The Scallymag for Todmorden & Hebden Bridge - Winter '18

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Walsden Cornholme Todmorden Hebden Bridge Mytholmroyd Cragg Vale Luddendenfoot Midgley & Surrounding Areas

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News

What’s happening in the area

Schools The Primary School Application process explained

Literacy Top pick of books for Christmas

Diaries

Health

Plan your week with your kids

Improving your posture

Out & About

Christmas

People’s History Museum, Manchester

Presents that matter

Winter ‘18 Issue 63

Competition

Welcome

Welcome To

The Summer ‘18 edition of The Scallymag for Todmorden and Hebden Bridge

W

e’ve got a packed issue for you this time. Lots of Christmassy stuff, from de-cluttering your house in preparation for the big day, to top picks for Christmas books to share with your children.

and pointers for filling in the preference form online and, remember, it has to be done by 15th January.

Of course we also have out regular features - a lovely winter warming recipe from our Bloke in a Kitchen, advice from the medical team and, of course, our extensive diary pages, updated as always.

Don’t forget the diary pages are also regularly updated on our website and facebook pages so, even if you lose you magazine copy, this crucial information is still available to you.

Happy Christmas to you all. I hope you have a joyful yuletide season and best wishes for the New Year.

And don’t miss our brilliant voucher, worth £20 off the cost of a new bike from Blazing Saddles (page 22) plus our exclusive offer of a free taster session at the Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy (page 5).

If you have a 3 or 4 year old child, you will probably be in the thick of choosing a Primary School for them. Page 16 has some great advice

Hazel

Congratulations To:

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

Ethel Lawes-Brown aged 6, of Cragg Vale, who drew our wonderful front cover picture “Flower Wood” She gets a £25 voucher to spend at Silly Billy’s Toy Shop in Hebden Bridge.

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

Editor: Hazel Bregazzi Lay-out, Design & 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, 07816 321439 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® 2018 Nothing may be reproduced without permission

News

Last chance to visit Calderdale’s First World War exhibition

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our chance to visit the ‘For King and Country’ First World War exhibition and project at Bankfield Museum, Halifax, is nearing the end. The last chance to see it is on Saturday 22nd December 2018. This will be the end of the exhibition’s four-year run during which over 125,000 people have visited.

The exhibition commemorates Calderdale’s wartime contribution and features over 200 objects, 200 images and archives and 60 local stories exploring local experiences during the First World War – from soldiers, sailors and nurses to those at home working in munitions, hospitals and fundraising. Entry to the exhibition and Bankfield Museum is free.

Each year the museum has also hosted a range of related events and talks. The final event, to mark the end of the project, takes place at Bankfield Museum on Saturday 24th November 2018. This ‘Centenary Open Day’ will run from 10am to 4pm with a range of

talks, tours and activities throughout the day.

Members of the Halifax Great War Heritage Society will be in the museum’s Research Room during the day to help assess any photos, diaries, postcards, trench art, uniform items, medals, souvenirs or other artefacts relating to your ancestor’s military or civilian service during the First World War. At 2pm in the top floor gallery, the Mayor of Calderdale and Deputy Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire will join staff and visitors to thank everyone who has contributed to the exhibition’s success, which includes winning the Royal Historical Society’s Public History Prize.

Tackling Chewing Gum Litter In Calderdale

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s part of its ongoing battle against littering, Calderdale Council is backing the Chewing Gum Action Group’s ‘Bin it your way’ campaign.

Complementing the Council’s own ‘Don’t Muck About’ anti-littering campaign, ‘Bin it your way’ encourages people to dispose of their chewing gum responsibly and avoid a fine of up to £80.

Posters and banners are in place across the borough highlighting the campaign, which is also running across the UK. Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Susan Press, said: “Littering is a blight on our communities and chewing gum causes a particular

problem, as it’s so time-consuming and expensive to remove from pavements and other surfaces.

“This campaign aims to inspire people to think twice before they drop their gum - make sure it goes in the bin and help keep our borough litter free.”

The chewing gum campaign is running alongside the Council and Community Foundation for Calderdale’s long-term #dontmuckabout campaign, which is all about encouraging residents to feel pride in their surroundings and emphasising the message that the Council will not tolerate littering.

To find out more about the work the Council does to reduce littering in Calderdale, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/ dontmuckabout or follow #dontmuckabout on social media.

News

Sp

eci

New Community Facility In Eastwood

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orthern Powerhouse Boxing Academy opened its doors in June 2018 as a registered, not-for-profit, Community Interest Company. It offers a safe, supportive, female-led environment for anyone who wants to improve their fitness and wellbeing through boxing, or those who want to train to compete at an amateur level.

The club has so far received support from both the Hebden Royd Town Council and the Todmorden Town Council. Calderdale Council kindly provided funding for the specialised floor.

We spoke to Alex about the facility and what their plans are.

“Boxing training has been successful in helping many people of all ages with their mental and physical health. It’s hard to beat as a stress buster, throwing punches onto a bag whilst people around you support and motivate you through your training.

Unlike regular gym classes, these are coach-led sessions where you get feedback on technique, opportunity to progress and support from others.

“For 5-10 year olds we currently have three sessions on offer, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (term time only).

These are non-contact sessions, hitting only punch bags or focus pads, mixed in with other physical games and activities. The classes are great for improving balance and coordination as well as building awareness and self-discipline. They also provide an enjoyable and healthy way to channel excess energy while making friends in

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Of fer

an environment where mutual respect is priority.

“We also run Kickboxercise sessions every Wednesday for girls only, aged 8-11. This is similar to Boxercise but using the legs/feet as well as the hands. It’s great for building confidence in young girls, teaching them to stand their ground and giving them a foundation in self defense.

“Additionally we have boxing fitness and Boxercise classes for under 10s girls only, plus lots of other mixed sessions for juniors and adults. There are 2 Bootcamps a week, 2 Circuit classes, Strength and Conditioning sessions as well as regular training for club boxers. All club coaches are DBS checked, insured and registered with England Boxing.

The club has a child welfare officer and safeguarding trained staff. “ All children’s class times are listed on our diary pages and the Academy is offering a free taster session to anyone who mentions ‘Scallymag’ when they book for the first time either via facebook (@ NorthernPowerhouseBoxing), by emailing info@northernpowerhouseboxing.org.uk, or speaking to Kate or Alex on 07732433243 or 07818661223.

Story and Theatre Magic

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here is a new theatre school in town for all budding thespians and singers. StoryMagic Theatre School was created by Katrina Heath, Artistic Director of local theatre companies StoryMagic and In The Park Productions.

After working at a variety of local schools teaching drama, singing, dance and Musical Theatre, Katrina decided it was time to set up her own Theatre School.

“I just want to share my passion and experience with local children.” she told us. “ I am very excited to have my own Theatre School and plan to build up a programme of performances and exam opportunities for all children to access as they wish. I am particularly excited to be able to offer my pupils the opportunity to work alongside our professional cast, in Panto, every December.

From 2019 all junior cast of StoryMagic Pantomimes will come from Story Magic Theatre School.”

StoryMagic Pantomimes have been running every December at Hebden Bridge Little Theatre for the last 8 years. Katrina has also directed two park shows in Centre Vale Park, Todmorden. She has a degree in Musical Theatre from Guildford School of Acting and a Musical Theatre Teaching Diploma from the International Dance Teachers Association, as well as a variety of qualifications in different dance styles. She is accredited by the CDMT and is a qualified primary school teacher.

StoryMagic Theatre School classes run on Mondays (Drama and Singing) and Saturdays

(Musical Theatre) with classes for all school aged children. There is also a parent and child nursery rhyme themed class on Saturdays (all details are in the diary pages).

Classes are broadly organised by age but children will be placed in appropriate groups dependent on age, experience etc. There will also be specialist teachers brought in occasionally, for example there is an ‘Acting for camera’ unit planned for March.

As well as running the weekly classes Katrina runs workshops in school holidays and teaches in local schools.

For more information of Theatre School please call Katrina on 07973444875 or email katrina@storymagictheatre.com or check the website www.storymagictheatre.com

News

Funding Still Available For Community Groups

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ommunity groups in Calderdale are being reminded that funding of up to £500 is still available as part of the Council’s ward forum grants schemes.

Applications for funding are welcomed from groups looking for financial support with a specific project or those looking to improve facilities in their ward.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Susan Press, said: “Thousands of local people have benefitted since the programme began in 2014. Ward forum grants are available right across Calderdale and each ward has £5000 to distribute throughout the financial year.

“We’re encouraging groups to get in touch and apply for funds to support an initiative or improve facilities in their local community.”

To be eligible for a ward forum grant, the groups need: • A constitution • Bank account • Safeguarding policy Just some of the groups from across Calderdale to have benefitted from ward forum grants, include: • Elland Juniors Cricket Club (Elland) – towards equipment for young people • Sowood Women’s Institute (Greetland and Stainland) – to help reinstate missing WW1 memorials • Royd Regeneration (Luddendenfoot) – towards this year’s Christmas market • Asian Women’s Advice And Support Group (Park) – for litter pickers and community litter bins • Maurice Jagger Centre (Town) – for a Christmas meal for local elderly and disabled people • Todmorden Integrate (Todmorden) - towards the Community Iftar catering and literature

Page Out &Header About

People’s

History

Museum

Y

es... another review about yet another museum. But no... it’s a review about a VERY interesting and brilliant museum that (in their own words) has perception issues.

So please read on with an open mind!

When I suggested visiting the People’s History Museum in the summer break, my children were less than enthusiastic.

However I had read the great reviews and thought it sounded out of the ordinary and worth a visit. Entry is free, although donations are kindly accepted.

I thought, if the worst comes to the worst, the Museum is bound to have a gift shop and sell ice cream, plus we will be close by to other Manchester City Centre attractions, so all three children’s tastes and interests will be catered for.

The PHM is the National Museum of Democracy. Essentially it tells the story of how democracy developed in Britain, how things were in the past, how they are in the present, and where it is heading into the future. Opened in 2010, it is one of only two national museums in Manchester and displays almost 1,500 historic objects. There is also an opportunity to look behind the scenes into their conservation studio. Interestingly, the PHM attracts over 100,000 visitors a year with a high proportion of those being foreign visitors.

So, it is a Museum about the ideas that individuals and groups (past and present) believe are worth fighting for, outlining their stories and their achievements. There is a varied collection of inspiring narratives; women getting the vote, the Co-operative movement, the Toll Puddle Martyrs, the unfair Corn Laws, to name but a few important struggles that are covered.

There is a range of exhibits on display including writing, art, banners, audio and video sources. They are well laid out and divided into pre-1945 and post-1945 rooms. The high standard of interactive exhibits really helped, especially with the younger children. Even the descriptions

of the displays were good, hitting the right level of complexity without being patronising (with handy explanations and definitions of ‘difficult’ words, I’m pleased to say). Younger children can dress up, there are art activities to get involved in, there is a Co-op shop to play in and even an opportunity to choose ‘workers’ tunes to play on an old juke box. For really young children, there are little rucksacks available to be borrowed at Reception that have dressing up clothes inside and accessories like binoculars to use around the museum and keys to help open doors or look in drawers. As we were going round, the number of questions that were fired at me clearly indicated that the children were as interested in it all as I was. It’s no wonder the PHM has been voted a ‘Family Friendly Museum’ in 2017, an award where families pick the winners; they were one of just 10 winners from 700 nominations!

The café has good reviews however, as usual, we took a picnic. Even the picnic eating area was great; right in the middle of the museum, not hidden away in a cold damp room. Overall the facilities were very good.

We spent a good couple of hours here as we were really drawn into learning about the lives of fascinating people and the events in which they were involved.

We all came away more knowledgeable and frankly, inspired by all the brave men and women who have fought for their beliefs, for justice and equality for everyone. The PHM brought to life British social history; not just to me but all of us. If you have younger children your visit may only last for an hour or so however, I bet it will be a place that you will return to again. I know we will.

By Tracey Sunderland

Main photo courtesy PHM. Second photo T Sunderland

Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3ER | 0161 838 9190 | www.phm.org.uk

CLUTTER

CLEANSING Feeling overwhelmed by stuff? I can help you live with less.

Sarah Myers 07966 788 342 info@cluttercleansing.net Supportive, non-judgemental, confidential and professionally trained, Homes /Offices /Garages /Lofts & sheds /Paperwork & digital/ Wardrobes /Collections /Photos /Downsizing/ Moves into residential care/Packing & unpacking/ Preparing homes to sell/Sensitive house clearances Untitled-2 1

5/9/2018 11:50:49 AM

Est. 2002

Magical children’s nursery set in 4-acre countryside site

Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for a third time 1:2 staff to child ratio up to 12 months Dedicated Baby Area has a sleep room with relaxing music, low level windows and secure outdoor play area with canopy to protect against sun & rain Woodland Explorers on Mondays and Fridays for children age 2+ Forest School sessions on Mondays and Fridays for Pre-school children Early Years teacher in Pre-school

The Ark, Dean Hey Farm, Mytholmroyd, HX7 5RU www.thearkexperience.co.uk T 01422 882010

DBS checked, fully insured and member of the Association of Professional Declutterers & Organisers

Feature

e a stressful tim e b n ca s a m st hri s of ounded by pile rr su g in e b . d n a to the mayhem s d d a st ju ff u at new st gists reveals th lo o p ro th n a y elpless Research b feel anxious, h le p o e p s e k a dvice to clutter m so here is my a d e lm e h rw e v and o ration point. avoid gift satu

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Christmas Clutter

By Sarah Myers

Declutter before Christmas:

Prolong the fun:

In our house, when the children dared to mention Christmas (usually around early November), I’d remind them of “The Santa Bag”. Each year, a week before Christmas, Santa used to bring a bag to the house for the children to fill with toys. Santa then takes it to deliver to children all round the world.

Now the kids are older we ask them to fill a bag for the charity shop before they can expect to get anything new.

As it’s often the anticipation that’s more exciting that the actual gift, instead of the children finding a large pile of presents on Christmas morning, try to prolong the whole rigmarole by hiding gifts around the house.

To get extra excitement from young ones, call this a Treasure Hunt.

Quality over quantity:

These are all about spending time with your children and making memories.

Christmas Promises can be done very cheaply, if not for free. Hand write some ageappropriate ‘coupons’ and place them in little envelopes, to be redeemed whenever the children want. Maybe a movie night at home (they get to choose the film and snack), an after school deluxe hot chocolate, stay up an hour later than usual, a pamper night, a friend for a sleepover, ice-cream for breakfast or an after dark supermarket trip in their pyjamas. Top hits have included a bag full of two pence coins to spend at an arcade and a recipe, with money attached, so they can shop and pay for the ingredients themselves.

If you want to spend a little more, try tickets to shows or events, trips to a splash park, going bowling or ice-skating to rock climbing or go-carting. You can even work sheep with a Border Collie. Give your kids a journal to record it all in. Or next Christmas you could compile a photo book, easily made online using the memories captured on your phone.

In previous years I’ve made the mistake of getting this the wrong way around; feeling the pressure to supply a big pile of gifts, a large component of which were panic, waste of money nonsense. I’d then witness ‘present fatigue’ as the kids stormed through the pile of wrapped presents, flinging each to one side to reach for the next. It was clear there was too much. So I’ve now learnt to manage my kid’s expectations. We tell them they can have something to read, something they need, something to wear, something to share and something they want. Something they need could be a new duvet cover or an alarm clock. The wear part can be that pair of trainers they’ve been coveting or an impractical party dress. Sharing presents are family games or activities which bring us all together rather than isolating the children in their bedroom. If the something they want is just too expensive don’t be afraid to tell them so. They’re children - they’ll get over it.

Experiences rather than stuff:

Sarah Myers is a Professional Organiser & Declutterer. For more information go to cluttercleansing.net

Something to last the whole year:

Gifts that keep on giving are also rewarding so think magazine or comic subscription, a cinema pass or sport or art classes. Monthly subscription boxes themed round science, art or baking are another way to spread the love. If you adopt or sponsor an animal such as a Guide Dog you’ll receive regular updates in the post.

Something that only lasts a few days:

Consumable gifts like chocolate or a personalised can of squirty cream are good because get used up, reducing your clutter.

We’re a big fan of mug cake mixes because, at least they require some effort to make rather than just being available to stuff into eager mouths.

Enjoy the traditions:

Children love the traditions of Christmas, so introduce some family ones. Our children always get a new pair of PJs or a onesie on Christmas Eve. I’d have to buy them new ones anyway, so I may as well make it special.

We’ve also introduced a shopping trip to buy gifts for those less privileged, which are then processed through schemes run by charities such as The Salvation Army and Family Action. Children can feel the pleasure of giving but also appreciate how lucky they actually are.

Feature

I

4. Influence the future

’m sure most people who live in the Upper Calder Valley appreciate just how lucky we are with our huge array of independent shops. But do you realise just how important it is, for everyone in the area, that we all spend our money in them.

Here are 7 good reasons why you need to support your local retailer or service provider.

When you spend your money in an independent shop, you may well be dealing with the person who made or chose to stock your purchase. Chat to them. Tell them what you like so they can make or buy more of them. You may influence future decisions about the direction of the business and help turn a small business into a booming business.

5. Get a better deal

1. Economics

Research by local authorities indicates that for every £1 spent in a small or medium sized local business, 63p stays in the local community. That is compared to just 40p if you spend your pound at a larger shop. This is simply because the grocer, or independent clothes retailer, takes your pound and goes to the pub, or pays for their children’s dance classes, etc, etc. Also small, local businesses provide the most local jobs and are more likely to pay a higher average wage than their large, faceless counterparts. This is how a local community will thrive; the town will prosper, become a better place to live and house prices will rise.

2. Ethics

If you care about your carbon footprint and eco-credentials then you don’t want to be buying strawberries in December which have either been grown in artificial conditions or flown halfway around the world, covered in plastic packaging. Buy seasonal produce from a local green grocer or farm shop so you know your field-to-fork miles are kept to a minimum. Also, why drive to an out-of-town shopping centre or retail park, when you could just walk to the local shops?

Keeping It

Local

Wouldn’t it be better to get an extra few potatoes thrown in your bag, an extra bagel or an arbitrary 10% off just because you are a regular shopper at a local outlet, rather than a three-for-two offer on something you don’t really need at a supermarket? Get to know your local shop owner and they will also recommend new products, put things aside for you and generally make your shopping experience better.

6. Healthy competition

Small business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the U.K go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.

Visit www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com to find out more an you can support the event itself on 1st December this year.

3. One-offs

Shop at a local independent shop and you could find a book by a local author that hasn’t made it to a high-street chain yet, a dress by a local designer that you know no-one else will have at the party, or a gift made within your town that is unique. Originality and variety is what they can offer.

10

You may recall from school Geography projects that healthy retail competition is good for everyone and this is what you get with a town full of independents. Ultimately it increases innovation and lowers prices as the shops compete for your important business.

7. Try before you buy

Have you tried asking a supermarket manager which mushrooms would be best for a risotto or how spicy are the chilli sausages?

And what about the faff of buying clothes online, only to return them because they don’t fit or the colour isn’t quite what you were expecting? Of course there is none of this if you go to your local independent retailer. And what if something goes wrong.

Popping back to the shop with your faulty goods is so much more productive that sitting in a queue on a Customer Service line for hours.

Diary Pages

T

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

Pre-school and Playgroups usually offer free sessions for children aged 2½ and over for 15/30 hours per week during term time.

Contact them directly for more information.

Out of School Clubs 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 received. Please phone ahead

8:45 - 11:45 12:25 - 3:25* ages 2 to 5

Tuesday

9:00 - 12:00 12:25 - 3:25* ages 3 & 4

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

9:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 3:00* ages 2 - 5

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

8:45 - 11:45 12:25 - 3:25* ages 2 to 5

Wednesday

9:00 - 12:00 12:25 - 3:25* ages 3 & 4

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

9:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 3:00* ages 2 - 5

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

8:45 - 11:45 12:25 - 3:25* ages 2 to 5

Thursday

9:00 - 12:00 12:25 - 3:25* ages 3 & 4

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

9:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 3:00* ages 2 - 5

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

Friday

9:00 - 12:00 12:25 - 3:25* ages 3 & 4

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

9:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 3:00* ages 2 - 5

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

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

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

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

Todmorden CE Nursery Todmorden CE Junior, Infant & Nursery School, Burnley Rd, Todmorden 01706 812019

9:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 3:00* ages 2 - 5

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

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

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

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

Little Village Learners The Community Centre, Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge 01422 882226

9:00 - 12:00 12:25 - 3:25* ages 3 & 4

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

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

Monday

Out of School clubs

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

Shade School Nursery Knowlwood Road, Todmorden 01706 812913

Pre-schools & Playgroups

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.

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

8:45 - 11:45 12:25 - 3:25* ages 2 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

8:45 - 11:45 12:25 - 3:25* ages 2 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

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

Playtopia Moderna Business Park, Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd 07943 840113

Soft Play

Todmorden Library Strand, Rochdale Road Todmorden 01706 815600

Library times Hebden Bridge Library Cheetham Street Hebden Bridge 01422 842151

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

* See Diary Listing for Fun Swim times

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

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

2:00 - 4:30

11

9:00 - 6:00

1:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 6:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:00 - 6:00

Private Parties Only

9:00 - 6:00

11:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 4:00

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

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

Parent & Toddlers 9:00 - 11:00 The Old Library, 1 Parkside Road, Cornholme Oxana - 01706 813222

Walsden Community Playgroup @ St Peter’s 9:15 - 11:15 St Peter’s Church, Walsden Sheila 01706 815924

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

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

Steiner Parent & Toddler 10.00 - 12:00 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052 816

Pre-school dance 10:00 - 10:40 JADPA - Julie Anne Dance and Performing Arts, Luddendenfoot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddendenfoot Julie - 07758 147364 18 months - 3 yrs

Postnatal Yoga 11:30 - 12:30 Calderdale Yoga Centre, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge Kay - 07773 767427

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 - 11:00 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Elphaborough, Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

BATS Playgroup 9:30 - 11:30 Central Methodist Church, Todmorden Tammy Powell

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

Steiner Baby Group 10.00 - 11.15 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052 816

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

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

Mumfit - postnatal exercises 9:30 - 10:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Julie - 079503 764969

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

Thula Mama (Mums and Babies Harmony Singing)

10.00 - 11.30 Central Hebden Bridge Liz Powers 01422 847702

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

Afternoon Toddlers 2:00 - 2:45 (10.00 - 11.00 from Jan ‘19) Helen Wilman School of Todmorden Children’s Centre, Dance, Waterside Gym, Burnley Road, Todmorden Valley Road, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE 07435 560218

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

Childminder Network Group 9:30 - 11:30 (term time only) Dodnaze Community Centre, 54 Hirst Grove, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970

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 Methodi Street, H Nichola

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

First Ballet & Tip Tap Toe 4:00 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 4 - 5 yrs

Ballet & Tap 4:00 - 5:00 JADPA - Julie Anne Dance and Performing Arts, Luddendenfoot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddendenfoot Julie - 07758 147364 3 - 5 yrs

Leader 5:30 - 6: AEGIS A Commun Central S 07903 7

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

Stay and Play 10:00 - 11:30 (term time only) St James’ Church, Church Lane, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE Ages 0 - 5yrs

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 Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Steiner Parent & Toddler 10.00 - 12:00 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052 816

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

Baby Massage 12:30 - 1:30

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

St Michael’s Angels Worship and Play 9:00 - 11:00 St Michael’s Hall, Mytholmroyd Catherine - 01422 883130

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

Breastfeeding Group 10:00 - 11:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Hebden Bridge Toy Library 10:00 - 11:30 (term time only) Hope Baptist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Sarah

Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:00 (term time only) Todmorden Children’s Centre Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Jo Jingles 9:30 - 10:15 (under 2s), 10:30 - 11:15, (over 2s), 11:30 - 12:15 (3mths - walking) 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

Rhythm Time 10:00 - 10:45 (14 mths +), 10:45 - 11:30, (6 - 14 mths), 11:30 - 12:15 (birth - 6mths), Mytholmroyd Cricket Club, Moderna Way, Mytholmroyd Alison - 07938 752005

Steiner Parent & Toddler 10.00 - 12:00 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052 816

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

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

Todmorden CE Playgroup 9:00 – 11:00 (term time only) Todmorden CE School, Burnley Road 01706 812019

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

Baby & Tweenies Stay & Play Parent & Toddlers 9:30 - 11:30 9:30 - 11:30 Todmorden Health Centre, Vale Baptist Church, Burnley Lower George Street, Road, Cornholme Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

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

Jo Jingles - Family session 9:45 - 10:30 Art Stars Jolly Tots Play Centre 10:00 - 10:45 Riverside Works, The Star Tree Studio, 42 Victoria Street, Littleborough Todmorden Road, Neela - 07778 543233 Littleborough Jo Corbett - 01706 212889

MiniMeTime Classes 10.30 onwards Call for more details Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge Fiona - 07768 636427

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

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

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

Dad & Male Carers Group 10.00 - 12.00 (3rd Sat of month) (term time only)

Halifax Fire Station, Skircoat Moor Road, King Cross, Halifax 01706 399970 - FREE

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

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

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1:00 - 3: Todmord Burnley 01706 3

Prescho 4:00 - 4: DC Dan Todmord Dawn -

Dance w 4:00 - 4: DC Dan Todmord Dawn Age 3 - 4

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

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths

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

Fun Swim 1:30 - 2:45 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

12

Ballet & Tap 10:00 - 11:00 JADPA - Julie Anne Dance and Performing Arts, Luddendenfoot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddendenfoot Julie - 07758 147364 3 - 5 yrs

Humpty 11:00 - 1 StoryMa Todmord Halifax R Katrina

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

ngs Swimming s levels :00 den Sports Centre, Lane, Todmorden 839090

cky Kids 11:30 ist Church, Market Hebden Bridge a - 07973 234 928

Tots :30 Academy, Salem nity Resource Centre, Street, Hebden Bridge 706784

Pre-School Diary Sunny Days Playgroup 10:00 - 12:00 (except Bank Artsmill, Linden Mill, Linden Road, Hebden Bridge Catherine - 07921 903846

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

Baby Stay and Play 12:30 - 2:00 (term time only) Central Street School, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE

Drama with Singing 4:00 - 4:30 StoryMagic Theatre School, Queen Hotel, Rise Lane, Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788 Ages 4+

Todmorden Taekwondo - Dragons 6:00 - 6:30 Todmorden Town Hall, Todmorden Keith - 07789 074198 4 - 6 yrs

Pregnancy Yoga 7:30 - 8:45 Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge Kay - 07773 767427

Holidays)

Toddler Tuesday

Baby Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:00 (From Jan ‘19) Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Children’s Centre Burnley Road, Todmorden Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE 01706 399970 - FREE Pre-walkers only

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

Well Baby Clinic

10% off Pottery Painting plus a free (For weighing ONLY) coffee (excludes holidays) 1:00 - 3:00 (From Jan ‘19)

Open 10:00 - 5:00 Flying Saucers, Butlers Wharf, Hebden Bridge 01422 846666

Bumps & Babes

support group for multiple births

10:00 - 11:30 The Methodist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Nicola - 01422 843129

Baby Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:00 (Until Jan ‘19) Todmorden Children’s Centre den Children’s Centre Burnley Road, Todmorden Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE 399970 - FREE Pre-walkers only

aby Clinic

ghing ONLY) :00 (Until Jan ‘19)

Tweenies/Midweek Movers 1:30 - 3:00 (term time only) Todmorden Children’s Centre Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE Ages 0 - 3yrs

Todmorden Taekwondo - Dragons 5:50 - 6:25 Todmorden Town Hall, Todmorden Keith - 07789 074198 2 - 5 yrs

with Melody Bear :45 nce, Victoria Road, den 01706 839113 4 yrs

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

R-Kix Soccer Tots 5:00 - 6:00 Calder High School, Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Rick - 07887 477626 3+ yrs

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

Baby Art 10:00 - 11:30 Artsmill, Linden Mill, Linden Road, Hebden Bridge Catherine - 07921 903846

SUNDAY

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

y’s half hour 11:30 agic Theatre School, den Social Club, Road,Todmorden - 01706 810788

Todmorden CE Playgroup 1:15 - 3:15 (term time only) Todmorden CE School, Burnley Road 01706 812019

Children’s Centre info at Baby Clinic 1:30 - 3:30 Grange Dene Medical Centre, Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd 01706 399970

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

White background shows drop-in events open to all.

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

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

Aquababes/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

13

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

Pregnancy Yoga 6:15 - 7:30 The Old Coop, Rochdale Road, Todmorden Julie - 07816 238957

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

Out Of School Diary After School Swimming 3:45 - 6:15 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

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

Drama with Singing 4:00 - 4:30 StoryMagic Theatre School, Todmorden Social Club, Halifax Road,Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788 Ages 4 - 7

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

Junior Cricket 5:00 - 6:30 Todmorden Cricket Club, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 813140 Under 9s & under 11s

Group Singing 5:30 - 6:00 StoryMagic Theatre School, Todmorden Social Club, Halifax Road,Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788

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

Mini Movers (Various classes) 4:00 - 6:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Drama 4:30 - 5:30 StoryMagic Theatre School, Todmorden Social Club, Halifax Road,Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788 Ages 7 - 11

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

Junior Grapplers 5:30 - 6:30 AEGIS Martial Arts & Leadership Academy, Salem Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 8+ yrs

2nd Luddenden Rainbows 5.30 - 6.30 every fortnight Kershaw Youth Centre Kershaw Drive, Luddendenfoot Fran - 07711 871068 5 - 7 yrs

After School Swimming 3:45 - 6:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

Gym 4:00 - 5:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 8 - 15 yrs

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

Primary Ballet 4:15 - 5:00 Helen Wilman School of Dance, Waterside Gym, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge 07435 560218

Netball (various levels) 5:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Lisa - 07977 007190 10+ yrs

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

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

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

Little Scarabs MMA Fit 4:00 - 5:00 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd Laura - 07548 767282 6+ yrs

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

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

Boxercise 5:00 - 5:45 Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy, Perseverance Mill, Halifax Road, Todmorden 07732 433243 or Facebook 5-10 yrs

Kids Sewing Club 3:30 - 5:00 Word of Mouth, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Jinny - 01422 648299 8+ yrs

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

Girls Kickboxercise 4:00 - 4:45 Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy, Perseverance Mill, Halifax Road, Todmorden 07732 433243 or Facebook 8-11 yrs

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

Junior Grapplers 5:30 - 6:30 AEGIS Martial Arts & Leadership Academy, Salem Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 8+ yrs

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

Dancing (various classes) 4:00 - 8:45 Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, Conservative Club, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 10 + yrs

Spanish Club 4:00 - 5:00 Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge Anil - 01422 229748 6+ yrs

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

TIMS (Model Railway enthusiasts) Junior section 5:00 - 7:00 Knowl End Farm, Staups lane, Todmorden David - 07763 347579 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 Sarah Hebdenbridgebeavers @gmail.com 6 - 8 yrs

Kids Sewing Club 3:30 - 5:00 Word of Mouth, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Jinny - 01422 648299 8+ yrs

Dancing (various classes) 4:00 - 8:00 Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, Conservative Club, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 10 + yrs

Little Scarabs MMA Fit 4:00 - 5:00 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd Laura - 07548 767282 6+ yrs

Football Training 5:00 - 6:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 7 - 8 yrs

Boxercise 5:00 - 5:45 Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy, Perseverance Mill, Halifax Road, Todmorden 07732 433243 or Facebook 5-10 yrs

2nd Hebden Bridge Brownies 5:45 - 7:30 Hope Baptist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Christine - 01422 843725 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 - 6 yrs

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

R-Kix Soccer Tots 5:00 - 6:00 Calder High School, Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Rick - 07887 477626 Under 7s

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

Hebden Bridge Junior Band 5:45 - 6:45 Masonic Lodge, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge 07879 998151

After School Swimming 3:45 - 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

Helen O'Grady Drama Academy 4:30 - 6:30 Hope Baptist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Wendy - 01706 810164 5 to 11 yrs

Junior Cricket Training 4:30 - 5:15 (4 - 6 yrs) 5:15 - 6:00 (7 - 11 yrs) Walsden Cricket & Bowling Club, Scott Lane, Walsden 01706 813179

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

Dancing (various classes) 4:00 - 7:30 Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, Conservative Club, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 10 + yrs

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

Kids Pole Training 4:00 - 5:00 Hybrid Strength, Unit 2, 10a Nanholme Mill, Shaw Wood Road, Todmorden 07824 391723 6+ yrs

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

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

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

Football Training 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 & 11:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+, 7+, 9+ & 11+ yrs

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

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

Ballet (various levels) 9:30 - 2:20 Helen Wilman School of Dance, Waterside Gym, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge 07435 560218

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

Boxercise 9:00 - 9:45 Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy, Perseverance Mill, Halifax Road, Todmorden 07732 433243 or Facebook 5-10 yrs

Swimming (various levels) 9:00 onwards Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Kids Pole Training 9:15 - 10:15 Hybrid Strength, Unit 2, 10a Nanholme Mill, Shaw Wood Road, Todmorden 07824 391723 6+ yrs

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

Gym 10:00 - 11:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 10 - 11 yrs

Junior Grapplers 10:00 - 12:00 AEGIS Martial Arts & Leadership Academy, Salem Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 8+ yrs

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

Mini Movers (various levels) 9:00 & 11:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

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

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

Youth Theatre 10:00 & 11:00 Square Chapel Arts Centre 10 Square Road, Halifax 01422 349422 5+ & 8+ yrs

Judo Excellence 10:00 & 11:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 5+ & 8+ yrs

Ballet, Tap & Jazz (Various levels)

4:00 - 7:30 JADPA - Julie Anne Dance & Performing Arts, Luddendenfoot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddendenfoot Julie - 07758 147364

14

Out Of School Diary Hebden Bridge Junior Band - beginners 5:45 - 6:45 Masonic Lodge, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge 07879 998151

Judo Excellence 6:00 - 7:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 5 - 8 yrs

Luddendenfoot Boys Brigade Anchors & Juniors 6:30 - 8:00 Luddendenfoot Civic Institute, Station Road Heather - 01422 885542 5 - 11 yrs

Orange Box Rock School 6:30 - 8:00 Orange Box Young People’s Centre, 1 Blackledge, Halifax, 01422 349422 11 - 16 yrs

Todmorden Shotokan Karate 7:00 - 8:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 07794 241107 7+ yrs

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

1st Cornholme Brownies 6:10 - 7:20 Vale Baptist Church, Burnley Road, Cornhome 7-10 yrs

Todmorden Taekwondo 6:30 - 7:30 Todmorden Town Hall, Todmorden Keith - 07789 074198 5+ yrs

Judo Excellence 7:00 - 8:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 8+ 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

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

20th Pennine Calder Cubs 6:30 - 8:00 Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden Chris - 07774 817235 8 to 10½ yrs

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

2nd Mytholmroyd Brownies 6:30 - 8:00 The Ark, Dean Hey Farm, Cragg Rd, Hebden Bridge Angela - 01422 885378 7 - 10 yrs

Todmorden Judo Club 7:00 - 8:00 Canteen Mill, Whiteplatts Street, Todmorden Sean - 07812 187270 8+ yrs

2nd Todmorden Brownies 6:15 - 7:30 St Joseph's School, Wellington Road, Todmorden Fiona - 01706 819703 7 - 10 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 - 07726 599287 10 yrs +

Todmorden Taekwondo 6:30 - 7:30 Todmorden Town Hall, Todmorden Keith - 07789 074198 5+ yrs

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

Sue - 07920482404 10 yrs +

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

18th Hebden Bridge Cubs 6:30 - 8:00 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St George’s St. Hebden Bridge Howard hebdenbridgecubs@gmail. com 8 - 10½ yrs

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

Todmorden Shotokan Karate 7:00 - 8:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 07794 241107 7+ yrs

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

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

Kids Thai 7:00 - 8:00 Hiit House Fitness, Whitham Mill, Stansfield Road, Todmorden Alison - 07795 536986 4+ yrs

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

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

Girls Soccor Club Phone for times Calder High School (Girls Gym), Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Peter - 07810 645229 5 - 8 yrs

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths 7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah - 07551 266862 Musical Theatre (various classes) 10:00 - 1:00 StoryMagic Theatre School, Todmorden Social Club, Halifax Road,Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788 Ages 4+

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

Kids Thai 2:00 - 3:00 Hiit House Fitness, Whitham Mill, Stansfield Road, Todmorden Alison - 07795 536986 4+ yrs

Ballet, Tap & Jazz 11:00 - 12:00 JADPA - Julie Anne Dance & Performing Arts, Luddendenfoot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddendenfoot Julie - 07758 147364

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

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

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

Peter - 07810 645229 5 - 8 yrs

Fun Swim 1:15 - 2:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 Under 14s

SUNDAY

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

Junior Hippodrome Youth Theatre Alternate Sundays 10:00 - 12:00 Hippodrome Theatre, Halifax Road, Todmorden Martin - 01706 817518 8 -10 yrs Entry by Audition

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

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

Family Fun Swim 1:15 - 2:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 Under 14s

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

15

Schools

Picking a School bviously, a good place

O

to start would be to get a list of all schools in your chosen area, available from the council website.

You can then shorten your list by looking at their latest Ofsted reports but, then best way to get a feel for the school is to visit. Check when/if they have open days or make an appointment with the Headteacher.

Some points you may like to consider include: • Does your child need special attention?

Are they particularly bright or have special needs? Can the school accommodate and support this?

• Does your child have keen interests?

Does the school have sports teams or other extra-curricular activities that might interest your child?

• Do you require wrap-around care? Does the school offer this and how much does it cost?

• How big is the school? What is the average class size? What would be the range of age and ability in a single class?

Would this suit your child?

• Does the school suit your religious beliefs?

• How would your child get to school?

Could your child walk to school and is the walking route safe? Or are buses available?

• Does your child want to be with their pre-school friends?

Then, when you visit, look out for: • A happy school with high moral, in both the staff and the children.

• A warm and welcoming atmosphere.

• High quality and varied work, displayed with pride.

• Relaxed staff.

• Enthusiastic pupils, happy to ask as well as answer your questions.

• Any other resources, such as a well stocked library, a modern computer suite, sports facilities, etc.

C

alderdale’s on-line admission application system is now the main route for all applications for primary school reception places. Paper copies of the prospectus and application form will not be routinely available. Full versions of the prospectuses and the application form will be viewable and downloadable via the on-line application system on the Council website.

As this is the now the case, we thought it might be helpful if we highlight some of the more frequently asked questions about applying on-line.

Who does this apply to?

Any child who turns 5 between 1st September 2019 and 31st August 2020 is legally obliged to start full time education at the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday. In Calderdale, children are able to start school at the beginning of the Autumn term in the academic year in which they turn five. So children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 may start school in September 2019.

How do I apply?

Visit www.calderdale.gov.uk and follow the links residents/education-and-learning/ schools If you are new to the service, you will need to register. You will be prompted to provide a password and complete registration. You will then receive an email with a unique link. Once you click on this link you will be able to complete your online application. There is also a guide for parents applying online should you experience any difficulties.

When do I apply?

You can apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week from 19 November 2018 to 15 January 2019. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming your preferences. You can view and/or amend the online application anytime during the period. If you amend your application, please ensure that you ‘resubmit’ it. If you have resubmitted your application, you will receive a further email detailing your revised preferences. Your latest application will be used when allocating school places.

Do I need to complete any supplementary forms for Calderdale primary schools?

If one of your preferences is for a faith (church) school, you may need to complete the school’s Supplementary information form if you are applying under the faith criteria.

See the Primary schools’ admission criteria for each school for more details.

16

Schools

Primary School Applications Can I choose any school?

The word used in law about school admissions is ‘preference’ not ‘choice’. This means that you can state which school you would prefer your child to attend, but there is no guarantee that the application will be successful. You can list any school you wish as a preference including schools outside the Calderdale area.

Do I need to apply if my child is already in nursery at a school?

Yes. There is no automatic progression from nursery to reception and you need to apply in the same way as parents whose children are not in a nursery class. Attending a school’s nursery class does not give a child priority for admission to the Reception class, unless this is specified in a school’s oversubscription criteria.

Do I need to apply if I already have an older child at the school?

Yes. The application procedure and timetable is the same for all applicants regardless of whether there is an older child or if the application is for an only child.

If there is a sibling already attending the preferred school you need to make sure that you state this in the relevant section of the online application.

My child is being looked after by a grandparent/ relative/childminder/friend.

Can I use their address on the application?

No. The address used for the application must be the child’s current permanent residence. Where parental responsibility is held by more than one person and those persons reside in separate properties, the child’s ordinary place of residence will normally be deemed to be that property where the parent receives child benefit. The

Local Authority reserves the right to request further evidence of a child’s permanent residence if this is deemed necessary. An offer of a school place may

Are places offered on a “first come first served” basis?

No. All applications received during the application period (19 November 2018 to 15 January 2019 ) are ‘on time’ and are considered together. Late applications made after 15 January 2019 will be dealt with once all ‘on time’ applications have been considered.

How are primary school allocations made?

Once all the ‘on time’ applications have been received, the admissions authority for the school will consider all the preferences for that school and, if there are more applications than there are places available, the admissions oversubscription criteria will be applied. The oversubscription criteria for each school can be found on the council website.

Where a child could be offered more than one of the preferred schools, the highest of these preferences will be offered based upon the parental preference order on the application.

No child should receive an offer at more than one school.

How likely am I to get my first preference school?

It is impossible to know this because the number of parents who apply for each school varies year on year. For children who started primary school in September 2017, 93.3% of parents who applied ‘on time’ were offered their first preference of school. Another 5.4% were offered one of their other preferences.

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What happens if the Authority cannot allocate any of my preferred schools?

The Authority has a duty to allocate a school place to all children living within Calderdale. If none of the preferred schools can be allocated, the Authority will allocate the school which is closest to the family home where vacancies exist. This will be within a two mile walking route for primary schools wherever possible, and may not be your closest school. For residents outside of Calderdale, your home local authority is responsible for allocating a school place if your Calderdale preference(s) cannot be met.

I have not been allocated my preferred school - what do I do now?

With your allocation notification, you will receive further information relating to the reallocation and appeals processes. You can submit a reallocation request using the online form.

Where can I get advice on the admissions process?

The Authority recommends that parents/ guardians contact the schools admissions service on cyps.admissions@calderdale.gov. uk or 01422 392617 to obtain appropriate advice and guidance. The Authority cannot be responsible for advice taken from any other source.

Alison Grant architect

Making buildings individual, accessible and sustainable

Need more room?

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I can help you create the space you need.

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Colden Junior and Infant School

Starting school in September 2019?

Come to one of our open events!

Thursday 22nd November 10.00am-11.30am Monday 3rd December 1.30pm-2.30pm Thursday 10th January 10.00am-11.30am Email: admin@colden.calderdale.sch.uk

18

OFSTE D GOOD 2017 Tel: 01422 842438

Literacy News

T

he wintery weather is the perfect time for curling up with a good book and a big mug of hot chocolate beside a roaring fire. It is a pleasure for young and old alike and what a better way for families to get together than by sharing some of the classic stories that have been loved by generations of children. But there are also new tales to be discovered.

Children growing up today are lucky enough to be able to enjoy the writing of some hugely talented and inventive children’s writers. So here are our...

Best Picks for

Christmas

& the Winter Season Classic Christmas

New For Christmas

The Jolly Christmas Postman

We’re Going on an Elf Chase

Janet and Allan Ahlberg It’s Christmas Eve and the Jolly Postman is delivering greetings to various fairy-tale characters - there’s a card for Baby Bear, a game appropriately called ‘Beware’ for Red Riding Hood from Mr Wolf, a get-well jigsaw for hospitalised Humpty Dumpty and three more surprise envelopes. With its novelty envelopes and wonderful story this classic has now been around for over 20 year! Ages

A Christmas Story Brian Wildsmith There are numerous retelling of the Nativity story, but this version from one of our most internationally acclaimed picture-book writers and artists has deservedly become an enduring favourite with children at Christmas time. It retells the Christmas story through the eyes of a little girl as she travels to Bethlehem.

It is their perspective on the Nativity story that gives the book such an intimate, innocent, and child-centred appeal.

The Dark is Rising Susan Cooper It’s Christmas-time in the Stanton family house: presents, carol singing, good cheer. But for eleven-year-old Will Stanton something sinister has begun, inching round his subconscious, shouting silent warnings he can’t decipher. Then on Midwinter Day Will wakes up to a different world - silent, covered in snow and ancient forest, a world of another time. A magical adventure for older children.

Martha Mumford Come and join the fun. Can we catch them all? YES ! Run, run, run! Four bunnies set off on a jolly Christmas lift-the-flap adventure to find ten little elves hidden under the flaps.

You’ll have to run, run, run if you’re going to catch them all! And there are lots of obstacles along the way, from clippy-cloppy reindeer to roaring polar bears and flippy-flappy penguins.

Stuffed with festive frolics, this is a hugely fun Christmas gift for younger ones.

The Snowman: Inspired by the original story by Raymond Briggs Michael Morpurgo Beloved children’s author Michael Morpurgo has re-imagined Raymond Briggs’ classic The Snowman for a new generation of readers. One December morning, James is thrilled to wake up to see snow falling. He spends the whole day making his perfect snowman; he has coal eyes, an old green hat and scarf and a tangerine nose... just like the snowman from his favourite story. That night, something magical happens. Perfect for sharing together.

The way Past Winter Kiran Millwood Hargrave Mila and her sisters live with their brother Oskar in a small forest cabin in the snow.

One night, a fur-clad stranger arrives seeking shelter for himself and his men. But by the next morning, they’ve gone - taking Oskar with them.

Fearful for his safety, Mila and her sisters set out to bring Oskar back - even it means going north, crossing frozen wild-lands to find a way past an eternal winter. A tale to curl up with for older children.

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Information Kindly supplied by:

The Book Case 29 Market Street Hebden Bridge www.bookcase.co.uk 01422 845353

Best Sellers

at The Book Case

Its amazing to see our best seller list for the last couple of months is dominated by local writers! Dragon Daughter by Liz Flanagan is at the head of the field after an incredibly successful launch, this is a stunning and exciting book for middle grade readers. Harry Heape’s second Shiny Pippin book is doing really well following his visits to schools, as is Tom Palmer’s moving and inspiring book Armistice Runner, his books are almost guaranteed to get the most reluctant child reading. Finally, the second in Mark Illis’s Impossible series is a wild ride for teens with humour, friendship and zombies!

1. Dragon Daughter Liz Flanagan £10.99 Pvp 2. Shiny Pippin and the Monkey Burglars Harry Heape £6.99 Pvp 3. Each Peach Pear Plum Alan Ahlberg £6.99 Pvp 4. The Book of Dust Philip Pullman £7.99 Pvp 5. Armistice Runner Tom Palmer £6.99 Pvp 6. The Impossible: On the Run Mark Illis £7.99

Bloke in a Kitchen

Risotto The Real Deal!

I

By Richard Dalby

’m a recent convert to risotto. It’s much easier to cook than I ever thought, making it a perfect quick and easy family meal, using only a small number of key ingredients. This truly authentic Italian risotto is great served with roasted butternut squash (pictured) or home-made pesto, but the sky’s the limit.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •

1.1 litres / 2 pints vegetable stock 2 tablespoons olive oil Knob of butter 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped 3 stalks of celery, finely chopped 400g Risotto Rice (Arborio) 2 wineglasses of dry white wine Small pinch of sea salt Plenty of freshly ground black pepper 115g / 4oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Method •

•

•

•

•

•

•

Viol in & Viol a TuiTion Beginner to Diploma Standard

ROBIN PENNIE Tr i n i T y C ol l e ge l on d on - l .T.C.l .

Professional teacher and performer Twenty-five years experience

t: 01706 559971 e: sandrpennie@gmail.com 20

Put the olive oil and butter in a large deep pan, add the onion, garlic and celery, and cook gently and slowly for about 15 minutes without colouring.

When the vegetables have softened, add the rice and turn up the heat. The rice will begin to lightly fry, so keep stirring it.

After a minute, add the white wine and keep stirring. It will now smell fantastic and any alcohol will completely evaporate leaving the rice with a gorgeous depth of taste.

Once the wine has all cooked into the rice, add a ladlespoon of stock, along with a pinch of salt. Turn the heat down to a simmer so that the rice doesn’t cook too quickly.

Once the stock has cooked into the rice, add another ladle of stock, and continue this method until all your stock is used.

The rice is cooked when it’s soft but with a slight bite.

Remove from the heat and add the 70g of butter and the Parmesan cheese. Stir well, place a lid on the pan and allow the risotto to rest for 2 minutes.

Serve straight away with roasted vegetables such as butternut squash or a good quality pesto.

Feature

Teacher’s Top Tips:

By Denny Stretton

A

re you the parent of a child who’s currently in Year 6? Are they child focused, confident and thriving with the increased expectations, not to mention the imminent change to “big school”? Or are you finding your child is quieter than usual, having more tummy upsets than usual and behaving erratically? These could all be signs that your child is feeling a bit stressed by the pressure of end of KS2 Sats!

Denny is a qualified Primary teacher with 25 years of experience teaching. She has experience in teaching Autistic and dyslexic children and specialised in giving children confidence to learn and the tools to succeed. She lives in the Todmorden area and is happy to discuss extra tutoring work. Please contact her at denisetretton@ hotmail.com if you would like to discuss how she could help your child.

As a primary teacher I’ve seen these signs before and would like to offer some (hopefully) helpful suggestions on how you, as a family, can use this time to build confidence, resilience and stress management skills that will see you growing child through this year as well as equip them with tools they can use in their future challenges.

I would suggest you take a moment to think about what kind of a worker you child is? Do they: 1. like to work by themselves with minimal interruptions and so find home or school too distracting?

2. motivate themselves to start but get off track easily?

3. want to work till the task is finished even if they’re too tired to do a good job?

4. find getting started difficult?

All these realities for life could be increasing your child’s stress levels even if they are receiving good teaching and are learning well within their abilities.

We can tackle all these causes with a little gentle intervention from you. We can’t expect our children to absorb highly structured expectations and figure out time management at the same time.

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So, here’s what I suggest.

Start by tackling endorphins! Let’s get your child feeling happy and relaxed as it’s a proven fact we can’t learn when we’re too excited or unhappy.

Here are some destress techniques you can try. Yes, do it together; make it a bonding time, like when you read stories. It is important that your child sees you investing in helping them with their emotions.

1. Put some nice calm music on and focus on your breathing.

2. Start at your head and tense then relax all your muscles down to your toes.

3. Do some exercise, even if it’s just a quick walk round the block, to get the heart rate up. It’ll release some built up energy and allow your child to sit more calmly.

4. Spend ten minutes laughing at something; tell silly jokes, watch a cartoon, pull funny faces. It releases endorphins that raise spirits, 5. When your child has begun to work, pick the end of some part of the task and stand up and stretch. Again, it releases tensions. If the muscles are relaxed then the brain is more relaxed.

6. If they’re struggling with a problem or are stuck, let them stop and cuddle the cat for a few minutes or have a calm cuddle with you with some nice music is on.

If we can take care of the body and the emotions we give the brain the best chance to work well and make this important year a positive experience for you all.

22

Health Matters

If you have any health questions, querys or concerns you would like to ask an expert about, please contact us by any of the methods shown on page 3.

S

ince starting my new job I am spending much of my time sat in front of a computer screen and my back is starting to hurt. Do you have any advice to stop it getting worse?

Fig 1

Fig 2

Every day we see clients at Physio and Therapies who complain of back, hip or groin pain that has niggled them on and off for ages. Most of these people have sedentary jobs involving long hours of sitting, driving or standing in one position. Many come in having had GP visits, including X-rays or scans, that show nothing wrong with the spine or hips themselves, but they are still in pain. Some have had injuries that caused their problems to flair, while others have aggravated an existing back problem. Nearly everyone who comes for assessment has poor posture. We rarely see people in the clinic who has good posture initially.

So what is posture? Posture is how we line our bodies up when we stand or sit. We should hold ourselves in a way that stacks our bones up in a vertical line, so our muscles do not have to work hard to keep us upright.

Think of a tower of children’s building blocks!

However, most of us develop bad habits that lead us to slouch. This isn’t helped by our sedentary lifestyles and our use of computers and smartphones. A lot of people are aware they slouch in a chair but most do not realise they are also slouching when they stand. Over time this slouching becomes their norm. This causes some muscles to tighten while others lengthen so it becomes more difficult to correct their bodies back to a good position, as the muscles don’t work well .

When we stand well our muscles work gently to hold the bones in a balanced way.

They do not tire as much and so do not hurt.

When we stand badly our muscles must work constantly to hold us up and they begin to fatigue and eventually become painful. Once this happens they can start to switch off, putting more and more load into our other muscles and joints.

One of the most common muscles to see struggling is a muscle called the Psoas (pronounced so-ass). This big muscle (see fig 1) starts at the top of our leg bone on the inside. It travels over the front of the hip across the pelvis and attaches onto the side of the spine at several places. It was once a hip flexor muscle (to bend our hip and bring our leg forwards) but, once humans evolved

Fig 3

23

and stood upright, its function changed and it became a muscle that can affect the back.

Standing badly can cause this muscle to become tight, pulling the lower back forwards and creating stressful loads on the joints. In some people it shows up as a deep arch in the lower back and often the abdomen is pushed forwards adding to the load on the back.

So, a simple way to check your posture is to stand sideways on to a full-length mirror and relax. Alternatively get someone to take a photo of you from the side.

Those with poor posture will see something like those in fig 2.

Fig 3 shows what good posture looks like.

So how do you correct a bad posture?

Here is a simple exercise to try.

Start by standing and just shifting your weight over your toes. Ideally you want about 60% on your forefoot and 40% on your heels. As this is hard to judge go for a 50/50 spread. Make sure your big toe, little toe and heel are all touching the floor.

Initially you will feel as if you are leaning too far forward but don’t worry. Now relax your bum muscles and let your bum stick slightly out behind you. Feels odd doesn’t it?

Relax back into your “old posture” repeat the above exercise a few times.

To start posture correction just practice the weight shift and relaxed bum exercise every time you stand up, hold for a few seconds then relax and go about your tasks.

If you practice this regularly over a couple of weeks you will start to find that, as you relax back into your ‘old posture’, it starts to feel strange and not quite right. This is because the new posture is much easier for our bodies and your old posture is too much like hard work. Your brain has decided which one it likes best.

This is only the start of posture correction and at an appointment with a Physio we can help by showing you some more simple posture correction techniques and exercises.

You’ll be surprised how much easier your body moves when it’s aligned correctly.

Kerensa Mckie MCSP, HCPC