Families Vale of York Nov / Dec 2011

43

nov/dec2011 issue

free

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

Clifton Pre-Prep School

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

THE MOUNT PRE-SCHOOL

Everyday is Open Day Come and see us

Building the foundation of your child’s education

Come and Visit Us! If you are interested in meeting the new Head and seeing our Nursery and Reception classes please call to make an appointment on 01904 527361.

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

7.30am - 6.00pm Open all year Girls and Boys aged 3 & 4 years old For further information and to arrange a visit please contact Julia Hampshire

Tel: 01904 667529 E-mail: registrar@mountschoolyork.co.uk Dalton Terrace, York, YO24 4DD www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

COMPETITION

Win a New Year treat for your family!

One lucky family will win a fairy tale weekend in London worth over £1,000! Your weekend will include four fantastic tickets to see Shrek The Musical, an overnight stay in the 4* Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, four London Passes - giving you access to over 50 London attractions, so you can take in the sights. Then finish it all off with a meal at the world famous Rainforest Cafe.

To enter, go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/competitions and use the code: TRIP-SHREK Full terms and conditions: www.familiesonline.co.uk/competitions

Families Vale of York

welcome

Baby Signing Superb Garden Trips in Bertie the Bus Petcare School Holiday Clubs

Open 7am to 6:30pm 10 MINUTES to DESIGNER OUTLET 01904 44 98 00 Wheldrake, York/Selby www.OrchardTreesDayNursery.co.uk

It’s beginning to look a bit like Christmas. Well it is from where I’m sitting. We’ve jumped from Indian summer to the first frost in the space of a couple of weeks and we even had to scrape ice from the car this morning.

The heating’s on, the ‘big coats’ are down from the loft and my children keep asking if it’s going to snow soon.

I admit to feeling Christmassy long before everyone else does and compiling the ‘What’s On’ listings which begin on P20 has left me feeling very festive - I’m sure I was more excited than the children when we made our first visit to Stockeld Park this week.

If like you me you try to get ahead (but often fail) at this time of year, why not make an early New Year’s resolution and use our Christmas gift guide to do some planning? We’ve had a sneaky peak at some fabulous local Christmas events too (you can read about them from p18 onwards) which will get the season off to a great start. And if it all gets too much, try to keep things in perspective. Sit down with a nice mug of hot chocolate – or something stronger - and read the Dos & Don’ts of Christmas on P11.

Whatever you do and wherever you go this Christmas, here’s wishing you and yours a very happy one.

Editor

in this issue

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

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

familiesmagazine Contact us: PO Box 201, DN14 9ZW

Tel: 01405 860831 ditor@familiesvoy.co.uk e www.familiesvoy.co.uk Front cover: Clothing by NEXT Circulation: 18,000 Deadline: The deadline for the Jan/Feb 2012 edition is early December 2011 Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel:01405 869045 Printed by: Warwick Printers www.warwickprinting.co.uk Copyright Families in the Vale of York Nov/Dec 2011. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owners’ own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families in the Vale of York is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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news competitions & giveaways what do you do at? ask the doctor christmas dos & dont’s christmas gift guide shop local spotlight on christmas attractions what’s on beta mum

what’s online • Festive & Frugal How to make the pennies go further this Christmas

• Book Reviews

Great books for Christmas

• Help! Where is my off switch!

• Competitions

Enter all our competitions online

• Beta Mum

Jacey’s latest offering

• It’s a Dad’s Life Dad-blog from Rob

A bit of advice from Helena Foss to help you relax Families Vale of York

news

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Expecting Maternity has moved!

Any customers who have walked past Expecting Maternity over the last couple of months may have been surprised that they are no longer there. But the exciting news is that they have simply relocated to gorgeous new premises just up the road in the beautiful garden of Ambience Cafe Bar. “Now any customers who visit us can treat themselves to coffee and cake in the garden, or even a delicious lunch prepared from local produce before or after they shop,” says owner Heather Booth.

The new shop is at The Courtyard, 40 Gillygate and is open Monday - Friday 11am - 4pm and Saturday 2pm - 4pm. 01904 466511 or info@expectingmaternity.co.uk

Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards

Hirst Courtney & Temple Hirst COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL Are you looking for a friendly village primary school, with a family atmosphere, small classes, beautiful grounds and individual attention for all children?

If so come and look around our school.

We currently have vacancies.

Tel : 01757 270254 for more information Email: admin@hirstcourtneyhirst.n-yorks.sch.uk

AMAZING-FACES.co.uk facepaintingharrogate.com

face painting For children, teenagers & adults Experienced & professional P L Insurance & CRB checked Call Jackie

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Try our Dotty Bots reusable cloth nappies.

07576 053 503 www.dottybots.com

Get involved with CLIC Sargent Children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent is inviting people to get involved in fundraising activities. There are two ways you can help this Christmas: This December, CLIC Sargent will be holding its Big Bucket Collection in hundreds of local communities across the UK to raise over £100,000 for children with cancer. They have collections venues booked in our area and are looking for volunteers to join in the fun by getting their friends and family together to collect for a day. For more information contact them on 0845 121 2495. www.clicsargent. org.uk/bigbucketcollection Practice-a-thon is a national fundraising campaign for young singers, dancers and musicians, of all abilities. Schools and youth clubs and groups across the UK are encouraged to hold their own sponsored music, dance or singing event, and raise money for young cancer patients, and their families. For more information visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/practiceathon

The cream of the retail industry gathered at The Savoy on Wednesday 14th September to recognise and celebrate the achievements of retail’s highest flyers and to announce Entrepreneur of the Year Winner Ann-Maree Morrison, Director of Labels4Kids Ltd. Like many great business ideas, Labels4Kids was born from personal need when Ann-Maree, the mother of 3 young boys, grew tired of her boys coming home from school with other children’s clothes.

Labels4Kids produces vinyl waterproof labels, iron on, stick on and sew on labels for children’s school clothing and general items. The judges were impressed with how Ann Maree has created a dedicated following of supporters from across the globe through an active social-media strategy and online forum for parents and families on her award winning website. www.labels4kids.com/fam Many congratulations Ann-Maree!

Harrogate's first shop selling top end childrenswear, previously worn but in beautiful condition is NOW OPEN! Come in to buy or sell!

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47 Cold Bath Rd, Harrogate, Tel 07789 812890

Facebook Showroom For Harrogate boutique Still Gorgeous is now displaying its pre-loved clothing range on the social networking website, Facebook. Clare Whittaker from the store says it’s a great way of showing customers the huge range of constantly changing high quality clothing in stock.

“Just ‘like’ us and you’ll be kept up to date with the latest stock and prices,” says Clare. “If you see something you like, you can phone ahead and reserve it for 3 days.”

Clare is also happy to take details of specific items customers are looking for. At the moment, UGGS, Hunters and Skiwear are in high demand!

Still Gorgeous is in Cold Bath Rd in Harrogate. Closed Mondays. 01423 560402. www.still-gorgeous.co.uk

Families Vale of York

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Kids, Cooking & Kits!

Cookery demonstrations have always been a feature of El Piano in York and recently they linked up with the local Coeliac Society to organise a class specifically for children to show just how easy - and fun - cooking can be, irrespective of any dietary restrictions.

Jo Jingles is Here!

Fun Music, Singing & Movement Classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years Develop your child’s

Under the expert supervision of Elena Jackson, the restaurant played host to a group of young chefs who cooked up brownies to perfection.

“The class was great fun and I enjoyed it as much as the kids,” says Elena. “It really demonstrated how easy cooking can be and that delicious cakes and cookies don’t have to be off the menu despite dietary restrictions.”

If you’d like to sample some of these delights the good news is that their take home KITS are now available from the York restaurant or online at www.el-piano.com They include the famous Brownies, Carrot Cake and Sticky Toffee Pudding, together with Gluten-free Bread, Bhajis, Dhal and Chilli for those with a more savoury tooth.

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t Social Skills t Confidence t Co-ordination t Language t Listening Skills t Imagination Children’s Parties & Nursery Sessions also available!

For details on classes in: Wakefield (Sandal & Stanley), Pontefract, Normanton, Ackworth, Horbury/Ossett, Garforth, Sherburn in Elmet, Wetherby, Boston Spa & Harrogate Call Paula on 01977 650455 or email jojinglesleeds@yahoo.co.uk www.jojingles.com/leeds

“We’re especially delighted to have gained Vegetarian Society approval this summer for all our kits,” says El Piano’s Liz Chadwick, “so you can check out the full range now also featured on www.vegsocapproved.com”

• A nurturing learning environment in a beautiful, homely setting for children aged 2 – 5 years.

For up to date information on cookery sessions check out the events calendar at www.el-piano.com

•Full range of specialist Montessori materials, a dedicated creative conservatory and outdoor play areas.

Fidgets Franchise Opportunities Following the amazing success of their French and Spanish for Fidgets classes, Little Fidgets now have some fantastic franchise opportunities in the York/Harrogate area; if you’re looking for a really rewarding career that fits in with your family this could be just the thing for you. Contact Lucy at Little Fidgets on 01273 833 340 for more info.

Phoenix go the Extra Mile Phoenix Trading is the award winning company raising money for charities by selling top quality, exclusive cards and gift items, at the best price, through local representatives. In May 2011, Phoenix Trading was awarded the Company with Heart Award by the Direct Selling Association as they had “Gone the Extra Mile through their philanthropic activities, charitable impact and community engagement”. By Autumn 2010 the company and its team of Independent Phoenix Traders had raised over £1m for a range of charities, including almost £300,000 for Children’s Hospices UK in just over a year – an amazing feat for a small company.

This year’s Charity Christmas Card range will raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, Children’s Hospices UK and Cancer Research UK with the majority of the funds donated to other good causes in the UK. Applications for funding are invited from registered charities (some terms apply) and must be nominated by a Phoenix Trader. For more information about applying or how Phoenix Trading can help your good cause specifically through the sale of everyday and Christmas products, either as a Trader yourself or by holding an event, please contact Independent Phoenix Trader Rachel Bentley (ref. 7093), www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/rachelbentley or call 07976621496.

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•Harrogate location near Valley Gardens For more information or to arrange a visit please contact:

e: info@rosecottagemontessori.co.uk t: 07720388809

www.rosecottagemontessori.co.uk

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Families Vale of York

educationnews Icing on the cake What a year Kirk Hammerton Community Playgroup has enjoyed! Not only have all the 6 permanent staff now qualified to Level 3 or higher in childcare qualifications, and undergone training in Makaton sign language, it has also just been awarded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted at their 3 yearly inspection with ‘outstanding’ in all 17 categories of the inspection – certainly no mean feat.

The inspector commented:” Superb attention is given to meeting the individual learning and development needs of children. They take part in an extensive range of activities and make excellent progress in all areas of learning. Relationships with parents, carers and links with external agencies, are second to none.”

“This is a reflection of the huge amount of work the staff and voluntary committee put in,” says Jane Jenkins playgroup chair, “as well as the parents who offer support in so many ways.”

Sessions run every morning from 9.15 until 12.15 with an optional lunch club until 1pm and an additional session for children in their pre-school year on Thursday afternoons until 3pm.

Gold Award for Little Green Rascals Little Green Rascals Organic Children’s nursery in York has received the Gold Award Catering Mark from the Soil Association.

The nursery has been open for just over 2 years and owner Vanessa Warn is thrilled with the award: “It has taken a lot of dedication and hard work to get to where we are,” she says, “but it’s all totally worth it! The comments from Staff, parents and children are so heart warming that it spurs us on to do even more! I would love to see the Soil Association Catering Mark to be the recognised standards in nurseries – with all nurseries achieving the Bronze Award.”

Little Green Rascals is the only nursery in the North of England to receive the award and in the top 4% of awards made by the Soil Association.

This has been further supported by Vanessa being awarded the Macmillan Cancer Support Local Hero award for Yorkshire. She is also nominated for a Community Pride award in York and they were recently awarded the Investors in People award to further strengthen their offering.

“At Little Green Rascals, we believe passionately that running a good business is impossible without ensuring that high ethical standards are practised at every level of the nursery’s day-to-day running.

We believe that it is possible to run a successful business that has a positive impact on society.” www.littlegreenrascals.co.uk contact@ littlegreenrascals.co.uk 01904 607 959

New Montessori Nursery for Harrogate Demand for the positive, nurturing style of Montessori education continues to grow rapidly and Rose Cottage will be the newest Montessori to open in Harrogate this January.

Montessori is a learning approach that develops the whole child by allowing them the freedom to learn and grow through their own actions at their own pace, actively encouraging independence and self-confidence so each child is able to reach their full potential.

Rose Cottage will offer a Montessori education in a ‘home away from home’ setting, providing a secure base for children aged 2 – 5 years to explore and learn.

To find out more about Rose Cottage Montessori or to arrange a visit phone 07720 388809 or email info@rosecottagemontessori.co.uk.

Fun - Curiosity - Creativity - Confidence - Potential At The Mount Pre-School children are encouraged to develop their own ideas, make decisions, solve problems and take risks.

“The extensive school grounds and facilities provide further opportunities for active learning,” says Tory Gillingham, “and every day, our children visit the adventure playground where they climb, swing, play and explore. In addition, our children visit our Woodland Area every week where there’s a large teepee, outdoor kitchen and classroom. Our children learn to express their curiosity freely asking questions and finding out about the world around them.

“We take our children on educational visits in the local area and invite visitors into school which helps to bring learning to life and gives our children confidence to explore and make new discoveries.

“Creativity thrives in our pre-school setting. Our children have the freedom to express themselves through art, dance, music and imaginative play.

“By drawing out our children’s natural curiosity and basing activities on their enthusiasms and interests, we can build the foundations of independent learning.

“In our experience happy children learn. Our aim is to ensure that each one of our children is happy and confident at school, and is ready to move onto Reception.”

If you’d like to find out more you can visit – call Julia Hampshire on 01904 667529

Get Your Grown-Ups Gardening

Grandparents, parents and youngsters put on their gardening gloves to brighten up the grounds of Belmont Grosvenor School near Harrogate.

The school has signed up for the Royal Horticultural Society’s Get Your GrownUps Growing campaign which aims to encourage gardening in schools and so helps children develop academic, practical and social skills.

Parents and grandparents turned out in force to help plant sackfuls of daffodil bulbs around the school grounds – thanks to the help of the local Rotary Club who provided the bulbs at cost price.

Year 1 teacher Ann Harrison, who co-ordinated the planting effort, said members of the Eco Club had identified areas around the school that needed ‘brightening up’.

“It was wonderful to see such teamwork and enthusiasm despite the hard ground that some groups faced,” she said. www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

Children at Orchard Trees Day Nursery Graduate to Big School

Fren

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

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Families Vale of York

Children at Orchard Trees Day Nursery near Wheldrake donned gowns and home-made mortars for their recent Graduation Ceremony. The children received a certificate each, which were personalised for them.

21 children have graduated from the Nursery in total this year, all of whom have started at local schools such as Wheldrake, North Duffield, Wistow and Escrick. Many have returned as SKOOTERS in the SKOOT Breakfast, After School or Holiday Clubs now the autumn term has started.

Nursery Manager, Liz Boswell said: “It was great to see the children taking part in the Graduation Ceremony. They were very excited and their parents were extremely proud. Some of the children have been at the setting since it opened 4 years ago, so it was a real privilege to see them graduate and we will miss them terribly. All the staff join with me in wishing them every success at big school.”

For more information about Orchard Trees you can visit their website at www.OrchardTreesDayNursery.co.uk

clubsnews Tip-Top Tappy Tots reach Yorkshire!

Ted Astaire, TappyTots resident tapdancing bear, presents the latest in infant entertainment and education and it is proving to be a huge hit with parents and toddlers across the region.

“I wanted to create something different that would appeal equally to both boys and girls,” says TappyTots creator Sue Brierley, “something that would capture a child’s imagination and keep them completely absorbed.”

“TappyTots takes little ones on exciting adventures to imaginary places; learning music, dance and phonic rhythms along the way.”

Everyone visits Ted Astaire’s house at Rhythm Road, where they meet Ted and his friends and the children tap out the rhythms and sounds they have heard on their adventure that day with the help of Ted’s magic rhythm sticks.

“Each term follows a different theme,” says Sue, “and children can enjoy splashing in puddles at ‘Puddle-dip pond’, learning the tiger stalk at ‘Jungle Zoo’ riding on the runaway train at ‘Transport Central’ or milking the cows at ‘Hoe-down farm’.”

Tappy Tots uses a unique combination of sound effects, nursery rhymes and original Ted Astaire stories to keep small children focussed and engaged. Classes have been recognised by educational practitioners in nurseries and schools as a fantastic way to improve learning by following all the Early Years Foundation Stage goals for this age. It’s not only educational; it’s lots of fun too!

For more information contact Sue on 0113 379 0610 www.taptots.co.uk

Tennis Tykes York Celebrates its First Birthday Tennis Tykes recently celebrated its 1st birthday in York. The fun and educational tennis play and coaching programme has been operating its York based classes since September 2010, all taken by local LTA level 3 licensed coach, Ben Walker from Wigginton who also coaches older children at both Poppleton and Wigginton Tennis Clubs and is a regular in Men’s Division 1 in York.

For further information on class times and venues as well as how you can have a free taster session contact Caroline on 07843342662 caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk www.tennistykes.co.uk.

New Toddler Sense Classes from January Popular pre-school adventure play programme Toddler Sense is to run more classes in York from January. For details on how to join call Liz on 07565 551415 or email york@toddlersense.co.uk – places are limited so you’ll need to act quickly! www.babysensory.com

Jo Jingles welcomes Amanda Swimsafe lessons now Jo Jingles offers a warm welcome to their new class at St Peter’s leader for the Harrogate area, Amanda Tennant. Amanda has extensive experience of working with young children and is excited to be joining the Jo Jingles team running the classes at Kidzplay in Harrogate.

NEW Tennis Tots Classes Begin in York Families are delighted to learn Adam Dove is to be the newest Franchisee to the Tennis Tots family. By profession a nursery school teacher, Adam has worked as a foundation key stage 1 teacher at Little Green Rascals Nursery in York and prior to that he worked as a part time Tennis coach. Adam is highly experienced working with children of preschool age and beyond and is passionate about inspiring children to get involved in sport at a young age.

Adam has been busy organising his venues ready for the launch of his new business which opens across York in early November at: Haxby Memorial Hall: Mon 9.30-10.15 & 10.30-11.15 for ages 2-4 St Chad’s Church Hall on the Knavesmire: Tues 2.45-3.30 for ages 2-4 & 3.45-4.30 for ages 4-6 Clifton Methodist Church: Sat 9.15 - 10.00 for 2-4 years & 10.15-11.00 for ages 4-6 Francis Scaife Sports Centre, Pocklington: Mon 3.00-3.45 ages 2-4 & 4.00-4.45 ages 4-6 We’d like to wish Adam every success for the future – and you’ll be able to read all about our visit to his class in the Jan / Feb issue of Families.

To book a free trial lesson you can call Adam on: 07807 949874 or email adam.dove@tennis-tots.co.uk www.tennis-tots.co.uk

Local swimming teacher Nick Wield is now running Swimsafe classes at St Peter’s School York on Sunday afternoons. Nick has been running classes in the Leeds and Harrogate area for 10 years and comes highly recommended by Families Leeds readers.

Swimsafe classes are suitable for beginners right through to competitive swimmers and they’ll certainly have the right class for you.

Call Nick on 07870 562 365 to find out how you can receive free swimming lessons!

Families Vale of York

[ giveaways Competitions &

Harrogate Climbing Centre Harrogate Climbing Centre is the area’s most unique attraction; it offers exciting and unusual activities that will keep your youngsters and their friends talking for weeks! They provide group birthday parties for children and adults, consisting of an hour and a half’s climbing with a professional instructor followed by optional party food at the Indulge cafe.

The activities don’t stop there, they also offer family taster sessions, after school clubs and adult beginner courses.

Whether you’re new to climbing or want to develop and improve your climbing, they believe that anyone can have a go!

For juniors, they offer a range of activities including one-off sessions, nationally recognised after school clubs (NICAS) and family tasters.

For adults, the Beginners Course will give you the skills to climb safely in the centre, or for that one-off experience why not try a taster session?

For details visit harrogateclimbingcentre.com or call 01423 815024.

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a Family Taster Session with Harrogate Climbing Centre

Harrogate Climbing Centre is offering a taster session to one lucky family.

All you need to do is go to www.familiesvoy.co.uk/climbing and follow the instructions there. The first family out of the hat on 17th December will win a free session for up to 2 adults & 2 children at Harrogate Climbing Centre.

reader offer

Children climb free

If you’re not lucky enough to win our competition then Harrogate Climbing Centre is offering Family Climbing Taster sessions where children can climb for FREE*. What a great family activity to try this Christmas!

To download your voucher go to www.familiesvoy. co.uk/climbing and click on the voucher download.

Right now is the perfect time to create your Christmas Wish List and what better way than to use the service offered by Treasures of Wetherby? It works the same way as their Birthday list; you just take a shopping trolley around the store and choose what you would like on your Wish List. Treasures then store your list and anyone buying from it will get a 5% discount. There’s even a free gift wrap service. So when aunts, uncles and grandparents ask what to buy for Christmas you can give them Treasures details. The Wish List makes buying the right present easy and can even be done over the phone if there isn’t time to visit the shop in person.

Wish Lists can be created anytime during opening hours (Monday – Saturday 9:30 – 5:00pm) and Treasures guarantee to hold all your chosen toys until Monday 5th December – or after that date with a 20% deposit.

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a Lego Advent Calendar with Treasures

Treasures has a great selection of Playmobil and Lego Advent Calendars this December. Lego have launched two, the best seller City Advent Calendar with new design for 2011 and for the first time a Star Wars Advent Calendar. The long –awaited Star War calendar is sure to be a big hit and promises to have exclusive figures such as the limited edition Yoda.

The City Calendar is priced at £17.99 and is suitable for 5 years; the Star Wars Advent Calendar is £24.99 and is suitable from age 6. Both promise 24 days of Lego fun.

Treasures has one Advent Calendar to give away with Families. All you need to do is go to www.familiesvoy.co.uk/adventcalendar and follow the instructions there. Closing date Nov 26th.

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*2 free children per 1 full paying adult. Not valid with any other offers. Original voucher must be redeemed to obtain discount. Offer expires 31st December 2011.

Families Vale of York

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Baby Ballet What do You do at….

Belinda Maunsell has been busy checking out Baby Ballet which has now arrived in York. This time with TWO testers in tow she finds out just how much fun can be had.

My now four year old daughter loves dancing and already goes to ballet class so she was really excited when I told her we were going to try out a ballet class that mummy was going to write about for the magazine. I also took along my three year old niece who hadn’t been to a dance class before so I certainly had a couple of discerning testers as I arrived at Miss Louise’s class during the summer holidays.

Louise’s Bradbury has been teaching classes over in Leeds and is a professionally trained dance teacher - and it’s clear from the start that the children LOVE her.

Miss Louise begins the class with a warm-up dance and song ‘Wiggly Woo’ that has all the children involved straight away. We then move onto some of the more familiar ballet exercises that India does each week (yes, including ‘good toes, naughty toes’) but with a much more modern twist. We march, for example, but to ‘If You’re Happy and you Know it’ which makes everything so much fun and accessible for newcomers. My niece who tends to be a bit shy was loving it and not once wanted to come and sit on my knee – which is testament to Louise’s professionalism.

Louise then takes us all on an adventure through the jungle with some great animal actions and I’m not sure who’s enjoying it more – her or the children.

Everyone has an opportunity to do some solo work as they jump through some hoops to receive a wand from Miss Louise and then enjoy dancing together to the ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’.

Soon we’re solo galloping to ‘Supercalifragilistic’, then skipping, marching with tambourines to ‘Beside the Seaside’ and indulging in a seaside story dance with the little ones running into the sea, splashing and eating ice cream. Clearly Baby Ballet is not just about exercising the body – there’s a whole lot of work on imagination

going on too and the children are completely absorbed.

All the mums are invited to join in with the Hokey Cokey at the end of the class and as this is the last session before summer break the children all receive their certificates,a little treat and a ‘bear’ stamp on their hands.

This is the perfect class for your budding ballerina – the little pink Baby Ballet tutus are beautiful and any girl would love the adventures Louise takes them on. Boys are very much catered for too – Louise tells me that one of her classes has lots of boys so there’s definitely no gender stereotyping!

Louise is an inspiration and full of energy and enthusiasm. Her love of dance is clear as is her genuine interest in the children. I asked her how she got involved in Baby Ballet: “I’ve danced since I was very young,” she says, “but it was when I decided to take my daughter Orla who’s now three to Baby Ballet that I loved the classes as much as her! I wanted to be involved in giving other children of that age group the same experience that we’d had.”

Both my charges had a lovely morning and came away full of energy. My niece had done a whole dance class for the first time and performed solo! And veteran dancer India’s verdict? “I loved it – especially the seaside bit”, she told me – and she wouldn’t wash the stamp off her hand all day!

place classes take Louise’s York Hall, Nunthorpe at Clements on Fridays.

Road, York Toes for .50am is Tiny 3 years 10.15am - 10 to s th on 18 m children aged s are for .35am classe ars 11.00am - 11 5 aged 3 to ye Mini Movers

allet.co.uk www.babyb 65932 07702 9

Families Vale of York

ask the

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

Clare juggles life working part time and being mum.

doctor

It’s the season for coughs and colds so local GP Clare Spencer offers some sound advice.

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espiratory tract infections leave us with coughs, cold and sneezes at this time of year. In this article I’m aiming to increase understanding of what causes these pesky infections, advise on how to treat and measures to prevent spread.

VIRUSES AND BACTERIA

A quick biology lesson reminder. Most respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses which are delicate protein agents. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. A fully functioning immune system is usually all you need to get rid of viral infections. Bacteria are micro-organisms.

Antibiotics DO work against bacterial infections.

Viruses and bacteria are spread in similar ways in respiratory tract infections. Coughing and sneezing spreads infection as the fluid contains infectious particles that someone else then breathes in. Infections can also be passed on by touching bodily fluids containing infection – nasal mucous (snot!) and saliva – and then putting hands into mouths. It therefore makes sense that, to prevent spreading infections, noses should be blown into tissues that can be thrown away, hands should be washed before eating and mouths should be covered when coughing. On the subject of prevention – children of smokers have been shown to get more upper respiratory tract infections than children of parents who do not.

ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotics are helpful in treating bacterial infections and are always prescribed if there is any suspicion of serious illness or complications.

Antibiotics all have potential side effects including diarrhoea, vomiting and rashes and there is a risk of allergy. If there is a bacterial infection and your child is unwell, the balance is obviously in favour of taking the antibiotics to treat the infection. If a bacterial infection is unlikely and your child isn’t unwell, then is it usually better to wait and see if they get better by themselves.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME

Good old paracetamol is good for reducing the inflammation associated with infections and so helping with aches and pains. It will also help to bring down a raised temperature. This can be taken with ibuprofen (if your child isn’t asthmatic).

You should give plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration – it doesn’t matter so much if they are not eating as long as they are drinking and are passing urine.

SORE THROATS

A sore throat should usually get better by itself in 1 week. Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils which can become red and swollen. Most tonsillitis is viral, but signs that the infection may need immediate antibiotics include the presence of pus on the tonsils (looks like white ‘gunk’ over the surface), raised temperature and tender lymph nodes (‘glands’) in the neck, or if your child is very unwell.

COUGH

A cough in the context of a respiratory tract infection usually lasts for 3 weeks. The cough is often worse at night and can be associated with vomiting. Worrying signs to look out for are wheeziness, fast breathing, noisy breathing (stridor), chest pains or difficulty breathing. You should also be concerned if the cough persists longer than 3-4 weeks.

In March 2009 an important statement was issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advising that parents and carers should no longer use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children under 6 as there is no evidence that they work and can cause side effects. For 6 to 12 year olds these medicines will continue to be available but will only be sold in pharmacies.

Baby signing M ovement & bonding F ibre optic light shows l Music

10 Families Vale of York

EAR INFECTIONS

Ear infections can be really painful but usually only last for 4 days. The infection is usually in the inner part of the ear and is called otitis media. It can be hard to tell that your child has an infection if they can’t tell you they have pain. They may pull at the ear, or be non-specifically unhappy usually with the other symptoms of runny nose and raised temperature. It is therefore worth getting their ears examined if you have any suspicions. Signs of bacterial infections needing immediate antibiotics include children under 2 yrs old with infections in both sides, if the ear is discharging or if your child is very unwell.

COLD, RUNNY NOSE & SINUSITIS

A cold will last on average for 1 and a half weeks and sinusitis for 2 and a half weeks.

OTHER WORRYING SIGNS

Finally, I stress again, if you child is unwell and you are worried, always discuss your concerns with a doctor. Never worry that you are wasting their time. Signs to look out for, in addition to those above, are when there is a respiratory tract infection with persistent high temperatures, drowsiness, irritability or persistent crying in a baby, rash (particularly non-blanching – it is very common to get a rash in a viral infection), is not passing urine or finally, has any symptom that you cannot explain.

For further information www.nice.org.uk have good patient friendly summaries of all their guidance. www.patient.co.uk has good, thorough information on a vast umber of topics.

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19/4/11 21:00:02

the dos and don’ts of a happy family

By Sarah Butters

DON’T expect it to be perfect

Like it or not, your Christmas will not be perfect. You will over cook the turkey, under cook the pudding and end up sobbing into a huge glass of Sauvignon Blanc because your mother in law has criticized your gravy. But because you’ve put so much time and effort into hosting the perfect Christmas, the disappointment at the odd hiccup is overwhelming. Start the festive period accepting you’re not Nigella and it won’t be perfect and you’ll enjoy the parts that go well.

DO try and relax

By the time Christmas Day arrives, most of us are exhausted. You’ve probably spent the weeks prior to the big day panic shopping, baking everything that Jamie suggested in his Christmas special and ferrying the family from one festive event to the next. Earmark some time for you. It’s supposed to be a holiday!

DO make your own traditions

Every family has its own way of celebrating. Now you have your own children it’s time for you to make your own traditions. Whether it’s a trip to

the local crib service on Christmas Eve, or a day of Christmas baking on the Sunday before the festivities begin, it’s up to YOU to create your traditions. A great idea I’ve taken from a friend is the Christmas Eve hamper. This is a basket, left by one of Santa’s helpers filled with goodies to enjoy on the night before Christmas. In it are festive pyjamas for the children, new tooth brushes, a mug to make hot chocolate and a DVD for the family to watch. It’s the perfect kit to help kick start Christmas.

DO get out and about

You are not under house arrest over the festive period. We shouldn’t be surprised that if you fill your home with relatives you rarely see and then lock the door, there will be arguments. Add some wine and the results are anything but festive. Don’t be afraid of getting wrapped up and heading out for a bracing walk. It will clear the house and let the little ones run off some steam.

DON’T expect your

children to be angels

They’ve broken up from school about to burst with excitement about the arrival of Santa. You’ve been using the ‘if you’re not good, Santa won’t come’ since Easter and then the presents are opened and your little angels turn into little devils. Rules and routine are thrown out of the window so relatives can be entertained and trips can be taken. Combine that with too many treats and lots of attention from well meaning visitors and the magic of Christmas can disappear

pretty quickly. Try not to let all discipline go out of the window and if you sense that there’s a tantrum on the way, remove your child from the mayhem. During your time out, remind them that Santa can take gifts back from children who don’t behave!

DO give out jobs

A resentful host is not a happy host so when you do your pre-Christmas shopping list, make sure you also write a list of jobs you’ll need doing on the big day. If you know your Mother in Law has a view about your Yorkshire Puddings, set her to work making some better ones.

Remember, a busy cook is often a quiet cook!

DON’T waste money

Let’s face it, this is going to be a tough year for all of us. We want to give our children everything on their list, but won’t be able to. Most of us will be celebrating making it to the 25th December with a job and a roof over our heads. However, you can still enjoy the festivities while being frugal. Swap traditional cards for an email including a festive photo, Organise a secret Santa for adult family members with a spending limit. Or simply suggest that you only buy for the family’s children. Keep reminding yourself that it’s not about the money your spend on each other, it’s about the time you spend with each other.

yourself the time to enjoy it and accept that with a little help from your little ones you can create some lovely Christmas memories. Ok, you won’t have a cake fit for Delia. There’ll be precious few needles left on the tree and your house will resemble the aftermath of a children’s birthday party. But despite the imperfections you’ll have happy children and you won’t have spent a penny. Now that’s a happy Christmas.

DO laugh!

Forget the stress of present buying and preparing a feast fit for a royalty and take a minute to laugh.

Remember, when you strip away all the tinsel and tat this is about preparing one meal, on one day with decorations and a gift or two.

And if you’re finding smiling hard, try using our favourite Christmas Cracker joke to cheer you up.

What’s Santa’s favourite pizza?

One that’s deep, and crisp and even.

DON’T stress about the presents

So you haven’t been able to find the latest Transformer or bag a Buzz Lightyear doll. Before you beat yourself, ask yourself this. Do you remember the presents you didn’t get when you were a child? Or do you remember the experiences you had.? My Christmas memories are preparing lunch with my wonderful Nana and attempting to wake my enjoy the King Charles Cavalier after he’d drink preparation the best part of a bottle of Blue Nun. If you’re not careful, baking the cake, Your kids will remember the laughter decorating the house and dressing and the love and when you wake the tree can begin to feel like a chore. up in January, so will you. Happy Tennis Tykes advert:Layout 1 10/12/10 12:57 Page 1 Don’t let it become hard work. Give Christmas!

DO

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

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Families Vale of York

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TreasuresGift Guide

We asked Zhara Armstrong of Treasures Toy Shop in Wetherby to tell us what’s going to be hot in her shop this Christmas.

Lego -

selected Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle 4867 (suggested age range 7 – 14 years). to feature as it has so much going for it including 7 minifigures – and the drawbridge and the towers are great. Priced at £49.99 its one for keeping.

Lego has had a great year with many very successful launches such as Ninjano, Hero Factory, Alien Conquest and great additions to City, Star Wars, Harry Potter and Pharaohs Quest ranges.

We stock all of these ranges (and some more) at Treasures, so choosing what to recommend is not easy! However with the help of my 7 year old son Finn who is a big Lego fan we have selected three great products to be included in our Treasures Lego Gift guide.

Ninjago Garmadon Dark Fortress 2505 (suggested age range 8 – 14years) has lots to offer with 6 minifigures, 3 much sought after gold weapons and the ejecting spider.

There are over 500 Lego pieces so there is lots of scope to build your own creations. The usual price is £49.99 but Treasures is offering it at just £37.99 - a saving of £12.

This is the final year of Harry Potter Lego production and there have been some great additions to the range this year, my favourite is the Knight Bus (complete with shrunken head and Hedwig.

Also very easy to build) priced at £29.99 it will make a super present.

I have also

For Lego Star Wars Fans see Treasures Lego window which has some great new Lego Star Wars sets made up for display.

Hexbugs -

The Hexbug Nano is a tiny, collectible, micro robotic creature that uses the physics of vibration to move forward and explore its environment.

This may sound quite scientific but Nanos are great fun and will make a super Christmas present. The Hexbug Nano is really industrious and will quickly navigate its way through the most complex mazes. It can flip to its feet when turned on its back and it can change direction and scurry away to find a new path. At Treasures we have many toys out for children to play with and the Hexbugs are certainly the most popular. I have watched many Hexbug races on our Habitat Set. The Hexbug Nano comes in a range of colours (including some rare Nano mutations) priced at £8.99 each. There are also sets available so you can create your own playground for the Nano. The Hexbug Nano Habitat Set contains two extremely rare Nano mutations and lots of track and 3 hexagon pieces so you can make your own Nano playground variations. The normal retail price is £26.99 but at Treasures we have a special Christmas offer of just £21.99 for the Hexbug Habitat Set. The Hexbug family also includes larger micro robotic creatures – the Ant, Crab, Inchworm and the latest and the largest to join the family is the Spider. The Hexbug Spider features an LED forward eye, two – channel infrared remote control (so you can operate two spiders), definitely a great boy toy. The six-legged crawling motion is fascinating to operate and watch. The Hexbug Spider comes in a range of colours and is priced at £24.99 and is suitable for ages 8 and up.

From the Award Winning Baby Sensory The Toddler Sense Adventure Play Programme!

Book now for our Christmas Specials on 15/16 and 22/23 December Classes running throughout the year in HOLGATE and HAXBY. More classes starting in January 2012 Places are limited so reserve your place NOW! Have an adventure with Castles and Dragons, Fly to the Moon on a Space Adventure, Enjoy our Firework Display, Climb a Snow Mountain!

Experience a magical, multi-sensory interactive experience Emphasis is on mobility, excitement and a whole new adventure every week!

Toddler Sense programme for Young Adventurers aged 13 months to 3 years.

For more details or to book a free trial, contact Liz on 07565 551415 or e-mail: york@toddlersense.co.uk www.babysensory.com

12 Families Vale of York

Top Model - For girls (and

anyone with an interest in design and fashion) ages 3 to 12 years The Top Model range includes beautiful colouring & sticker books that encourage children to make their own designs and offer great value as there is so much in each one. There are some great new additions for the Christmas range and some new themes such as the Trixibelles range that includes the Create Your Own Palace which will make a great present for younger girls priced £6.25. I have had many parents comment that their child will sit for a long time taking great care over their designs. I have selected the new Fantasy Colouring Book as it’s beautifully presented and at just £7.25 will make a great present for girls from 6 years. Lovely additions to the range are the glitter pens, colouring pencils and markers which include skin tone colours. The new Lip Gloss Tin will be a great stocking filler at £4.50.

Finally…These toys are worth

mentioning as they’d make lovely gifts this Christmas Children’s World Puzzle Globe Age guide 8 and up.

This is a great idea, if your child likes doing puzzles this is a fun way of helping them with geography. The normal price is £24.99 but Treasures are offering this at £19.99 as part of their Christmas Great Offers.

If you do need something for 2/3 – 5 years I suggest the new Post Office Set in our pretend & play section. It comes with stamps, coins and all neatly packs away £28.95.

For stocking fillers the Coloured Smenciles are great at £1 per pencil or Christmas pack for £4.99.

No batteries required….

We asked Simone Wood of Cold Bath Toy Shop in Harrogate to recommend some traditional role-play toys for pre-schoolers that will last and last.

How very refreshing in this world of ever-increasing technological progress, that there is still a place for traditional toys.

At Cold Bath Toy Shop in Harrogate, the emphasis is not only on toys that will last, but that will stimulate the child’s development with imaginative and creative play on many levels.

Traditional doesn’t need to mean boring or old fashioned though. By taking the best of the past, and combining with gorgeous illustrations, and the innovations of conscientious manufacturers of the present, it is possible to find beautiful toys worthy of this and future generations. Toys that don’t require batteries or joysticks, but that invite the child of every age to explore and discover the world around them.

From pretend cookers and tool kits, dressing up costumes and role-play, to scene setting in imaginary worlds, the scope for development in play can be limitless.

• Brio wooden cooker.

Absolutely beautiful! Black wooden painted cooker with three hobs, chunky clicking knobs, and an oven with magnetic closer on the door.

Suitable for all budding chefs male or female. £44.99

Le Toy Van Honeybake baking set •

Gorgeous! Painted wooden stand mixer and bowl, cake stand with sliceable cakes and buns, knife, baking tray, rolling pin and fabric apron. £42.99

• Le Toy Van Dress-Up Wardrobe.

A beautiful pink solid wooden wardrobe with tiny outfits and hangers inside it, to fit the little poseable Budkin girl doll inside. Clothes include jeans, dresses, shirt, skirt, coat, jacket, tee-shirt. £19.99

Janod DIY truck •

Be a mechanic or joiner with this lovely colourful solid wooden truck which you pull apart and reassemble using the three tools and chunky nuts, bolts and screws included. £25.50

• Melissa and Doug, Construction Worker and Doctor Dress-Up Outfits.

An exceptional range of role-play outfits, these examples are suitable for boys or girls from 3-6yrs although sizes are generous. The Construction Worker outfit includes hard-hat, hi-visibility vest, goggles, tool-belt with hammer, saw, and name label. The Doctor outfit includes a jacket, theatre mask, thermometer, stethoscope with sound effects, syringe, reflex hammer, ear scope and name label. £19.99

Cold Bath Toy Shop, 123 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate, HG2 0NU 01423 709886

Come and Join the Fun! The award winning movement to music, dance and singing programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run within a fun, safe and caring environment.

Babies 6 - 18mths Mini Movers 3 - 4 yrs

Tiny Toes 18 mths - 3 yrs Tots Tap 2 1/2 yrs +

Classes starting in York from September 2011 York Area Contact Miss Jane on

07702 965 932 york@babyballet.co.uk

www.babyballet.co.uk Families Vale of York

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Games for Families

Christmas is truly the time of year for quality family time and what better way is there for families to interact than

playing a game that brings you all together… whilst also stimulating that competitive streak in you! Children love games, particularly ones they can play with their parents and (possibly) beat them! We’ve looked at a selection to get you started.

Khet 2.0 The Laser Game

Age 9+ RRP: £29.99

Ready for mind blowing laser strategy action? Khet combines lasers and classic strategy all on one board. Players alternate turns moving Egyptian themed mirrored pieces, after which they fire their real laser with the goal of illuminating their opponent’s pieces and winning the game.

Khet is the only laser board game on the market with the easiness of checkers and the endless possibilities of chess. The rules can be learned in minutes and players from 9-99 can enjoy the excitement of Khet.

Khet 2.0 is available from Firebox.com

Dobble

Age 6+ RRP: £12.99

Dobble is a visual perception card game in which players race to find the one matching symbol between one card and another. The pictures may be different sizes or hard to spot. The cards are round and feature an assortment of colourful images of items like insects, plants, symbols, and smiley faces. Every card is unique, and has only one picture in common with each card in the deck. The game is very portable and includes a deck of 55 cards in a round, tin container to take the game anywhere.

Dobble is available from Waterstones

14 Families Vale of York

Jungle Speed Age: 7+ RRP: £14.99

In Jungle Speed, you must rely on your keen sense of observation and quick reflexes. It requires a steady hand -- which can be hard to maintain during the many fits of laughter! The wooden Totem sits in the middle of the table, waiting for the player with the fastest reflexes to snatch it up and win the game. Each player is dealt a hand of cards. In order to win you must be the first player to get rid of all of your cards.

Each turn, all of the players reveal one of their cards. If two cards are identical, those players must make a grab for the Totem. The faster player then gives their cards to their unfortunate adversary.

“My family has played hours on end with Jungle Speed. Fits of laughter guaranteed! Any age can play.” Pascale Gravell, editor, Families South West.

Jungle Speed is available from Amazon.co.uk.

Nostalgia Titles

Age 8+ RRP: £29.99 - £34.99

Focusing on high manufacturing standards, the ‘Nostalgia’ titles are back in stores this year and consisting of classic board game titles Monopoly, Cluedo and Risk.

The Monopoly set comes in a beautiful wooden box to safeguard your vintage-looking components and cards and making it the ideal gift for friends or family. Original artwork is a constant theme on the box and board from one of the very first editions of the world’s most popular board game.

Inside the wooden box you will find a built in

banker’s tray and a visual history of the decades.

Lovely little wooden houses and hotels give it a unique feeling of quality whilst everybody’s favourite pieces are made from brass.

Risk is also part of the collection, back in full vintage glory with real wooden armies, the classic map from 1959 and original game play; making conquering the world possible once again.

Additionally, nation’s favourite ‘whodunit’ is back in true 1950’s form with the recreation of the 1949 version of Cluedo. Solve the murder case using original style pieces and traditional detective work, another classic nostalgia title.

The Nostalgia editions of Monopoly, Cluedo and Risk are available from John Lewis

Take Me Out

Age 12+ RRP: £24.99 Prove your single man is the perfect match by performing a series of fun tasks to win Fernandos vouchers.

Will the single girls guess “what you do” from your drawing?

How will they react to your spare time activity and little known secret? Will you use the power wisely? Whatever happens, you’re guaranteed to have lots of laughs along the way.

Just like the TV show, Take Me Out comes with its very own electronic “POOM POOM!” sound generator and there’s Paddy’s voice shouting out his familiar catchphrases!

So what are you waiting for?

In the words of our host, “It’s time to let the players see the game!”

Take Me Out is available from Argos.

Too Many Toys We asked Eirene Power of Harrogate & Knaresborough Toy Library how the membership of a toy library can be a wonderful gift this Christmas.

Christmas is coming and, like many parents, I am wondering where on earth I am going to put the new toys that my three children are going to get, when my house is already groaning under the weight of all the toys they already have. Mine is not an uncommon problem in our society. My children aren’t greedy and don’t ask for lots, it’s just that toys take up a lot of space, and for the amount of time they really get played with it doesn’t seem right.

Then I discovered toy libraries. Harrogate and Knaresborough Toy Library (HKTL) is a charity run solely by volunteers, which has been going for the past 20 years. They offer a fantastic service not only lending toys, both indoor and out, to families, carers, childminders and Ofsted-regulated establishments, but also offering party equipment, dressing-up and resources. All of this for the yearly subscription of £15 for families and £30 for groups (such as nurseries and Ofsted-regulated establishments). They also offer a twice weekly ‘stay and play’ session and an additional outdoor play session over the warmer months with den-building and water play.

Through HKTL toys get recycled, allowing children to change their playthings as their attention span allows. It stops people’s houses (like mine) becoming cluttered with disused toys and big play equipment, such as slides and climbing frames, and offers parents and carers a safe, nurturing environment to visit with children and share their experiences with those around them. Grandparents can also benefit from their services when the grandchildren come to stay, borrowing toys then giving them back instead of having them around taking up space, and of course are very welcome to stay, chat and enjoy tea and biscuits while the grandchildren play.

Children and their abilities change so quickly it’s hard to keep up.

HKTL can help you do that and also provide unusual toys that perhaps wouldn’t normally be bought, such as treasure baskets and story-sacks.

If your child has additional needs and would benefit from particular play equipment HKTL has the resources to buy toys that perhaps couldn’t ordinarily be affordable.

The toy library helps children to learn about recycling and about borrowing. Now when my daughter goes into a shop and sees something she likes, she doesn’t say ‘I want that,’ she asks if she can borrow it and I say we will check and see if toy library has one next time we visit.

Stimulate their imaginations and create an environment where they can learn through play by encouraging friends and relatives to invest in a gift certificate for HKTL membership, the gift that lasts all year.

For more information on membership visit www. harrogateandknaresboroughtoylibrary.co.uk or call 07598 325039 Harrogate and Knaresborough Toy Library, Harrogate High Community Education, Ainsty Road, Harrogate.

Families Vale of York

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A Few of our Favo Local shops & businesses ensure every high street doesn’t look the same and really deserve our support at this time of year. We’ve asked local businesses to give us some inspiration as they share some of their favourite things this Christmas.

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That’s A Wrapper

That’s A Wrapper provides personalised hand wrapped chocolate bars for any occasion. A range of pre-printed, professionally-designed wrappers are available to choose from or you can create a 100% bespoke design to make your chocolate bars totally unique.

At Christmas they also offer gifts and gift wrapping to accompany your chocolate bar, and the 10g bars can be threaded to make Christmas tree decorations.

They have just started stocking 100g bars, with a new line of wrappers, including 7 Christmas designs! Great for stocking fillers and table gifts.

07891581264 www.thatsawrapper.co.uk

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4 Little Art

To give Christmas a personal touch this year why not take a look at the new range of 4littleart personalised gifts.

With something to suit most tastes and budgets you can give a unique gift that will make a wonderful keepsake.

Choose from the beautiful Hearts and Stars which look great hanging from the Christmas tree, Personalised Clocks, Pictures and Door Plaques.

Prices start from £5.50 including P&P. Last Christmas order date is Wednesday 14th December.

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First Impressions Count The Willows Make an impression’s Sarah Pepler has recently Studio launched a fabulous new addition to her range of gifts.

“Our new range of mini hands, feet and paws on silver jewellery is proving very popular this year,” says Sarah. “A handprint or footprint is a gorgeous way of capturing the special early years of childhood.

Time flies so quickly so to preserve those perfect little fingers and toes in silver forever couldn’t be a more heart warming gift and couldn’t be simpler to order.”

Sarah has been producing silver fingerprint jewellery for the last 5 years, creating beautiful unique gifts for everyone including necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks and key rings all lovingly made in 99.9% fine silver. She also creates beautiful clay and raised hand, feet and paw impressions which make exquisite keepsakes that will last forever. And if you can’t decide what to order you can always buy a gift voucher for that special person!

You can order by either by making an appointment with Sarah or by ordering your easy to follow kits.

Once returned she’ll produce your bespoke pieces of jewellery and deliver them to you. To guarantee delivery for Christmas you’ll need to order before the 25th November

Local photographer Julie Moxon once again has these lovely calendars on sale this Christmas.

“They have been a great success over the past three years,” says Julie, “and they make great Christmas presents. I have one of my own in the kitchen – it’s lovely to see all my family members in it.

“The calendars can be themed if people want to bring different clothes to the shoot or photos taken from a regular shoot can be used.”

Calendars still cost £25 with an extra front cover image which can be A4 to fit the size of the cover itself. For more information visit www.thewillowsstudio. co.uk or call Jullie on 01937 831 720

To arrange an appointment call Sarah on 07872 329926 or 01751 430927 sarah@makeanimpression.eu www.makeanimpression.eu

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Little Impressions

Little Impressions can create an enduring memento of your little ones hand or foot with a three dimensional cast, beautifully crafted and hand finished to make a truly personal gift - photographs and other memorabilia can also be added to create a stunning keepsake.

Prints, children’s drawings and even scan pictures can also be placed on their fabulous range of handmade glassware including this beautiful bauble – perfect for a baby’s first Christmas and for parents and grandparents.

Call Debi on 01904 349352 or visit www.little-impressions.com

6 The Purple Pig The Purple Pig Company mobile farm covers different educational and fun themes depending on the time of year.

Following a busy harvest time they are now preparing for the Christmas period.

An assortment of snow white animals are used at this time of year for live nativities and collection of Santa’s letters.

The size of venue does not matter as the nativity scene ranges from a mouse nativity to a full stable of animals.

The company sometimes has surplus child-friendly stock and can offer these for sale as pets along with full support service and complete pet starter kits.

For more details visit www.thepurplepigcompany.com

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. $!ŏ %00(!ŏ 5)IJŏ ..+# 0!ŏđŏāŏ . (!ŏ .'ŏđŏ ..+# 0!ŏđŏ ăŏā ĀāąĂăŏĈĀāĆćĀŏđŏ ..+# 0!Į0$!(%00(!#5)ċ +ċ1'ŏđŏ333ċ0$!(%00(!#5)ċ +ċ1' parent/child classes

16 Families Vale of York

preschool/ kindergarten gymnastics

primary school gymnastics

holiday camps

birthday parties

ourite Things 7

10

Peekcoambesotooshopping in Tadcaster thchisooChserisfrotmmas.

When it has lots to g oes & Clothes nge of stockin Peekaboo Sh and offers a ra op sh to offer run e ily inu m nt fa co a o is Peekaboo ards. They als oo from 50p upw boots. Peekab fillers and gifts es and moon ov gl ing fitting service lud d inc an s g ial rin nt su se winter es a free mea d and provide are SSF qualifie oe orders. sh e lin on l r loca as market on in store and fo dcaster Christm Ta e th r fo en be op Peekaboo will November. year,” says Sunday 27th as market last at the Christm e enjoyed tim ho w tic s as er nt om “We had a fa ts of new cust lo ith winter d “w an e, tic en g up on gifts owner Alec Pr market stockin e k. th .u of co e s. er he ph ot the atmos oesandcl .peekaboo-sh shoes”. www

Phoenix Charity Christmas Cards

With 59 Charity Christmas Card designs, unique Christmas gifts and accessories at sane prices, you must not miss Phoenix Trading’s latest Christmas Product range. Sold exclusively via a team of self-employed Independent Phoenix Traders, these products are not available in the shops. To buy, contact Independent Phoenix Trader, Rachel Bentley, who, with her growing team, retails Phoenix Trading greeting cards and Christmas cards plus other accessories across the local area and beyond. Selling through her brochure and webpage, with free delivery in the UK, Rachel can also bring the shop to you with Coffee & Cards events or simply a mixed basket of wonderful products for you to choose from. For details of the products and prices, to support a good cause by buying their Charity Christmas Cards, to organise an event with friends or for free information on becoming an Independent Trader yourself, visit www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/ rachelbentley or call 07976 621496. (ref. 7093.)

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8

Baby Roots

Many congratulations to local business Baby Roots whose owner Angela Ward of Bardsey has been announced as a winner of a nationwide country business competition for her Eco-friendly gift company.

Baby Roots offers personalised tree gifts to celebrate special occasions such as the arrival of a new baby, birthdays, Christenings and Christmas.

We particularly like this ‘Grow with Me’ Christmas tree – a blue spruce that will last a lifetime and grow with the family. The trees can be kept in a pot outside and brought indoors every Christmas.

They grow around 6-12 inches a year so there’s always room for new decorations and when it gets too big for indoors it can stay outside.

OFFER: To celebrate Angela’s amazing achievement she is offering Families readers a 15% discount on all “grow with me” Christmas tree orders received before 15th of December 2011.

Visit www.babyroots.co.uk to find out more 01937 579162 angela@babyroots.co.uk

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Candy Bows Candy Bows has plenty of gift ideas for Christmas, whether it’s these fabulous new stocking filler cards, or festive bows, beautiful pettiskirts or even their Christmas Tutu - prices range from as little as £1.50 to £18.99 for the pettiskirts.

All I want for Christmas Fingerprint Jewellery

Local online children’s furniture store Rooms4Kids have a huge range of products for kids rooms.

We particularly like these beautiful mid-sleeper beds which we think would make a perfect gift if you’re moving a child into a ‘big bed’ this Christmas. Competitively priced at £390 and available in white and pine, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything that comes close for the price.

Also in the online store is a range of Gonzagarredi furniture and learning equipment which is to be used to furnish the new Rose Cottage Montessori Nursery in Harrogate. Known throughout the world for their style and quality, Gonzagarredi are proud of their partnership with Rose Cottage Montessori and will be fully exhibiting their whole range of products at the Harrogate Nursery Fair in March 2012. You can see the sleep station, Gonzagarredi furniture and much more at www.rooms4kids.co.uk

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Fingerprint Jewellery specialises in bespoke, pure silver handcrafted jewellery – the perfect present for a loved one this Christmas. The centrepiece can be a unique fingerprint, hand or footprint, handwriting or artwork!

There’s something for everyone from cufflinks to keyrings, bracelets to bookmarks!

Ordering is simple via their website or by telephone. Kristie will then send you out an impression kit to take the prints. Once you’ve returned them to the studio by post she will use the fingerprint impression to cast the print into solid silver or she’ll miniaturise the hand and foot impression with some magic of her own to fit your chosen item of jewellery and recreate them as though they were imprinted direct into solid silver!

Cut off date for Christmas is the 18th November with a priority service offered if you miss this.

Visit the award winning website www.fingerprintjewellery.co.uk for inspiring ideas or telephone Kristie on 07778 448022 to order or to book a private party.

Need a babysitter?

Bright Beginnings Babysitters are childcare professionals.

We carry out face to face interviews and thorough reference checks. All our Babysitters possess a CRB and arrive in an agency uniform.

Join our babysitting membership scheme from as little as £1 a week. If you join the “red” or “yellow” membership before 30th November 2011 you will qualify for your first booking fee for FREE. Contact: Vickie Edwards on York 691698 or log on to: www.bb-childcare.co.uk or email info@bbchildcareuk.com

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[ z z christmasevents Spotlight on

Here at Families we’re getting into the festive spirit and have found some amazing family events taking place over the festive period.

Over the next few pages we’ve put together a guide to some of the best Christmas fun you can have across North Yorkshire.

Families Recommends

Here are four fabulous events we won’t be missing this year…

The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park

RECOMM

ENDED

If you go down in the woods this year you’ll be in for a big surprise because the Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park is now sporting a brand new REAL ice rink.

Visitors will be able to try their luck on the ice and warm up afterwards with a festive hot chocolate before walking or Nordic skiing through the 10 acre magical Enchanted Forest – we think it’s best at dusk when the illuminations are beautiful. You could get lost in the huge hedge Snowflake Maze which has lots of fun and surprises at every turn or enjoy a bite at the tempting Woodland Cafe and Cake Walk Cafe stocked with delicious treats This year will see the return of the big wheel and there’ll also be a helter skelter to add to the fun. And if all that sounds like too much effort, a coffee and wander round the Christmas shop is sure to have you in the festive spirit.

This year Stockeld are putting on lots of new events including A Christmas Musical and Magic Hatter shows which are both FREE . You can enjoy Christmas music with a number of local bands and choirs and enjoy Stockeld’s very first Christmas Panto – Jack & the Beanstalk. With a special evening in aid of Children in Need and an intriguing visit from a polar bear there’s so much going on – and we haven’t even mentioned the Big Man himself.

Entry to The Christmas Adventure is free and charges are made per activity.

The Stockeld Park Season Cards offer excellent value for money for returning visitors throughout the winter season – and once you’ve been you’re sure to want to return! You can also take advantage of the Early Bird cards and enjoy the activities on offer outside the peak visitor times. Parking is free as is entry to the café and shop. And activities start from £5.00 per child and £5.50 per adult (during low season).

For information on individual events including Breakfast with Santa & Santa’s Grotto see our dedicated sections in the What’s On Guide.

The Christmas Adventure is situated between Harrogate and Leeds on the A661 and is open daily until 8th Jan (closed 25th & 26th Dec). Visit website for full details of opening times and times and prices of special events. www.thechristmasadventure.com 01937 586 333

The York Family Robinson

Registered Charity No. 1119326

TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR: 10th, 17th 10am - 4pm December 11th, 18th 2011

Saturday Sunday

OR PRE-BOOK YOUR FAST PASS TICKET FOR:

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

10th, 17th 11th, 18th 20th 21st 22nd

FAST PASS!

pre-book your time Father Christmas with now!

Tel 01904 6594 75

TICKETS NOT AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR 20th, 21st, 22nd

The Rock-Plex Centre | Priory Street | York | YO1 6EX

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RECOMM

ENDED

Veterans of the York Theatre Royal pantomime will know that the theatre always makes sure its pantomimes are one of a kind and thanks to their dedication to the art form they have become known for producing one of the best pantomimes in the country.

Director, writer and Dame, Berwick Kaler has been at the helm of these magical productions for the last 32 years and this year is no exception.

The York Family Robinson promises to capture the very essence of a York Theatre Royal pantomime, drawing on the City of York itself and celebrating the unique nature of what has become an annual treat for the people of the city.

The audience is invited to join the cast as they challenge the world’s most treacherous waters in a desperate attempt to find the only living link with the beginning of time. Laugh yourself silly as they encounter dastardly fey pirates and find themselves shipwrecked on No Mans Land (inhabited solely by beautiful girls –until they’re joined by the dame!).

This promises to be the most hilarious and innovative sea-faring adventure you’ll ever see as Kaler and his amazing team wreak their special mix of mayhem and lunacy all in the name of entertainment!

The York Family Robinson will take to the main stage from Thu 15 Dec 2011 to Sat 4 Feb 2012. Tickets £10 - £26 Box Office 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Journey to Narnia The Rock Church in York is busy getting their Christmas Grotto ready for visitors.

“Every year we add new features to our Christmas Grotto experience,” says Maggie Farrimond,“and this year is no exception.”

“Once again the theme will be based on the story of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Children will enter through the spare room and into the wardrobe where they push through the fur coats as usual.

This year though they will find the NEW Wintery Forest of Narnia - I don’t want to give too much away, but it is going to be amazing!”

The Christmas Grotto experience is very popular with the people of York and surrounding area and last year Fast Pass Tickets which were booked in advance totally sold out.

“We would recommend that people book early to avoid disappointment. They can however, turn up on the door but ONLY on the weekend dates,” says Maggie. “We are open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 10th and 17th, Sunday 11th and 18th December and on Tuesday 20th, Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd December, these last three days are by pre-booked tickets only (fast pass).

The cost remains the same for children this year at £5.00 per child on the door and for fast pass tickets, £6 per child. Adult prices are £2.00 on the door and £2.50 for fast pass tickets. Call 01904 659 475 to book.

RECOMM ENDED www.rockchurch.org.uk

‘Outstanding’ ISI Inspection 2010

ASHVILLE ADVENTURE A fun interactive session for 21/2 - year olds and their parents. Stay and play at Ashville Pre-Prep school. An opportunity to meet the teachers, see the school and have some fun. Children will be invited to engage in a range of activities, including story telling, arts and crafts and even feeding the guinea pigs! At the end of the session parents will be offered an informal tour of the school whilst children enjoy a snack.

Come and see what makes Ashville different...

Get down to the JingleBellBop! By day event organiser, party planner and voice-over artist, and by night 104.7 Minster FM’s late show presenter, busy mum of 2 Victoria is putting together a show stopping Christmas extravaganza for young families across North Yorkshire - the JingleBellBop. Victoria has two of her own children with big expectations of Christmas- Philippa 7, and Jack 5, so she knows what she wants to do when it comes to celebrating Christmas the JingleBellBop way.

She’s also been running pre-school creative music classes, hosting musicled children’s parties and has been a youth worker volunteering in the past for brownies and rainbows. She currently works with her local youth group.

“Bigger events for the young family market is an exciting new direction for my business to take,” says Victoria, “and enables me to bring together so many of my passions; my love for the stage, good quality entertainment and production, engaging creative material for young minds that parents, grandparents and friends can join in with and… with the JingleBellBop the magic of Christmas.”

Taking place at Tadcaster’s Riley Smith Hall on Sunday 11th December between 1.30-3.30pm the venue will play host to an afternoon of family fun.

Santa will not only be there but will be leading the fun on stage, with action songs, disco, dancing, games and more… Santa, the Dancing Fairies and Elves will be sure to give the whole family a magical start the festive season.

“We have a great team working on the JingleBellBop from the website to the staging, with professional sound and lighting, as well as animation being produced for the big screen. With a free gift for every child, free face painting, live stage show and disco as well as bar refreshments and a selection of Christmas traders the magic of Christmas is sure to come alive.”

Tickets £7.50 per person- under 12 months free – early bookers discount of £5 on a family of 4 before 11th November. Book now at www.jinglebellbop.co.uk or call the booking line 08455 642 167. Find them on Facebook , join in the RECOMM ENDED Christmas fun and keep up to date www.facebook.com/ jinglebellbop

Wednesday 23rd November 2011 9.30 - 11.00am Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP 01423 566358 ashville@ashville.co.uk www.ashville.co.uk

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what’son in Nov/Dec‘11

We’ve ordered everything according to start date – be sure to look out for all the events which run for several weeks / weekends too.

And be sure to check before you set off. These were correct as we went to print but may have changed.

theatre 8 – 12 Nov THE NUTCRACKER ALHAMBRA THEATRE 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 8 - 13 Nov DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS WORLDS OF FANTASY SHEFFIELD MOTORPOINT ARENA 0114 2 56 56 56 www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk 9 Nov HIGH SCHOOL ROCKS ST. GEORGE’S HALL The best hits from High School Musicals 1, 2 & 3, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Glee.01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 12 Nov 2pm DIVING BELLE JUNCTION Dive into the magical world of Belle’s Carousel Café, Tom the lighthouse keeper and the glittering undersea life that surrounds them. £4.50 (£7 including workshop which is available from 11am – 1pm) www. junctiongoole.co.uk 01405 763652 15 – 19 Nov OLIVER! DONCASTER CIVIC THEATRE

By Phoenix Theatre Company 01302 342349 www.doncastercivic.co.uk 15 – 20 Nov JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT HULL NEW THEATRE www.hullcc.gov.uk 01482 300 300 21 Nov - 15 Jan ANNIE WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE 0113 213 7700 www.wyp.org.uk 24 Nov THE SLEEPING BEAUTY DONCASTER CIVIC THEATRE

By Moscow Ballet La Classique 01302 342349 www.doncastercivic.co.uk 25 Nov - 15 Jan BEAUTY & THE BEAST HARROGATE THEATRE 01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk 29 - 30 Nov STIG OF THE DUMP YORK THEATRE ROYAL 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk 1 – 31 Dec ALADDIN WAKEFIELD THEATRE ROYAL AND OPERA HOUSE 01924 211311 www.wakefieldtheatres.co.uk 2 Dec - 7.00pm CHRISTMAS STORIES HELMSLEY ARTS CENTRE Music & storytelling with Tony Wilson & Tom McConville. Interactive & entertaining collection of stories & songs to engage any family audience. Suitable for all ages.01439 771 700 www.helmsleyarts.co.uk

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3 -10 Dec JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE BABES IN THE WOOD www.jrtheatre.co.uk 4 Dec 2.30pm A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS HELMSLEY ARTS CENTRE 01439 771 700 www.helmsleyarts.co.uk 8 Dec – 1 Jan SLEEPING BEAUTY DONCASTER CIVIC THEATRE Traditional family pantomime 01302 342349 www.doncastercivic.co.uk 8 Dec – 7 Jan THE ADVENTURES OF SINBAD THE GEORGIAN THEATRE ROYAL, RICHMOND 01748 825252 www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk 8 Dec – 8 Jan CINDERELLA HULL NEW THEATRE www.hullcc.gov.uk 01482 300 300 9 Dec – 1 Jan ALADDIN YORK GRAND OPERA HOUSE 01904 671818 9 Dec – 21 Jan JACK AND THE BEANSTALK WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE 0113 213 7700 www.wyp.org.uk 10 Dec HARE AND TORTOISE LAWRENCE BATLEY THEATRE 01484 430528 www.lbt-uk.org 12 – 24 Dec THE SNOW QUEEN LAWRENCE BATLEY THEATRE 01484 430528 www.lbt-uk.org 13 - 17 Dec MOTHER GOOSE JUNCTION Mother Goose’s life turns upside down when she is tempted to take a magic potion, but with the help of Priscilla, the goose who lays golden eggs, there may well be a happy ending! Workshops also available. www.junctiongoole.co.uk 01405 763652 15 Dec - 4 Feb THE YORK FAMILY ROBINSON YORK THEATRE ROYAL 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk 17 – 31 Dec BEAUTY AND THE BEAST THE GRAND THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE, LEEDS Northern Ballet production 0870 121 4901 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com 17 Dec – 5 Feb ROBIN HOOD ALHAMBRA THEATRE 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

19,21 & 22 DEC 7PM The Magic Hatter’s Christmas Cracker UPSTAGE CENTRE YOUTH THEATRE,YORK Join The Magic Hatter as he gets ready for his favourite time of the year, in a magical extravaganza jam-packed with comedy, magic, illusions & more surprises than in Santa’s sleigh! Plus special guest Frostbite the Penguin, a cool character all the way from The North Pole! £7.50 adults, £5 children (under 16)

music, concerts & carol services

26 & 27 Nov 3,4, 10,11, 17 &18 Dec 3.30pm - 5pm MUSIC AND LIGHTS FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Christmas is coming! Get into the festive spirit with a visit to a magical winter wonderland. Enjoy listening to seasonal music in the floodlit Abbey ruins.01765 608888 www. fountainsabbey.org.uk

4 Dec 2pm FOUNDATION FOR THE STUDY OF INFANT DEATHS (FSID) CAROL SERVICE YORK MINSTER 6,7,8,9,10 Dec 7.30 PM CAROLS IN KIRKGATE CASTLE MUSEUM, YORK 01904 650333 www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk Ever-popular festive celebration in the recreated Victorian street.

9 Dec 7PM YORK MINSTER’S CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT YORK MINSTER 10 & 17 6pm - 10.30pm Dec TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVENINGS FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN 01765 608888 www. fountainsabbey. org.uk

11 Dec 3pm CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Enjoy a traditional carol service in the Abbey with candles for children.

Seasonal refreshments available. 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk 16th Dec 7.30pm SOUNDSFUN CHRISTMAS CONCERT ST HELENS CHURCH STONEGATE, YORK Local community choir Soundsfun present an evening of music. Tickets £6-Tel: 07786 89464 17 Dec KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY CAROL SERVICE TRAIN Tickets costs £20 (adults) & £15 (concessions) & inc pie & pea supper at Keighley. £2 from every fare is donated to the local Sue Ryder Foundation.

01535 645214 www.kwvr.co.uk 18 Dec 1.30pm CHRISTMAS CAROLS RIEVAULX ABBEY Join the Bilsdale Silver Band for seasonal festive music at the Abbey.

Plus a chance to buy some unique festive gifts. 01439 798228 www.english-heritage.org.uk 22 Dec 7PM & 24 Dec 4PM FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS YORK MINSTER 24 Dec 11.30pm MIDNIGHT MASS YORK MINSTER

Where’s Santa?

12 Nov – 24 Dec SANTA’S GROTTO STOCKELD PARK Winner of Britain’s Greatest Grotto award 2010. Weekdays up until and including Friday 9th Dec 3pm-7pm Weekends 1pm-7pm Weekdays from Mon 12th Dec until 23rd Dec 12pm-7pm Last ticket sales to see Santa is 6pm On Christmas Eve Santa will be in his Grotto between 12pm and 6pm A beautiful, traditional grotto with good quality gift – no need to book, just turn up.

Weekdays are best if you want to avoid the queues! 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk www.thechristmasadventure.com 12 & 13 Nov SANTA & REINDEER SLEIGH PARADE STOCKELD PARK FREE event - meet Santa and his reindeer and maybe win a sleigh ride 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk www.thechristmasadventure.com 19 Nov from 12pm Father Christmas TREASURES OF WETHERBY Father Christmas will be arriving at 12 o’clock and spending the rest of his day at the shop. You can create your letter to Father Christmas whilst at Treasures and hand deliver it to Father Christmas or you can post it in their special North Pole post box. Father Christmas will reply to every letter he receives. There will be festive music and lots of tasty Christmas treats on offer.

19,20,26,27 Nov 3,4,10,11,17- 23 Dec SANTA’S WORKSHOP NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM Visitors of all ages are invited to help Santa with his seasonal task by riding on board his special steam train with him. The journey begins in the Station Hall which has been transformed into Santa’s depot filled with presents, games and the museum’s toy collection from years gone by.

There’ll be a special interactive story telling adventure and children will meet Santa Claus. 0844 815 3139 www.nrm.org.uk/christmas 19,20,26 & 27 Nov 9-11 AM BREAKFAST WITH SANTA & FRIENDS STOCKELD PARK Join Santa for a yummy breakfast and gift. Tickets only available online. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk www.thechristmasadventure.com 20, 27 NOV, 3, 4,10,11,17, 18 Dec EMBSAY & BOLTON ABBEY STEAM RAILWAY SANTA ON THE TRAIN Santa will be on the train, giving out presents to well-behaved children. Info: 01756 710614. Talking Timetable: 01756 795189. Children aged 3 or over & adults £10, aged 2 & under £6 www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk 25-27 Nov & 3,4,10,11,17, 18, 19- 23 DEC 10am – 4pm SANTA’S GOTTO HAREWOOD HOUSE Entry cost to Grotto, held in the Harewood Geopods, will be £7.50 per child where you’ll meet Santa and leave with a present. Tickets pre-bookable online. 0113 218 1010 www.harewood.org

26, 27 Nov 3, 4,10,11,17 & 18 Dec A FIRESIDE AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS CASTLE HOWARD Join Father Christmas for fun and stories. The Festive Wizard will also be there to perform magic tricks and join in the fun. Tickets cost £10.00 per child (maximum age 12 years), which includes a personalised invitation, admission to the House and a gift. Pre-booking essential 01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk 26,27 NOV 3,4,10,11,17,18, 24 Dec SANTA SPECIALS KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY 01535 645214 to check availability. www.kwvr.co.uk

10,11,17,18,Dec TICKETS ON THE DOOR 10,11,17,18, 20, 21,& 22 Dec FASTPASS TICKETS AVAILABLE NARNIA CHRISTMAS GROTTO ROCKPLEX CENTRE, PRIORY STREET See our main feature on P 18 & 19.

Each child will receive a quality gift from Father Christmas for just £5 each. Fast Pass tickets are also available at a cost of £6 per child by booking in advance on 01904 659475. Adults £2 & £2.50 fastpass.

NOTE: FAST PASS ONLY ON 20,21& 22 01904 659475 www.rockchurch.org.uk

10 Dec 11am - 3pm HENSHAWS ARTS & CRAFTS CENTRE FESTIVE FUN DAY Visit Santa in his grotto with lots of other activities – see our main listings.

01423 541888 www.henshaws.org.uk 10 &11 Dec 11am,12.45pm, & 2.30pm SANTA’S INTERACTIVE TRAIL THORP PERROW A magical Christmas Quest like no other - meet some of Santa’s friends on your way through the woods & wrap up warm! Tickets - Children £7.50. Suitable for 9 years & under.

Ticket Line 01677 425323. 01677 425323 www.thorpperrow.com

Weekends from late November until & including Christmas week SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND THE FARM SHOP Willow House, Wigginton Road, York, www.thefarmshopyork.co.uk 01904 766822 Indoor woodland walk for all ages.

Weave you way along the woodland path through the enchanted land where Santa’s real live reindeer Donner and Dancer are resting before their big night. £8 per child, £3 per adult. Dates TBC – see online 3, 4 11 & 12 Dec SANTA’S GROTTO 11AM – 3.30PM NOSTELL PRIORY & PARKLAND A chance to see Santa in his magical winter wonderland. Tickets £5 01924 863892 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17 & 18 DEC 11AM – 3.30PM A CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Georgian Christmas party in the mansion.

Meet Father Christmas in his Grotto, Christmas lunches with all the trimmings, mince pies & mulled wine. £5 for Santa. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01904 472027 3,4,10,11, 17 -20 Dec SANTA SPECIALS NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY All tickets are £13.50.Running from Pickering. Check online for Grosmont & Whitby times. 01751 472508 www.nymr.co.uk

The

Christmas Adventure AT STOCKELD

PARK

November FREE events & low season prices

3,4,10,11,17,18, 19, 20, 21 & 22 Dec FATHER CHRISTMAS CANNON HALL, BARNSELY Santa will be down on the farm which has just won ‘best tourism experience’ in Welcome to Yorkshire’s White Rose Awards. 01226 790427 www.cannonhallfarm.co.uk 3, 4,10,11,17, 18, 22 & 23 Dec 10 AM – 3 PM SANTA SPECIALS MURTON PARK Enjoy a train ride where you meet the man himself and find out if you’ve been good this year.Tickets £7 & £5. 01904 489966 3,4,10 &11 Dec & 17-23 Dec RIPLEY CASTLE SANTA’S GROTTO RIPLEY CASTLE Meet Santa in his cosy Workshop Grotto.

Timed tickets from 11am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2.30pm. £8 per child 01423 770152 www.ripleycastle.co.uk 3,4,10,11,17, 18,21 & 22 Dec SANTA CRUISES YORKBOAT Tickets £11 Child £9 adult.

01904 628324 www.yorkboat.co.uk

-VKPIV\ML .WZM[\ ò 5IbM ò 1KM ;SI\M ò 6WZLQK ;SQ ò ;PWX ò /ZW\\W An inspirational day out for all ages at Stockeld Park. Near Wetherby on the A661. Open 7 days a week from 21 October.

w w w. t h e c h r i s t m a s a d v e n t u r e . c o m Families Vale of York

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what’son continued...

11 DEC 1.30 – 3.30 Jinglebellbop RILEY SMITH HALL TADCASTER See our main feature on P 18 & 19 to find out more about this Christmas extravaganza.

16 Dec – 6 Jan CHRISTMAS TRAIL THORP PERROW An invasion of snowmen in the woods!!

A magical festive puzzle for you to solve. Lots of fun - suitable for all ages.

01677 425323 www.thorpperrow.com 19-3 Dec Journey to the North Pole EUREKA! THE MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN Take a journey through the polar grotto to meet Santa and his helpers.

01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk 23 Dec 4PM – 6.30PM

12 Nov 10am-12pm TOY FAIR ARCHBISHOP OF YORK CE JUNIOR SCHOOL IN BISHOPTHORPE This is a great opportunity to clear out your unwanted toys before Christmas and bag a few bargains. Sale of indoor & outdoor toys, craft stalls, tombola, raffle, face painting & refreshments.

Fun for all the family! £1 per adult, children free.

12 NOV 2 - 3.30pm Wheldrake Playgroup Annual Toy Fair WHELDRAKE VILLAGE HALL Grab yourself a bargain in time for Christmas. Loads & loads of nearly new & used toys in fantastic condition available at give away prices.Fair includes fantastic Christmas raffle with top prizes and of course the famous fantastic Christmas hamper. Tombola, refreshments & a huge chocolate stand too! Adults 50p children go free. For further details: Sally Look on 01904 449182.

CHRISTMAS PARTY CRAZY TYKES Tickets priced at £7.50 per child.

Traditional buffet for the children with a gift from Santa - & a glass of wine for the adults. Games & prizes. 01937 541007 www.crazytykes.co.uk

19 Nov 10am – 4pm ADVENT FAIR YORK STEINER SCHOOL Delicious food, music & entertainment, craft stalls, Christmas grotto, Children & adult craft activities, puppet shows, story telling, raffle & much more.Tel: 01904 654983 for more details. Adults £1 Children free.

4 NOV

19 Nov ST NICHOLAS TOUR YORK WALKS A fascinating Yuletide look at the life and legends of St. Nicholas - the origin of Santa Claus 01904 622303 www.yorkwalk.co.uk

days out

NSPCC CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FAIR CASTLE HOWARD Get ahead with your Christmas shopping & take the pick of some quality gift ideas.01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk 5 & 6 Nov POLAR BEAR FROM THE NORTH POLE THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK Find out all about polar bears - brilliant for nature lovers of all ages, this gentle and magical performance must be seen to be believed. Free. On the A661 nr Wetherby, North Yorks. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 6,13,20,27 NOV & 4,11 & 18 DEC 1-3pm WINTER ARTRAGEOUS BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Free art workshops. Normal admission applies. 01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 11 NOV 7.30pm GIRLS’ NIGHT IN BUBWITH CENTRE Bubwith under Fives promise this will be a fun & relaxed evening - perfect for starting your Christmas shopping! Stalls include Jamie at home, Body Shop at home, Phoenix Trading, Usborne books, Temple Spa and Bubwith Coffee House as well as jewellery, soaps, crafts, preserves & gifts. Tickets are available from the Jug & Bottle, The Coffee House or Bubwith Under Fives (07845 123064) priced at £4.50 each.

The ticket price includes a glass of wine, goody bag and raffle ticket.”

12 & 13 NOV 10.30AM – 4.30PM CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR DUNCOMBE PARK 01439 770213 www.duncombepark.com

22 Families Vale of York

19 Nov CHILDREN IN NEED THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK Buy a bauble to light up the tree in aid of Children in Need. 6.45pm start, 6.15pm arrival recommended 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 19 Nov 10AM – 2PM CHRISTMAS FAIR ST EDWARD’S CHURCH HALL, YORK Along with various craft and gift stalls, and children’s activities, there’ll be light lunches and soups. All funds raised will go towards the running of the playgroup.

19 Nov 11am

YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK Fun day to support the Yorkshire Air ambulance. Meet the team and learn more about their work in the area.

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 19,20,26,27 Nov & 3,4,10,11,17 & 18 DEC 11am – 4pm CHRISTMAS AT NUNNINGTON NUNNINGTON HALL Christmas family trails around the hall, Christmas shopping and delicious fayre in the tearoom. 01439 748283 20 Nov 1.30 & 4pm JACK & THE BEANSTALK PANTOMIME THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK See Stockeld’s very first pantomime with a performance by award winning Chaplin’s Pantos. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

20 NOV 2- 3.30PM WHELDRAKE PLAYGROUP ANNUAL TOY FAIR WHELDRAKE VILLAGE HALL Fair includes nearly new and used toys in fantastic condition. Christmas raffle with top prizes and the famous fantastic Christmas hamper. Tombola, refreshments and a huge chocolate stand too! Adults pay 50p on entry, children go free. For further details contact Sally on 01977 596244.

24-27 Nov ST NICHOLAS FAYRE YORK CENTRE One of the country’s most popular Christmas markets.

24 – 27 Nov 10AM - 5PM BARLEY HALL ST NICHOLAS FAYRE MEDIEVAL MARKET Medieval and Craft traders gather to sell their wares. Living history and unique gifts. 01904 610 275 www.barleyhall.org.uk 25-27 Nov LIVING NORTH ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS FAIR HAREWOOD HOUSE Shopping and Lifestyle Fair with food & drink exhibition, market, demos & displays, Santa’s Grotto and much more.0113 218 1010 www.harewood. org Box Office on 0113 218 1000.

26 Nov 3pm A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK A live musical show to get the all the family in the Christmas spirit. Free.

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 26 Nov ST NICHOLAS TOUR YORK WALKS A fascinating Yuletide look at the life and legends of St. Nicholas - the origin of Santa Claus 01904 622303 www.yorkwalk.co.uk 26 & 27 Nov 11AM – 4PM AN AUDIENCE WITH VICTORIAN FATHER CHRISTMAS CLIFFORD’S TOWER YORK A Victorian Father Christmas, dressed in sumptuous traditional colourful costume will tell tales of Christmas past & recite famous yuletide stories & poems.

26 Nov - 18 Dec CHRISTMAS AT CASTLE HOWARD CASTLE HOWARD See Castle Howard’s dramatic 18th-century interiors transformed at Christmas time with each room decorated for the festive season. 01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk 26,27 Nov & 3,10,11,17 & 18 Dec 3.30 – 5PM MUSIC & LIGHTS FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Get into the festive spirit with a visit to this musical winter wonderland. 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk 26 NOV–8 JAN 9.30AM – 9.15PM ICE FACTOR YORK DESIGNER OUTLET The Ice Factor promises to be better than this year. The ice rink will be turned into a winter wonderland surrounded by 20 wooden chalets and a traditional funfair with big wheel & helter skelter as well as rides and games stalls. Booking recommended. www.theicefactor.co.uk

27 Nov 12 – 4pm.

Christmas Elf TREASURES OF WETHERBY The Christmas Elf will be up to lots of tricks and some balloon modelling. He’ll also be taking a special collection of Treasures Christmas Letters back to the North Pole.

27 Nov 12- 6 pm with shows at 1.30 & 3.30 THE MAGIC HATTER THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK Meet ‘The Magic Hatter’ who will be balloon modelling & doing magic tricks all day as well as 2 shows. Free. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 28 & 29 Nov & 5 & 6 Dec 10AM - 4PM CRAFT AND PRODUCE MARKET CASTLE HOWARD 01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk 1 – 4 Dec DICKENSIAN FESTIVAL LIGHTWATER VALLEY Over 75 stalls, special Christmas displays, gifts, stocking fillers & decorations galore. Comprehensive entertainment programme from a flea circus & Punch & Judy shows to Santa’s Grotto & superb local choirs. 0870 458 0040 www.lightwatervalley.co.uk 1-31 Dec 10- 4 pm DECK THE HALLS BARLEY HALL Visit Barley Hall during the festive season and see the house beautifully decorated to celebrate a medieval Christmas - enjoy a warming drink in the Barley Hall tavern.

3 Dec YORK WALKS ST NICHOLAS TOUR A fascinating Yuletide look at the life and legends of St. Nicholas - the origin of Santa Claus 01904 622303 www.yorkwalk.co.uk 3 & 4 DEC CHRISTMAS FAYRE KNARESBOROUGH Wander through the streets of Knaresborough and discover bustling stalls offering seasonal goods and delicious treats.

3 - 4 Dec VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS HELMSLEY CASTLE Discover how Christmas was celebrated during Victorian times.

Fascinating facts and plenty of laughter. www.english-heritage.org.uk 01439 770442 3 & 4 Dec 11AM – 4PM THE SNOWMAN NUNNINGTON HALL Don’t miss your chance to see a ‘real’ Snowman who will be dropping by to wish all visitors a very Merry Christmas.01439 748283 3 - 18 Dec YORK CHRISTMAS FAYRE PARLIAMENT STREET, YORK Market in the lead up to Christmas with modern festive atmosphere bringing gifts, smells and tastes, local producers and a Festive Inne.

3,4,10,11,17,18 Dec

CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE BENINGBROUGH HALL& GARDENS The house will be dressed in Georgian theme and the Stables in Victorian style. Christmas lunches with all the trimmings. Father Christmas at weekends 01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

3 Dec10am-4pm YORK RACECOURSE, YORK, CHOOSE2REUSE Part of the Choose2Reuse campaign which aims to prevent reusable goods from becoming waste and saving people money.

They’ll show you what can be reused and how the life of everyday goods can be extended through rethinking and redesigning or repair and mend.

3,4,10,11 & 17-31 Dec 11am-3pm GLISTEN, GLITTER & GLOW – SNOWFLAKES FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Make your own Christmas decorations for their trees or to take home. Drop in self-led activities in Swanley Grange.

01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk 4 Dec 11am-12 noon & 1-2pm DAZZLING DECORATIONS BRIMHAM ROCKS Make your very own sustainable decorations from logs, tree slices and pine cones. 01423 780686 8 Dec 7.30pm CHRISTMAS THEATRE – ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’ FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Guaranteed to rouse your Christmas spirit, a great start to the season for all the family. Pretheatre suppers available.01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk 9,10,11,16 Dec CHRISTMAS CHOIRS & BANDS THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE at STOCKELD PARK Enjoy the sounds of Christmas with live music. 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 10 Dec 6pm - 8pm JACK AND THE BEANSTALK BUBWITH CENTRE Tickets available from The Jug & Bottle or Bubwith Under Fives (07845 123064) , priced at £7 each (under 2s free) children will receive a free goody bag.

10-11 Dec FESTIVAL OF ANGELS YORK – THE QUARTER A true Christmas festival, transforming York’s most unique streets into a winter wonderland of ice-sculptures, stalls, al fresco dining, street entertainment & guaranteed ‘snow’ showers.

11 Dec MEET SANTA 11.30AM-2.30PM BRIMHAM ROCKS Follow our Christmas trail and meet Santa at the Visitor Centre tel: 01423 780688. £4.00 per child (includes gift).

15 Dec 7.30pm CHRISTMAS THEATRE – A CHRISTMAS CAROL FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Festive theatre for all to enjoy.

Pre-theatre suppers available.

01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

17 Dec 2pm CHRISTMAS FAYRE NORTH DUFFIELD VILLAGE HALL See Father Christmas in his grotto, browse the seasonal stalls, get crafty with activity stalls or enjoy fabulous refreshments.. mulled wine, mince pies, teas, coffees cakes and much much more. All proceeds to North Duffield Under Fives Preschool.

01757 289998 17 Dec 10am - 4pm THE PAVILIONS, HARROGATE. CHOOSE2REUSE Part of the Choose2Reuse campaign which aims to prevent reusable goods from becoming waste and saving people money.

18 Dec MEET SANTA 11.30AM – 2.30PM BRIMHAM ROCKS Follow the Christmas trail and meet Santa at the Visitor Centre tel: 01423 780688. £4.00 per child (includes gift).

22 Dec 2pm CHRISTMAS STORY-TELLING FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Lots of Christmas stories for 4-9 year olds at Swanley Grange £1.50 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk 1 Jan NEW YEAR’S DAY SPECIALS EMBSAY & BOLTON ABBEY STEAM RAILWAY New Year’s Day is a ‘FAMILY DAY’ with Happy Tank Engines. No Santa – he’ll be on holiday! 01756 795189 www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk

classes 20 NOV & 18 DEC World Meditation Hour QUAKER MEETING HOUSE, YORK Join people across the world who meditate for one hour a month. For more info call 07777 690 371 www.bkwsu.org.uk Yogaco Yoga for Pregnancy Wed & Thurs 6.30 - 8.15pm at Jacob’s Well, Trinity Lane, central York. £7.50 per class. Sophie Carr www.yogaco.co.uk info@yogaco.co.uk 01904 733752 Mum and Baby Yoga Mon 10.30 - 12 noon at St Columba’s Church Hall, Priory St, central York. £6 per class. Alison Goodwin www.yogaco.co.uk yogawithalison@yahoo.co.uk 01904 799097 Yoga in York with Anna Semlyen British Wheel of Yoga Dip 01904 654355 / 07891 989310 www.yogainyork.co.uk anna@yogainyork.co.uk Pregnancy Yoga FRIARGATE FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE Tues 7-8pm to 14 Dec and from 4 Jan £6.50 Mum and Baby Yoga Tues 11am - noon (inc crawlers) at St Clements Ch, Scarcroft Rd from 2 Nov . Fri 11am- noon (6 wks - pre crawlers only) at Healing Clinic, Museum St from 29 Oct. Prebook at £38.50 for 7 wks.

beta mum

Not all young people run in mobs down the street wearing charred hoodies purloined from their local firebombed branch of JD, wielding knives dripping with blood and spouting their own patois that boasts 100 words for ‘attitude’ and none for ‘please’ and ‘thankyou’.

I felt I should mention it because when I told friends I was going to college to do an art degree, I was bombarded with such tales of feckless youth that I considered buying a flack jacket to match my new pencil case.

In fact, the biggest complaint I can make is that some of the boys could watch where they’re going a bit when they’re dashing up the stairs to get to lectures on time.

After 20 years out of education, I didn’t know what to expect. But the girls (and they’re all girls) in my intake are amazing. They’re ordinary young women, from ordinary homes and yet every one of them is bright, funny and have been heart-warmingly welcoming to the idea of having an old trout like me among them.

I think it was Day Two when we had to tell the tutor and each other a little about our level of experience. One by one, they recounted which school/college they’d come from, and baffled me with tales of GCSEs and extended diplomas in textiles and the like.

bet you’re a right cool mum.’

My youngest son (aged 7) found this comment so hilarious, he has turned it into a stand-up routine that he performs repeatedly at school. Apparently causing equal hilarity among his classmates.

But, bless them, my boys have been very supportive. It helps reduce tantrums when we all sit down to do homework together, they reassure me about my drawing abilities and they were enormously impressed by the soaring atrium of York College’s ‘machine for learning’ when I took them for a visit.

For the first week, they greeted me anxiously at the end of each day, with the youngest asking, ‘Were there any bullies today, Mum?’ I’m keeping my course books to pass on to my best friend’s five year old daughter, who may be following me onto a fashion degree, although perhaps not a career in diplomacy.

The other day, she came clipclopping into the room wearing her mother’s sparkly stilettoes, struck My turn: ‘We-ell…. GCSEs weren’t a pose and asked, ‘Mum? When quite in when I was 16. And if an I’m 18, can I have these shoes?

O’Level in textiles existed back Because you’ll be too old and ugly then, it certainly wasn’t on offer at to wear them by then.’ my grammar school.’

I guess we can only take comfort I rattled through what we in the fact that we’re not already euphemistically call ‘life experience’ too old and ugly. and then one fellow student plucked up the courage to ask As a footnote, just another quick (very politely) how old I was. word about my fellow students.

I mentioned friendly, witty and ‘I’m 41.’ Audible gasp around the vibrant. So far, so pleasant. But room. I’m still unclear whether the when they put pencil to paper, or gasp was caused by the audacity pin to fabric, the talent just pours of such a geriatric studying out of them. These people are fashion, or the shocking disparity creative, innovative, hard-working between my youthful stylishness and inspirational. And they’re being and my actual age. I suspect the nurtured and shaped by staff who former but I’m happy to kid myself manage to be friend, teacher and it was the latter. advisor all at the same time. It’s a ‘Well,’ said the fellow student, ‘I privilege to be among them.

Families Vale of York

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