The Sallymag for Todmorden & Hebden Bridge - Spring '17

THE

S C A LL Y A G M

®

Walsden, Cornholme, Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, Luddendenfoot & Surrounding Areas

Diary Pages For Pre-School and Out-of-school activities

Out & About Brontë Parsonage FREE Museums

News

Legal clinic for families Live Wild Garden Design business

family finance special

Claiming for all your benefits Money saving ideas Making Money Savvy Kids

Regular Features Family Health Literacy news Competitons

Spring ‘17

Issue 56

For Local Parents, Carers & Kids

and much morease e e l p ak t ne o

LIVE WILD

connecting people with nature

* Bushcraft Holiday Clubs (age 5-12) * Forest School * Family Bushcraft Days * Inset Days * CPD training in play and outdoor learning * Adult Bushcraft Courses Based in Hebden Bridge,Todmorden & across Calderdale.

EARLY BIRD/MULTI CHILD DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

info@livewild.org.uk/07979 207296

www.livewild.org.uk

page welcome header contact us

contents Diary Pages Playgroups, Out of school clubs, Swimming,

Libraries & Soft Play Pre-School Diary Out-Of-School Diary Competitions Design our next front cover Out & About Brontë Parsonage Free Museums and galleries News From Live Wild, Finn Gledhill & Imogen Storey plus the search for more school Governors Focus On: Exam Stress Family Health Your health Q&A Literacy The latest news from The Book Case

Page 11 Page 12 Page 14 Page 2 Page 6 Page 8

Page 4 Page 21 Page 23 Page 20

Family Finance Special:

Family Matters Claim for what you are entitled to How new parents can save money Over to You Make your child Money Savvy

Page 16 Page 18 Page 20

For competition entries, to discuss and book advertising space, ideas for future articles or just to let us know what you think of the magazine, please get in touch by any of the following means:

0 Bankside House, Haugh Road, Todmorden, OL14 6BU 8 hazel@thescallymag.co.uk  07816 321439 R www.thescallymag.co.uk The Scallymag (Todmorden & Hebden Bridge) @ScallymagTod

Editor: Hazel Bregazzi Lay-out & Design: Hazel Bregazzi Publishing: Bankside House Publishing, Todmorden Distribution: Many thanks to all schools, groups and other businesses which help with the distribution of The Scallymag® Special Thanks: To all advertisers whose contribution ensures the magazine can be distributed Free of Charge Editorial & Advertising: Hazel Bregazzi, Bankside House, OL14 6BU info@thescallymag.co.uk Disclaimer: Whilst every care is taken to ensure that information contained in this magazine is true, accurate and fair, the publisher cannot take any responsibility for events arising from the use of this information. Any statements or opinions given in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. © The Scallymag® 2017 Nothing may be reproduced without permission

Congratulations To: Alice Hill

aged 7, of Heptonstall, who drew our beautiful front cover picture

“Spring Flowers”

She gets a £25 voucher to spend at Silly Billy’s Toy Shop in Hebden Bridge.

Many thanks to Bill from Silly Billy’s for judging the competition.

news Live Wild offer all children the chance to enjoy nature

T

his year, for the first time, the Live Wild Holiday Club will be running during every school holiday so even more children can get outside and get into nature.

Being outside is perhaps the most natural thing we can imagine for children; running over fields and forests, exploring, climbing and being free with friends. It is something many parents look back and cherish from their own childhoods.

Children thrive in the outdoors and more studies than ever show that children are healthier, happier, more resilient and creative when they have a connection to nature.

Leona, a Nature Mentor for Live Wild, told us, “I have seen the evidence first-hand. Watching children’s eyes light up with the joy of lighting a fire from sparks or following roe deer footprints to the spot where they have made their bed. These are just some of the activities we do at our Live Wild Holiday Club.”

The team of expert bushcraft leaders get children pushing their boundaries and taking risks in safe and managed ways as they move from climbing twisted oaks to rocky outcrops.

“The results are really positive.” says Leona. “Confidence and self-esteem increase and there is a huge sense of accomplishment when children have used tools or built a den for themselves with just sticks and leaves. Memorable connections are created when they tell their stories of magic and mayhem to their parents at the end of a muddy and inspiring day.”

So if you would like your children to experience the wonders of nature, together with the benefits of modern Forest School teaching, book a place at the Holiday Club.

“Our mission is to bring some of these magical moments back to the lives of our children and communities.

Every season has unique experiences and adventures to offer and because modern, busy lifestyles often do not allow the time, we have created a fun, easy, safe and affordable way to bring nature connection to the children of Calderdale. After all, if they don’t develop the love and connection to nature now, who will protect it for the future?”

As a special offer to all ScallyMag readers, you can get a discount on our Live Wild Easter Holiday Club. Please use promotional code ScallyMag17 when booking.

Special Offer for all readers whe booking on thn Easter Holida e y Club

For more information:

0 Leona  07979 207296 8 info@livewild.org.uk R www.livewild.org.uk

i

livewildcalderdale

RHS garden design comes to

H

ow is your garden looking? Have you ever thought about employing a professional garden designer to make it over for you and turn your little piece of land into the beautiful haven you always desired? Well, a new business has

just started to help you do just that and we spoke to owner and Garden Designer Imogen to find out more.

“I first discovered gardening during the months after finishing a Fine Art degree.” says Imogen. “I was spending the weekends with my elderly grandparents, including lots of time

working outside with my grandad.

This time actually became an amazing bonding experience, giving me a gift I will always cherish, as well as a new, creative career path.”

Wanting to know more about plants and gardening in general, Imogen went on to train with the Royal Horticultural Society and there, with her new qualifications, she became a member of the team for a new BBC gardening show ‘Garden Invaders’, where she worked with the likes of Kim Wilde and Mark Evans. “I was involved in about fifty episodes in all, creating many kinds of garden. This was a unique and valuable learning opportunity.” says Imogen.

In the summer of 2014, while heavily

news

S

Could you be a Governor?

chools across Calderdale are looking for governors to help them continue to deliver good standards.

Anyone aged 18 or over and living in the UK can apply to be a governor.

Governors do not manage a school day-to-day, but they oversee its long-term development.

Governors have an important job in schools, helping to set their aims and objectives, and then supporting these.

They also work with the leadership at schools to make the tough decisions about balancing resources and appointing senior staff when required.

In order to make up a good Governing Body, a whole host of people and skills is required. A diverse group of governors allows the school to have a rounded vision of where it can develop.

No previous experience is required and you don’t have to be a parent to become a school governor, just an enthusiasm for helping children achieve their best.

The average time commitment is 10-15 hours per term. This includes meetings, background reading and school visits. Training and support is available for new and existing governors and is free of charge.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young

o todmorden pregnant with her second child, she, her partner and her daughter took the leap from the city to the green hills of Cornholme.

While the family were young she took a break from gardening but now her passion is driving her back to work.

“With Spring on its way, this seems like a perfect time to let people know that I’m here, ready to take on all kinds of work and put my twenty years experience to good use in the stunning Calder Valley.”

People’s Services, Cllr Megan Swift, said, “Being a governor is an important, but fulfilling role. Helping schools achieve their best also means helping future generations reach their potential, which is incredibly rewarding.

“There’s no specific set of skills required to be a governor. In fact, it helps if governors have different skills to bring to the table, together making the governing body more experienced and well rounded.”

Martin Gonzalez, Foundation Governor at St Joseph’s Primary School, Halifax, said, “I believe that our young people deserve the best start in life and in my role I am able to provide appropriate support, scrutiny and challenge to school senior leaders to help make my school as effective as possible and best serve its pupils.

“Schools face a huge number of challenges on a daily basis including staffing, safeguarding, health and safety, pupils levels of attainment and progress.

Governors from all kinds of backgrounds can bring their skill, experience and passion to a school in order to help the strategic overview in an area of interest.”

For more information:

i

0 Debby Simpson 8 debby.simpson@calderdale.gov.uk  01422 394059

new legal clinic for families

F

inn Gledhill Solicitors are pleased to announce the arrival of a new Family Solicitor at their Hebden Bridge office.

Family Solicitor, Joanne Brown specialises in all areas of Family Law including divorce, separation, finances, children issues, domestic violence and proceedings brought by the Local Authority. Joanne qualified as a Solicitor in March 2005 and joined the firm in November 2016.

“Finn Gledhill Solicitors are a wellestablished firm who have offered their expertise and specialism to the people of Calderdale since 1753.” says Joanne.

“I am delighted to be part of the team and to be able to share my knowledge and expertise in an area I know well having lived in the Upper Calder Valley for the past ten years.

“I will be operating a Family Law Clinic each Thursday at our Hebden Bridge office offering advice on all aspects of family law.”

Please contact the Hebden Bridge Office to arrange your initial consultation.

Legal Aid is still available in some cases.

For more information:

0 Joanne Brown  01422 842451 R www.finngledhill.co.uk

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A

s family trips go this one was always going to be a gamble. Having feverishly devoured Emily Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ as a teenager, I’ve been chomping at the bit to visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum in Howarth, home of the three indomitable Brontë sisters; Charlotte, Emily and Anne and brother Branwell, for what feels like eons.

My other half wasn’t quite as enthusiastic, unconvinced that our offspring (aged 9 and 6) would properly appreciate a visit. After watching Sally Wainwright’s colourful portrayal of the Brontës in ‘To Walk Invisible’ over Christmas however, I could be dissuaded no more. We were going.

As we drove up and over the tops towards Howarth, I’d planned on setting the scene for the kids by asking them to look out over the bleakly majestic moors and imagine living in such a wild and inhospitable place.

Unfortunately, the murky grey morning mist rather scuppered this optimistic attempt as it completely obscured the moors from view.

‘We’re in a cloud’ intoned the youngest solemnly.

I resorted to plan B and instead played Kate Bush’s homage to Wuthering

Height’s very very loudly.

Swooping down out of the clouds and into Howarth, we made use of one of the three car parks and eagerly, yes even the children, entered the garden and looked expectantly up at the unassuming home of the famous Brontë family.

We’d bought a family ticket for £20, which covers 2 adults and up to 4 children.

Tickets are valid for up to 12 months (further admission prices can be found on the rather brilliant parsonage website together with detailed travel information, downloadable crafts for the children and loads more).

Entering the front door we were warmly welcomed by one of the impressively learned volunteers who offered the children an activity sheet to complete as they explored the museum.

What a success these proved to be! My two

out & about

Brontë Parsonage Museum

embraced their detective roles and loved looking for clues in the various rooms. They scoured Mr Brontë’s Study for proof he was short-sighted, scrutinised The Dining Room for evidence of how the sisters passed their time (no internet, such horror!) and guessed the height of the diminutive Charlotte, based on dresses of hers that were on display. So, with their brains engaged and hands busy scribbling down answers, we, the grown ups, were able to actually explore the rooms ourselves. Such a novelty!

Each room showcases treasures from the Brontë collection that have a tale to tell; faded sketches on the wall of the Brontë children’s study, Charlotte’s wedding bonnet, Emily’s letter to her publisher. The Dining Room contained two undeniably special pieces; the table (bought by the Brontë Society for an alleged six figure sum) on which the Bronte novels were written and on a slightly more morbid note, the sofa on which Emily expired. A new addition to the parsonage, and one in which I wish I’d lingered longer, was the artfully put together reconstruction of Branwell Brontë’s chaotic bedroom, fresh from the film set of ‘To Walk Invisible’ and complete with puddles of spilled (mock) liquor on the floor.

Comprising of just ten rooms in all, the

parsonage isn’t big by any stretch of the imagination. In fact it’s the perfect size for a child’s attention and this, together with the thoughtful interactive activities scattered around the museum, makes it particularly child friendly. Certainly, any concerns we had about whether our two would be engaged or not, were swiftly put to bed.

The final and most popular room for the children, and one where we could both relax knowing there was no precious artefact that could be ‘accidentally’ handled, was the Exhibition Room. Here they could dress up as Victorian urchins and then play in character with toy soldiers and sketchpads. Alas there were no outfits for adults to try on so instead we meandered happily around the extensive chronological displayed collection of Brontëana (as Brontë memorabilia is known) exclaiming at the tiny books written by the sisters as children, reading details of the horrendous school that took the lives of the two elder Brontë sisters and taking in the words of the then Poet Laureate Robert Southey as he implored Charlotte to give up her writing aspirations because ‘literature cannot be the business of a woman’s life, and it ought not to be.’ I particularly enjoyed my daughter’s expression of disbelief

as she read that excerpt!

Content that we’d absorbed as much Brontë history as we could, we left the parsonage to seek some refreshment of the cake kind. Walking down the steep cobbled side street, past the church and pubs frequented by Branwell, we were all struck by how relatively unchanged the view from the parsonage onto the village appeared to be, and that, for me, is the magic of Howarth. We can gaze out over the same weather-beaten moors that inspired the Brontës and feature so heavily in their work.

Equally magical to the children was the number of tearooms proffering a bewildering selection of cakes and, the piece de resistance, a shop devoted purely to chocolate. Galleries, restaurants and gift shops line the main street without depleting Howarth of its Hovis-ad charm, perfect for mooching around, though on a warmer day than today. We also spotted Central Park at the bottom of the village and made a mental note of its whereabouts for future picnics. But no picnicking today, the haze of the morning had deepened into a steady drizzle and so, extremely satisfied with our historical excursion, we headed back to the car and home.

Though not before the youngest, distracted by the sight of a hen and her chick skittering amongst the gravestones of the church, tripped over and into a deceptively deep puddle. Tears and protestations that walking was no longer possible rebounded until I could bear it no longer. Reader, I carried him.

Photos: Top left and bottom - Penny Kelly. Top - Hazel Bregazzi Painting: Copy of a famous portrait of the sisters, by brother Branwell c.1835

Church Street, Haworth, Keighley BD22 8DR 01535 642323 www.bronte.org.uk

By Penny Kelly

YORKSHIRE Bishops’ House

www.bishopshouse.org.uk Where: Sheffield Open: Sat-Sun 10am-4pm.

A well-preserved timber-framed house, typifying the smaller English domestic house in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Bolling Hall

www.bradfordmuseums.org Where: Bradford Open: Wed-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat 10am5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm and bank hols.

Closed Good Fri. Features period decor from different eras, including a bed made by Thomas Chippendale for Harewood House.

Bradford Industrial Museum

www.bradfordmuseums.org Where: Bradford Open: Tue-Fri 10am-4pm (Sat/Sun open at 11am) and bank hols. Closed Good Friday.

Things to see include textile machinery, motor vehicles and engineering.

Dewsbury Museum

www.kirklees.gov.uk Where: Dewsbury Open: Tue-Fri 11am-5pm and Sat-Sun 12noon-5pm Mar-Oct (closes at 4pm Nov-Feb).

Illustrates the lives of children over the last century, including a 1940s classroom and local history and toy galleries.

Graves Gallery

www.museums-sheffield.org.uk Where: Sheffield Open: Tue & Thu-Sat 11am-4pm, Wed 1pm-6pm. Closed bank hols & Easter weekend.

Displays collections from the 16th-21st centuries, including works by Paul Cézanne, Damien Hirst and Bridget Riley.

Leeds Art Gallery

www.leeds.gov.uk Where: Leeds Open: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat 10am-5pm.

Wed 12noon-5pm. Sun 1pm-5pm.

Closed on bank hols.

A range of 20th century British art, plus seasonal temporary exhibitions.

Housing works from Henry Moore and Rodin to Francis Bacon and Jacob Kramer.

Leeds City Museum

www.leeds.gov.uk Where: Leeds Open: Tue, Thu & Fri 10am-5pm (open to 7pm Thu), Sat-Sun and bank hols 11am-5pm.

Here you can see the Leeds Tiger and Leeds Mummy and even dig for fossils in the Life on Earth gallery.

Manor House Art Gallery & Museum

www.bradfordmuseums.org Where: Ilkley, West Yorkshire Open: Wed-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1pm4pm. Closed Mon (except bank hols), Good Friday, 25-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Nestled in the picturesque Wharfe Valley, it features displays on Ilkley’s history as well as seasonal exhibitions.

Millennium Gallery

www.museums-sheffield.org.uk Where: Sheffield Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun and bank hols 11am-4pm.

Contains exhibitions of the visual arts, craft and design, with four individual galleries.

National Coal Mining Museum

www.ncm.org.uk Where: Overton, West Yorkshire Open: Every day 10am-5pm. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Situated at Caphouse Colliery, this museum looks at the local and national history of coal mining, you even have the opportunity to travel down into one of Britain’s oldest working mines.

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n a change to the usual Out & About format, and as part of our money-saving special, we have put together a list of museums and galleries, all local enough to visit for a day trip and all with something interesting to see. From Art galleries to Football, Ancient history to War and all FREE!

National Media Museum

www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk Where: Bradford Open: Every day 10am-6pm (open 9.30am-6pm Feb half term) All things related to television, film, photography, radio and the internet.

National Railway Museum

www.nrm.org.uk Where: York Open: Every day 10am-6pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. York’s National Railway Museum is dedicated to over three centuries of the history of rail. Suitable for all ages.

Royal Armouries Museum

www.royalarmouries.org Where: Leeds Open: Every day 10am–5pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. Houses a large part of the national collection of arms and armour, with over 8,500 objects in five galleries.

Tolson Museum

www.kirklees.gov.uk Where: Huddersfield Open: Tue-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat-Sun 12noon-5pm (Nov-Feb closes at 4pm).

Victorian mansion house with collections including local history, Roman history, archaeology, textiles, transport and birds.

Weston Park Museum

www.museums-sheffield.org.uk Where: Sheffield Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Sat 10am5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Open bank hols.

Interactive history display from a traditional butcher’s shop to Snowy the polar bear.

out & about

I

f you visit one of these with your family, send us a review for our next issue.

Tell us why you chose to go there? What was it really like to visit with children? What did they love and, if necessary, what did they hate? We want genuine reviews from real families and will pay for any we use. Thank you!

Bolton Museum, Art Gallery & Aquarium

LANCASHIRE AND MANCHESTER Imperial War Museum North

www.iwm.org.uk Where: Trafford Park, Manchester Open: Every day 10am-5pm. Closed 24-26 Dec. Documents the impact of war on individual lives, with a 360-degree sound and photograph show and family activities.

Lancashire Infantry Museum

www.boltonmuseums.org.uk Where: Bolton Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm (opens at 9.30am on Wed), Sun 10am-4pm.

Exhibitions on archaeology, art, botany, Egyptology, entomology, geology, social history and zoology.

www.lancashireinfantrymuseum.org.uk Where: Preston Open: Tue-Thu & Sat 10am-4pm. Closed over Christmas and New Year.

The displays, archive and military history library narrate the story of the Regiment from 1689 to the 21st century.

Gallery Oldham

Museum of the Manchester Regiment

www.galleryoldham.org.uk Where: Oldham Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

Gallery Oldham has amassed 12,000 items since it began collecting in 1883.

Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives www.visitmanchester.com Where: Manchester Open: Tues 10.30am-3.30pm, Thu during school holidays and other weekdays by appointment.

Museum exploring forensic science and forgery. Things to see include a range of police equipment and local uniforms.

Harris Museum & Art Gallery

www.harrismuseum.org.uk Where: Preston Open: Mon 11am-5pm, Tue-Sat 10am5pm. Closed bank hols.

Collections of fine and decorative art, a contemporary art show and a range of artefacts.

www.tameside.gov.uk Where: Ashton-under-Lyne Open: Currently closed due to redevelopment of the Town Hall.

Describes the varied history of the Manchester Regiment soldiers, taking visitors from 1758 to 1958.

Museum of Science & Industry

www.mosi.org.uk Where: Castlefield, Manchester Open: Every day 10am-5pm. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Manchester’s industrial and scientific history is displayed in five listed buildings, with a wide range of collections.

National Football Museum

www.nationalfootballmuseum.com Where: Manchester Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am5pm. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Houses the ball from the 1966 World Cup Final, the oldest FA Cup trophy and other memorabilia.

People’s History Museum

www.phm.org.uk Where: Manchester Open: Every day, 10am-5pm. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Documents trade union and labour movement history.

Portland Basin Museum

www.tameside.gov.uk Where: Ashton-under-Lyne Open: 10am-5pm (closes at 4pm Oct – Jun) open bank hols.

Visitors can experience the region’s industrial, farming and mining past.

Especially suitable for families.

Richard Goodall Gallery

www.richardgoodallgallery.com Where: Manchester Open: Wed-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 12noon4pm.

One of the largest commercial galleries in the UK, housing contemporary and rock art pieces by Linda McCartney, Mark Seliger, Ronnie Wood and many more.

Salford Museum & Art Gallery

www.salford.gov.uk Where: Salford Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4.45pm, Sat & Sun 12noon-4pm. Closed bank hols unless stated.

Attractions include a huge Victorian gallery and a recreation of a typical Victorian ‘northern’ street.

The Manchester Museum

www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Where: Manchester Open: Every day 10am-5pm. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Situated in the University of Manchester, this large museum has 15 galleries with artefacts from across the globe.

Is your Early Years or Childcare provider quality assured?

Research shows that quality assurance schemes are linked to improved quality in Early Education and Childcare and that these good quality experiences impact on your child’s long term education and well-being. When you are looking for an Early Years or Childcare provider ask if they are in a QA scheme.

Calderdale are one of four partners who designed and own the Steps to Quality QA scheme. Ask your provider if they are taking part in the Steps Scheme.

For more information go to calderdale.gov.uk/earlyyearsqa

STQ Scally mag ad.indd 1

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22/02/2017 14:47

diary pages

Friday

Colden Early Years Nursery Colden School Playground, Smithy Lane, Colden, Hebden Bridge 01422 846734

Before & After School Luddenden Dene J,I & N CE School, Dene View, Luddenden Foot Andrea - 07812 905251

Thursday

Space at The Ark The Ark Nursery, Cragg Vale, Mytholmroyd 01422 882010

Wednesday

Steiner Kindergarten Steiner Kindergarten St. John’s Centre Cragg Vale caldersteiner@gmail.com

Tuesday

Out of School clubs

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

7:30 - 9:00 2:30 - 6:00

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 4 to 11

7:30 - 9:00 3:30 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

7:30- 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

7:30 - 9:00 2:30 - 6:00

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 4 to 11

7:30 - 9:00 3:30 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

7:30 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

7:30 - 9:00 2:30 - 6:00

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 4 to 11

7:30 - 9:00 3:30 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

7:30 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

9:15 - 11:45 12:45 - 3:15* ages 2½ to 5

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

7:30 - 9:00 2:30 - 6:00

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 4 to 11

7:30 - 9:00 3:30 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

7:30 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

9:15 - 11:45 12:45 - 3:15* ages 2½ to 5

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

7:30 - 9:00 2:30 - 6:00

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 4 to 11

3:30 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

7:30 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

Todmorden Playgroup Todmorden C of E School Playground, Burnley Rd, Todmorden 01706 812019

Monday

Mytholmroyd Playgroup The Community Centre, Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge 01422 882226

The Ark Pre-School Dean Hey Farm, Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 882010

pre-schools & playgroups

received. Please phone ahead before setting out as details can change at any time.

The second spread shows the many different activities available for school age children, from Chess to Dancing, Karate to Brass bands! Again, please use the contact details provided to check details before setting out.

If you have any new or up-dated information that should be included here, please let us know – contact details are on page 3.

The Fun Track Out of School Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Caldene Ave. Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

On this first page we have the Pre-school and Playgroups that run in our area. These usually offer free sessions for children aged 3 and over for 15 hours per week during term time. Contact them directly for more information.

The Out of School Clubs listings are for older children who require care outside normal school hours or during holidays. Those

listed take all children, not just those who attend any associated school.

The bottom section shows opening times for places you might like to visit regularly with your child.

The centre spread is the Pre-school Diary.

White background is for drop-in sessions, shaded background is for bookable activities.

All sessions will require an adult to remain with the child at all times. Most activities charge a small fee; all Children’s Centre services are free, with any donations gratefully

Heptonstall Out of School Club Heptonstall J, I & N School, Smithwell Lane, Heptonstall 01422 843619

he heart of The Scallymag are the following indispensible diary pages.

Hebden Royd Out-Of-Schools Club Upper Rooms, St James’ Church, Hebden Royd 01422 842821

T

9:00 - 12:00 1:00 - 4:00*

9:00 - 12:00 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2 to 4

9:15 - 11:45 12:45 - 3:15* ages 2½ to 5

9:00 - 12:00 1:00 - 4:00*

9:00 - 12:00 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2 to 4

9:15 - 11:45 12:45 - 3:15* ages 2½ to 5

9:00 - 12:00 1:00 - 4:00*

9:00 - 12:00 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2 to 4

9:15 - 11:45 12:45 - 3:15* ages 2½ to 5

9:00 - 12:00 1:00 - 4:00*

9:00 - 12:00 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2 to 4

9:00 - 12:00 1:00 - 4:00*

9:00 - 12:00 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2 to 4

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

* Lunchtime supervision is also provided for children staying all day, for a small extra charge.

Mytholmroyd Library Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 883933

Walsden Library Inchfield Road, Walsden 01706 815602

Maxwell’s Fun House Hollins Mill, Rochdale Road, Walsden Todmorden 01706 813166

Upsy Daisy’s Playcentre Moderna Business Park, Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 881717

Jitterbugs Play Centre Riverside Works, Todmorden Road, Littleborough 01706 378123

soft play

Todmorden Library Strand, Rochdale Road Todmorden 01706 815600

Library times

Hebden Bridge Library Cheetham Street Hebden Bridge 01422 842151

* See Diary Listing for Fun Swim times

Swim for all Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Swim

10:00 - 6:30

10:00 - 6:30

2:00 - 4:30

2:00 - 6:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

Monday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 7:00

Tuesday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 3.45 7:00 - 8.15

Wednesday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 7:00

10:00 - 5:00

Thursday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 9.00

10:00 - 6:30

Friday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 7:00 8.00 - 9.00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 6:30

1:30 - 6:30

Saturday

9:00 - 1:30 3.00 - 6:30

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 12:00

sunday

9:00 - 12.45 2.30 - 4.00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

10:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

1:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

1:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 4:00

9:30 - 6:00

2:00 - 4:30

1:00 - 5:00

11

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

Pre-school diary

12

Heptons Toddler 10:00 - 1 Heptons Club, Ac please c

Caterpillar Club 8:30 - 11:00 (term time only) Scout Road Academy, Scout Road, Mytholmroyd Emma - 07901 888829

Parent & Toddlers 9:15 - 12:15 The Old Library, 1 Parkside Road, Cornholme Oxana - 01706 813222

Walsden Community Playgroup @ St Peter’s 9:15 - 11:00 St Peter’s Church, Walsden Sheila 01706 812782

Centre Vale Playgroup 9:30 - 11:30 Fielden Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Please call in for details

Midgley Under 5’s 9:45 - 11:15 Midgley School, Midgley Claire - 01422 883837

Parent Support Drop-In 10:00 - 11:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Art Stars 10:00 - 10:45 The Star Tree Studio, 42 Victoria Street, Littleborough Neela - 07778 543233

Steiner Parent & Child 10.00 - 12.00 St John’s Centre, Cragg Vale Sally - 07904 052 816

Baby Massage 10:30 - 11:30 Todmorden or Hebden Bridge.

Please call for details Debbie - 07899 077704

Parent & Toddler Swimming 12:30 - 1:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913

Ducklings Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Yoga for Pregnancy 7:00 - 8:30 Todmorden Donna 07985 274181

Mytholm Parent & Toddlers 9:00 - 11:00 Hebden Royd School, Church Lane, Hebden Bridge 01422 842821

Luddenden Valley Stay & Play 9:15 - 11:15 Luddenden Foot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddenden Foot Collette - 07901 748024

Mytholmroyd Toddlers 9:15 - 11:15 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Elphaborough, Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

Stay & Play 9:30 - 11:00 (Term Time Only) Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

BATS Playgroup 9:30 - 11:30 Central Methodist Church, Todmorden Samantha - 07455 988497

Active Walking (not suitable for pushchairs) 9:45 - 11:15 Meet at St George’s Square, Hebden Bridge Lucy - 07943 771739

Icky Stic 10:00 - 1 Methodis Street, H Nichola

Parent & Toddler Swimming 9:00 - 10:00 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913

Baby Massage 10:00 - 11:00 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Christine - 07535 187264

Steiner Parent & Child 10.00 - 12.00 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052 816

Parent Advice Session 12.30 – 1.45 (term time only) Central Street School, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 appointment only

Parent & Toddler Swimming 1:30 - 2:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913

Ducklings Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

First Ba 4:00 - 5: DC Danc Todmord Dawn - 0 Age 4 - 5

Parent & Toddlers 9:15 - 11:15 St Joseph’s Primary School, Wellington Road, Todmorden Rowena - 01706 812948

Mum Zone 10:00 - 1:00 Queen Hotel, Rise Lane, Todmorden 01706 819917

Stay and Play

Older baby Yoga 10:30 - 11:15 DC Dance Studios, Victoria Road, Todmorden Julie - 07503 764969 Age 12 weeks and older

Weaning Group 11:00 - 12;00 (1st Wed only) Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Baby Clinic 1:00 - 3:00 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Baby St 1:30 - 3: Todmord Todmord College, Todmord 01706 3

Blackshaw Head Parents & Toddler Group 9:30 - 11:30 Blackshaw Head Chapel, Hebden Bridge Ann - 01706 810596

Thula Mama (Mums and Babies Steiner Baby Group Harmony Singing) 10.00 - 11.15 10.00 - 11.30 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Central Hebden Bridge Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052 816 Liz Powers 01422 847702

Little Bear Feet 11:00 - 11:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 1½ - 3 yrs

Parent & Toddler Swimming 11:45 - 12:45 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913

Ducklings Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Prescho 4:00 - 4: DC Danc Todmord Dawn - 0

Parent & Toddlers 9:00 - 11:30 Gordon Riggs, Bottom’s Mill Bistro, Walsden

Central Street Playgroup 9:00 - 11:00 (term time only) Central Street School, Hebden Bridge 01422 842784

St Michael’s Angels Worship and Play 9:15 - 11:00 Mytholmroyd Cricket Club, Moderna Way, Mytholmroyd Catherine - 01422 883130

Luddenden Valley Stay & Play 9:15 - 11:15 Luddenden Foot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddenden Foot Collette - 07901 748024

Little Angels 9:30 - 11:30 St. Michaels Church, Cornholme, Todmorden Anne - 07587 700355

Dodnaze Parent & Toddlers 9.45 - 11.15 Dodnaze Community Centre, 54 Hirst Grove, Hebden Bridge

Blacksh Group 9:45 - 12 Blacksha Hebden Lorraine

Jo Jingles 9:30 - 10:15 (under 2s), 10:30 - 11:15, (over 2s), 11:30 - 12:15 (3 - 9 months) 12:30 - 1:15 (over 3s), Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Jo Corbett - 01706 212889

Baby Messy play 10:00 - 10:45 The Star Tree Studio, 42 Victoria Street, Littleborough Neela - 07778 543233

TinyTalk Baby Signing 10.30 -11.30 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St George’s Street, Hebden Bridge Joelle - 07967 772183

Post Natal Mum & Baby Yoga 11:00 - 12:30 Calderale Yoga Centre, 38 Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge Donna 07985 274181

Parent & Toddler Swimming 12:15 - 1:15 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913

Dance with Melody Bear 4:00 - 4:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 3 - 4 yrs

Duckling various 4:00 - 7: Todmord Ewood L 01706 8

Stubbings Toddler Group 9:00 - 11:00 Stubbings Infant School, School Street, Hebden Bridge, 01422 842728

Old Town Playgroup 9:00 - 11:00 Old Town Primary School, Billy Lane, Old Town 01422 842859

Luddenden Valley Stay & Play 9:15 - 11:15 Luddenden Foot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddenden Foot Collette - 07901 748024

Mytholmroyd Toddlers 9:15 - 11:15 Mytholmroyd Community Centre car park, Elphaborough, Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

Baby & Tweenies Stay and Play (for 0 - 2 yrs) 9:30 - 11:30 Todmorden Health Centre, Halifax Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Cragg Vale Toddler Group 9:30 - 11:30 (term time only) The Ark Day Nursery Sports Hall, Dean Hey Farm, Cragg Vale, Mytholmroyd Cathy 07720715418

Active W for push 9:45 - 11 Meet at Hebden Lucy - 0

Ante-Natal Clinic 9:00 - 4:00 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden By appointment only via your midwife

Art Stars 10:00 - 10:45 The Star Tree Studio, 42 Victoria Street, Littleborough Neela - 07778 543233

Steiner Parent & Child 10.00 - 12.00 St John’s Centre, Cragg Vale Sally - 07904 052 816

Ducklings Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Todmorden Swimming Club

Fun Swim 1:30 - 2:45 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Dads & Male Carers Event 10:00 - 12:00 (1st Sat of month) St James’ Church, Church Lane, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE

Ducklings Swimming various levels 9:00 - 1:30; 3:15 - 6:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Little Bear Feet 9:00 - 9:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 1½ - 3 yrs

Dance with Melody Bear 9:00 - 9:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Pre-school Boys Dance 9:45 - 10:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

(With Speech & Language Therapise 3rd Wed Only)

10:00 - 11:30 St James’ Church, Church Lane, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE

- Widths

7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah - 07551 266862

Pre-School Ballet & Tap 9:15 - 10:15 Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, The Conservative Club, Rochdale Road, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785

stall Parents & Group 11:45 stall Social & Bowling cre Lane, Heptonstall call in for details

cky Kids 11:30 st Church, Market Hebden Bridge - 07973 234928

Bookstart Busy Babies 11:00 - 11:40 The Terrace Room, Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St Geirge’s Street, Hebden Bridge Ben - 01422 392620

Toddler Tuesday

10% off Pottery Painting plus a free coffee (excludes holidays)

Leader Tots 5:30 - 6:30 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784

tay & Play :00 den Children’s Centre den Community , Burnley Road, den 399970 - FREE

Tweenies/Mid-Week Movers

hawhead Arty Toddler

2:00 awhead Chapel, Bridge e - 01422 844971

Bumps & Babes

support group for multiple births

10:00 - 11:30 Open 10:00 - 5:00 The Methodist Church, New Flying Saucers, Butlers Wharf, Road, Hebden Bridge Hebden Bridge Nicola - 01422 843129 01422 846666

allet & Tip Tap Toe :00 ce, Victoria Road, den 01706 839113 5 yrs

ool Ballet :30 ce, Victoria Road, den 01706 839113

Baby Stay and Play 12:30 - 2:00 (Term Time Only) Central Street School, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE

(With Speech & Language Therapise 2nd Wed Only) 1:30 - 3:00 (Term Time Only)

Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Young Parents’ Group (for parents under 25 yrs) 1:30 - 3:00 (Term Time Only) Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

St Mary’s Family Service All Children Welcome 4:05 onwards St Mary’s Church, Todmorden 01706 819300

Lesbian Family Groups 12:30 - 2:00 (1st Tue only) St James’ Church, Church Lane, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE

Kids Craft Club 3:45 - 5:15 Word of Mouth, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Christina - 07766 021766

Pregnancy Yoga 7:00 - 8:30 Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge April - 07930 466759

Baby Massage & Yoga 2:00 - 2:45 DC Dance Studios, Victoria Road, Todmorden Julie - 07503 764969 Age under 12 weeks

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths

7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah - 07551 266862 Breastfeeding Group 10:00 - 11:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE Leader Tots 5:30 - 6:30 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784

Walking (not suitable hchairs) 1:15 St George’s Square, Bridge 07943 771739

Tinderwood Trust Forest School 10:00 - 12:00 The Cricket Club, Eastwood, Todmorden Claire - 07926 053461

SUNDAY

gs Swimming levels :00 den Sports Centre, Lane, Todmorden 839090

NB: Shaded background indicated these events are bookable. You must call beforehand.

White background shows drop-in events open to all.

Crafty Creatures 3:30 - 5:00 (1st Thu of month) Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE Ages 3 - 6yrs

Aquatots 11.00 - 11.45 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Family Fun Swim (U 11s) 10:00 - 12:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Family Service with crafts/Messy Church 10.30 - 11.45 (1st Sunday only) St Peter’s Church, Walsden Rev’d Nancy 07964 340849

Leader Tots 10:00 - 11:00 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784

Lesbian Parents Group Sunday Socials 2:00 - 4:00 (last Sun only) Various Locations - call for more info.

07704 568237

Family Fun Swim (U 14s) 1:00 - 2:15 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

13

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

out of school diary

14

Mini Movers - Disco/Cheer 4:00 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Modern Jazz Dancing 4:00 - 7:15 Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, The Conservative Club, Rochdale Road, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 3 + yrs

St Josephs Rainbows 5:00 - 6:00 St Josephs School, Wellington Road, Todmorden Rowena - 07470 400044 5 - 7 yrs

Mini Movers - Street Crew 5:00 - 5:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Mini Movers - Ballroom/Latin 5:30 - 6:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Judo Excellence 6:00 - 7:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 5 - 7 yrs

Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

After School Swimming 4:30 - 6:15 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

Campaigners - Kids Zone 5:00 - 6:30 Lumbutts Church, Lumbutts, Todmorden Les or Pat 01706 814754 6 - 12 yrs

Football Coaching 5:00 - 6:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 8+ yrs

Hebden Bridge Chess Club 6:00 - 7:15 Trades Club, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge John Kerrane 01422 842426

Todmorden Tai Kwon Do 6:20 - 7:20 Todmorden High School, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Keith Raistrick 07789 074198 6+ yrs

Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Mini Movers - Musical Theatre 5:00 - 5:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 4 - 6 yrs

Calder Valley Fell Runners - Junior 5:45 - 6:45 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd Alastair 07812 593660 8+ yrs

Family AEGIS Class 6:30 - 7:30 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

After School Swimming 3:30 - 6:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

Cornholme Recorder Choir 3:50 - 4:35 The Old Library, 1 Parkside Road, Cornholme

Kids Craft Club 3:45 - 5:15 Word of Mouth, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Christina - 07766 021766

Climbing Fun 4:00 - 5:30 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

Ballet & Tap 4:00 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113 5+ yrs

Tod Harriers Junior Training 5:00 - 6:30 Todmorden High School, Ewood Land, Todmorden Ben Crowther 07817 108921

Todmorden Community Brass - 5-Note Beginners Band 6:00 - 6:45 The Bandroom, Wellington Road, Todmorden David White 01706 815820

1st Old Town Brownies 6:30 - 7:45 Stubbings Infant School, School Street, Hebden Bridge Dinah Newsome 01422 843202 7 - 10 yrs

After School Swimming 4:00 - 6:00 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

TIMS (Model Railway enthusiasts) Junior section 5:00 - 7:00 Knowl End Farm, Staups lane, Todmorden David - 07763 347579 7+ yrs

2nd Luddenden Rainbows 5.45 - 7.00 every fortnight Kershaw Youth Centre Kershaw Drive, Luddendenfoot Kay - 07814 745340 5 - 7 yrs

7th Todmorden Brownies 6:10 - 7:25 Roomfield Baptist Church, Todmorden Abigail 07796 618411 7 - 10 yrs

2nd Todmorden Brownies 6:15 - 7:30 St Joseph's School, Wellington Road, Todmorden Fiona Monaghan 01706 819703 7 - 10 yrs

Dancing - Various classes 4:00 - 8:45 Fielden House, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah Hitchon 07929 576785 10 + yrs

Climbing’ Skool Academy 5:00 - 6:30 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

7th Todmorden Rainbows 5:00 - 6:00 Roomfield Baptist Church, Todmorden Katie - 07769 151276 5 - 7 yrs

Tai Kwon Do 6:00 - 7:00 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Mytholmroyd Helen 07901833249 6 - 14 yrs

18th Hebden Bridge Beavers 6:15 - 7:15 Top Floor, Salem Mill, Hebden Bridge Matthew Speak 01422 846340 6 - 8 yrs

Todmorden Tai Kwon Do 6:20 - 7:20 Todmorden High School, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Keith Raistrick 07789 074198 6+ yrs

After School Swimming 3:30 - 4:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

Dancing - Various classes 4:00 - 8:00 Fielden House, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah Hitchon 07929 576785 10 + yrs

Climbing Fun 4:30 - 6:00 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

1st Mytholmroyd Rainbows 5:45 - 6:45 St Michael’s Church Hall, Mytholmroyd Lisa Thwaite 01422 886274 5 - 7 yrs

2nd Hebden Bridge Brownies 6:00 - 7:15 Hope Baptist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Christine 01422 843725 7 - 10 yrs

1st Heptonstall Brownies 6:30 - 7:30 Heptonstall Junior School, Heptonstall Angie Mossman 07795 506083 7 - 10 yrs

Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Football Training 4:00 - 5:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5 - 8 yrs

Football Training 5:00 - 6:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 8+ yrs

8th/26th Calder Valley Cubs 6:00 - 7:15 Central Methodist Church, off Bramsche Square, Todmorden Dave Payne 01706 816568 8 - 10 yrs

Family AEGIS Class 6:30 - 7:30 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

Woodcraft Folk (Elfin & Pioneers) 6:30 - 7:45 Salem Mill (Top Floor) Salem Street, Hebden Bridge Eden 07908 379983 6+ yrs

Helen O'Grady Drama Academy 4:30 - 5:30 Hope Baptist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Wendy 01706 810164 5 to 11 yrs

Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

After School Swimming 4:00 - 5:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

8th/26th Calder Valley Beavers 5:30 - 6:45 Central Methodist Church, off Bramsche Square, Todmorden Dave Payne 01706 816568 6 - 8 yrs

Family AEGIS Class 6:00 - 7.00 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths 7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah - 07551 266862

Dancing - Various classes 4:00 - 7:30 Fielden House, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah Hitchon 07929 576785 10 + yrs

Junior Tennis 4:00 - 5:00 Todmorden Tennis Club, Hallroyd Road, Todmorden Andrew 01706 815265 4 - 10 yrs

Climbing’ Skool Academy 4:30 - 6:00 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

Rugby League Under 12’s 6:00 - 7:00 Littleborough JARLFC, Littleborough Sports Club, Rakewood Lane, Littleborough Janine O7894 791033

Todmorden Community Brass Training Band 6:30 - 7:30 The Bandroom, Wellington Road, Todmorden Maurice 01706 816588

Football Training 8:30 - 12:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Ballet & Tap 9:00 onwards Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, The Conservative Club, Rochdale Road, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 3 + yrs

Dance 4 All 9:15 - 1:15 Riverside School, Hebden Bridge Abigail 07772 608989 5+ yrs

Lane Shaw Drama Academy 10:00 - 1:30 Hebden Bridge Town Hall St George’s Street Hebden Bridge 07754 970798

Ballet & Tap (various levels) 10:00 - 11:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

Judo Excellence 11:00 - 12:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 8+ yrs

Border Gymnastics 9:00 onwards Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden Paul 01706 816755 5+ yrs

Swimming various levels 9:00 - 1:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Junior Badminton 9:30 - 10:30 Calder High School, Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Mary Smith 07970 734639 6 - 11 yrs

Judo Excellence 10:00 - 11:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 5 - 7 yrs

Climbing Fun 11:00 - 12:30, 2:30 - 4:00, 5:30 - 7:00 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

Hebden Bridge Saints Saturday Soccer Club 11:00 - 12:00 Luddenden Dene School, Dene View, Luddendenfoot.

Nick Farrar 01422 882378 5 - 8 yrs

20th Pennine Calder Beavers 9:00 - 12:00 (first Sat of Month) Ferney Lee School, Todmorden Rachel Ormerod 07766 890668 6 - 8 yrs

Mini Movers - Disco/Cheer 9:00 - 10:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Rugby League Training 9:45 - 11:15 Littleborough Community Campus School, Calderbrook Road Carol Locket 01706 378348 7 - 9 yrs

Todmorden Judo Club 10:00 - 12:00 Canteen Mill, Whiteplatts Street, Todmorden Sean Nuttall 07812 187270 5+ yrs

Mini Movers - Gymnastic Dance 11:00 - 11:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Sports Zone 60 - For children with disabilities 1:00 - 2:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Debbie 01422 264740 6 + yrs

Luddendenfoot Boys Brigade Anchors & Juniors 6:45 - 8:00 Luddendenfoot Civic Institute, Station Road Heather - 01422 885542 5 - 11 yrs

Todmorden Swimming Club - Lengths 7:00 - 8:00, 8:00 - 9:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah - 07551 266862 For strong swimmers

Judo Excellence 7:00 - 8:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 8+ yrs 20th Pennine Calder Cubs 6:30 - 8:00 Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden Chris 07774 817235 8 to 10½ yrs

2nd Mytholmroyd Brownies 6:30 - 8:00 The Ark Angela Trowell 01422 885378 7 - 10 yrs

Todmorden Judo Club 7:00 - 8:00 Canteen Mill, Whiteplatts Street, Todmorden Sean Nuttall 07812 187270 8+ yrs Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths 7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah 07551 266862

Todmorden Guides 7:15 - 9:00 Roomfields Baptist Church, Todmorden Clare Goddard - 07726599287 10 yrs +

Luddenden Guides 7:00 - 8:45 Luddenden Youth Centre, Kershaw Drive, Luddenden Foot.

Sue Dodd - 07920482404 10 yrs + 18th Hebden Bridge Cubs 6:30 - 8:00 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St George’s St. Hebden Bridge Anastasia 07900 715170 8 - 10½ yrs

Heptonstall Guides 7:50 - 9:00 Heptonstall Junior School Emma Hind - 07821419547 10 yrs +

NB. If you would like to list to join a Rainbows or Brownie pack, please visit the website to register & state which pack you are interested in. www.girlguiding.org.uk

Swimming various levels 3:15 - 6:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Hebden Bridge Saints Team Trials Please phone for times and venue details Graeme 01422 884527

SUNDAY

Fun Swim 1:30 - 2:45 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 Junior Hippodrome Youth Theatre Alternate Sundays 10:00 - 12:00 Hippodrome Theatre, Halifax Road, Todmorden Martin 01706 817518 8 -10 yrs Entry by Audition

Family AEGIS Class 11:00 - 12:00 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

Family Fun Swim (U11) 10:00 - 12:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Climbing Fun 12:30 - 2:00 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

Family Fun Swim (U 14s) 1:00 - 2:15 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

15

Maternity Pay:

If you have worked for the same company for at least 26 weeks continuously, from a date at least 41 weeks before the baby’s due date, and earned at least £112 per week, then your employer is responsible for paying your maternity pay.

The minimum you are entitled to is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first six weeks of leave, dropping to £139.58 per week thereafter if that is a lower amount (2016 figures). That will last for a maximum of 39 weeks leave.

If you are not entitled to Maternity Pay from an employer, for example if you are self employed or have recently stopped working, you may be able to get Maternity Allowance. The qualifying rules are more complex so visit www. gov.uk/maternity-allowance for more details.

Paternity Pay:

The same qualifying criteria are used for Paternity, as for Maternity Pay except the amount fathers are entitled to is the lower of either £139.58 per week or 90% of their salary, for two weeks only. Additional Paternity Leave is also available if the parents choose to share their leave entitlement. Again, for a full explanation of the rules, visit www. gov.uk/shared-parental-leave-and-payemployer-guide

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Maternity Leave Rights:

When on ordinary Parental leave (Maternal or Paternal) the terms of your employment are protected. That means you accrue your holiday entitlement and are entitles to any pay rises given while you are away. You are also entitled to return to your job at the end of the leave.

If you take additional Maternity Leave or more than four weeks Parental Leave, the rules are slightly different. www.gov.uk/employee-rights-when-onleave has detailed information.

Maternity Grant:

This is a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the cost of maternity equipment. You can claim for your first child only (or if you are expecting a multiple birth) between 11 weeks before the due date and 3 months after the baby is born. To qualify you or your partner must be claiming low income benefits. More details are here, www. gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant

Child Benefit:

Payable to parents (usually directly to the mother) with dependent children until 31st August following their 16th birthday or until the age of 20 if they are in full-time education.

If one parent earns more than £50,000, the amount you receive will be reduced. If one parent earns more than £60,000, the amount you receive will be zero, though it is still worth being registered (and effectively claiming child benefit at the rate of zero) in order to get all your state pension credits for the time you don’t work while raising a family.

family matters family finances

W

e have covered this subject before but, since the rules change all the time, we thought it is worth giving you an update. Are you sure you are claiming for everything you and your family are entitles to? The following is our guide to the most commonly misunderstood grants and payments.

Child Tax Credits:

Tax credits come in two different forms. Working Tax Credit (soon to be replaced by Universal Credit) is paid to low income workers, Child Tax Credit is paid to eligible people who have children.

The amount you are paid depends on lots of things such as how much you earn, how many children you have, whether you are single or a couple, the hours you work and if you or your child have a disability. You need to claim every year (look out for the pack you will be sent each year between April and July) and you must inform the tax office if your circumstances change.

Any household taking care of at least one child eligible for Child Benefit, with an income below £16,105 (2016 figures), whether working or not, is entitled to the full amount of the Child Tax Credit payment. The payment is made directly into your bank account and can be £1000s per year.

Childcare Tax Credit:

Not to be confused with Child Tax Credit, this payment is actually called the ‘Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit’ and can be claimed for children up to the age of 15 if you are paying for an approved childcare place for them.

To be eligible for the payment you must be working for more than 16 hours per week. That applies to both adults if you are a couple. Beyond that the criteria is complex but, if your total household income is less that £46,000 per year, this is definitely worth looking into. www.gov.uk/help-with-childcarecosts has more details

If you need extra help or advice on entitlement, how to claim or fill in the forms for any of these, or other benefit topics, contact your local Citizen’s Advice Office.

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Childcare Vouchers:

This is a scheme to essentially allow you to pay for childcare before tax.

If your employer offers the scheme you can trade in some pre-tax salary for vouchers to pay for childcare. For example, you can swap £1000 of your salary for £1000 worth of childcare whereas, if you had received the money as salary, you probably would have paid £200 in tax, plus National Insurance, making you around £300 up on the deal.

However, this scheme closes to new applicants in April 2018 and a new scheme called ‘Tax-Free Childcare’ starts. This is more like a savings plan for childcare credits where, for every £80 a parents puts into an account, £20 is added. There is a maximum allowance per child in this scheme and the working rules are slightly different.

Each scheme has winners and losers so, if you can benefit from them, look into the options closely and, if you are better off with the Vouchers scheme, register for it a.s.a.p.

Free dental treatment and free prescriptions:

Women who are pregnant or have a child under 12 months old are entitled to free NHS dental treatment and free prescriptions. Don’t forget to make the most of it while you can. Book a dental check-up before the end of your first year as a mum and you could save hundreds of pounds.

Parental responsibility:

Finally, have you considered what might happen if you were to die? Who would legally be responsible for your children? It all depends on who has ‘Parental Responsibility’.

Mothers have parental responsibility automatically. If the birth was registered in England or Wales fathers also get parental responsibility automatically if they are married to the mother when the child was born or, if the child was born after 1st December ‘03, if their name is on the birth certificate (those dates are slightly different in Scotland and Northern Ireland).

However, if you don’t get the responsibility automatically, for example if you are a step-parent or in an unmarried or non-civil same-sex partnership, you may need a parental responsibility agreement .

To get this agreement, the birth/ adoptive mother has to agree and you need to show you are connected to the child as part of a family unit. If the mother doesn’t agree you will need a Court Order.

You will need to fill out the form C(PRA1) - search www.gov.uk for the form - and take it to your local County Court. You will need to take the child’s birth certificate and proof of your own ID. This is a complex area but, if you die without leaving a will, and there is no-one else with parental responsibility, then the courts will decide who will look after your children.

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family matters More Help for New Parents:

H

aving a baby can be an expensive business, but there are certain things you cannot go without. Luckily though, many retailers try to entice new parents by offering money off vouchers, coupons and clubs to join with great benefits. Here are some of the best.

BOOTS: The Boots parenting club is free to join if you have a Boots advantage card (also free to get if you don’t already have one) and is available to all newly pregnant mums right through to when baby turns three.

They send you regular emails, magazines and vouchers tailored to your baby’s age but one of the best things is 10x the usual Advantage Points on all baby items. www.boots.com/parentingclub BOUNTY: Bounty packs have been a part of having a baby for years and are still going strong in the on-line age. The website offers advice on anything from natural conception to a list of the most popular baby names in your town but, what Bounty are known for, is their free packs of samples, vouchers and coupons. Ask your midwife for more information. www.bounty.com

TESCOS: The supermarket baby club tailors their offers to Pregnancy, Baby and Toddler stages by offering competitions, tips and advice and offers for any stage. There is also an offer on free Parent’s Life Insurance with Tesco’s Bank. www.tesco.com/babyclub

AMAZON FAMILY: If you are already an Amazon Prime member, sign up for the free Amazon Family Club add-on. Benefits include 20% off nappies when you subscribe to regular deliveries. www.amazon.co.uk/gp/ family/signup/welcome

ELC: Join the Early Learning Centre’s Big Birthday Club and get a 20% off voucher, valid for three months, in store, on line or on telephone orders. www.elc.co.uk/big-birthdayclub

EMMA’S DIARY: Also worth registering with Emma’s diary for more free samples, money off vouchers, including up to £100 off at Argos, and lots of tips and advice. www.emmasdiary.co.uk

MOTHERCARE: Sign up to My Mothercare to get benefits such as money off vouchers for maternity clothes and baby items, plus 20% off toys when baby’s birthday come around. Also weekly emails and sneak peeks at upcoming sales. www.mothercare.com/ static-pages/my-mothercare. html

HIPP: The baby organic food people have exclusive offers and competitions plus samples, including bibs and weaning spoons, and money-off vouchers. www.hipp.co.uk/hipp-babyclub PAMPERS: The nappy company do something a bit different. With a free app you photograph your pampers receipt and get credited with points. These can buy rewards such as books, photograph prints or more nappies. www.pampers.co.uk We also recommend following all your favourite brands in social media to keep up to date with special offers and competitions.

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over to you money savvy kids

By Frances Neel

T

he financial world is getting increasing more complex, with a large proportion of UK adults saying they are confused by financial products and unsure about how to make informed decisions. In a step to try to improve that situation, ‘Financial Education’ has been part of the National Curriculum in secondary schools since September 2014 and calls are now being made to extend that to primary schools.

However, as a parent, I am questioning whether this is going far enough. Odd bits of discussions in PSHCE lessons, or some ‘simple interest’ calculations in maths aren’t really helping a great deal. So what can we parents do to help our children?

As parents we instinctively teach our children about safety. Most also teach about ‘please, ‘thank you’ and how to use cutlery correctly but how many of us discuss money with our toddlers?

Do your children have any idea how much you or your partner earns? How much your car costs to run? How much a weekly supermarket shop costs? For some odd reason this area of life is still regarded by the English as a bit taboo and so may be a difficult subject for parents to teach to their little ones. Yet my advice is to start early. Of course you must make your discussions age appropriate (there is no point trying to teach a child who has just learned to count about the complexities of a mortgage application) but a numerate child can learn to do simple sums in terms of pennies or pounds, can play shops and other finance based imaginary games, and can be receptive to a discussion about whether they want to spend their birthday money or whether it might be a good idea to save it.

The most important first lesson is to help your child distinguish between wanting and needing something. All

children will ‘want’ the latest Disney film toy or the new game for their console but they rarely ‘need’ it. They must learn about priorities; that the money must go on the things we ‘need’ first, that the school shoes are more important than the trendy, branded trainers. It may help if you put things in perspective; explain how long daddy would have to work just to pay for that new bike.

Take them to the market and supermarket with you. Discuss what food you need that week and what you would like. Make a list with them then let them tick things off as you find them on the shelves. There is also a chance here to learn about value. Which size cereal box offers best ‘value for money’ or which brand of toilet paper should we buy? I realise it is becoming less common nowadays but using real cash is a much better way to show them how much you are actually spending, rather than just slipping your card into a machine.

As your children get older and maybe start earning pocket money by doing chores around the house (an excellent way to teach them about delayed

The OnAverage.co.uk website states the following as the national pocket money averages: Age Average Pocket Money 8

£4.44 per week 9

£4.81 per week 10

£5.22 per week 11

£5.65 per week 12

£6.60 per week 13

£6.68 per week 14

£7.61 per week 15

£8.38 per week

gratification), it might be time to discuss dividing their income into money they can spend and money they should save.

Have two money boxes if necessary, or one money box and a purse they can take out with them on trips to the shops or days out. It’s okay to spend some money but they need to learn the lesson of saving too. It might be worth discussing setting them up with a bank account for their savings, to put the money beyond temptation but also to learn about bank interest.

As soon as my children were old enough I opened bank accounts for them which offered bank cards. I was always poor at paying them their pocket money (usually forgetting completely), so began paying directly into their accounts on a monthly basis. I taught them how to use the cash point, drummed into them the importance of not losing their bank card or telling anyone their PIN, and left them to it. I was prepared for there to be mistakes, but they would learn from those and make better decisions in the future.

Roughly 80% of 8 years olds receive pocket money, raising to 90% by the time the child is at secondary school. The recommended earliest age to start giving money is around 6, when the child is old enough to distinguish between the coins and can do the simple sums required.

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Gaiman’s fable about a young Viking boy taking on the Norse gods, and both writes and illustrates the best selling Goth Girl series, both perfect for older primary age. A new Wimpy Kid story is guaranteed to be a best seller, and the picture book Tree has become

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Diary Of a Wimpy Kid, Double Down

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an instant classic, with its simple text and beautiful cut-out illustrations. The fox and the Star is another beautifully illustrated fable, and finally How to Hide a Lion has stayed popular after our exciting visit from the author, Helen Stephens.

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Fox and the Star

How to hide a Lion at School

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page focus header on: Exam time is looming coping with stress

T

hese days, tests and exams are an everyday part of school life for both children and parents.

It’s a challenging time for all, especially with the new demanding curriculum that is currently being taught at primary and secondary schools. We thought we would look at some ways to ease and cope with this type of stress, that could benefit the whole family.

Watch out for exam stress

Children who experience stress may be irritable, not sleep well, lose interest in food, worry a lot and appear depressed or negative. Headaches and stomach pains can also be stress-related.

Having someone to talk to about their work can help. Support from you as a parent, tutor or study buddy can help children share their worries and keep things in perspective. The advice is, if you feel your child isn’t coping, talk to their teachers at school.

Make sure your child eats well

A balanced diet is vital for your child’s health and can help them to feel well during exam periods.

Some parents find that too many high-fat, high-sugar and high-caffeine foods and drinks (such as cola, sweets, chocolate, burgers and chips) make their children hyperactive, irritable and moody. That comes with personal knowledge of your child.

Help your child get enough sleep

Good sleep will improve thinking and concentration. Most children attending primary school will benefit from between 9½ and 11 hours’ sleep a night; teenagers, at least 8 to 10. Allow half an hour or so for children to wind down between studying, watching TV or using a computer and going to bed to help them get a good night’s sleep.

Be flexible during exams

It’s not easy living in a household around exam time so the advice is, where reasonable, parents should be flexible. If your child is revising all day, don’t worry about household jobs that are left undone or untidy bedrooms.

You staying calm can help. Remember, exams don’t last forever.

Help them to study

Help your child revise by making sure they have somewhere comfortable to study. Help them draw up a revision schedule or ask the school for one.

Talk about exam nerves

Remind your child that feeling anxious is normal. Nervousness is a natural reaction to exams.

The key is to put these nerves to positive use. Being reminded of what they do know and the time they have put into study can help them feel confident.

Encourage exercise during exams

Make sure your children are active.

Exercise can help boost energy levels, clear the mind and relieve stress.

Walking, cycling, swimming, football and dancing are all effective.

Don’t add to the pressure

The support group ChildLine says that many of the children who contact them feel that the greatest pressure at exam time comes from their family.

“Keep things in perspective.” says Rosanne Pearce, a senior supervisor.

“Listen to them, give support and avoid criticism.”

Before they go in for a test or exam, be reassuring and positive. Make sure they know that failing isn’t the end of the world and that, if things don’t go well, they may be able to take the exam again.

After each exam, encourage your child to talk it through with you. Then move on and focus on the next test, rather than dwelling on things that can’t be changed.

And finally a very important point…

Make time for treats

When the exams are over, help your child celebrate by organising an end-of-exams treat.

Don’t use rewards as bribes. Instead, encourage your child to work for their own satisfaction, offering small, frequent treats.

For more information, read Mind’s advice on tackling exam stress at www.mind.org.uk

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family page header health

Q I get a lot of niggling low back

pain which comes and goes, it all seemed to start after I had my children for no reason and it’s getting gradually worse. My friend has recommended Pilates. What is Pilates and is it effective in stopping this type of back pain.

A Pilates is a form of exercise that

emphasises the importance of having the body working correctly at all times during a set of exercises, which once learnt can be carried over into everyday activities.

In order to understand how Pilates works it is best to have some understanding of what can go wrong during the child bearing years to cause pain.

The body needs to be able to control the pelvis and lower spine in order to be able to move efficiently. During child bearing the pelvis and lower spine change position to accommodate the growing baby. During the last few weeks of pregnancy and for a time after the birth, a hormone called Relaxin is produced that allows ligaments in the body stretch to allow the bones of the pelvis move so the baby can pass through the pelvis during birth. All this causes the ligaments and joints to become too mobile and if the muscles that control the area don’t get exercised and strengthened soon enough after birth the pelvis and spine can remain in a poor position. Often both the spine and pelvic area become intermittently painful as the joints and ligaments get overloaded or badly positioned.

In some people the ligaments remain in this lax state and the joints are constantly strained while the ligaments and muscles are overloaded more

Physio & Therapies in Todmorden offers treatments for a wide range of family health issues. If you have any questions, queries or concerns you would like to ask an expert about please get in touch by any of the methods shown on page 3.

They have a wide range of specialists including Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Nutritionist, Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Clinical Psychologist, Homeopath and other Therapists to answer your questions.

and more. This makes the pelvis very unstable and can lead to pains not only in the back but in the limbs, neck or head.

Pilates was devised by Joseph Pilates (1880-1967). He worked as a hospital orderly and he came up with a set of exercises for hospital patients to do while in bed. When these patients got better faster than other patients the doctors gave him their endorsement.

He perfected the excercise regime while a prisoner of war in WW1, keeping himself and his fellow inmates fit and healthy. After the war he worked with dancers before going to America where he opened his first Pilates studio and, when he moved to California, his exercises were taken up by Hollywood stars and his reputation soon spread.

Joe Pilates believed that by controlling the central core (Pelvis and lower spine muscles) and by adjusting the intensity and resistance of exercises, you can correct poor posture, improve muscle control, prevent injuries and pain. He advocated concentrating on precision exercises, breathing control and smooth movement to alter the abnormal ways pain, injury or habit has made us move. There are two Pilates forms, basic technique called matwork and machine based exercises taught in special Pilates studios. In traditional Pilates there are 34 exercises which strengthen, mobilise and stretch the body. The matwork sessions promote the stability of the pelvis and lower spine and build on altering the poor ways of moving. For instance, a set of muscles can be overused while an injured set of muscles can become underused and weak, leading to poor

posture and eventually, pain with or without an injury. By correcting of poor posture while strengthening the weak muscles the body learns to readjust itself into healthier postures and patterns of moving. The joints, ligament and muscles then have less strain and load and so the risk of pain diminishes.

Today Modified Pilates is used by many Chartered Physiotherapists to help their clients free themselves from pain and dysfunction. Modified Pilates has been devised to make sure the original exercises will not aggravate any pain you may have. In many of these cases people report that their pain started without any significant incident or injury. A commonly heard history from clients is that the pain just seemed to have started for no reason or that it has been niggling since the birth of children.

At Physio and Therapies in Todmorden we hold a 6 week course in small groups or for individuals. We teach how to correctly activate the right muscle sets during a selection of exercises at a level that you can cope with. There is no emphasis on ‘going for the burn’ or pushing you outside your comfort zone although as one participant said “it’s amazing how hard you can work without breaking into a sweat”. We teach correct technique at a pace you can cope with. After the 6 week course most people feel a change in their strength, control and posture.

Clients often then go on to continue their exercises at home or join one of the follow-on classes held locally. If you would like more information about these classes please phone Physio & Therapies on 01706 819464.

Lynne Midwinter Physiotherapist

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