Families Leeds Jan-Feb 2012

ďƒŹ Leeds’ Favourite Parenting Magazine // JAN/FEB 2012 // ISSUE 20

beautiful autiful handmade autifu han cake pops baked to order fun themed party pops

the new way to eat cake helen@popaliciouscakepops.co.uk

07759 029138 www.popaliciouscakepops.co.uk

Entries close Thursday 9th February 2012

WIN… WIN…WIN… DISNEY ON ICE tickets Join Disney’s Princess and Heroes in Sheffield as they take you on a journey. Watch as all your favourite Disney characters take to the ice and bring their stories to life.

You’ll see Aerial and Prince Eric. Witness Prince Philip defeat Maleficent in a race to save Sleeping Beauty, and catch up with Jasmine and Aladdin as well as old friends Cinderella, Snow White and Belle. There’s even the promise of a visit from Disney’s newest Princess, Rapunzel.

The prize is for a family of four to go along to the show at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena on Friday 30th March at 6.30pm.

To be in with a chance of winning, just send your name, address and contact number of editor@familiesleeds.co.uk with the words DISNEY ON ICE in the subject line.

If you’re not lucky enough to win, you can book your tickets online at www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk or via the Box Office on 0114 256 56 56. Good Luck!

WIN… a family membership at Cookridge Hall for a month

WIN… £60 to spend at ARMADILLO toy shop

Start the New Year as you mean to go on and sign up to a gym membership, on Families Leeds!

We’ve teamed up with the superb Cookridge Hall to give one family the chance to be members at this exclusive health and fitness club for a month. You’ll get to enjoy the great gym and pool facilities, while your children take advantage of swimming lessons, kids camps through the school holidays and some great classes. If you want to be in with a chance of winning this prize, simply send your name, address and details of your family to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk with the words COOKRIDGE HALL in the subject line. Take a look at www.cookridgehall.co.uk to see the facilities you’ll be using if you’re a winner. And if you miss out on this great prize, every Families Leeds reader can be a winner. Enjoy a day there with our FREE DAY PASS on page 11. It’s a great way to kick start 2012.

To celebrate the launch of some superb Schleich products in 2012, we’ve teamed up with Armadillo Toys in Leeds for a great giveaway. First prize is £50 to spend on Schleich products in either Armadillo’s Horsforth store, or their new larger shop in the heart of Chapel Allerton. There’s a second prize of £10 to spend in store. Choose from the knight and heroes range, or take your pick of the huge range of animals for your collection.

New for 2012 are African elephants, pandas, nesting eagles and llamas.

To be in with a chance of winning this super Schleich shopping experience, simply send your name and address to editor@ familiesleeds.co.uk with the words ARMADILLO in the subject line.

Our favourite is the bamboo eating panda. Which is your favourite? Visit www.armadillotoys.co.uk and check out the Schleich products.

What’s inside…

4 Families NEWS 6 Are you IN TUNE with your child?

7 Families Leeds meets… author Simon Wilkes 8 Class NEWS 9 What happens at… Tennis Tots Plus 10 What happens at… Yoga’d Up 11 COOL Kids at SNO!zone 12 Living with REFLUX

Welcome Back…

As we kick off 2012 I have only one New Year’s resolution – to try and be a better parent.

I ended last year shouting about homework, stressing about team selections and spent Christmas Day slumped over my turkey and stuffing, exhausted from the daily parenting battles. In short, I looked in the mirror and saw a mother I didn’t much like.

Just as I thought life was getting easier, it’s suddenly started to get harder. I no longer worry about how long the girls will sleep and what they eat, but I worry about what they’ll become. Now they’re in school and competing to be the fastest runner or the best speller I worry that some days I push them too much, and other days I don’t push them enough.

It’s made me reflect on what life was like ‘in my day’. I don’t remember doing five nights of after school activities and I’m not sure my mum even knew my reading age when I was 5 years old. I think she was simply pleased I knew how to play hopscotch and that I skipped out of school with a smile on my face. When I think about the dreams I had for my girls as I held them in my arms in hospital, it wasn’t that they made the netball team, or got the call from MENSA. I simply wanted them to be happy. And they are. So maybe I should be.

My resolution this year is not about denial and punishment, it’s about celebration and keeping things in perspective.

Whether you’re about to start on the great parenting journey or like me, you’re a fair way down the rough, unpredictable road I wish you a truly happy new year.

14 Never too YOUNG to learn Families Leeds’ guide to the best BABY classes

16 Celebrations at FROEBELIAN 17 Schools NEWS 18 The world according to DAD 19 Discover YOUR Countryside 20 Parties NEWS 21 Pick of the WINTER Parties 26 Are we there yet, Dad? A look at a family’s journey through the UK

28 WHAT’S ON January/February CIRCULATION: 18,000 copies printed NEXT DEADLINE: March/April is Thursday 9th February. If you want to advertise contact adverts@familiesleeds.co.uk

CONTACT US: PO BOX 403, BARDSEY, LEEDS LS17 1EP 01937 579 065 • 07764 943 789 editor@familiesleeds.co.uk

DESIGNED BY: Justin Leeming • www.jgl-design.co.uk

COVER IMAGE: Grace Brindle by Sarah Butters

PRINTED BY: Warners, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE 10 9PH

Sarah Butters

Families Leeds® is distributed free of charge to schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, selected retail outlets and sports centres. Distribution is across ALL LS postcodes.

Families Leeds® is part of a larger group of magazines headed by Families SW London®.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care when preparing this magazine, but publishers and distributors – which include schools – cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor any consequences.

Fitness, Fun & Friends!

MUSICAL THEATRE & STREET DANCE for children from 3–11 years across Leeds BOOK NOW for 2012. Classes in Armley, Bramley, Colton, John Smeaton Leisure Centre & Otley.

FLEX DANCE parties also available

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Families

NEWS‌ Treasures loyalty Local lad gets scheme launches a BIG laugh ďƒŹ The ingenious elves at Treasures Toy Shop in Wetherby have carried on working into the New Year. They’ve launched a loyalty scheme to help you earn money while you shop. For every ÂŁ1 you spend, you’ll earn a point. When you reach 200 points, you’ll earn ÂŁ5 to spend instore. “Our system keeps track of your points so there’s no card to lose,â€? says Zhara Armstrong from Treasures. “You can spend the credit as you earn it or save it for birthdays or Christmas.â€?

Find Treasures on High Street, Wetherby LS22 6LT. www.treasurestoys.co.uk • 01937 589 187 **)(*'&%$#*"'! *! * ( %$ * % '"(** $(& $! %& * $## $ %&* '# % * ( ** '(* *&% '"( *%(" $ %&* ' ** * $ *($ %*$(&*&$ %* !* '

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A Leeds schoolboy is officially the funniest boy in Britain. Six year old Jeremy Windridge-France has been crowned winner of The Big Joke by celebrity jokers Dick and Dom. Jeremy had to enter a film of himself performing his favourite gags for the competition in Toxic Magazine. “We chose Jeremy because he had the best delivery,� explained Dick and Dom. “He stood out right away – a good lad!�

And what was his joke? What do you call a couple of robbers? A pair of knickers.

Fundraising company launches Are you looking for a way to raise money for your playgroup or PTA? Local mum of three Mari Johnson has launched Curly Willow Fundraising to help you do just that. Sign up for FREE and get your parents to buy their greetings cards and stationary through Curly Willow, and your good cause will receive 10% of the cash back. “Everyone sends greetings cards,� says Mari from Ilkley. “Now you can do your bit for your good cause while doing so.�

Take a look at www.curlywillowfund raising.co.uk to see the products for sale.

10% OFF ARTďƒŽ Our friends at the personalised artwork company 4 Little Art are offering you 10% off any purchase made this month. It’s a great chance to stock up on canvases, door plaques, clocks and wall art made just for you.

New for 2012 are these amazing ‘Best Hands Down’ prints which are a great Mother’s Day gift.

Visit www.4littleart.co.uk and enter the discount code jan10.

Are you a bookworm?

BABY SWIMMERS Come Swimming, Be Safe, Have Fun!

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Introduce your baby to the enjoyment of water Skill related activities and underwater swims, to build water confidence.

LEEDS

LEEDS • BRADFORD • YORK • HARROGATE • POCKLINGTON

Tel: 01757 229 880 • info@babyswimmers.co.uk www.babyswimmers.co.uk

PIL ATES PLACE

20% OF F

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! !

A NEW BODY IN 30 SESSIONS!

‘In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you will have a whole new body’ J O S E P H P I L A T E S

Take up our ‘New Year, New You 30 Session Challenge’ and you’ll get that new body you’ve always dreamed of, along with an amazing 20% off the usual rates. To qualify, you need to start in January 2012 and attend 3 times per week for 10 weeks (30 sessions in total).

As part of the Challenge, you’ll be given an expert instructor to support and encourage you. There is also optional dietary support from Ursula Philpot (from Channel 4’s Supersize v. Superskinny).

Contact us now for more details and quote ‘New You Challenge’.

Phone 0113 225 0791 or email us at info@leedspilatesplace.co.uk LEEDS PILATES PLACE Chantry House, Victoria Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3JB W: www.leedspilatesplace.co.uk

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Join storytellers this February half term at some of our favourite Leeds attractions. The sessions, for over 8s, will feature stories about the countryside, animals and nature as well as some familiar fairy stories.

Hear the stories on Tuesday 14th February at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm and on Thursday 16th February at Lotherton Bird Garden between 1pm and 2pm.

0113 264 5535

Fun classes for children aged 2 –11 and their parent/carer With puppets, songs, craft, stories and snacks Leeds, Roundhay, Horsforth, Harrogate & York We’re expanding: teachers required

littlefidgets.co.uk

Tel 0113 3470350

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 5

Weight loss support The New Year is a great time to focus on weight loss, but many of us fall at the first hurdle. Hypnotherapist Rachel Swann says the key to success is support and that’s why she’s introduced a new teleseminar series. Each month in 2012 she will be running a FREE seminar, accessible by phone or the internet, talking about issues that face busy mums trying to lose weight. Rachel will be covering food, motivation, exercise and she will be interviewing other experts too. Between them they will be giving you tips, techniques and information that you can use immediately to help you lose weight permanently and easily.

You will be able to access the calls live or as a replay as long as you book in advance. To find out more about the calls visit leeds.beautifulswans.com/monthly-teleseminars.

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

FREAEL

TRISON LES

 Snap up TROPICAL tickets To celebrate the crocodile’s 2nd year at Tropical World, the attraction is giving away THREE family tickets. As part of crocodile month, which is running through January, Tropical World is asking visitors to answer the question ‘How many teeth does a fully grown morelet crocodile have?’ You can enter online at www.leeds.gov.uk/tropicalworld. Pop along to Tropical World to take part in lots of crocodile themed craft activities. Now that’s something to get your teeth into!

Cinderella comes to the CARRIAGEWORKS Think panto season is ‘behind you’? Oh no it isn’t! Cinderella is coming to The Carriageworks this January. Leeds based amateur dramatics company LIDOS are putting on this family favourite from 12th–21st January. Alwoodley teenager Kayleigh Newsome has won the role of Dandini and says it’s a production worth popping along to. Tickets are a belt tightening £9.50.

It’s a great way banish those post Xmas blues! 0113 224 3801

 A NEW BODY IN 30 HOURS! Does a New Year mean a new you? Are you looking for a challenge to kick start 2012? Look no further because our friends at Leeds Pilates Place have developed a programme to give you a new body or you get your money back!

“Joseph Pilates said, in 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you will have a whole new body,” explains Claire Sparrow from Leeds Pilates Place.

“That’s what we’re going to achieve with people who sign up to our New Year challenge.”

Claire and her team will create a ten week workout for you, incorporating three hours of pilates a week. You’ll tackle a combination of cardio and gym sessions at the centre in Kirkstall.

It’s the second year they’ve run the challenge and Claire says their clients reported huge success last year.

“Two people lost 9cms around their tummy. Everyone grew at least 2cms and one person grew 31⁄2 cms.”

Places are limited but you’ll get a 20% discount if you book now. www.leedspilatesplace.co.uk • 0113 225 0791

Classes at: The Grammar School at Leeds, Ramada Jarvis nr Bramhope, Moorlands School and Temple Moor High School.

0844 264 1102 (Local call rate) www.splishsploshswimmingschool.co.uk

6

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February

ARE YOU IN TUNE

with Your Child?

You know your toddler enjoys music but why expose your baby to the world of claves and cymbals? RHYTHM TIME’s Elizabeth Hawkshead takes a look at why choosing a music class can support your babies’ development.

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USIC is one of the very few things that stimulates EVERY part of a baby’s brain and it is through stimulation that your babies’ brain grows and develops. Music is crucial to language development and so should be an essential part of their life when their brain is developing.

Even in the womb your baby can hear, feel, see, taste and remember. At only 17

weeks your baby’s hearing skills will have started to develop and one of the very first sensory experiences is that of sound and vibration. By the time baby is born it will recognise any songs or rhymes that have been repeated regularly. These songs and rhymes will soothe and calm them and make them feel more secure. Singing with your baby also helps to build the neural pathways that stimulate the growth of language and memory and amazingly, very soon, your tiny baby will be trying to ‘sing back’ to you.

Don’t worry if you think you can’t sing.

Singing to your baby is more important than talking to them, and YOUR voice is the most important voice to YOUR baby.

In the confines of your own home no one else need listen!

Music makes everyone feel good and it is exactly the same for a baby or toddler.

Not every child will become an opera singer or the leader of a world famous orchestra but every baby and child can experience the joy of music. It is also crucial for a baby’s development. It helps develop confidence, creativity and co-ordination.

These skills are important as children grow and develop, and will help them enormously when they start school.

Music within a group is great too as babies soon learn that making music with others is a wonderful experience. Even from only a few weeks old you can take a drum and use your baby’s foot as the beater.

Your baby will then be able to feel the beat of the music and as they grow older will eventually be able to beat a drum in time to the music. Group music sessions are also a lovely way to mix with other parents and make new friends for you, as well as your baby.

enjoying music…

Jo Jingles TOP 5 TIPS for if you don’t

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it part of your routine. Don’t worry SING to your child regularly. Make usiastic.

Cowell and won’t care. Just be enth sing in tune. Your baby is not Simon the actions. a CD on is not enough. Join in with INTERACT with your child. Putting so get up and DANCE! Movement helps with co-ordination rines and Rainmakers, bells, maracas, tambou INVEST in some musical instruments. make great want to buy, make your own. Pan lids castanets are all great. If you don’t de rainmaker. le filled with dried peas is a homema cymbals and an empty shampoo bott als. onald, get out the toy farmyard anim USE PROPS. If you’re singing Old McD s. They’ll help your child understand.

Show pictures to accompany the song ic your TV and turn on iTunes! See what mus ENJOY different music. Turn off the child reacts to.

Join a Music Class near YOU! Jo Jingles • www.jojingles.com Classes from 3 months old in Boston Spa (Monday), Garforth (Wednesday), Horsforth (Wednesday), Otley (Thursday), Wetherby (Monday) and Yeadon (Tuesday).

01977 650455 (Paula) / 07853 263143 (Mel) MusicBugs • www.musicbugs.co.uk Classes run in Alwoodley and Otley (Monday) Horsforth (Tuesday), Guiseley, Roundhay & Calverley (Wednesday), Farsley (Thursday) and Horforth & Headingley (Friday.

0844 578 1043 Rhythm Time • www.rhythmtime.net Classes in Alwoodley (Friday), Barwick (Tuesday), Horsforth (Wednesday & Friday), Roundhay (Monday) and Scholes (Thursday).

0113 232 8131

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 7

Families Leeds

MEETS SIMON WILKES

Local author Simon Wilkes has written a series of books inspired by his two sons.

We sent our trainee reporter, 8 year old Isobel Butters to interview Simon about robots, rainbows and a few of his favourite things right here in Leeds.

What’s your book about? My book – Robbie and the Red Robots – is a magical adventure about a young boy called Robbie and his three furry friends, who help red robots visiting from outer space. Together they attempt to outwit an evil king and his grumpy old goat, who have stolen all the robots’ oil and foil, storing it at a floating castle in the sky. Robbie and his new friends set sail on a river of rainbows, fly to the castle and invite the king to Robotland in a battle between good and evil.

Why did you decide to write them? The idea for the story came from the mind of my eldest son, who ran into our bedroom one morning saying he needed my help to fight red robots. After a few minutes of battle, he decided they were friendly robots who wanted to play in the garden and stay for the day. I said I’d write him a story about his new friends, and when asked what he’d like in the story he replied after a little thought: ’A river of rainbows… a grumpy old goat… and a castle in the sky please daddy’.

You’ve got 2 sons. What do they think of Robbie and the Red Robots?

They love it as they were the inspiration behind it. They’re both typical boys, full of energy and fun. However, they’ll drop everything if there’s the offer of a book to be read. They proudly tell their friends that I’m an author. Their favourite characters are Baby Ray and Mouse, as they’re always getting into scrapes and being cheeky. I think the boys are proud as they have copies of the book and audio CDs at their school and nursery, so read it with their teachers and friends.

High Ash Dental Surgery All new NHS patients welcome at our friendly Dental Practice. Our long established practice provides QUALITY dental care for all the family. n n n

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Emphasis on preventative dentistry.

A full range of dental treatment available.

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Have you got any more ideas for the robots?

I wrote Robbie and the Red Robots in January 2010 so have had plenty of time on my hands while the illustrator and website designer helped me create the book and site. I’ve actually written a series of adventures during that time, with Robbie and the Red Robots going to a zoo, to school, to a farm, on holiday and to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus.

I’m hoping the first book is successful enough for me to publish the entire series – and I’ve recorded four of the adventures as audio stories, which are free to download on my website.

What’s your favourite family day out in Leeds?

We’re cardholders at Harewood House, and love going there as it’s got an amazing outdoor playground, penguins, a bird garden, a waterfall and lovely walks around the lake. The ice cream is pretty good there too!

What’s your favourite place to go for a family walk in West Yorkshire?

We have two great recommendations for family walks. We often go to Otley Chevin as there’s a great forest to explore – but also love the Cow and Calf in Ilkley, as the views are stunning and there are lots of rocks to climb!

WIN... a copy of Robbie and the Red Robots Fancy finding out what happens to Robbie on his adventures with the Red Robots? We have a copy of the book to giveaway to onelucky reader just put RED ROBOTS in the subject line to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk by 9th February. Good Luck!

BOOK FOR 2012 NOW! Stagecoach booking now in…

Wetherby, Selby and Kippax on 0113 210 3505 Alwoodley on 01943 817 414 Horsforth & Morley on 01757 248 884 www.stagecoach.co.uk

8

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February

Class NEWS… FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES

NEW TEACHERS

Are you looking for a new career in 2012?

Tracie Margo and the Baby Swimmers team are launching franchise opportunities across the UK. You’ll need to be enthusiastic, self motivated and keen to run your own business. Baby Swimmers will give you all the training you need. For more information, call Tracie on 01757 229 880. The team have added a new Leeds venue for the New Year. Classes are now running on a Thursday at Temple Moor High School. Look at www.babyswimmers.co.uk to check availability.

Fancy teaching pre-school children music? Elizabeth Hawkhead is looking for new team members.

It’s a part time role that would suit a mum with school age children.

“You must be able to sing in tune, be friendly and approachable and have your own car,” explains Elizabeth. If you’re interested in joining the friendly, supportive Rhythm Time team, call Elizabeth on 0113 232 8131 • www.rhythmtime.net

BOOK NOW There are spaces available in Flex Dance’s Musical Theatre sessions on a Saturday morning in Otley, Bramley and Armley. The classes are open to children from 5 years old, regardless of ability. Flex Dance also runs Saturday sessions in Colton and at John Smeaton Leisure Centre.

Book your place online at www.flexdanceinc.com

SATURDAY MORNING CLASSES Say Bonjour to your weekend with new Saturday morning French classes in Roundhay. Sessions for 2 year olds, begin at 9.15am and for 4 year olds at 10.15am. Why not try booking your place online on the Little Fidget’s website.

“It’s easy and convenient for busy parents,” says Lucy Amos from Little Fidgets. “We’ve had great feedback from families who have used it.”

Parents can use the vibrant new website to find their nearest class. www.littlefidgets.co.uk • 0113 347 0350

FRANCHISE FOR SALE in NORTH LEEDS Do you want to run your own business? Are you interested in joining the Tennis Tots team? Matt McTurk is looking for a franchisee for the established North Leeds area.

“They’ll need to be enthusiastic and lively, keen to make a success of their own business. Start up costs are low, and the North Leeds classes are already thriving, so this is a great opportunity to join a business with a proven track record.”

For more information contact Matt at 07725 339 257 or email jobs@tennis-tots.co.uk

NEW KIDZPLAY CLASS It’s game, set and match to Kidzplay in Harrogate. Tennis Tykes are launching classes at this popular soft play centre on a Friday afternoon. You’ll be able to stay and play for free at the centre after your tennis session.

There are also sessions on a Saturday in Wetherby at Castlegarth Tennis Club for 5-6 year olds. For more classes take a look at www.tennistykes.co.uk • 07843 342 662

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

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What happens at

TENNIS TOTS PLUS?

For more information about our free fundraiser contact mari@curlywillowfundraising.co.uk / 01943 863368

www.curlywillowfundraising.co.uk

“In the pre-school classes Tennis Tots run, we concentrate on the children standing still and learning their swing,” explains Peter Cox, Tennis Tots coach. “In this group, it’s about getting the children to move towards the ball. They have to run, stop, check their feet and then hit the ball. This is multi-skilling!”

The session begins with some information about the court on which they’ll play. After races from the baseline, to the sideline then the net, the children begin to concentrate on their co-ordination while reinforcing the educational aspect of the classes. They’re asked to recognise letters and catch balls, all while their laughter rings out into the winter evening.

“I’ve had parents tell me that one of the things they love about Tennis Tots is male role models,” says Peter. “It’s quite rare for children of this age to be taught by men and parents like that.”

This is Stage 2 of the Tennis Tots program for children from 4-6 years old. The aim is to introduce more racquet skills while helping children to control the ball on both sides of the body. There’s an emphasis on teamwork, not just with the other children in class but also with the parents who are encouraged to be involved. It’s Tennis Tots, but at the next level.

“We do more above the head work,” explains Peter. “Most of what children do every day is based around the waist – writing and eating. We try to get them to focus on using their hands above the head.”

After 45 minutes of backhands, forehands and lots of laughter, the children are finished.

The post classroom energy is all gone and they’re ready to head home having had a ball!

Where can I find TENNIS TOTS PLUS?    

Cookridge Village Hall: Monday 4–4.45pm & 5–5.45pm Westcliffe Hall, Harrogate: Tuesday 3.45pm St Margaret’s Church Hall, Horsforth: Wednesday 4–4.45pm & 5–5.45pm Roundhay Parochial Hall: Thursday 3.45–4.30pm & 4.45–5.30pm

Tennis Tots also runs pre-schools sessions across Leeds for children from 2 years old. www.tennis-tots.co.uk  07725 339 257

Are you looking for a new career this new year?

Tennis Tots is looking for a franchisee in North Leeds.

If you’re interested in running your own business, find out more at jobs@tennis-tots.co.uk

Based at: Moorlands School – Leeds & Belmont Grosvenor School, Birstwith, Harrogate.

Swimming Lessons take place on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings Intensive courses are also available during every holiday

We teach all standards of swimmers FROM 3 YEARS

For more information please call Nick on:

07870 562 365

DANCEWORKS

The doors at Roundhay Parochial Hall burst open with children ready for a game of tennis. The four year olds pull on their Tennis Tots t-shirts and get ready to get active. Today’s lesson is about learning how to alternate the forehand and backhand strokes that the children have been learning throughout the term. Everyone is ready for action.

Quality, stylish greeting cards and gifts at great prices with 10% cash-back to your chosen good cause

At DANCEWORKS we have a range of classes to suit all types of students, from exam classes to fun classes.

Street Jazz to Ballet.

From little tots to boys classes.

For more information CALL: 0113 2950126 AGE: 3-18 years WHERE: Fir Tree Lane, Moortown, Leeds

What happens at

YOGA’D UP The YogaBugs are all grown up and they’re now inviting your child to get all Yoga’d Up. Children from 8 years old are being asked to leave the day’s stresses at school and head for the hour long class for a lesson in some very different ABCs – Attitude, Breathing and Commitment.

The classes are the next stage for children who have been through YogaBugs. While the younger sessions look at teaching yoga through adventure led storytelling, the Yoga’d Up classes are a move towards more traditional teaching.

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“If you walked into a Yoga’d Up class, you’d recognise it as yoga,� explains Rachel Frazer from YogaBugs Yorkshire. “But because we are still teaching children, it’s not quite as calm and tranquil. These classes are about slowing down and finding a quiet time in your child’s day.�

Each class is themed, sometimes around a letter, or around a part of the body. If the focus is on the hamstrings, there’s an emphasis on standing postures. If the theme is ‘the elements’ then students will look at air postures like the eagle or the aeroplane. There’s also a move towards teaching the philosophy of yoga and meditation. “What’s nice at this age is, these children really want to do yoga,� says Rachel. “They’re ready to absorb what we say.

You get a lot back from this age group. They want to learn.�

Each week the group gets to contribute to a Yoga Journal.

This is a record that’s handed to one student who has shown they understand their ABCs – Attitude, Breathing and Commitment.

Students are encouraged to be creative in their contributions – some write poems, others draw pictures or take photos connected with yoga. These are then shared and celebrated with the group each week. This is a class that aims to give children skills they can take into all parts of their lives. “Yoga compliments everything a child does,� explains Rachel. “It helps creativity, it helps keep you supple and it helps a child manage stressful situations – be it a class presentation, a school play or dealing with anger against a sibling. We give children skills they can take into their busy lives.�

Yoga’d Up classes run in Roundhay on a Wednesday afternoon. Rachel Frazer also runs after school YogaBugs and Yoga’d Up sessions in schools across West and North Yorkshire. www.yogabugs.com

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KIDS

Once your child has learnt to ski, how do you refresh their skills for the new season?

Join the SNO!zone Kids Club. Sarah Butters has been along to see how they’re putting the fun into Winter.

I

T’S SUNDAY MORNING and there’s a line of young children snaking their way down the slope at Xscape in Castleford. At the front, there’s an instructor running through the actions of ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ which the children obediently follow while hurtling, sometimes at speed, towards the button lifts. This is Kids Club, SNO!zone style.

The 12 children in this group are all under 6, and will spend an hour following the coaching staff through a series of drills. All of them can ski – they can control their speed, link their turns and use the lifts.

Most have completed basic lessons here and their parents are looking for a way to build on the skills they’ve learnt.

“It’s a natural progression for children who have been through the SNO!Cubs and SNO!Bears classes,” says Aidan Harrington from SNO!zone. “These are children looking to get as good at skiing as they can.”

In this morning’s group is my 5 year old daughter, Eliza. This is her third year skiing, and this winter we’re hoping to move from developing core skills, to developing a love of this family sport. During the hour long sessions she’s asked to come down the slope driving a car, then riding on an aeroplane and finally with hands on knees. It’s all under the watchful eye of Kids Club coach Pete. He makes the session fun, and let’s the children feel like they can do anything.

“As the children develop, we introduce them to moguls, freestyle skiing and some racing,” explains Aidan Harrington. “If they’re interested in growing these skills they can do that in Kids Club, or join specific skill sessions. We are looking for these kids to progress.”

That progression is clear when you watch the afternoon Kids Club for 7–15 year olds.

These run for 2 hours and are a test of stamina as well as skill. Here the children attack the snow with confidence and fearlessness, taking the jumps and challenges in their stride. There’s a lot of laughter on the slopes during these sessions, and it’s in this group my 8 year old daughter Isobel has found the fun.

“The afternoon Kids Club is very often student and parent led,” explains Aidan.

“We talk to families about their goals for the children. It’s not just a supervised ski.

These children are here to learn, develop and progress.”

The coaching staff challenge the children, encouraging them to try out the moguls and have a go at the jumps that line the main slope. With the session nearing its end and confidence high, Isobel took up the challenge of a particularly tricky jump and cleared it, only to land in the netting next to a Sledging Party.

“That was BRILLIANT!” she said as she raced to the bottom shaking off the snow that had covered her a few minutes earlier. “I want to try it again!”

So we will. Next Sunday.

The Kids Clubs are a flexible option for busy parents. You don’t have to go along every Sunday, but can benefit from a discount when you book a block of either four or eight sessions. Sessions for 3–6 year olds run at 10am and for 7–15 year olds at 2pm. There are advanced sessions at 11.30am. www.snozoneuk.com • 0871 222 5671

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 11

12

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February

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Living with REFLUX Before you have a baby, you’re told to see feeding time as a time of bonding. But for some mums, it’s anything but. Families Leeds looks at how living with a baby with reflux can drive you to the very brink of despair.

V

ICKI GILBERT is a third time mum. To see pictures of her, her husband Sean and her happy smiling children in the early stages of baby Joe’s life, it’s hard to believe what was going on every time she closed the front door. “From being a couple of weeks old, Joe would scream and scream,� Vicki remembers. “At one point, the screaming went on for 18 hours a day. He was hysterical when you laid him down for a nappy change. He screamed through every car journey. The only respite we got was a 5 hour stretch at night when he literally passed out from exhaustion. It pushed us to the end of our tethers.�

Reflux is the contents of the stomach coming back up into the gullet. The acid

causes a burning sensation which can make baby vomit, arch their back and cry inconsolably. It’s thought about half of all babies have reflux in the first 3 months of their lives to some degree, with most developing it at about 2 months. That figure reduces to 5% by the time babies are 10 months old.

Babies get reflux because the stomach valve hasn’t developed properly. That valve keeps the food and the acid, in the stomach.

When it’s not working properly and baby is full, that food and acid comes back up.

Symptoms vary depending on the child and the severity of the case, but the inconsolable crying described by Vicki is common. “Nothing worked. It was utterly heartbreaking. I remember being in my bedroom

and shouting to my husband to call an ambulance. We never actually did it, but we were so near on so many occasions.�

Vicki’s story is repeated on forums and in chat rooms across the internet. There are stories of families who have been driven to the brink by their babies’ suffering. Many turn to Alison Scott-Wright, an expert in reflux also known as The Magic Sleep Fairy. “New mothers assume that feeding their newborn will be a positive experience,� explains Alison. “Sadly this isn’t true for those whose babies suffer from reflux. Reflux can’t be cured, but it can be controlled. We have to crack the ‘reflux code’ for each baby to find out what helps relieve the individual symptoms.�

Those symptoms vary. For some it’s excessive vomiting, irritability, a white coating on the tongue, excessive mucus, refusal to feed and poor sleep habits. These sleep habits are a product of the pain your child is experiencing, and it’s those habits that can remain long after the baby has outgrown the reflux. For babies with ‘silent’ reflux – that’s all the pain and irritability, without the vomiting – diagnosis is more difficult. But Alison Scott-Wright says it’s vital parents listen to even the youngest of babies.“Babies cry to communicate. If they are crying for long periods of time, then

there’s something wrong and, in my experience, it’s usually a digestive issue.�

Vicki Gilbert found support from her local GP and says without that, she’s not sure how she would have coped. He listened, explained and prescribed medication that has, after 7 months, eased Joe’s pain.

Leeds based Consultant Paediatric Surgeon Emma Sidebottom says it is important to consult with your health care professionals about treatments – like products to thicken milk which helps baby keep it down, as well as acid blockers. “Some parents experiment with the hungry baby milks.

These are designed to stay in the stomach for longer. But if you have a baby with reflux, milks like that will make it worse.�

If you’re not getting the support you need from your GP, Emma says you can ask to be referred to your local hospital’s Paediatric Clinic. The specialists there will be able to see children at much shorter notice than waiting for a GP refererral. “Remember that 99% of babies with reflux will outgrow it completely without any treatment,� adds Emma Sidebottom. “Reflux is made better by your baby growing. The two milestones are starting on solids – which stay down better than milk – and children becoming more upright. It will get better.�

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And it is getting better for Vicki Gilbert and 7 month old Joe. He’s on a cocktail of medication that has brought his symptoms under control. For the past month, life has been a little more normal. Like many children with reflux, he’s developed poor sleep habits but that’s a battle for later. The sleep he does take is in a cot propped up at an angle. Vicki says it’s been incredibly tough, but she hopes other parents of babies with reflux will take strength from her experience. “If your instinct tells you something is wrong, don’t listen to those who say your baby is ‘unsettled’ or ‘colicky’. Seek help from your GP. If they won’t listen, see another GP in the practice. It is NOT normal for babies to scream for hours on end.�

TOP 5 TIPS from The Magic Sleep Fairy‌ REFLUX – n Research, research, research. Go on online forums and chat to others mums. spot the symptoms Look at www.livingwithreflux.org or www.littlerefluxers.co.uk. Also, join my n n n n

Facebook page and get advice from other parents.

Keep a journal. Include videos of any reflux episodes by your baby and photos.

Use these when visiting health care professionals.

Go to your GP and make them listen. This may mean you returning time and again.

Get someone to come along to the GP with you. If you are suffering from a lack of sleep and are emotionally charged, you may need support to get your case across.

Remember, you are your baby’s only voice. That inconsolable cry is trying to tell you something. Trust your instinct and don’t be fobbed off.

Alison Scott-Wright is author of The Sensational Baby Sleep Plan and an expert in infant reflux • www.alisonscott-wright.com

Does your baby‌ n Vomit n Have bouts of inconsolable crying n Arch their back n Have frequent hiccups and excess dribble n Have a white coating in their tongue n Refuse to feed n Have poor sleep patterns n Have excess mucus n Display signs of pain and irritability

14

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February

Never too YOUNG to Learn!

More and more classes are offering sessions for babies. Now your little one can swim, dance and even create their own masterpiece all before their 1st Birthday. We’ve been along to visit The Creation Station’s new Baby Discovery session to find out if it gets a gluey thumbs up from families in Leeds.

There’s a pile of tiny red boiler suits by the door of this Monday morning Baby Discovery session in Yeadon. It’s not long before Hayley Sugden from The Creation Station has filled trays with water, bubbles and paint, inviting the children to get creative. It then becomes clear why the boiler suits are a ‘must have’. Into the water go bare feet and hands and the bubbles become breakfast for several of the babies. This is how babies discover what The Creation Station has to offer and Hayley says she’s delighted to be able to offer the classes in Leeds. “This term we are exploring different colours and textures,� explains Hayley. “It’s quite a structured class so we do music and songs and then we open the magic bag of discovery.�

In that bag today are a selection of brightly coloured ribbons and balloons which the babies hold, squeeze and attempt to eat.

But everything here, from the paint and glue to the bubbles and wipes, is baby safe. In fact Hayley has helped create and pilot the Baby Discovery program for Creation Station franchisees across the UK. “It’s been exciting to be part of and I’m really pleased these baby classes are now available across the country. It’s important for mums to have a creative option early on, and have the confidence to take ideas home.�

Thankfully the mess is something that doesn’t go home. And there’s lots of it.

After the water/bubbles combination, the glue and paint comes out for the creation of fish mobiles. Some of the babies use this as an opportunity to decorate not just their fish but also themselves and their parents. “He absolutely loves it,� says Catherine who is mum to 14 month old Harry. “It’s a chance for him to get really, really messy and explore in a way he can’t do at home.�

As the class draws to an end, it’s time to clean up the children and catch up with other mums. That’s something that Hayley encourages. “When the kids get messy, they create a fun environment. It allows parents to open up and talk to each other. That’s exactly what we want, because these classes aren’t just about the babies. They’re also about mums supporting each other too.�

Baby Discovery classes are for children from 3–15 months old. Sessions in Yeadon with more planned across Leeds in 2012. www.thecreationstation.co.uk 0845 303 9441

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More Classes‌ BABIES CAN SIGN www.babiescansign.co.uk Learn to communicate with your baby before they can speak. 10 week program which will teach parents up to 100 words to use including milk, eat, mummy and daddy.

Suitable for children from 6 months. Sessions in Horsforth, Rothwell, Pudsey and Yeadon. “Signing with babies is not intended to replace speech, we always say the word we are signing as well,� explains Vicki Gilbert from Babies Can Sign. “It merely gives your baby the ability to communicate what they want before they can verbalise it.�

07742 296 160 BABY BALLET • www.babyballet.co.uk Classes encouraging movement and co-ordination with music for babies from 9 months old. Sessions in Beeston (Friday AM) and Horsforth (Saturday AM) “It’s a great socializing experience for both Paisley and me. Its amazing to watch her progress,â€? says Sunny Carr, mum to 15 month old Paisley.

07702 965 932 BABY SWIMMERS www.babyswimmers.co.uk Classes from as soon as you’re ready to swim with your baby. Sessions at warm water pools across Leeds. 30 minute lessons are about building water confidence with your baby.

01757 229 880

1st 4 JO JINGLES classes FREE www.jojingles.com Music and movement sessions for babies from 3 months old up to walking age.

Available in Boston Spa (Tuesday NEW), Horsforth (Wednesday), Otley (Thursday), Wetherby (Monday NEW) and Yeadon (Tuesday). Each class lasts 30 minutes and your first FOUR sessions are completely free.

Then you’ll pay £3.50.

01977 650 455 (Paula)/ 07853 263 143 (Mel)

NEW ba MUSIC BUGS by class www.musicbugs.co.uk Baby Bugs classes launch on Thursday 5th January 2012 in Horsforth. These are a multi sensory introduction to music and singing for children from birth – 1 year old. The session is 30 minutes. “From a very young age your baby will be able to recognise and respond to the pattern of music, and will enjoy being held, rocked and soothed as you enjoy the class together.�

0844 578 1043 PRAMERCISE www.leedspilatesplace.co.uk The original 45 minute full body pram exercise class. Classes in Roundhay Park and Horsforth Hall Park on a Thursday morning.

07931 565 920 SPLISH SPLOSH SWIMMING www.splishsploshswimmingschool.co.uk Lessons for babies from 3 months old across Leeds.

0844 264 1102

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RHYTHM TIME • www.rhythmtime.net Music class for babies from birth. The classes blend singing, dancing, massage and movement to give children a great introduction to music. Sessions in Alwoodley (Friday), Barwick (Tuesday), Horsforth (Wednesday & Friday), Roundhay (Monday) and Scholes (Thursday).

0113 232 8131 VIVERE • www.learnbabymassage.co.uk Learn how to massage your baby over 5 weeks on these superb courses run by Victoria Iball. There are sessions in Alwoodley, Chapel Allerton (NEW), Farsley (NEW), Guiseley, Horsforth, Otley, Roundhay and Yeadon.

Suitable from birth. Recommended by Families Leeds readers.

0113 258 3847 WATERBABIES • www.waterbabies.co.uk Baby swimming and water confidence classes for babies from birth. Sessions at pools across Leeds. You’re advised to register your interest prior to your baby’s birth as these sessions are popular.

01943 872 556

Jo Jingles is Here!

Fun Music, Singing & Movement Classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years Children’s Parties & Nursery Sessions also available!

For details on classes in: WakeďŹ eld (Sandal & Stanley), Ossett, Normanton, Pontefract, Ackworth, Wetherby, Boston Spa, Garforth, Sherburn in Elmet & Harrogate - Call Paula on 01977 650455 jojinglesleeds@yahoo.co.uk www.jojingles.com/leeds Adel, Bingley, Bradford, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley, Menston, Otley, Rawdon, Yeadon, Addingham, Idle, Baildon, Horsforth & Shipley - Call Lisa on 07853 263143 enquiriesjojingles@hotmail.co.uk www.jojingles.com/ilkley

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League table

SUCCESS FOR FROEBELIAN

The Froebelian in Horsforth is the only Leeds school to make it into the top 20 Prep Schools in the country, as featured in a league table compiled

by The Sunday Times. Families Leeds has been along to visit the school and congratulate them on their success.

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January is a busy time at The Froebelian. The school’s 20 Year 6 pupils are busy preparing for entrance exams at some of the top secondary schools in Yorkshire. It means a month of focus for staff and pupils, dedicated to polishing the performance of leavers so they make it into the schools of their choice.

The Froebelian is set in the heart of Horsforth, but attracts pupils from across Leeds. Many parents like the high academic achievements, celebrated by their 15th place in the prestigious Sunday Times league table. However, the schools’ long serving Headmaster John Tranmer says the Froebelian is about more than academics. “We don’t apologise for the fact that academic performance is very important to us,� explains Mr Tranmer. “It’s what will unlock a child’s future potential. I know there is a perception that we put such emphasis on academic work, other areas suffer, but that is simply not the case.�

The hallways are decorated with pictures of victorious sporting teams and wooden plaques celebrating captains past and present.

The children enjoy a host of sports including football, rugby, netball and swimming, competing with schools across Leeds and beyond.

During today’s visit there’s elation over yesterday 10–1 victory for the football team. There’s still much pride in the netball team’s success at last year’s West Yorkshire Youth Games. These achievements are all the more impressive when you consider the size of the school.

At the moment there are 190 pupils here, ranging in age from 3 up to 11 years old. It’s large enough for great teaching and small enough for it to be a family. Children tend to join the nursery at 3 years old and stay until they move on to secondary education. It means a continuity and stability for staff and pupils, but disappointment for many parents looking for a Froebelian education. With a single nursery entry of between 24 and 26, space is limited and demand is high.

However John Tranmer, who has been Headteacher here for the past 21 years says over the past five years, he has seen a change in the way parents make choices about their children’s education. With many feeling the financial pinch, parents are deciding when to invest in private schooling. “More parents are taking the view that it’s better to invest in the early years to make sure they get a good education and develop good study habits and ambition for themselves. We instill a discipline about learning that will carry them through the whole of their academic life.

Parents now look at the fees and say, up to 11 years old we can afford it. However some are taking the view that if they can get a place in a strong state secondary school, they’ll do that.�

While demand for places at the Froebelian remains high despite the financial climate, so does demand for the school’s bursaries. John Tranmer says applications have increased and the school has an ambitious target to fund a bursary in every year by the school’s centenary year in 2013. “The recession has added a lot more focus to the bursaries scheme. There are more parents who want to take advantage of the education we provide, but can’t afford the fees. Allocation is based on means testing and interest always exceeds what we can provide.�

As my visit comes to an end, I pass the library where a group of Year 6 pupils fill envelopes with the latest newsletter. With the stamps on, soon all Froebelians’ friends will know it’s a first class school.

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FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 17

Schools NEWS…

Open Days 2012 MOORFIELD SCHOOL Saturday 24th March www.moorfieldschool.co.uk Open morning from 10am–12noon.

This once all girls school now welcomes boys from nursery to 11 years old.

01943 607 285 MOORLANDS SCHOOL Tuesday 21st February www.moorlands-school.co.uk Open morning from 9am–12noon.

0113 278 5286

 Book launch at GATEWAYS

New centre for first class LEARNING

The Countess of Harewood was the guest of honour at a book launch at Gateways.

The event, to celebrate the publication of ‘Gateways to Harewood: Tales of a house, a school and a village’ was attended by 200 people. It was the culmination of 18 months hard work involving all the school’s pupils who have researched, illustrated and designed the book. Congratulations Gateways! www.gatewayschool.co.uk

Following the success of the centre in Moor Allerton, Simon Deacon is opening a second centre in Alwoodley this January.

It will offer after school support in English and Maths and Simon says he’s delighted to give parents in Leeds an alternative location. For location details, visit www.firstclasslearning.co.uk or call 0113 267 1150.

RICHMOND HOUSE SCHOOL Wednesday 29th February www.rhschool.org Open working afternoon from 2–7pm. A chance for parents to experience first hand, the happy yet challenging teaching environment at Richmond House. You’ll have a tour of the school, talk to staff and pupils and meet the Headmistress.

0113 275 2670

ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS – (Year 7)

18 January 2012 SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATIONS – (Year 7)

20 January 2012

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THE WORLD

DAD… With the New Year comes a new addition to the Families Leeds team.

We welcome our first ever columnist, local dad Jim Cardwell. We hope you enjoy his take on family life here in West Yorkshire and we hope he enjoys sharing it. Jim’s first column looks at why his Sundays will never be the same again.

H

AVE YOU EVER COMMITTED to something without really understanding the implications?

It appears that I’ve lost my Sundays, forever.

How did that happen?

I was delighted when ‘boy wonder’ (aged six) said he wanted to play rugby.

He’s never been the most confident individual and a bit of a voluntary socialisation seemed like a good idea.

We’ve got a good local club and the kids play on Sunday mornings – sounds good, so where’s A unique school offering Opportunity, the catch?

Quality and Achievement Well, the first false expectation was on the Founded in 1898, Moorlands School is dedicated to providing a first class education for girls & boys aged day we went to sign 2 to 13 in a warm, friendly environment. up. I had mistakenly The school is conveniently located thought that signing up in Weetwood, North Leeds, within was the extent of the its own beautiful grounds and offers ample off road parking as well as: week one activity.

• Dedicated computer, Wrong. He was straight art & music facilities on the pitch for a • Science laboratories • Indoor heated swimming pool standard two hour • Sports hall and climbing wall training session (good • Sports fields job he went in his • Specialist subject teaching trainers). In each of • 7.30am - 6pm wrap around care the following weeks Access to weekly swimming, IT, dance and music lessons the full extent of our for all our nursery children commitment became clearer. The under sevens appear semi Thursday 21st February, 9am – 12pm professional – they play frequent matches For further information , please telephone: with home and away fixtures; the latter being throughout Yorkshire. or visit our website www.moorlands-school.co.uk And of course you need Foxhill Drive, Weetwood Lane, Leeds, LS16 5PF the full kit.

Moorlands School

OPEN MORNING

0113 278 5286

My fellow touchline contingent is a now familiar bunch with a good mix of grandparents, mums, dads and younger siblings; as well as the odd dog. The support routines are also pretty well established.

Number one priority is keeping warm(ish).

Thankfully the weather has been relatively kind so far this season but it has been sufficiently cold on occasion to require frequent stamping of feet and the clasping of hot drinks. In addition to the weather, other discussion topics include the week that was, as well as the week ahead. ‘Guess the score’ is another popular pastime since the scoreboard can turn over pretty rapidly. And what of the recent press article that described how outbreaks of loutishness were starting to infect the touchlines of junior rugby? Well in my experience to date parents are taking their ‘role model’ responsibility seriously.

There’s a good blend of a competitive spirit as well as an encouraging attitude in support of both teams.

So does the demise of Sunday mornings make me a grumpy old man? Of course not.

You see, I’m no behavioural scientist but from the frolicking on the pitch I surmise my son is as happy as Larry. And when he scored for the first time he somewhat immodestly declared it to be a ‘brilliant try’.

As a wise man once (should have) said, “A proud and happy child makes Dad pretty chuffed too.”

Farewell to Sundays and go, go, go BOY WONDER!

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 19

Discover the YORKSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE We may be in the depths of winter, but we’re looking forward to all that the spring has to offer. Sarah Butters looks at how one former farmer is bringing the countryside to classrooms across Yorkshire.

Mark Thompson used to be a pig farmer. He’s now making it his New Year mission to let children across Yorkshire know what happens in our countryside. He’s formed a partnership with Stocksbridge Technology Centre in Cawood, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and farmers across the region to teach children about nature’s cycles.

“The farm at Cawood has been working with primary school children for many years to let them experience the thrills of growing their own food,” explains Mark. “However the children visit perhaps once a year and see a snap shot of the seasons. We felt we needed to show the children more.”

So Mark and his team have decided to take the countryside into the classroom. Throughout the course of 2012, he will make a series of 18 films showing everything from maize harvesting, to ram breeding and beetroot harvesting. The idea is to show primary school children what’s happening in the countryside at different times of the year.

“Our ‘Discovering our Countryside’ programme allows us to follow the farming year through the seasonal life of crops, animals and wildlife in our countryside,” Mark explains. “Our videos are ten minutes long and divided into discrete sections, so that teachers can use short items for specific lessons.

Last year we watched lambing season, and potato planting. There’s more to come in 2012.”

The programme supports several areas of the National Curriculum including Healthy Eating, Sustainable Skills and Thinking Skills. It also links with the Eco School work and links into government initiatives such as Every Child Matters and Learning Outside of the Classroom. All the videos come with supporting teaching notes and are FREE to access.

“The 18 videos we aim to make this year will fit around school terms. We hope Discovering our Countryside brings farming, food and wildlife to your children so they can experience what nature does and how it affects the landscape and country life seasonally. We hope it will encourage them to make choices about the food they eat, the diversity of nature and maybe think about a future career.”

To find out more about how YOUR school can spend a day in the countryside, without leaving the classroom visit www.discoveringour-countryside.co.uk

Parties NEWS…

Have a ball with Tennis Tots You’re invited to make a racquet at your party this year!

Tennis Tots is now hosting parties for children from 3 years old. The hour long celebration is packed with fun team games and activities, all with a Tennis Tots twist. Parties are for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 16 children. There’s also a gift for the birthday child. Find out more at www.tennis-tots.co.uk.

Henrietta Rabbit ’s Top 5 Party Bag Alternatives Leading party entertainer Henrietta Rabbit is calling on parents to ditch tacky party bags in favour of these alternatives.

1.

2.

3.

4.

MAGAZINE: Most come with a toy and your guest will have something to read as well.

MUG: Character mugs can be picked up relatively cheaply.

PLANT or SEEDS: Give a pack of seeds or a small plant to encourage green fingers.

LUCKY DIP: Have a bucket filled with inexpensive wrapped goodies and get guests to take their chances.

5. EASTER EGGS: If your child’s birthday falls near Easter, stock up on an egg each.

Castles & Cakes Why not book your cake when you book your castle?

You can with Cherie’s Cakes, based in Ilkley. Cherie Wright is combining both family businesses to give parents a one stop shop when planning their party.

“We know parents are busy so when they come to me to book a cake, or a cupcake party, now they can book their bouncy castle too!”

To take a look at the inflatables on offer, look at www.bouncy-castle-hire-ilkley.co.uk.

Party with Musicbugs Have you thought about celebrating with MusicBugs?

Independent Toy Shop LEGO, Playmobil, Sylvanian Families, Baby Toys, Wooden Toys, Name Plaques, Puppets, Games & Jigsaws, Craft & Science Kits, Bath Toys, Animals, Knights & Dinosaur Figures, Castles, Doll’s Houses, Farms & much, much more...

20 Town St Horsforth Leeds LS18 4RJ 0113 258 8777

NEW LARGER SHOP 112a Harrogate Rd Chapel Allerton Leeds LS7 4NY 0113 266 7500

www.armadillotoys.co.uk Follow us on facebook for our latest events and special offers

Nicola Lawlor brings all the fun of their weekly classes to either a 45 minute or an hour long party.

“We bring along a range of your favourite props from the classes and sing your favourite songs,” says Nicola. “They’re always great fun.” www.musicbugs.co.uk • 0844 578 1043

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 21

Pick of the Winter Parties Shake off those New Year blues with thoughts of celebrations to come in 2012.

Whether you want to spend an afternoon with Rapunzel, or leap from a tree top, we have something to suit your birthday boy or girl. But this bumper winter party guide comes with a word of warning.

Make sure you plan ahead. The very best parties get booked up early!

CUSTOMER SCHEME

Imagine you’re .A PRINCESS…. www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk • 01924 281 365 Imagine opening the door on your birthday to find Rapunzel on your front step. That’s what happened to 6 year old Lily Allen from Bramhope. She had a visit from the latest Disney princess thanks to the wonderful Make a Wish Entertainment.

“I wanted to give Lily a party that was different and personal,” says Sally Allen, Lily’s mum. “I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect party. The 10 children were mezmorized for an hour and a half.

I forgot they were in the house!”

The Rapunzel party is the latest magical celebration from the imagination of Suzanne Kaye Vaughan of Make a Wish Entertainment.

She and her team transform into the character your child wants at their party. Be it Belle and her Beast, or Buzz Lightyear and Jessie, Alice and the Mad Hatter, Make a Wish Entertainment will make those wishes come true.

“With the Rapunzel party, we can bring along Flynn to carry out some combat training with any boy guests,” explains Suzanne from Make a Wish. “It’s about using our imagination to create a magical party.”

And Lily believes there was some magic at her party that day. She made flowers with Rapunzel, played games and, shared her birthday with her Disney heroine and her friends.

“As far as Lily is concerned, Rapunzel came to her house,” says Sally. “I wanted to cry because she was completely in awe of her.

Giving her that experience was truly magic.” Take a look at their website for the full range of Make a Wish Character Parties.

.A RACING CAR DRIVER…. www.go-kartpartyleeds.co.uk • 01422 351 981 If you have a bite-size Jenson Button in your home who feels the need for speed, Go Kart Party is for you. Geoff Holmes can suggest appropriate venues for his inflatable track and go karts, as well as tailoring each party to fit your Leeds’ based Lewis Hamilton.

“We can control the speed of the karts, without the children knowing it,” explains Geoff.

For older children, there’s races, reversing and a host of fast paced games. For younger party goers, it’s about role play games. This is a real driving experience in a safe environment. Parties run for an hour (12 children) and an hour and a half (20 children).

.A WILD ANIMAL KEEPER…. www.lionlearners.co.uk • 0113 250 9612 Do you fancy sharing your birthday with a bearded dragon? What about chatting over cake with a cornsnake? Lion Learners can give you a party with some pretty wild guests. From tarantulas to chinchillas, you’ll get to learn about them all and even hold some of them.

This West Yorkshire based company will come to your venue and put on an hour long party that will entertain and educate. They’ll even provide your guests with some animal themed party bags to head home with, courtesy of www.easypeasypartybox.co.uk.

22

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February

Soft Play Parties Bespoke celebration CAKES for all occasions…

.Crazy Tykes • MAKE A BEAR PARTIES // CRAFT PARTIES //.

01943 435 849 • 07722 270 904

.LAZER PARTIES.

01937 541 007 • www.crazytykes.co.uk Whether you want to build a bear, or invite your guests to a laser challenge there is a party to suit at Crazy Tykes. Tracey Prudhoe and her team have recently added some great extras to their popular parties. As well enjoying the soft play centre on your special day, you can arrange to make a birthday bear, escape to a themed craft room or compete in a laser quest.

“Our Crazy Tykes craft party is hugely popular,” says Tracey. “ We can arrange craft activities themed around Ben 10, Angelina Ballerina, Hannah Montana, Spiderman. Your birthday wish is our command!”

While the make a bear parties are proving popular because at £9 a head, they’re great value, the laser parties are still a hit.

These parties are held from 5.30–7pm, with exclusive use of the centre from 6.30pm.

“When everyone else leaves, we turn the lights down and the music up and have lots of laser fun,” says Tracey.

“We have children as old as 12 enjoying the competition and energy of a laser party.”

.Kidzplay • LAZER PARTIES // HOLLYWOOD DISCO. 01423 816 111 • www.kidzplay.co.uk Roll out the red carpet and get ready to party like a star! Kidzplay in Harrogate has launched a Hollywood party for over 7s. Join the Kidzplay dancers as they take you through routines, before you head to the disco dancefloor to try them out. Guests can enjoy cocktails and an American themed buffet. Parties begin at 6.30pm and last 2 hours.

If your little soldier would prefer to go into battle, then opt for a Lazer Tag party.

Your guests will be split into 2 teams to fight to capture the birthday flag.

Kidzplay also do a great range of parties for younger children. There’s a Fun and Games Party which lasts 2 hours and combines use of the play frame with some party games led by a member of the Kidzplay team. However if you simply want your guests to play, there are parties to suit you. Choose from a variety of themes to make your child’s party their own.

There are opportunities to book the play centre out for the exclusive use of your party guests. Give Lisa Mee and her team a call to find out more.

.Tumble Town • EXCLUSIVE USE PARTIES. 01943 870 189 • www.tumbletownadventureplay.co.uk Another local soft play centre offering EXCLUSIVE use. Tumble Town offers a great Venue Only party allowing you to hire out the soft play and bring your own food. If you are looking for some support from the Tumble Town team, you might look at the signature Tumble Town party. Again, you’ll get exclusive use of the venue, but they’ll provide food, party bags and a host to run some games. You just bring the cake. The final option for those smaller celebrations is the Meet and Play party. This allows you to get together for a party tea, at a reserved table and enjoy the buzz of a regular day at Tumble Town.

.Little Bees • TODDLER PARTIES.

Give them a party they won’t forget!

Completely safe for 4–9 year olds.

Bring your party to one of our indoor venues.

Contact Geoff on 01422 351 981 www.go-kartpartyleeds.co.uk

0113 232 9822 www.littlebeesplay.co.uk A great venue for a toddler party. Little Bees offers a two hour party for a minimum of 10 children.

You’ll get to use the soft play centre for 90 minutes and then head to a private room for your party tea.

Little Bees provides invites and party bags – all you need to organise is the cake! Parties can be booked any day, at any time.

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 23

Yummy Parties .Popalicious Cake Pop Parties.

07759 029 138 • www.popaliciouscakepops.co.uk Imagine making your own edible football team or decorating a cake pop princess. After a year of providing party guests across Yorkshire with her sweet treats, Helen Mallik has decided to make her cake pops the guest of honour. You provide the venue and decide on a theme, and the Popalicious team will come along and host a party. “I will bring everything – table cloths, aprons and cake pops,â€? says Helen Mallik Town theme with Shop, Cafe & Petrol Station Freshly prepared food daily • Separate baby area from Popalicious.

Private Parties catered for (centre closed for parties) The activities are age appropriate. Under 7s will dip the pre-moulded chocolate cake pops Unit 2 • South View Business Park • Guiseley Leeds LS20 9PP (straight on past Argos, we're 3rd on left) in melted candy and decorate with a variety of brightly coloured sprinkles. Older children will 01943 870 189 get to tackle some of Helen’s more adventurous designs. www.tumbletownadventureplay.co.uk “If the children are decorating footballer cake pops, I’ll bring mini personalised shirts for the sticks, or patches and hats for the pirate pops,â€? Helen explains.

Themes include princesses, pirates, teddy bears, pandas, ladybirds and footballers. However Helen is always open to suggestions!

Parties are for a maximum of 12 children and start at £10.99 per child. Everyone leaves the party with a tissue layered box packed with their four cake pops so there’s no need for party bags, or a birthday cake!

.Casa Mia.

.Cherie’s Cup Cake Parties.

0845 688 1818 • www.casamiaonline.com/kids Do you have a chef in your house? Casa Mia wants to throw them a party! Head to either the Millennium Square or Chapel Allerton restaurants for Pizza and Pasta making parties. Each child will get an apron and hat before watching a demonstration by a Casa Mia chef. Then it’s time to get creative. Party guests can either make their pasta from scratch or they’ll get their own dough to create the perfect pizza. As the creations are cooking, the birthday meal is served with staff happy to provide balloons and even a homemade birthday cake.

Parties are for a minimum of 10 children, last 2 hours and are suitable for children from 4 years old. Guests leave with their finished dish.

01943 435 849 • www.cheriescakesilkley.co.uk/parties Sometimes the best part of a birthday is making the cake.

Cherie Wright from Ilkley has made that into a party! “Each child gets a hat, an apron and a cupcake box which can all be decorated. After they’ve seen my demonstration, they can start having fun!�

Parties last between 1–2 hours depending on your child’s age.

Each child will decorate four cupcakes with buttercream or fondant icing and an array of sweet decorations and sprinkles. Every child receives a certificate from Cherie’s Cupcake Academy and there’s a prize for the best designed desert. Parties are for a minimum of 6 children and a maximum of 12 and are £10.95 per child. But if you mention FAMILIES LEEDS when you call, you can book for £9.95 per child. Now that’s something worth celebrating!

.Pizza Express.

Call Individual Restaurants • www.pizzaexpress.com Pizza making parties. Held at the Corn Exchange, Clarence Dock, Headingley, Roundhay, Ilkley and Xscape at Castleford restaurants.

Parties include pizza and cake and are ÂŁ9.95 per child. Most restaurants host parties on a Sunday morning.

enu

New M

Home-made Cakes

.Piccolino, Wetherby.

01937 579 797 • www.piccolinorestaurants.co.uk A pizza making masterclass for your little chef. This popular local restaurant will kit your guests out in a named chef’s hat and apron before giving them a demonstration. Children then get to design their own pizza before seeing it popped into the oven for them to eat. Parties are available every day apart from Sundays and are suitable for children from 7 years old. There’s a minimum of 12 guests and a maximum of 18. The pizzas are served with fries and a soft drink. A chocolate birthday cake and fruit cocktails can be provided at an extra charge. A mouthwatering celebration!

Baby Ballet & Socatots classes here

New Pa r ty Option s

OPEN FOR PLAY 7 DAYS A WEEK

Half Price Entry

Adventure Play Area ~ Separate Toddler Area

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

Harrogate • www.kidzplay.co.uk • Northallerton

Unit B, Seacroft Trade Park, Coal Road, Leeds, LS14 2AQ. Tel 0113 2329822

after 3pm weekdays

Suitable for ages 0-11 especially pre-schoolers www.littlebeesplay.co.uk

24

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February

Adventure Parties

Po t s 2 G o

.OUTDOOR CLIMBING. Log Heights, Ripley Castle nr Harrogate 01423 711 044 • www.logheights.com Feel on top of the world with this birthday party.

Log Heights is the ultimate tree top adventure based at the beautiful Ripley Castle. The course is spread across the grounds and challenges party goers to be brave. One minute you’ll be walking along a huge beam high in the sky.

The next you’ll be jumping for a trapeze.

Party teas can be provided by Castle Tea Rooms or you can bring your own picnic. Parties for 9 children last 1½ hours. For 12 children, the party lasts 2 hours. They’re suitable for children from 8 years old. Available every weekend and on weekdays during school holidays.

Pottery Painting, Birthday Parties, Baby Hand & Foot Prints 25 Montpellier Parade • Harrogate • HG1 2TG

01423 524 797 Open Tuesday to Saturday

.INDOOR CLIMBING. Leeds Wall, Gelderd Rd, Leeds LS12 6BY 0113 234 1554 • www.theleedswall.co.uk Enjoy an indoor challenge at the Leeds Climbing Wall. You’ll spend 1½ hours with experienced instructors as you try climbing. Parties are for 6–10 children and are suitable from 6 years old.

A buffet party tea is included. Parties can be booked on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am, 11.45am, 1.45pm and 3.30pm. Check availability online.

Free exhibitions coming soon 27 January 22 April 2012 When high wasted flares were fashionable and prawn cocktail was the height of sophistication!

Silver 70s recreates a home of the 1970s and looks at the decade through its popular culture.

11 February 17 June 2012 A B R I T I S H M U S EU M TO U R Explore the myths and realities of kingship in ancient Egypt though a fascinating collection of objects from the British Museum.

Supported by the generosity of the Dorset Foundation

Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Cookridge Street, Leeds LS2 8BH www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum

.SNO!zone.

Xscape, Castleford • 0871 222 5671 • www.snozoneuk.com Wrap up for the coolest party in town at the real snow slope in Castleford. Choose from Ice Sliding down the slope or Sledging.

There’ll be a photographer on hand to capture your special day and you can even add on a trip to the bowling alley or the indoor rock wall at Xscape. You choose the party package and SNO!zone will do the rest.

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 25

Museum Parties .Kirkstall Abbey • NEW. 0113 230 5492 • kirkstall.abbey@leeds.gov.uk Transform into a Princess, a Knight or a Dragon at these magical parties at Kirkstall Abbey.

Set in the ruins of the Abbey, there will be craft activities and games to make the day special.

Make a princess crown, a knight’s sword or your own pet dragon. Play in the sandpit and finish with a game of sleeping dragons. Parties are for children from 2 years old and are available on Wednesdays in May, June and July. If you’re interested it’s worth planning ahead.

There’s a special introductory offer of £50 per party, with a maximum of 20 children.

Picnics can be provided at an extra charge by the Gatehouse Café at Abbey House Museum by calling 0113 278 1233.

.Leeds City Museum • NEW. 0113 224 3728 • city.museum@leeds.gov.uk This fabulous museum has recently started to offer a Tiny Tigers Party for children aged between 2 and 6 years old, and an Explorer Party for older children. You’ll have your own Visitor Assistant to guide you through the exhibitions. For Tiny Tigers, you’ll take a trip around the Life on Earth Gallery and find the museum’s mascot Rory the Tiger. Then it’s to the activity room for messy tiger themed craft.

Explorers will get to discover the hidden treasures in the museum. Then they can enjoy a craft activity. Parties are held on weekend afternoons from 2–3.30pm and there’s a maximum of 15 children. Both parties cost £60 and party food can be provided by the Museum Café at an additional cost. Call 0113 244 6006 for more information.

.Abbey House Museum.

0113 230 5492 • abbey.house@leeds.gov.uk For fans of the Messy Monkey sessions at Abbey House, these parties are a must! Leave your party dress at home and prepare to make an artistic mess at the Messy Monkey parties.

They’re aimed at children from 2–6 years old and can be themed around your child’s favourite character. After your monkey has enjoyed getting messy, you can leave the clearing up for someone else! For children from 7 years old, there are Arty Smarty parties.

A Visitor Assistant will take guests back in time with a tour along the Victorian Streets. ©Leeds City Council Then it’s time to get creative with a choice of t-shirt making, clay tile designing or jewellery and card making. Both parties cost £40 and there’s a maximum of 10 children. Party food can be ordered at an additional charge from the Gatehouse Café on 0113 278 1233.

.Thackray Museum • NEW. 0113 205 6521 • hannah@thackraymuseum.org The wonderful Thackray Museum in Leeds is now hosting birthday parties. You’ll be able to explore all the secrets of this fantastic medical museum before heading to the café for your party tea.

Suitable for children from 7–14 years old.

The Little Hen Company

Wooden Toys

TOP MODEL

LEGO

Schleich Plastic Animals

Sylvanian Families

Big Jigs Rail

Wooden Railway

WOW TOYS

Beanie Boos

Baby Gifts PLAYMOBIL NEW SHOP IN HORSFORTH 125 New Road Side (A65) • Horsforth • LS18 4QD 0113 258 2808 • www.thelittlehencompany.com

FEB HALF TERM EASTER

13TH - 17TH 2ND - 6TH 9TH- 13TH

26

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February

Are we there yet ?

ly s touring family friend th on m 5 t en sp ily m ung fa pt in Ben Hatch and his yo ed 900 attractions, sle ew vi re ey th s ile m 0 00 of 8, Ben shares Britain. In the course ce in their car. Here, on d an ls te ho s, le st ca . tents, mobile homes, of a staycation in 2012 ng ki in th re u’ yo if s 15 things he now know ough

1 2

th century today is like being a 14 Not owning a Sat-Nav nautical a ut nd the Cape witho sailor and trying to rou . Put it trip r ou halfway through chart. We bought one gladly I’d – v?

– Brakes or Sat-Na this way, if I’d a choice t fee my use ’s foot well and drill a hole in the driver to slow down.

4

thr ntre in York it’s possible, At the Jorvik Viking Ce r hai r of questions about you responding to a series see to , dwich filling of choice colour, and also your san you possess. how much Viking blood

ah, lly-on-purpose allow Din It’s unwise to accidenta of ar (fe cheloniaphobia my wife, who has raging that look like tortoises), res atu tortoises and any cre ary at ough the Turtle Sanctu to wander untended thr are aw o als I’m Sealife Centre.

Birmingham’s National y the ht ug iming ‘sorry, I tho now that afterwards cla little ice. were hibernating’, cuts

3

vid largest collection of Da Containing the world’s rkshire, Yo st We llery in Saltaire, Hockneys, The 1853 Ga also turn y The d. heat up baby foo has a café where staff her tes ple com toddler daughter a blind eye while your s, yon cra ed olv (a rabbit that inv first mixed media work ger -fin fish her Ketchup from a pencil and a sachet of sandwich).

Phoebe at the Jorvik Centre, York

Inside EUREKA!

5 6 7

nance up in a field of live ord After almost being blown to rnt lea near Otterburn, we’ve inside a Military Zone, k loo a ep Ke s for nature wees. be careful taking the kid and e lod arning: This may exp out for signs saying: “W kill you.” ffets. We from hotel breakfast bu It’s easy stealing lunch itresses’ wa en g the odd roll wh started by secretly pilferin re we we weeks in, feral, backs were turned. A few and es sag ngles, bacon, sau snatching camembert tria in. up all it napkins to wrap yoghurts then asking for between vid Blaine on the A719 You can impersonate Da tical op an tland. Here, there’s Dunure and Croy in Sco ich wh ape surrounding landsc illusion created by the ase rele r car in neutral and means that if you put you as the n ow Kn slowly roll up hill. the brake, it appears to d rke ma is t ng slope), the spo Electric Brae (brae meani you t tha n ed with an explanatio by a stone cairn inscrib e-struck family with. aw needn’t trouble your

8

we did oversell destinations as On long journeys don’t On the e. ntr Cheese Visitor Ce visiting the Wensleydale ing tur fea Tourist Board leaflet strength of a Yorkshire dels mo e -siz life rashly promised Wallace and Gromit, we , ver we Ho d. s wandering aroun of the cartoon character lk cha a s wa , and Gromit related the only thing Wallace ’d driven café’s specials board. We outline of them on the the w sho cheese factory to two hours to a working ich ese did in the last Nantw che kids how Wensleydale tival.

International Cheese fes

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 27

At Clifford Tower, York

Yummy Mummy Week 10 – 18 March 2012

Do something yummy...

Phoebe at the um National Railway Muse

9 10

At Leicester’s Abbey Pum ping Station children can excitedly follow the progress of excrement from a toilet to the Wa nlip sewage works via a see-through waste pip e.

Cheap in-car DVD player s are inadvisable.

Ours kept disconnectin g from the cigarette ligh ter and returning the film to the beginning every time my wife scratched her leg in the passenger sea t.

Despite watching Findin g Nemo 10 times, our kids are still unaware Nemo was eventually reunited with his father.

Mother Shipton's Cave in Yorkshire, is where a 17th century prophete ss lived and predicted both the Great Fire of Lon don and the advent of email.

13

I now never to listen to my wife on health matte rs.

In a serviced apartment in Leeds she advised me a pain in my side was tra pped wind and I should ‘cycle in the air’ to allevia te it. I was eventually rushed (after she and kid s finished watching Nina and Neurones on CBeebies) to the A & E department of St James Hospital, Leeds where a kidney stone was dia gnosed.

Grabbing a snack outside Salt's Mill, Saltaire

Scone Palace near Perth was where Queen Victoria was taught cur ling on the polished flo or of the Long Gallery. It’s also where Robert the Bruce and Charles II we re crowned and where we heard one the funnie st utterances of our trip .

A German man in the caf é ahead of us ordering ‘Von Bobbily Bobbily’.

Enjoy tea, coffee and cakes with friends to raise vital funds. Combine it with a pamper party, community event or workplace fun to make it even more yummy.

Every day 10 children and young people hear the shocking news they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last up to three years.

CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families, providing all-round care and support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life.

Register now 08451

206 658

www.yummymummy.org.uk Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook

11SM412c

11 12

for children and young people with cancer

Supported by:

CLIC Sargent, registered charity number 1107328 and registered in Scotland (SC039857)

14 15

You can have fun in the Scottish Central Highlands at Doune Castle, used in the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, shouting fro m the ramparts in our bes t John Cleese voices: “I fart in your general dir ection. Your mother was a hamster and you father smelled of elderberries.”

Finally, if all distractions in the car fail, turn up Classic FM to maximum volume and kid yourse lf you aren’t muffling the kids’ din with an even louder one, but that you ’re educating them about Haydn.

Are We Nearly There Yet? 8,000 Misguided Miles Round Britain is avail able from all good bookshops an d from Amazon for £5 .

What’s on…

January & February Tempting as it is to lock the doors and curl up in front of a roaring fire, there’s lots going on if you’re prepared to brave the chill. So wrap up warm and get ready to have some winter fun.

And remember to say you saw it in Families Leeds!

HALF TERM FUN AT HAREWOOD HOUSE

Saturday 14th January Let’s Pretend LOTHERTON HALL www.leeds.gov.uk Trails around the house with dressing up and lots of opportunities to play.

0113 281 3259 e Every term tim Saturday

Rory’s Saturday Club LEEDS CITY MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.uk Regular art and craft activity. Begins at 11am.

0113 224 3732

Saturday 21st January Clay Play THWAITE MILLS

Clowning Around EUREKA!

Also on the 28th & 29th Jan uary

www.eureka.org.uk Slap on the make up and pull on some oversized shoes.

Get giggling as you learn how to clown around as a family.

01422 330 069

Friday 27th January Messy Monkeys ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Creative fun for under 5s from 10.15am and 2pm.

Leave all your mess behind!

0113 230 5492

Saturday 28th January Let’s Pretend LOTHERTON HALL

www.leeds.gov.uk Messy play for children of all ages. Clay modeling and painting.

Between 1–3pm.

0113 276 2887

www.leeds.gov.uk Trails around the house with dressing up and lots of opportunities to play.

0113 281 3259

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd January

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th January

Dancing Dragons TEMPLE NEWSAM

Story Stepping TEMPLE NEWSAM

www.leeds.gov.uk Make your own paper dragons for Chinese New Year.

Sessions at 11am and 1.30pm.

0113 264 7321

www.leeds.gov.uk To celebrate National Story Telling Week, step in from the cold and listen to storyteller Chris Cade.

0113 264 7321

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 29

Friday 3rd February Tiny Tigers LEEDS CITY MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Create your own mess using paints, stencils, crayons and glue.

For under 5s.

0113 224 3732 Also on Friday 10th February

Messy Monkeys ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Creative fun for under 5s from 2pm.

Leave all your mess behind!

0113 230 5492

Saturday 4th February

Wizard Week 11 – 19 February 2012

Dress up in Artspace LEEDS ART GALLERY www.leeds.gov.uk Paint clothes to celebrate International Women’s Day. Begins at 11am.

0113 247 8256

Saturday 4th & 5th February Painting Fashions LEEDS ART GALLERY www.leeds.gov.uk Explore paintings that tell us interesting things about fashion.

0113 247 8256

Saturday 11th – Sunday 19th February Egyptian Trail LEEDS CITY MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Come and discover all about ancient Egypt at a special exhibition fresh from the British Museum. Explore the Pharoah trail and take part in craft activities on Tuesday and Wednesday.

0113 224 3732

Wizard Week NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM www.nrm.org.uk/wizardsweek The magic returns to York with a week of spells and Harry Potter inspired mischief. It’s all in celebration of the arrival of the train from these magical films. There’ll be lots of family activities including wizards duals, broomstick flyings, magic shows and owl displays. A MUST SEE for any Harry Potter fans.

St Valentine’s Trail BOLTON ABBEY www.boltonabbey.com Cupid pays a visit to Bolton Abbey this half term. You’re invited to hunt for the symbols of love in Strid Wood. Take part in the activities trail. 10am–4pm.

01756 718 009

Half Term Fun at Harewood HAREWOOD HOUSE www.harewood.org Come along for some old fashioned outdoor fun at one of our favourite places. Harewood will be celebrating all things bright and beautiful this half term.

0113 218 1000

See the steam star from the Harry Potter movies, but hurry – it’s only here for a spell.

nrm.org.uk/wizardweek

WIZARD WEEK AT THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM

Saturday 11th – Sunday 19th February

Monday 13th – Sunday 19th February

Half Term Fun – Heraldry FOUNTAINS ABBEY

Paint Surfaces in Artspace LEEDS ART GALLERY

www.fountainsabbey.org.uk Drop in crafts in Swanley Grange. Sessions from 11am – 3pm.

01765 608 888

www.leeds.gov.uk Have fun with household paints. Help on hand. 10am – 3pm.

0113 247 8256

Tuesday 14th February Alice in Wonderland EUREKA!

Birds on the Brain THWAITE MILLS

www.eureka.org.uk Half term fun with a Wonderland theme.

01422 330 069

www.leeds.gov.uk Learn how to identify the birds in your garden and how to support them. Session from 1–3pm.

0113 276 2887

Bedtime!

TEMPLE NEWSAM

Wednesday 15th February

Also on Thursday 16th February

Wednesday Wardrobe ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.uk Make your own bed bug, design a bedroom door hanger and discover a bed fit for a Queen.

Sessions at 11am and 1.30pm.

0113 264 7321

www.leeds.gov.uk Take a look inside a great dress up wardrobe.

Sessions at 10am and 2pm.

0113 230 5492

Sunday 12th February

Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th February

Music Maker Family Fun ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

Bird Box Making FOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.leeds.gov.uk A day of craft fun inspired by the Performance exhibition.

Sessions at 10am and 2pm.

0113 230 5492

www.fountainsabbey.org.uk Make your own bird box to help your feathered friends survive the winter. £5 a box. Sessions at 11am–12noon and 1–3pm at Fountains Mill.

01765 608 888

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 31

Thursday 16th February 70s Crafts LEEDS CITY MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk FREE crafts for all the family to help celebrate the Silver 70s exhibition. 10.30am start.

0113 224 3732

This February half-term at

BOLTON ABBEY

Friday 17th February

St. Valentine’s Trail

Puppet on a String ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

Sat 11th-Sun 19th Feb 2012 10am - 4pm

www.leeds.gov.uk A day of puppet craft. Sessions at 10am and 2pm.

0113 230 5492

Can you and your family find all the symbols of love hidden along the Valentine Trail in Strid Wood?

Friday 24th February

This trail is not just for those pierced by Cupid’s arrow, anyone can join in!

Messy Monkeys ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Creative fun for under 5s from 10.15am and 2pm.

Leave all your mess behind!

0113 230 5492

Fill in the activity sheet as you wander along and enter our free prize draw!

Free event, normal admission applies.

For more information contact:

01756 718 009 www.boltonabbey.com

Discoverr more Discove Enjoy family trails, activities & events all year round.... · Taste Taste home grown produce in our Cafés · Award Award winning Gardens & Grounds Adventure · Let little legs run off steam on our A dventure Playground Come as often as you lik likee with family membership!

EXHIBITION AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM FROM FEBRUARY

www.harewood.org w.harewo rg

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