Families Vale of York July / Aug 2012

®

47

july/aug2012 issue

free

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

• 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

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Teaching tennis to little ones from 2 years A fun and educational tennis play and skills programme Classes across North Leeds, Ilkley, Wetherby, Harrogate, Ripon and York For information call Caroline Buncall on 07843 342 662 • www.tennistykes.co.uk

2 Families

Vale of York

FREAEL

TRISON LES

welcome

Earlier today I returned from watching the Olympic flame pass near where I live and the excitement it generated left me inspired to write a bit about sport. It’s going to be a great sporting summer and we have tickets to see the rowing, so I really felt fired up.

Sport and I have not been great friends. I was hopeless at it when I was at school and in primary school I managed to avoid it by offering to ‘tidy the library’. In reality my friend Helen and I were looking up the facts of life in an encyclopedia. I was third reserve in the school hockey team once at high school but it was so obvious I wasn’t going to be needed I didn’t even turn up.

Despite being rubbish at exercise, from time to time I’m tempted to give it a go. After all I can’t expect my kids to be passionate about sport (I unashamedly push them - I’d hate for them to turn out like me) without being willing to move about a bit myself.

So this afternoon at school sports’ day I was finally persuaded to take part.

Yes, it was only the egg and spoon race but I was prepared to give it a go.

But not prepared enough it would seem. Sauntering towards the start line I suddenly had to dive out of the way as around twenty determined mums with spoons were heading straight at me. They’d only set off without me: I couldn’t even manage to get to the start line.

Never mind, I’m good at other things. Skiing, for example - I love that. I’ll leave you to work out what the attraction might be there!

FANTASTIC NEW KNARESBOROUGH NURSERY OPENING SEPTEMBER !!!!

TWINKLES (KNARESBOROUGH) Ltd

Editor

(part of the Twinkles Group)

CARING FOR CHILDREN FROM 3 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS IN A FUN, HAPPY AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT • Professional staff committed to maximising your child’s development.

• Flexible places and competitive prices that include all home cooked, organic meals and ALL NAPPIES! • We take a holistic approach to supporting our families and supply a host of other services to help with the costs and demands of bringing up your family.

CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON 01937 584000 (Claire) OR 01937 849588 (Naomi)

SPECIAL OFFER – QUOTE TKN1 BEFORE 31/8/12 TO RECEIVE FREE REGISTRATION WORTH £50.

familiesmagazine Contact us: PO Box 201, DN14 9ZW Tel: 01405 860831 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesvoy.co.uk Front cover:

Photography by Robling Photography www.roblingphotography.com

Circulation: 18,000 Deadline:

The deadline for the Sep/Oct 2012 edition is early Aug 2012

Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel:01405 869045 Printed by:

Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk

Copyright Families in the Vale of York July/Aug 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.

in this issue

p4 news p6 competitions & giveaways p8 ask the doctor p9 things your child should know before starting school

p10 summer days

p14 cycling with kids

p15 safe independence

p16 improving children’s swimming

p17 summer camps & activities p20 what’s on p23 beta mum

what’s online

• take the family challenge • how to stay safe around dogs • competitions • summer what’s on - more ideas for what to do & where to go • beta mum Families Vale of York

3

news Fren

ch & Spanish for

dre Chil

n

Fun classes for children aged 2 - 11 With puppets, songs, craft, stories and snacks Harrogate, York, Selby & Leeds We’re expanding: teachers required

littlefidgets.co.uk

Tel 01904 706565

Fantastic pre-school setting for children aged 2 - 5 Learn through play in a friendly, fun & stimulating environment Mornings 9.15-12.15 Term Time Funded places for 3+ Established 1966 ouseburnplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk Ouseburn Playgroup, The Village Hall, Little Ouseburn, York YO26 9TD 01423 339559 (Term time only)

www.ouseburnplaygroup.btck.co.uk

Knaresborough to get New Nursery The award winning Twinkles Nurseries Group are to open a fantastic, state-of-the-art nursery on Manse Lane, Knaresborough this September.

The new nursery will offer care for children from 3 months to 5 years in a 92 place, custom-built setting.

Twinkles Knaresborough is hoping to continue the excellent standard of childcare its sister nurseries offer in Wetherby and Boston Spa. Along with providing services for local families, the new facility will offer up to 40 jobs for the childcare professionals of Knaresborough.

‘We recognised a need for outstanding childcare, especially in the under 2’s age group within Knaresborough,’ said owner Jill Johnson, ‘and have been incredibly lucky to find the most fantastic facilities here at Manse Lane.

‘Our Boston Spa and Wetherby nurseries have delivered important services to our local families for over ten years now and we have been searching for a property in the area for a while.

We don’t think we could have found a better site and facility and we are all very excited about contributing to the local community.

‘We’ve recruited one of our very best colleagues to manage the nursery and know that our rigorous high standards of care and friendly approach will continue at Knaresborough.’

Twinkles have launched a recruitment campaign for both jobs at the Nursery and for child enrolment. Interested parties can contact either Naomi at Twinkles Boston Spa on 01937 849588 or Claire at Twinkles Wetherby 01937 584000.

Gerald - The Giraffe Who Couldn’t Dance There were rocking rhinos, tango-ing lions and monkeys who did the cha-cha when pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School staged their ballet show.

Dozens of youngsters took to the stage to perform Gerald – the Giraffe Who Couldn’t Dance – in front of a packed audience of staff, students and parents.

Organised by the Harrogate-based Lynton Academy, which runs weekly ballet classes for youngsters from pre-reception to Year 5 at the school, the show told the story of a group of shipwrecked children who end up on an island filled with exciting animals.

Around 50 pupils at the school enjoy weekly ballet classes, based on the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum and run by the Lynton Academy forming part of a wide and varied range of extra-curricular activities at the school. www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk or call 01423 771029.

Harrogate Baby Fair and Family Day - Save the date!

Saturday 22nd September is a date to save on your calendar! Harrogate Baby Fair and Family Day will be at the Yorkshire Event Centre all day, from 10am to 4pm. With an outdoor farm, face painting, bouncy castle and the opportunity to learn circus tricks or try out your skills at tennis, football and martial arts, this will be a day out for all the family.

There will also be stands and stalls providing information and selling items useful to new and expectant mums, as well as parents of older children. You can have your child’s photograph taken on the day, and enter the ‘Face of Harrogate Baby Fair’ competition!

For those who would like some quiet shopping time, there’s also a fully supervised, professional creche.

Entry is free for children, and £4 for adults, and this price covers all activities within the fair, including the bouncy castle and face painter. The ample parking at the Yorkshire Event Centre is also free of charge.

Tickets and more information available at www.harrogatebabyfair.com

Tappytots now in York Tappytots is pleased to announce a brand new class for boys & girls starting in Bishopthorpe on Thursday mornings.

Your little ones can Join Ted Astaire, the talented tap-dancing bear and Hickory Dickory, the magical chiming clock on an adventure learning all about rhythm, rhyme and music, whilst dancing and singing along to well-known tunes.

‘Tappytots entertains and appeals to both boys and girls,’ says class teacher Sue Brierley. ‘We using brightly coloured props, imaginative stories with sound effects and music, noisy tap shoes, phonic rhythms, musical instruments and rhythm sticks. And it’s all been devised to engage and educate your child whilst fulfilling the Early Years Foundation Stage criteria.’

If your toddler enjoys music, dancing or make-believe then it will be right up their street. Find out more about the new York classes by visiting www.tappytots.co.uk 0113 379 0610

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Vale of York

Say it Personally...

Something for the Girls We think this great selection of personalised gifts from 4littleart is just lovely for a new bedroom - perhaps for a ‘big girl’ just about to start school.

With everything from Hearts and Stars to Large Name Canvasses and new Owl and Boudoir Designs for older girls there is plenty to choose from.

There’s also a new-look website coming in July/August where you can sign up for the 4littleart newsletter and be the first to find out about exclusive money off deals along with the launch of new designs.

Take a look at the full range www.4littleart.co.uk and find the perfect gift boys too!

We’re really excited about this fabulous new business set up by a team of 5 ladies from East Yorkshire. Say It Personally specialises in unique, quality gifts delivered to the door to make any occasion extra special.

We particularly like these ‘alternative bouquets’ which use practical items such as baby clothes instead of flowers - a refreshing change from the usual type of bouquet - and perfect for a group of people looking to buy for a friend or colleague.

And if bouquets aren’t your thing, the range includes gift sets beautifully compiled with attention to detail - perfect for a nephew’s first day at school, a budding gardner or mini chef - or maybe as a getwell-soon gift for a relative.

Say It Personally’s Hazel Beckett says: ‘Having worked together in the past, the team already has a great rapport and can work to our individual strengths. We’ve loved putting this range together, choosing products we’d be delighted to receive ourselves.’

We can’t wait to visit their workshop to see what other interesting goodies they have in the pipeline! Find out more at www.sayitpersonally.co.uk 01482 638355

Getting your 5 a Day?

New Venue for Italian Playgroup The Yorkshire Playgroup for Italian Children are pleased to announce they have a new permanent venue.

The group now meets in the Sure Start Centre located within the grounds of Tadcaster East Primary School.

For more details email: italianplaygroup@talktalk.net

It’s always a worry that your children are getting their 5 a day so we love this new fruit and vegetable delivery service that brings fresh local produce straight to your door.

‘Our produce is sourced locally,’ says Adrian Pettitt of Yorkshire Farm Shop, ‘and is harvested the day before delivery - which means freshness is guaranteed and you won’t be throwing half of it away in a few days’ time.’

The box contents change weekly to reflect what’s in season - so there’s bound to be something even for the fussiest of eaters and all food is certified organic. And you can be sure of great quality food that tastes just as it should.

You can choose from all fruit, all veg or mixed boxes of different sizes, and prices start from as little as £7. There’s a loyalty and referral system too where you can earn free items or even free boxes.

‘Not only do you save money in the long run,’ says Adrian, ‘as the produce keeps longer, it’s also much more convenient for busy parents.’

You can find Yorkshire Farm Shop on Facebook & Twitter or call them on 07795 663 770 info@yorkshirefarmshop.co.uk www.yorkshirefarmshop.com

Footballers Wanted!

Calling all boys and girls in year 4! Wigginton Grasshoppers Football Club are looking for new U10 players. The group meets at Wigginton recreation playing fields for training on Thursdays from 6pm – 7.30pm with matches being played on Sundays. The club is an FA Charter Standard Club & York City FC Feeder Club, has FA Qualified & First Aid trained Coaches and Weekly ‘Man of the Match’ awards.

For more information contact Rudie Humphrey 01904 794435 / 07527 926346

Carlton Playgroup enjoys new premises Parents and children at Carlton playgroup in Carlton-in-Snaith were thrilled to finally move into their new premises at the presbytery at St Mary’s Church in the village.

‘We’ve been waiting so long for a place to call our own,’ said playgroup manager Elaine Pocklington, ‘and we’re all really excited to have such a fabulous space for our children to use.’

For the past 18 months local parents have been working hard to transform the old building into a state-of-the-art facility for the pre-schoolers.

‘Until now we’ve met in the village hall and although the space was large, we had to set up and clear away everything every day. Now we have a permanent space with a separate messy room and large outdoor area. The children now have their own pegs and drawers - and we can, at long last, display their work on the walls,’ added Elaine.

‘We couldn’t have done it all without the help from parents and staff - as well as support from Hands of Hope in Selby and staff from Croda and Wilkinsons who’ve helped with painting.’ www.carltonplaygroup.co.uk Families Vale of York

5

news Photoshoot discount at Phil Taylor Photography Phil Taylor gained an honours degree in design at one of London’s leading art colleges where his love of photography grew and now drives a passion to photograph the great times that make up our lives.

‘I enjoy capturing people’s natural expressions and smiles,’ says the Harrogate-based photographer, ‘ and have had some lovely feedback about my work.’

Phil travels across Yorkshire to photograph families and children using natural light and the best colourful surroundings and locations as backdrops for his family portrait photography.

‘One of the best backdrops is at a client’s home, simply because this is where young children and babies are most relaxed and their true personalities can come through.’

Studio format photography for families, children and babies is also available, and allows photographs to be taken on those wet days.

‘I work with a growing number of families across Yorkshire who love my relaxed style,’ says Phil, ‘and as a result they keep inviting me back to photograph their babies and children as they grow!’

Phil Taylor Photography is offering 20% off all photo shoots this Summer. See his website for details www.philtaylorphotography.co.uk

Singamajigs Celebrates Netmums Win Singamajigs owner Karen Allen has been celebrating being voted one of the top classes in the area by Netmums.

‘I’m absolutely thrilled to have won,’ says Karen. ‘Singamajigs is my own company we’re not a big franchise so this means a great deal to me.’

Karen has been running her preschool music classes for six years now with groups meeting at Kidzplay in Harrogate and Treasure Island, Boroughbridge. She’s also hoping to bring groups to York soon. www.singamajigs.co.uk

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Vale of York

Peppa Pig Live

Reviewed by Claire Bottomley The magic of live theatre is never more magical than when it is experienced by children. So it was with much excitement that I accompanied my three-year-old son and his friends to see Peppa Pig Live at the West Yorkshire Playhouse during half term.

They were giddy with anticipation and for the most part the show did not disappoint - they sat, mostly mesmerised, through nearly an hour-and-a-half of fun, engaging action involving Peppa and her friends.

A follow up to the previous Peppa Pig live show, Peppa Pig’s Party, Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt follows Peppa, her little brother George, Danny Dog, Pedro Pony and Zoe Zebra on an adventure to find some treasure, following a special map and clues.

The theme of the play is right up their street and in true Peppa Pig style taps into the things that fascinate and intrigue tots. Various modes of transport including bus, train, boat and even hot air balloon – ably manoeuvred by Miss Rabbit - take the gang to the mountains, where they sing about their echoes– and then to the woods and a pirate island, before returning home to Peppa’s house.

In the second half, Peppa looks into a rock pool, and the stage is plunged into darkness as fluorescent sea creatures including seahorses and starfish dance across the stage.

The songs are fun and catchy, and there is plenty of interactivity and audience participation – George Pig’s tears even squirt out on to members of the audience.

The characters themselves are portrayed by actors in black holding puppets, which the children accepted without question. I have heard some disappointed feedback about this aspect of the production, perhaps because it is too much of a departure from the muchloved television programme. But if you accept a stage adaptation as a very different experience, I think you will be delighted by the energetic and upbeat performance.

My son’s favourite bits were Peppa’s entrance, driving in the car with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George Pig, from her house in the distance on to front of stage, and the climax of the action when they found the treasure.

WIN

VIP TICKETS TO NEW PEPPA SHOW AND MEET PEPPA

If you’re a fan of Peppa and her friends this is a prize you won’t want to miss.

Win a VIP family ticket to see her new show, Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt at Harrogate Theatre on Wednesday 25th July at 4pm, and meet the star of the show afterwards.

In this new production, Peppa and her friends set off on a treasure hunt. Peppa, her brother George and friend Danny Dog get to ride on Grandpa Dog’s boat. Pedro Pony, Polly Parrot and Zoe Zebra help find the clues and a day of adventure. It’s a show filled with songs, puppets and a great story you won’t want to miss.

To be in with a chance of winning you can enter online at www.familiesvoy.co.uk/competitions. The winner will be drawn on Thursday 19th July and be notified by email.

Tickets are for 4 people (minimum 1 adult). Good Luck!

For more dates and venues look at www.peppapiglive.com

Competitions &

giveaways Win an Easy2Name Off to School set

School may not be out yet but many parents prefer to be one step ahead when it comes to uniform and often leaving it until the last minute means less choice.

Easy2Name has a wide range of labels to make the job easier and ensure all your children’s uniform is labelled and ready to go.

giveaway

We have 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to give away, each set worth £18.90 containing 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.

To enter the draw simply visit www.familiesvoy.co.uk/ competitions and follow the instructions there.

Please state clearly the name of your child and whether you require the shoe bag and labels in red, pink or blue. Closing date: 10 Aug 2012.

The full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.com

Win a Photoshoot with White Box Photography

White Box Photography is different from your average high street photographer. Sessions lasts 15 minutes during which they direct several poses from family portraits through to individual pictures of each family member. You get a guaranteed minimum of 50 images – all yours to keep on a CD with no hidden extras. There are no other costs on top of the single fixed fee.

From action shots to funny or romantic moments, generation to generation shots or even images filled with tears, White Box promises to catch your family in a natural and authentic way.

Families has teamed up with White Box to offer lucky family the chance to win a double WIN familyoneshoot.

That’s a 30 minute shoot with a maximum of

10 people taking part.

To be in with a chance of winning this great prize go to www.familiesvoy. co.uk/competitions where you’ll find all the information you need including full terms & conditions.

The winner will need to contact White Box to arrange a time slot which will be on the 8th Sept at a venue in York. No other date will be available. No pets allowed in the photshoot. Closing date August 17th.

Win a school hair set with Candy Bows and 10% off

A busy summer is ahead for Candy Bows - back from attending Children’s wear trade shows in London and Paris, they are planning ahead for the Back To School rush.

There’s a wide range of school sets available in 13 different colours & new for 2012 there’s gingham ribbons too. They also have a fabulous range of Back To School gift cards and greeting cards - perfect for that first special day at school or for going back to term time - provided with the colour bow of your choice, priced £1.85 and £4.85 respectively.

giveaway

Candy Bows have 5 of these lovely back to school sets to give away to Families readers. The set comprises of Headband, Mini Bow Clips and Mini Bow Bobbles in the colour of your choice.

To be in with a chance of winning this great prize go to www.familiesvoy.co.uk/ competitions where you’ll find all the information you need including full terms & conditions. Closing date: 10 Aug 2012.

And if you’re not successful you can get 10% off the hair sets and off Candy Bows full range at www.candybows.co.uk if you quote Familiesyork

Families Vale of York

7

ask the

doctor

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.

Local GP Clare Spencer offers some advice on....

W

orms

- I know. Sounds like a disgusting topic – but one that is important to know about. Intestinal worms can live in children’s digestive systems and are very very common. It’s important to understand a bit about their life cycle so you can treat and prevent further infection. There is a bit of a stigma attached to worm infections as they can be linked with lack of hygiene – this is true but as you read on, you will realise that infection can be difficult to avoid even in the cleanest of households.

Children and adults are most commonly infected by thread worms. (By the way – ring worm is a skin infection that is not actually a worm infection, but a fungal one!). Thread worms are the most common in this country, and are much finer than garden worms. Other worms infecting humans include round worms, with a long round body, and tape worms which tend to be flat and ribbon like. Because thread worms (or ‘pin’ worms) are the most common, I will concentrate mainly on these.

onto hands and into the mouth they go.

Round worm eggs and larvae lay in the soil and so get onto the hands and transferred into the mouth.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS WORMS?

You may not know – many infected people have no symptoms, and where there are symptoms, they may be worse at night. Thread worms most commonly cause itching and discomfort around the anus and scratching can make it sore.

Symptoms are generally worse at night HOW DO YOU CATCH when the worms lay their eggs. Children WORMS? may not realise they are scratching in Basically you get worms by swallowing their sleep, or the itching may wake the egg. The female worm in the body them up. In girls, threadworms can lays eggs round the anus or, in girls, move forwards and lay their eggs in can be also round the vagina and the vagina or urethra (the tube draining vulva. This is usually at night when you urine from the bladder) and so can are warm in bed. The eggs release an cause vaginal itching, discharge and irritant which causes itching and so the problems passing urine. Large numbers eggs get onto hands when the area is in the gut can cause tummy aches. Less scratched. The eggs then get to the commonly, heavy infection in children mouth via hands and are swallowed. can cause nutritional problems and poor Eggs can also be breathed in and then growth. If larvae get in the lungs they swallowed that way. They are tiny and can cause coughs, wheezes and other difficult to see without a microscope. chest problems but, again, this is less When the eggs have been swallowed, common. Some species of round worm they travel through the gut and hatch can migrate round the body and cause into larvae (baby worms) and then grow other problems, but these are rare. into adult worms. Adult worms live for Sometimes you can see the cotton approximately 6 weeks. The female is the larger – around 1cm long, white and like threads around the bottom – this is more likely at night and is worth a pointed looking at both ends. Family look if they are complaining of an itchy pets do not get threadworms, but can get other sorts of worms. The eggs can bottom. You may see them in poo in live for up to 2 weeks outside the body the toilet . Stool samples can be sent to the lab. In some places, they stick and so can drop off the bottom onto tape to the anus, to try to collect eggs, bedding, clothes and towels etc and can become part of the dust. These are and send this to the lab to look for eggs under the microscope. If symptoms are all touched frequently and so eggs get straightforward, you can buy treatment

www.thelittlegym.co.uk

Develop your child’s skills and confidence The Little Gym is a place where children develop their co-ordination, balance, confidence, listening and social skills whilst having heaps of FUN! The Little Gym provider of the world’s leading gymnastics based programme for children aged 4 months to 12 years is available in Harrogate!

Contact us now for more information on 01423 701560.

The Little Gym® Harrogate • 1 Cardale Park • Harrogate • HG3 1RY 01423 701560 • Harrogate@thelittlegym.co.uk • www.thelittlegym.co.uk parent/child classes

8 Families

preschool/ kindergarten gymnastics

Vale of York

primary school gymnastics

holiday camps

birthday parties

over the counter. If there is any doubt whatsoever, you should speak to a doctor about your child’s or your symptoms.

HYGIENE MEASURES TO RID THE HOUSE OF EGGS

HOW TO TREAT A WORM INFECTION

First, the house needs a top to bottom clean: • Wash all night clothes, bed linen, towels and soft toys in a normal wash.

• Vacuum clean and damp dust the entire house. Vacuum mattresses and throw away the cloths after you have dusted.

• Thoroughly clean bathrooms with a damp cloth.

Then for 2 weeks everyone should : • bath or shower in the morning to rid their bodies of any eggs, including washing hands and cleaning under finger nails.

• Wear tight fitting underwear in bed and change every morning.

• Wear clean night clothes every night.

General hygiene measure to prevent infection should always include • Avoiding putting hands into mouths • Don’t share towels • Keep tooth brushes in a cupboard to avoid contact with eggs in the air.

Unfortunately, your child will come into contact with threadworms in nurseries, school and on other children anywhere.

It may be therefore reassuring (or not) to know that you may have the cleanest, most hygienic house, and you may still get recurrent worm infections.

You should get treatment if you suspect a worm infection from either symptoms alone, or if you see the little wrigglers.

The entire household should be treated, even those without symptoms.

Medication should always be combined with the hygiene measures described in the box.

MEDICATION Medication kills the worms in the gut, but not the eggs which, remember, can live up to 2 weeks outside the body. It is active against threadworms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. Mebendazole is the usual treatment and can be given to anyone over 2 years of age. You can buy this over the counter. If you swallow eggs after taking the medicine, you can get re-infected and so a second dose 2 weeks after the first is usually recommended. Piperazine is an alternative and can be given to babies from 3 months. Again, a second dose should be taken after 2 weeks.

If you are pregnant, the drug manufacturers advise that you should not take the medication in the first 12 weeks. After this, you should have a discussion with your doctor. Hygiene measures alone may get rid of the infection. If you are breastfeeding, again you should not buy the treatment over the counter, but discuss with your doctor.

1

s g n i h 10t school your child should be able to do when they begin

The long summer holidays are almost here and if your little one is starting school in September, you’ll want to be sure they’re

prepared. Forget force feeding them phonics, this is about

getting your child ready for the social challenges of school. The more prepared they are, the easier they will settle and the more they’ll get out of those early days.

1

Can they dress themselves?

Imagine the scene. One teacher faced with thirty children and their coats.

By the time each child is zipped up and wrapped up, playtime is over. If your child is able to go some way to helping, they may get some fresh air.

If you can see buttons on trousers and skirts becoming a problem during the post PE change, invest in elasticated waistbands. These will also help during any ‘last minute’ toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days - they can also lead to unnecessary bathroom accidents. With shoes, laces and buckles are a no-no. Stick to Velcro fastenings which your child can do themselves.

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Can they communicate with an adult?

9

Are they able to count?

Giving your child the skills to communicate with their teacher means they will be able to have some control. How else will they ask to go to the toilet? If they don’t understand how to get the attention of an adult, how will they let their teacher know they don’t understand their work? A child who can communicate will get more out of the school day than a child who is unwilling to speak up. Encourage your child to ask and even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure they understand the most appropriate way of getting a grown up’s attention.

If your child is about to count up to 20, and count back from 10, this will give them a really good head start. Use some of their favourite toys or foods to make counting fun. Lay out 10 grapes and get them to eat them one by one, counting as they go. It will give them confidence and help them see learning as fun. Plus it’s a great way to get one of their 5 a day down them.

10Can they follow simple instructions?

The school day is full of instructions. Your child will be asked to put coats on pegs, bring packed lunches into classrooms and sit cross legged on the carpet for circle time. If a child is used to following instructions, they will avoid Are they used to sharing?

Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn, especially if they only start being reprimanded. The more time a teacher dedicates to repeating instructions learning it at school. But it’s a vital lesson if you want your child to settle in and and encouraging co-operation, the less time there is for teaching. Start giving your child simple tasks – perhaps helping with the weekly shop or with some make friends easily. No one wants to play with the boy who refuses to take turns and share, and before long that child becomes isolated. Start to make a straight forward jobs around the house. It will prepare them for school life. point of praising your pre-schooler for sharing his bag of figures or his last few sweets.

SOME BOOKS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL:

2 3

Can they use the toilet on their own?

4

Are they able to eat independently?

Reception classrooms usually have a toilet nearby but children are expected to use it on their own. That can mean less confident children avoid a visit until it’s too late. Encourage your child to begin taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence. Remind them that hand washing is part of the ‘visit’.

Lunchtimes can be a real flashpoint in the early days of your child’s school life. Dinner halls are noisy places and can make a child feel overwhelmed. Make sure they arrive at school able to pick up and use a knife and fork. If they’re opting for a packed lunch, make sure they can open a yoghurt, put a straw in a juice box and unpeel a banana.

5

Are they able to recognise their name?

6 7

Can they use scissors?

If your child can recognise their name, they’ll be able to find their peg, identify their drawer in the classroom and find their cardigan if it gets misplaced. Starting school can make even the most confident child feel a little lost. If they can locate important places, it will make them feel more in control.

* I am too absolutely small for school (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child * Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean Adamson * Starting School Sticker Book (Usborne) by Felicity Brooks * Going to School (Usborne First Experiences) by Anna Civardi * Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Clifton Pre-Prep School

For boys and girls aged 3 - 8 years ‘Academically excellent’

Teachers look for this in the early stages of Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty over the summer.

Do they understand discipline?

It’s important your child understands what’s expected of them when they arrive at school. They need to know hitting, kicking, biting and hair pulling will not be tolerated. Not only will it bring your child to the attention of the head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it will make your child unpopular with their classmates. Reputations earned in the early days of school tend to stick and can be hard to shake off.

Building the foundation of your child’s education

Come and Visit Us! Contact us to arrange a visit to our nursery or reception classes. We look forward to meeting you!

Clifton Pre-Prep School York YO30 6AB Tel: 01904 527361 enquiries@cliftonprep.sch.uk www.st-peters.york.sch.uk/clifton

Clifton Pre-Prep • St Olave’s • St Peter’s Families Vale of York

9

s y a d r e m m u s

ound to t you're b in o p e m o our at s different do with y head and a to g u o in y h mething r o tc s e fo r tr ts s fo lo s re a d a e n eeks ys out, id we've fou Six long w family da t Fear not e ! g d d nce! le u z b z , a away e bored o ling fr d 'r e n y a fe e e in th m t g o a e h b s moan th e stuff at . From fre ear the kid s h e r n e o v e le n tt d li , you nee Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore of events s d a lo d n a & Joan Miro. Make sure you get

Free days out NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM FOR ENGLAND The museum is a unique collection of buildings, displays and activities which reveal the hidden world of mining through the centuries, telling the stories of mining methods and machinery, the miners and their families.

Arrive as close to 10am as possible as the underground tour is often fully booked by

this time. Under 5s not allowed underground. Admission to the Museum, including car parking, is FREE. Open 10.00 am - 5.00 pm Each week of the summer holidays will see themed art and craft activities including sports, the nature trail and miners’ lamps, on week days from 1pm - 4pm.

Plus there’ll be the chance to meet fascinating characters from mining history and the opportunity chat to the curators and see some of the large objects at Hope Store on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Activities run throughout the holidays until 31 Aug. 01924 848806 www.ncm.org.uk

NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM

Admission to the NRM itself is free and there’s something for everyone including Play Train activities, indoor and outdoor Play & Picnic areas and the Interactive Learning Area where you can do things like pull signal levers, and see how trains go round corners.

Throughout the holidays you’ll be able to get involved in Summer Holiday Fun at the museum. You can make your own ‘hook a train’ game in a brand new craft activity and dress up in Edwardian costume.

For more adventures you can follow the summer family trail and sing along with the seaside puppet shows. There’s also a great selection of talks and tours on offer throughout the day, including the Bubble show and Rocket to Bullet science show.

0870 421 4001 www.nrm.org.uk

YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK A superb day out combining culture & exercise. Take a picnic and you could stay all day and enjoy works by

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Vale of York

the kids to search Sophie Ryder’s Crawling Lady-Hare for unusual objects. Enjoy a long walk round the lake or play hide & seek in the woods. Admission is free but there is a parking charge.

GEOCACHING Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game.

Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. There’ll almost definitely be some hidden near you – wherever you are. www.geocaching.com

York Walls Be a tourist and walk the walls - it’s so easy to do and you get to see the city from a different viewpoint. Take a picnic and eat it in the Museum Gardens.

Great Value

ANIMAL WORLD AT TOO HOOTS Lots of animals to see & feed, toys to play on, picnic area, tearoom & garden centre.

Summer Trail with fun things to find along the way. Adults £3.45, children £2.95. Under 3s FREE. Children’s meals from £1.35. Pop in for an hour or stay all day!

Hirst Road, Carlton, Near Goole 01405 862854 www.toohoots.co.uk

s

York M a ze 2 0 12

‘Get lost’ this summer at Yo rk Maze, one of the larg es in the world, an t maize mazes d winner of m any awards includ ing Tourism Experie Yorkshire’s Best nce and the UK Maze of the ye Maize ar.

Each year there is Harry Potter, the a new maze design to solve. Pr evious designs inc world’s largest Sp design will be re vealed just befo itfire and a spaceman. The year luded re ’s the maze opens There’s more to on 14 July.

York Maze than the giant maze. and water play, Th ad trailer ride, farm venture climb, jumping pillow, Cr ere’s children’s sand animals, pig racin ow obstacle course g, and new for 20 mania tractor .... attractions and ac the “cobstacle course”. With ov 12 the maize themed er 20 tivities to enjoy Yo out. rk Maze offers an different rides, amazing family da y Open daily 10.00 am – 6.30pm (la st admission 4.3 September.

0pm) 14 July – 2 York Maze, Elvin gton Lane (B12 Hull Road). Tel: 28 01904 607341, ww ), York, YO19 5LT (just off the A1079 w.yorkmaze.co .uk

CANNON HALL FARM Cannon Hall Farm is an award winning working farm set in the rolling Pennine hills. You’ll find Lambs, piglets, goats, llamas, rabbits and many more animals to pet & feed.

Deli, tea rooms, huge picnic area and truly fabulous adventure playground that’s recently seen £40,000 of improvements. You can spend the whole day there - and at least an hour watching the children get lost in the tube maze! A great day out. Adults & Children £5.95, concessions £4.95.

BOLTON ABBEY ESTATE Bolton Abbey is the perfect place to do as much or as little as you like. From a brisk walk across the moor, a fun day for all the family at an organised event, a little retail therapy and afternoon tea with friends or just enjoy the peace & quiet. Admission to Bolton Abbey £6 per vehicle (includes all passengers).

01756 718009 www.boltonabbey.com

HONEYSUCKLE FARM Animals, cart rides, farm trail, milking, playbarn, fort. Enjoy ice cream made on the farm too. Adults £4, Children (Age 3-15) £3.50 Hornsea www.honeysucklefarm.co.uk

York Theatre Royal Story Makers is a storytelling, drama and arts based session for 3 – 5 year olds and their mums, dads and carers. Each week explores a different story through arts, crafts and creative play. Runs on Wednesday mornings, with one session at 10.15am and another at 11am. £2 per child.

TEMPLE NEWSAM & TEMPLE NEWSAM FARM Most weekends and during school holidays activities and demonstrations will be happening around Home Farm. During the summer the farm is open from 10.00 - 5.00 Tuesday to Sunday.

Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays & occasional events.

House: Adult £3.70, child £2.70, Farm: £3.30 & £2.05 Combined: £6 & £3.70. Parking £3.70.

0113 264 5535 www.leeds.gov.uk/templenewsam

DUNCOMBE PARK Gardens, parkland centre, tearoom & shop & parkland walks open 11am - 5.30pm Sunday to Friday until the end of August (closed Saturdays).

Gardens and parkland, adults £5.00, concessions £4.50, child under 5 years FREE, child aged 5 to 16 years £3.00 01439 770213 www.duncombepark.com

Families Vale of York

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Cawood Craft Festival

25 - 27 Aug ft Cawood Cra This year is sary and er iv n an th r families 0 Festival’s 3 e reasons than ever fo or m e ar there ndreds goers with hu mes, to visit. ovided festival ga

tivities, they’ve pr For 30 years competitions, craft stalls, acimals, and a wide t an af e, cr , uc ts od af of cr cal pr live bands, lo vintage cars, ent. m in rta e village te en variety of en more of th takes over ev Park will be running a al iv st fe e th , es.

Each year d Caravan n, the Cawoo ildren of all ag and once agai games and activities for ch e ic rv tle bus se huge range of t to d regular shut ll be a free an the village from one even e’ er th l ua us nd As ou ar ng tti e ge which will mak than ever. er ts and the next, easi s traditional ar ival showcase gs, jewellery, woodwork, st fe e th s, ay As alw hes, ba d including clot ry, pictures an artisan crafts, kshops, glasswork, tapest ney, ice-cream, or ho gifts, bead w also enjoy local cheeses, sweets. toys. You can s, chutneys and traditional ve er s on a village es pr meat, get your hand tive array of so ck ba is il crea w tra The Scarecro discovering an amazingly d around the y ye map and enjo morous scarecrows displa whacky and hu ll weekend of entire village. ay host to a fu , pop and a pl ill w s en rd ga ls cluding country The vicarage and drama, in ng all the activities and stal music, dance yi jo and en r by te af go So ld . or w nd e the watch th covers ba ck, relax and ery beer from on offer, sit ba two of wine or microbrew or enjoy a glass 25th om Saturday bar. stival runs fr m - 5pm each Fe ft ra C d oo 0a The 2012 Caw onday 27th August, 10.3 M August until go free ren under 16 day. mpanied child co ac , ch ea Adults £4 rks are free. and the car pa

...it’s amazing!

Visit one of the largest mazes in the world Open daily 14th July - 2nd September 2012

CASTLE MUSEUM

York Castle Museum’s famous Victorian street Kirkgate is now bigger – complete with new shops and backstreets.

After exploring the streets you can discover more about Victorian life in a series of special activities taking place this summer in the Castle Studios.

Victorian playroom: Make your own peg doll, try on some replica Victorian children’s costumes and explore some of the toys that wealthy Victorian children may have been lucky enough to play with.

Please Sir: You’ll be able to see and taste authentic food from Dicken’s novels being made in the Kitchen Studio including ladies finger biscuits and Pegotty’s apple pasties.

Peelers and bobbies: Find out about the uniforms and weapons of a Victorian policeman and the dangerous items they may have come up against from the seedier side of society.

Open daily: 9.30am-5pm 01904 687687 www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Jumping Pillow Crowmania Ride Adventure Play Maze of Illusions Farm Animals Cobstacle Course

(new for 2012)

Café & BBQ Gift Shop

www.yorkmaze.co.uk Tel: 01904-607341 Vale of York

Storytimes for under 5s Weekly storytimes for under 5s are held in most libraries across our region. Why not go along and join in? No booking is required, just turn up with your under 5 and join in the fun.

Do Something Different Diggerland The ultimate adventure park where you can ride, drive & operate full size construction machinery. Adults can play too - and you’ll all enjoy the ‘Spindizzy’ ride & Skyshuttle. Pay on the day prices are £17 for adults and children over 90cm. Age 64+ is £8.50.

Book online and prices are £14.99 and £7.49 respectively. Under 90cm is free but with limited access to digger rides.

Open every day throughout July & August from 10am - 5pm.

Willowbridge Lane, Whitwood, Castleford, 0871 22 77 007

Little Letter Com pany

If it everything se is left in tatters ems too much like hard wor , k The Little Lette you can always order a Sum or your imagination mer Craft Box r Company. De fro contains everyt livered to your hi door for £20, th m make ten uniq ng you need to e kit ue crafts, perfe ct for dipping into on those times whe rainy days or to recover from n you just need fun outside. Pa all of the sunny ordered until Ju cks can be prely 14th and will dispatched on be July 23rd. www.littlelette rcompany.co. uk

MAGNA A fabulous way to spend a rainy day explore the four pavilions of Air, Earth, Water & Fire. There’s loads to see and do and you can easily spend four hours enjoying the indoor pavilions & multimedia shows.

On dry days there’s an outdoor play area - SciTek and on warm days there’s Aqua-Tek- for which you’ll need a towel & change of clothes.

Open every day 10.00am – 5.00pm throughout the holidays. www.visitmagna.co.uk 01709 720002

MOTHER SHIPTONS CAVE & THE PETRIFYING WELL

HESKETH FARM PARK

Mother Shipton’s visions became known and feared throughout England, with many of them still proving uncannily accurate today.

The Cave is near to the famous, unique, geological phenomenon The Petrifying Well, with its waters which turn items into stone! There’s also a museum, a mile long riverside park with scenic picnic areas, woodland walk, tea rooms and gift shop, adventure playground and trail quiz.

Admission prices: Adult £6, Children (under 4’s free) £4, Family £18 Open 10.00am -5.30pm. Knaresborough 01423 864600 www.mothershiptonscave.com

Plenty of indoor fun to be had on a rainy day including animal handling & feeding, play area, straw maze, pedal tractors as well as outdoor activities including swings, an adventure trail, spider’s net, diggers & pedal go-karts.

Great on fine days too! Open 10am – 5pm Tues – Sun. Adults £4.75 , children £5.50. Closed Mondays Bolton Abbey, Skipton www.heskethfarmpark.co.uk

The Forbidden Corner is a great place for a family visit. Visitors follow clues to find such places as the temple of the underworld, the eye of the needle, a huge pyramid made of translucent glass as well as paths and passages that lead nowhere. Admission is only by booking.

The Tupgill Park Estate, Coverdale, Middleham, Leyburn 01969 640638 www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk

THE DEEP

Plus...

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Rainy Days

Award-winning visitor attraction which is home to over 3,500 fish including spectacular sharks and rays – making it the perfect family day out. Open daily 10am – 6pm www.thedeep.co.uk

THE FORBIDDEN CORNER

Story Lab is the 2 0 12 national S umm er Reading Challen ge™ It’s

coordinated in 97% of UK by The Reading Agency and pu is run aged 4-11 takin blic libraries. With 780,000 children g pa rt, th e Su mmer Reading is the biggest na Challenge throughout the tional reading initiative. It ru ns in libraries summer holiday and events de s, w ith incentive sig reading. The ch ned to create a real buzz ar s, activities ou allenge is simpl library books ov e - to read six nd children’s or more er th e su m mer. Just head library at the be to yo will enrol your ginning of the summer holiday ur local ch and every child ildren - it’s completely free s where staff of www.summer will receive a membership ca charge readingchalle rd or pack. nge.org.uk

At home free fun

Whether the sun is shining brightly or it is bucketing down with rain, if you want to enjoy your own home for a period of time over the summer holidays here are our ideas for free and fun things to do at home!

• Using a bucket of water and big (wallpaper) brushes get little ones to paint the garden fence, wall or patio. Simple and mess-free but great fun. Or get the paints outside and try hand/foot/finger painting on the largest paper you can find – try the back of unused old wallpaper. Or you could try chalking on the path or patio. Then get out the sprinkler hose to clean everyone off!

• Set up a treasure hunt with clues around the house.

TREASURE HUNTING WITH HUNTFUN Wondering how to keep the kids entertained this summer without breaking the bank? www. huntfun.co.uk has the solution.

The company has treasure hunts in over 240 locations across the country that the whole family will enjoy.

The hunts encourage families to explore a local area, unearthing hidden historical gems they might ordinarily have walked right past.

They include everything you need – directions, clues and a map. They take about two hours to complete but if you want to make a day of it, just stop off for a bite of lunch or stop in at some attractions en route.

There are hunts all across our region including York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Strensall, Selby, Knaresborough - and many more. Why not try one if you’re holidaying in the UK? Or for families visiting London for the Olympics, there are several hunts to explore during your time in the Capital. There are also hunts at other Olympic destinations like

Weymouth, Windsor, Coventry, Newcastle and Manchester. The hunts offer a great way to explore these areas while enjoying the Olympic buzz, even if you weren’t lucky enough to get tickets to see the Games.

The hunts start from just £4.99 plus postage for a black & white printed hunt, £6.99 plus postage for a colour printed hunt or can be downloaded from £7 depending on the number of participants.

They can also be personalised to make your family day out even more special.

Go to www.huntfun.co.uk for more information.

giveaway We have two of the personalised hunts to give away where you'll be able insert two personalised lines of text on the cover.

To be in with a chance of winning go to www.familiesvoy. co.uk/competitions and follow the instructions there.

• Water fight in the back garden with two teams – one guarding a base, and the others trying to get to the base.

• Games day – challenge the kids to get through at least 10 board games, ping pong sessions etc in the day • Have a movie afternoon with popcorn and a good dvd • Camp out, pitch a tent in the garden, fill the paddling pool and sand pit, light the BBQ and make some fruity cocktails.

Then pretend you’re in an exotic location and laugh at all the poor travellers stuck in airports or on motorways.

• An outdoor blackboard will encourage all sorts of games and creativity. All you need is a piece of board, ideally marine plywood, cut to the size you require, and some blackboard paint, available from DIY or hardware stores.

Once painted, the board can be fixed to your house wall, fence or shed. Keep chalks in a waterproof box, ready for drawing, writing, treasure hunt maps, instructions, scoring • Rainy day activity? A small amount of screen time is useful for children and we know they love working and playing on the computer. The Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress programs are all about bringing out the best in each child using unique worlds of interactive reading and writing activities. Using promotional code UKS24LNW you can trial the programs for free for an extended period of 5 weeks.

Simply visit www.readingeggs.co.uk, register your email address and once your account has been set up you can enter the code on your parent dashboard.

Remember to visit the National Trust’s interactive website for kids with the list of the 50 things kids should do before they are 11¾. Kids can log in and tick off the things as they do them. www.50things.org.uk

AMAZING HOLIDAY FUN

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Families Vale of York

13

cyclingwith kids

By Karen Wood of Strider Bike

One of the best ways to enjoy cycling is in a group, and there’s no better group than your own family! Children as young as 2 years old are now able to cycle using balance bikes, so there really is no excuse for the whole family not to join in. We are all aware of the problems of obesity and with a shocking 10% of children in the UK now clinically obese, cycling is a great way to spend quality family time together, get fitter and – after the initial equipment has been bought – it’s a cheap, fun activity.

Choosing equipment

Before the Ride

Bikes need to complement your lifestyle so, before you buy, think about where you want to use them. Depending on the ages of your children and your levels of fitness, you may need racers or mountain bikes for sporty action, hybrids for a mixture of road and trail riding, plus smaller models and balance bikes for the children. Whilst you tend to get what you pay for, the most important part is the right size frame. If you also intend to use your bike to commute, find out if your employer runs a cycle-towork scheme – you could save up to 40%.

Once the bikes are chosen, remember to take a spare inner tube and a puncture kit to keep them moving, plus a good quality helmet and a drink. It’s also worth investing in a bike lock so you can pop in for tea and cake en route!

Do your homework: Make certain you are familiar with the bike route. If you get lost or the route is longer than expected, your child may suffer not only from a diminished experience, but potentially in more serious ways such as dehydration or exposure – older children will enjoy the planning too and might even learn some geography if you look at a map together.

Start early: Children tend to tire quickly in the afternoon. Take advantage of their energy in the morning and start your ride early.

Invite playmates: Cycling is more fun when shared.

If your child has a friend who is at the same level of competency on a bike, bring him or her along.

Slow down: Realize that a 4-mile ride may take 2 hours. Don’t expect to ride as fast as you would on your own.

Be aware of traffic: What might seem like light traffic to you could be a more dangerous situation for your child, whether biking separately or in a trailer.

Be prepared: Carry a tool kit and know how to use it. Also, carry a first-aid kit that includes a few bandages and antibiotic cream to handle minor cases of road rash.

Dress right: Bring a daypack to hold extra jackets in case the weather changes. Also, try to wear bright clothing or reflective sashes, to aid your visibility.

Stay safe

According to a recent Sustrans survey, more than half of us believe the roads are too unsafe to cycle on, but The National Cycle Network provides safe and attractive routes perfect for family bike rides.

Lead from the front

If you want your kids to be fired up about cycling then you need to lead by example.

Women who thought their bike days were over are being welcomed at rides designed just for women – check out Breeze, Cycletta and Diva 100. They offer a great chance to get back on your bike in great company.

Children also make wonderful cycling companions –they’re adaptable, energetic and want to have fun. Just follow our simple guide to ensure that it’s an enjoyable experience!

On the Ride Take breaks: Plan on taking a lot of short breaks.

Allow time to stop, get off the bike and explore.

Drink water: Always have water readily available. Try to drink before feeling thirsty to stay hydrated.

Eat snacks: A well-timed snack can defuse a squabble or bad mood and keep energy going. Kids tend to misbehave more when they’re tired, hungry or thirsty.

Make it fun: Choose an interesting route that goes by gardens, streams, views, farms or a favourite shop. Most children are interested in what they can see along the route rather than what’s at the end of the road or trail.

Express enthusiasm: If you convey a genuinely upbeat attitude, children most often will be inclined to mimic it.

t: 01904 642666 & 01904 490339

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www.yorkmontessori.com

teaching children

safeindependence

How do you know when it’s time to let your children ‘go it alone’? The Suzy Lamplugh Trust explains how safe independence is one of the best gifts you can give your child.

Further information www.action.org.uk/diva www.cycletta.co.uk www.sustrans.org.uk www.goskyride.com/breeze

Every parent worries about their children’s safety. We don’t want to wrap them in cotton wool forever but we do want them to be safe. Therefore it’s important to realise that personal safety is a life skill that can be learnt from a young age and that most risks can be minimised with proper awareness and suitable guidelines. To maximise their safety, children need to learn safe independence.

It’s a particularly difficult time for parents when your children first start going it alone – whether it’s walking to school on their own for the first time or meeting their friends in town on a Saturday afternoon. It’s important that children learn about personal safety before this stage and you can begin to teach them much earlier than most people think. Remember, the more prepared your child is before going out on their own, the safer they will be.

Start talking to your child about personal safety. The next time you are out and about together try asking them “What if…?” questions, such as “What would you do if you got lost” and then talking through the answer together.

Discuss the safest route home and why, e.g. Is it usually well lit with lots of people around? Do others from the school walk that way? Does it avoid quiet alleyways or parks?

Teach them that before going anywhere, they should plan ahead.

They should ask themselves - How they are going to get there and back?

Have they told someone where they are going? Do they know where their safe places are? A safe place is somewhere where they can go if they feel unsafe or need help. It could be where a relative lives, a local shop, police station or just somewhere there are lots of people. It’s important for

parents to set their children a good example by also following these rules, as they are equally as important for adults.

Knowing how to stay safe will give your child more confidence and this in turn will help make them safer. If they look confident, other people are less likely to bother them. Encourage them to walk tall, to hold their head up and pay attention to what is going on around them. Explain that the sooner they spot potential trouble, the easier it is to avoid it. For the same reason, discourage them from wearing headphones or hoods, or talking on their mobiles whilst walking down the street because this will distract them from their surroundings and may prevent them from seeing and hearing danger approaching.

It’s important that children are not simply given the message that they should beware of ‘strangers’ as this could make them think that everyone else, no matter how vaguely they know them, is safe. They should be taught they should never go anywhere with, or accept a lift from, anyone - even if they know them – if it has not previously been discussed with their parent or guardian. A family password can then be agreed, which parents can give to someone picking a child up in an emergency situation.

Finally, it’s important to encourage children to trust their instincts. It should be stressed to them that if they feel something is wrong, then they should move away from the person or situation that is causing them to feel like that as soon as possible and head for a safe place – even if it might appear rude!

Remember, the earlier a child learns the principles of personal safety, the

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

better they will become at recognising and avoiding risk as they grow in independence. Life is for living and one of the best gifts you can give a child is the knowledge and confidence to do so as safely as possible.

For further safety advice, including a Parents Handbook, visit www. suzylamplugh.org/tips

Staying Safe on the Street • Stay alert – Keep an eye on everything that is happening around you.

• Avoid wearing earphones or chatting on your mobile phone, as this may distract you from seeing or hearing potential trouble in time to avoid it.

• If you have a mobile phone, keep it out of sight when walking home as someone may try to take it from you. If they do, just give it to them, as your safety is more important than any object.

• Walk in the middle of the pavement and facing oncoming traffic whenever possible. This will avoid any cars driving up alongside you.

If you can’t avoid it and a car does stop beside you, turn and walk quickly in the other direction.

• Stick to busy routes where there are lots of people and avoid alleyways, deserted parks and badly-lit areas.

• Think about where would be a safe place along the route to go if you felt scared or threatened.

Safe places could be local shops or garages, friends’ houses, police station or anywhere there will be lots of people.

To book a free trial call York / Pocklington - 07807 949874 Harrogate - 07725 339257 ww.tennis-tots.co.uk Families Vale of York

15

improving children’s

swimming

So your child can swim a few lengths and they’re relatively safe in the water. Can you part in with friends.’ tick that activity off - or ‘Also,’ adds Vicky, ’when he becomes a should you be encouraging teenager looking for work, he can do his National Pool Lifeguard Qualifications. He’ll your child to continue with have the skills needed for the qualification already, and a great way of getting into the their swimming?

Families editor Belinda Maunsell talked to three local swim teachers about how to improve a child’s swimming once they’ve mastered the basics.

My son can swim fairly well but we’ve reached a point where we’re not sure what to do next.

I asked swimming experts Vicky Pettitt, Tracie Margo and Jo Williams why he should continue swimming.

‘Once children have mastered the basics it is always best for them to continue swimming to improve their stroke technique and stamina,’ says Vicky Pettit of Splish Splosh Swimming School. ‘It’s also a great way to get some exercise and keep fit. As your child grows up, he’ll be invited to pool parties and want to go swimming with his friends. If he’s got his Gold Badge then you’ll know that he’s safe in the water and he’ll be fine swimming on his own.’

Tracie Margo of Baby Swimmers would agree.

‘Increased stamina will make your child a better swimmer and continued water experience will reduce the risk of emergency if he’s pulled into a strong current or accidentally falls into water on holiday. It’s also a great individual or team sport to be able to take

Areas your child should be working on de

this will inclu • Rotation and orientation: to turn around, how as h suc s developing skill ard, how to how to lie back, how to lie forw to twist from how gain an upright position and a vers vice the front to the back and ect techniques • Breathing: learning the corr eloping • Travel and coordination: dev and sideways rds kwa bac , ards movement forw dive rings, • Submerging: practicing with hide and seek! of es gam p, torpedoes and hoo anding why • Streamlining/gliding: underst r flippers wea ren it’s important, letting child (always a big hit!)

work place is by utilising a skill he already has.’

Health Benefits

www.babyswimmers. co www.splishsploshswi .uk mm www.swim-tots.co.uk ingschool.net www.york.gov.uk/leis ure www.harrogate.gov.u /swimming k www.leeds.gov.uk www.tadcasterpool. org.uk

It goes without saying that regular exercise is a good thing and swimming is right up there with the best all-round workout you can get but what specific benefits is my child going to gain from regular swimming?

‘Generally swimming keeps kids fit and healthy and highlights the need for a positive exercise and sleep pattern. We’ve found the sleep patterns of babies in our classes improve with regular swimming lessons,’ says Jo Williams of Swim Tots.’

‘It gives an all-over body workout so unlike some on-land activities, it works all the body.

It’s great for improving strength and flexibility, increasing stamina and it even improves balance and posture. Swimming is also a way to prevent childhood obesity, which has been linked to juvenile diabetes and it puts less strain on joints and connective tissues than other forms of exercise.’

Improver Classes I can see that continuing to swim is going to be good for my son and if I am going to be able to allow him to go swimming with his friends (and without me) he’s going to have to gain a little more experience. So what should we be looking for in an improver class?

‘Obviously it really depends on the strength and ability of each individual child as to what they will be doing in their improver class,’ says Tracie, ’but if your child is confident in deep water and can swim up to 50 metres of back stroke, front crawl and breast-stroke and is able to attempt butterfly stroke, he can start to work on competitive starts, turns and lane swimming principles. He can also start rookie life-saving, diving, water

You can find out more about local swimming lesson s at:

polo and synchronised swimming.’

‘Children should be working on improving the distance they can swim by improving their stroke technique and stamina, then they can move on to improving their speed, says Vicky.

‘We always encourage children to go on to their ASA bronze, silver and gold awards as these are a great level to stop swimming at once the child has learnt about strokes, surface-diving, diving, tumble-turns, increasing speed and many more things.’

Jo agrees. ‘As your child develops, stamina and strength become all the more important. This can be achieved by using temporary supports (a parent, a woggle or a float) so he can work on technique and body position to help him make more efficient progress through the water.

Most importantly though an improver class needs to retain an element of fun to keep your child engaged.’

Common mistakes and how to fix them: • Your child will be swimming along nicely and then need to come up for air. They lift their head to breathe looking forward and their feet begin to sink! So they need to learn to roll the head to the side to take a breath, then blow bubbles in the water to exhale. Keeping the forehead in the water will help to keep a nice streamlined body.

• Often younger children are taught breast stroke making very wide circles with their arms. It’s much better to teach them small circles which can very easily be widened slightly if necessary, as it’s harder to reduce that wide circle once it’s ingrained!

• Kicking techniques can sometimes be tricky and bad habits can form quickly. It’s great to be able to use floats or woggles, held out in front, so that the legs are being focused on and working in isolation.

When practising as a family, a parent can support their child under the tummy as they do a width of the pool, and the child can then focus on their stroke technique or leg action.

WIN

a signed tee-shirt and swimming costume

16 Families

Vale of York

Splish Splosh Swimming School are giving away this fabulous signed t-shirt and swimming costume from their Olympic Ambassador Kate Haywood.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is go to www.familiesvoy.co.uk/ competitions and follow the instructions there.

Four runners up will get a autograph card signed by Kate. Closing date 17th Aug.

summer fairy & hero camp

10% off

when you book your Fairy & Hero Camp place online

There can’t be a child out there who wouldn’t enjoy becoming a fairy or hero this summer which is exactly what they’ll get if they enrol in one of this summer’s workshops with Fantasy Kids Clubs. And due to popular demand they’re now coming to York.

A week of magical fun is promised with Fantasy Kids Clubs five day summer workshops, where children aged 3 - 8 can practise their fairy and hero skills under the watchful eye of Fairy Enchantica.

Each day runs from 9am - 3pm and is perfect for children wanting to train to be a fairy or hero - or to brush up on the skills they learnt last year.

‘It can be really difficult to find suitable camps for younger children,’ says Suzanne Kaye-Vaughan founder

of Make a Wish Entertainment and sister company Fantasy Kids Clubs.

‘Our camps offer fun and educational activities for children to do during the holidays, especially for children as young as three or four years old.’

At the camps children learn about their favourite characters and develop skills in singing, dance, drama, crafts, sports and storytelling.

Mrs Milburn whose two daughters attended the camp in Harrogate last year can’t wait for her son to be able to attend this year: ‘We are traveling back from Abu Dhabi and all three of my children will be attending the summer fairy and hero camp in Harrogate for the week.

It is the first year my youngest Jack will be able to join in as he turns three at the end of this month.’

Her daughter Alice first attended fairy summer camp when she was four and Lucy began when she was three.

‘I had no problem in leaving her from three as she had seen Alice have a great time there so many times before - it was hard to keep her away!

‘The girls really enjoy the week starting with being given their own bag to decorate and workbook to complete and over the course of the week they make all sorts of wonderful things and keep them all together to bring home at the end of the week.

They love learning all the songs and preparing and practising for the show held at the end of the week.

‘The little ones still love to dress up each day but are keen to wear their t- shirts.The graduation photograph and presentation of the certificate at the end of the week is a proud moment for all the children and a great keepsake - the girls still have theirs in their bedroom.’

The 2012 York-based Summer Fairy & Hero Camp will be held at Clifton Preparatory at St Peter’s School from Monday 20th to Friday 24th August.

Harrogate will host Summer Fairy & Hero Camps at Brackenfield School from Monday 6th August - Friday 10th August.

Other locations include Leeds, Wakefield, Manchester, Shrewsbury, and London.

If your little one wishes to train to be a Fairy or Hero you can get 10% OFF when you book online – use voucher code ‘FY10’.

If you visit The Money Fairy on the Fantasy Kids Clubs website you’ll find more great savings too!

For more information about Summer Fairy & Hero Camp and to book contact 0113 322 7988 or visit the website www.fantasykidsclubs.co.uk

SPECIAL EVENTS THIS SUMMER: PIG RACING Everyday from the 21st July to the 31st August 3 LITTLE PIGS STORY TELLING AND ACTIVITIES 28th and 29th July

‘TIL 10AMPM 5.30 AY D EVERY

OLYMPIGS SILLY SPORTS Fun for all the family on the 4th and 5th August

10% OFF

A £23.00 FAMILY TICKET

WHEN THIS VOUCHER

IS PRESENTED

Not valid with any other offer.

Expires September 2nd 2012.

s r 1’E e d Un FRE go

PIGLETS ADVENTURE FARM PARK AT THE FARMER’S CART TOWTHORPE GRANGE, TOWTHORPE MOOR LANE, YORK, YO32 9ST

TEL: 01904 499700 WWW.PIGLETSFARMPARK.CO.UK WWW.THEFARMERSCART.CO.UK Families Vale of York

17

s p m a c & activity days Photo: Tennis Tykes

If you’re looking for activities over the summer, here’s a selection of the best of what’s going on.

Sports & Activities SUPER CAMPS

Summer Schools

Tennis Tots York are offering fun holiday classes for children aged 2-6 years. Running at various venues in York including Haxby and South bank St Peter’s School, York they are open to boys and girls who are new to 9 July - 10 Aug & 20 Aug -14 Aug the programme and also exisiting children keen to Ashville College, Harrogate continue their tennis skills during the holidays.

9 July - 24 Aug Children will be placed into groups according to their age and ability in keeping with the Tennis Tots Camps are for children aged 4-14. They are action stages: packed and full of variety with over 40 activities on offer (sports, arts & crafts). Instructors are experienced Stage 1 (2-4 years) Stage 2 (4-6 years and enthusiastic. You can book individual days or full For more information check out the holiday weeks and they offer free extended hours: 8am - 6pm courses section at www.tennis-tots.co.uk. (core hours: 9.20am - 4.30pm).

To book call Adam on 07807 949874 or email adam.dove@tennis-tots.co.uk.

A Passion For…

Multi-Activity Camps

St Peter’s School, York

30 July-3 Aug 6-10 Aug 20-24 Aug

Invention Creativity The Stage

Ashville College, Harrogate

You name it We label it!

Lunchboxes • Water Bottles Books • Uniforms • Footwear

T: 01635 298326 www.easy2name.com

23-27 July Detective 30 July-3 Aug & 13-17 Aug Dance 30 July - 3 Aug & 13-17 Aug Spy 6-10 Aug Detective Holiday Workshops for children aged 6-16 (age ranges vary). These five day workshops give children the chance to explore and develop in a specific activity. Children can follow their passion or discover a new one! The workshops are led by specialist leaders.

Hours: 9am- 5pm with extended hours available at an additional cost: 8am – 6pm.

RAW Adventure Camps Ashville College, Harrogate

6 - 10 Aug For children aged 8-14 and are fully endorsed by TV explorer Benedict Allen. These five day courses give your child the opportunity to explore and discover survival skills in the outdoors. Activities include Shelter Building, Fire Making, Bread Making, Navigation, Wilderness First Aid and many more!

Hours: 9am - 5pm with extended hours available at an additional cost: 8am - 6pm.

Book now at www.supercamps.co.uk or call 01235 832222

Harrogate Climbing Centre

Climbing is great fun and Harrogate Climbing centre have lots of courses running through the summer at their indoor centre. In addition there’s a chance to try some outdoor climbing at Brimham Rocks & Almscliffe Crag. Club Days are for children who already attend HCC indoor clubs, kids days are for children with no previous experience and Family Days are for everyone to climb together. You can find out which days these are running by checking our What’s On pages.

Visit their new website to find out what’s happening at the centre, - there’s now an events calendar, as well as a ‘what’s on today’ box for at-a-glance info on events at the centre. www.harrogateclimbingcentre.com

18 Families

Tennis Tots

Vale of York

Tennis Tykes

Holiday Classes

Tennis is a great sport for your child to try during the Summer holidays and Tennis Tykes is offering a number of exciting classes in Harrogate and York.

Enjoy the FREE OF CHARGE soft play facilities in Harrogate for the under 5 classes, enjoy the surroundings of beautiful Ripley for the older age group or the state of the art facilities at Roko, Health Club and Wigginton Tennis Club.

The holiday classes focus on tennis but also offer some additional fun activities as part of the class:

For Under 5s Kidzplay, Harrogate

26, 27 July & 15, 16, 20 & 22 Aug 10.00-10.45am (aged 2-3) 10.45-11.30am (aged 3.5 & 4) Roko Health Club, York

6, 8,16, 22 & 23 Aug 1.30-2.15pm 2.15-3.00pm 10 & 17 Aug 1.00-1.45pm 1.45-2.30pm

(aged 2-3) (aged 3.5 & 4) (aged 2-3) (aged 3.5 & 4)

For 5 & 6 year olds Ripley Tennis Court, Harrogate

26 July, 15 & 20 Aug

2.30-2.30pm

Wigginton Tennis Club, York

Various dates. Contact Caroline for further information.

Each of the under 5 age group classes listed above costs just £5 (£10 for the longer 5 & 6 year old class). Sign up for more than one and get a 10% discount off the total cost Caroline Buncall on 07843342662, caroline. buncall@tennistykes.co.uk www.tennistykes. co.uk

The Little Gym Serious Fun

Harrogate 01423 701560

23 July - 2 Sept Once again during the school holidays, The Little Gym

Harrogate will be providing children with a fabulous variety of fun activities to spark learning and creativity.

Their SERIOUS FUN schedule runs through the summer break and includes three-hour holiday camps from Monday to Thursday that are packed with gymnastics, sports, crafts and lots of fun!

The camps run for children aged 3-12 and there will be different themes running each week including Super Heroes and Olympic Fever!

They are also running a reduced schedule of classes for children from four months to 12 years old on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Performing Arts & Creative

Brazilian Soccer Schools

Brigshaw High School, Brigshaw Lane, Allerton Bywater

Brazilian Soccer Schools in York are running a number of holiday courses. The courses were fully booked last year and provided high quality football coaching with small group sizes and a great balance between development and fun.

Brazilian Soccer Schools Holiday Course Huntington High School

30 July - 3 Aug & 6 - 10 Aug 9.30 - 12.30 For players aged between 8 - 11 years. £14 per day or £55 for the week. For children attending both weeks the cost will be £100. The focus of the course will be learning advanced skills and developing players within matches.

Introduction to Brazilian Soccer Schools Huntington School

30 July - 3 Aug 13.30 - 16.30 The focus of this course is more fun-based and aimed towards children aged between 6 - 8 years. This course will introduce football skills and tricks but will also incorporate penalty shoot-outs, beat the goalie and small sided matches to ensure the children have a great football experience. The cost is £14 per day or £55 for the week.

Wetherby T20

Cricket Summer Camp Wetherby Cricket Club

6, 7 & 8 Aug 10am - 3pm Pro Coach Cricket Academy offers high quality coaching nationwide to cricketers of all abilities. Coaching by current and ex professional cricketers provides 3 days of action packed cricketing fun! Filled with skills and drills to help develop and challenge all young cricketers, the course will allow juniors to express themselves through game situations. £69.00 per child 01133 200 444 or 07891 508618 and speak to National Coaching Manager and Head Coach Sam Lavery, or email enquiries@procoachcricketacademy.com

Wetherby RUFC

Rugby Sumer Camp Grange Park, Wetherby 07770 236703

1 & 2 Sept 9.30 - 3.30 Choose to attend either both days or just one. There will be different activities on each day. One day £25, two days £35.

UNIVERSITY OF YORK SPORTS CENTRE Children’s Summer Activity Camps

Ages 8 - 14 years. Activities include: football, badminton, hockey, cricket, athletics, netball, rounders, table tennis & trampolining. www.york.ac.uk/univ/sports

KINGS SUMMER CAMPS York & Harrogate

King’s Camps provide children’s activity camps during the school holidays. The camps take place in surroundings of the best schools and universities and here in North Yorkshire you’ll find them at York College and Harrogate Ladies’ College as well as at Hymer’s College, Hull this summer. For children aged 3+yrs (pre-schoolers can attend for 4 hours a day) and offering over 30 different sports and activities, there’s something for everyone. Priced from £26 per day and £138 a week. King’s Camps are part of the King’s Foundation, a not for profit registered charity and is also a registered day-care provider. They will accept childcare vouchers as full or part payment www.kingscamps.org 0845 643 5272

STAGECOACH SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Stagecoach Wetherby, Leeds, Kippax & Selby Gleek out at Gleeful Summer Spectacular!

30 July - 3 Aug For 4 – 6 year olds and 7 – 18 year olds Filled with dance, drama and favourite songs from the Glee TV series, this promises to be an action packed week for everyone!

Every child will be given a part suitable to their age and ability, and they will all get their chance to shine in this tailor made workshop production.

Stagecoach Holiday Workshops are a week long fun packed activity! Students begin rehearsing at 10am on the first morning, and present their finished production to family and friends at 6pm on the last evening! The workshops are open to anyone, boys and girls aged 4 – 18 regardless of experience or ability.

A show from page to stage in just five days!

Workshop Information: Junior Workshop - 9.30am - 12pm Monday to Friday £80.00 (£55.00 siblings) presentation of a “Gleeful Mini Musical” 12noon, Friday 3rd August Senior Workshop - 10am till 4pm Monday to Friday £115.00 (£85.00 siblings) presentation of a “Gleeful Summer Spectacular” 6pm Friday 3rd August Places limited so call 0113 2103 505 to reserve a place.

Stagecoach York Theatre Camp: There’s No Business Like Showbusiness Archbishop Holgate’s School, Hull Road, York.

23 - 27 July Action packed week including a masterclass with a West End performer and finishing with a show for family and friends. No experience is necessary camps are perfect for making friends and building confidence.

10am to 4pm daily for 6-18year olds (divided into age groups).

Price £125 with sibling price £100.

9.45am to 12.15pm Mini summer camp for 4 to 6 year olds.

Including lots of fun and games with a mini show at the end.

Price £65 with sibling price of £50.

Call 01904 672662 for more info or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/york where you can book online.

Up stage youth THEATRE

Summer Shakespeare in two weeks 41 Monkgate,York

23 July – 3 Aug For two weeks participants will have a chance to get to grips with one of the plays of William Shakespeare. It will be directed by an experienced practitioner, and will be a really exciting chance to work intensively on one of the Bard’s plays, for performance to the general public after an intensive fortnight’s work! www.upstagecentre.org.uk/upstage

BUTTERFLY DANCE STUDIOS

Performing Arts Summer School Carlisle Street, Goole

30 July - 3 Aug 9am - 4pm every day for ages 5 -16 singing, dancing & acting.

Toddler Sense York

The Adventure Play Programme from Baby Sensory for toddlers aged 13 months to 3 years. Classes are running in the York area throughout the summer holidays, explore a different theme each week. Free trials available. Contact Liz for further information: 07565 551415 york@ toddlersense.co.uk or visit www.babysensory.com

Crafty Chefs

Weekly holiday workshops for children aged3 +, contact Crafty Chefs for more details visit www.craftychefs.co.uk

Baby Sensory

Classes held weekly. Closed last 2 weeks in August.

Tuesdays Linton Village Memorial Hall, Linton Wetherby 13:00-14:00 0-6 months 14:30-15:30 7-13 months Thursdays St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, Harrogate 10:00-11:00 7-13 Months 11:30-12:30 0-6 Months 13:00-14:00 0-13 Months Classes held weekly. All summer Mondays - Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York.

11:00-12:00 6 - 13 months 12:30-13:30 birth - 6 months Tuesday - Dunnington Reading Room, 1000-1100 for babies aged

6 to 13 months 1130-1230 birth - 6 months Wednesday - Haxby Memorial Hall, The Village.

1300-1400 birth - 6 months 1430-1530 6 - 13 months

Rhythm Time

3 one-off summer classes will be running: Mon 20th August at 10.00 at The Green Hut, Harlow Hill HG2 0AS Razzaamataz Summer Tues 21st August at 10.00 at Elim Church, Harrogate HG1 5LZ Stage Academy: Weds 22nd August at 10.00 at St James West End High Church Hall, Wetherby LS22 6LP. York High School They will be mixed aged classes (we 20 -24 Aug call them family classes) for 45 minutes Days full of drama, dance & singing to followed by refreshments. Cost £5 per bring out your child’s star qualities. This child. summer’s production is West End High Booking is essential, on 07789 895894. and the week end with a performance for Fridays - All Saints Hall, The Green, Upper friends & family. Suitable for ages 4 - 18 Poppleton. and all participants will receive a certificate. 10:00-11:00 birth - 13 months For more details call Angela on 07969 11:30-12:30 birth - 13 months 859 895 or 01759 306 676 13:00-14:00 birth - 6 months www.razzamataz.co.uk 14:30-15:30 6 - 13 months Families Vale of York

19

Photo: English Heritage

what’son

in july/aug‘12

We try to be up to date but, as always, remember to check before you set off. Check too for multiple date entries where we’ve listed under the start date.

Every Day

THE FARMER’S CART

Meet goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, piglets & lambs, which are on show most of the year. At Piglets Adventure Park you can try activities such as the petting barn, bouncing pillows, crazy farm golf & pedal go-carts.. 01904 499183 www.thefarmerscart.co.uk

at Brimham Rocks in the last 320 million years in a 90 minute journey round the rocks and moorland.

6 July 10am-1pm

Simple Science

RIPLEY CASTLE The Castle’s experienced guides have tailor-made a tour specially for children aged 5 -16 years and their families. www.ripleycastle.co.uk

YORK CITY SCREEN Ever been at a total loss to answer basic science questions posed by your kids, and found yourself making up something on the spot...or just changing the subject completely? This FREE one-off session is the perfect way to stay one step ahead, and find out some of the science behind everyday questions such as how birds fly and why the sky is blue. For more info, email Helen at lifelonglearning@york.ac.uk with your name, address, phone number & date of birth.

Until 8 July 4pm

6,7 & 8 July

Every Day through holidays 11.30 & 1.30

Children’s Tours

Taming of the Shrew RIPLEY CASTLE www.ripleycastle.co.uk Until 8 July

The Giant & The Bear

WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE 0113 213 7700 www.wyp.org.uk 4 July 10.30am – 3pm

Medieval Harewood Tour

HAREWOOD HOUSE 0113 218 1000 www.harewood.org 4 July

Museum Monkeys: Minibeasts

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM Under fives activity session at the Yorkshire Museum. £4 for each child between 1- 4. 01904 687687 www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk 4 & 15 July, 1, 19 & 27 August

Free Guided Cycle Rides NOSTELL PRIORY Follow an experienced leader and meet new people on a relaxing bike ride. 01924 863892 www. nostellpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk 5 July

THE TRICK

HARROGATE THEATRE Contemporary fairytale combining puppetry and theatre with a live original music score. 01924 863892 www. nostellpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk 5 July & 15 Aug 2pm – 3.30pm

Brimham Rocks & beyond BRIMHAM ROCKS Be guided through what’s happened

Jazz and Blues Festival

BURTON AGNES HALL Held over three days, the festival presents a varied line up of funk, traditional jazz, hard blues, dreamy vocals and everything in between. www.burtonagnes.com

7 & 8 July 11am – 5pm

Meet the King

Clifford’s Tower Opportunities to hear tales from the King and a chance to learn medieval etiquette, & wear the crown yourself. www.english-heritage.org.uk/cliffords 7 & 8 July

Comitatus - The End of the Roman Empire DALBY FOREST VISITOR CENTRE A chance to take a step back in time to the Roman era with the re-enactment group Comitatus. 01751 472771 www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest 8 July 1pm – 3pm

Butterfly Walk

NOSTELL PRIORY Discover more about the Butterflies in the Parkland with a two mile Parkland walk. £2. 01924 863892 www. nostellpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk 8 July 1am – 3pm

Bug Hunt

LOTHERTON HALL Drop-in for the whole family to enjoy. www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall

Bridestones Catch mini beasts in the grassy valley & learn all about secretive neighbours. £2 01947 885900 Booking via Old Coastguard Station.

7 July 6pm – 8pm

10 July

7 July

Children’s Art Day

Open Air Theatre- King Arthur & the Sword in the Stone FOUNTAINS ABBEY 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk.

7 July

M-Fest

HAREWOOD HOUSE A festival for all the family with live music, comedy, sports legends & celebrity chefs. Acts include Matt Cardle, The Human League, Inspiral Carpets & many more. Camping available. 0113 218 1000 www.harewood.org 7 & 8 July 1pm – 5pm

The Master & The Mine

BRODSWORTH HALL & GARDENS Hear tales from the master of the house & his housekeeper about the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1912. www.english-heritage. org.uk/brodsworthhall 7 & 8 July

The Gruffalo

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

Postman Pat, Rupert Bear & others by Ray Mutimer NUNNINGTON HALL Exhibition of paintings and drawings including Postman Pat plus the odd mermaid and bit of magic. 01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 10-12 JULY 7.30AM–7.30 PM

THE GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW

GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND, HARROGATE Entertainment & fun with the opportunity to see many aspects of country life & farming. 01423 541000 www.greatyorkshireshow.com 10 - 14 July 7pm

LES MISERABLES - SCHOOL EDITION

JUNCTION

By Stagedoor Academy. Tickets £12/£10. www.junctiongoole.co.uk 01405 763652 11 July

Museum Monkeys: Colour

Yorkshire Museum Under fives activity session at the

Yorkshire Museum with songs, stories, games & other activities. £4 01904 687687 www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk 12 July

Romeo & Juliet

Helmsley Castle Picnic under the stars & enjoy the greatest love story ever told. www. english-heritage.org.uk/helmsleycastle 14 July 7pm

Grimm’s Fairy Tales in the garden

NUNNINGTON HALL Tales of wicked witches, talking animals, plucky maidens & dashing adventurers. 01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 14 July

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Harrogate Theatre Modern twist on a classic story using modern song and dance. 01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk 14 July 9am – 12noon

Small Mammal Discovery NOSTELL PRIORY Join the Yorkshire wildlife Trust and look for small mammals in the parkland. £3 01924 863892 www. nostellpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk 14 July

The Jubilee Spitfire Proms

Ripley Castle The concert will begin with a dramatic aerial display by an original WW2 Spitfire followed by special guests performing some of the best loved arias written and popular classics.

Finale includes fireworks display.

14 & 15 July

Go Potty

MURTON PARK Get crafty with clay. 01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk 15 July 1pm

MINIBEAST WALK

THORP PERROW An entertaining look at the little creatures that live in the Arboretum. Free. 01677 425323 www.thorpperrow.com 15 July

The Wanted Ripley Castle

F20 OFamilies R MVale O Rof E York W H A T ’ S O N A N D D E T A I L S O F C A M P S , S U M M E R

17 July

21 July - 2 Sept

25 July 7.30pm

28 July & 12,25 Aug 10am–4pm

Outdoor Theatre –The Lords Chamberlin’s Men present Macbeth

EASINGWOLD MAIZE MAZE

A Comedy of Errors

Climbing Outdoor Taster

21 July - 2 Sept

25 & 26 July

EAST RIDDLESDEN HALL Take a picnic and relax but beware witches and murderers!

Adult £14 child £9. 01535 607075 eastriddlesden@nationaltrust.org.uk 19 - 21 JULY

The Gruffalo

THE GRAND THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE, LEEDS www.leedsgrandtheatre.com 0870 121 4901 21 July 10AM - 3PM

HUNGATE OPEN DAY -FREE!

DIG HUNGATE Find out more about the discoveries at this major archaeological excavation with archaeologists from York Archaeological Trust. Call 01904 615 505 to book 21 July

Open Air ShakespeareMacbeth

FOUNTAINS ABBEY 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk 21, 22, 28 , 29 July & 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 19, 25,26,27 Aug 11am-5pm

Warrior Weekend

Scarborough Castle Could you make it as a medieval Knight or noble Lady? Meet a costumed & armoured trio and take part in sword practice. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ scarboroughcastle 21,22,28,29 July & 4,5,11,12,18, 19 Aug 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm

Dracula (& Time Travellers Go…Myths & Legends)

Whitby Abbey Bram Stoker’s classic Victorian gothic tale is brought to life as a promenade performance with a cast of four actors. Performances suitable for children aged 8+. www.englishheritage.org.uk/whitbyabbey

Fun day out for all the family. Hunt for the clues around the maze & enjoy all the attractions inc. giant inflatable slide, go-karts, sandpit, football & animal pen. www.easingwoldmaize.co.uk

Playfest

EUREKA! Six week outdoor festival for families . A different experience on each day of the week inc. Move-it Mondays & Funtime Fridays.01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk 21 July – 2 Sept 11am – 5pm

Beastly Bugs and Creepy Crawlies

Time Travellers Go…Royal

BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Go along for an adventure in the undergrowth, who will you find on the bug hunt? 01904 472027 www. beningbrough@nationaltrust.org.uk

21 July - 4 Sept

25 July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Aug

ENCHANTED WOOD TRAIL

THORP PERROW A summer trail suitable for all ages, fun for all the family!!! £1 extra for trail - Prizes on completion. 01677 425323 www.thorpperrow.com 1 July – 5 Sept 11am – 4.30pm (closed Fridays)

Summer Holiday Children’s Trails

Treasurer’s House Enjoy a picnic in the garden or follow the free children’s trail around the house.

01904 624247 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 22 July 12pm - 3.30pm

Siege the Castle

Knaresborough Castle Explore how to defend a Castle.

Make swords, shields and catapults.

23, 24, 30 & 31 July 1pm –3pm

Sporty Artrageous

Family Fun

23 & 30 July 6, 13 & 20 Aug

MESSY MONDAYS

21 July – 2 September

BOLTON ABBEY ESTATE Join in the fun art and craft activities. www.boltonabbey.com

Family Fun

23 July, 7 & 20 Aug

21 July – 2 Sept

Family fun Hardcastle Crags Get active with out trails, games and lots of activities.

21 July – 2 Aug All the Fun of the Fair!

DIG

Enjoy the new ‘Looking Back at Hungate’ exhibition, & have a go at some traditional Victorian fairground games. St Saviour’s Church, St. Saviourgate, York 21July- 2 Sept 10.30am – 4.30pm

Book of Beasts

Yorkshire Museum Design your own page from a bestiary.

The finished pages will go towards making the Yorkshire Museums own bestiary which will go on display. 01904 6887687 www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

25 & 26 July 1am – 2pm

Clifford’s Tower Become King for a Day – Children can dress up as medieval nobles in splendid costumes, hats, & medieval crown. www.english-heritage.org.uk/cliffords

21 July – 2 Sept

Rievaulx Terrace & Temples Trails galore, games & fun for the family.

01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

PEPPA PIG’S TREASURE HUNT

Harrogate Theatre For a chance to win tickets see p6 01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Create your own athlete in a family art workshop to help you complete the challenges around the garden.

01904 472027 www.beningbrough@ nationaltrust.org.uk

Nunnington Hall Trails galore, games & fun for the family.

01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Knaresborough Castle Enjoy Shakespeare’s take of mistaken identity in the castle grounds. £12 adults, £10 concessions, £8 children.

Kids Outdoor Climbing Day

Brimham Rocks Join Harrogate Climbing Centre on this fully supervised day. No previous climbing experience is necessary, just go along & have fun. Suitable for children aged 8-17 Child-£50.00 01423 815024 23–27 July, 30 July-3 Aug & 6-10 Aug, 13-17 Aug, 20-24 Aug 10am-6pm

Time Travellers Go… Myths & Legends

Whitby Abbey Magical stories, dressing up and hands on activities. Take part in Arthurian sword practice or medieval hobby horse jousting, training. www. english-heritage.org.uk/whitbyabbey 24 Jul & 8,21 Aug

Outdoor Kids Club

Almscliffe Crag Join Harrogate Climbing Club requires a working knowledge of belaying and appropriate knots.

Suitable for children aged 10-17.

Child - £50.00 01423 815024

WILD WEDNESDAYS

BOLTON ABBEY ESTATE Enjoy wildlife activities. www.boltonabbey.com 26 July & 16 Aug 1pm- 2.30pm

Pond Life

Brimham Rocks Explore the pond and discover what creatures make it their home.

Suitable for accompanied children aged 5+. Child - £2 01423 780688 26 - 27 July

Black Beauty: Outdoor Evening Theatre CASTLE HOWARD One of the best selling novels of all time is brought to life in this stylish & contemporary open-air theatre production. 01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk 27 July & 24 Aug 10am-12.30pm

Papermaking for All

DALBY FOREST VISITOR CENTRE Have fun learning the art of papermaking - collect natural objects which will be incorporated into colourful recycled pulps. 01751 472771 www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest 27 July 11am - 4pm

WOODLAND & ANIMAL TRACKING DAY

THORP PERROW Improve on your tracking skills join in fun & games and lots of fresh air!!

Suitable for all ages - no need to book. 01677 425323 www.thorpperrow.com 27 July, 3,10,17,24,31 Aug 11am-3pm

Brimham Rocks Join Harrogate Climbing Centre & explore the rocks in a new way.

Suitable for adults & young people aged 14+ & requires no previous climbing experience. All-£50.00 01423 815024 Tues-Fri 31 July-13 Aug 11am–1pm & 2pm–4pm

Art & Music family Drop-i n workshops

York Art Gallery Make a percussion instrument out of junk. Free admission 01904 687687 www.yorkartgallery.org.uk Tues from 31 July - 28 Aug 10am- 11:30am

Play time for pre-schoolers at the Workhouse

Ripon Museums FREE activities. Normal admissions apply.

Tues from 31 July-28 Aug 2pm-4pm

Live It!

Ripon Museums Help the staff & inmates out at the Victorian Workhouse Museum with the daily tasks. FREE activities.

Normal admissions apply.

1 Aug 11am – 5.30pm

Yorkshire Day

BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Curd Tart & Fat Rascals, Yorkshire tea & a Yorkshire themed trail. Free 01904 472027 www.beningbrough@ nationaltrust.org.uk 1 Aug 11am, 1pm & 3pm

STORYTELLING TOURS

THORP PERROW Find the magical storyteller in the woods & experience a strange adventure through the trees!! Suitable for all ages - no need to book.

1 – 12 Aug 11am – 5.30pm

Sporty Challenges

BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Celebrate the games with challenges & trails around the garden. 01904 472027 www.beningbrough@nationaltrust.org.uk 1 & 29 Aug 1 – 2pm

Lego Minifigure & Moshi Figure Swap Shops

Treasure of Wetherby If you’re trying to complete your collection from any Lego series go along & meet other collectors at Treasures.

Treasures No.8 High Street Wetherby www.treasurestoys.co.uk 2 Aug 11am – 4pm

Boredom Busting Beach Party

BOLTON ABBEY ESTATE Make a kite, have a go on the bouncy castle & play with the free outdoor games. www.boltonabbey.com

NOSTELL PRIORY Nostell’s annual beach party. Sand, sun, games, competitions & lots of beach themed fun for everyone. Prizes for children in fancy dress. 01924 863892 www.nostellpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk

28 July gates open at 7.30

2 & 16 Aug 2pm – 4pm

FUNDAY FRIDAYS

Shakespeare on the Lawn: Henry V

NOSTELL PRIORY The Pantaloons return - take a rug & picnic, refreshments on sale.

01924 863892 www.nostellpriory@ nationaltrust.org.uk 28 July-5 Aug 10.30am– 4.30pm

Grotesque Gargoyles

Yorkshire Museum Make your own gargoyle from clay.

Then take it home and when it’s dry give it a try! 01904 6887687 www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

Flutterbies and Crawley Creepers – A Mini Beast Safari

NUNNINGTON HALL Join the hunt for insects & bugs & find out what lives in out hidden corners.

01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 2 & 23 Aug 1pm – 2.30pm

Minibeast Madness

Brimham Rocks Join the Rangers and see what minibeasts you can find lurking in the trees, bushes and undergrowth.

01423 780688

S C H O O L S & C L A S S E S V I S I T W W W . F A M I L I E S V OFamilies Y . C Vale O . ofUYork K 21

what’son continued... in march/april‘12

2 - 27 Aug

5 Aug

The York Mystery Plays

The Big Picnic

York Museum Gardens Over 1,000 local people will join forces with a huge professional team to help create this spectacular production. Don’t miss it!

Rievaulx Terrace & Temples Chance for children to join the roving players for an impromptu theatrical performance. 01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

2, 9,16, 23, 30 AUG 10AM–3PM

7 Aug 11am-12.30pm or 2pm-3.30pm

BUSHCRAFT DAY CAMP

7 - 9 Aug

10 - 19 Aug

Angelina Ballerina

FEVA

3, 12, 18 & 22 Aug 2pm – 4pm

4 Aug

Summer Fair

Sovereign Park York Lots of fun & games for ALL the family! Including: Train Rides, Races, Super Raffle, Hook a Duck, Cards & Gifts, Jewellery, Fire Engine, Wooden Gifts, Police Mobile Unit, Arts & Crafts & refreshments. Free entry.

On the green, at Princess Drive, off Boroughbridge Road, York.

4 & 5 Aug

Rural Games

MURTON PARK Have a go at some traditional games such as tug-of-war, skittles or horseshoe quoits. 01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk 4 – 6 Aug 11am - 5pm

Get Medieval!

FOUNTAINS ABBEY Join the costumed re-enactors around their medieval encampment. Watch and take part in activities & demos based on 15th century life. Free 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk.

4-11 Aug

Yorkshire Medieval Festival

Jorvik Celebrating all things medieval & York, there’s a host of activities going on across the region. For full details visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

Find the Lady

THORP PERROW Join the Curator to for look the little creatures that live in the Arboretum.

Suitable for all ages -no need to book.

MINIBEAST HUNTING

NOSTELL PRIORY Discover parts of the house not normally seen by visitors. Learn about how the family & their servants lived & worked at Nostell. 01924 863892 www. nostellpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk

10 Aug 11am – 12noon NOSTELL PRIORY Can your family work as detectives and find the Lady? A new exciting tour for all the family! Use your skills to trace the steps of the women of the house. Meet at the front of the house.

Family £5.00 01924 863892 www. nostellpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk

DALBY FOREST VISITOR CENTRE Make use of the woodland surroundings to set up camp & learn how to survive in the wild. Aimed at ages 10-14.

Booking required, price £12pp. 01751 472771 www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest

Upstairs Downstairs tours

deep in the woods at Brimham, with lots of fun and games along the way.

Suitable for accompanied children aged 5+ Child - £2.00 01423 780688

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK Cumberland Street, York.

Box Office: 01904 671818 8 Aug- 11 August

Nautical Week at Nostell!

NOSTELL PRIORY Lots of nautical themed trails & activities for all the family. 01924 863892 www.nostellpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk 8 & 15 Aug

Teddy Bears Picnic

MURTON PARK Take along your favourite teddy & join Goldilocks & Father Bear for storytelling. 01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk 9 Aug 11am – 4pm

Navy Larks

NOSTELL PRIORY Sailor themed activities & games for kids of all ages. 01924 863892 www. nostellpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk 9 -11 Aug

From street theatre to open air concerts, from live music to the art trail, there is something to suit all ages, all tastes and all pockets.

NUNNINGTON HALL Take your little actors & actresses for the chance to join the roving players for an impromptu theatrical performance. 01439 748283 www. nationaltrust.org.uk 12 & 25 Aug 10am – 4pm

Climbing Outdoor Taster

Brimham Rocks Join Harrogate Climbing Centre & explore the rocks in a new way. This event is suitable for adults & young people aged 14+ & requires no previous climbing experience. All £45.00 01423 780688 13 -19 Aug 10.30am – 4.30pm

Grotesque Gargoyles

11 Aug 11am-12.30pm & 1.30pm - 3pm

Animals Intuition

9 Aug

DALBY FOREST VISITOR CENTRE Touch and handle a variety of fantastic animals such as cockroaches,lizards & snakes. Booking essential. 01751 472771 www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest 11 Aug 7.30pm – 10.30pm

Theatre on the Lawn HMS Pinafore

NOSTELL PRIORY Take a picnic, and a chair & get into the spirit by dressing up for the night and joining in the musical evening.

01924 863892 www.nostellpriory@ nationaltrust.org.uk 11 Aug 10.30am - 4.30pm

Medieval Family Fun

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall Living history encampment, birds of prey and wandering minstrels. 01904 654818 www.theyorkcompany.co.uk

9 & 23 Aug 2pm – 4pm

11 & 12 Aug 11am – 5pm

Flutterbies and Crawley Creepers – A Mini Beast Safari

Wild Walling Weekend

Rievaulx Terrace & Temples Join the hunt for insects & bugs & find out what lives in hidden corners.

01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Brimham Rocks Watch as the wall in front of Brimham House is rebuilt and talk to expert wallers about their craft. Kids can try their hand on the children’s wall. Free.

9 & 30 Aug 1pm – 2.30pm

12 Aug 11am - 4pm

Woodland Safari

Medieval Sports Day

Brimham Rocks Join the Rangers to discover what lurks

The Big Picnic

Yorkshire Museum Make your own gargoyle from clay.

01904 6887687 www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk

Harrogate Theatre 01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

TREASURE ISLAND

12 Aug

Knaresborough Castle Try sword fighting, combat performances, medieval dance workshops, minisports tournament & visit the Castle and Museum. A full day of sporty fun! www. feva.info 12 Aug 11am -3pm

Summer Fun Day EAST RIDDLESDEN HALL Stalls, fun, refreshments, live music - a summer’s day out with something for all the family.

01535 607075 eastriddlesden@ nationaltrust.org.uk

Outdoor Theatre: The Twits HAREWOOD HOUSE

14 Aug 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Tales of Knaresborough storytelling trail

Join in the storytelling trail with Knaresborough library. Suitable for 5-8 year olds. FREE. Book at library on 0845 300 5112. www.feva.info 14 Aug 11am-12.30pm or 2pm-3.30pm

NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT

THORP PERROW Join the Curator for a scavenger hunt and arts & crafts in the Arboretum.

Suitable for all ages - no need to book.

14 Aug from 11am

Sylvanian Day

Treasure of Wetherby For all Sylvanian Fans, Treasures of Wetherby will be welcoming a very special Chocolate Rabbit to the shop.

Freya rabbit will have lots of gifts to give her fans - you can have your photograph taken with her and there’ll be a completion to enter. Treasures No.8 High Street Wetherby www.treasurestoys.co.uk 14 & 16 Aug 7.30pm

Evening tour of Knaresborough Castle

Discover the secrets of Knaresborough’s past & spooky tales.

Visit the dank dungeon and secret underground tunnel. www.feva.info 14 & 23 Aug 8pm – 10pm

Guided Bat Walks

Malham Tarn Wear appropriate outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes & take a torch. Adult -£5 Child - £2.50 01729 830416 15 & 29 Aug 10am – 4pm

Family Outdoor Climbing Day

Brimham Rocks Join Harrogate Climbing Centre & climb the famous rocks with the whole family. Suitable for children aged 7+, must be accompanied by a paying adult. All - £35.00 01423 815024

FOR MORE WHAT’S ON AND DETAILS OF CAMPS, SUMMER SCHOOLS & CLASSES

16 Aug

25 & 26 Aug 11am - 4pm

Outdoor Theatre: The Sword in the Stone

THE FAMOUS RAPIDE BROS. CIRCUS ANTICS

HAREWOOD HOUSE

17 - 29 Aug Tues - Fri 11.00am – 1.00pm & 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Colour & Rhythm, Discord & Harmony Drop-in workshops York Art Gallery 01904 687687 www.yorkartgallery.org.uk 18 Aug 10am - 3pm

Family Harvesting Day Ripon Musuems Suitable for all ages. Included in Workhouse admission or £2 for adults, children FREE. 20 Aug 1.30pm – 2.30pm

Fairy Secrets and Nature’s Wonders

Brimham Rocks Learn how to recognise animals, birds & fairies, & if you’re very lucky, make a wish with fairy dust!

Suitable for children aged 5+. £2.00 01423 780688 21 Aug

Wizard of Castle Magic NEWBY HALL Things will never be the same again when the Wizard’s nephew, Mickey, and an invisible cat called Catastrophe, arrive at Castle Magic.

01423 322583 www.newbyhall.com 22 Aug 10.30am – 4pm

Llama walks around the rocks!

Brimham Rocks Take a llama for a stroll. £3.00 01423 711052 / 07743 690770 22 Aug 11am, 1pm & 3pm

STORYTELLING TOURS

THORP PERROW Find the magical storyteller in the woods & experience a strange adventure through the trees!! Suitable for all ages - no need to book.

25 Aug 8pm - 10pm

Bats and Stars

DALBY FOREST VISITOR CENTRE Take a night time stroll through Dalby to detect bats in flight then join Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical society for a tour of the night sky. £5 pp. 01751 472771 www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest 25, 26 & 27 Aug 11am – 5pm

Myths & Legends Weekend Whitby Abbey A weekend brimful of myths & legends brought to life including St George & the Dragon, Dracula & medieval legends. Performances at 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm suitable for children aged 8+ & above. www. english-heritage.org.uk/whitbyabbey 25, 26 & 27 Aug

Family Fun Days

Nunnington Hall Family activities and games to celebrate the summer exhibition, featuring kid’s favourites Rupert Bear and Postman Pat. 01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

beta mum

THORP PERROW Lots of very funny, entertaining circus mayhem! Join in at any time. Suitable for all ages - no need to book.

25,26,27 Aug

Bank Holiday Special MURTON PARK All materials are provided, suits 3-14 years 01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk

25 – 27 Aug 11am – 5.30pm

Beastly Bugs and Creepy Crawlies

BENINGBROUGH HALL& GARDENS Weekend of adventures in the undergrowth. 01904 472027 www. beningbrough@nationaltrust.org.uk 26 Aug

Outdoor Theatre: Black Beauty HAREWOOD HOUSE 26 - 27 Aug

Get Active Weekend!

CASTLE HOWARD Try out new outdoor activities for all the family. 01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk 26 - 27 AUG 10AM – 5PM

BANK HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR DUNCOMBE PARK For more details contact Yorkshire Fairs on 01423 545377 www.yorkshirefairs.co.uk 26 & 27 August - 11am-4pm

Get Georgian!

FOUNTAINS ABBEY Enjoy live performances of dance & entertainment with The History Wardrobe throughout the day. Free 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk.

26 – 28 Aug

Beastly Bug Artrageous

BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Invent your own critter in a family art workshop - how scary can you make it? 01904 472027 www. beningbrough@nationaltrust.org.uk 27 Aug

The Priory Fete

BOLTON ABBEY ESTATE Traditional family fun, activities and stalls. www.boltonabbey.com 27 Aug–2 Sept 10.30am–4.30pm

Grotesque Gargoyles

Yorkshire Museum Make your own gargoyle from clay.

Then take it home and when it’s dry give it a try! 01904 6887687 www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk 28 & 29 Aug

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre ‘As You Like It’ NEWBY HALL 01423 322583 www.newbyhall.com 31 Aug

Magic Carpet Theatre ‘The Wizard of Castle Magic’ Children’s Show NEWBY HALL 01423 322583 www.newbyhall.com

VISIT WWW.FAMILIESVOY.CO.UK

Forgive me for departing from my usual amusing (I hope) tales of my own parenting misadventures this time; I’ve got a different story to tell you.

I had some of my toe-curling mistakes already lined up for you, including the time I was on the bus the other week, cleaning my face with toothpaste.

But yesterday, my grandmother died. Our small (both in stature and number) family sat together at her bedside all week, and we shared stories, laughter and tears.

Rose French was born in April 1916, in South London, but this tiny little redhead was known to me and my cousins as ‘Nan Lammo’. She looked after me a lot during the school holidays and on the odd occasions that I was ill and Mum had to go to work.

During these times, she taught me embroidery, crochet, cross-stitch, tapestry and all kinds of fine sewing. We would sit in the kitchen hulling prawns, I’d be sent out to the garden to cut fresh horseradish and if we went for days out, we’d always buy a plate of vinegar-drenched mussels or cockles from the kiosk.

Born, incredibly, during the Great War, Nan later stayed in London for the duration of World War II, amid the death and devastation of the Blitz. On Friday 28 July 1944, she promised her seven-year-old son John a trip to Woolworths, in nearby Lewisham High Street.

‘If the tram comes when we get to the end of the road, we’ll get on it,’ she told her little boy, ‘If not, we’ll have a walk.’

The tram didn’t come

along that day, so Rose and little John set out walking into Lewisham.

Had the tram come, they probably would have reached Woolworths five or ten minutes earlier.

As it was, they were just round the corner when they heard the familiar, rasping sounds of a V1 bomb, known as a ‘doodlebug, directly overhead. The chugging motor of the self-propelled missile would have stopped them in their tracks as they listened hard, praying and wishing for the chugging to carry on. It was a harsh wish because if the doodlebug carried on, it meant it would drop somewhere else, on someone else - but it meant that today wasn’t the day it would drop on you.

But as Rose and John listened, the chugging did stop. The engine had cut and that meant the bomb was heading their way. Rose, barely 5 foot tall, pushed her son into a hedge and threw herself on top of him, just in time.

The bomb fell, with enormous force, on the market traders directly outside Woolworths and Marks and Spencer. It utterly devastated all the nearby buildings and blew out the windows on dozens and dozens more. Woolies had no roof, no front wall and no windows - broken wood, glass and mortar littered the road outside and the pavement was stained with blood.

As the glass flew around them, little John

screamed in terror: ‘Mummy, there’s glass going in me! There’s glass going in me!’

Rose held him tightly and told him, ‘It’ll have to get through me first, son!’

Fifty-one people were killed that day. Twentyeight were dead at the scene and 83 seriously injured. It was one of the worst doodlebug attacks on London of the entire war. Rose’s neighbour was among those who lost their lives on 28 July and no part of her body was ever recovered - they only found her handbag, blown out of her hand by the force.

Watching my nan drawing her last breaths in a hospital bed, it’s easy to forget that this old lady was once the little girl so cute she was always the one sent out to tell the rent man that there was no money this week; she was the young dancer who drew attention to herself by being one of the first women to adopt the daring fashion of shorts in public; she was the wife and mother who threw herself on her son to protect him from Hitler’s bombs and she was the proud parent who went out to work as a waitress to buy her younger son his school uniform when he won a place at grammar school.

I may be a Beta Mum but I’m grateful to have had such admirable women in my life to help me find my way to the odd Alpha Mum moment.

Families Vale of York

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