVES FUN Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, 0113 230 5492 leeds.gov.uk/kirkstallabbeymarket Each Wednesday of the school holidays there will be games available in the cloister. On Tuesdays (10–11am) the under 5s session has a dragon theme with crafts and activities. Thursdays (10.30–11.30am), bring a picnic and meet the friendly dragon Barry.

Leeds Museums and Galleries Kirkstall Abbey

Libraries across Oldham oldham.gov.uk/libraries Join storyteller Sophia Lovell in her new adaption of classic animal tales by Rudyard Kipling. Free – advanced booking essential. Suitable for ages 3-7

HACK THE LIBRARY!

22 July – 3 September SUMMER FESTIVAL

SPARKLING SUMMER HOLIDAYS Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE, 0113 3367460 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays A changing programme of silver themed crafts every afternoon (1.30–4.30pm); from shields and crowns for dazzling damsels and noble knights, weaving silver thread tapestries and adding glitz to picture frames.

26 July – 4 September FAIRY TALE FAMILY CRAFTS Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, 0113 230 5492 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays A treasure trail in the Victorian Streets, magic shows, silly science inspired by Aladdin or Captain Hook and Roald Dahl family craft activities.

Tuesdays to Fridays. 10am-12pm & 2-4pm.

26 July – 4 September MODEL-MAKING: HELP MAKE A MINIATURE YORKSHIRE Leeds Industrial Museum, Canal Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QF, 0113 378 3173 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Come along and make a model of your house, school, or favourite place to go on a day out.

Tues-Fri, 10.30am-12.30pm/1.30-3.30pm

1 – 29 August SUMMER READING CHALLENGE Libraries across Kirklees ticketsource.co.uk/kirkleeslibraries/events Head to your local library in August for events such as Imagination Gaming, Stop Motion Animation Workshop, Coding, Meet a Creature, plus crafts and energetic workshops with authors and illustrators.

MAKE, DO AND PLAY 26 July – 4 September ENCHANTED FOREST SUMMER HOLIDAYS Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH, 0113 224 3732 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Every Tuesday there’s an animal-themed activity, from live rainforest animals to shadow puppets, den building and wild stories! Wednesday – Friday there will be free crafts with a different theme.

Tues-Fri. 10am-12pm and 1-3pm

28 July – 3 September SUMMER ADVENTURES Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB, 0113 378 2959 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Six weeks of themed activities from fashion, to wildlife, to all things Yorkshire. Each week of the holidays there will be themed crafts, events, outdoor games and trails. 11am-4pm.

29 July to 3 September SUMMER QUIZZES – ENCHANTED OAKWELL Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG, 01924 324761 kirklees.gov.uk/museums Have a go at the fantasy quiz trail around the country park. Small prize for all correct entries.

50p per sheet.

31 July, 7, 14 & 21 August BUSHCRAFT MONDAYS Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG, 01924 324761 kirklees.gov.uk/museums Outdoor activities for the over 5s. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. £5 per child. Booking essential. 10.30am-12noon

Portland Basin Museum, Portland Place, Ashton under Lyne, OL7 0QA, 0161 343 2878 tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/families Artist led craft activities for all ages. £1 per child. 11am-3pm. Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout August.

2 August NATIONAL PLAYDAY Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE, 01422 330069 eureka.org.uk The Eureka! park will be packed with lots of extra, free activities. In partnership with Calderdale Play Service

EW

25 July – 3 September

BUSH BABIES Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG, 01924 324761 kirklees.gov.uk/museums Fun environmental themed activities for the under 5s including storytelling, crafts and games.

Children must be accompanied. 10am-11.30am. £3 per child, including juice drink. Booking essential.

N

Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE, 01422 330069 eureka.org.uk Experience the amazing new digiPlaySpace which is on site for 6 months only, plus lots of extra activities from explosive science to special guest storytelling.

1, 8, 15 & 22 August

1 – 31 August

22 July & 26 August Oldham Library, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UT, 0161 770 3000 hackoldham.com Join Hack Oldham as they take over the library and have a go at coding, making, tech and gaming!

Free.

family and friends. Attend every session and graduate with a certificate and a prize. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm. £2 per session. All ages welcome.

No booking required.

Open Monday 9.30am-4pm & Tues – Sun 9.30am -5.45pm Under 1’s Free | 1-2 £2.50 2-3 £3.50 | 3+ £4.50 www.edgeplaygym.com info@edgeplaygym.com 01484 400447 The Edge Play Gym, Church Lane, Brighouse, HD6 1AT Free parking|Classes| Homemade food Private Hire optional | Parties Play gym (0-8 yrs) | Disco room (2-16yrs)

1, 8, 15, 22 August BAGSHAW CIRCUS SCHOOL Bagshaw Museum, Wilton Park, Batley WF17 0AS, 01924 324765 kirklees.gov.uk/museums Spend the summer holidays at Bagshaw’s Circus School. Learn skills to amaze and impress your

www.familiesonline.co.uk

15

2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 August SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITY DAYS Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, Huddersfield HD5 8DJ, 01484 223240 kirklees.gov.uk/museums Fun with rocks, minerals, fossil plants and marine fossils, including craft activities. £1 per child, no booking required. 11am-1pm & 2-4pm

2 – 30 August WEDNESDAY DISCOVERY WORKSHOPS – EVERY WEDNESDAY Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB, 0113 378 2100 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Incredible Insects (2 August), Fantastic Fossils (9 August), Ancient Egyptian artefacts (16 August), learn about old toys (23 August), or admire the bird collection from across the world (30 August) 10-12pm. E-mail discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk to book.

3 &10 August PIRATE DAYS Shibden Hall, Lister's Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 6XG, 01422 352246 museums.calderdale.gov.uk Take part in pirate crafts up at the Hall. Free eye patch when you

attend the activity. Woodland walk unsuitable for prams and buggies.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/carer. 11-12pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm

Gallery’s collection and find out how people have been involved in making their own creative responses to the collection.

3, 10, 17 & 24 August

7 – 10 August

DROP IN: FAMILY ART DAY

ZOOLAB – ANIMAL HANDLING EXPERIENCE

Huddersfield Art Gallery, Princess Alexandra Walk, Kirklees, West Yorkshire, HD1 2SU, 01484 221964 kirklees.gov.uk/museumsGalleries Be creative and try out something new. Great craft sessions to spark the interest of both parents and children. 1-3pm. £1 per child, no need to book.

8, 15, 22, 29 August

4, 18, 1 August KIDS BE HAPPY SAND ART WORKSHOPS Totties Garden Centre and The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, Downshutts Lane, Totties, Holmfirth, HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 tottiesgardencentre.co.uk Each child gets to create a Sand Art picture. £3 per child. Suitable for 3-11 years. 9.30-11.00am.

5 August – 3 September PARK HERE AND PLAY FESTIVAL Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA, 0113 247 8256 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays Work with artists and community ambassadors to explore Leeds Art

Capture imaginations this summer at Leeds Museums and Galleries — we’ve got this holiday sorted!

Libraries across Oldham oldham.gov.uk/libraries Zoolab animal rangers and their team of animals will be visiting Oldham Libraries to amaze, educate and inspire children with an animal handling experience. Free. Booking essential. 2.30-3.30pm

TAKE AWAY TUESDAYS Saddleworth Museum, High Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth, OL3 6HS, 01457 874093 saddleworthmuseum.co.uk Drop in art activities with ‘art carts’ inspired by the museum’s collection for families to do when they visit the museum. There will also be 2 art carts available over weekends.

All activities are covered in the cost of museum entry.

8 – 30 August HOT SPARKS! AROUND THE WORLD IN 4 WEEKS Bankfield Museum, Boothtown Road, Halifax, HX3 6HG, 01422 352334 http://museums.calderdale.gov.uk Learn about different parts of the world throughout the holiday with related craft activities. Every Tues and Weds throughout August.

11-12pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm

15 – 19 August AMAZING ANIMALS WEEK Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE, 0113 3367460 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays See owls, snakes, mini beasts and more! On Wednesday 16th join them on the magic carpet in the house for an interactive story time full of amazing animals. 10am-4pm

leeds.gov.uk/ schoolholidays

16, 17, 23, 24 & 25 August SCRAPTASTIC WORKSHOPS WITH FAIRANDFUNKY Totties Garden Centre and The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, Downshutts Lane, Totties, Holmfirth, HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 tottiesgardencentre.co.uk Crafting from recycled bits and pieces. Child gets to take their creation home. £3 per child. Suitable for 3-11 years. 9.30-11am

DO TO N’T FO R www CHE C GET .f FOR amilies K OU T onlin EVE N

e.c AND MOR E EV o.uk A C E IN Y T OUR IVITIES NTS ARE A!

28 August LET’S PLAY! Portland Basin Museum, Portland Place, Ashton under Lyne, OL7 0QA, 0161 343 2878 tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/ families Build small worlds, sing and dance in the disco plus self-led activities and more. Don’t forget to bring your teddy along as part of the new teddy bear exhibition. 11am-3pm

24 July – 1 September SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Nature Reserve, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 0YF, 01226 751593 rspb.org.uk/oldmoor Pond dipping kits and backpacks are available to hire.

Drawing, Dipping and Discovery Day – Mondays Enjoy self-led crafts, then explore the reserve to see what bugs, birds and pond life you can see. 10am–3:30pm.

Tuesday Tales Join Chris and Bob for tales of wildlife and wonder in the heart of our nature reserve. 11am / 1pm / 2.30pm.

Wild Wednesdays Nature themed craft activities plus pond dipping or bug hunting on the reserve with a wildlife expert. 9am-5pm.

Thinkbomb! Thursdays Discover the beautiful and noisy birds that live and breed on the reserve. Plus interactive games with a wildlife theme.

9am-5pm.

Free Fridays Explore the reserve to see what bugs, birds and pond life you can see plus self-led crafts. 9am-5pm.

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

16

LMG017_FamilyCampaign_Summer_PrintAd_87x130_AW.indd 1

www.familiesonline.co.uk 01/06/2016 12:24

iStock.com/SolStock

WHAT’S ON THIS SUMMER