Famvoy iss64

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may/june2015 issue

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The useful magazine for families with young children in York,

“Something a little different for a birthday or just to treat your child this is the shop to have a look in” Gillian, Harrogate

Harrogate, Tadcaster,

45 COLD BATH ROAD, HARROGATE, HG2 0NL

Wetherby and Selby

EAT * SLEEP * DRESS * PLAY n see As eebies CB

on

STOCKELD

PARK

Where magic is made & adventures

begin

Mr Bloom

Sun 31 May

W for

to celebrate the

A fun and educational tennis OOK NOoliN yW & B merOhK daO M lasses S ermRtimTeEcR play and skills programme forsauumtumBnFOtO SSE A L EC children from 2-8 years old TIM

Adventure!

Classes across Harrogate and Ilkley

Spring

The Spring Adventure, open daily 23 May - 31 May Located between Harrogate & Leeds, LS22 4AN

www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Call Caroline on 07843 342662 /caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk

www.tennistykes.co.uk

welcome to families It’s that party time of year for me both professionally and personally. Our annual parties issue is packed full of party ideas and tips on how to survive them.

Clover House Dental Practice is pleased to announce the arrival of Fastbraces®

Something I’ve heeded well in my personal life as we tick off the first of our big family celebrations this year – my son’s thirteenth birthday.

Yes, I’m now a survivor of a thirteenth birthday party and proud mum of a teen. Things went quiet for a few years after the age of around 9, but parties are back with a vengeance now the teenage years have hit and we seem to be taxiing him around to one almost every weekend.

We’ve been to the cinema, paintballing and lazer quest as you’d perhaps expect, but most popular has been the good old disco. Take a tip from me though – at 13 no-one bothers eating much, so save your time and effort on buns – they’re more interested in the music and their own appearance.

Treatment may be performed by General Dental Surgeons who are not specialists

CALL TODAY 01423 563344

Whatever age your child is, birthday parties are really important.

Whether it’s a few close friends for party tea on the lawn or a full-blow out, you’re making memories for them and that’s what counts. Enjoy every minute.

Editor of Families VOY

www.cloverhouse.co.uk

152 Skipton Road, Harrogate, HG1 4LL

MAY-HEM AT PIGLETS EXPERIENCE THE MADNESS OF THE MAY-HEM GAMES AT PIGLETS ADVENTURE FARM PARK. FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY WITH WELLY WANGING, HOOPLA AND LEAVE YOUR MARK ON OUR GIANT MAY-HEM MURAL. THERE’S ALSO LIVE SHEEP SHEARING AND ALL THE OTHER FARM PARK FUN. EVERYDAY FROM SATURDAY 23RD TIL SUNDAY 31ST MAY / 10AM – 5.30PM / WWW.PIGLETSFARMPARK.CO.UK

PIGLETS ADVENTURE FARM PARK, TOWTHORPE GRANGE, YORK, YO32 9ST / TELEPHONE 01904 499183

2 Families Vale of York

families magazine

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Tel: 01405 860831 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesvoy.co.uk

news

Circulation: 18,000 Deadline:

girls’ sport

Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel: 01405 869045

p8

ed’s reading room

p9

Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk Front Cover: www.shutterstock.com/ Olesya Feketa

parties Jo Wheatley family bakes 1-147 22.2.indd 93

p19 learning

The deadline for the July/Aug 2015 edition is early June 2015

with nature

p20 what’s on

22/02/2013 18:19

Copyright Families in the Vale of York May/June 2015. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owners’ own risk and, while ever y 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.

Harrogate Advert 3.qxp_Layout 1 11/02/2015 09:30 Page 1

Enrolling Now for the Summer Term!

Call your local school for details

York Selby Wetherby Harrogate

01904 672 662 0113 210 3505 0113 210 3505 01423 771 138

Age 4-18 Fun, confidence-building, educational classes in acting, singing and dance.

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ESTABLISHED 1988 600 SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

Families Vale of York 3

news

celebrates 10 years

Treasure Chest

York breastfeeding support group Treasure Chest is about to celebrate its 10th birthday and would like to invite local parents to join them.

The group enables mothers in York to receive help and advice about breastfeeding through the peer support network made up of local mothers who have had extensive training in breastfeeding, including training support from experienced professionals.

Treasure Chest provides an invaluable service where parents can find out the basics through ante- and post-natal drop-in support groups. Mums can also contact peer supporters through a Facebook page for support outside drop in hours.

Calling all Young Writers!

Do you know a young author? The National Young Writers’ Awards judges are looking for the best short story (up to 500 words) based around this years theme of ‘Strange Events and Peculiar Happenings’. The winner of the competition will receive £500 of books for their school and a trip to Disneyland Paris!

The annual awards, run by tuition company Explore Learning, are now in their 7th year.

This year’s judge is renowned author of the Book of Norm series of books, Jonathan Meres.

To enter visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/ youngwriters

Treasure Chest will be holding a large party on 10th May at Oaken Grove Community Centre, Haxby - where the service first began. The event will run from 2pm to 4pm and will feature a number of fun activities for all the family. Everyone is welcome!

You can find more details about Treasure Chest antenatal groups, drop in support groups and the 10th anniversary party at treasurechest.org.uk or through their Facebook page.

Go outside, be adventurous, be active

What are your most treasured childhood memories?

Research suggests a majority will be based outdoors; building dens, climbing trees, rock-pooling? Today things are different and children are spending increasing amounts of time indoors for many reasons.

Adventure, excitement and the great outdoors are important for all young people. The outdoors is a great place for children to practice and master physical and motor skills and develop a healthy, active lifestyle.

Outdoor activities can also help your family develop a range of skills together. Team working, communication and self-confidence can all be reinforced through outdoor adventure and play and what’s more, it helps your family to keep fit and have fun!

For a day of activity to remember visit Waddow Hall Activity Centre. www.waddow.org.uk

Raise PTA Funds with Snappy Tags Snappy Tags, the easy way to label your children’s clothing, has introduced a new PTA fundraising scheme which could help your school raise much-needed funds. Once your PTA has signed up to the scheme they’ll be given a unique code to enter at checkout. Your school will receive 10% commission for their school PTA from each sale made.

Snappy Tags are the fastest, most cost-effective way to label clothing. They take seconds to apply, are secure and can be reused.

They consist of a small button with your child’s name etched on, which is applied, with the use of an applicator, to a care label on your child’s uniform.

The system is a quick, simple and cost-effective solution for school uniforms, PE kits and other school equipment – it’s so easy your child could do it himself! The buttons can be re-used and your child’s name won’t fade or wash off.

For further information about the PTA scheme and to purchase Snappy Tags visit www.snappytags.co.uk

Fantastic summer childcare at

Let Super Camps take care of the children during the summer break. Activity camps give your children a great time during the holiday, leaving you free to work stress-free or go about your daily routine uninterrupted.

The camps deliver a great experience for children, allowing them to have fun and be active in a safe and supportive atmosphere. As Ofsted noted during the summer, Super Camps runs “an excellent programme of well-planned, fun and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and learning environment”.

Families Vale Vale of of York York 44 Families

www.supercamps.co.uk

Share-A-Story

tional Share-Aes the annual Na This May welcom ing celebration of the power of us n Story Month, a ro by the Federatio ry sharing. Run sto d an g lin l fu tel story wonder ok Groups, it is a er. of Children’s Bo and stories togeth n re ild ch g in br opportunity to ing across the host of events runn craft activities to There are a whole s op sh rk rytelling wo nal country, from sto e theme for Natio th ar ye is th d an s, e ow th sh t et ou pp ab t pu ou d an Find onth is Dragons! in stories s on ag dr Share-A-Story M g kin Vi , Welsh and about dragons, culture of Chinese myths and legends re ke plo ex s, em po and ight like for tea. Ta r what a dragon m activity packs, and even discove s, ea id ite for loads of s. a look at the webs competition prize on ag Dr d an posters -story-month national-share-a www.fcbg.org.uk/

Partying is Eazy Peazy at Poppleton Under Fives

Popstar Recording Parties!

Popular village playgroup Poppleton Under Fives had a wonderful treat earlier this year when favourites Elsa and Anna joined them at their under fives disco.

The guest appearance was down to Debbie Beat of Eazy Peazy Parties who offers tailored party packages from Princesses to Superheroes, at a venue or at home.

Poppleton Under Fives delivers educational support for ages 0-5 years in a friendly environment in Poppleton.

“We have 3 groups,” said playgroup committee member Gemma Lawson. “Stay and Play is where parents can come with their babies or toddlers and enjoy watching them play whilst meeting new mums and having a natter. This is run on a Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings with the option to extend Monday into a full day of care including lunch.

“In addition Playgroup runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for preschoolers, with a Rising Fives group consisting of just 10 children which focuses more on education and the transition to school.”

We bring our professional mobile recording studio to your home or party venue. Be ‘Real Popstars’ celebrate and sing your favourite songs together and record your own CD with our Chart Topping Music Producers! You can even star in your own unique Pop Video!

Our Popstar Parties are perfect for Birthdays, Family Gatherings or any special occasion .

• 7 upwards, Kids, Teens, and Adults.

• Groups from 5 to 25 Singers.

• CRB Checked & Fully Insured.

• Less Hassle, we bring the party to you!

• Mobile service all across Yorkshire.

• We do Stag & Hen Parties too!

Call: 07580 662 308 or 01405 469 453

www.recording4fun.co.uk

The playgroup is a charity and relies on fundraising to boost income.

“We have a number of events open to all throughout the year,” added Gemma, “the under fives Frozen disco being a perfect example of this. The children had so much fun and could take part in crafts, get their faces painted and join in party games. We will be holding another disco at the end of May and hope it’s just as successful.”

If you’re interested in joining them at Poppleton Under Fives or dropping your children off for some peace whilst they learn and play, please email poppletonunderfives@ gmail.com or call 07530 342 716 for more information.

10% discount For a 10% discount off a tailored party in York contact debbie@eazypeazypartiesyork.co.uk

*This voucher must be provided at the start of the session. Terms and Conditions apply.

See website for details. Expires 30th June 2015

Families Vale of York 5

news National Theatre

Comes to the Classroom

This September, th pr of Frankenstein wi oductions will be available on dem ree acclaimed National Theatre and in schools. Da th Benedict Cum berbatch and Jonn nny Boyle’s prod productions of Sh uction y Lee Miller, and akespeare’s Ham Ni let with Rory Kinn be free to stream ear, and Othello wi cholas Hytner’s on demand in ever th Adrian Lester, y secondary schoo recorded in front will l cla of a resources will supp live theatre audience by National ssroom in the UK. Each play is Theatre Live, and ort each play. ‘Th comprehensive lea is new initiative un commitment to su rning derlines the Natio pp nal of Learning at the orting teachers and schools across the UK,’ said Alice Theatre’s passionate NT. ‘In giving yo ung people access King-Farlow, Dire schools to keep th to e arts as a vital pa ctor rt of the curriculum inspirational theatre, we aim to he lp Find out more at .’ nationaltheatre.or g.uk/schools

New Development Checks

Parents are to get a complete picture of their child’s development at the age of two, as part of new reforms to help families.

With over £2million pledged to support joined-up checks on education and health development, parents will now have a better picture of their child’s progress at this early stage. ‘No parent should be left in the dark about their child’s development,’ said Childcare Minister Sam Gyimah. ‘There should be an accessible check for all at the age of two, which is a pressure point where issues such as speech delay and behavioural problems begin to appear. Today’s announcement will mean more families can get valuable information in a more convenient way.’ Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter added, ‘We know it’s important to check children’s health and development when they are two, so that if extra support is needed it can be identified early. Integrated reviews and the huge increase in health visitors will lead to better outcomes for children and families .’ The Integrated Review, which will be implemented nationally from September 2015, will be available to children between 24 and 30 months old. Download your What To Expect When guide from the Foundation Years website www.gov.uk/dfe

Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK – and it’s taking place from the 1-7 June this year.

Volunteering can make a real difference to your own life and the lives of those around you, but it’s important for anyone thinking about giving their time to find a volunteering opportunity which is right for them, whether it’s supporting a victim of crime or helping out at a local sports club. There are loads of events going on up and down the country to help inspire you during Volunteer’s Week, or alternatively you can contact your local Volunteer Centre at any time, an ideal place to start your volunteering career.

To find out more go to http://volunteersweek.org or email volunteersweek@ncvo.org.uk

Spoil Dad

this Father’s Day

It is Father’s Day this June 21st, so why not put your thinking cap on early and come up with something special for your dad? Or if you’re a dad, you could start dropping hints for your partner and children to treat you!

Dads are often overlooked, especially in today’s busy world and if there are young children around, and Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to make him feel special and wanted. The celebration was introduced in the United States in the early 20th century to honour fathers and father figures, although some scholars believe that Father’s Day is actually much older, and that the custom of celebrating fathers on a special day has been around for nearly 4000 years. Today, it is becoming more and more popular and there are loads of fantastic ways of celebrating it.

NEW LOCAL CLASSES

There are some wonderful and unusual gifts out there (why not make a change from the cufflinks or photo frame and choose a personalised grapevine gift crate or a three month Friday night Curry Subscription? Or how about a cheese making kit or a personalised iPad docking station?) It doesn’t have to be a gift – a day out with the people nearest and dearest to Dad can hit the spot perfectly. Many National Trust properties, museums, stately homes, farm parks and even theme parks hold special Father’s Day events with loads of great activities for Dads and their families.

At some of them Dads even go free on Father’s Day. – see out What’s On guide for some local ideas.

To find out more:

Enter your postcode at www.babysensory.com Email: northyorkshire@babysensory.co.uk Check: www.facebook.com/BabySensoryUK Classes at: babysensory.com www.

Harrogate, Ripon, York, Pocklington, Beverley

6 Families Vale of York

oddlersense.com www.t

Search intotheblue.co.uk for an experience like Ferrari or steam train driving, parachute jump etc Or why not start off the day giving Dad a lie-in and breakfast in bed, followed by indulging him with some of his favourite home-cooked treats? Jamie Oliver does some fantastic Father’s Day recipes on his website, including BBQ Beef Short Ribs and his Insanity Burger. The BBC website also has a great selection of treats perfect for Father’s Day, including Spicy Lamb Meatballs and a pecan pie.

Even if you’re not the world’s best cook, Dad will certainly appreciate it!

new research shows seven is heaven for

girls&sports

New research by the Government Equalities Office confirms that Year 3 (7/8 years old) is a critical age in keeping girls motivated to play sport. Beyond this age, girls become more self-conscious, lose confidence and many stop participating in sport.

The study conducted for GEO by charity Women in Sport and the Youth Sport Trust, follows research from the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation which showed that at Y4, activity levels are similar for boys and girls, but by Y6 girls are doing significantly less and this gap grows in the years that follow. The purpose of this research was to explore these findings further by focusing on girls in Y3 – the last academic year before the differences between boys and girls (in terms of confidence, body image and sports participation) start growing significantly.

This latest research found that amongst children interviewed, in Year 3, girls are still participating in school sports at broadly the same level as boys. Their confidence and body image is good, they are still largely influenced by their parents and only minimally influenced by celebrity culture and external role models. However, there are early signs emerging of what causes them to drop out of sports participation.

The research found in respondents:

www.shutterstock.com/Brocreative

Gender perceptions are already emerging in relation to sport; girls think boys are ‘stupid’ and ‘their’ sports rough, the boys think girls lack

skill and competence. Also, while school sports participation is roughly equal, outside school things look very different, with many more boys than girls involved in out-of-school sports clubs; The girls disliked playing games outside in the cold, whereas boys enjoyed the extra space associated with outside games. This difference is reflected in the sports they participate in with girls leaning towards swimming, dance, tennis, netball and gymnastics and boys more often highlighting football, cricket and rugby.

Girls were also beginning to notice the lack of female sporting role models available to them. Girls and boys agreed PE should be different for both sexes. Girls felt that boys can be overly competitive, cheat and play rough and boys perceived girls as ‘less sporty’ and skilled, as well as less interested in ‘rough’ and muddy outdoor sports.

Teachers and parents who were interviewed strongly agreed that the seven and eight year olds were not bothered by personal appearance, but that year three is the last school year in which girls are less self conscious.

They observed that the self consciousness sometimes led to dropping out of sports and that if that happened, girls were less likely to return to it. This is backed up by evidence from Sport England, released as part of their This Girl Can campaign, which shows that fewer women than men play sport regularly, two million fewer 14-40 year olds in total. Despite this, 75 per cent say they want to be more active.

Jo Swinson, Women and Equalities Minister said: “Our research shows that schools and parents have a golden opportunity when girls are seven and eight years old to support and encourage them to keep taking part in sport. We know that after this age, low confidence and body consciousness can combine to reduce their eagerness to take part, which is a real shame and can have lasting effects on health right into adulthood.

“This can be part of a vicious circle; if women don’t take part, their daughters won’t either. That is why I absolutely love the This Girl Can campaign which aims to get women participating in sport. I’m also delighted to confirm that the PSHE Association are publishing materials to help teachers with classes about body confidence. We need to keep all girls enjoying exercise, and both schools and families can play their part.”

To find out more about This Girl Can visit

www.sportengland.org/our-work/national-work/this-girl-can

Children’s Parties

at Ashville College, Harrogate

• • • • • • • • •

Hall hire & catering options Dedicated party co-ordinator Pool parties Football parties Roller Disco parties Face painting Bouncy Castle Enjoy-a-ball activities Peppa Pig lookalike appearances Contact our events team on 01423 724 827 or email parties@ashville.co.uk Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP www.ashvilletrading.co.uk

Open up the world for your child with our Montessori nurseries.

Outstanding care and education to inspire and guide each individual child.

Fulford 01904 642666 Strensall 01904 490339

www.yorkmontessori.com

Families Vale of York 7

Highfield Prep School Places still available for September 2015

ed’s

reading room

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online and from good bookstores. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.

Reasons to choose Highfield Prep School for your child:

For further information:

• Small class sizes

01423 537045

• Outstanding academic development • Choice of over 50 extracurricular activities • Before and after school care

tel:

email:

admissions@hlc.org.uk web:

www.hlc.org.uk

World class education in the heart of Harrogate

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Rascal: Lost in the Caves

Beasts of Olympus: Beast Keeper

by Chris Cooper (Egmont £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Rascal is having a great holiday with Joel and his family. He only wants to have fun but sometimes he gets into trouble and Joel has to smooth things out. They discover a cave which looks exciting but Rascal feels wary of going inside. However it is so tempting, the next morning they go back to explore. Soon they find themselves in great danger. Will they be able to find their way out of this frightening place?

‘This is the start of Rascal’s adventures with Joel. It is a real page-turner for both boys and girls. For more stories about Rascal look out for the other books in this series.’

Foxy Tales: The Great Jail Break

by Caryl Hart & Alex T Smith (Hodder £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Foxy DuBois and Alphonso the Alligator are back! The unlikely duo come across sacks full of money which they think is fantastic but will surely only spell trouble. They soon find themselves in front of a judge who sentences them to six months in jail.

There they meet Eric-the-Evil and they try to come up with ingenious ways to escape but they soon realise they will need more than a Get Out of Jail Free card.

‘Laugh out loud as you follow the latest adventure in the super Foxy Tales series.

This exciting story about two fantastic characters is enhanced by brilliant illustrations.’

by Lucy Coats (Piccadilly £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Demon adores looking after animals. When his father, the Greek god Pan, takes him to Olympus to be a stable boy for the gods he feels as if life has changed – and not for the better.

The stables are very smelly, the creatures are extremely difficult and the food is absolutely disgusting – and Demon is really missing his home. Will he be able to sort out the chaos in the stables and make his father proud? And will the feast of the gods live up to its name?

‘This is a very funny story set in Ancient Greece. It introduces several well-known mythical creatures and is enhanced by imaginative illustrations.’

Nightbird

by Alice Hoffman

(Simon & Schuster £7.99) ED SAYS: ‘Twig loves living in Sidwell, Massachusetts, but she is quiet and shy and has never really had a friend. When a new family arrives in the house next to their orchard she has a feeling that this summer her whole life could change.

Could the spell of Twig’s family secret that makes them hide away be broken?

And could Twig find herself surrounded by the family and friends she so much craves?

‘This is a beautifully written book by a highly accomplished author. You may find yourself bewitched by this magical and compelling story.’

a DTI award-

t of www.edontheweb.com, Ed’s Reading Room is par her of more than

by Maggie Humphreys, a teac winning website. It was created books on fitness

8 Families Vale of York

together are authors of several 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who walking and healthy eating. tact Maggie on 01753 730019 You are very welcome to con . maggiehumphreys@aol.com at ail or by em

ask the

doctor H

ead injuries It’s great that the sun has come out and the weather has improved. I love the fact that my children are spending more time outside than in again, but with that comes increased risks of

hurting themselves. This is part of life – do not stop them playing out! I decided to write about head injury after a recent trip to A and E with my daughter. She just fell up the stairs and hit her head but in the space of a few hours developed a bruise that felt a little boggy or squishy. I was worried that this could be a sign of a skull fracture so we whizzed off to A and E. She was investigated and was absolutely fine, although her mother was slightly shaken! I hope you find this useful if you find yourself with a child with a bumped head.

Bumps to the head are very common and most of the time there will be no need to worry, particularly if the bump was a small one and your child seems to be fine afterwards. What you need to make sure of is that there has not been any skull fracture, trauma to the brain or to the blood vessels that lie just next to the brain. Damage to the blood vessels can cause bleeding into the brain or into the area between the skull and brain causing an increasing in pressure in the head. If the bump to the head was mild, your child seems well and there are no deep cuts, brain damage is unlikely.

There are signs and symptoms to look out on the list below for to help decide whether the head injury is serious and so whether you need to go to A and E. Remember these are only guidelines and the list is not exhaustive. If you are concerned or something just doesn’t seem right, please quickly speak to a Dr either at your GP practice or at A and E. If you are concerned about your child after a head injury, it is better to get them to A and E quickly rather than phone the GP practice.

What to do:

If your child hits his/her head have a good look at how they are. Be reassured if they are alert with eyes open and responding to questions. Crying is a normal, reassuring response.

Ask them to do something and see whether they can do it. It is reassuring if they can for example lift their arm or leg. If they are not responsive, drowsy or fitting you should call 999. You should also call 999 if it seems that there could be a part of their brain that is not working properly – for example losing use of a part of the body, or their eyes look odd, or face is not symmetrical or difficulty speaking.

In addition, a child should be seen by a doctor quickly (either straight to A and E or by calling 999 depending on circumstances) if • There was any loss of consciousness however short lasting • There is drowsiness – I will talk more about this below • There is a penetrating injury to the skull – something sticking into it • They can’t remember what they were doing before the bump • They have a headache which is not settling quickly or is getting worse • There was vomiting after the injury • There are changes to breathing • There is a change in behaviour – for example more irritable, confused, easily distracted, not themselves, no interest in things around them, difficulty speaking • They have medical problems – either previous brain surgery, history of bleeding or blood clotting problems, taking medicines that interfere with blood clotting (eg warfarin) • Any concern there may be a fracture – eg the skull looks dented or there is a soft ’boggy’ feeling swelling – do not press!

• There is blood or clear fluid coming out of an ear or nose • The injury was caused by a high energy impact for example in a car accident or going very fast on a bike.

A note on drowsiness. The bump may happen at around bedtime. In our house, this is when most play fighting occurs! If your child seems fine and there are no features on the list, it may still be fine for them to go to bed. If you are concerned about them, you can wake them every hour or so. They will be grumpy when woken and this is a normal response. If you are finding it hard to get them to wake up, or they seem semi-awake but not ‘with it’ you should go to A and E. If the bump occurs during the day, your child may seem to want to sleep or drift off for a nap. Again, as long as there are no suspicious clinical features, this may be fine as long as it looks like normal peaceful sleep and their breathing seems normal.

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 a mum.

Head injuries may have complications that are important to know about. Sometimes, particularly after a severe head injury, damage may take hours or days or even weeks to show if there is slow bleeding around the brain, swelling of the brain or infection – for example with skull fractures. It is the reason why head injury advice is given if you are seen by a doctor and then sent home. You should go to A and E or call an ambulance if any of the clinical signs develop over time.

Even if the bump to the head was not serious, some people develop mild symptoms that usually settle over 2 weeks. These include mild headache, feeling sick without being sick, tiredness, poor concentration and poor appetite. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate brain damage, just that the brain has been knocked. Paracetamol or ibuprofen if suitable can help and, as ever, if in doubt see your GP.

Further information www.nice.org.uk www.patient.co.uk

Barlow Church of England Primary School Looking for a new primary school for September 2015?

Barlow Church of England Primary School have places available in all year groups. Come to our Open Evening to find out what makes our school so special

On Wednesday 3rd June, from 6pm - 7.45pm We will be serving Cheese and Wine

You'll find us by following signs to Barlow Nature Reserve off the A1041 between Selby and Camblesforth.

Please email admin@barlow.n-yorks.sch.uk to let us know you're coming.

w w w. b a r l ow. n - yo r k s. s c h . u k

Families Vale of York 9

birthday Recent research conducted by Mums Show Live discovered that the average cost of a child’s birthday party is £300, with some parents admitting to spending as much as £800. However, there are many ways to throw an amazing party that the children will love without breaking the bank. Here are my tips and ideas for hosting a birthday party on a budget.

parties Keep it simple

Don’t take on more than you are happy with.

Plan in advance and have a party budget Planning in advance will help you to control your budget, as it gives you time to investigate options for partyware, activities/games and prepare things yourself (like invitations). Make sure your budget is realistic, and stick to it.

Have a theme This will not only help you when deciding on partyware/decorations, but it will also make it easier to find ideas for games and activities.

Knowing your party theme means that you will spend less time searching for ideas and partyware online, and it also makes it easier to find the most cost effective solutions.

Shop around Investigate a few different options before you buy your partyware.

There are a lot of party shops online that have competitive prices (and the occasional sale/ offer), and don’t forget about

By Carey McNaughton

ebay. If you take a few minutes to create a simple price comparison between a few shops (cost of plates, cups, etc.), you may be surprised by the results. For example, the price comparison I did for my daughter’s party later this year shows a 50% saving for exactly the same items.

Ask friends to help Organising and running a party by yourself can be quite daunting. Ask your friends (and family) if they would be able to help out – you might be surprised by how many willing volunteers you find. Even having someone who can put the food out or direct children to the bathroom whilst you’re busy running games/ activities is a great help. Don’t forget to say “Thank you.”

Venue Having the party at home, if it’s feasible, is the best option for saving money. Take a look at the rooms that you can use as “party space”, and be realistic about the number of guests you can accommodate. If

on a budget you’re going to include craft/messy activities, then don’t forget to protect these areas with a plain plastic tablecover. Put any valuable items/ things that you don’t want broken or played with somewhere safe a few days before the party.

If the weather is likely to be sunny don’t forget about your garden. You can easily run a picnic party with some traditional party games or a “sports day” theme.

Or why not organise a picnic and play at a park you know your child loves. Find somewhere where your child and their friends can have a kick around/play tennis, rounders or cricket, or even go to the beach with a few friends. Don’t forget to pack something to sit on, things to do (games/activities) and a picnic for everyone to enjoy.

Just remember to have a “bad weather” plan, as it is difficult to predict the weather.

If you cannot face having the party in your house, investigate your local village/church halls – they’re often very reasonably priced. Make sure you know what the hall offers in terms of size, facilities and parking.

Some halls even offer a choice of rooms – with smaller rooms available for a lower price. It’s worth asking around for recommendations from other parents.

Invitations Obviously, keeping the number of guests down will help reduce you costs – so don’t feel

10 Families Vale of York

parties pressured to invite the whole class. Make sure your child understands why there is a limit on guest numbers (for example, that’s how many guests you can accommodate at home).

There’s no need to spend a fortune on invitations – you could design one yourself, get your child to design one, or even send free invites online through sites like Evite (www.evite.com).

Entertainment It doesn’t take as much time and effort as you’d think to plan party entertainment for your child. So many people are now sharing their party ideas online, that a simple search can return more ideas than you can shake a stick at. Take a bit of time to investigate, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the results. Remember to think about what the guests will enjoy (given what you know about them) and try to provide a mixture of activities.

Some great ideas include traditional party games, baking/crafty parties, and treasure hunts (you can buy ready made ones online).

For example, my son is interested in having a Lego themed birthday party this year.

Simply searching the term “lego party” has provided me with more than enough ideas to keep him and his friends busy for the entire party – and it only took me 30 minutes. If you’re lucky, you will also find some free printables or downloads that are suitable for your party whilst looking for ideas about games and activities.

Food From my experience, the children are never really that hungry during the party (far more interested in the activities).

However, if you hold the party at a time when the children are not normally as hungry (for example, between lunch and dinner), you will not need to provide so much food (just snacks).

Cake If you enjoy baking, then making your child’s birthday cake can be a lot of fun.

If you’re worried about decorating it – you can find a lot of simple ideas around online, or even let the birthday child themselves decorate the cake (one of my children’s favourites is a simple chocolate sponge cake covered in melted chocolate with things like buttons and smarties strewn across the top). Ready printed icing cake toppers are also a good option – a variety of themes are available on ebay, and many of them can be personalised.

However, if you’d rather not make the cake yourself, supermarkets offer a wide choice of ready made cakes.

There is no rule that says you have to have a birthday cake – you could have cupcakes, cookies, etc.. whatever the birthday child would prefer. These could even be made/ decorated as part of the party.

Decorations You don’t have to go overboard on the decorations. Putting up some simple pieces that match your theme will make it feel more festive. You could make your own bunting, pompoms or paperchains, or buy these items cheaply online. If you’re looking for ready made bunting that you can download and personalise (to print out yourself) – take a look at Etsy. Add in some balloons and you’re all set.

Waddow Hall in the Ribble Valley

Birthday parties and day trips Overnights and holidays

Party Bags There is no need to provide party bags, despite the fact that they seem to have become such a large part of children’s parties. So, if you really don’t want to do them – be brave (don’t feel that you have to).

If you are going to provide party bags for your guests, decide on a budget per bag and stick to it. When it comes to finding things to put in the bags - think about what you would like your child to bring home from a party. The bags don’t need to be overflowing with items.

Here are a few inexpensive ideas • books (The Book People have some great sets at very reasonable prices) • a craft item/kit or biscuit/fairy cake that was made/decorated during the party • some seeds and a small plastic plant pot • run a lucky dip

Have a joint party This is something you could try if your child has a friend with a birthday close to theirs. They are a lot of fun to organise (as you have someone to help out/discuss ideas with) and you get to split the costs.

Older children Looking for ideas for a party at home with older children. Why not create your own disco at home (music, space and fairy lights are really all you need)? Or have a “movie” party, with either a red carpet/ oscars theme or a theme related to the movie – you could even make it fancy dress. Gaming parties are also popular, and so are sleepovers – a few games, some movies and some snacks are all you need.

Camping and self-catering facilities available

Why not stay with us? We have a range of options – a manor house, holiday homes, a tented village and spacious campsites.

Kayaking Canoeing Grass sledging Climbing Archery Crate challenge

Zip wire Abseiling Tunnelling... ...and many more!

Registered charity number 306016.

01200 423186 waddow@girlguiding.org.uk www.waddow.org.uk

THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

IS ENROLLING NOW IN YORK AND HARROGATE! Outstanding Performing Arts tuition for 4 - 18 year olds.

Postage Costs If you are ordering things online, make sure you check the postage costs. Try to avoid ordering items for the same party from a lot of different places in order to minimise your postage costs.

Don’t forget It pays to involve your child from the start – get them excited about their party, and listen to their ideas.

Have fun and enjoy yourselves (that’s what parties are for).

Carey McNaughton lives in Breighton with her other half, David, and their two children. Carey Plans It offers personal party solutions to help you create an amazing party - from advice, ideas and research through to a full party planning service.

To learn more visit her website at careyplansit.co.uk, or find more ideas and advice on her blog careyplansit.me.uk

Saturdays from 9.45am - 1.00pm PQA York runs at Huntington School, YO32 9WT. Your Principal is James Aconley Email james@pqacademy.com or call 07753 179070 PQA Harrogate runs at Grammar School, HG2 0DZ. Your Principal is Kellie Taylor Email kellie@pqacademy.com or call 07928 835516 www.pqacademy.com

Families Vale of York 11

party people Entertainers & Organisers

Barbara Ray presents fun

packed puppet entertainment for children aged 3- 8. 01302 320717 www.barbararay.co.uk

Bob’s Your Uncle Magician and

entertainer for children’s parties and events. 01423 340568 www.bobs-your-uncle.co.uk

Brendini Magical fun and

entertainment for all ages, especially children. 01757 704437 www.brendinismagic.co.uk

Carey Plans It Party planner - takes all the stress away from organising your do - with a range of services. Carey can find venues, investigate themes and ideas, find the perfect cake, book entertainers and much more.

See our feature on P 10 & 11 www.careyplansit.co.uk 01757 322000 Go Ballistic Magic with

Martin the Magician Juggling, magic & games for children of all ages. 01904 613206 www.goballisticmagic.com

Uncle Mal and His Crazy Puppets A fabulous magic show from one of the area’s leading entertainers.

Expect bright colourful props, balloon models, puppets & a live rabbit. Everything is carefully worked out for the ages of the children who are attending the party for maximum FUN! www.magicmal.co.uk 01904 762662

LITTLE ALLIGATORS

See page 14-15.

Corky’s Special gifts for tots to

teens including great party bag fillers.

9 Museum Street, York, www.corkyschildrensgifts.co.uk 01904 625075 Dancers / Kaos Fancy dress supplies. 3 Gillygate, York, www. kaosfancydress.co.uk 01904 630317 The Bun Bunny

Fabulous cakes & Buns. Based in Harrogate.07841 755 225 www.thebunbunny.co.uk

The Little Balloon Company

01904 705050 www.thelittleballooncompany.co.uk

We’ve found a great range of local party people.

Remember to tell them you saw them in Families!

Ashville College Sports Centre Party themes include – football, bouncy castle, pool parties, Enjoy-a-ball parties, Roller Disco parties, face painting options. They can also provide just hall hire, and can offer party food and a party coordinator. There are no age restrictions. 01423 724 827 or email parties@ashville.co.uk

Selby Superbowl

Bowling & Lazerzone parties. www.selby-superbowl.co.uk 01757 707074 The Engine Shed

Fabulous party venue in Wetherby.

01937 588884 www.engineshedwetherby.co.uk The Web Adventure Park

Lots of party themes including ‘Wired’ high ropes, quad biking, princess or pirate & make a bear. www.webadventurepark.co.uk 01904 692221

The Wishing Well, Selby

Soft play parties. 08712 003363 Winkies, Harrogate

Themed soft play parties. www.winkies.co.uk 01423 886886

Creative party people Amazing Faces

Facepainting 0794 960 2202 www.facepaintingharrogate.com Arty Animals Party

The Little Things Party bags

Henrietta Rabbit

that don’t cost the earth. www.thelittlethings.info

Creative cooking and art fun combined. www.artyanimals.co.uk 0113 226 5898 / 07982 239377

Children’s entertainers offering magic, jugglers, stiltwalkers, games, circus workshops, event management, balloonology, bubble machines, music, stories, crafts, giveaways and entertainment www.henriettarabbit.co.uk 01904 345404

Venues

Bead Jewellery-making parties.

Jeepers Creepers Children’s

party magic shows 01765 604472 www.themagicplace.co.uk

Professor Dan Slater

Explosive magic show, fun & games. www.dan-slater.co.uk 07816 253409 Sandra Children’s Entertainment

07709 252579 www.sandra-entertainment.co.uk The Magic Hatter

Children’s entertainer & magician. www.magichatter.co.uk 0845 475 2124

Party Supplies Bouncing Around Bouncy castles for hire 0786 792 3434 www.bouncingaround.co.uk Bubbles & Squeak Great toy shops with gifts for children from birth. 12a & 22 Gillygate, York, 01904 672020 / 01904 672677

12 Families Vale of York

Crazy Tykes Soft play parties.

01937 541007 www.crazytykes.co.uk Kidzplay

A selection of tailored parties at all 3 venues - Harrogate, Northalllerton & Boroughbridge. 01423 816111 / 01609 761596 / 01423 325575 www.kidzplay.co.uk Party Zone at The Academy, Harrogate

Soft play parties. 01423 524052 www.theacademy.co.uk

Bluebell Party Tents

www.beadharrogate.co.uk 01423 313030

Lello & Monkey

Treasure Hunt Party suppliers and producers - Party solutions in a box, making DIY parties easy peasy.

07766 041644 www.lelloandmonkey.co.uk Little Rascals Harrogate

Character Mascot appearance & parties including Peppa Pig, Elsa and Micky & Minnie. 07855 844 265 www.facebook.com/little.harrogate

Bluebell Party Tents offer beautiful bell tents as the perfect venue for any occasion such as children’s parties, sleepovers, baby showers, hen parties, anniversaries, Christenings and other special celebrations.

Owner of Bluebell Party Tents, Krisztina Horner has lots of ideas for themed children’s parties from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Timmy Time and Teddy Bear’s Picnic for younger children through to Frozen, Camouflage and more traditional Pirate or Princess parties for older ones.

Teens aren’t forgotten either with some great ideas for older ones such as the ‘Confetti’ design or ‘Festival’ tent and the sleepover tents look simply beautiful. Check out ideas at www.bluebellpartytents.co.uk or call 07809 573 687 for more details.

Pots2Go

Pot-painting parties. www.pots2go.co.uk 01423 524797

Action & Activity Bushbabies Birthday Parties

Outdoor adventure parties for ages 2-6 and 7-11. Junior parties are themed - you could hunt for the Gruffalo or search for leprechaun’s gold. Parties for older children include survival, tracking, bows & arrows and firelighting. www.bushbabieswoodlandadventures.co.uk Diggerland Party

Birthday parties include 2 hours in the park and a 45 minute lunch.

Children get personalised certificates, a balloon, and a Diggerland lunchbox. 0871 22 77 007 www.diggerland.com Live for Today

For ages 8+. With a choice of a Laser Tag Party, Zorb Party or a Bushcraft and Archery Party. 01423 876 379 www.live-for-today.com Make a Wish Entertainment

Magical fairytale parties based around your favourite theme, character, hobby or activity. www. makeawishentertainment.co.uk

Recording 4 Fun Fabulous Popstar recording parties in your own home or venue of choice.

The party child chooses their favourite songs to record with friends.

Sessions take around 2½ hours and includes a top record producer/sound engineer, professional backing tracks, vocal practices and warm-ups with professional mixing, vocal guidance and microphone technique. Each party guest gets to take home a professionally mixed cd. www.recording4fun.co.uk 01405 469 453 or 07580 662 308

Party with Stagecoach!

Stagecoach understands that with the increasing demands on parents, juggling the pressures of work and family life, time is at an essence. Stagecoach Parties provide a way to remove the stress from what should be a day of celebration for everyone, and allow you to sit back, relax whilst they do all the work! Whether your child wants to be a fairy, princess, pirate or detective, there’s a Stagecoach Party for everyone.

Themed Parties for 4-10 year olds combine drama, dance and singing with a wide range of party games and storytelling all based around the chosen theme. You choose the date and the time and you can either join them at one of their party venues or they can come to a venue of your choice.

For older children Murder Mystery Parties are an exciting, fun and creative event for ages 11 -16. A detective host will take care of all the entertainment, so all you need to do is send out the invitations and prepare the meal.

The guests will know prior to the party what character they will be and all other information is given to them throughout the party. There are 5 different spine-tingling mysteries to solve, so for further details about Murder Mystery parties and Themed parties call 0113 2103 505 or visit www. stagecoach.co.uk

Class Parties Diddi Dance Parties

www.diddidance.com 07917 757 566 Enjoy-a-Ball Parties

Parties for up to 30 children aged 4 - 8 years, with lots of fun sports, games and running around. Just hire a hall, do food & provide party bags - they even provide the invites! www.enjoy-a-ball. com 07789 861108 / 08452 26 26 94

parties

Harrogate Climbing Centre Party

En Pointe Ballet Party

Harrogate Climbing Centre is the area’s most unique attraction; set in an impressive leisure complex with an on-site deli-café, it offers exciting and unusual activities that will keep your youngsters and their friends talking for weeks!

They provide a group birthday party for children and adults, consisting of either an hour or an hour and a half’s climbing (depending on the age group) with a professional instructor followed by optional party food at the Indulge cafe.

Every party session focuses on getting as much climbing packed into the session as possible, and the Centre’s instructors know how to deliver the right session depending on the age of the children taking part. Parties start from as little as £66 for up to 6 people, and can accommodate almost as many as you like. The activities don’t stop there, they also offer family taster sessions, after school & holiday clubs and adult beginner courses.

Your child can have a ballet and dance themed party through En Pointe classical dance school. For £90 A ballet professional will come to your chosen venue and dance and entertain the children for an hour session with music and props. email principal@enpointeyork.co.uk www.enpointeyork.co.uk

Stockeld Park Party Parties are for a minimum of 8, maximum 30 and include a day pass and pizza or sandwich box. Up to 6 parties can be held in any one day. Free adult for every 5 children booked.

Party bags available too. Parties can be booked during Easter, spring and summer. www.stockeldpark.co.uk

High-Low, Quick-Slow Parties

Parties are tailored towards the age of the child and include action songs, familiar rhymes, musical instruments, simple party games, dancing and movement time. A special party balloon is given to the birthday child and every child at the party receives a sticker and certificate. Party sessions lasts approximately 50 minutes with lots of fun for both children and adults alike. Suitable for ages 1-6. www.highlowquickslow.co.uk 07903 270532

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

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

Swimming Lessons • • • • •

All Ages and Abilities Group lessons One to One Lessons Lessons Local to you Gift Vouchers

Call Debbie or Ray: 01757 247047 or 07730 886436

w

ww

r

g

Email : d.feeney@swimtime.org Learn to swim, be safe, have fun!

.s w im ti m e . o

Families Vale of York 13

party bags

Tennis Tykes Parties Tennis Tykes has an exciting range of tennis parties for children celebrating their 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th birthdays.

There’s a fun packed hour of tennis activities incorporating lots of games and tennis ball skills, all supervised by qualified coaches and trained staff. The Tennis Tykes characters, Tommy and Tessa are also on hand to make it a truly special day for the birthday boy or girl. For further information, contact Caroline Buncall on 07843342662/email: caroline.buncall@ tennistykes.co.uk or log onto www.tennistykes.co.uk.

Les Goûters de Mimi

Parties include 2 hours of French themed entertainment (including the tea-party), some French drinks and biscuits. Suitable for children aged 4 to 12. The games and activities are adapted to the age of the hosts and their guests.

077901 98534 www.continentalfairies.com Singamajigs

Tailor-made parties for young children with music, singing, parachute games, instruments and bubbles. www.singamajigs.co.uk 01423 552 918

So, if you do decide to do party bags, what do you put in them? We asked Little Alligators of Harrogate to inspire us with some ideas that won’t break the bank.

Tappy Tots

Parties for children aged 3 -6 years lasting approximately 45 minutes.

You’ll need to hire their own venue but catering can be provided alongside cake and party bags if required. www.tappytots.co.uk 01977 621616

Breba >

Perfect gift in a party bag. 8-10 flowers are enough to make a child bracelet. One package contains 100 flowers in 13 different colours.

These little clever flowers can be joined together to make necklaces, bracelets, headbands, belts, and decoration for gifts, vases or pots. They can be reused many times and is a fun activity for all ages. £6

Tennis Tots Parties

Parties cater for up to 26 girls and boys aged 3-6. www.tennis-tots.co.uk Flex Dance Parties

Parties are 60 or 90 minutes with a showcase for friends & family at the end. www.flexdanceinc.co.uk 07921 222 710 / 07500 618 613

The Little Gym Birthday Parties The Little Gym Birthday Party is a time to relax and enjoy a fully supervised party where you have exclusive use of the whole gym. The custom-designed facility is complimented by lively, friendly staff and every party includes plenty of music, movement, games and FUN. Parties are no fuss because they do everything from providing the invitations to the clean-up afterwards. Children have a blast and parents can sit back and enjoy the special occasion.

< Itsy Bitsy Sticker 12 different choices of fabulous glittery stickers. Choose from sheets of animals, cakes, sweets or sea creatures and fairy tales. £1.95 a sheet

Each party is led by 2 instructors and your children will have one hour to explore the gym where instructors will facilitate age appropriate games and physical activities. They use specialist gymnastics equipment (bars, beams and tumble area) as well as a parachute, balls and hoops. After an hour of fun and games it’s time for birthday cake and snacks before children disappear back into the gym for the remainder of the hour and a half.

Beautifully decorated bell tents for any occasion (07809) 573 687

info@bluebellpartytents.co.uk www.bluebellpartytents.co.uk

14 Families Vale of York

www.shutterstock.com/Poznyakov

The party is private so your child and birthday guests will have 100% attention from staff. The Little Gym handles all the details - you just show up with the children. Parties are for children aged from 1 to 10 and slots are available on Saturday and Sunday. Call for availability on 01423 701560.

< Temporary Tattoos

parties

partybags

Perfect choice for any party bag! £1.50 for pack of 2

…and how to get round them Advice from local party entertainer Henrietta Rabbit

Have you noticed that party bags come in packs of eight? Of course you wouldn’t fall for such sly marketing. With a bit of ingenuity, you can create something totally different….After all, the giving of a plastic bag stuffed with land-fill plastic items must surely be going out of fashion. Besides, where is it written that it’s compulsory to give these things?

kids bubbles > Keep your bubbles near, wear them around your neck and have a lot of bubbly fun!! A sure hit with the little ones.

6 different shapes including princess, frog, croc, plane, car and cherub. £1.99 each

The craze for them has now reached weddings: we entertain at a great many weddings and at one well-appointed country house hotel, the girl-guests were clustered in the loo, comparing contents of their gold tote gift-bags.

Silk scarf, gemstone bracelet, a voucher for a day-spa, a pot of expensive moisturiser and a phial of lavender oil, each being pulled out by the girls with squeals of joy (the ones who were already married) and cynical howls (the yet-to-be-married-girls, thinking ‘How am I going to top THIS?) A little bit of one-upmanship creeping in to the nuptials!

Here are some belting ideas: •

Magazines: visit your local newsagent and order each child a children’s magazine; gender-appropriate. I’ve never seen anything less than sheer delight on receiving these – especially if the mag has a freebie toy stuck to the front!

•

Wild Flower Seeds: in a sweet packet – We need bees …

•

Hairbrush: gender appropriate designs, I’ve spotted some jolly styles in a £1 store

•

Windmill: 70p each, hours of fun http://tinyurl.com/kjwehdr

•

Socks: Plenty of lovely designs and everyone wears ‘em

•

And the truly whacky: PANTS!! It must have been the parents’ line of business. The boys pulled them over their trousers to become Superman, the girls, er, put them on their heads. Ah…the sweet innocence of the young…

•

Or you too can try THE FACE OFF

The brave mummy who said: ‘There are no party bags’ as she handed each child a cupcake with: ‘Thank you for coming.’

< Pens

Great choices to split of for party bags. Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens with glittery scented gel ink £6.95 (12 in pack) Monster Scented Neon Markers Pocket scented with monstrously bright colours - £3.50 (6 in pack) Dandy Candy Neon Markers are some sweet smelling markers £3.95 (5in pack)

So…If you do opt for some sort of going-home gift then a frenzy of ordering, shopping and sorting lies ahead of you, over and above the usual children’s party considerations...

OR….hand out a cake each with a Thank you for coming The decision is yours……

Henrietta Rabbit can be found at www.henriettarabbit.party. She can entertain your little ones with magic, ballonology, music and dancing. Alternatively she can find you a suitable party entertainer from fairies to clowns.

Follow her on twitter @henrab

Party bag ideas are all available from Little Alligators, 45 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate. www.littlealligators.com

Families Vale of York 15

how to survive a

sleepover Love them or hate them, you will be asked at some point to host a sleepover.

Sarah Butters looks at how best to survive them and how to avoid repeating the experience in the future.

party LATE DROP, EARLY COLLECT

The thought of a sleepover is bearable if you know there is an end to it all. Make it clear at the point of invite when your hospitality begins and ends. I’ve found a late afternoon drop – coinciding with teatime – is best with a pick up between 9 and 10am. This means your exhausted guests, now suffering from an additive hangover, can have their post sleepover meltdown in the comfort of their own home. You are left with a full day to scrape melted chocolate and squashed Haribo from your beige carpet.

HAVE A PLAN

www.shutterstock.com/Jaimie Duplass

Don’t imagine that five 8 year olds will be able to occupy themselves without incident.

They won’t. Well they will, but rest assured it will end in a lot of

1616Families Vale of York Families Vale of York

tired tears. Follow teatime with a fun activity – karaoke, Wii fun or a board game – before a DVD to take you through until bedtime.

I have heard reports of parents putting their children through 100 bounces on the garden trampoline prior to heading upstairs to maximize exhaustion but you may feel that’s a step too far.

PREPARE FOR LATE NIGHT LEAVERS There’s a pretty high chance that one of your guests will want to leave. The reality of a night spent away from home can be a little too much for some children. Be warned, homesickness is catching and once one begins to wobble, you could find your other guests follow. Make sure you have the parents contact details for all your guests if you do need to make a late night collection call.

By Sarah Butters

KEEP IT SIMPLE Think camping indoors and you’ve got the perfect sleepover. One of my daughter’s favourite nights away from home saw 7 children sleeping top to toe, in sleeping bags on the bedroom floor of their friend. Not a king size Aerobed in sight. We’ve invested in our new favourite wearable sleeping bag, the SLPY for sleepover invites. Get yours at www.slpy.com

ADMIT DEFEAT You aren’t going to be able to stay up late enough to check your guests are all asleep. Their very purpose is to out ‘stay up’ the adults in the house so in many ways, reminding them you are still awake only makes for a later bedtime. Lay out the ground rules when you say your final (ish) goodnight and leave them to it. Some will fall asleep, some will chat and only in the very worst case scenario will they raid your sweet cupboards in the early hours to replenish their sleep starved bodies. Removal of electrical devices is a good move – especially in tweenage girls – as the cyber world can be an inviting but frightening place in the small hours of the morning.

KEEP YOUR DIARY CLEAR Plan nothing for the following day. You will have slept like a meerkat balancing on a branch.

Your child will have crashed late and woken with the lark. In short, your family is fit for nothing and planning even the most straight forward activity is doomed to failure.

Then, as night falls, raise a glass to the fact your survived your first sleepover. Like childbirth, you’ll need some time to forget the pain before you do it all again.

parties Ask the Expert……

Sleepover? They should be called Stay Awake-overs according to Families sleep expert Sarah Barnes from Gentle Sleep Solutions. Here’s her advice for making your night a success.

1.

Only invite a small group for a child’s first sleep over.

2. Discuss with parents of invited children any allergies, medication, comfort objects or other needs.

3. Make sure you have contact numbers for all parents in case of late night homesickness.

4. Make sure you have boundaries in place to avoid chaos. Make the children aware of their bedtime, the no-go areas in the house or garden following that bedtime and the rules regarding the use of gadgets.

5. Let the sleep over guests know where you are sleeping and let them know they can wake you in an emergency.

6. Arrange a definite pick up time the following day.

Children, especially younger ones are usually ready to go home and sleep!

www.gentlesleepsolutions.co.uk

What do YOU think?

“

Most children are never any trouble, as long as you accept it will be a late night. Only on a couple of occasions have Mums had to come and collect. Once when my middle son was just 6 it was clear his friend would not settle. I rang his Mum and she popped round, only for my son to come marching out with his coat over his pyjamas, a backpack on, saying ‘Is it OK if I come back with you - it is meant to be a sleepover after all!

Vicki, Mum of 3

”

“

They just happened at our house; a kind of mini rite of passage. I think they’re a good thing. For my daughter, they’ve been great for bonding with friends, although she did go through a phase of not wanting them because she got homesick.

Bill

”

“

I hate them. My girls love them, so we have them. I don’t like the bickering and falling out while they are playing and I don’t like the fact that I have to nag them to shut up and go to sleep. I prefer to have friends individually as the noise level is lower and there is more chance of actual sleep. Big groups have me on the verge of packing a suitcase!

Rachel

“

”

They have nothing to do with sleep! It sounds like a lovely concept but the reality is that there is always one kid who gets home sick - or just sick - and no one sleeps. Your house gets trashed and you end up with a stroppy child the next day. In short my sleepovers have turned into ‘tea and pyjamas evenings’ ending at 9pm! Does that make me a bad Mummy or a clever Mummy?

Sally

”

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01904 406355

Inside Sainsbury’s, Monks Cross

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Every Day

Piglets Adventure Farm

what’s on

The Farmers Cart, 01904 499183 pigletsfarmpark.co.uk Open every day for fun farm adventures.

2 – 4 May 11am – 5pm

Merry Month of May: Victorian Weekend Brodsworth Hall 01302 722598 www.english-heritage.org.uk Enjoy traditional Victorian entertainment this May at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens. Each week will have a different theme exploring elements of Victorian life. This weekend visit the May Day fete with side shows, Punch & Judy, music and a whole host of traditional games for all of the family to enjoy.

may/june15

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. Check if you need to book ahead too.

More ‘Days Out’ can be found online at www.familiesvoy.co.uk . All events are now searchable by date, venue & age range making it much easier to find all our local events at the click of your mouse.

4 May & Every Day 10am – 2.30pm

Daily Penguin Feeding

Harewood House harewood.org Get up close to the penguins by helping the keepers to feed them.

You will need to be aged ten years or above to feed the penguins – it costs just £15 per person and can be booked on 0113 218 1000.

2 – 4 May

Dracula

1 – 8 Mar 11am - 4pm

Snowdrop Spectacular

Burton Agnes Hall 01262 490324 www.burtonagnes.com Wander through a wonderful blanket of snowdrops in the woodland walk.

14 March

Mother’s Day Crafts

East Riddlesden Hall www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Make a Mother’s Day Card

The Spring Adventure Seedlings www.seedlingscarlton.co.uk Includes selection of sandwiches, indulgences & tea or coffee.

15 March

Rievaulx Terrace & Temples 01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/rievaulx-terrace Treat Mum with a stroll through the beautiful flower bedecked woodland followed by creating the perfect flower themed gift.

14 – 15 March 11am

15 March

Afternoon Tea

Mother’s Day

14 March

Mother’s Day at Rievaulx

01904 499183 pigletsfarmpark.co.uk To celebrate Mothering Sunday, all mums will be able to visit for free!

Thorp Perrow 01677 425323 www.thorpperrow.com Free tea & cake for mum!

15 March 11am - 3pm

Crafty Moms

Brimham Rocks 01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimhamrocks Drop by anytime during the day & help your mum make a nature inspired crafty creation.

23-31 MAY Stockeld Park

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Nunnington Hall 01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.

15 March 1pm uk/nunnington-hall Fabulous family days out this spring with active Adventure Zones within Make a Mother’s Day card or present in Make Something Special for the craft area.the beautiful woodland of Stockeld Park. Try the outdoor roller rink, Mum 14 – 15 March maze, go

& Enchanted Forest as you karts or explore,Beningbrough climb and playHall in the Gardens 472027 www.nationaltrust.org. discover sculptures and 01904 themed adventure playground areas. Jump and The Farmers Cart uk/beningbrough-hall slide in the inflatable zone or drive the electric scooter trail! They also have rainy days covered with indoor play, games, crafts and creativity, so that adventures await you whatever the weather! Let your imagination guide you for truly magical adventures.

Enjoy Easter fun at

Mums go Free

20 Families Vale of York

Mother Shipton’s Cave

Whitby Abbey 01947 603568 www.english-heritage.org.uk Think you know the story of Dracula? Think again. To truly understand Bram Stoker’s gothic icon, you need to hear his tale in the setting of the writer’s inspiration, Whitby Abbey. Take in the gothic splendour of one of the most atmospheric abbeys in England, as three actors bring the famous story of Dracula to life before your eyes. Promenade performances suitable for all the family. 1.30 & 3.3.0pm 4 May 11am – 3pm

May Day Party Family fun day Lotherton Hall www.leeds.gov.uk Dance round the may pole and enjoy the spring Bank Holiday at with sports day races, brass band, spring planting & garden games.

6 May

Little Scientists - Magic Potions Abbey House Museum, Leeds www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries For all curious under 5’s and their carers. 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm

8 May – 20 Dec

Fashions from the Fifties

Lotherton Hall www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Age of Glamour is the debut exhibition at Lotherton Hall’s brand new Fashion Galleries. With elegant couture displayed alongside many other beautiful dresses from the fifties, the exhibition explores the impact of Parisian design on British fashion – from the fancy department stores selling exclusive ready to wear to high street stores like Marks and Spencer.

9 May 2pm

My Friend Mole

Junction, Goole, East Yorkshire 01405 763 652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk Join Birdsnest Theatre as they weave a gentle tale of a very special friendship and the imagination, using live music, storytelling and a rich visual language.

9 – 10 May 11am - 5pm

Merry Month of May: Victorian Hospitality

Brodsworth Hall 01302 722598 www.english-heritage.org.uk This weekend meet resident kitchen staff who will show you the ropes in the kitchen and delight audiences with Victorian recipes you can try yourself!

9 – 10 May

Mills Weekend

Thwaite Mills www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Celebrate Mills weekend. The theme this year is art in the Mill so look out for some arty activities.

10 May 10am – 4pm

Cars in the Park

Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, 0845 4504068 www.carsinthepark.org.uk Cars in the park is a casual gathering of sports/super cars including TVR, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Renault, Lotus, Maserati, MX-5, Smart Roadsters, mini and hot hatches.

14 May 5 – 7 pm

Museums at Night: Torchlight

Leeds City Museum www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Join the team after hours as part of the nationwide ‘Museums at Night’. Events include torch-lit tours, object handling and talks from curators and other experts, and family craft activities inspired by the collections.

16 – 17 May 11am - 5pm

Merry Month of May: Victorian Entertainment

Wild About Rievaulx

Stockeld Park

Rievaulx Terrace & Temples www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rievaulx-terrace Go wild at Rievaulx this Bank Holiday Weekend. There’ll be a Bug Trail around the woodland and Terrace. The butterfly nets will be out to see what you can identify. Then there are the many 50 things to do before you are 11 3/4 activities, you are sure to be able to tick a few off your list.

31 May CBeebies’ Mr Bloom!

23 – 25 May

has a very special guest on

Families can enjoy the free show (standard Spring Adventure entry fee applies), staged in the beautiful field with singing and teaching youngsters about growing fruit and vegetables.

23 – 29 May

Create it: Make it

Eureka!

01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk Tinker, take apart, fix and make this half term – if you can imagine it, you can make it!

23 – 31 May

Sweet Scents Fountains Abbey 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk The medieval world was a smelly place so the monks used lavender bags to mask peculiar pongs! Head to Swanley Grange to make your own and banish those whiffy smells for good.

23 – 31 May

How to be a Knight Scarborough Castle 01723 372451 www.english-heritage.org.uk Calling all junior Knights! Join medieval sword masters and learn the lethal art of swordsmanship. Get to grips with a range of swords and hear the crash of steel on steel in the academy for budding knights.

25 – 29 May 12pm - 3pm

23 – 31 May

50 Things Challenge Week

Fairy Tale Fun Week Lotherton Hall www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Follow the traditional tales trail and get lost in your imagination in Lotherton’s own fairy tale. With storytelling, storybook crafts, dressing up and a Fairy-tale picnic on Thursday 28th May. 11am-3pm

Hardcastle Crags and Gibson Mill 01422 844518 www.nationaltrust.org.uk How many of the ‘50 Things’ can you tick off this week? NT will help you get started on your ‘50 Things’ list with bug hunts, bird watching and more!

25 – 29 May 10am-4pm

Owl Trail

23 – 31 May 11am-4pm

Kirkstall Abbey www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Find the owls hiding around the ruins, big and small, fluffy and feathery!

See Your Place in Artspace Leeds Art Gallery www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Arty holiday fun at the Gallery

26 – 27 May

23 – 31 May

Time Travelling Dress up

Brodsworth Hall 01302 722598 www.english-heritage.org.uk This weekend learn about fashion and music from the period.

Temple Newsam www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Step back in time by dressing up in replica costumes, ‘frame yourself ’ in a replica portrait and draw a masterpiece!

21 – 31 May

23 – 31 May 10am – 4pm

Shadow Puppets and Silhouettes - Leeds City Museum Leeds Museums and Galleries www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Make a puppet and help fill the museum with shadows.

10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm 26 – 28 May 11am-4pm

Wonderful Wildlife

Herbal remedies

23 May 2.30pm & 6.30pm

Fountains Abbey 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Brother Mark is ill and you need to find the right herbs to help cure him. Use the map to find the clues hidden in the abbey and water garden that make up the special remedy.

Thorpe Perrow www.thorpperrow.com Join in at any time with woodland activities, wear sensible shoes or boots and warm clothes. Lots of outdoor fun and fresh air! Suitable for 4+

23 – 31 May

26 – 29 May

Thwaite Mills www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Join in all week to explore the different wildlife you find on Thwaite Island, including crafts, trials and more.

Disney Inspirations

Joseph Rowntree Theatre 01904 658197 jrtheatre.co.uk En Pointe Classical Dance School present a magical display of young classical ballet performers in Disney inspired dances.

23 - 24 May 11am – 5pm

Merry Month of May: Victorian Sports Day Brodsworth Hall, 01302 722598 www.english-heritage.org.uk Enjoy traditional Victorian entertainment this May at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens.

23 – 25 May

Discover Nature @ Nunnington

Nunnington Hall www.nationaltrust.org.uk Go along and learn all about the natural world with butterfly and bug hunts, snail racing, face-painting, a bouncy castle and lots more!

Forest Schools Activity Days

Wizard of Oz Tracker Jack Trail

May Half Term Activities

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering Station, 01751 472508 www.nymr.co.uk Visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and complete the ‘Yellow Brick Trail’ for a chance to win a Family Voucher.

24 May 10:30 am - 4pm

May Bank Holiday Half Term Fun East Riddlesden Hall www.nationaltrust.org.uk Pull on your wellies and visit the new Gardener’s Shed!Learn about greener gardening and the role insects and wildlife play in helping their garden to flourish. There’s plenty more to discover too with their nature spotter sheets.

Murton Park 01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk Activities on the farm.

Table Tots

www.tableto

ts.co.uk 10 May Thomas Fer ens Academy, Hall Ro ad, Hu ll 16 May Energise Lei sure Centre, Cornland s Road, Acomb, York 17 May Futsal Are na, Millshaw, Park Wa y, Leeds 31 May Rothwell Lei sure Centre , Wakefield Rd, Oulton 6 June Cottingham High School, Harland Wa y, Hull 14 June Brighouse High School, Finkil Str eet 28 June Leeds Trinit y University, Brownber rie Lane, Horsforth 4 July Kettlethor pe High School, Standb ridge Lane, Sandal, Wa 5 July Joseph Rown kefield tree School, Haxby Ro ad, New Earswick, Yor k

27 May

Family Bike ride Fountains Abbey 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Use some pedal power and enjoy a rare chance to cycle around the Water Garden at Studley Royal and the ruins of Fountains Abbey. A single circuit is approx. 2.5 miles or for little legs there’s a short cut!

27 May 10am - 4pm

Kids Outdoor Day

Brimham Rocks www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks Fancy having a go at climbing? Join Harrogate Climbing Centre for a day weaseling, climbing and abseiling. No previous experience required. £50 Contact Harrogate Climbing Centre, 01423 815024 27 May 10am-4pm

Bug Home Building & Love Your Zoo Lotherton Hall www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Make yourself a miniature bug home to Give Nature a Home! “Love your Zoo week” - keeper talks, arts crafts and more.

28 May

50 Things Thursday Brimham Rocks 01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks Join the Rangers for a ‘lucky dip’ of activities. From bug hunting and wild art to den building, what will be picked out of the hat? Suitable for accompanied children aged 5+.

28 May 11am-3pm

Fairy Tale Picnic

Lotherton Hall www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Take a packed lunch and join the team for traditional games and music in the gardens.

28 May 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm

30 & 31 May 11am -5pm

Magical Murder at the Museum Detective Day

Merry Month of May: Meet the Cavalry

Abbey House Museum www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries A detective day with a difference. Mr Marvel the Magician has been found dead in the Victorian Street but is all it seems to be? Follow the clues to crack the case.

29 May

Wizard of Oz Tracker Jack Trail The North Yorkshire Moors Railway 01751 472508 www.nymr.co.uk Join Dorothy, the cowardly Lion, Scarecrow & the Tin Man for a story train journey from Pickering to Goathland & back.

30 May 12.00pm & 2.15pm

Arabian Nights The Lawrence Batley Theatre 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org A wonderful world of mysterious marvels & tales is conjured with music, puppetry & theatrical magic as Sheherazade, the greatest storyteller of them all, recounts a feast of fantastical adventures full of genies, villains, heroes & princesses. Ali Baba meets the 40 Thieves, Aladdin discovers his magic lamp, & the Genie appears to the poor Fisherman in this captivating new adaptation.

30 May 10am-4pm

Family Outdoor Day Brimham Rocks www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks 01423 815024 Fancy having a go at climbing? Join Harrogate Climbing Centre for a day weaseling, climbing and abseiling. No previous experience required. £50 Contact Harrogate Climbing Centre.

Brodsworth Hall 01302 722598 www.english-heritage.org.uk This weekend join cavalry soldiers and hear first hand tales of past wars. Children will also have the opportunity to take part in their very own military drill on hobby horses and pat the pony.

6 June 10am - 5pm

Tractor Fest Newby Hall & Gardens 0845 4504068 www.newbyhall.com Yorkshire Vintage Association welcome you to one of the largest vintage agricultural machinery shows in the UK.Demonstrations, tractor & trailer rides, trade stands and refreshments. A full day of fun for all the family.

6 – 7 June

Olly Owl’s Big Weekend with PEPPA PIG!!!

Kirklees Light Railway 01484 865727 www.kirkleeslightrailway.com Join the railway’s resident mascot Olly Owl and travel aboard Yorkshire’s Great Little Steam Trains for a day of family fun!Plus Peppa Pig will be making appearances at intervals on each day to see her fans - so don’t forget your cameras! There will also be activities going on at both stations to occupy both young and old throughout the day. Trains will be operating from 10.00 hourly until 15.00.

10am-3pm 13 June

Pond Dipping Fountains Abbey 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Newts, water lice, water boatmen, molluscs, pea mussels..., there’s an extraordinary world just waiting to be discovered hiding under the surface of the still ponds in the water garden. Booking Essential.

Days out at Diggerland Diggerland prides itself on having something fun for all ages and with 18 rides and drives there really is something for everyone!

Experience the thrills of spinning around fast in a Giant Digger bucket on the Spindizzy ride, operating a Giant JCB 806 Digger, driving a REAL car, racing around in a Go-Kart, getting lifted 50ft in the air by the Skyshuttle, whirling around on the Dig-a-round and so much more!

Diggerland also boasts the DIGGERS DEN indoor play area, GOODIE STORE souvenir gift shop and the DIG INN eating establishment.

Further information and how to book can be found

on the Diggerland website, www.diggerland.com or by calling 0871 2277007. Diggerland Yorkshire is on Willowbridge Lane, Whitwood, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 5NW. 22 Families Vale of York

13 - 14 June

Father’s’ Day Vintage Weekend Murton Park 01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk Treat dad this Father’s Day weekend.

14 June

Summer Family Nature Walk

Fountains Abbey 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk It’s a busy time in the garden for bees, bugs and birds and you can enjoy the fantastic colours and scents of summer as you explore with the gardeners.

19 – 21 June

The Cake and Bake Show

Harrogate International Centre 01423 500500 www.thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk/harrogate The Cake and Bake show is coming to Harrogate for the first time in June! The show will feature some of the nation’s favourite baking celebrities including celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager, Gregg Wallace & Phil Vickery. Kids’ Zone promises a range of exciting activities for children too.

20 – 21 June 10:30 am - 4pm

Father’s Day Weekend

East Riddlesden Hall www.nationaltrust.org.uk Treat dad to a special day out and create a gift just for him. NT would love to make your Father’s Day special!

Create a unique gift in the Discovery Room then go bird spotting together on the Riverwalk. Afterwards, treat dad to a slice of cake in the cosy tearoom. Delicious! £1 plus normal admission prices.

theatre 5 May

Danny the Champion of the World The Victoria Theatre, Halifax www.calderdale.gov.uk Based on the best-selling book of the same name by Roald Dahl.

6 – 8 May

The Cat In The Hat St George’s Hall www.bradford-theatres.co.uk From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home?

6 -8 May

Rapunzel The De Grey Rooms, York www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk Told in an inventive, visual & physical style with live music & magical design, Rapunzel is a delightful production for children about the curiosity & joys of growing up, risk taking & discovering who you are.

15 May 7pm

29 May 2.30pm

Red Riding Hood

Pocklington Arts Centre 01759 301547 www.pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk A young girl, a hungry wolf, & a walk through the woods - it sounds like a recipe for disaster, but Red Riding Hood’s not scared… well maybe she’s a little bit scared. Horse + Bamboo present a gorgeously rendered re-telling of the classic girl-and-the-wolf tale. Exquisite visuals blend with pantomime-style silliness & spooky moments to create an enchanting piece of theatre. Ideal for all ages over 4 .

29 – 30 May

Robin Hood & His Merry Men

St George’s Hall www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Join hero Robin Hood, played by CITV’s Hi-5 Chris Edgerley, as he puts right the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham who rules over the good people of Sherwood, collecting taxes to pay for his own evil plans.

31 May 2pm

Chuckles of Oz

The Victoria Theatre 01422 351158 www.calderdale.gov.uk Dorothy, The Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow are among the familiar characters who join the Wizards (Paul and Barry) for this sensational new version of the familiar Wizard of Oz story.

3 – 6 June

Snow White on Ice

Hull New Theatre The original story of an enchanted mirror, a beautiful girl, the ultimate Prince Charming & a shiny red apple…

21 June 10:30 am - 4pm

Sing a long a Frozen

Craven Old Wheels Classic Car Rally

Hull New Theatre

13 June 2pm

Now is your chance to sing a long to the smash-hit musical Frozen! Inspired by a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.

Topsy Turvey: Ruby Flew Too

East Riddlesden Hall www.nationaltrust.org.uk The Craven Old Wheels classic car rally returns to East Riddlesden Hall this Father’s Day. Pop down to the lower field to discover some classic beauties. Craven Old Wheels is an “any make” car club, with most models and marques represented. This year will include an Autojumble for a chance to pick up some great finds. A great day out for any car enthusiast. Free admission to the event.

21 June

Father’s Day

Thorpe Perrow www.thorpperrow.com Free Tea & Cake - with entry for Dad!!

21 June 11am - 5pm

Father’s Day Band Stand

Beningbrough Hall & Gardens 01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Grab dad, take a picnic and a game and get comfortable in the gardens. Regional bands from the Scouts return with performances throughout the afternoon.

26 June

Family Bike ride

Fountains Abbey 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Use some pedal power and enjoy a rare chance to cycle around the Water Garden at Studley Royal and the ruins of Fountains Abbey. A single circuit is approx. 2.5 miles or for little legs there’s a short cut!

27 June 11am – 1pm & 2-4pm

Geocaching Taster Day

24 May 1pm

Tree Fu Tom The Victoria Theatre, Halifax 01422 351158 www.calderdale.gov.uk Live on Stage! Premier Stage Productions Ltd & Fremantle Media bring you a spellbinding new show starring the world’s smallest superhero, direct from the smash hit CBeebies series.

24 May 2.30pm

Where Caterpillars Go - Travelled Companions Square Chapel Centre for the Arts, Halifax 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk Follow an inquisitive Caterpillar into a beautiful and tactile garden to explore life, growth, wonder and loss through live music and playful movement in this fun and visually striking show.

26 – 28 May

Aliens Love Underpants West Yorkshire Playhouse www.wyp.org.uk This zany & hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book is wonderfully brought to life on stage for the very first time. With stunning effects, madcap action, original music (& lots of crazy aliens of course!)

27 May

Fountains Abbey 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Your chance to explore like never before! Learn how to use a GPS unit and travel through time on a digital treasure hunt to seek out secret stashes hidden all over the estate.

Booking Essential 01765 643189

Teee Fu Tom

5 July

Honk!

Pond Dipping

Fountains Abbey 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Newts, water lice, water boatmen, molluscs, pea mussels..., there’s an extraordinary world just waiting to be discovered hiding under the surface of the still ponds in the water garden. Booking Essential.

Hull New Theatre Spellbinding new show starring the world’s smallest superhero

27 – 30 May Joseph Rowntree Theatre 01904 658197 jrtheatre.co.uk Honk! is a musical comedy re-telling the Hans Christian Anderson story of The Ugly Ducking. This version, by George Styles and Anthony Drewe, incorporates the very modern message of tolerance which is so much in the news at the present time. Presented by York Light Youth.

Junction 01405 763 652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk Based on the heart-warming story by Jonathan Emmett, this is an interactive & playful adventure for 3 to 7 year olds.

Follow one small duckling’s journey as she finds her feet in a story brought to life using stunning scenery, original music, hand-made puppets & delightful storytelling. £5 17 – 18 June

The Octonauts

Harrogate Theatre 01423 502 116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk Get ready to embark on an exciting new mission with the quirky and courageous underwater adventure heroes, The Octonauts! Visit amazing underwater worlds full of adventure, with surprises around every corner, in this action-packed, musical interactive new stage show.

20 June 11.00am & 2.00pm

Little Bo Peep

The Lawrence Batley Theatre www.thelbt.org Watch your favourite nursery rhymes come to life with LITTLE BO PEEP. Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep & doesn’t know where to find them. Her companion Little Boy Blue is doing his best to help find the woolly runaways but he keeps falling asleep. Meanwhile, the Nursery Rhyme Man is in his kitchen baking a surprise cake for Little Bo Peep’s birthday. As he works a naughty mouse keeps stealing the ingredients. Sing along with Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s fabulous show, featuring magnificent puppets, fantastic scenery & of course lots of music.

24 – 27 June

Seussical

Joseph Rowntree Theatre 01904 658197 jrtheatre.co.uk A lively musical for all ages – Horton hears cries from the Who’s who live on a planet on a speck of dust that lands on a clover. Can Horton convince the Jungle animals there really is a planet on the clover & save the Who’s and will the Cat in the Hat cause total chaos throughout the show as he encourages Jo Jo to use his imagination?

4 July

Sing-A-Long-A-Frozen

Harrogate Theatre 01423 502 116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk Disney’s Frozen gets the full Sing-a-long-a treatment!

Who hasn’t been singing Let It Go and wanting to dress up as Elsa! Join in the full experience with lyrics on screen and sing along with songs from the film.