Families Leeds and West Yorkshire Jan/Feb 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

Carrie Grant talks to Families Banish the January Blues What’s On this February Half Term B

GUIDING CHILDREN AGED 5)11 TO BUILD STRENGTH & AWARENESS, ALL WITH FEELING. Classes at the Grove Centre, Horsforth, LS18 4BH Tuesday 4.45pm & Friday 4pm E. bodymindandheart@hotmail.com • T. 07903 366 753 W. bodymindandheartyoga.com

Coming to your school soon.

Issue 62 January/February 2019

familiesonline.co.uk

WELCOME BACK

CONTENTS…

Please contact Claire Bottomley to advertise in this magazine…

07799 667 041 editor@familiesleeds.co.uk

4–5

NEWS

6

TOP PICKS FOR WHAT’S ON February half term fun

9

FAMILIES INTERVIEW Fame Academy’s Carrie Grant on parenting and charity work

10 – 11

JOIN THE CLUB Advice on how to choose classes and activities

12

BANISH THE BLUES Ideas for breathing new life into the new year

13 – 15

WHAT’S ON? Our comprehensive guide to what’s on for families in West Yorkshire during January and February

6 9 12

Make sure you pick up a copy of our next issue, out early January!

CIRCULATION: We distribute 25,000 copies of the magazine free of charge through schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, selected retail outlets and sports centres. Read by more than 60,000 parents. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

DESIGNED BY: Justin Leeming • 07745 038 005 www.justinleeming.crevado.com PRINTED BY: Charlesworth Press, Wakefield www.charlesworth.com Families Leeds is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Leeds are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Leeds. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Leeds Ltd; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Welcome back...

13

Ah, January.

My 90-year-old grandmother despairs of it, describing it as ‘a long month’ when ‘nothing much happens’.

Sounds like a sleep-deprived, hallucinatory dream-come-true to me!

When you’re at the coal face of parenting, squishing your To Do list into a measly 24 hours is taxing at the best of times, and becomes a comedy of errors at Christmas time. A 31-day long month that brings nothing more significant than Burns Night (sorry Scottish friends), when you can reasonably expect the odd snow day to see off the school run, is surely what we could all do with.

With darkness descending so early, there’s every excuse to hibernate, holed up inside and unable even to see what jobs might need doing due to lack of light.

So, let’s all take a moment to sit back and relax. At least until the Valentine Disco, Shrove Tuesday and World Book Day come around. For ideas for things to do at home on one of these relaxed family days, turn to our feature on page 12.

If there’s one thing we must do this month though, it is of course – visit Grandma.

I’m sure some quality time with her three great-grandchildren will help her appreciate the quiet times too!

A typical January scene

Happy New Year

The winner of our My Mum Tracy Beaker book competition was Subaashini Natarajan. Congratulations to her and thank you to all who entered.

familiesonline.co.uk

Claire Bottomley (Editor)

Families Leeds 3

Families NEWS… The Big Garden BirdwaTch The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from January 26 to 28 and is the largest wildlife survey in the world. The information collected helps monitor bird species in the UK, and is great fun for children.

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

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

For more information, visit www.rspb.org.uk

world Book day Shares Stories in Bradford The charity behind the world’s biggest annual celebration of children’s books and reading for pleasure will bring Share a Story Live to Bradford University for World Book Day on March 7.

It will bring books to life for primary school children, rallying young readers around the excitement of sharing a story – live on stage.

Appearing at Bradford University’s Great Hall will be Anna James, author of, Pages & Co: Tilly and the Bookwanderers, Onjali Q Rauf, author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, Humza Arshad, one of the writers behind Little Badman and the Invasion of the Killer Aunties, and Dr Jess French, talking about her book What A Waste: Rubbish, Recycling and Protecting our Planet.

Kirsten Grant, Director of World Book Day, said,“World Book Day is committed to increasing its social impact year-on-year. It’s our vision to offer every child in the UK the opportunity to read and love books.

Having the chance to be inspired by this amazing range of authors and illustrators will have an enormous impact on how the children in the audience view books and reading. It will be a very special experience for them.”

T To find out more, visit www.worldbookday.com

Family dentist Special oFFer High Ash Dental Surgery is home to a local, family-friendly dental team.

“We offer affordable, high-quality dentistry,” said Dentist Neema Naik. “It’s really important to us that patients receive dental care with integrity, and this should be available to everyone,” she added.

Call 0113 268 8391 to find out about joining the membership plan.

The surgery currently has a special offer for new patients, who can claim half price consultations.

For more information, visit www.highashdental.co.uk

accolade for Bradford Grammar School Staff and pupils at Bradford Grammar School are celebrating after it was named Northern Independent School on the Year by The Sunday Times.

Headmaster Simon Hinchliffe said,“At Bradford Grammar School, our results speak for themselves.

We can help your son or daughter become the very best they can be.”

He added,“We encourage all our students to participate in a wide range of co-curricular activities chosen from our extensive list of sport, music, drama and a host of other opportunities. In an era of growing concern about children’s mental health and wellbeing it is essential that our students have access to a well-balanced, excellent education and outstanding pastoral care.”

Alex Ramage, who joined the school in Year Nine, said,“Bradford Grammar School challenged me academically and I’ve made some great friends who, I’m sure, will be friends for life. I’ve really enjoyed my time at the school.”

Open events are held throughout the year at the school – the next one is on January 15. For more information or to register, visit www.bradfordgrammar.com/signup

Find out more about FoSTer carinG Have you ever thought about fostering? Could you provide children who aren’t able to live with their birth families a safe and loving family home on a temporary basis?

Foster4Leeds will be running an information stall at the White Rose Shopping Centre on January 23, from 9.30am to 4pm, where you can have all your questions answered. There will also be an information event at Village Hotel South in Morley on February 18 from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Other drop-in events will be held on January 5 at Costa Coffee Crown Point and on January 14 at Costa Coffee Kirkgate.

For more information, call 0113 378 3538, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/ foster4leeds/events or email foster4leeds@leeds.gov.uk

We use TEEPEES & DENS as a unique focal point for our luxury themed sleepovers.

Themes for BOYS & GIRLS aged six plus.

• Life coaching for you, your child, or your school • Help with low confidence, anxiety, anger issues • Mindfulness & relaxation techniques • Tailored sessions

www.sleepteepeetight.com • contact@sleepteepeetight.com 4 Families Leeds

Call 07702 562005 • e: abowmanlifecoach@hotmail.com www.positivityroom.com

familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILIES NEWS

could a liFe coach help your child?

new nursery for ilkley

Is your child struggling with low self-esteem or social interactions?

Would they benefit from learning new coping skills?

Anna Bowman is a life coach who works with children on a oneto-one basis to improve wellbeing and deal with issues like anxiety.

Sessions are light-hearted and fun, and each one is uniquely tailored to your child and their interests in order to keep them fully engaged.

“We work together to identify their issues and make positive changes so they are better able to cope,” said Anna.

“I am based in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, but am able to travel to surrounding areas. Sessions can take place within your home, my home, or in schools. I work with parents and teaching staff to support the child in school and at home.”

For more information, visit www.thepositivityroom.com

A brand-new nursery, offering childcare from birth up to five years, has opened in Ilkley.

Riverside Day Nursery offers babies, toddlers and pre-school children fun and engaging opportunities to learn through play in an open plan, free-flowing space.

Located on Kings Road, conveniently close to the train station, the nursery is open late to give parents maximum flexibility.

Nursery Director Hazel Leonard (MA) said,“The nursery is set in a wonderful location, backing on to woodland, and the interior is designed to reflect and celebrate that. There are lots of wooden blocks and planks and the children are always building things. There are no curtains at the windows and the children can look out and often see squirrels playing out there, which they love. It is open plan but we also have a separate classroom for circle time, painting and reading.

The nursery is looking to recruit new staff, both qualified and those wishing to train with the nursery, which is part of HM Training Group.

For more information, visit www.riversidedaynursery.org, email hazel@riversidedaynursery.org or call 01943 604 642.

ashdown lodge celebrates 25th Birthday Ashdown Lodge, home to Woodhouse Grove School’s Early Years pupils aged three to five, has celebrated its 25th Anniversary.

Current and former parents, governors, staff and children were all invited to a party to celebrate. The current Woodhouse Grove Head Prefect, Charlotte Proctor, and one of her deputies, Imogen Amos, acted as comperes. Both girls attended Ashdown, becoming firm friends from the age of three. They introduced a variety of stories, musical performances and presentations from staff and pupils, which was followed by birthday cake and a fun fair for the children in the school grounds.

Standing in its own purpose-built environment – yet close enough to Woodhouse Grove Junior School, Brontë House, to share their facilities when required – Ashdown Lodge’s indoor classrooms are bright and colourful with well-defined areas for the children to explore and investigate freely. The award-winning outdoor environment provides a large and varied space with a stream, woodland area, Bushcraft facilities and even a pirate ship in which children can play and learn.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Leeds 5

WHAT’S ON…

Families February

FAVOURITES February brings two fun, fabulous and not-to-be missed events this year…

OPERATION OUCH!

At the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford For February half term, the museum is joining forces with hit CBBC programme Operation Ouch! to explore the wonderful world of medicine, set up some crazy experiments, and give young fans the chance to see the stars of the show – Dr Chris, Dr Xand, and the latest member of the team, Dr Ronx.

One of the most popular programmes on CBBC, Operation Ouch! follows real-life stories from children’s A&E wards around the country, demonstrates eye-popping experiments and shares amazing facts about medicine and biology. It has won two BAFTAs (Best Children’s Factual Programme) and has just started its seventh series.

A whole range of free half term activities and live shows have been created at the museum for families to discover more about the fascinating (and sometimes gross!) science of the human body. Visitors can also delve further into the show through clips, trails and a look at some of the medical-themed objects in the museum’s collection.

Plus, on Tuesday, February 19, Operation Ouch! presenters Dr Chris, Dr Xand and Dr Ronx will be making a special appearance at the museum to reveal some behind-the-scenes secrets and share their favourite stories (booking via the website is required).

John Darnbrough, learning programmes developer at the museum, said, “We’re thrilled Operation Ouch! will be joining us in February, and can’t wait to take inspiration from some of the funniest, messiest and grossest bits of the show.

“If you’re a fan of the programme, interested in medicine and the human body, and want to take part in some great interactive events, we look forward to seeing you in the half term holiday.”

Operation Ouch! Half Term takes place from February 16 to 24.

Entry is free but booking may be required for some activities.

For more information, visit www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk 6 Families Leeds

Ice Cube at Millennium Square in Leeds Skates at the ready as Yorkshire’s coolest wintertime attraction is back for 2019! The Ice Cube returns to Millennium Square from February 1 to 24 with its undercover Ice Rink, allowing visitors to enjoy an outdoor skating experience whatever the weather.

There will also be an array of activities for all ages on site, both on and off the ice; from skate lessons for those wishing to perfect their skills and a Penguin Club on Saturday and Sunday mornings for parents and young children, to a line-up of family-friendly rides and attractions including the new AirMaxx.

Visitors can also enjoy some winter treats at The Skate Escape café.

For more information on session times, prices and how to book, visit www.millsqleeds.com

Competition Time…

We have four tickets to the Ice Cube to give away! To be in with a chance to win them, send an email with the title ICE to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk by January 20.

familiesonline.co.uk

BradfordGrammar.com @BradfordGrammar @GrammarSport

Open Event Tuesday 15 January

LOOKING FOR PRE-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES? DRAMA AND STORY TELLING

bradfordgrammar.com /signup

WEDNESDAY • 2pm - 2.45pm – 2 years to 4 years Drama

VENUE The Grove Centre, Horsforth

COST

Nurturing sporting talent

EXCELLENCE OPPORTUNITY HAPPINESS

Advanced booking for half a term £5/session One off bookings £5.50/session

CONTACT US: E: getintouch@northernartsfactory.co.uk W: www.northernartsfactory.co.uk T: 07747 105 277 or 07590 820 920 Twitter: @NorthernArtsFac Facebook: @Northernartsfactory

We believe that if you lay the right foundations for sport, it creates stronger athletes. It’s why it’s important for our pupils to focus on developing key skills which are transferable such as using the Performance Gym and experiencing a range of different sports. The right foundations provide solid grounding for longer sporting careers.

i

every rehearsal and performance that has made me Grovian.

Open Day

Thursday 21st March 9.30 - 11.00am and 4.00 - 6.30pm

BRONTË HOUSE

register at woodhousegrove.co.uk (2 to 11 years)

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Leeds 7

8 Families Leeds

familiesonline.co.uk

CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on CARRIE GRANT Carrie Grant first came to the attention of the nation as a Fame Academy judge, alongside her husband, David. Since then, Carrie has become a familiar face on our TV screens.

What you may not know it that she is also a formidable supporter of charities. Claire Winter caught up with her to talk about family life and her charity work.

What initially inspired you to become a singer and then a coach?

Like many creative children, singing and dancing was all I ever wanted to do from the youngest age. I actually think it got me through my childhood. Back in 1993, David (my husband) and I were regularly booking vocal sections and choirs for bands. One day when we were working with Take That on Pray, they asked us if we could coach them. We had never coached before, and we were more keen on singing, but once we began, we realised we loved it. It gave us access into people’s lives that meant we were mentoring as much as coaching and that is something we still love to do.

You’ve coached some great artists, who did you like working with the most?

I honestly love everyone I have coached.

When we first met the Spice Girls, that was awesome and slightly overwhelming as they were the most famous band on the planet at the time. I also loved working with Gwyneth Paltrow, who was an absolute darling.

You are a supporter of The Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme. Why did you decide to support it?

I have spent most of my life feeling like I’m somehow on the outside. I think it was growing up being the child of a single parent during a time when that was really rare. I was made to feel ashamed, and that shame is something I would never want any child to feel. The Diana Award has the best strategies; they empower the children and young people to work with one another, they create a real coolness around being kind, and of course, they have the support of the Princes behind them. Who wouldn’t want to support that! familiesonline.co.uk

What do you think parents and kids can do to prevent bullying?

We have to stop “othering” people.

Difference is not to be despised; it is a beautiful thing. The problem we have right now is that adult society is in a perpetual state of “othering”, so the wrong messages get put onto our children. Learn about difference in others and speak well of people in front of your children.

You and your husband have talked openly about having children with complex needs. What is your advice to parents whose children may have autism, ADHD or who are adopted and face challenges?

Once you’ve got through the first period of adjustment, a parental mindset change has to happen. We can keep despairing that our children have challenges or we can learn to look at them through a new lens, one which doesn’t define them by their challenges or issues, but finds beauty and magic and a whole host of other advantages and qualities to love and cherish.

How do you and your husband work around the demands of family life?

We try to job-share our time as much as possible so that one of us is always at home. We have had to become superparents and work out what is necessary for each child, and we have learned to parent in four different ways. It’s exhausting but also unbelievably rewarding. We are also working hard to change the world’s perception of autism, ADHD, and adoption so that the world might be a better place when they grow up. This is another way in which I feel The Diana Award is a perfect fit for the vision we have.

Are you working on any new projects at the moment?

I have just received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for my services to charity from the University of Bedfordshire and I am hoping this will open up even more doors for the campaigning work I do within the NHS for patients and within the SEND arena.

Workwise, I am a regular reporter for The One Show, and I also present for Radio London, Nurture TV, and Vintage TV. If you could give our readers one bit of advice, what would it be?

For all SEN parents – you are more powerful than you realise. If you feel isolated and as if your voice isn’t heard, join with others… because there will be a tipping point and change will come. And for all families, the biggest message I could give is,“YOU ARE ENOUGH.” The Diana Award is a charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world. The charity runs the leading Anti-Bullying Programme in the UK and Ireland, giving young people the skills, confidence, and training to tackle all forms of bullying as Anti-Bullying Ambassadors.

Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex, support the organisation.

Find out more about the charity at www.antibullyingpro.com

Families Leeds 9

CLUBS & CLASSES

Top Tips for Choosing Classes, Activities & Clubs for Your Child By Elisabeth Dolton Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the range and volume of activities, classes and clubs available for your child to join? Aside from the important issue of LOGISTICS, in other words, how are these activities going to fit into your schedule, how do you go about deciding what to choose? Here are my top tips…

• Talk to your children, explain how many activities you think there is time for and find out what they are interested in pursuing.

• Let them choose at least one class, activity or club themselves.

• Help them choose activities that reflect who they are and what they want to learn and don’t impose your own preferences.

• If you have a reluctant child, explain that it’s important and fun to try new things, but don’t insist.

• Remember that moving from one activity to another is normal amongst children.

• Always consider the benefits of an activity.

For instance, there’s great value in disciplinebased activities that create a quality product over a period of time and teach value skills such as leadership and team work eg putting on a play.

• Don’t assume that high cost equals high quality.

• Ensure staff members are professionals with relevant skills and experience.

• Consider the mix of activities. The benefits of exercise are huge, so try to include a sport.

• If you are stuck between two similar activities, consider the usefulness, e.g. drumming lessons might be cool, but the guitar might have wider applicability.

Good luck!

10 Families Leeds

familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

FAMILIES GUIDE to Clubs & Classes…

PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC & MOVEMENT MusicBugs Even tiny babies love music, and these relaxed, fun classes cater for all ages, from newborn up to four years old. So whether you have a Baby Bug (newborn to crawling) Mini Bug (six to 24 months) Jumping Bug (18 months to four years) or you have more than one (Family Bugs for mixed ages) You will all love these themed, engaging music sessions.

Trial sessions, or a three for £10 offer are available, or book for the full term. Siblings under one are free and aged one and above get a 50% discount. www.musicbugs.co.uk/leeds

grown-ups too. A qualified, trained and enthusiastic team of teachers offer a sessions at various locations throughout the week, and free taster sessions are available. www.tinysigners.co.uk Sing and Sign These classes are a relaxed, fun way to learn about baby signing. Each session includes roughly half an hour of singing and signing and then some social time for your baby to play and make friends.

Themes include going to the park, mealtime, bath time and bed time as well as animals, vehicles and other things to capture their imagination. www.singandsign.co.uk

Diddi Dance Diddi Dance classes are designed to help toddlers enhance their coordination and rhythm. They nurture their natural love of movement in a structured but relaxed 45minute class. Suitable for boys and girls aged 18 months and up – or even younger if they are steady on their feet!

Action songs, dancing games, fun exercises, hoops, ribbons and more – set to funky music with a variety of themes including salsa, hula, jive and disco. www.diddidance.com/diddi-dancenorth-central-leeds

Body, Mind & Heart Children can benefit hugely from fun, interactive yoga and mindfulness sessions, suitable for five to 11-year-olds, and run by an accredited children’s yoga teacher.

They help with strength, posture and flexibility, as well as breathing, concentration and communication.

They take place at the Grove Centre in Horsforth on Tuesdays and Fridays. www.bodymindandheartyoga.com

SIGNING

SWIMMING

Tiny Signers Tiny Signers is a well-established, independent teaching organisation offering unique, fun, educational signing sessions for young children alongside their parents or carers. Customised music and songs captivate the children and

Splish Splosh Swimming is such an important life skill, and Splish Splosh Swimming School offers small class sizes, with the teacher in the pool, and caters for all ages and abilities. Classes take place at The Grammar School at Leeds, Temple

YOGA & MINDFULNESS

Moor High School in Leeds and Moorlands School in Leeds. www.splishsploshswimmingschool.net

PERFORMING ARTS Northern Arts Factory Qualified dance and drama teachers with 18 years’ experience, Sally Harington and Anne Keighley are dedicated to fostering children’s happiness, skills and confidence in a safe and inspirational setting. They run weekly dance and acting classes on Wednesdays in Horsforth, Leeds and Thursdays in Northowram, Halifax.

Hour-long Junior Dance and Acting classes are both available for five to seven-year-olds, and Intermediate Dance and Acting classes cater for eight to 11-year-olds.

Dance classes focus on one a mixture of genres: streetdance, contemporary and jazz, while drama classes cover mime, improvisation, script, musical theatre and devising. www.northernartsfactory.co.uk Stagecoach Garforth High quality part-time training in the performing arts for children aged four to 18 years. Principal Lisa Druett aims is to nurture and develop young potential by providing children with the opportunity to participate in drama, dance and singing classes – helping them to stretch their imaginations, develop confidence and life skills, as well as having lots of fun. Two week trials are available.

Offering new Early Stages classes for four to six-year-olds, as well as Main Stages, for six to 18-year-olds, which are split in three age appropriate groups. www.stagecoach.co.uk/garforth

Riverside

Next to Moortown Primary School

DAY NURSERY ILKLEY

Loving Care and Superb Education Come and join us for the best day ever, at our visonary nursery. With inspiring rooms and adventurous outdoors, our learned & dedicated team look forward to welcoming you!

The Old Chapel, Shadwell Lane, Leeds. LS17 6DR t: 07766 808 257 e: leedsmontnurtury@aol.co.uk

www.yorkshiremontessorinursery.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

A brand-new full-time day care facility providing expert care from birth to five years old Close to the train station • Open late

01943 604 642 • 07790 307 440

2 Kings Road Ilkley e: hazel@riversidedaynursery.org.uk

www.riversidedaynursery.org

Families Leeds 11

FAMILY TIME

How to beat the JANUARY BLUES… Once the excitement of Christmas is over and gone, it can often feel like a real struggle for the whole family to keep things fresh and lively at the beginning of a new year. Here are a few ideas to do together – both indoors and out – to banish those January blues…

a family read-in When it’s blowing a gale outside, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon than snuggled up with a good book. For younger children you can encourage them to act out the story and show off your full range of funny faces and voices. For older children, take the opportunity to discuss what they're reading in some depth – talk about plot and characters and why they enjoy a particular type of book.

revive the art of den building For younger children, provide blankets, boxes and furniture indoors while encourage older children to get outdoors and get den building in the garden or the woods. Find out who’s the Bear Grylls of the family and who can create the best fantasy castle/spaceship/dragon’s belly. Den building is for everyone, so get involved.

walk with purpose The best way to blow away the cobwebs during January is to take the family for a long winter walk. It’s great exercise, but it’s even

more fun if you make your walk an excuse to collect items for some winter crafting.

Another interesting find on your walk might be a stick that transforms, with the help of some beads, feather, paint and markers into a wish stick for younger children or a talking stick for the older members of your tribe. Talking sticks have a long history in tribal cultures as a way of allowing everyone to have their say – you can only talk when holding the stick – so, for larger families, this could be an ideal way for your kids to create something that will ensure they’re heard.

Fun in the snow Of course, snow in January isn’t guaranteed, but if it does snow you have the ideal excuse to wrap up warm and organise snowman building contests and a monster snowball fight. Once that snowman is built, try frisbeeing a hat onto his head or play a game of pin the nose on the snowman using a carrot. And everyone can join in a simple game of tag, made a little more interesting if you’re only allowed to use the footprints of the other players.

look to the heavens On a clear night, there’s nothing better than wrapping up warm and heading

outside to stargaze. Download an app and see how many constellations you can find and identify. Younger children will enjoy spotting stars and older ones can test their astronomical knowledge.

Family Bake-off Those grey January days offer the perfect opportunity to get into the kitchen and bake up a storm. Let younger children indulge in some messy play with their own bowl of cake mix or a piece of pastry.

For older children, encourage some healthy competition by going ‘full Bake off’ and seeing who can produce the best cookies or cupcakes.

have a tech-free day Be brave and ban iPads, smartphones and games consoles for the day. Instead put out a pile of blank paper, pens and craft materials and see what your children can create.

Boredom can be the best motivator for creativity.

BABES for under 6 month olds STAGE 1 for 6–14 month olds STAGE 2 for 14–30 month olds

Town theme with Shop, Cafe & Petrol Station Freshly prepared food daily • Separate baby area Private Parties catered for (centre closed for parties)

www.singandsign.co.uk josiemartin@singandsign.co.uk

12 Families Leeds

Unit 2 • South View Business Park • Guiseley Leeds LS20 9PP (straight on past Argos, we're 3rd on left)

01943 870 189 www.tumbletownadventureplay.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

LEGAL

What will your DIGITAL LEGACY be?

Helen Gott, Director and Head of Wills and Probate at Emsleys Solicitors, highlights a new and aspect of her work – and explains why it’s important to tell loved ones about your digital assets…

We are increasingly living our lives online: we document our family’s milestones on social media, we chat to Alexa in our homes and shop online for almost everything.

As lawyers dealing with the estates of people who have died, getting to grips with digital assets, including where they are and how they need to be dealt with following somebody’s death, is an interesting and ever-changing part of our role.

Many of us go through life signing up for store cards, points cards and online accounts without necessarily keeping the paper trail that our parents and grandparents would have done. This means

familiesonline.co.uk

that it can be incredibly difficult to deal with somebody’s assets after death if it is not know where they hold assets.

Similarly, we will all have our own particular views about how we would like our online social media presence such as Facebook and Instagram to be curated or remembered following our death.

Thankfully, many social media providers are getting organised and are offering people the opportunity to set out who can access their social media account following the death of the account holder. Less straight forward is dealing with online assets such as Bitcoin, PayPal and other accounts where funds may be held.

It is therefore useful for families to try and have a discussion about what online assets are held. Whilst this may seem morbid, it can cause untold misery – for example, if money is held in an online bank account which nobody knows about, there is a real risk that those funds may never be traced and therefore may not be received by the intended recipients of the estate.

Emsleys Solicitors’ Wills and Probate team provides guidance to clients regarding digital assets. For more information, call 0113 201 4900 or email helen.gott@emsleys.co.uk.

Families Leeds 13

WHAT’S ON… Have you got an event you’d like us to list?

Email our What’s On editor, Lisa Ross, at lisa@familiesleeds.co.uk

Last chance to see… Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at City Varieties Music Hall – on until January 13

We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled, or times change. Please double check with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Queens of Industry at Leeds Industrial Museum until September 2019 Canal Rd, Armley, LS12 2QF 0113 263 7861 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Discover untold stories of women in industry from the early 20th Century to today. Daily except Mondays.

Play, fun, learn!

Otley – Saturdays Cross Green Community Centre, LS21 1HD East End Park – Sundays Cross Gates Community Centre, LS15 7TU 0113 244 3729 www.peopleinaction.org.uk Play, fun, learn! is a group for children aged 8 – 12 with a learning disability. It is free to attend and offers a variety of activities each week. Please contact the organisers for a quick referral chat before attending.

10am to 2pm.

Indoor Make and Play at Thwaite Mills Watermill – daily until January 6 Thwaite Lane, Stourton, LS10 1RP www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Beat the post-Christmas blues at Thwaite Mills with indoor toys and games, plus a picnic area and craft activities to keep all the family entertained whatever the weather.

Exhibition: Beavers to Weavers at Leeds City Museum – Daily (except Mondays) until June 2019 Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries An environmentally friendly exhibition displaying beautiful objects made by animals, from beavers to weaver birds.

Aladdin at The Alhambra Theatre – until January 20 Morley Street, BD7 1AJ 01274 432 000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Hop aboard a magical carpet and fly to Old Peking in this year’s must-see festive show, Aladdin, starring the undisputed King of Bradford Panto, Billy Pearce as Wishee Washee in his 20th Alhambra Theatre pantomime.

A Christmas Carol at Leeds Playhouse – until January 13 Playhouse Square, LS2 7UP 0113 213 7800 www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk With Christmas spirit, fun, music and magic at its heart, this timeless Charles Dickens tale is brought vividly to life.

Foster 4 Leeds information stall at White Rose Shopping Centre – January 23 0113 378 3538 www.leeds.gov.uk/foster4leeds All your questions about foster caring answered, 9.30am to 4pm.

Winter at Eureka! – until January 6 Discovery Road, HX1 2NE 01422 330 069 www.eureka.org.uk Experience the museum as never before as Eureka! celebrates the winter season with extra activities, decorations, winter shows and a huge outdoor Christmas tree.

Cinderella – The Rock 'N' Roll Panto at City Varieties Music Hall – until January 13 Swan Street, LS1 6LW 0113 243 0808 www.cityvarieties.co.uk The timeless rags to riches tale is given a soulful twist by a cast of incredibly talented actor-musicians who slip seamlessly between their panto characters and playing in the house band.

Snow White at Victoria Theatre – until January 5 2 Fountain Street, HX1 1BP 01422 351 158 www.calderdale.gov.uk Could this be the fairest pantomime of them all?

The magical fairy tale Snow White is at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax until January 5.

Shrek the Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre – until January 6 46 New Briggate, LS1 6NU, 0113 245 6014 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com Based on the story and characters from the DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairy tales upside down!

Hibernate at the Museum at Leeds City Museum – daily until January 6 Millennium Square, LS2 8BH www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Spend some time hiding out at the museum with cosy colouring activities and search for animals that hibernate with a free trail.

14 Families Leeds

Big Garden Birdwatch Lounge & Quiz Trail at RSPB Fairburn Ings – daily until January 27 Newton Lane, Castleford, WF10 2BH, 01977 628 191 www.rspb.org.uk The Big Garden Birdwatch 2019 will take place on 26–28 January and in the weeks leading up to it Fairburn Ings will be doing all they can to help you get prepared. Follow the Big Garden Birdwatch Quiz on the Discovery Trail, then bring back your completed quiz to claim your sticker!

Code Club at Halifax Central Library – Tuesdays Square Road, HX1 1QG 0142 2392 630 www.calderdale.gov.uk Weekly coding club for 9–13 year olds. 4pm to 5pm.

Edible Art at Leeds City Museum – January 10 Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries A creative morning with food for under 5s and their carers, taking inspiration from Winter. 10.30am to 12pm Song of the Sea at Leeds Central Library – January 15 Municipal Buildings, Calverley Street, LS1 3AB 0113 247 6016 www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents This enchanting Irish animation tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic, in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. Certificate PG. 6.30pm.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Carriageworks – daily until January 26 The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LS2 3AD 0113 376 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk It’s Snow White’s 18th birthday at the castle. The magic mirror has announced that the “fairest in the land” is Snow White and Queen Malevolent is not happy, especially as the handsome Prince Rupert has fallen for Snow White.

Leeds Dads Meet-up at The Tetley – January 20 Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ 07930 236 383 www.leedsdads.org A playgroup for dads and pre-school kids. A selection of toys and games are provided to keep the kids happy. Get loads of new ideas for dads to engage with their children and expect plenty of arts and crafts, Lego, stories and games. 2pm.

Dick Whittington and his Cat at The Victoria Theatre in Halifax – February 1 Fountain Street, HX1 1BP 01422 351 158 www.victoriatheatre.co.uk Join Limelight Theatre School’s talented performers as they follow Dick Whittington to London on his pantomime adventures. With an original script and great mixture of classic and modern songs, they’ll need your help in battling King Rat and his Rat Pack.

2pm.

Chinese New Year Extravaganza at The Victoria Theatre in Halifax – February 1 Fountain Street, HX1 1BP 01422 351 158 www.victoriatheatre.co.uk Touring across the country to celebrate the biggest festive event on the Chinese calendar, ‘Chinese New Year Extravaganza’ features a team of performers showcasing amazing Chinese performing arts. From the cheerful spirit of the auspicious Lion Dance, to the awe-inspiring contortion, the show is a colourful display of Chinese cultural tradition. 7.30pm.

Ice Cube – February 1 to 24 Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre LS2 3AD www.millsqleeds.com Returning to Millennium Square, Ice Cube’s undercover rink allows you to skate whatever the weather.

There are skating lessons, rides, attractions and a café all on offer.

Kids Yoga Workshop at Yoga Hero – February 3 The Boulevard, Clarence Dock, LS10 1LU 07743 513 225 www.yogahero.co.uk An afternoon of mindfulness, movement, learning, creativity and fun. The event will include yoga centred games and activities, with time to move and time to play, as well as an arts and crafts activity; allowing children to take home some beautifully personal and mindful crafts. Perfect for children aged 4–12 years.

3pm.

Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime in Stories at Leeds City Museum – Daily (except Monday) from February 8 to June 16 Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 378 5001 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries This exhibition will be an exciting insight into the life and work of Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse.

It will explore the imagination and story-telling of the much-loved children’s writer with original manuscripts and immersive experiences to let your imagination run wild.

familiesonline.co.uk

Beavers to Weavers at Leeds City Museum The Incredible Playable Show at The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford – February 8 & 9 Pictureville, BD1 1NQ 0844 856 3797 www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk Take to the stage in an amazing interactive comedy show all about videogames. Created by game developer Alistair Aitcheson, The Incredible Playable Show is an interactive videogame comedy show which puts the audience at the heart of the action. 2pm.

Story time at Leeds City Museum – Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from February 10 to June 16 Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 378 5001 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Drop in to the Michael Morpurgo exhibition and enjoy story time with one of the Visitor Assistants. This event will not run during school holidays. All dates are subject to staffing, if you’re making a special visit please call to check on the day. 11.30am to 12pm.

Brian Cox Live – Universal World Tour at Leeds First Direct Arena – February 14 Arena Way, LS2 8BY www.briancoxlive.co.uk Taking audiences to the edge of our current understanding about the origin and evolution of our Solar System and the Universe, Professor Brian Cox UNIVERSAL World tour 2019 offers a fascinating insight into the workings of nature at the most fundamental level, 8pm.

WHAT’S ON… Birds Nest Billy at Otley Courthouse – February 23 Courthouse Street, LS21 3AN 01943 467216 www.otleycourthouse.org.uk Bird’s Nest Billy is an adventurous, playful show for 3–7 year olds and their grown-ups. One day when his best big brother is at school and Billy has no-one to play with, a magical bird chirps out of his curly, bird’s nest hair and the bird grants him three wishes. 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

Step into Stories at Leeds City Museum – February 20 to 22 Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Spend "dream time" at the museum this school holidays.

Create your own imaginary characters inspired by Joey the War Horse, The Butterfly Lion and Flamingo Boy. Creative activities for all ages inspired by the stories of Michael Morpurgo, 10am to 3pm.

The Magical Music of Harry Potter at Leeds Town Hall – February 23 The Headrow, LS1 3AD 0113 247 6647 www.leedsconcertseason.co.uk Celebrate the story of the most famous wizard in the world through the phenomenal music of John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper and Alexandre Desplat.

Bring your own wands, just in case a quick spell is necessary. Remember, swish and flick! 7.30pm.

Nick Sharratt’s Right Royal Drawalong at The Carriageworks – February 21 The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LS2 3AD 0113 376 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt and draw along with him! He’ll be showing you how to sketch favourite characters like Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, sharing ways of creating fantastic creatures like dragons and unicorns, and giving loads of top tips. Ages 4 years and above, 2pm.

Jack and the Beanstalk at The Carriageworks – February 24 The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LS2 3AD 0113 378 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk The classic fairy tale gets the Lyngo Theatre treatment so expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from CBeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for five magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds. Ages 3+, 11pm & 2pm.

Operation Ouch at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford – February 16 to 24 Pictureville, Bradford, BD1 1NQ www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk For February Half Term, the museum is joining forces with hit CBBC programme Operation Ouch! to explore the wonderful world of medicine, do some experiments and give young fans the chance to meet its stars.

Foster 4 Leeds information evening at Village Hotel South in Morley – February 18 0113 378 3538 www.leeds.gov.uk/foster4leeds All your questions about foster caring answered, from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Matilda the Musical Tour at The Alhambra Theatre – February 19 to March 23 Morley Street, BD7 1AJ, 01274 432 000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. Matilda is an extraordinary girl with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind who dares to take a stand against oppressive forces and takes her destiny into her own hands.

Day at the Museum: Step into Stories at Leeds City Museum – February 19 Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 378 5001 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries Bring to life the characters in the stories of Michael Morpurgo by crafting finger puppets, kites and animal masks. Free, drop in. 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.

Puppet Making at Leeds City Museum – February 19 Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 378 5001 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries With inspiration from Michael Morpurgo’s animal stories and using every day, throwaway materials, you will make your own string puppet. Puppeteer Diana will show you how to move your puppet to bring it to life and show its character. For all ages from 5 years.

Workshops at 10.15am, 11.15am, 1pm and 2pm.

Bird’s Nest Billy at The Carriageworks – February 19 & 20 The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LS2 3AD 0113 376 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk Bird’s Nest Billy is an adventurous, playful show for 3–7 year olds and their grown-ups. One day when his best big brother is at school and Billy has no-one to play with, a magical bird chirps out of his curly, bird’s nest hair and the bird grants him three wishes.

familiesonline.co.uk

Unlock your child’s potential

with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

Stagecoach Garforth Classes held at:

Garforth Academy, Lidgett Lane, Garforth, LS25 1LJ

Sherburn High School, Garden Lane, Sherburn-In-Elmet, LS25 6AS

Find out more today:

stagecoach.co.uk/garforth

garforth@stagecoach.co.uk 0808 208 5134

Creative Courage For Life

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

Families Leeds 15