Families North Yorkshire issue 92 Jan/Feb 2020

IN THIS ISSUE Club/Class Directory The many benefits of Scouting New Year: New you feature – 15 Sat n 23 Su b Fe

Imp ro Indo ved Bale or Baa Play arn!

FEBRUARY FROLICS LOADS OF UNDERCOVER FUN THIS FEBRUARY HALF TERM!

NEW Fleecy Fun Shows with The Magic Hatter! | Bottle Feed New Born Lambs | Lambing Live | Tractor and Trailer Rides | Baa-rilliant Bale Play Baaarn with…

GIANT Slides, Junior Tractor Drivers, Rope Swings, Dig ‘n’ Play, Heated Seating Area and lots more Adventure Farm Fun! PIGLETS, NR YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183 PIGLETSADVENTUREFARM.COM

Issue 92 Jan/Feb 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

Welcome readers & a happy new year!

After all of the overindulgence that Christmas and the New Year will have undoubtedly brought you, this issue of Families magazine has just the right thing to help you keep to your New Year’s resolutions and discover a NEW YOU! Check out our New Year: New You articles along with the directory of local businesses who are there to help you along the way.

Our popular club and class directory returns and is bigger and better than ever before! Why not have a browse through and sign your child up to learn something new in 2020? Equally, you’ll find an article on Scouting: a popular and every growing British institution that gets young people outdoors in the wonderful fresh air!

We lead such busy lives, there really is never any time to browse the internet or social media to find out how to entertain the kids, but never fear, our ‘What’s On’ guide at the back of this issue has plenty listed for a whole range of family fun options.

Wishing all of our families a joyful 2020 filled with plenty of fun family moments!

Editor, Families North Yorkshire Magazine

Get in touch E – editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk T – 07794909820 @FamiliesNYMag @FamiliesNYMag @Familiesnorthyorkshiremagazine

Circlulation: 20,000 Deadline: Deadline for Mar/Apr edition is early Feb 20 Designed by: Anna Lawton Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk Families North Yorkshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families North Yorkshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North Yorkshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

the Top 15 in their categories.

FAMILY

News

Queen Mary’s Girls Beat Their Record at the National Independent Schools Gymnastics Association Competition

For the second year running, Queen Mary’s has entered the I.S.G.A Competition. This year, Christina Cotton, 8, returns home victorious with a medal for coming 2nd overall in the UK, U9 Novice category.

Queen Mary’s entered 21 girls into this year’s I.S.G.A Competition, comprising of four teams for categories; U9, U11, U13 and O13, competing for the Annual 2 Piece Championships for Girls where the disciplines are Set Floor and Voluntary Vault.

Competing against over 500 other gymnasts, Christina wasn’t the only success story. In impressive form, Queen Mary’s also saw Mathilda Mortimer, Romilly Abbott and Pippa Gawthorpe in 2 Families North Yorkshire

Never failing to see an opportunity, not only was this a Gymnastics competition, but it was also a chance for Head Girl and Head of Gymnastics, Rose Scott, to both compete and practise the skills required as an Assistant Coach.

Sleep Lessons for School Children

Miss Danielle Pegg, Joint Head of Physical Education said: “I couldn’t be more proud! Over the last three years Gymnastics has become very popular at Queen Mary’s School and this has meant that I had 21 keen gymnasts at the competition compared to just 4 last year. Every day their drive and determination surprises me. I cannot wait to see what these girls bring for 2020, and most importantly the YSGA, Yorkshire Schools Gymnastic Competition Milano Trio Competition, which is being held in February.

Christina Cotton from Harrogate, is very happy: “I wasn’t nervous before we started, and I was definitely not expecting my name to be read out at the end. It was the first ever time I have ever stood on a podium! It was very exciting and everyone clapped. I love Gymnastics and I am really looking forward to competing again with the team in February.”

Mrs Carole Cameron, Head of Queen Mary’s School said: “Congratulations to all our gymnasts who have worked extremely hard to achieve these placings. These sports allow the girls to shine as individuals, being able to adapt and make quick decisions, but at the same time work together as a team and support each other. It is wonderful to see Queen Mary’s girls acquiring these valuable transferable skills at such a young age.”

Queen Mary’s offers a broad curriculum, allowing pupils to pursue their interests within small classes designed to encourage their development and achievement. The next Open Morning will take place on Saturday 1 February. For more information please call 01845 575040.

School children across Britain may be offered sleep lessons to help tackle the problem of insomnia in young people.

Children and young people’s sleep is being seen as an increasingly important issue.

According to the British Medical Journal, there is increasing evidence emerging that lack of sleep has a major impact on children’s mental and physical health, as well as learning. A recent study by the BMJ suggests that sleep has a greater impact on an adolescent’s mental wellbeing than bullying, physical activity and screen time.

The sleep lessons are aimed at children ages 7 to 16 years and are available as part of the PSHE curriculum.

The lessons focus on giving children strategies for falling asleep and raising awareness of how sleep needs change in adolescence.

Experts say the increase in sleep problems is down to a combination of higher obesity levels, excessive use of social media before bedtime and a mental health crisis among young people More info: www.pshe-association.org.uk thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk/

www.

familiesonline.co.uk

Would You Rent Baby Clothes?

Babies can get through an alarming number of outfits in a day, so there’s no getting away from the fact that you will need plenty of sleepsuits in different sizes, each of which will only fit for a matter of months or weeks. So how do you avoid ending up with piles of clothes your baby has outgrown?

For more and more new parents, the answer is simple: rent.

Two UK companies have introduced an alternative which they believe solves this problem as well as being affordable and environmentally sustainable by reducing waste. The alternative also reduces time spent by parents constantly re-selling and purchasing clothes.

Families pay a monthly subscription, return outgrown clothes and then receive the next size up, in line with their baby’s growth and the changing seasons. Clothes are professionally cleaned and must pass quality control before being sent to the next renting family.

For more info, visit www.bundlee.co.uk or www. bellesandbabes.co.uk

Could you host an international student?

in improving their English language.

Pippa’s Guardians offers competitive daily rates and a high level of support to our host families. For further information please contact belinda@pippasguardians. co.uk or visit our website www.pippasguardians.co.uk

An ‘outstanding’ North Yorkshire children’s nursery appoints new manager

An ‘outstanding’ children’s nursery set in 20-acres of grounds on the outskirts of Harrogate has appointed a new manager.

Jo Henderson, who has worked at independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor for the past seven years, has been appointed Manager of its Magic Tree Nursery.

Mum-of-two Jo has been promoted from her most recent role as Deputy Manager at the co-educational school’s nursery, which offers year-round care for children and babies from three months old.

Belmont Grosvenor School and Magic Tree Nursery, based in Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, near Harrogate, have both consistently been rated ‘outstanding’ and ‘excellent’ in Ofsted and ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) Inspections.

Jo, 39, who brings more than two decades of experience working in childcare across the Harrogate district to her new role, is excited about her promotion.

Hosting an overseas student can be a rewarding experience. Belinda Maunsell, North Yorkshire area manager for Pippa’s Guardians, is looking for families who would enjoy hosting a student during school holidays and exeat weekends.

Every year, children from all over the world come to England to attend our boarding schools and experience the benefits of an English education. This is a wonderful but hugely daunting experience for these children, who are sometimes as young as nine or ten, and often come here alone from as far away as China or Japan. It is our job as a Guardianship company to look after them during their time here. Pippa’s Guardians was established in 1997 when Pippa Hughes, Registrar at Cheltenham College and a mother herself, noticed the need to support these students and indeed, realised how rewarding it could be to do so. More than 20 years later, we are still dedicated to the mission of looking after these children.

Pippa’s Guardians looks after students in schools all over the country and in North Yorkshire we are lucky enough to look after a number of children who attend some of our prestigious independent schools such as Harrogate Ladies’ College, Queen Margaret’s and Queen Ethelburga’s. As our student numbers grow, we are always looking for new host families locally, who can provide a welcoming and caring environment for our students, for exeat weekends and half-terms.

Hosting an international student is a great opportunity to introduce your family to other cultures and languages.

Sharing your traditions and family life with an overseas student and knowing that you are helping them during their time in the UK can be very gratifying. Long-term friendships often develop, and many host families keep in touch with the students and their families long after they return home.

The families we look for are welcoming and interested in other cultures. Having children of a similar age can help, but it is certainly not vital - indeed we have many successful host families who have no children, or indeed older children who have left home. We find that our students benefit enormously from being part of an English family. Experiencing day-to-day family life during their breaks from school adds an important dimension to our students’ experience in the UK, and gives them a deeper understanding of English culture, as well as playing a part familiesonline.co.uk

The Big Garden Birdwatch

“I am delighted to have been appointed Manager of Belmont Grosvenor’s Magic Tree Nursery and hope to use the experience I have gained during more than 20 years of working across a wide variety of childcare settings to enhance this already ‘outstanding’ setting,” she said.

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 25 to 27 January and is the largest wildlife survey in the world.

The information collected helps monitor bird species in the UK, and is great fun for children.

To take part, you need to watch the birds in your garden or local park for just one hour at some point over the three days and report your results to the RSPB. You can request a FREE Big Garden Birdwatch pack from the RSPB which includes a bird identification chart and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden.

To make it fun, challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park to look for birds, or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.

More info at www.rspb.org.uk

Do you have a spare room in your home?

Are you caring, nurturing and supportive?

“Having worked at Belmont Grosvenor for the past seven years, I know what a caring, nurturing and welcoming school and nursery we already provide for our children. I am excited to build on our success to date and take Magic Tree Nursery forward to its next chapter.”

“I am working alongside a team of staff who are committed to providing the very best in childcare for our children at Magic Tree Nursery, and committed to ensuring that every parent who walks through the door feels relaxed and happy in the knowledge that their child is in the best possible hands,” added Jo. With an impressive set of qualifications to her name, including a BTEC National Diploma in Childhood Studies and a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children and Young People’s Services, Jo is currently studying for a Level 2 qualification in Behaviour that Challenges and has qualifications in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Leadership and Management.

To arrange a tour visit www. belmontgrosvenor.co.uk or call 01423 771029.

Become a Host Family for an international pupil at a local boarding school Attractive daily rates Occasional weekend and half terms only To find out more call 01684 252757 or email sarahw@pippasguardians.co.uk

www.pippasguardians.co.uk Families North Yorkshire 3

New Year, New You

By Caitlin Hazell

How about this New Year you stay away from the usual resolutions which, let’s be honest, often fall by the wayside by the end of January. Instead look at ways to have a great year ahead which are achievable and more importantly, you can enjoy! We visited Upside Down Design on Bootham for some ‘New Year: New You’ inspiration and we were not disappointed!

Be Kind to Yourself

Upside Down Design stock a range of skincare and lifestyle products by a brand called Meraki, that are organic and smell divine! We loved this Diffuser (£13.95), made with natural ingredients which will create a beautiful scent to your home: whether you use it in the bedroom, bathroom or living room. Also available in the same range is the Body Lotion (£14.95). Winter is tough on our skin, but this organic body lotion containing aloe vera and jojoba oil, will help keep your skin soft and moisturised.

Get Cosy

The benefits of being outdoors has been scientifically proven to boost your energy and immune system, is good for your vision and enhances creativity.

We spotted these books: Epic Hikes of the World (£24.99), Mindful Thoughts for Walkers (£6.99) and The Great Outdoors ‘A User’s Guide’ (£18.99).

Relax more

Easier said than done sometimes with family, work and relationships to manage; but in 2020 a simple resolution to try is to make more time for yourself.

That could be in the form of reading a couple of times a week (something for you, not a bedtime story), or a bubble bath with candles and a glass of wine, a yoga class or a 20-minute run/walk. Whatever it is that helps you relax - make more time for it!

Upside Down Design have a range of candles in all shapes, sizes and colours with votives too. We love this Merkai Sandcastles & Sunsets Scented Candle, reminiscent of a day at the beach available in two sizes (£6.95 and £11.95).

Made from soya bean oil it’s 100% natural, resulting in a clean burning flame that gives off less soot than regular candles, plus a rainbow of colours you can buy from only 99p each.

Get Organised

Christmas might have been and gone, but Winter is far from over. These velvet eiderdowns which come in a range of sumptuous colours are perfect for getting cosy (from £179). We also love the colours of these ‘Birdie’ velvet cushions (£35.95) that would look great on a sofa or bed.

Eat Well

Being organised can reduce stress and make us happier; it can improve sleep and boost energy. This ‘Eternity’ Calendar (£24.95) is a great addition for either office or somewhere in the home that children can update and see what the day and date is. Plus, it will last forever! We also spotted this Yearly Planner 2020 (£12.95) with a page for each day to write down the ‘to do’s’ of your day and when they need to be done and even reflect upon your goals.

Try Something New We all know that eating well, makes us feel good, but the new year could be a time to try eating differently too. We spotted a variety of cookbooks and other interesting reading at Upside Down Design, these include ‘How to go Vegan’ (£12.99) and ‘How to go Plastic Free’ (£9.99). Both have simple tips on making the change towards a healthier, happier and more ethical lifestyle. Even if going vegan isn’t for you, it includes recipes, tips and tricks to try.

Get Outdoors

It doesn’t matter what it is: take a painting class, write a poem, go rock climbing, try Ethiopian food, go to a ballet. Trying new things is an opportunity to learn about yourself, meet new people, to grow as a person and increase overall life satisfaction. ‘Do One Thing Every Day That Inspires You’ (£11.99), Acrylic Paint set (£8.95), Large Sketchbook (£9.95).

Whatever resolutions or challenges you set yourself in 2020, we hope you make this year your best year yet!

For all the products mentioned, you can visit Upside Down Design on 27 Bootham, York, Y030 7BW or visit their website https://www. upsidedowndesign.co.uk/ 4 Families North Yorkshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Short Break Ideas for 2020

By Claire Winter

Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular with families in the UK. Budget airlines, busier lives, and the desire to see lots of different places in a shorter amount of time are just some of the reasons why families are opting for them. Apparently short breaks are also good for your mental health.

Psychologists claim that people who take them are much happier than people who take long holidays. This is because people’s enjoyment and enthusiasm for their destination may start to wane after more than a week away.

Eco-Friendly Stays

Adventure Awaits Taking a break to try a new sport or have an outdoor adventure will be popular in 2020. Whether it’s spending the weekend in a cosy cottage in North Wales to go on the world’s fastest zip wire (www. zipworld.co.uk) or exploring the stunning scenery of the Pyrenees. The Adventure Creators (www. adventurecreators.co.uk) are a small, friendly tour operator that specialises in multi-activity holidays in this mountainous area. Activities include canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, river rafting, and high rope adventures. An in-situ holiday manager is on hand throughout your stay to answer any questions and ensure everything runs smoothly, as well as to give you recommendations for the best family-friendly restaurants in the area. Holidays are available May-September.

Unusual European City Breaks Reykjavik is a perfect place to visit with a family because it is small in size and easy to explore, with plenty of colourful buildings, interesting food and cosy cafes in which to enjoy coffee and cake. You can take day trips to explore the stunning waterfalls and hot springs of the Icelandic landscape. Or why not visit Bari in Italy? With its host of historic buildings and winding streets, it’s fun, noisy and perfect for families that like to wander and soak up the sunshine. There are lovely beaches nearby and you can also enjoy the regular opera and ballet performances at the recently restored Teatro Petruzzelli.

With awareness growing of the effect of travel on the environment, think about travelling by train, which is much greener. Amsterdam, Bruges, Bordeaux, Lyon, Strasbourg and Cologne can all be reached by rail in under 6 hours from London. Then there are eco-friendly destinations such as Slovenia (www.slovenia.info/en) where 54% of the land is under protection. It also has beautiful coastal towns to explore and activities like white water rafting and hiking to try. Half of the country is covered in forest, so it is really one of the greenest countries in the world.

Don’t forget to let us know your favourite short break destinations on our Facebook page or on Instagram.

Waterside Breaks Beautiful Scotland is a fantastic destination all year round. The country is celebrating a year of Coasts & Waters in 2020 so there’s never been a better time to explore its beautiful rivers, lochs and coastline.

You can also enjoy fantastic events as part of the celebrations, such as the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival and Scotland’s Shores at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which will feature classic film screenings and a special outdoor coastal experience. More information at www.visitscotland. com/about/themed-years/coasts-waters/.

Also check out www.watersidebreaks.com which has a wealth of waterside accommodation options from riverside cottages in the Norfolk Broads, to luxury lakeside lodges in the Cotswolds to lovely seaside holiday homes.

Babysitting & Nanny Services Bright Beginnings Childcare Agency have a childcarer to suit your every need – from one-off babysitters to full-time nannies.

Nursery Managers – Ask us about Supply Staff!

Theme Park Fun Copenhagen has loads of fun things to do for families and is just a two-hour flight away. It’s also home to not one, but two amusement parks. familiesonline.co.uk

Bakken, with its 82 year old wooden rollercoaster, is just ten minutes’ drive north of the city and is the world’s oldest amusement park, dating back to 1583. Tivoli Gardens consists of 15 acres packed with pagodas, roller coasters, and fairground rides, including the world’s tallest carousel. You could also check out Efteling: World of Wonders in Holland (www.efteling.com/en). It’s about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam and has a fun, fantasy, storybook setting and a variety of novel accommodation options. You can immerse yourself in the enchanted forest, where there are carousels and fun rides for the younger children, while thrill seekers can battle dragons on the rollercoasters.

01904 691698 email: info@bb-agency.co.uk www.bb-agency.co.uk All our childcarers have: DBS Checks, Paediatric First Aid, Qualification/Experience, Uniform, ID Card, a minimum of two references.

Families North Yorkshire 5 26443 BBCA Little Vikings Magazine 74mmx105mm (Proof 3).indd 1

02/12/2019 12:41

Clubs & classes Arts, Crafts, Creative & Technology Clayfever Ceramic painting for everyone.

Tadcaster. Open Tues-Sat. www.clayfever.co.uk / 01937 918100

Creative Studio Creative Workshops for Children & Adults in York. Small groups in 3 different age categories, for ages 5-18, taught by qualified teachers and professional artists. Birthday Parties. 07505762450

Little Bites Cookery School York cookery school for ages 2-5 in term time & ages 5-11 at weekends & in holidays. York. www.littlebitescookery.com / 07768 207839

Pots 2 Go Ceramic painting for everyone. Harrogate. www.pots2go.co.uk / 01423 524797

Rainbows Ceramic Café www.rainbowsceramics.co.uk / 01904 675533

Technology in Play STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) workshops weekly for primary aged children in York & Harrogate. www.technologyinplay.club

Performing

Junction, Goole Electric Youth Theatre 5-18 yrs, School of Rock 12+, Ukulele Junction 12+. www.junctiongoole.co.uk / 01405 763652

Pauline Quirke Academy York & Harrogate based classes in comedy & drama, musical theatre, film & television for ages 4-18. Based at Huntington School, York, Beverley Grammar School & Harrogate Grammar School. www.pqacademy.com

York based classes in all Performing Arts – dance, drama and singing.

Razz Tots – ages 2-3 years / Razz Minis – ages 4 – 5 years Razz Juniors – ages 6-8 years / Razz Inters – ages 9-11 years / Razz Seniors – ages 12+ Razz Parties and summer school (ages 4-8 and 8-18 years are catered for) are also available. For more information visit: www.york.razzamataz.co.uk

Stagecoach Classes in drama, dance & singing for students from 4-19. Offers training in performing arts & life skills, such as confidence & self-esteem. York, Harrogate & Wetherby. www.stagecoach.co.uk

The Music Rooms, Selby Tuition in ALL instruments with 6 teaching rooms, band rehearsal rooms, instrument repairs, choirs, workshops & music courses. www.themusicroomsselby.co.uk / 07976 250785

Pre-School ARTventurers

Babyballet

Badapple are a professional theatre company based rurally in Green Hammerton, North Yorkshire who tour their unique brand of comedy theatre to non-theatre spaces right across the country. They also run year-round Youth Theatre sessions for Y3-Y6 and Y7-Y9 from their village base where students can develop their physical theatre, devising and comic skills as well as perform in two Big Shows every year, under the expert tutelage of professional Theatre Director and Education Director Sue Rosser who also directs their highly acclaimed ‘Play In A Week’ Summer School. www.badappletheatre.com

Derwent Danceworks Ballet, tap, modern jazz, freestyle, street & more. www.derwentdance.co.uk

En Pointe Dance School Classical dance school for ages 2+ in York. www.enpointeyork.co.uk 6 Families North Yorkshire

Arts, Crafts and Messy Play from 0-5 years.

Wed at Winkies, Harrogate Thurs at Wetherby Sports Association / Fri at The Art Lab, Ripon www.thecreationstation.co.uk/sharon-fisher

Razzamataz

Award winning, colourful, creative (often messy) art classes for babies, toddlers and children. Various locations throughout North Yorkshire. www.artventurers.co.uk

Badapple Theatre Company

Creation Station

Tinies for 18mths – 3 yrs, Movers 3-4 yrs, Groovers 4-6 yrs & tappers ages 3+. Classes in York, Tadcaster, Boston Spa & Harrogate. www.babyballet.co.uk / 07702 965932

Baby Bumpkin Yoga, York Our fun Baby Bumpkin Yoga-inspired classes combine storytelling, music and simple baby yoga movements that give babies from 10 weeks through to toddling a great physical foundation to development. www.tattybumpkin.com/york

Baby Sensory Multi-sensory play for babies up to 13 months.

Classes in York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Malton & Pocklington. www.babysensory.com

Boogie Babes Pay as you go pre-school dance class with no termly fees. Classes in Harrogate, Boroughbridge & Wetherby. www.boogiebabes.biz

Diddidance, York diddi dance is an award winning fun and funky dance session for both boys & girls aged 18 months (or younger if walking) to 4 years!

Why diddi dance?

• Over 16 different dance themes from Rave to Bollywood, Hip hop to Rock and everything else in between!

• Classes are educational, engaging and inspire children’s own creativity using action songs, dancing games, fun exercises, hoops and dance ribbons.

• All pop songs used are original and funky to get your diddi ones moving

For a FREE TRIAL contact: hayley. evans@diddidance.com 07825 139457

Gym Gems Classes for under 5s at Wetherby Sports Association with North Leeds Gymnastics academy. www.gymgems.wixsite.com/home

Little Cricket Weekly classes run in York on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

07511 046890 / www.little-cricket.co.uk

Moo Music Contact Beth for sessions in York, Wilberfoss and Stamford Bridge – 07794201047 or email moomusicwithbeth@gmail.com Contact Sian for sessions in Pocklington and Market Weighton – 07725915304 or email sian@moo-music.co.uk

My Baby Can Dance Classes combine movement to music with activities, singing & musical instruments.

Classes in York, Selby & Harrogate. www.mybabycandance.com / 07714 210814

Reading Fairy Classes to develop the crucial building blocks for reading & language development from 1-5 years. York www.readingfairy.com/york / 07739 961391

Rhythm Time Music & singing classes for babies, toddlers & pre-schoolers. York, Harrogate, Selby & Wetherby. www.rhythmtime.net / 07340 048804 familiesonline.co.uk

Sing and Sign Classes in Pocklington, Acomb, Fulford & York library.www.singandsign.com / 07811 651720

Singamajigs Sing & jig from birth – 5. Classes in Harrogate & surrounding area. www.singamajigs.co.uk / 01423 552 918

Superlingo Spanish, Howden, East Yorkshire Come along with your little one to our interactive Spanish sessions for Babies and Toddlers aged 0-5 years. Join in fun-packed sessions full of Spanish games, song, dance, stories and arts and craft activities in a welcoming and friendly environment. Tuesdays at 2pm, Howden Shire Hall. www.superlingo. co.uk / 07468320374

Sounds Right Phonics, York Multi-award-winning preschool phonics class, for ages 1-4 years, which open children and their parents to a world of literacy. Classes held Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri in various locations: Clifton, Acomb, Dringhouses and the Knavesmire. Find out more on Facebook: @soundsrightyork www.soundsrightphonicsclasses.co.uk

Go Yoga Yoga for babies, toddlers, children & parents in Harrogate. www.goyogaharrogate.com

Rugby Tots, York Rugbytots is the world’s favourite rugby play programme. Our dynamic weekly sessions enable boys and girls aged 2-7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. Our motto is simple: “make it more fun”. We do this by delivering our specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement.

This creates an atmosphere in the class that is totally unique and engaging for parents and children alike. Rugbytots runs all year round.

Our classes are split into 3 age ranges; 2-3.5 yrs, 3.5-5 yrs & 5-7 yrs. Classes available throughout York, Pocklington, Selby & Goole.

Classes are run on the weekends, with weekday sessions also available. To find your nearest class or for more information, please visit www.rugbytots.co.uk

Baby Swimmers Claire, Mum of James from Baby Swimmer’s Pocklington class: “From his very first bath, it was clear our son James had a natural love of water, but taking James to our local public swimming pool didn’t go to plan - he became clingy, easily distracted by other swimmers and disliked armbands with a passion. We were apprehensive at starting swimming lessons, but within just a few weeks we could see a big difference. Baby Swimmers encourages natural water movements in children, so we didn’t have the battle with buoyancy aids, and James has become content and confident in the water. Now he jumps into the water by himself, resurfaces and then holds on to the side before swimming towards his Daddy. Swimming sessions feel like they are more about making our child feel comfortable in the water than achieving a grade.” NOW booking for January 2020!

0333 8008345 / www.babyswimmers.co.uk

Tennis Tots Tennis for ages 2-6 in York & Harrogate. www.tennis-tots.co.uk

Tumbletots

Summit Indoor Adventure Hang For £5

Gym classes for ages 6 mths – 7 years. York & Selby www.tumbletots.com / 01904 412381

Every Monday between 4pm and 7pm enjoy 2 hours of fun. Climb and Play for just £5pp for both activities.

Sports & Movement

Inclusive

Fiit Like a Girl A specially structured fitness class for teenage girls working on confidence & self-esteem.

Knaresborough. 07447436286

Football Tots Classes for 2-3 yrs & 3-4 yrs with the opportunity to then progress to Samarca Football school 5-16yrs. Classes in York, Thirsk, Ripon & Selby. To find out more contact 07595 297639 / www.football-tots.net

Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm join us on the Inclusive Climb and Play and enjoy two hours of family fun in the Climb and Play areas £5pp.

Quids In

Kids, don’t sit at home twiddling your thumbs on a Thursday night. Enjoy 2 hours of fun in the indoor skate park for just £1. Remember to bring your safety gear and ride.

Swimming Energise, York Programmes for all ages & stages. www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/york/energise

Puddle Ducks 0-4 yrs - classes in York, Selby & Hull. www.puddleducks.com

The Little Gym For every stage of your child’s development – from 4 months to 12 years – The Little Gym offers a diverse line up of classes, camps and parties filled with movement, music, learning and laughter. Your little ones will make friends, reach developmental milestones and build self-confidence while having Serious Fun. Harrogate, Leeds and coming soon in 2020 York. 01423 701560 / www.thelittlegym.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Selby Leisure Centre Swimtots & lessons for all ages.

01757 213758 / www.selbyleisurecentre.org

Swim Academy 4-10 yrs – York, Selby Hull & Wakefield. www.swim-academy.co.uk

Little Stars Swimming Emily Frances’ Little Stars Swimming School is where fun learning in water begins. We are dedicated to giving you and your child the best swimming experience possible. Our small team of experienced STA instructors are qualified to teach babies through to adults and those with additional needs. The warm quiet 5mx10m pools ensure a wonderful place to learn and develop technique. Changing facilities are warm and clean with changing table, playpen and seating on poolside. Progress recorded weekly, small groups of up to 5 in a class and with private lessons available too you can be assured of their progress. Classes held at locations in the Selby area: Cawood Park and Willow Lodge Pool, Bubwith. www.emilyfrances.co.uk

Tadcaster Community Pool Programmes for all ages & stages from 2+ www.tadcasterpool.org.uk / 01937 833001

The Hydro, Harrogate Programmes for all ages and stages.

01423 556768 / www.harrogate.gov.uk/Hydro

Turtle Tots Lessons Tue - Sun - York / Aldwark / Harrogate & Leeds northyorkshire@turtletots.com

Families North Yorkshire 7

Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!

The benefits of Scouting

By Laura Macaulay

Benefits of Scouting for young people At a time when it’s hard to get our children away from their electronic gadgets and the comfort of the indoors, there’s never been a better time to enrol your son or daughter in Scouting.

A great British institution, which still promotes the values of the original movement set up by Lord Baden Powell in 1908 encourages young people aged 6 -25 years old to spend time in the wonderful outdoors breathing in the fresh air, learning life skills and gaining fantastic, new life experiences along the way.

Scouting offers young people endless opportunities to learn how to be self-reliant and resilient. It isn’t just about tents and campfires anymore, (although this certainly proves to be a fun and often unique experience), young people can go abseiling, windsurfing and even travel abroad. Staying true to Scouting’s goal of helping people to ‘learn through doing’, activities offered are integral to the personal, emotional and physical development of young people and adults. So, whilst n i n e out of ten youth members will take part in a least one camping or hiking expedition each year, the most commonly undertaken activities involve team building and problem solving. Long-lasting social networks lead to a sense of commitment to themselves, their peers and the wider community. It is also, without a doubt, a great way for leaders of tomorrow to be born. The skills and attributes gained by participating in Scouting are in demand by many businesses and community organisations.

Being a leader: the best non-paid job in the world Not only does Scouting offer young people endless opportunities and many benefits, it offers the same to the adult volunteers who give up their time to become a group or district leader. Families North Yorkshire has heard from three Scouting leaders as to why they love being in the movement so much and its many benefits.

“Thirty years ago, in November 1988, I volunteered to open a new Beaver colony in Malmesbury, Wiltshire where I had just moved. My eldest son was just 6 years old and I was looking for him to join the Scout movement. It seemed the only option for him to join was for me to open a colony in the town. Twenty-four boys, aged 6 and 7 were invested on one evening! And that’s where my story began.

It’s amazing to think that after all this time that colony is still thriving; a fact that I am proud of. I have held a number of roles within Scouting over the last 30 years to fit in with my work and family commitments. Currently, my primary role is Assistant Group Scout Leader, although I also run one of the two Cub packs in Tadcaster. I am passionate about Scouting; it is like an enormous family. But at the heart of everything has been the extreme pleasure that I have at seeing young people thrive and develop their life skills, social skills and confidence. To me Scouting has an enormous role to play in the development of young people. It is not for every boy or girl but hope that as many as possible will give Scouting a try at some point in their life.

However, it is not only our young people who gain so much from their involvement in the Scouting movement. I was never involved in any group, society or association when I was growing up in London. I joined Scouting at the age of 35 and have never looked back.

It is clearly never too late to take on a role. I have made so many friends and have taken part in many activities that I would never have envisaged for myself. But, more than anything

else, I hope that I have made a positive contribution to the lives of young people. I feel immeasurable pleasure when I meet people who say to me: “I’ll never forget when we walked up Snowdon”, or “I remember the first time I went camping and we did…”

My self-esteem and confidence have truly been boosted, mainly through seeing the enjoyment on the faces of young people, the thanks offered by their parents/guardians and also the recognition of other members of the Scouting movement, at all levels, of my contribution. All of this I would never have dreamed of when I first began, and I never considered the positive impact that it would have on my life. I was just thinking of my son and his school friends, those 24 young Beavers 33 years ago.” Barbara Parsons “I have held various positions within the Scouting movement for over 20 years. My main role now is that of Group Scout Leader in Tadcaster. There are two main reasons that I remain dedicated to this fantastic movement.

The first one is that I enjoy seeing the young people learn new skills whilst thoroughly enjoying themselves, becoming more independent and becoming confident individuals.

The second reason is purely selfish – I love taking part in the activities with our young members. Bell boating, bivouacking, abseiling, climbing, caving, stand up paddle-boarding, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkelling, gorge walking, sailing, coasteering, hill walking, cooking on open fires, long-distance hiking, expeditions, cycling skiing. I love it all - bring it on!” John Swift “I became involved in scouting 12 years ago when our eldest started Cubs (he turned 21 in October!) I started out as a parent helper with Scholes Scouts. I suppose I became a regular parent helper to support those leaders who were giving up their time to offer adventure and opportunity to my children; after all many hands will make lighter work. In 2011, I went into uniform as an assistant Scout Leader with Tadcaster Scout Group and then became Scout Leader in 2016.

I continue to be involved with Scouts as it gets me out and about and offers a vast change from my daytime career. I enjoy working as a team to see a project develop and evolve and it’s really rewarding to see young people developing their skills and potential, but more importantly enjoying themselves and making friends.

What do I get out of this though? It’s my hobby; I enjoy being outside and discovering interesting places that you would never come across unless involved with the movement. I have experienced some great camps and group activities, equally through Scouting I have made great friends and made many memorable moments.” Tony Walker

How old does my child have to be?

Boys and girls can join a local scouting movement. Beavers are aged 6-8; Cubs are aged 8-10 ½ ; Scouts are aged 10 ½ -14. Explorers are aged 14 – 18 and the Scout Network ranges from 18 to 25.

How do I sign my child up?

You can easily find your local Beaver, Cub, Scout or Explorer units by heading to https://scouts.org.uk/ groups. Input your postcode and search, it’s as easy as that! Many local groups also have Facebook pages and websites, so this is a good way to find contact details easily. There is often a waiting list, so the sooner the better!

How do I become a volunteer?

It’s never been easier to join up and become a section assistant or leader. Contact your local Scouting group and just let them know that you’re interested in helping. You won’t look back!

Swimmers Academy & Baby Swimmers

Swimmers Academy Beginners through to Advanced, whatever their age and ability Survival skills, stamina and stroke techniques.

Baby Swimmers

NEW quiet time lessons of 1:1 and 2:1 ratio at Cawood Park - inclusive BSL & autism friendly

Through fun and games,see your little one progress to a confident little swimmer!

Free Phone 0808 1 33 44 55 Mobile Friendly 0333 8008 345

www.babyswimmers.co.uk

Activities Away from School Activities that take place completely away from the school environment don’t just keep restless children busy or entertained and help working parents manage their child’s spare time, they can also offer great developmental benefits that will help them academically, physically and socially.

New Friendships Outside of the school environment, your child is likely to make friendships with children that don’t go to their school and get used to socialising with children of all ages outside the structure of the formal school day.

Improving Life and Social Skills Outside school activities provide an ideal environment in which to nurture social skills and confidence. Many extracurricular activities work to teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal — a skill that will benefit them in their future endeavours.

Boosting Academic Performance Discovering that they have a talent can give a child a new source of confidence or a passion that translates into their engagement and behaviour at school.

For example, performing in drama club can improve confidence in speaking up in class and inspire creative writing. Playing an instrument will help children understand music lessons.

Building Self-Esteem In a busy classroom it can sometimes be hard for a child to make themselves heard. Outside of school activities will give your child the chance to build their self-esteem. Most groups or teams are more intimate than the typical classroom environment, making them less intimidating for children. Children may also be more interested than they are in their lessons and will engage more easily with the activities involved.

Positive Role Models Sports coaches, group leaders and other responsible adults who are sharing their skills provide role models and a valuable new take on the world for children.

Happier Children Outside of school activities promote emotional well-being by allowing children to work off excess energy, relax their minds, and overcome the stress associated with school life.

familiesonline.co.uk

Chance to Shine Outside of school activities offer your child the chance to be themselves away from the influence of their school friends. Without being judged by their peers as “not cool” or “geeky” your child may thrive in developing a new outlet for creative, sporting or intellectual pursuits.

Promoting Healthy Hobbies Children with a regular activity are likely to spend less static time glued to a smartphone or screen and the interests that they develop during outside of school activities are likely to mean they spend more time practising skills and pursuing their passions.

Explore Interests and Create Broader Perspectives When children participate in multiple different activities, they get the opportunity to explore a range of interests which subsequently broaden their world view.

Time Management As children get older and move on to secondary school, being able to juggle different aspects of their lives becomes increasingly important. By attending classes, clubs or activities outside of school, your child will be taking on more responsibility for managing their schedule effectively.

Sense of Commitment Students who participate in outside of school activities develop a sense of commitment to whatever they are involved in. This is because they have to commit to them and give them their all, and this commitment starts to extend to other areas of their lives.

A Brighter Future The skills and habits a child learns during his or her school years help to shape the kind of future they will lead as an adult. As a result, outside of school activities that promote everything from healthy-living habits, to leadership skills, good time-management, and better social or academic performance have plenty of advantages to offer.

Don’t Push Them Keep in mind that you shouldn’t push children to over-do it when it comes to extra activities. It’s better for your child to choose something that they really enjoy doing and stick to it, rather than attempt numerous different activities that quickly become overwhelming, and may detract from their ability to concentrate on school work. Of course, you may also have the type of child that just wants to try everything, in which case, it may be best to let them do so and try to narrow down their commitments when you see which activities they particularly favour.

More info: www.nuffieldfoundation.org/out-school-activities-and-education-gap

Families North Yorkshire 9

NEW YEAR

new you

A Mindful Space

By Gail Donnan

Families North Yorkshire have been learning all about an amazing community wellness provision in Ripon which readers can access, helping parents and children alike.

The Mindfulspace Well-Being Company in Ripon was set up in 2014 by Gail Donnan as a community wellness centre and accredited training school. The centre moved to the Canal Basin in 2016 and has 10 practitioners and teachers who specialise in supporting people to improve their well-being through mindfulness, meditation, Qi gong, yoga, Pilates, parent and baby classes, hypnotherapy, holistic therapies such as massage, Indian Head Massage, Reiki, talking therapies, coaching, workshops and classes. Gail specialises in supporting clients with low level mental health issues, anxiety, depression, panic, burn out, emotional imbalances and grief. To find out more you can visit www.mindfulspacemeditation.org or www.facebook.com/riponwellbeingstudio

Resources to improve well-being Gail

is a published author and freelance wellness writer, her first book “The Gateway – A journey to reclaim your power from stress and anxiety” for adults prompted her second book ”The Gateway – Junior Edition” priced £12.99 which is due out for publication in February 2020. It can be used to support children and young people on their journey away from anxiety towards wellness, confidence and peace.

It intends to build resilience, steadfast inner foundations, equip and encourage children to respond rather than react to the ups and downs of life and to increase their tolerance to uncertainty. It draws together a huge body of her work as a mindfulness practitioner, teacher, coach, meditation teacher, energy medicine practitioner, Reiki Master teacher, counsellor, Qi gong instructor, Bach Flower Essence practitioner and parent.

Gail feels young people today are under more pressure than ever before and spend more time indoors using screens than being outdoors, this book is designed to take you and the young people in your life on a journey, looking at how to embed mindfulness and meditation into everyday life, how to improve well-being and relationships, the skills to be able to understand and process big emotions, anxiety, stress and grief, plus techniques to improve sleep, fun activities and games to try, tips to use immediately, stories, poetry and online meditations. The techniques are suitable for any age from toddlers to teens. If you want to find out more about her work go to www.gaildonnan.com or www. facebook.com/wellbeingyorkshire

Book launch & 3rd Birthday party open day – Sun 2nd Feb 11am-2pm If you would like to attend their open day party to find out more about what they offer, tickets are FREE and can be ordered from Eventbrite.co.uk or by emailing info@mindfulspacemeditation.org, children are welcome and there will be plenty of free activities in The Zen Den for them.

Accredited Courses

The centre specialise in supporting people who are wanting to upskill or have a change of career towards the well-being industry.

They offer diplomas in Body Massage, Indian Head Massage, Deep Tissue/Sports Massage, Reiki, Holistic Facials, Mental Health First Aid and Wellness at Work, Mindfulness and Meditation Teaching.

The Zen Den opening February 2020

Kim Barrett is the owner of Zen Warriors and as a mother and childcare practitioner she has seen the stresses children face even at a young age.

School work, exams, playground upsets, family problems, the effect of social media, and the ever uncertain world around us is resulting in sleeplessness, low self-esteem and tantrums from not being able to understand or manage their feelings.

She is passionate about children’s mental health and believes more emphasis should be put on to their well-being. She had a vision to create a safe, nurturing environment for children and families and The Zen Den is a centre specifically designed for them and is a place where you can access classes and workshops to aid well-being, unique birthday party packages, and a space to build a community.

As parents we can often feel alone with our children’s struggles. As the saying goes “it takes a village to raise a child” and our aim is to be that village. A place that offers children somewhere to relax , somewhere to create, a safe space to voice their feelings and a space to help them learn how to deal with big emotions.

We offer classes for parents to enable them to have some time to themselves or learn together with their child as well as meeting others and building our village.

One of the classes will be Zen Warriors which is a mindfulness and meditation class specifically for children. These sessions are designed to show children that mindfulness and meditation does not have to be a formal practice and it is just that…a practice.

We need to use these tools every day and make it fun and the sessions include crafting, games, stories, activities and mini meditations. The benefits of mindfulness and meditation include; promoting positive thinking, a better understanding of emotions, bringing a sense of calm, helps to develop concentration and self-awareness, increased compassion and empathy for others, develop a non-judgemental attitude, can help resolve conflicts, improved listening, improved quality of sleep and can help to reduce anxiety.

The Zen Den will be opening in February 2020. For more information or to follow our journey please follow us on Facebook or contact kim@zenwarriors.co.uk

Make it Your Story Open Mornings: 1 February & 20 March

Call 01845 575040 Exceptional day and boarding school between Ripon and Thirsk for girls aged 4 -16 with a co-educational Pre-Prep.

She means business..

Families North Yorkshire would like to introduce Annie Wilkinson-Gill, owner of the Crystal Buddha in Knaresborough.

Who are you and where do you live?

My name is Annie Wilkinson-Gill, I’m obsessed with rocks, I’m a wife, and a mummy to three completely gorgeous kiddies, I live above my shop The Crystal Buddha, which is located in North Yorkshire.

Tell us a bit about your business

The Crystal Buddha is an Award winning independent globally inspired Crystal & Rock shop, based in the quaint market town of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. We are committed to ethically sourced & fair-trade products and are proud members of The Fair-Trade Minerals and Gems (FTMG)- a nonprofit organisation that protects the environment and the people working in communities around gemstone mines.

We also have a large selection of Sound Therapy Products, including Gongs, singing bowls, Tingsha bells, Incense and other Meditation items, and pride ourselves with our stock of genuine Shamanic, Peruvian, Native American & Buddhist artefacts.

Each member of the team is trained in their own holistic field, such as Sound Healing, Colour Therapy, Crystal Reiki, Crystal Facial Therapy, Reiki, Cupping, Gua Sha, Crystal Reflexology and Advanced Crystal Healing. This means that each person who comes into the shop gets a mix of skills and personal knowledge.

What did you used to do?

Whilst I’ve worked in retail for over 23 years, I have also spent a lot of my time studying, both my holistic therapist qualifications and for my Degree and Masters in Fine Art and Photography. Before I moved to North Yorkshire I also used to work as a published music photographer alongside my studies.

What inspired you to set up the business?

My passion is all things holistic, for me it’s been my whole way of life since a child, and I’m slightly fanatical about rocks. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to combine my knowledge of retail and my passion to create my own business.

Plus, as a child growing up, I always wanted my very own little shop house much like the little girl in Bagpuss; somehow, I have exactly that.

What would your advice be to other businesswomen?

Believe that you can do anything.

I’m also a member of the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine and the International Alliance of Holistic Therapists.

Menopause – don’t leave your organisation red-faced

By Georgina Thomas Are you aware that 7 out of 10 women who are experiencing the menopause are in work in this country?

3 out of 5 working women between the ages of 45 and 55 who are experiencing menopause symptoms say it has a negative impact on them at work. Most starkly, over 370,000 women admitted they had either left or had considered leaving their career owing to the difficulties of going through the menopause in the workplace. So that is 7 out of 10 women considering giving up careers as a result of something that all women have to go through – and employers everywhere losing out on skills and experience built up over many years by not taking steps to help their employees stay in work.

For you, as an employer, this is an area to watch. It can be both direct sex discrimination and/or disability discrimination to treat a woman less favourably because of symptoms related to the menopause. So, you need to understand your obligations and make sure you don’t break them by mistake. And, of course, the health and safety of all employees is legally protected, so understanding how to risk assess and cover menopausal employees is vital.

The people actually managing staff need to be aware of how to approach this. One lady, dismissed for poor performance despite making her manager aware of her symptoms, including concentration issues, won her claim for sex discrimination. The manager chose not to carry out any further investigations of her symptoms, in breach of the performance management policy. The Tribunal held he would not have approached a male employee’s claims in the way he did this one, and he had taken the decision partly on his own very limited experience (that of his own wife!). Training this manager could have avoided all these issues. familiesonline.co.uk

Where symptoms are more significant, they can even trigger disability discrimination protection. In a case where menopause transition symptoms included heavy bleeding as well as stress, memory loss and other symptoms, a dismissal resulted in unfair dismissal and discrimination arising from disability being upheld. Menopause symptoms can last several years and have a significant impact on day to day activities, so fall under the definition of disability in some cases.

As an employer, symptoms that are likely to affect employees in the workplace are: hot flushes; headaches; tiredness and lack of energy; sweating; anxiety; aches and pains; dry skin and eyes; and loss of concentration and short-term memory problems.

Adjustments can be very simple – providing cold water, for example, or electric fans. Your sickness policy can be adapted to be clear that menopausal sickness is covered and what to do in the event that an employee is suffering from symptoms. Providing a female contact is a sympathetic and proactive way of allowing your employees to come forward about their symptoms.

If you embrace the changes and use them positively within your organisation, you can use this to your advantage, keeping staff you might otherwise lose unnecessarily and perhaps attracting the employees who found other organisations less willing to support them.

If you would like any further information on how to approach this in your workplace, or indeed feel that you are suffering unfair treatment because of this, then call a member of the team on 01904 360295 or email georgina@bridgeehr.co.uk

Families North Yorkshire 11

NEW YEAR

new you

Family Friendly Fitness

By Diane Brown

“Doing more exercise” is a popular new year’s resolution, with gyms at peak marketing trying to gain new customers.

The thing is, we all know that an active lifestyle is good for us, but how do we make that a reality when there are so many other pressures in life? From going out to work to taking care of the family, it can often seem that wherever we turn there is yet another demand on our time and resources.

This is especially the case for mothers, who typically adopt the role of primary carer for the children, as well as often supporting older relatives too. For such women, it can feel that focusing on one’s own self-care is a luxury at best, and at worst just plain selfish!

So, what’s the solution? What we need is a more family friendly approach to fitness which is inclusive of a mother’s needs and takes a more holistic view of fitness together with a woman’s wellbeing. For example, many mothers experience guilt at spending time away from their children to exercise. Dealing with these feelings is important as they get into our sub-conscious and help generate the long list of reasons why we can’t do it. There is no quick fix to this one, but if you feel that feelings of guilt are preventing you from taking up exercise then you might want to consider having a chat with an exercise psychologist or wellbeing life coach.

Another issue is that we often focus on what exercises to do, and how often, and forget to consider how our new active lifestyle will integrate with the rest of life. This can sometimes create problems down the line as our new routines become more difficult to stick to. Sustainable active lifestyles tend to incorporate physical activity into daily routines, allowing the family to be active together. Some of the most popular activities to consider are trips to the park, dancing round the house, active computer games, family friendly events (such as parkrun), swimming and walking or cycling to school. For some reason the “fitness industry” tends not to focus on these types of activities and this can lead us to feel that they’re not “proper exercise” – but they are!

Of course, any major lifestyle change requires a specific period of focussed effort, ideally supported by someone who is knowledgeable on how to overcome the setbacks and challenges ahead. But choosing where to go for support can be overwhelming, especially in the new year when we seem to be bombarded with advertising for the latest new health trend, and the quick fixes seem ever more tempting. Remember, there is no quick fix.

My personal recommendation is that to know who can help you best, you first need to understand yourself and your own needs. Try this: Take yourself aside for 20 minutes and try the following exercise: Write down your health goals – what are you prepared to work on to make a long-lasting change?

Write down who else you think will be affected by the changes you want to make. How will they be affected – include both positive and negative – does this help or hinder you?

Write down the reason why you want to achieve this health goal – how will you feel this time next year if you’re successful?

Write down some initial ideas of things you’d like to try to help achieve your goals – what have you enjoyed in the past or always fancied having a go at?

When you have your answers, you are ready to start looking for the right kind of support, based on your own needs. For every gym, club, personal trainer or coach you consider, think about if they will be a good fit against what you have written down.

Making a lifestyle change can be hard, but it can also be made much easier with the right help and support. Take your time and begin when you are ready. If you are interested in learning more about my work, I would love you to contact me through my website at www.fitbee. co.uk. Until then I wish you all health and happiness for you and your family in 2020. – Diane Dr Diane Brown is a Fitness & Wellbeing Coach, qualified in Sport & Exercise Psychology, Wellbeing Life Coaching and Triathlon Coaching. She has overcome her own health challenges to successfully complete an Ultramarathon (2018) and Ironman UK (2011). Diane’s current mission is to help as many women as possible to create active lifestyles, gain greater wellbeing and enjoy a better quality of life.

12 Families North Yorkshire

familiesonline.co.uk

New Year: New You directory We have put together a handy little guide to help you discover the business or person who can support you in your journey to becoming the ‘New you.’ When you contact a business, please be sure to mention that you saw them in Families North Yorkshire magazine.

Professional and candid advice and consultancy on nutrition and health.

For more information check out: www.elenahealthfood.com

Fitness & Diet

Alternative therapy, health & wellness

Ladies That Tri, Tadcaster & surrounding towns/villages Ladies That Tri coaching offers ladies only group training sessions for those who want to swim, bike or run. These sessions are tailored to the individual and cater for ALL abilities under the watchful eye of British Triathlon coach Carrine Green.

Why not come along and join a group of ladies that love to support and motivate each other; not to mention to help you smash your sport and fitness goals? Beginner run and conditioning sessions starting 7th Jan 2020. 1-1 coaching, swim video analysis and small group bookings also available. ladiesthattri@gmail.com / FB @ladiesthattri

FitBee - Diane Brown, Thirsk Online fitness & wellbeing coaching which is specifically developed for women of all abilities. 1-1 and Group programs are also available.

Diane is qualified in Sport & Exercise Psychology, Wellbeing Life Coaching and Triathlon Coaching and has been nominated for the Best Business Innovation in the Women Mean Business Awards 2019 www.fitbee.co.uk / FB: FitBe

Families get Active, York Working with young families to encourage an active lifestyle and bring families and local communities together. The project, funded by Sport England, will involve working with local volunteers to create a programme of fun activities that family members of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

Contact Rebecca Rowan for more details: rrowan@wea.org.uk

Work it out, Thirsk Personal Training, exercise classes and bootcamps. For more information check out: www.workitoutpt.com

Complete Life Fitness, York Bespoke 1 to 1 exercise programmes designed for you in our private studio – no busy gyms!

All ages and abilities welcome. Personal training, weight loss, wedding ready, exercise for health & Mums and ‘soon to be’ Mums. www.complete-life-fitness.com

Idle Personal Trainer, Harrogate Personal trainer in and around Harrogate. He’ll come to you…at home, outdoors or you can train from a private gym. For more information check out: www.timidlepersonaltrainer.co.uk

Elena Holmes, Selby & York

Renni Prelle Reflexology, York Traditional reflexology, maternity reflexology, hot stone reflexology, hand reflexology, holistic facial massage, Indian head massage, baby and toddler reflex workshops. For more information check out: www.renniprelle.co.uk

Pamper Yourself, Ripon Massage, Reiki, Crystal Healing.

FB - @pamperyourselfathome67

Karma Times, Harrogate Complementary therapies, which include Reiki, Swedish massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian head massage, mindfulness and guided meditation sessions. For more information check out: www.karmatimes.co.uk

Yoga for Modern Life, York Welcoming yoga classes, workshops & Private lessons. Pregnancy yoga, yoga for all, baby massage and hypnobirthing.

For more information check out: www.yogaformodernlife.com

Complete Calm, Harrogate Clinical massage therapy in Harrogate for chronic pain conditions. Express De-stress treatment also available.

For more information check out: www.completecalm.co.uk

Seb Contreras & Associates, Knaresborough Osteopathy, sports therapy and massage. For more information check out: www.osteopathyinknaresborough.com

Spiritually connected, Thirsk Spiritually connected psychic energy healer in a safe and tranquil location. For more information check out: spirituallyconnected. co.uk

Styling Styled by Sara, York Style Coach & Personal Stylist. Look and feel your best for a style makeover or to simply find out more information check out: www.styledbysara.co.uk

Mind & wellbeing Mind Makeover Personal Development, York Practical, positive psychology in York. Commit to change and challenge the old ways of thinking, making a positive difference to your life. For more information check out: www.mindmakeover.co.uk

The Mindfulspace wellbeing Company, Ripon Wellness centre for adults and young people, the brainchild of author, blogger, freelance writer and wellbeing practitioner Gail Donnan.

A wide range of classes, therapies, workshops, events and courses are available. The ‘Zen Den’ is run by mindfulness practitioner, meditation teacher and children’s specialist Kim Barrett who owns Zen Warriors.

It is a safe space to support the wellbeing and mental health of families, children and parents.

Kim runs parental workshops, children’s classes and one to one therapy sessions.

The Zen Den is available to hire for parties and pamper events for adults and little ones too. For more information check out: www. mindfulspacemeditation.org

Emma Langton, York Leadership and performance coaching, private coaching & hypnotherapy.

For more information check out: www.emmalangton.com

Counselling & Supervision, Thirsk, York, Leeds & surrounding areas Counselling for individuals, couples, families, young people. For more information check out www.jacquibirdcounselling.co.uk

Lumiere Coaching, York Life Coaching – making busy people reduce stress, make changes and feel happier! For more information check out: www.lumierecoaching.co.uk

Mary Donne, Yorkshire, Humberside & the North East Presentation skills trainer & coach.

For more information check out: www.mymjdworks.com

Please check listings with the venue before leaving the house!

15 – 23 Feb – Fountain’s Abbey & Studley Royal

Pick up a welly wander trail & kids’ craft

What’s On? Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon & Yorkshire Dales

11 Jan – 2 – 3.30pm - Brimham Rocks

Brimham through the ages

Join this guided walk to discover Brimham’s history, from the last ice age that helped form these weird and wonderful rock formations, to the stories of the people who lived here and called Brimham home. You will hear all about the geology of the site, the stories of the people who lived in Brimham House and the important conservation work the Ranger team do to look after the special moorland.

26 Jan & 23 Feb - 10 – 11.30am – Fountain’s Abbey & Studley Royal

Guided wellbeing walk through the abbey landscape

Guided wellbeing walk through the abbey landscape.

Start the new year being inspired by the great outdoors.

Can you feel the crunch of winter leaves underfoot?

Or hear the birds sing? Join this free guided walk to be mindful and present with the nature and landscape around you.

15 – 23 Feb – Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate

Half Term Museum Fun

Turner’s Northern paintings, stunning landscapes by contemporary Yorkshire artists & favourites from the Harrogate collection. See Kirkstall Abbey, Scarborough, Bolton Abbey & other northern locations in our exhibition of the paintings of the famous romantic artist, J M W Turner. On loan from the Tate & British Museum.

Also explore the stunning Yorkshire landscape in our accompanying exhibition of prints, photography & paintings with new works from local artists & rarely seen works from Harrogate’s art collection. Use our art materials to create your own family Yorkshire scene, & add it to our display. Open Mon to Sat 10am – 4pm, Sun 12pm – 4pm. FREE

Introduce the kids to the sounds and smells of the landscape this February half term. Pull on your wellies and pick up a trail sheet to engage their senses while surrounded by nature and have a stomp and splash about outside in the fresh air. Create your own forest scene with twigs from the estate. Will your tree have big branches, or will it be wispy like a willow?

Until 31 Mar – Fountain’s Abbey and Studley Royal

Winter abbey tour – 1.30 – 2.30pm

Join one of our knowledgeable guides as they bring to life the dramatic history of this fascinating building.

York & North Yorkshire Moors

Ongoing – Dalby Forest

Shaun the Sheep Glow Trail

We’ve partnered with Aardman and Studiocanal to celebrate the release of their new film A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. An alien spaceship has crashed into Dalby Forest and Shaun the Sheep is on a mission to help the inhabitant – a lovable alien called LuLa. Lu-La needs your help to charge her communicator so she can call home for rescue. You’ll need to hurry as Lu-La is being chased by Agent Red and her hapless helpers the Hazmats! Aimed at families with children aged 6-12 years. The activity packs cost £3.50. The trail is 1.86 miles/3km. Download the app on your phone BEFORE arriving as signal in the forest is patchy.

12 Jan – 4.30 – 5.30pm - DIG, York

Inclusive Hour

Join us for this inclusive event where we will create a relaxed environment for all visitors by toning down the usual vibrant atmosphere of the attraction to allow for a more accessible experience. We will turn down the lights, reduce the volume of the displays and spend a little more time exploring Archaeology in our simulated DIG pits.

1 – 2 Feb – York, citywide

York Ice Trail

The York Ice trail returns in 2020 for two days of ice sculptures and fun, family friendly activities. Follow the map around the city centre to find the many spectacular ice sculptures. Have a go yourself at carving in ice too!

Family Fun – Whatever the Weather

Youngsters can enjoy a range of fun all-weather activities at RHS Garden Harlow Carr including a chance to make sun catchers and windsocks during half term and discover more about the wild weather of the UK on a daily garden trail.

14 Families North Yorkshire

14 Feb – 1 Mar – Various locations

Dark Skies Festival

Since 2016’s inaugural event, the Festival has become an unmissable fixture in the calendar, with the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorities celebrating the jewels of the night sky. We go further in 2020 with activity themed around exploration. With over 100 events, join us on a nebula adventure to explore the cosmos for the fifth Dark Skies Festival. Find out more: https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/discover/dark-skies/ festivals-events-and-activities

Tadcaster, Wetherby, Selby & surrounding areas

15 – 23 Feb – Stockeld Park

February Fun 10am – 5pm

There might be a chill in the air but wrap up warm and come and join us as we brighten up the new year with plenty of family fun with our brand-new Science and Slime Week! Included in the admission price: Ice Skating, indoor play and crafts, outdoor fun with Spider’s Lair, Farmer Foster’s Barnyard, Teepee Encampment, Tangle Tree Climb, Woodlands Cove, the Magical Maze and the Enchanted Forest.

East Yorkshire & the coast

15 – 23 Feb – The Deep

Penguin Awareness Weekend

P-p-pop on by for some ‘flipping’ fantastic fun as we celebrate all things penguin for Penguin Awareness Weekend. Venture through the chilly Kingdom of Ice and see the penguins being fed 11.30am – 3.30pm.

Followed by the opportunity to meet the keepers and ask them any questions you may have about our feathery friends. Find out if you have what it takes to be a penguin keeper in our fun interactive presentation at 1pm (in Endless Ocean) and get hands on with real penguin nests, feathers and see how we make our penguin ID bands. Plus, you can hear about how penguins breed, the signs of courtship and caring for penguin chicks.

Baby & children’s indoor markets: pre-loved, nearly new sales, maternity - 10 www.tabletots.co.uk/events Unless stated, all times are 1pm – 2.30pm

Half Term Museum Fun

15 – 23 Feb – RHS Harlow Carr

Winter Wildlife in Print

The leaves may have fallen, and the flowers long gone, but the gardens are still bustling with life with Gerard Hobson’s artwork plus an indoor exhibition in the Hayloft.

Around the garden find the dozen or so installations each with 1-12 pieces, imaginatively placed in the landscape.

table tots

15 – 23 Feb – Royal Pump Room Museum, Harrogate What do you love about Harrogate? Create a collage of your favourite places using copies of old photos and postcards. There’s always backpacks, trails, games & dressing up too. Open Mon to Sat 10am – 4pm, Sun 12pm -4pm. £3.50 adults, £2 children, £2.50 concessions, £10 family of 5 (max. 2 adults).

‘til 8 Feb – Beningborough Hall

Indoor boot sale 15 - 23 Feb – York, city wide

JORVIK Viking Festival

Recognised as the largest event of its kind in Europe, the annual JORVIK Viking Festival is a city-wide celebration of York’s rich Norse heritage. Visit York in February 2020 for an exciting programme of events, including history encampments, markets, workshops, walks, tours and dramatic combat performances.

Whether you’re well-versed in the sagas or looking for a thrilling half term break, there’s something for everyone at JORVIK Viking Festival For details of daily events visit: https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/whats-on/

1 February 2 - 4pm Barlby High School, Selby

Baby/Children’s indoor markets

2 Feb - Sirius Academy North, Hull

9 Feb - Brighouse High School, Huddersfield 16 Feb - Aireborough leisure centre, Guiseley

22 Feb - Kettlethorpe High School, Wakefield

familiesonline.co.uk

7 Feb – 1 Mar – Burton Agnes Hall

15 – 23 February – Tropical World

Every February, millions of hardy snowdrops push through the cold winter ground to create a magnificent ‘white carpet’ across the woodland floor at the CunliffeListers’ Elizabethan family home. Wander through a wonderful blanket of snowdrops in our woodland walk.

Family activities will be available throughout half term so come and warm up at Tropical World! Check the website and Facebook page for details. www.tropicalworld. leeds.gov.uk

Snowdrop Spectacular

21 – 23 Feb Woodend, Scarborough

Coastival Arts Festival

Annual arts festival in its 11th anniversary year. A unique gathering of amazing artists and performers who have brought us some of the most innovative and inspiring work to grace the region. A weekend of open studios, music, movies, performances, parades, workshops and family activities.

February half term

19 Feb – Temple Newsam

Sunflower Planting 1-3pm

Visit the showhouse in the Walled Garden and plant your very own sunflower to take home. FREE.

Behind the scenes: Stables tour

February Half Term

Head to Temple Newsam for a whole load of February half term fun! Design, decorate and take home your very own treasure and trinket box fit for a mansion. Follow the trail through the house and discover other weird and wonderful treasures from the past along the way. Don’t forget that the house is closed on Mondays, but we’re open every other day of the week and weekends too!

Home Farm is open daily during the school holidays.

The Forum, Northallerton, 19 – 15 Jan (not Wed) Welcome to the award winning Northallerton Variety Company’s next pantomime – Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. Fun and laughter are guaranteed, and this is a must see for all the family. www.forumnorthallerton. org.uk

Snow White

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? Join Snow White and a host of characters for the adventure of a lifetime, as they travel through the forest to the diamond mines on a thrilling quest to defeat the spells and enchantments of the evil Queen.

They’re going to need all the help they can get – both from you in the audience and the seven very special, little folk that live in the forest. Chock full of magic and sparkle, Harrogate Theatre’s pantomime is a firm festive favourite. Expect all of your favourite panto characters, spectacular scenery, sing-along songs and buffoonery aplenty. We can’t wait to see you there!

16 Jan – 2 – 3pm Nostell Priory, Nr Wakefield

15 – 23 Feb – Temple Newsam

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

Harrogate Theatre, until 19 Jan

Leeds & West Yorkshire

Learn all about the Winn family’s love of horses and the hidden areas and history of the stables. Discover the history of this fascinating building, wind your way up into the hayloft and see the Riding School from the viewing platform as the aristocracy would have done.

Theatre

Sleeping Beauty

York Theatre Royal, until 25 Jan

PIGLETS FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN

York’s most popular pantomime is back this year with the magical tale of Sleeping Beauty to entertain your whole family! Spinning together hilarious gags, stunning costumes, thrilling dances and foot-tapping songs – you’ll cheer the heroine, boo the villain, laugh-out loud and sing-along!

Get ready to watch NEW Fleecy Fun Shows with The Magic Hatter, bottle feed adorable newborn lambs and whizz down giant slides in the undercover Bale Play Baaarn, there’s so much February Frolics family fun at Piglets Adventure Farm.

It’s the ultimate live show for the whole family this winter – over 45,000 people watch our renowned pantomime every year so don’t miss out and make the magical Sleeping Beauty part of your winter plans! Book at www. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or call Box Office 01904 623568.

Taking place from 10am – 5:30pm every day throughout half term from 15th – 23rd Feb 2020, what will you do first? Bottle feed adorable newborn lambs, jump aboard the tractor and trailer ride, see cute animals in the Animal Barn and if you’re lucky you might even see some baby animals being born in Lambing Live and the Piglet Maternity Ward.

Plus, don’t miss out on NEW Fleecy Fun Shows.

The Magic Hatter will be bringing hilarious comedy magic and unbaaa-lievable February fun, you’d be baaarmy to miss it!!

Saturday 8 February YorNight 2020 -York Barbican Take a journey around the world in a mock aircraft, try a bug flapjack or have a go at a smartphone memory game.

Spend the whole day at the farm and explore the Bale Play Baaarn with straw bale mountain, junior tractor drivers’ area, giant slides, dig’n’play.

There’s even a heated seating area where you can grab some delicious freshly baked sourdough pizza from the Piggy Pizza Parlour.

Following their much-loved production of Grease, York Light Opera Company are back for their 60th consecutive year performing on our stage with this family-favourite classic musical, based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist – 60 years after its West End debut. The streets of Victorian England come to life with the timeless story of a boy who dared to ask for more. Travel with orphaned Oliver as he escapes the workhouse and finds himself in London’s murky underworld, encountering colourful characters including conniving crooks, Fagin and the Artful Dodger, the lovely Nancy and the wicked Bill Sykes. Will he ever get the chance to discover his true home and a family to call his own? This show for all ages will tug at your heart strings, put a smile on your face and certainly make you ask for more!

Why not come along and explore the wonders of space inside an inflatable planetarium, unleash your creativity on a graffiti wall or have a go at playing the bass guitar?

Piglets Adventure Farm Park, Towthorpe Grange, York, YO32 9ST. 01904 499183

Presented by the University of York and suitable for all ages, YorNight takes place at York Barbican on Saturday 8 February from 2pm to 7.30pm.

Free tickets are available in advance at yornight. com or from the York Barbican Box Office on the day. Just drop-in for an hour or stay for more.

Mum 2 Mum markets

Rossett Sports Centre, Harrogate 26 January 2 -4pm 15 March 2 – 4pm 17 May – 2 – 4pm 5 Jul – 2 – 4pm

www.mum2mummarket.co.uk joanne@mum2mummarket.co.uk

Piglets Adventure Farm is located 15 minutes from the centre of York, on Towthorpe Moor Lane, between Strensall Road and the A64, North of York.

familiesonline.co.uk

York Theatre Royal, 12 – 22 Feb

For full information please go to pigletsadventurefarm.com

With FREE hands-on activities, demonstrations, games, puzzles, bite-size talks, science cabaret acts and more, YorNight promises a journey of discovery into the amazing world of research.

For more information and to see the full programme visit www.yornight.com.

Oliver!

Families North Yorkshire 15

The

Mount School York

We know girls can

“Pupils in lessons were exuberantly confident.*�

At The Mount Junior School we are passionate about girls and their education. We have developed a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire young girls to support their natural curiosity and stimulate their creativity.

Open Doors. Saturday 18 January, 10am - 12pm An exceptional education for girls age 2-18 *The Mount School York judged excellent in ISI Inspection.

www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

15th to 23rd February 2020 With events including the Strongest Viking and Best Beard Competitions, Battle Re-enactments, Have-a-Go Sword and much more!

jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk

#JVF20 JORVIK Viking Festival is managed by York Archaeological Trust, a registered Charity in England & Wales (No. 509060) and Scotland (SCO42846).