Families VOY Nov / Dec 2012

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49

nov/dec2012 issue

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

free

Pre-School and Pre-Prep

OPEN MORNING Wednesday 14 November 9.30 - 11.30 am

The best possible start •

• • • •

Superb modern facility, now with Ofsted certification to take children into the Pre-School class from age 2 Up to 15 hours government funding available up to age 5 Stimulating, safe, learning environment Warm and friendly atmosphere Well-qualified and committed staff

‘…children make good progress across the six areas of learning and excellent progress in literacy and numeracy.’ (Independent Schools Inspectorate, January 2012)

www.readschool.co.uk The Read School, Drax, Selby, North Yorkshire, YO8 8NL T: 01757 618248 : F: 01757 617432 E: headspa@readschool.co.uk 

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in this issue

As seen on TV

Tennis Tots is the UK’s leading tennis play and coaching programme for boys and girls aged 2-6 years of age

To book a free trial call Harrogate : 07725 339257 York : 07882 267971 www.tennis-tots.co.uk

p4 p6 p10 p12 p14 p15 p16 p20 p23

VOY Editor of Families

news education round up competitions & giveaways parent business ask the doctor what do you do at christmas gift guide what’s on beta mum

what’s online • alternative christmas

Do you find Christmas a difficult time? Tips for how to do something different.

• books for christmas

Need some ideas for a stocking filler or two? We review some great reads.

• the power of play Playing with the kids.

• beta mum • competitions

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

The deadline for the J an/Feb 2013 edition is early Dec 2012

Front cover: Many thanks to the wonderful Anthony & Julie at Yours Truly Photography for these photographs taken at The Christmas Adventure, Stockeld Park. For more of their work visit www.yourstrulyphotography.co.uk Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel: 01405 869045 Printed by:

Warners Midlands PLC w ww.warners.co.uk

Copyright Families in the Vale of York Nov/Dec 2012. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owners’ own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families in the Vale of York is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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news Tennis Tots comes to Ripon The Due to the popularity of the Tennis Tots programme in Harrogate and to meet the growing demand for classes, Tennis Tots are excited to be launching their programme in Ripon from mid November.

Tennis Tots will be holding an Free Taster Open Day on Tuesday November 20th at Ripon Leisure centre for preschool aged children from 2 years upwards. Children will be able to experience the programme and take advantage of a 20% discount off the term’s fees in Ripon for anyone signing up on that day.

Wear A Hat and help Brain Tumour Research

You can book onto the open day at the following times: 10-10.45am (2-3 years) • 11-11.45am (3-4 years) 1-1.45pm (2-3 years) • 2-2.45pm (3-4 years) To book onto one of the free taster sessions or to enquire about term time classes in Ripon or Harrogate call Matt McTurk on : 07725 339 257 or email: info@tennis-tots.co.uk. Tennis Tots anticipate the free taster classes will fill up quickly so book early to avoid missing out.

Why not get your school or workplace to join the fun on Thursday March 28th and help fund the fight against brain tumours?

‘Wear a Hat Day’ is a fun way of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer.

It’s a day every year that Brain Tumour Research (BTR) ask people to wear a hat and make a donation to raise awareness and funds for vital research into brain tumours. From sponsored silences to charity runs and school bake sales,, educational facilities around the country are being encouraged to raise money in any way they can.

‘Brain tumour research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet this deadly disease kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer so please get involved on March 28th 2013,’ said Sue Farrington-Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research.

Register your interest today - it would make a great alternative Easter Bonnet parade! email sarah@braintumourresearch.org or visit www.braintumourresearch.org for more details on how to get involved.

Baby Sensory comes to Boroughbridge Parents and their babies (birth to 13 months) can now enjoy award winning Baby Sensory classes in Boroughbridge thanks to Clare Simpson. Clare will launch the programme on Monday 5th November at Coronation Hall, Boroughbridge and will offer split classes for babies aged birth to 6 months and babies aged 7 to 13 months.

Baby Sensory has been specifically designed for babies from birth and consists of hundreds of different activities for parents and babies to experience including sign language, massage, fibre optic light shows, bouncy light balls, rainbows, bubbles, bells and much more.

PU5s Mums Scale the Peaks

Intrepid mums from Poppleton under Fives have recently undertaken a successful fundraising adventure by completing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks’ Challenge. The team of 4 managed the 25 miles up, down and between 3 of the 3 Peaks, a total ascent of over 6400ft, in 11.5 hours.

‘The day went really well,’ says committee member Sue Burnett. ‘We did have a few extra challenges along the way – including a knee and tooth injury.’

But the challenge was all worthwhile as the women raised over £2,000 which has enabled them to enhance their garden with a sensory area, and add to equipment, toys and art supplies.

‘I feel strongly about giving something back to PU5s,’ adds Sue. ‘Playgroups like ours have a great advantage in being ‘not for profit’. The atmosphere is warm and the childcare is very nurturing, with excellent well-qualified staff who are experienced parents themselves.

‘We also arranges lots of special events and the children are all looking forward to the Christmas party when the magical Telltale Tent will be visiting to tell us Santa’s secrets and inspire the children with storytelling and drama-play.’

PU5s would love to hear from you if you’d like to know more, or would like to visit a group. Call or email membership secretary Rachel on 07530 342716 info@ poppletonunderfives.org.uk Visit www.poppletonunderfives.org.uk for pictures and more information.

Tip-Top TappyTots business!

TappyTots is excited to welcome a new licencee to the business.

Jess Meredith from Jazzy J’s Academy of Dance is now holding TappyTots classes for children aged 2-5 years in the York area and at her dance school in Bilbrough.

’I am thrilled to be able to offer tap dance to my younger students,’ says Jess who has been teaching for 13 years and specialises in early years dance. ‘TappyTots is a wonderful programme, so inventive and imaginative, both parents and children love the funky songs and tapping their feet with Ted ‘The joy and sense of awe from seeing your baby learn, Astaire.’ communicate and develop is well worth the effort of TappyTots uses a unique combination of sound effects, squeezing it into your schedule,’ says Clare. She is nursery rhymes and original Ted Astaire stories to keep confident you’ll love Baby Sensory and offers the first fun session as a no obligation trial. Parents can join at small children focussed and engaged whilst learning movement and musicality. It follows the Early Years any time and activities are suitable for all babies.

Foundation Stage goals for the under 5’s so it is not only fun, To register for a free trial session at Clare’s but educational too!

Boroughbridge classes contact her on 07970 If you would like to get your little one tip-tapping with Ted 122187 or email ripon@babysensory.co.uk. Other classes are available in York and Harrogate, to find Astaire, visit www.tappytots.co.uk for class times and venues or contact Jess at jazzyjs@virginmedia.com your nearest class visit www.babysensory.com

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New classes at Socatots Socatots are now offering even more classes locally. You can now find them at: York: Monday – Clifton Moor Community Centre, Tuesday – Haxby Memorial Hall, Thursday – Bishopthorpe Village Hall, Friday – Poppleton Road memorial Hall & Saturday – Dishergate Primary School & Burton Stone Community Centre.

Selby: Saturday at Standering Hall, Ripon: Wednesday & Friday at Hugh Ripley Hall Thirsk: Saturday at East Thirsk Community Hall.

If you would like to join the fun contact Brian MacNair on 01765 620374, 07811 109437, email b.macnair@socatots.com www.socatots.com/york&ripon

Fundraise for your School with TomTag If you’re looking for an original way to raise funds for your school, TomTag’s PTA fundraising initiative offers schools a quick and easy way to boost funds.

All the school needs to do is agree to distribute leaflets to each family in their school and then tell TomTag how many sets they want to order in total. In return they will offer a 10-20% commission cashback depending on the number of TomTags ordered.

They deliver free of charge to the school, so parents are saving on normal postage charges as well as helping their school to raise funds.

To find out more visit www.orkidideas.com or contact them on 01904 213 123. You can read all about TomTag in our gift guide on P18.

Winning Women Arrives in York

The Winning Women networking group was founded by Allison Marlowe to help women in business connect with each other and now local businesswoman Rachel Smith has brought the group to York.

‘I’m so excited to have become the Winning Women ambassador for York,’ says Rachel. ‘We have some really exciting meetings planned over the coming months and can’t wait to help support women who are already in business or who are thinking about setting up.’

The women at the York Launch meeting in October enjoyed listening to both Allison Marlowe and Amanda Monaghan of PapaKata as guest speakers and members were given the opportunity to network with others during the evening. ning ‘I aim for the group to be able to share l singing group is now run Popular local pre-schoo top business secrets and discuss killer teacher ss cla new of y rtes cou classes in Masham subjects such as marketing, sales and Laura. mentoring,’ says Rachel. ‘Winning ,’ ther class in Masham too women is an online community too so ‘We’re hoping to start ano the first s n,’a Alle en Kar r cto you can visit the open Facebook group said Singamajigs dire sham new group meets at Ma for plenty of tips and advice.’ class is already full!’ The join to how out you can find Winning Women meet once a Town Hall on Fridays and www. at te bsi we new nd bra month at Hotel Du Vin, York. by visiting Singamajigs For more information visit singamajigs.co.uk. winningwomennetworks.co.uk or Theatre Royal, St Mark’s Classes also run at York nd in Winning Women York on Facebook. rrogate and Treasure Isla Church & Kidzplay in Ha Boroughbridge.

m Singamajigs in Masha

See Santa for are 25 years old!

FREE at Treasures Rainbows Girls aged five Don’t miss Father Christmas who will be visiting Treasures on Saturday 17th November ahead of his busy Christmas schedule.

The Big Man himself will be in his Treasures grotto where he’ll be be delighted to talk through your Christmas wishes whilst you show him your favourite toys in the shop.

A north pole post box will be available for you to post your Santa letters and every child will receive a reply before the big day. The Treasures team will be on hand to help with letter writing and there will be plenty of toys on the activity tables to keep everyone amused.

You can see Santa in his grotto between 11am-1pm or 2pm – 4pm. www.treasurestoys.co.uk Treasures, No. 8 High Street, Wetherby.

to seven from Girlguiding Harrogate S.W. marked a quarter of a century of Rainbows with a party at Birk Crag Guiding HQ recently.

The girls enjoyed a special 25th Birthday Party where they had the opportunity to undertake lots of activities all themed around Nursery Rhymes. Some of these included making ‘sugar cane’ mice, ‘Incy Wincy’ spiders made from biscuits and a great game of Humpty Dumpty.

Trish Scott, Division Commissioner and leader of the 1st Pannal Rainbows said: ‘The girls had a fantastic time at the party and really enjoyed being able to choose what activities to do. They loved the fantastic rainbow cake made by Vicky Cooper of Wetherby, and sang Happy Birthday before receiving a special 25th Birthday badge.’

If you would like to find out more information call 0800 1695901 or visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested Families Vale of York

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educatiroounnd-up Road Safety at Stockton Nursery

Children at Stockton on the Forest Day Nursery have been learning all about road safety from visiting local community policeman.

‘Our younger room has been creating traffic lights and role playing how to cross the road safely, said manager Carla Parrish. ‘We invited our local community policeman to the nursery to share his knowledge on the subject and so that the children could meet a ‘real’ Policeman.

‘Jimmy, our Policeman spoke to the children about the different colours of the traffic lights and their meanings. They all really enjoyed the visit and the experience of meeting a real Policeman and learning that Police are our friends and are there to help us.’

www.stocktonontheforestnursery.co.uk

Bullies Stop thoere about Anti-

The Magic of Childhood Begins Here Bankfield Pre-Prep provides an exciting, stimulating and homely environment for children aged 2-4 years. Opened in 1997, Bankfield Pre-Prep has received an impressive five ‘Outstanding’ judgments by OFSTED and three ‘Outstanding’ ISI inspections. As part of Harrogate Ladies’ College, the school benefits from all the facilities and support that a senior school has to offer with specialist music and PE teachers providing exciting music and movement sessions each week.

Play is planned around the Early Years Foundation Stage to extend every child’s learning and development ready for ‘big school’ and a team of experienced and highly qualified staff supports children and their families through the most precious years of early childhood.

A huge garden means children can experience and explore the natural environment first hand; children grow their own fruit and vegetables and watch ‘mini beasts’ in the garden. The outside space also includes a ‘building area’ and a ‘dinosaur world’, as well as three sheds full of toys!

Inside, Bankfield Pre-Prep has a warm, homely atmosphere with three playrooms on each floor, a kitchen and recently refurbished bathrooms.

Children move freely between the well-resourced playrooms.

Baby Bankfield is a Mother and Baby Group which meets every Wednesday from 9:30am-11am during term time only. The group is for babies and toddlers up to 2 years of age who are able to take part in planned activities and music sessions. All are welcome and the group is free of charge.

For more information contact Bankfield Pre-Prep, Harrogate Ladies College on 01423 537030.

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Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

The Toddler Sense Adventure Play Programme!

For Young Adventurers aged 13 months to 3 years old

ICE SKATING SANTA’S GROTTO FUN FAIR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AWARD-WINNING FESTIVE FUN AT YORK DESIGNER OUTLET

Sat 24 Nov 2012 – Sun 6 Jan 2013 To book visit: www.theicefactor.co.uk Group bookings: 01653 619169

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Our classes run on a rolling basis so you can join at any time – no need to wait until the start of a new term.

Come along for a FREE TRIAL SESSION and see for yourself what Toddler Sense is all about!

Spaces available NOW in Poppleton and York

Climb Snow Mountains, Swim with Dolphins, Go on Safari Experience a magical, multi-sensory interactive experience Emphasis is on mobility, excitement and adventure Every week introduces a whole new adventure

For more details or to book a FREE TRIAL, contact Liz: Tel: 07565 551415 Email: york@toddlersense.co.uk www.babysensory.com The Next Step from the Award Winning Baby Sensory

The Vegepa & VRH Better Reading Campaign Over 88,000 children left primary school last year without reaching the required literacy standard which can have a devastating effect on a child’s future life chances.

Volunteer Reading Help (VRH) is a national charity established in 1973 that trains and supports volunteers to work in primary schools with thousands of children who have fallen behind on their reading, on a one-to-one basis to help develop enthusiasm for reading, as well as confidence and ability.

Igennus Healthcare Nutrition has recently announced a new partnership supporting VRH and will be donating 50 pence to VRH from each box sold of its leading health supplement Vegepa E-EPA 70 Orange Chewables.

There are many reasons why a child may fall behind with their reading. They may lack support at home, they may not have English as a first language, they may simply have poor eyesight. VRH reading helpers are trained to recognise what challenges these children face and work through them. With access to a library of books and games at their local branch they can tailor their sessions to best support the children they work with.

Steve Hawe, VRH Director of Fundraising and Communications commented: ‘Volunteer Reading Help is extremely excited to be launching this partnership with Igennus Healthcare. It is only with the help and support of companies like Igennus that we are able to continue our vital work.’

New Pre-School opens at The Read School Over the summer, The Read School in Drax, near Selby acquired certification from Ofsted to be able to take children from the age of 2 into their Pre-School class.

Mrs Jill Bell has been appointed as the new Pre-School manager, and comes to the school with over 20 years’ experience in the field of childcare and nursery provision.

‘Read Pre-School provides a stimulating, safe and friendly learning environment for all our children giving them the best possible start,‘ she says, ‘and I am delighted to be part of this new venture...and hope to be a part of it for many years to come.’

The Pre-School and Pre-Prep Classes are now situated in a bright modern building on the main school campus, following a move last year from previous accommodation at Adamson House in the village of Drax.

The move has proved advantageous for both pupils and staff, as they now have access to all the resources that the school has to offer, including ICT, sports provision, swimming classes and music lessons.

Parents are still able to claim up to 15 hours free funding from the government as full or part-payment of school fees, with the option of continuing their child’s education at Read from compulsory school age onwards.

An inspection by the independent Schools Inspectorate in January 2012 concluded that the children’s personal development is ‘excellent’ and the school ‘fulfils its aim of caring for children as individuals.’

The Read School was founded in 1667 from a bequest in the will of local lawyer and philanthropist Charles Reade. It is now a thriving independent, co-educational day and boarding school for children across the age groups. You can find out more about the pre-school and pre-prep school on Wednesday 14th November from 9.30 - 11.30 when the school will be holding an open morning. www.readschool.co.uk

Dickensian Celebrations at Queen Margaret’s School Girls at Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick will join in national celebrations of Charles Dickens’ bicentenary with three performances of ‘Oliver!’ running from 29 Nov - 1st Dec in the school’s purpose-built Chapman Theatre.

With a school-wide cast and crew of over 70 pupils, the production will bring the girls’ talents and skills centre stage. With evening performances scheduled Thursday-Saturday, packed houses are expected each night.

The final performance on Saturday will also feature a Dickensian Christmas Gala before the show with the hopes of raising funds for a local children’s charity, York Playspace. The charity, which aims to “provide and promote quality play opportunities for children and young people,” has been chosen by girls on the school’s Charity Committee as the focus of this year’s fundraising.

General Admission tickets to the performances are free, while tickets to Saturday’s fundraising gala are £25 each. For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Mrs Lynsey Griggs at 01904 728261 or email lgriggs@queenmargarets.com.

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educatroiounnd-up Creative Storytelling

Can you imagine mindful, wholesome entertainment that sparks creativity, participation and enjoyment among all family members? Leo Sofer’s 23 years of storytelling has led to just that. Although he has given thousands of performances for children and adults, the most important stories are the ones told each evening to his two young children at bedtime.

Instead of reading from a book or telling memorised folktales, Leo draws on his creativity and responds to his children’s moods and needs by spontaneously weaving each unique tale. Based on the day’s challenges, story time can provide each family member with feelings of resolution and of being deeply understood, nourished and cared for – all while having a lot of fun!

Research indicates that storytelling can greatly assist children with the development of mental, social, ethical and emotional capacities and parents can benefit from family bonding through storytelling.

As well as leading workshops across Europe Leo’s websites contain over a hundred downloadable stories for children and adults. To find out more visit www.LeoSofer.com where you can also listen to free story podcasts to further nourish you and your family.

Parents go back to School Parents at Carlton in Snaith Primary School near Selby went back to school last half term to learn all about phonics.

North Yorkshire leading teacher Bracken Holtby visited the school to deliver a phonics workshop where parents found out how their children learn to read.

‘Phonics is taught every day in school,’ said Bracken, ‘and through the session we hope parents can take away some useful tips on how to help with their child’s reading.’

Parents looked at the different sounds children learn, blending and segmenting as well as finding out how everyday games can help their child master the tricky business of learning to read.

‘We wanted to invite parents in to see what we do first hand,’ said Literacy Co-ordinator Kathryn Woodward. ‘We have an open door policy at the school and want parents to be actively involved in how we teach literacy which is why we’ve invited them in to see phonics classes in action.’

Year R parents were treated to a lesson which involved rhyme, Meg and Mog, a witch’s cauldron and a rather hungry seal with keen pupils beginning to sound out some simpler words and identifying initial word sounds.

The workshop was well received by parents. Beth Wilson mum to Madeleine in Year 2 found the exercise very worthwhile: ‘Children don’t always explain what they’ve been doing at school so any opportunity to come in and see what’s happening is welcome. It’s also given me some great ideas for literacy games I can do with my other daughter who starts school next year.’ www.carlton-in-snaith.n-yorks.sch.uk

Do you have some news to share? email: editor@familiesvoy.co.uk and we’ll try our best to include you.

Moving Melodies Dance Movement Psychotherapy and Creative Arts Workshops for Kids & Adults Dr Allison Singer is a Dance Movement Psychotherapist who is bringing a new Dance Movement Psychotherapy Group and a series Children’s Creative Arts Workshops to York. We asked her what Dance Movement Psychotherapy is all about and who she works with.

‘I set up Moving Melodies in 2009,’ says Allison, ‘to provide individual and group Dance Movement Psychotherapy and Creative Arts sessions for children and adults in the York area. I work in community, education and health contexts. I work with people of all ages and abilities including preschool children, refugee people, elderly people, children and adults with mild to profound and complex learning difficulties and physical disabilities, students, health professionals, performers and professionals, so the nature of what I do is quite varied.’

Within the sessions Allison brings together dance, movement, voice, singing, stories, writing and visual images to facilitate individual and group creative and developmental processes.

What is Dance Movement Psychotherapy?

‘It’s the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance, and sometimes other media such as voice, visual images and story, to allow someone to further their emotional, cognitive, physical and social development. We do this in a confidential, safe, gentle and playful environment. Dance Movement Psychotherapy is practiced as both individual and group therapy. Each session develops according to the needs of the individual client or group.’

Who can be helped ‘People who are experiencing emotional difficulties or concerns, or are at a point of transition in their lives; people who want to develop personal communication skills, confidence, assertiveness; people with movement difficulties or for whom verbal communication is difficult. Some people access Dance Movement Psychotherapy for personal or professional development, so I don’t just deal with problems.

Children’s Creative Movement, Story & Song Workshops ‘My new one hour creative workshops for preschoolers will involve stories, dance, movement and singing as well as crafts, games and play.

The sessions are for children aged 0-4 and aim to develop imagination, listening skills, movement possibilities and social interaction skills. Another central aim is to help develop relationships between parents and their children.’

Dr Allison Singer is a Dance Movement Psychotherapist and State Registered Dramatherapist (HPC) with nearly thirty years experience working with the movement and the creative and performing arts with people of all ages and abilities in community, education, health and international contexts. Allison’s work is humanistic and integrative in its approach with a Jungian underpinning. Allison is also a qualified Yoga Teacher (British Wheel of Yoga); Council member of the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy; Guest Lecturer; and DanceAnthropologist/Ethnomusicologist.

t: 01904 642666 & 01904 490339

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www.yorkmontessori.com

For Further Information Contact The Healing Clinic/Briar House Resources: 01904 679868; or email Allison:allison.singer@btinternet.com

s e l b a t s time How to learn

Tennis Tykes 87x85_Layout 1 08/08/2012 22:26 Page 1

By Elisabeth Dolton

Learning the times tables is an important skill that is the foundation for all maths. With an extensive maths curriculum, and the latest stipulation being that children should master their tables up to 12x12 by the age of nine, teachers need parents’ help in getting children to learn the basic facts. Finding a painfree method of learning times tables is not easy, but these tips and techniques should help you make major progress.

Start with explaining the concept

If your child understands that multiplication is repeated addition, they will have an easier time learning them.

Using objects such as crayons, illustrate a simple times table such as 3 X 2.

Make two groups of three crayons, then count the crayons. Continue until they understand that multiplication is just adding a series of numbers, 6 x 4 means 6 added together 4 times (6 + 6 + 6 + 6).

Create a number line from 0 to 100. Show them the pattern to working out each multiple, i.e. the three times table answers are every third number. End by encouraging them to write out the times tables on paper, using addition, up to 12.

A fun and educational tennis play and skills programme for children from 2 years E FRE IAL

TRSSON LE

Classes in Ilkley, Harrogate, North Leeds & Wetherby For information call Caroline Buncall on 07843 342 662 • www.tennistykes.co.uk

Show them the tricks of the trade

Now they need to start learning the facts, rather than by counting. Learn the tricks of the trade first, e.g. any number times by 10 is

the number with a zero on the end, e.g. 10 x 5 = 50. They are all listed on www.mathsisfun.com/tables.html

Further ways to help them memorise

Your aim now is to recite memorized facts quickly and in any order. If your child is a visual learner, purchase or make flashcards.

Write the problem, like 4 x 9, on the front, and the answer, 36, on the back.

Buy or create a times table poster and display key facts.

Times tables raps and music CDs are great for an auditory learner. Chant the times tables as multiples 0, 5, 10, 15, etc. and also as sentences 1 x 5=5, 2 x 5=10, etc. Say difficult times tables in a funny voice, a squeak or a whisper.

Use helpful rhymes to remember really tricky ones, e.g. 8 x 8 = 64 becomes ‘He ate and he ate and was sick on the floor, eight times eight is sixty-four’.

For a kinaesthetic approach, add actions. Children can clap, stamp or jump on the difficult fact. Play ‘Knock, Knock’ –knock your fists twice on the floor, then put out the number of fingers of a times tables. The winner is the first to say the answer.

Our dance and movement classes are a great introduction to physical exercise for kids aged 6 months to 4 years Singing Dancing Skipping Hopping Music Instruments Colours Numbers Balance Confidence Coordination Interaction Fun Certificates Contact Katie to find out where your local classes are...

T: 0113 287 6252 M: 07834 266350 www.kids2dance.co.uk

Games to reinforce the multiplication facts

After your child has a basic knowledge of the tables, games will help instil the recollection of correct facts quickly.

Multiplication Bingo, Hoo Ha!, Know Your Times Tables and Math Whiz are great board games.

There are a whole host of multiplication computer games – multiplication.com, Learn-timestables.com, themathsfactor.com, mathsisfun.com, maths-games. org, and computer apps such as Squeebles, Ghost Blasters, Multiple Wipeout.

Another idea is to print off worksheets from Multiplication.com or Enchanted Learning, math.about.com

Keep it fun

Hallelujah! Your continued energy and enthusiasm is very important – go at their pace and always praise their efforts. Aim to reward your children with every bit of progress made; it doesn’t have to be material things, just a bit of fun together. Take breaks often, relax, give lots of ‘high fives’, and real compliments.

And keep it up!

After memorising times tables, it can be all too easy to forget them! Don’t give up too soon. It can take six or seven weeks until

the facts are truly automatic. Practice quick-fire drilling. There are numbers everywhere, so multiply the digits in number plates or in recipes. Print out a times table square and keep a record of the tables your child knows well, so you know which ones you need to focus on.

Whichever method you choose, there is never a truly pain-free answer because real fluency requires real practice over weeks and months. That said, it is important for your child to have a secure knowledge of the times tables with instant recall - their future maths skills depend on it. So take the challenge, make it happen, and enjoy it!

Autumn Open Mornings Sixth Form Open Morning Saturday 6th October - 10.30am Friday 28th September - 10.30am Saturday 10th November - 10.30am For more information, or to arrange a visit, please contact Mrs Jackie Hallewell on 01904 720072 or email admissions@queenmargarets.com

www.queenmargarets.com

An independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18

Families Vale of York

9

Competitions &

giveaways

Join The Treasures Savings Club

The Jingle Bell Bop is back for 2012!

Now in its second year the Jingle Bell Bop is an amazing festive event for all the family and event organiser Victoria Charles is getting excited.

“We received such fantastic feedback after last year’s event,” says Victoria, ‘that we can’t wait to do it all over again!”

The Jingle Bell Bop is a Christmas stage show like no other, part pantomime, part disco, part time baby sitter as you sit back with a cup of tea or coffee and watch your children dance, sing and shout “he’s behind you,” at Father Christmas.

Once again the the Big Man himself will lead the activities joined on stage by his elves and dancing fairies.

“The show is designed exclusively for young families,” says Victoria, “and each child receives a gift. There are prizes for the best fancy dress costume - although it’s entirely optional - some children want to wear their best party outfits instead! Children will get to meet Father Christmas - and have their photo taken with him. There’s face painting, craft activities and if you’re celebrating something special on the day, we’ll make sure Santa gives you a special mention in the show.”

There’s plenty on offer for parents too with a range of local arts & crafts businesses showing off all their festive products - so there’s even an opportunity to bag a few Christmas pressies too from the likes of Cakes for All Occasions Yorkshire, Half Pint Home, Olivia’s Crafts, Little Ol Handmade, Booby and the Beads, Beau Beauty and Nails, & Cutii Tutus.

This year’s show takes place at the Riley Smith Hall in Tadcaster on Sunday December 16th, doors open at 1:30 with the show itself taking place between 2 and 3:30pm.

Family offer tickets are £24.99 and early bird tickets will be on sale with 10% discount (all tickets) until 16th November. Children under 12 months old go FREE. You can buy tickets at www.jinglebellbop.co.uk and follow proceedings on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jinglebellbop

Now is a great time to join the Treasures Savings Club - a fantastic way to save for birthdays and Christmas all year round. All you have to is set up a free account and pay in as little and as often as you like. This can then be used as a deposit on any toy or gift and it guarantees availability when you’re ready to pay. Available all year at Treasures, the savings club is a great way to spread the costs and ensure you get the gift you want at no extra cost to you.

Treasures Wish List now online Treasures Wish List facility, which has been a great success since its launch, is now available online. To create a Wish List the the birthday child chooses gifts to add to their list so that family and friends know exactly what to buy. Treasures have now added this service to their website so that anyone who wants to know what a child has chosen for their birthday can look up your wish list on the Treasures website.www. treasurestoys. co.uk

WIN

WIN

a Family ticket to the Jinglebell Bop

Last year the Jinglebell Bop was a sellout success. To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) this year go to www.familiesvoy.co.uk/competitions and follow the instructions there. Closing date 24th November. Full terms & conditions online.

WIN

a Star Wars Advent Calendar with Treasures of Wetherby

These much-coveted advent calendars are super for Lego fans who can find one Star Wars themed piece each day. Retailing at £24.99, you could be in with a chance of winning one if you go to www.familiesvoy.co.uk/ competitions and follow the instructions there. Closing date November 27th.

Full terms & conditions online.

a £200 Shopping Spree in time for Christmas!

New clothes make any occasion extra special. The Polarn O. Pyret Christmas collection for newborn to age 12 years is now in stores and online. As always, the clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too.

Cosy cotton PJ’s that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day. Enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays.

FREE! Gift wrapping is always available at Polarn O. Pyret stores.

For your chances to win enter your details at www. polarnopyret.co.uk/win by 10th of December.

Terms and conditions apply. Winner will be notified via email on 11th December. www.polarnopyret.co.uk

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WIN one of FOUR Tennis Tots birthday parties!

Tennis Tots Parties are an exciting new party option for children on their 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th birthdays!

Suitable for both boys and girls Tennis Tots parties ensure that every child enjoys a fun and active party - and they may even pick up a few tennis skills in the process!

All Tennis tots parties include great fun and games with plenty of action, a warm, positive and fun-filled environment, and a special gift for the Birthday Boy or Girl. Invitations, prizes and goody bags can be provided -all you need to do is provide the venue and the food, they bring the party!

Parties are suitable for up to 26 children and are perfect if you are looking for something different to do for your child’s birthday. Hosted by experienced, fully trained, insured and CRB checked coaches, they go out of their way to ensure that your child’s special day is happy and memorable.

Not having played tennis before is certainly not a barrier to enjoying a Tennis Tots party: “My son Will had a great Tennis Tots Party on his 5th Birthday,” his dad Lee said. ‘There was a fantastic range of games and fun activities which all the children enjoyed and the coaches were very good with such a large number of children of varying ages and abilities. None of the children had ever been to a tennis party before and many of the parents were impressed with how well the party was organised from start to finish.” www.tennis-tots.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER:

Tennis tots have FOUR of their fabulous parties to give away to Families readers. Three will be in the York area, one in Harrogate. Parties can accommodate up to 14 children - any additional guests can be included for £5 per head.

Maximum 26. The party must be booked and taken before 30/11/13 To enter go to www.familiesvoy.co.uk/ competitions and follow the instructions there.

Closing date for entries 30th November 2012 Full terms & conditions online.

WIN tickets to The Ice Factor

York’s most popular Christmas attraction, the award-winning outdoor ice rink, The Ice Factor, returns this November to McArthurGlen’s York Designer Outlet, celebrating its eighth successive season in the historic city.

Located outside at the designer outlet, the ever popular Ice Factor promises to sprinkle some Christmas magic this year as it becomes the centre piece for Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland featuring traditional fair rides, Santa’s Grotto and many other festive treats alongside the skating.

As the area undergoes its theatrical transformation, The Ice Factor’s 900sqm real ice rink will be turned into a Winter Wonderland village square complete with a giant 30ft-high Christmas tree in the centre of the rink, and bordered by an illuminated forest with log cabins and reindeer, a skate hire marquee, a public viewing area and the heated Ice Bar & Café.

HOW TO WIN TICKETS And when you’re done with the fun Families has joined forces outside, why not pop into York Designer with The Ice Factor and has Outlet, with over 120 of your favourite 2 family tickets (2 adults designer and high street brands at up to & 2 children or 1 adult & 60 per cent less you are sure to find your 3 children) to give away perfect Christmas gifts. And with free to lucky readers! For your and ample parking, there’s no need to go anywhere else in Yorkshire for your fun and chance to win, you’ll need to answer the following question: Christmas shopping.

Which famous duo opened The Ice The Ice Factor will be open daily from Factor last year?

Saturday 24th November 2012 until a) Jedward b) Torvil and Dean Sunday 6th January 2013, and is located c) Ant & Dec on the A64/A19 interchange. Tickets for a one-hour session cost £9.75 for adults Simply visit www.familiesvoy.co.uk/ and £8.75 for children and concessions. competitions and follow the instructions Discounts apply for groups of 20 or more there to be in with a chance of winning. and special party packages are available.

Closing date 22nd November.

Further details are available at www.

So - get your skates on and don’t theicefactor.co.uk or by calling 01653 miss out!

619169.

Terms and Conditions: Winning ticket valid from Saturday 24th November 2012 through Booking is advisable, and can be easily to Sunday 6th January 2013. Subject to done through a new online ticket shop availability. This offer is non-transferable and at www.theicefactor.co.uk or through non-refundable. Pre-booking of this offer is their Facebook page. not permitted.Full terms & conditions online.

THE MOUNT JUNIOR SCHOOL AND PRE-SCHOOL INDEPENDENT. THINKING.

OPEN DAY - SATURDAY 17 NOVEMBER, 10am Our Toddler Group is now open for girls and boys from 2 years of age. Our Pre-School, for girls and boys aged 3-4 years, offers provision 7.30am to 6pm, 5 days a week, 51 weeks a year.

For further information, or to arrange a more convenient time to visit The Mount, please contact our Registrar, Andrew Witherspoon, on registrar@mountschoolyork.co.uk or 01904-667529.

THE MOUNT JUNIOR SCHOOL, PRE-SCHOOL, DALTON TERRACE, YORK YO24 4DD Mountschoolyork.co.uk 01904-667500 registrar@mountschoolyork.co.uk

Part of Harrogate Ladies’ College (11-18 girls), Bankfield Pre-Prep and Highfield Prep provide outstanding opportunities for boys and girls, aged 2-11 years.

Please call us on 01423 504543 or e-mail admissions@hlc.org.uk to arrange a visit. We look forward to welcoming you.

Harrogate Ladies’ College, Clarence Drive, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2QG

www.hlc.org.uk Families Vale of York

11

theparentbusiness

Candy Bows Charlotte Mackenzie’s search for just the right product led her to creating her own business

Charlotte Mackenzie is the owner and founder of Candy Bows which specialises in beautiful hair accessories, tutus and pettiskirts for little girls.

‘I have three children,‘says Charlotte,’ Max who’s seven and five year old twins Olivia and Beatrice. I’d not returned to work in sales after having the children - having them was challenging enough in itself - when I saw an opportunity to start my own business. I just couldn’t find hair clips for my girls that would actually stay put! They both had very long fine baby hair and no matter what I tried, the clips slid out.

‘Eventually I did find a bow clip online but no-one in the UK stocked it - and so I discovered a gap in the market and began to spend time searching for suppliers.

I found lots of out-of-the-ordinary bows and clips and when I sold out of my samples in the first weekend I knew I had a great product. I designed my website over 6 months and after lots of hard work Candy Bows became a reality.

‘Working from home and creating new styles and ranges with the bows and the tutus is fantastic fun.

Both my girls enjoy modeling new stock and give great feedback on what they like. I also love being able to talk to and meet other mums who work in children’s retail about something other than my kids and be ‘me’ for part of the day rather than ‘mummy’. Of course selling a product that I really like and have designed is such a bonus.

‘The downside of working for myself is that I never seem to have enough hours in the day! I have so many great ideas for new products and new stockists but struggle to find time to explore new areas whilst managing the day-to-day side of Candy Bows. I also find it hard to say ‘no’ – if a shop rings at 4pm and wants a delivery next day I always say yes…which often results in Ashville Pre-Prep School is a purpose built working still at 10pm! That’s school for children aged 4-7 the downside of working from home – you never escape it!

‘I am really very lucky though that I am able to work around family life - I run my business from home most of the time, other than the odd occasion when I have to travel away.

Having three young children A fun interactive session for pre-school children and their does mean there are days

ASHVILLE ADVENTURE

parents. Children will be invited to engage in a range of activities, including story telling, arts and crafts and even feeding the guinea pigs! At the end of the session parents will be offered an informal tour of the school whilst children enjoy a snack.

Come and see what makes Ashville different.

Stay and Play Wednesday 16th January Wednesday 13th February Wednesday 20th March 9.30am - 11.00am Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP 01423 566358 ashville@ashville.co.uk www.ashville.co.uk

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when someone is poorly or has a school trip that they want me to go on and because I am my own boss I am able to set my own time and make sure that first and foremost I am around for the children. In the holidays I shut down for a couple of weeks to make the most of family life – my online and retail customers all understand I am a mum first and they are really good at being flexible and waiting for their deliveries!

‘The future is looking good for us too. It seems the sky is the limit with so many possibilities at the moment – we attend four trade shows a year in the UK and Europe and now stock around 90+ outlets across the world, as far as the Middle East and Australia! I have lots of ideas to expand our school range and I am currently working with a number of children’s clothes designers and department stores to create their own private ranges which are unique to them.

Candy Bows specialises in in bringing beautiful and unique hair bows, hair accessories and tutus and pettiskirts to girls who love to wear them and to Mums who are looking for high quality at an affordable price. www.candybows. co.uk

Still Gorgeous Sarah Butters talks to Claire Whittaker of Still Gorgeous Claire Whittaker is in the middle of telling me how business is booming, and I’m not listening. It’s not because I’m not interested. It’s because she’s standing in front of a pair of purple Boden trousers that would look great on my daughter and they’re £8. I’m worried that if I let her finish, another bargain hunter

‘People come from Durham, Newcastle, Manchester, Selby, Hull, Sheffield and Leeds. I’ve been really surprised how far people will travel.

I think that huge catchment is what keeps the stock standard so high.’

The idea behind Still Gorgeous is simple. You bring in your child’s clothing - washed, ironed and ready

‘I’ve got a reputation for being very choosy about what I take in, but I think that’s a good thing. It means customers are only offered clothes that I’d be prepared to buy for my own children.’ will sweep into Still Gorgeous and steal them from under my nose.

It’s pretty easy to be distracted in the cosy boutique set on Cold Bath Road - one of the most vibrant streets in Harrogate. The labels on the clothes that line the rails and hang from the walls are designer, and top end high street, but the price tags are not. These clothes are pre-loved but they’re not second hand.

‘We only take really good quality stock,’ explains Claire as I shake off the distraction of those purple pants.

‘No marks, no tears, no stains.

I’ve got a reputation for being very choosy about what I take in, but I think that’s a good thing. It means customers are only offered clothes that I’d be prepared to buy for my own children.’

The unique boutique has just celebrated its 3rd birthday this September and in that time Claire has come a long way from the sleepless nights she had worrying about whether parents would turn up with clothing to fill the rails.

Now those rails are not only full, but there’s extra ones out on the pavement at the front of the shop, filled with great labels. The stock comes, not just from local families here in Harrogate but from right across the north of England as Claire explains.

to sell. Claire puts it on the rails for 2 months and at the end, you receive 50% of the sale price. The items that aren’t sold are yours to take home or you can donate them to Still Gorgeous’ chosen charity – the Yorkshire Aid Convoy. It’s a great way to clear out and make a little money in the run up to Christmas, especially if you’re bringing in popular brands.

‘Jack Wills is really popular and Hollister as well. We are getting more and more of that,” says Claire.

“Joules and Boden are also snapped up quickly and Ralph Lauren for boys. This autumn and winter our big sellers will be coats, ski wear and branded hoodies.’

The new term and the change of season marks Still Gorgeous’ busiest time. Parents bring in winter wear their children no longer fit into and three years after it first opened its doors, they’re now making this boutique their first port of call when shopping.

‘People are now trying me before they head to the high street. You won’t always get what you want here, but it’s worth coming in.’

And it was. I bagged my bargain purple trousers, and Claire was right.

They are still gorgeous.

Still Gorgeous is on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate and has even more space having recently expanded.

There is now a lower ground floor filled with loads of gorgeous clothes aged 5 plus including Boden, Joules, Ralph Lauren and Catamini along with lots of coats, ski wear and nightwear. And now that there’s more space you can sweep through the rails with greater ease!

Open Tuesday – Friday 9.15am – 3.45pm and Saturday 10.30am – 4pm. Now taking Autumn stock. 01423 560402 www.still-gorgeous.co.uk

Building Confidence Queen Mary’s School, Baldersby Park, Thirsk

“ This outstanding setting achieves the aim of providing a happy, family school for all abilities by nurturing, achieving and sustaining the best for each child”.

Independent School Inspectorate Nov 2011 For further information please contact: Miss Melanie Chapman, Head of Admissions and Marketing 01845 575040 email: admissions@queenmarys.org or visit our website www.queenmarys.org A School of the Woodard Corporation

Outstanding Girls Day and Boarding School with mixed Pre Prep

0000 Fam Mags 87w x 130.indd 1

Families Vale of York

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08/10/2012 10:26

ask the

C

Clare Spencer is a local GP with experience in obstetrics and gynaecology. She lives near Harrogate with her husband and 3 children.

Clare juggles life working part time and being mum.

doctor

hicken pox is a viral illness that most children get at some time. Chicken pox is usually a mild

illness and the good news is that once you have had it, you become immune to the virus and so don’t get it again. Its important to know about chicken pox because it can be more serious in tiny babies, pregnant women and anyone who has an immune system that is not working as well as it should.

CHILDREN AT PARTICULAR RISK INCLUDE • Children with leukaemia, immune diseases or HIV/AIDS. • Children taking certain medication such as steroids, immune suppressing medication or chemotherapy.

• Children with severe heart or lung disease.

• Children with severe skin conditions.

Chicken pox can cause complications in pregnancy if you haven’t had it. I’m not going to talk about this, but there is a link at the end for further information.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHICKEN POX? • There may be a raised temperature, aches and pain and headaches before the spots appear.

• The rash is common and itchy. It can start in clusters and can be anywhere on the body. They develop into small fluid filled blisters that then scab over.

• There may be a dry cough and sore throat.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF CHICKEN POX? Remember, complications are rare in fit healthy children and adults. The rash itself can become infected and scars form if the spots are badly scratched. Ear infections can often develop. Pneumonia and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) are rare. Pneumonia

● ● ● ●

Baby signing Movement & bonding Fibre optic light shows Music

● ● ●

causes a cough and breathing difficulties.

Encephalitis can cause drowsiness, severe headache and fits. The basic rule is that if you are worried, if your child is not settling with paracetamol, if the rash is severe or bleeds or bruises into the skin, or if your child is unable to drink or keep down fluids, see a doctor.

HOW CAN YOU TREAT CHICKEN POX?

You may have heard of shingles – this is a disease caused by the same pox virus.

The virus lies ‘sleeping’ in the body and is reactivated and this can cause a painful rash and other complications.

• You should make sure they are drinking plenty – including soothing ice pops if they have spots in the mouth.

HOW CAN YOU CATCH CHICKEN POX? You stand a good chance of catching it if:

Vale of York

• Loose light clothing will be more comfortable over the spots.

• You have any face-to-face contact with someone with chickenpox.

It takes between 7 and 21 days (most commonly 10-14 days) to develop symptoms after catching the virus (the incubation period).

There is a treatment for chicken pox, but this is only for the seriously ill, or those in the at risk group.

WHEN ARE YOU INFECTIOUS?

VACCINATION

You need to remember that you are infectious from 48 hours BEFORE the rash appears until AFTER they have crusted over. This takes about 5 to 6 days.

While your child is infectious, avoid pregnant mums, newborn babies and anyone with a weakened immune system. They should stay at home until they aren’t infectious. It’s worth knowing that you generally can’t fly until the last spot has scabbed.

For classes in Harrogate please contact Emma on 07721 885724 or email harrogate@babysensory.co.uk.

For classes in York please contact Elizabeth on 07590 425310 or email northyorkshire@babysensory.co.uk.

For classes in Boroughbridge please contact Clare on 07970 122187 or email ripon@babysensory.co.uk.

14 Families

• To reduce the temperature you should keep your child cool but not cold.

Paracetamol can help make them feel better and help reduce their temperature.

If your child is really itchy, you can give an antihistamine. You can buy this over the counter. There is no evidence that calamine lotion reduces the itchiness (I remember being painted pink as a child!)

• You are in the same room as someone with chickenpox for more than 15 minutes; or

Puppet shows Massage Water Play

www.babysensory.com

Treatment is mainly about keeping your child as comfortable as possible and managing any raised temperature while the body sorts out the infection.

In this country we don’t vaccinate everyone against chicken pox. It IS available for certain groups, so speak to your doctor.

For further information

www.nhs.uk www.patient.co.uk - good for pictures and good general advice www.rcog.org.uk for what to do if you are pregnant.

Save up to £700 per year by making the switch to modern cloth nappies Great nappy packs available for local mums just contact rebecca@dottybots.com

www.dottybots.com

What do you do at?

Kids2Dance Families editor Belinda Maunsell put on her dancing shoes to visit Kids2Dance in Selby.

Having a budding ballerina of my own I was very keen to go along to see Katie Turner’s Kids2Dance class in Selby earlier this term.

Katie’s an experienced dance teacher having spent the last 10 years working with babies and children in different dance and education settings, running her own dance school and working with preschoolers in her Kids2Dance classes.

The class I visit has been running for three weeks and the little ones are already raring to go when I get there. Classes are aimed at children aged between 18 months and 4 years but our youngest today is 23 months. and the oldest around 2½. All happen to be girls but I’m assured boys enjoy the classes just as much.

We get started with a warm-up and soon all the girls are jumping, shouting and letting off energy - we identify body parts as the warm up progresses and the disco music has everyone excited and involved.

Katie soon has the children doing ballet moves which are familiar to me - ‘good toes naughty toes’, skips, gallops and the like, all to appropriate classical music. One thing that’s particularly noticeable though is how much laughter is going on. This is not the strict ballet I remember putting me off when I was a child but lots of fun - the children are encouraged to move with the music and enjoy what their bodies can do.

‘It’s so important that little ones get a chance to exercise regularly,’ says Katie. ‘Stimulating children’s physical growth is just as important as academic growth and working the two together is a good way to prepare for school.’

Katie works within the Early Years Educational Framework which means each learning area is incorporated into all her sessions.

I can see this as Katie moves onto dancing with ribbons. The children work on their ‘thank-yous’ and pick out ribbon colours which affords a bit of welcome rest before they’re off and moving again, this time imagining they are fairies with their ribbons as wings. We move through a multitude of magical creatures from elves to butterflies and finally a music box doll, changing pace, running, skipping and jumping to the different kinds of music.

The children certainly enjoyed every bit of the session, learning lots of valuable skills along the way. And it’s very clear they adore Katie - as judged by all the hugs she receives at the end of the class.

‘They’re a super bunch,’ says Katie,’ it’s lovely to see them having so much fun.’

I’d agree - watch out West End Selby has some superstars in the making.

Katie runs Kids2Dance classes in Selby at Selby Community Centre and Hambleton Village Hall.

Classes also run in Tadcaster at both the Leisure Centre and Sunday School Boys Club as well as at Polka Dots in Leeds.

For more information about class times, visit www.kids2dance.co.uk

I’m impressed by how able these little ones are; they don’t just move to the music but copy the set moves really well - especially when they’re pretending to be animals!

Confidence oozes from them and they clearly love performing. We finally begin to cool down with some stretches and some calm music and I ask a couple of mums about the class.

‘Erin dances all the time at home,’ her mum tells me. ‘Each week the classes are different which is really good.’

I wondered whether it might be tricky to join part way through a term but Violet’s mum told me this week had been her first - which I never would have guessed. ‘She’s not been before - but look - she loves it!’ her mum told me.

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christmas GIFT GUIDE

christmas

Baby’s First 3

by Simone Wood of Cold Bath Toy Shop, Harrogate.

Last week I was asked by at least ten people for suggestions for a first Birthday or a baby’s first Christmas present. Whether the gift is for your own child or somebody else’s there are plenty of gorgeous things to choose from…

If you want to keep things beautifully simple, a single quality item will always be well received.

BRIO make a perfectly formed wooden racing car in bright colours and with rubber wheels costing only £8.50, or Plan Toys’ range includes a gorgeous wooden xylophone with five chunky notes and a sturdy drumstick, (£16.25).

Djeco take the edge on whacky, individual, incredibly tasteful and unusual toys with a European twist, and their vast range includes some beautiful pull-along characters in painted wood (1), which would make a great companion for a new toddler just learning to walk. (From £13.99). Or you could choose from a selection of mobiles or wall stickers by Djeco to enhance the child’s environment. A stunning statement and a versatile and original gift idea. (From £13.99).

You could get one of the new inflatable Happy Hopperz bouncers.

Suitable from 12 months, these are used as a seat, a cushion, or a bouncy vehicle, and help to develop coordination, balance, and physical confidence and awareness. (RRP £24.99). Available as cows or reindeers in the smallest sizes but larger sizes are available.

A Wheelybug ride-on would make a fantastic first Christmas or Birthday gift.

With six designs to choose from, they are incredibly well-made, wooden ride-on toys that truly become part of the family. The smallest size suggests 1 year as a guide but these do make perfect Christening/Naming Ceremony presents even for a newborn as they are almost like a piece of furniture and look great even when not being played with. (£59.95) Moover are a Danish company making beautiful award-winning wooden ride-on trucks and prams suitable from 10 months. (2) The trucks work as a sit-on vehicle to start with but are ingeniously held together with only 4 pegs, and as the child develops can be used as a construction vehicle.The pram has two heart-shaped windows and a curved painted wooden body and large wheels, helping the child to develop balance and role-play as they grow. (3) (Both £69.95).

If the gift is for your own child you can get the simplest of small gifts, from a single rubber duck or farm animal, to a well made doll or wooden train. However you could also use Christmas or first birthdays as an opportunity to begin a collection which can grow with the child, and can be contributed to by relations and friends over the years.

Examples might be a farm with various animals, (Schleich and Papo do a fantastic range from £2.89), a farm building, (From £29.99), a playmat, (£27.50), tractors and a combine harvester, (WOW have plenty of vehicles to choose from, prices starting at £9.50).

The original BRIO range of trains and tracks is widely copied, but now they have brought out a train which is safe from birth, but suitable for play from one year. So you could get the train and starter track at one year old, and relations and friends could add on to the collection with other engines, track, and accessories now, and over the years. That could give a decade of fantastically diverse play with a massive range of railway and accessories, and wouldn’t have a initially large outlay. (BRIO From £6.50).(4) These are just a few ideas, I could go on! If you go to any good toy shop you will get plenty of advice and suggestions, plus demonstrations and a working knowledge of all the toys on offer. Enjoy choosing!

All the toys mentioned are safe from birth and designed for play from at least 9 months.

Cold Bath Toy Shop, 123 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate.

HG2 0NU ~ 01423 709886

1

2

4

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Treasure’s2012 We asked Zhara Armstrong of Treasures Toy Shop Wetherby to give her pick of the crop this Christmas.

Tots

Friends Adventure Camper

Woofer

Discover hidden musical talent with this dog shaped guitar. It’s great fun and has lots of funky features with 3 different modes; electric, acoustic and hound dog! Woofer includes 20 singalong favourites and a music book. It also has an auto cut-off after 2 minutes so you don’t need to worry about your child forgetting to turn the Woofer off. Comes ready to play as batteries are included.

Recommended age: 2 years.

Price: £35

Stackadoos

A great product for little hands and there’s so much you can do with these pieces. This pack includes 68 chunky colourful pieces which are very easy to connect and a super ideas booklet. The jar they are packaged in is reusable for storage.

Recommended age 2 years.

Price £25

Sylvanian Families

There are some great new toys for winter in Sylvania.

My favourite is the Sylvanian Families Skidoo with two cute characters (Uncle Nigel & Cousin Naomi) all wrapped up against the cold.

Recommended age: from 3yrs.

Price: £14.99

Ages 5+ This is a great product beautifully presented with lots of stencils and stickers. The perfect present for any girl interested in fashion as it encourages creativity and once you have designed your clothes you can dress the girls in the folder provided.

Recommended age: 5+ Price: £8.99

e

The Friends range is new from Lego and already so successful Lego have struggled to keep up with demand.

I could really have selected any of this range as I’ve had great customer feedback on all of the sets - the price range starts at £9.99 going up to 89.99. The Adventure Camper has so much detail from kitchen accessories to barbeque grill, camper cushions that lift up to store everything and you can even open the roof and doors to play inside. Mini-doll figures Olivia and Nicole are included and the girls can go cycling or even take the surfboard to the beach. When they are worn out they can come back and watch their flat screen TV !

Recommended age: 6-12yrs Price: £29.99

Ideas for older children

DC Universe Super Heroes – Batwing Battle Over Gotham City

There have been lots of Super Hero toys this year and Batman has consistently been the most popular. This set is no exception and includes mini-figures Batman, the Joker and the henchmen with two vehicles, the Batwing and the Jokers helicopter. Both the batwing and the helicopter have flick missiles and bomb release function.

Comic book is also included.

Recommended age: 7-14 Price: £34.99

Nano Space Centre

Top Model Design Folder

Gift Guid

christmas GIFT GUIDE

From the ‘Sights to See’ collection this is a three dimensional puzzle with 580 building blocks.

Recommended age: 8+.

Price: £13.99

Fun stocking fillers

Nano Santa Claus (140 blocks) and Christmas tree (120 pieces) both stand 18cm tall.

Price: £5.99 each

• Nannies • Maternity Practitioners • Nursery Staff • Babysitting • Mobile Creches For all your childcare needs contact the agency with a helping hand Contact: Vickie Edwards on 01904 691698 or log on to: www.bb-childcare.co.uk or email info@bbchildcareuk.com

New Lego City Mining Range

Recently launched the Lego Gold Mining Range has 5 products priced from £7.99 to £90. I have selected the Loader & Tipper - there’s so much included that any Lego fan will have hours of fun with this set alone. There are two vehicles – a loader and a tipper with two miner mini-figures each with mining helmet as well as hatchet and dynamite with a timer to help find your gold. These vehicles can easily be added to any other City sets you may already have.

Recommended age: 5 - 12yrs Price: £12.99

• Nannies • Maternity Practitioners • Nursery Staff • Babysitting • Mobile Creches For all your childcare needs contact the agency with a helping hand Families Vale of York Contact: Vickie Edwards on 01904 691698 or

17

christmas

Shop local this

Support local business this Christmas with some of these wonderful gift ideas

3

2

Stationery

Kids love stationery - how about these lovely stocking fillers from Seahorse Funky Stationery & Art Stuff. Perfect too for gifts between classmates.

Sticker packs (1) from £2.50 Beatrix Potter sketch/notebooks (2) - £8.99 Page Markers & bookmarks (3) from £1.99 www.funkystationeryandartstuff.co.uk 70 Market Place, Market Weighton

The perfect Christmas present…

Socatots really is the perfect Christmas present. So says Socatots coach Brian MacNair who runs the pre-school classes in York & Ripon.

‘Rather than simply adding another toy to the pile this Christmas,’ says Brian,’ give your child the gift of a new sport.’

1 ‘Not only will your child develop lifelong skills and an interest in football but parents and grandparents get to share the fun too. Classes offer a fantastic blend of football skills, fun games and activities that help children learn a range of new skills,’ says Brian.

Make it personal this Christmas with these beautiful hand finished Socatots are offering new customers the opportunity canvasses, perfect for little ones to attend the Spring 2013 term for £85.00. The who have far too many toys and total cost will include 11 Socatots sessions, the clothes. Add your own message and make it a gift that is wonderful Socatots football kit and a free Socatots not only unique but is theirs to treasure. The canvasses are football included in the cost. only £25.99 including free p&p in the UK. Take a look at the If you would like to join the fun contact Brian website and pick from personalised Christmas decorations, MacNair on 01765 620374, 07811 109437, Clocks, Door plaques and pictures. Last Christmas order email b.macnair@socatots.com date is Monday 17th December. www.4littleart.co.uk www.socatots.com/york&ripon

Personal Art

Make a difference This Christmas send a card that really makes a difference.

Visit www.braintumourresearch. org where you can order packs of 10 cards from as little as £3 - or order more to sell at work or school.

It’s a brilliant way of spreading the word about this dreadful disease and will help raise much needed funds too.

Happy Christmas Baby If you’re wanting to send a new parent a really useful gift with minimal shopping required, then how about a Little Me hamper complete with baby bath, shampoo, cream, flannel & sponge, cotton wool and all those everyday essentials a new baby needs.

‘It can be hard to know what to get new parents and practical help can be very welcome at this time of year,’ says company founder Christine Smith. ‘Hampers can be made to your own personal specifications, come in a handy re-usable basket.’

Christine can make baskets of any size and for any budget and local delivery within 10 miles of Drax is free with 50p per mile thereafter.

You can email Christine on littlemehampers@btinternet.com tel: 07842 527 467

Create a Racket If your child is inspired to play tennis following the fantastic summer of sport, why not purchase a fun tennis kit from Tennis Tykes to get them started? The kit comes complete with a strung racket (sizes to suit children from 2 years old upwards), a ball, a Tennis Tykes branded t shirt and also a bag to keep all their tennis equipment safe . Whether or not you participate in their tennis classes (for children from 2 years old) or simply fancy practising some ball skills with your child at home, it makes a great Christmas gift for a little one. Price: £35.

For further information and to purchase the kit, contact Caroline on 07843342662/caroline.buncall@tennistykes. co.uk or log onto www.tennistykes.co.uk

18 Families

Vale of York

Zak & Flo team up with the Elves The Elves that work for Father Christmas have been in talks with Zak & Flo. Everyone knows that on Christmas Eve Father Christmas likes children to leave a carrot out for Rudolf, mince pies & sherry for himself and sprinkle reindeer food outside. The Elves have hinted that Father Christmas would also like the children to have new pyjamas, a traditional DVD and perhaps a new personalised decoration.

That’s why Zak & Flo have become involved. They know that parents don’t always have the time to get everything together in time for Christmas Eve. So, along with the Elves, they will deliver a festive hamper to your favourite little people (well up to age 14 actually!)

You can choose from a selection of pyjamas and additional items to put in the hampers with a choice of delivery dates.

The Elves and Zak & Flo will do the rest.

Start an annual tradition with Zak & Flo. Available to order on-line from 5th November 2012, up until 15th December 2012. Available while stocks last. www.zakandflo.com

Crystal Bow Christmas

This stunning, luxurious satin hair bow with an amazing crystal centre, is a wonderful new addition to the Candy Bows collection and will add a little bit of sparkle this Christmas.

Perfect for parties, for little and older girls and great for celebrations.

Available in a variety of colours £4.95 www.candybows.co.uk

Make a Great Impression this Christmas Who wouldn’t be eternally grateful to receive this beautiful piece of jewellery at Christmas? Sarah Pepler of Make an Impression creates these gorgeous necklaces (and cufflinks for the man in your life) from your little one’s fingerprints. All you need to do is contact her for an impression kit, get the kids to do the prints, swear them to secrecy and send the prints back to Sarah.

Once she’s worked her magic and returned your jewellery, you can be assured you’ve hit the jackpot with pressies this year! Don’t miss the deadline though - last order date for guaranteed Christmas delivery is 1st December. www.makeanimpression.eu

Get Your Children Organised for the New Year

TomTag is a great new invention to help you kids get organised. The colorful daily checklist clips to their school bag and includes pictures rather than words so that children of all abilities and ages can learn to pack independently for school.

Each pack includes 6 button holders, each having 6 spaces for buttons. You’ll get 45 blank buttons and over 160 water-resistant stickers that show 45 different activities and items. You choose the stickers according to your child’s timetable and build up your own personal reminder. Complete with its own storage pack TomTag is the perfect gift of independence for a child who can’t yet read or who struggles with written instructions. www.orkidideas.com 01904 213 123

Personaltouch pick of the crop this Christmas.

Deliver a

christmas GIFT GUIDE

Nowadays families and friends can live much further away from each other than they used to and it can be difficult to come up with presents that not only look good but that will still look good when they arrive.

We’ve asked local gift company Say it Personally to come up with some original gift ideas that can be delivered straight to the door.

‘It can be really frustrating looking for something that can easily be posted,’ says Liz Waites of Say it Personally,’ and then dashing around because you’ve missed the last posting date for Christmas - not to mention long queues in the post office!’ We’ve taken all that hassle away - and have come up with some great ideas for people who can be a little bit tricky to buy for too!

For Teenager daughter of a friend

How about this lovely Choc & Sock bouquet in raspberry and blue - pretty and with handmade artisan chocolate too! £12 Also great for: aunts, nieces, teacher.

Teenage son of a friend

‘This has been really popular,’ says Liz ‘and we have a nonalcoholic version with traditional lemonade for teens.’ Spuddy Buddy the Couch Potato also comes with chocolate treats from Yorkshirebased chocolatier ‘White Rabbit’ and has space for your remote control. Whats more he’s a comfy neck rest or cushion for lazing about on the couch! £25 Also great for: dads & uncles

Dad

We know how much dads like hot stuff so how about this Deluxe Chilli Lovers Gift Set? Three jars of the spicy stuff, recipes, an apron, a magnet and a packet of Hot Cheyenne Pepper seeds - so not only can he make his own, he can grow his own too! £28 Also great for: friend’s husband, couples

An older person

What do you buy an older person or someone who may be in hospital or a care home this Christmas? How about one of these ‘Thinking of You’ bouquets crammed with goodies to aid relaxation; super soft hand towel and matching face cloth, snuggle socks, eye mask, soothing lip balm, Butterfly Garden soap, fragrant sachet and handy tissues.

There’s also Mad Hatter Tea Bags, and biscuits to complement the perfect cuppa.

Available in men’s & women’s versions. £30 Also great for: granny, grandad

Your friend’s mum

We love these gardening gifts, complete with horticultural goodies check out the children’s & men’s versions too. £25 Also great for: granny, aunts

Nieces & Nephews

Gorgeous Happy School days backpack complete with mini pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener, pad, pen & stickers. Brilliant for school or holidays. Also comes in Space theme. £22 Also great for: any little person!

Cousin

This Monsoon Card Making Set is a little bit different and perfect for crafty fingers. Six patterned cards & envelopes with cut out shapes, buttons, stickers & sticker pads will keep them busy. £4.50 Also great for: siblings, nieces

Student

Lad’s Night in Pizza Plate is perfect for gaming nights and late night munchies. £4 Also great for: stocking filler for lads & dads, secret Santa.

Tweenager

This Wheelie Great Desk Set contains good quality stationery disguised as all manner of things. There’s a bar of chocolate that’s actually a calculator, a tube of toothpaste lookalike concealing a pen, and an eraser posing as a smart phone. Also includes brightly coloured highlighters, 2 retractable pencils, an animal print pen, a smart note book and wheelie bin! Four neon colours available. £12 Also great for: nephews & nieces, children of friends.

Everything you see here is available from Say it Personally who have a fabulous range of presents online from baby bouquets to pet gifts. Each is carefully crafted and packed and where possible products are locally produced. You can see their extensive range at www.sayitpersonally.co.uk Families Vale of York

19

what’son

in nov/dec‘12

We’ve ordered everything according to start date – be sure to look out for all the events which run for several weeks / weekends too. And be sure to check before you set off. These were correct as we went to print but may have changed.

theatre

19 – 24 NOV

GREASE

6 NOV – 8 DEC

HULL NEW THEATRE www.hullcc.gov.uk 01482 300 300

OLIVER

20 - 25 NOV

THE GRAND THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE, LEEDS 0870 121 4901 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com 6-10 NOV

JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICLOUR DREAMCOAT YORK GRAND OPERA HOUSE 01904 671818 7-8 NOV

BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM

DISNEY ON ICE PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE

SHEFFIELD MOTORPOINT ARENA 0114 2 56 56 56 www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk 21 - 24 NOV

FLEECED

JUNCTION, GOOLE www.junctiongoole.co.uk 01405 763652 21 NOV - 13 JAN

JACK & THE BEANSTALK

YORK BARBICAN www.yorkbarbican.co.uk

HARROGATE THEATRE 01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

7 - 10 NOV

24 NOV - 19 JAN

THE WIZARD OF OZ

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE www.jrtheatre.co.uk

7 - 10 NOV

CINDERELLA

WIND IN THE WILLOWS

WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE 0113 213 7700 www.wyp.org.uk 26 – 27 NOV

THE NUTCRACKER

10 NOV 2pm

ST. GEORGE’S HALL 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

THE NIGHTINGALE

1 DEC

RILEY-SMITH HALL TADCASTER

JUNCTION, GOOLE www.junctiongoole.co.uk 01405 763652 13 – 17 NOV

ANNIE

DONCASTER CIVIC THEATRE 01302 342349 www.doncastercivic.co.uk

THE SCARECROW

JUNCTION, GOOLE www.junctiongoole.co.uk 01405 763652

1 DEC 6 PM

THE SNOW QUEEN

HELMSLEY ARTS CENTRE 01439 771 700 www.helmsleyarts.co.uk

Robin Hood and His Merry Mam! 13 Dec - 2 Feb The best panto in the land is all set for York Theatre Royal again this year.

If you’ve been before then you’ll know that the show will be one of a kind.

With amazing sets, costumes props, lighting and music, the York Theatre Royal Panto promises to be a riot.

Set in 1212 the world’s first historically incorrect pantomime sees Robin Hood saving the rightful heirs to the throne whilst Richard the Lionheart is away fighting the crusades.

With guaranteed interference from his mam and the evil Prince John and Sherif Hutton of Nottingham, there’s sure to be slapstick, mayhem and madness aplenty!

Berwick Kaler is back for his 34th panto in York together with regulars Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper, Sian Howard and A J Powell which all sounds like a recipe for a completely wonderful night’s entertainment.

Don’t miss it! www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

20Families 20 Families Vale Vale ofof York York

3 DEC – 13 JAN

CINDERELLA

WAKEFIELD THEATRE ROYAL AND OPERA HOUSE 01924 211311 www.wakefieldtheatres.co.uk

13 DEC – 6 JAN

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

DONCASTER CIVIC THEATRE 01302 342349 www.doncastercivic.co.uk

6 DEC – 5 JAN

14 & 15 DEC

BABES IN THE WOOD

JUNCTION, GOOLE www.junctiongoole.co.uk 01405 763652

THE GEORGIAN THEATRE ROYAL, RICHMOND 01748 825252 www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk

6 DEC – 6 JAN

SLEEPING BEAUTY

RAPUNZEL

14 DEC – 6 JAN

SLEEPING BEAUTY

YORK GRAND OPERA HOUSE 01904 671818

HULL NEW THEATRE www.hullcc.gov.uk 01482 300 300

15 DEC – 3 FEB

7 Dec – 19 JAN

ALHAMBRA THEATRE 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

SLEEPING BEAUTY

WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE 0113 213 7700 www.wyp.org.uk 8 -15 DEC

CINDERELLA

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE www.jrtheatre.co.uk

11 - 16 DEC

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY HELMSLEY ARTS CENTRE 01439 771 700 www.helmsleyarts.co.uk

13 – 30 DEC

BEAUTY & THE BEAST

LAWRENCE BATLEY THEATRE 01484 430528 www.lbt-uk.org

CINDERELLA

15 DEC 4.30PM

CINDERELLA

by Pocket Panto SNAITH SPORTS HALL www.pocket-panto.co.uk

16 DEC 3PM

CINDERELLA

by Pocket Panto CEDAR COURT HARROGATE www.pocket-panto.co.uk 20 & 21 DEC

CINDERELLA

by Pocket Panto NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM www.pocket-panto.co.uk

The Magic of Stockeld

Picture courtesy of www.yourstrulyphotography.co.uk taken at The Christmas Adventure, Stockeld Park

where’s santa?

WEEKENDS IN DEC

SANTA SPECIALS

NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY 01751 472508 www.nymr.co.uk 10 & 11 NOV

SANTA & REINDEER SLEIGH PARADE

STOCKELD PARK FREE event - meet Santa and his reindeer and maybe win a sleigh ride. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk www.thechristmasadventure.com 10 NOV - 24 DEC

SANTA’S GROTTO

17,18,24,25 NOV 1,2 DEC

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Harry Potter Fans are going to be in for a real treat this season at Stockeld Park as Make a Wish entertainment bring some very special wizarding visitors all the way from Hogwarts. Stockeld’s Harry Potter tribute weekend runs from 17th - 18th November and we’ve had a sneaky preview of some of the exciting events taking place in the Great Hall and the Hogwarts classroom. You’ll be able to be ‘sorted’ into your house by the Sorting Hat, take part in a broomstick training workshop, plant magic beans and see live owls. You can also don your dress robes, prepare your wand and get ready for the Harry Potter catwalk with prizes for the best dressed costumes at 3pm each day.

These special Harry Potter activities cost only £1 or are FREE! If you go down to the woods you’ll see the elves have flicked the switch to turbo magical this year in time for Harry and Hagrid to perform a special show for you - the woodland trail winds to a new performance area where shows will be performed 4 times each day (show tickets an extra £2.50). And Stockeld’s Magical Gift Emporium will be stocked with extra special wizarding gifts to make sure the magic lasts long after you’ve left.

All adventure zones will be open as usual (Enchanted Forest, maze, Nordic skiing and real ice skating) and special bargain Golden Potter Passes allow you to enter all four Adventure Zones and do all the special activities for a single cost of £15 per child, £17 per adult or £56 for a family of 4.

Santa also has a brand new grotto this year - a luxury log cabin in beautiful woodland surroundings. You can celebrate his arrival on 10th & 11th November, see his reindeer and follow his parade through the forest. You can also meet Santa for breakfast again this year or see him at the Stockeld Children’s Christmas Party. Other wonderful seasonal events include Dick Whittington the Pantomime, The Magic Hatter, Baby Beats Workshop and much, much more. We can’t wait!

Golden Potter Passes, regular day passes, special event tickets and season tickets can be purchased online at www.stockeldpark. co.uk Individual adventure Zone tickets can be bought on the day.

STOCKELD PARK Join Santa for a yummy breakfast and gift. Tickets only available online.

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark. co.uk www.thechristmasadventure. com

29 NOV-23 DEC

24 & 25 NOV

STEAM RIDE WITH SANTA

AN AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS

CASTLE HOWARD www.castlehoward.co.uk

24,25 NOV, 1,2,8,9,16,16

FATHER CHRISTMAS BY THE FIRESIDE

HAREWOOD HOUSE 0113 218 1010 www.harewood.org

24,25 NOV, 1,2,8,9,14,15,16,21,22,23 DEC

(VARIOUS DATES)

NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM 0844 815 3139 www.nrm.org.uk/christmas

Weekends from late November until & inc Christmas week Dates TBC – see online

SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND

THE FARM SHOP Willow House, Wigginton Road, York, 01904 766822 www.thefarmshopyork.co.uk

STOCKELD PARK Brand new grotto for 2012.

Weekdays until 7 Dec 3pm - 7pm.

Weekends 12 - 7pm. Weekdays 10 - 21 Dec 12 - 7pm. Arrive early - Santa is popular!

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk www.thechristmasadventure.com

CANNON HALL, BARNSELY 01226 790427 www.cannonhallfarm.co.uk

25, NOV, 1,2,8,9,11,16,16,22,23 DEC

1,2,8,9,16,16 DEC 1-3PM

17 NOV 11AM-1PM & 2-4PM

SANTA ON THE TRAIN

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

FATHER CHRISTMAS

TREASURES OF WETHERBY

SANTAS BIG BREAKFAST & SANTAS SUPPER

EMBSAY & BOLTON ABBEY STEAM RAILWAY www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk

1 - 23 DEC

SANTA UNDERGROUND

NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM www.ncm.org.uk 01924 848 806

SANTA’S GROTTO

1,2,8,9,15,16, DEC 11.30 -3.30

SANTA’S GROTTO

NOSTELL PRIORY & PARKLAND 01924 863892 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 1,2,8,9,22,23,24 DEC

SANTA SPECIALS

KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY 01535 645214 to check availability. www.kwvr.co.uk

1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23,26,29,30 DEC & 1 JAN 11AM - 3.30PM

A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

BENINGBROUGH HALL& GARDENS www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01904 472027

1,2,8,9,15,16,17 - 23 DEC

SANTA’S GROTTO

EUREKA! THE MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN 01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk

Families Vale of York

21

8 NOV 6.30 - 9PM

PAMPER SHOPPING NIGHT

YORK STEINER SCHOOL www.yorksteinerschool.org

9 NOV

24 NOV 1.30 - 3.30 PM

CASTLE HOWARD 01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk

Waterstones York

10 NOV 7.30 - 10PM

Sat 10th Nov, 11.30am-2.30pm. Meet award-winning children’s author and illustrator Gillian McClure. She’ll be signing copies of her books, including Zoe’s Boat and displaying her artwork.

GIRLS’ NIGHT IN

York Theatre Royal

23rd-24th Nov, ‘Young People’s Shakespeare: King Lear’. In this new edited version, King Lear is brought vibrantly to life for younger audiences.

Harrogate Theatre

20-21st Feb 2013. Book now for ‘Spot’s Birthday Party’. David Wood, the UK’s leading children’s playwright has taken Eric Hill’s characters and created a bright, colourful and musical production – the perfect introduction to theatre for young children.

Book Events for Children is a dedicated website, facebook and twitter feed listing book-related events for children across the UK. Aimed at parents, grandparents, teachers, and carers, they feature events at bookshops, literary festivals, theatres and libraries. The site also features additional content including interviews with authors, publishers and independent bookshops. www.bookeventsforchildren.co.uk 1,2,8,9,15,16,22,23 DEC 10 AM - 3 PM

Days Out

ADVENT FAIR

THE ENGINE SHED, WETHERBY www.tabletots.co.uk

NSPCC CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FAIR

Book Events For Children

24 NOV 10am – 4pm

HEDGEHOG CARE TALK

YORK ENVIRONMENT CENTRE St Nicholas Fields, Rawdon Ave, York YO10 3ST 24 NOV - 16 DEC

CHRISTMAS AT CASTLE HOWARD

BUBWITH CENTRE 07845 123064 for tickets

CASTLE HOWARD 01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk

10-11 NOV 10.30AM – 4.30PM

24 NOV

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

CHRISTMAS MARKET

DUNCOMBE PARK 01423 545 377 wwwyorkshirefairs.co.uk www.duncombepark.com

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

15 NOV 6.30 - 9PM

24 NOV & 1 DEC

PAMPER SHOPPING NIGHT

ST NICHOLAS TOUR

PORTHOLME CHURCH, SELBY www.tabletots.co.uk

YORK WALKS 01904 622303 www.yorkwalk.co.uk

16 - 18 NOV

24 NOV - 16 DEC

LIVING NORTH ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS FAIR

1920s FAMILY CHRISTMAS AT NUNNINGTON

17 NOV 10AM -12PM

24 & 25 NOV

YORK RACECOURSE www.livingnorthfair.com

ST EDWARD’S PLAYGROUP CHRISTMAS FAIR

NUNNINGTON HALL 01439 748283

DICK WHITTINGTON PANTOMIME

MURTON PARK 01904 489966

4,11,18,25 NOV 1-3pm

ST EDWARD’S CHURCH, YORK 07904 493 149

1,2,8,9,15,16,17 - 24 DEC 11AM - 3PM

WINTER ARTRAGEOUS

17 & 18 NOV

THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT HOGWARTS

29 NOV - 2 DEC

SANTA SPECIALS

SANTA’S MAGICAL WONDERLAND GROTTO

THORP PERROW 01677 425323 www.thorpperrow.com

1,2,8,9,15,16,22,23,29,30 DEC

SANTA’S GROTTO

RIPLEY CASTLE 01423 770152 www.ripleycastle.co.uk 2,8,9,15,16,21,22,23 DEC

SANTA CRUISES

YORKBOAT 01904 628324 www.yorkboat.co.uk 8 DEC 2 - 5PM

NORTH DUFFIELD CHRISTMAS FAYRE

NORTH DUFFIELD VILLAGE HALL A traditional family Fayre with Santa’s Grotto, Crafts, Stalls, Raffle, Tombola, Refreshments and lots of Christmas cheer.

8,9,15,16,DEC 10AM - 4PM TICKETS ON THE DOOR 8,9,15,16,22,23 DEC10AM-4PM FASTPASS TICKETS AVAILABLE

NARNIA CHRISTMAS GROTTO

ROCKPLEX CENTRE, PRIORY STREET Door tickets £5.Fast Pass tickets £6 per child by booking in advance on 01904 659475. Adults £2 & £2.50 fast pass. NOTE: FAST PASS ONLY ON 22 &23 DEC www.rockchurch.org.uk 22 & 23 DEC

MEET SANTA

BRIMHAM ROCKS

22 Families

Vale of York

BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS 01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 7,14, 21,28 NOV & 5 & 12 DEC

BABY BEATS WORKSHOP

THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK Parents and tots assemble and join Fairy Enchantica from Make a Wish Entertainment as she hosts 40-minute indoor music workshops. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK See our main feature on p 21 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

24 NOV

BABY & TOTS NEARLY NEW SALE

SELBY HIGH SCHOOL www.tabletots.co.uk

ST NICHOLAS FAYRE

YORK CENTRE One of the country’s most popular Christmas markets.

24 NOV – 6 JAN

ICE FACTOR

YORK DESIGNER OUTLET The ice rink will be turned into a winter wonderland village with decorative cabins, a traditional

Christmas & New Year Activities Harrogate climbing centre Harrogate Climbing Centre is the areas most unique attraction; set in an impressive leisure complex with an on-site deli-café, it offers exciting and unusual activities that will keep your youngsters and their friends talking for weeks! This winter there are lots of opportunities to go along and get involved. With regular kids clubs sessions running every day as well as birthday parties at times to suit you. Every session focuses on getting as much climbing packed into the session as possible, and the centre’s instructors know how to deliver the right session depending on the age of the children taking part. Sessions start from as little as £8 per person, and run for an hour or an hour and a half, depending on the age. The activities don’t stop there; they also offer family taster sessions, holiday clubs and adult beginner courses.

The centre is located on the south edge of Harrogate, meaning it is easily accessed from across Yorkshire. The extensive free parking and rail links make it an ideal spot to combine a trip into Harrogate shopping or sight-seeing.

For more details visit www.harrogateclimbingcentre.com or call on 01423 815024

beta mum

funfair, rides, games, stalls and a 30ft giant Christmas tree. Food and drink available as well as Santa in his grotto. www.theicefactor.co.uk 25-27 NOV & 2-4, 9-10 DEC

CRAFT AND PRODUCE MARKET CASTLE HOWARD 01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk

29 NOV - 2 DEC

DICKENSIAN FESTIVAL

LIGHTWATER VALLEY 0870 458 0040 www.lightwatervalley.co.uk

Picture courtesy of www.yourstrulyphotography.co.uk taken at The Christmas Adventure, Stockeld Park

1 DEC 12 - 6PM

THE MAGIC HATTER

9 DEC 3PM

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK Meet ‘The Magic Hatter’ who will be doing walkabout magic all day as well as 2 shows at 1.30 & 3.30pm.

Free. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

1 & 2 DEC

1 & 16 DEC 11AM

THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK Booked tickets only - take friends, nursery or playgroup! 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

DAZZLING DECORATIONS

11,12,13,14,15 DEC 7.30 PM

CHRISTMAS MARKET

KNARESBOROUGH

BRIMHAM ROCKS 01423 780686

1,2,8,9,15,16 DEC

SPARKLE ROBINS & TREES FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

11 DEC

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

CAROLS IN KIRKGATE

CASTLE MUSEUM, YORK 01904 650333 www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

13 DEC 7.30pm

SOUNDSFUN CHRISTMAS CONCERT

1,2,8,9,15,16 DEC 3.30pm - 5pm

ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH, PRIORY ST, YORK Tickets £6 - contact 07786 89464

MUSIC AND LIGHTS

14 ,15 & 16 DEC

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

2 DEC

9AM

SANTA ON THE RUN

THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK Raising funds for Martin House Hospice 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

THE MAGIC HATTER’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER UPSTAGE CENTRE YOUTH THEATRE,YORK www.magichatter.co.uk

15 - 16 DEC

FESTIVAL OF ANGELS

YORK – THE QUARTER 16 DEC 1.30 – 3.30

JINGLEBELLBOP

7 DEC

RILEY SMITH HALL TADCASTER www.jinglebellbop.co.uk

CHRISTMAS FAIR

16 Dec 1.30pm

RIPLEY CASTLE 01423 770152 www.ripleycastle.co.uk 7 & 14 DEC 7PM

YORK MINSTER’S CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT

YORK MINSTER

7,8,9,15,18,21 DEC

CHRISTMAS CHOIRS & BANDS

THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK Enjoy the sounds of Christmas with live music. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 8 - 23 DEC

YORK FESTIVE FAYRE

PARLIAMENT STREET, YORK

CHRISTMAS CAROLS & SONGS

RIEVAULX ABBEY 01439 798228 www.english-heritage.org.uk 20 DEC 2.30 & 7pm

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk 23 & 24 Dec 4PM

NINE LESSONS & CAROLS YORK MINSTER

1 Jan

NEW YEAR’S DAY SPECIALS - FAMILY DAY

EMBSAY & BOLTON ABBEY STEAM RAILWAY 01756 795189 www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk

Along with the mists and mellow fruitfulness and all that, autumn is apparently the season to drive Beta Mums up the wall with demands for ever more inventive dressing-up costumes.

What with school trips, World Book Day, Hallowe’en and goodness knows what other fervent festivals of fancy dress I may have forgotten, the school gates are thronged with parents groaning in dismay as their excited offspring offer up yet another grubby, crumpled letter.

Oh goody. This one suggests that the little darlings have to be togged up in a historicallyaccurate representation of the outfits worn during the Regency period by middle-class bookbinders living in a remote village in Mombasa (no trainers).

By the day after tomorrow please (children will require a packed lunch) (we are hoping the coach will be back at school at 5.30, traffic permitting).

And there’s always an Alpha Mum, amiably agreeing with the general grumbling, and then shoving little Tarquin through the gate on Thursday morning in some breathtaking garment that she’s spent the past 48 hours crafting because she doesn’t go to work and has a cleaner and probably a fully-qualified seamstress hidden away in that big house of hers.

The vagaries of the school calendar meant that we recently had to provide two different costumes in one week (Victorian child/fictional hero).

I cobbled together the usual garments, saying a small prayer for a waistcoat and flat cap, which I have cheerfully used to represent a farmer, an 18th century peasant, Fantastic Mr Fox and an evacuee, with barely a tweak. But there was a snag.

For fictional hero, the eightyear-old had opted to be Harry Potter, which necessitated a trip to a York fancy dress shop for suitable headwear.

Me: ‘Hello, do you have a Harry Potter type hat please?’

Man In Fancy Dress Shop: ‘Only these stripy woolly ones.’

Me: ‘No… I need something pointy and wizardy.’

MIFDS: ‘Ah. Sorry then. No.’ As I turned to leave, I realised it was a fortnight before

Hallowe’en. Surely they must have something? I glanced around the shop and spotted an entire wall filled with black pointy hats of all shapes, sizes and designs.

Me: ‘Well, one of these will do!’

MIFDS: ‘Oh, yeah, well, we have witches hats.’

Not a nominee for salesman of the year, I think.

What the hell did he think a woman in her early 40s asking for Harry Potter headgear wanted, if not a rough approximation for school fancy dress? A genuinely magical Sorting Hat? An authenticated prop from the movies? A velvet wizard cap, lined with unicorn skin and blessed by the hands of the sainted JK Rowling herself?

I’ll leave you with a text I received recently from an old friend, relating a priceless moment that involved not dressing up, but complete nudity.

One morning, her six year old son had wandered into the bathroom, interrupting his father’s manly ablutions, presumably for the first time.

The child stood stock still, his eyes wide with surprise.

‘Daddy!’ he exclaimed, ‘Your willy’s got a beard!’

21st Century Boy An 8-year-old’s view of life I made up this joke because my mum’s always dyeing her hair so many different types of red.

She says they’re called Plum, Pillar Box, Tulip, Dark Tulip and Flamingo. Last time she came down and me and my brother were like, “Argh! It’s a monster!”.

And then I said, ‘Mum, they should write a book about your hair. And call it Fifty Shades of Red.’ My mum couldn’t stop laughing.

(Mum’s note: I can promise you, he hasn’t seen a copy of it in my house. Despite the fact that several of my friends have promised to lend it to me… I’m still waiting….Clare, Jane…?)

Families Vale of York

23

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