Families Leeds May-June 2012

 Leeds’ Favourite Parenting Magazine // MAY/JUNE 2012 // ISSUE 22

MOORFIELD SCHOOL 2 11 years

Water Babies are the UK’s leading baby swimming school offering multiaward winning classes in your area.

cclasses lasses h held eld a across c ro s s Y Yorkshire o r k s h i re including including Leeds Leeds & ssurrounding u r ro u n d i n g a areas re a s

Officially outstanding in every area I N D E P E N D E N T S C H O O L I N S P E C T O R AT E

Foundation Stage Open

Our fun, innovative classes teach life-saving water confidence skills from birth to four years.

Day

Fun Activities and a Bear Hunt!

Tuesday 22nd May 2012 - 9.30 am to 3.00 pm

To ďŹ nd out more and Join in the fun call...

waterbabies.co.uk

Ben Rhydding Road Ilkley LS29 8RL 01943 607285

www.moorfieldschool.co.uk

What’s inside…

Welcome Back…

We love a bit of nostalgia in the Butters’ house. My girls are forever finding old photos that I’ve tried to hide away. However, when I hear giggles from my bedroom closet, I know they’ve dug out the grainy memories of my own childhood, which are a scrapbook of fashion disasters.

Recently our family put together a photo album for my mother and father-in-law’s Golden Wedding anniversary. It was a great opportunity to laugh at the good times captured on camera, and cry at the smiling faces no longer with us. The girls roared with laughter at the childhood pictures of my husband, especially the one taken when the Butters family celebrated the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. He was stood, aged 3, with his older sister and brother, dressed as a police officer with a sign saying ’Special Case’ hanging round his neck.

So I set to creating my own piece of family and Families’ history.

Teaming up with the wonderful Robling Photography we spent an afternoon making some new Jubilee memories for the Butters family album. As you can see from the cover, we’ve crowned a new Queen!

Take a look behind the scenes at our shoot on page 13.

Capturing family memories is so important. It’s great to photograph the big events – like birthday parties and school plays – but it’s the lazy afternoons in the sunshine, dressed up as a future monarch that really capture a childhood. I know in the years ahead I’ll hear my grandchildren laughing at the pictures that show the day their mums were made to have a make believe tea party, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.

Here’s to a summer of happy memories!

6

Families Review BUTTERCUPS

9

Fundraising Ideas for PTAs

11

TIPS for speaking FRENCH and SPANISH on holiday

13

Behind the scenes at our JUBILEE PHOTO SHOOT

14

Let’s make JUBILEE biscuits

15

What’s on JUBILEE celebrations

18

The Dos and Don’ts of BIRTHDAY PARTIES

20

Keep Calm and PLAN YOUR PARTY

24

TOP 10 Birthday GIFTS

27

What’s On including JUNE HALF TERM

CIRCULATION: 18,000 copies printed NEXT DEADLINE: July/August is the 14th June. 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 PHOTOGRAPH: Huge thanks to Robling Photography. Look at more of their work at www.roblingphotography.com PRINTED BY: Warners, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH 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.

Book your Summer Workshop now…

Sarah Butters

ROBLING lifestyle

photography

Passionate about creating memories that last forever......

07950 562924 07595 347239 www.roblingphotography.com roblingphotography@yahoo.com

Wetherby, Selby & Kippax on 0113 210 3505 Alwoodley on 01943 817 414 Horsforth & Morley on 01757 248 884 Roundhay on 0845 678 7778 www.stagecoach.co.uk

Families

NEWS‌

ďƒ¨ Flash mob cash for Marie Curie Leeds based dance school Danceworks has raised an amazing ÂŁ667 with a charity flash mob. Laura Jakes appealed for dancers to come along to Moorlands School in the last issue of Families Leeds. 174 people turned up and paid to learn and perform a street dance. “We had such a laugh learning the dance,â€?says Laura. “The youngest dancer was just a year old and the oldest was 72. We raised more than double our target for Marie Curie!â€?

Congratulations to Laura and all those who supported her. You can see the flash mob in action on YouTube under the heading ‘Flash Mob

by Danceworks’.

DANCEWORKS

Stockeld hosts Yorkshire Game Fair‌

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

Pull on your wellies and head for the wonderful Stockeld Park on the 26th and 27th May for the Yorkshire Game Fair. It’s the 5th year of this great family day out. See ferrets and falcons and feast on great Yorkshire food. This year there’s a Countryside Family Adventure to keep everyone entertained. Have a go on a climbing wall, or get behind the wheel of a mini quad bike. If you fancy something a little more traditional then head to the funfair. Family tickets are available and doors open at 8am on both days. www.yrcgamefairs.co.uk

Book HERO CAMPS online!

Busy parents are being given a helping hand when sorting holiday childcare by the magical folk at Fantasy Kids Clubs.

Suzanne Kaye Vaughan and her team have launched a new website allowing you the chance to choose and book your child’s camp at the click of a button. “We want to make it as easy as possible for parents to arrange fun childcare,�explains Suzanne. “With us there’s no printing off forms. Simply click and book!�

Choose from a Fairy or Hero Camp in Wakefield, Harrogate, Leeds or new for this summer York. The character led camps run from 9am – 3pm for children from 3 years old. www.fantasykidsclubs.co.uk

BABY SWIMMERS Come Swimming, Be Safe, Have Fun!

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

LEEDS • BRADFORD • YORK • HARROGATE • POCKLINGTON

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

Have you got animal magic?

How would you like to work with giant cockroaches, tarantulas and snakes?

Are you interested in helping children to understand the animals they only see in books? Lion Learners is looking for franchisees to join them here in Yorkshire. You’ll spend your days talking to children in schools, nurseries, libraries and at birthday parties about familiar and more exotic animals. “Over the past 3 years, we’ve built up a reputation as an outstanding educational resource,� explains Liona Warwicker from Lion Learners. “The franchise opportunity we’ve developed means you can be part of our successful team.� www.lionlearners.co.uk

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FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 5

Going green, pink & blue!

A West Yorkshire based toy shop is changing the way we think about children’s gifts. Bambino Green was launched last December by Ilkley mum Lola Green. Lola set up the business after being made redundant. She says her products are unlike those you’ll find on the high street. They’re fun, funky and 100% world friendly.

“I’ve always had a secret dream to create a shop offering affordable, fab gifts made in an ethically sound way,”explains Lola. “It’s a world away from the hemp and tie dye associated with fair trade products. They’re bold, bright and universally appealing.”

Our favourites are the pink Tool Kit and the Crayon Rocks featured in our birthday gift guide on page 24. Check out the full Bambino Green range at www.bambinogreen.co.uk.

Midnight walk for St Gemmas…

Mums across Leeds are being invited to take part in a night time walk to raise funds for a local hospice.

The Leeds Midnight Walk will take place on Saturday 12th May and 1,000 women are expected to take part.

The walk, which begins and ends on Kirkstall Road will pass through Horsforth and West Park along either a 7 or 10 mile route. To book your place go to www.leedsmidnightwalk.co.uk or call 0113 218 5505.

SWIMMING LESSONS Small class sizes • Teacher in pool • All ages & abilities

Flex Dance Olympic fever Would you like to create your own Olympic opening ceremony? Flex Dance are offering to run one day workshops at schools across Leeds, linking up with the Olympic theme.

“If your school is having an Olympic week to celebrate London 2012, book us to come along,” explains Steph from Flex Dance. “We’ll spend a day creating a ceremony involving all the school. It’s a great way to get children excited about the Olympics.”

For availability in June and July, call 07921 222 710 • www.flexdanceinc.com

Go Stir Krazy this half term Cooking Cathie and her holiday cookery workshops are going from strength to strength. She’ll be hosting Stir Krazy workshops at Adel Cricket Club over Jubilee Half Term in June. Sessions will run on Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th and Friday 8th June.

Places are limited so make sure you book early. Watch out for the summer workshops which will be on the website soon. www.stirkrazykids.co.uk • 07725 083 959

First Class SUCCESS After school study centre First Class Learning is opening the doors to a third Maths and English tuition centre here in Leeds. Sessions in Moortown and Alwoodley have been thriving under the leadership of Simon Deacon.

He’s now been joined by Dawn Scargill who will be running the Roundhay centre on a Wednesday afternoon at the Methodist Church.

There’s a special opening offer so why not get in touch to find out more. www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

Classes at The Grammar School at Leeds Mercure Parkway, Bramhope Moorlands School & Temple Moor High School

0844 264 1102 (Local call rate)

info@splishsploshswimmingschool.com www.splishsploshswimmingschool.com

BUTTERCUPS Westgate Arcade Otley • LS21 3AT 01943 468 544

There’s a mouthwatering welcome for visitors to Buttercups in Otley. New owner Sarah Holmes has the oven on and a batch of cup cakes is about to go in.

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

Creative Creative fun for 2 - 4 year olds.

Themed Craft Parties for all ages also available.

Contact Sarah on 07973 773048 or email Sarah@gomakeit.co.uk to book your free free trial.

Within minutes the recently refurbished soft play centre is filled with the smell of freshly baked buns. It takes a strong mum to say no and most of the visitors aren’t resisting.

Sarah and her sister Colette Butterworth took over Buttercups in March. The centre, which used to be known as Playdayz, has been given a top to toe clean and a fresh facelift, befitting of its new name. “It needed some TLC,�says Colette. “It was a bit tired and a bit dark, so we’ve brightened it up with lots of yellow to keep with the Buttercup theme. It feels brighter and warmer.�

To Collette and Sarah, running Buttercups is more than simply a job. The sisters teamed up to run their own business after tragedy hit Colette. She lost her husband James 15 months ago after a short battle with cancer. Her new venture is about creating a future for herself and her 2 young children, and keeping her husband’s memory alive. “I wanted the name of the centre to pay tribute to James,�explains Colette. “Our last name is Butterworth so we decided on the name Buttercups. When I spoke to some of James’ old friends about it, they told me his old PE teacher used to call him Buttercup.

I knew we’d picked the right name!�

Buttercups is a family business and the sisters clearly love working together. They’ve made lots of changes to improve the experience for visiting families, including a changing table in the toilets, a craft area, a chalk board and a new wooden kitchen. They’ve simplified the menu and improved the quality of everything they serve, from the freshly baked cupcakes to the freshly made coffee. A visit here is a treat for children and mums too. “We tick all the boxes,�says Sarah. “We make a great cup of coffee. We’ve got loads of magazines to look through and some comfy sofas to sit on. The equipment is spotless too.�

And don’t forget the cupcakes – baked by Sarah and devoured by families daily.

An alarm signals another oven ready batch and ends our conversation, with a queue already forming at the counter. Before she heads for the oven, Sarah says the success of Buttercups would be the perfect tribute to her late brother in law. “It’s our responsibility as a family to make sure Colette’s children remember James.

By opening this place, we’re doing that every day. I know he’d be so proud.�

Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am – 3pm. Open Thursday 9.30am – 6pm & Saturday 9.30am – 12noon. £3 for walkers. £1.50 for crawling babies. Suitable for under 8s.

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FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 7

Kathy Walker loves her job. Since March, she’s been making the journey from her home in Pool in Wharfedale to her new boutique in Horsforth with a huge smile on her face.

And today is no different. She welcomes me into Ragamuffins with the offer of a coffee and invites me to browse as she heads in the direction of the kettle. Big mistake. By the time she returns with my brew, I’ve identified at least 6 new outfits for my girls. Time to turn my attention away from shopping and get on with the job in hand.

Kathy set her sights on opening a quality children’s clothing boutique at the end of last year. New Road Side in Horsforth seemed like the perfect location.

It’s already a family friendly high street and Ragamuffins definitely compliments the more established businesses. There’s been a warm welcome here for Kathy which, she says has helped her settle in.

“The shoe shop Hopscotch has been really supportive, as has Kids Clubhouse and The Little Hen Company,”she says.

“It’s great to be in a community where we all work together to create a great family high street here in Horsforth.”

Ragamuffins is a change of direction for mum of two Kathy. After 15 years in financial services, she decided it was time to take on a new challenge. Launching a business in this financial climate is certainly a challenge, but not one that has put Kathy off.

“You only live once and if you don’t try something, you’ll never know.” she continues,“I know from the response I’ve had here, there is the demand for a quality children’s clothes shop and I’m here to meet that demand.”

Quality is at the heart of Ragamuffins, but quality that’s affordable. There’s a

great range of brands includingToffee Find Ragamuffins Boutique at Moon, Hadley, Frugi and Sugar Pink.

105b New Road Side in Horsforth.

There’s also a great selection of pyjamas Open daily from 9.30am. 0113 259 0548 for boys and girls and a super range of bright tutus from local producer Award Winning Baby Development Classes CandyBows. However, the for Babies from birth to 13 months collection that’s caught my eye is No Added Sugar. Kathy says For classes in Harrogate, Wetherby & LS17: it’s been a real draw for a lot of Rachel 07801 367 553 parents who’ve found her prices harrogate@babysensory.com to be competitive.

For classes in Horsforth, Light Shows Calverley, Chapel Allerton “We’ve avoided the really top & North Bradford: Brain Games Nicola 07800 930 640 end brands,”says Kathy. “We seem bradfordnorth@ to have hit the right price bracket.

Scent & Textures babysensory.com There’s lots of affordable items, Musical Instruments www.babysensory.com but if you’re looking for something special, we’ve got those items too.”

FREE Taster Sessions Available Kathy says it’s early days and she’s still having to remind herself that Ragamuffins is her own business. Juggling the new venture The Little Hen Company with motherhood has been stressful and tiring but that’s not stopping plans for TOP MODEL expansion. Already Schleich Plastic Animals there’s talk of a second Sylvanian Families Beanie shop and the future for Boos Big Jigs Rail WOW Ragamuffins looks as bright as the beautiful Wooden Railway TOYS clothes on its rails.

“It’s really hard work, but because it’s my own business the rewards of that hard work are all mine,” Kathy says. “And that 125 New Road Side (A65) • Horsforth • LS18 4QD feels great!”

Wooden Toys

LEGO

Baby Gifts

PLAYMOBIL

NEW SHOP IN HORSFORTH

0113 258 2808 • www.thelittlehencompany.com

8

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

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

Experienced professional dentists.

Emphasis on preventative dentistry.

A full range of dental treatment available.

DR A M QAYYUM HIGH ASH DENTAL SURGERY, 88 HIGH ASH DRIVE, ALWOODLEY, LEEDS LS17 8RE Tel 0113

2688 391

The âžš

Diary of a

IMPERFECT MUM‌ In this issue, we welcome a new columnist to the Families’ family.

Claire Bottomley is mum to 3 year old Max as well as being a local journalist and blogger. She shares her thoughts on the forthcoming Jubilee.

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UMMY, the Prince is waving at me!

Through the hustle, bustle and excitement, and the slight haze brought on by my first drop of pre-lunch alcohol for a very long time (bucks fizz), I registered my little boy waving back at Prince William on the television screen.

Royal Wedding Day, 2011. The realisation struck me. It was an historic moment, and one which came with a big responsibility; to turn it into a wonderful lifelong memory for my own little prince. So how well had I done?

Let’s see now. There was my fruitless search for not-sold-out Union Jack bunting the day before the wedding. Not to worry, however – I was able to improvise and use the Cath Kidston floral bunting usually draped round the wardrobe as a substitute to adorn our front door.

Then there was our offering to the street party, which looked decidedly homemade when compared to the intimidatingly perfect confectionary donated by some.

And of course my attempt to conform to the dress code of the festivities. Jeans, a white shirt and a pink scarf were my best efforts at flying the flag for Queen and country.

This year, I have been given a second chance. For the Queen’s Jubilee I Will Do Better.

Bunting will be bagged well in advance of festivities. Practicerun royal-themed cupcakes will be delivered to my oven at regular intervals between now and the big day.

And perhaps this year my little boy could dress up as Prince William, as a mark of allegiance to his future monarch.

Will I achieve this? That’s to be seen. But when I do look back at last year’s extra bank holiday, what I really remember is the children, once they had had their fill of sausage rolls and flag waving, running around and having fun. They charged to and from the trestle tables as part of an unfathomable new game, playing past their bedtimes and revelling in it, now that the grown-ups had relaxed.

The politics of who brought which sandwiches and whether or not the buns were red, white and blue concerned them not.

It was one of those occasions they will hopefully remember, not for the detail but for the atmosphere, when everyone felt a bit special.

That’s what I hope my little boy will feel this year. And hopefully, to top it off, the Queen will wave at him, too.

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Follow Claire’s blog at www.bookclubmum.com

Putting the FUN in

School FUNdraising!

Is your PTA in need of some inspiration? Are you looking for new ways to raise cash this summer? Here’s a list of some tried and tested favourites and some ideas you may not have thought about. Happy Fundraising! .CURLY WILLOW.

.ATTACH A TAG.

Everyone needs a good stock of greetings cards.

Whether it’s wishing a classmate ‘happy birthday’ or thanking a class teacher for a year of support, parents need a steady supply of cards. Local mum of three Mari Johnson has a fundraising company that keeps your card supply topped up, while keeping PTA funds topped up too.

“We invite schools to register online,”explains Mari. “Then parents make their purchases via the website and 10% of every order goes back to their school. The best supported schools will receive hundreds of pounds.”

In a world where parents’ time is precious and money is tight, this is the sort of fundraising we want.

“Cake sales are super and children love them but I offer fundraising without effort,” explains Mari. “Parents can buy from the comfort of their own home, without giving up any time. You’re raising money by buying something you were going to buy anyway!”

Mari supports her fundraising schools by sending leaflets for distribution in book bags. There’s also an easy to use email template which PTAs can personalise and circulate. The money raised is calculated and sent out at the end of the academic year. Mari launched her business last September so this is the first full year Curly Willow has been in business.

“There’s been a great response from schools not just across Yorkshire, but across the UK,” she says. “At a time when money is tight, we are helping schools raise much needed funds. I can’t wait to hand over the first Curly Willow cheque to Sacred Heart Primary School in Ilkley this summer.” www.curlywillowfundraising.co.uk • 01943 863 368

.Other ideas we’ve heard about….

unwanted clothes to school.

Bag2School: Parents bring bags of e, the school receives £500.

They’re weighed and for every tonn www.bag2school.com ring Year 6 children the Leavers Gifts: Some schools are offe d of Leavers Bears hear ve We’ chance to buy a leavers gift.

Hoodies ers Leav and (www.stuartmorris.co.uk) (www.hoodietee.co.uk). mer term. Children can Freeze Pop Friday: Great for the sum e pop. freez a buy bring in 20p on a Friday and

I’ve yet to meet a mother who enjoys sewing labels on their child’s clothing.

However, the Attach a Tag system is a needle-less, thread-less way of making sure every item makes it back home. Many an item has been labeled at Families Leeds’ HQ just minutes before leaving the house with the Attach a Tag system. The company is offering PTAs 10% cash back on orders placed via the fundraising scheme.

“Our tags are really easy to apply,” explains Ben Carris from Attach A Tag. “They don’t degrade in the wash and they can be removed to use on other garments.”

Register your interest at www.attachatag.com and they’ll send leaflets for school bags and posters for school notice boards.

.LABELS4KIDS. Making sure your child’s clothes and possessions are clearly labeled is so important. It will save you money and save your child distress.

A clearly labeled sock or cardigan is one that’s going to find its way back to the rightful owner. Labels4Kids offer the chance to stock up on all that vital labeling equipment while raising funds for your school.

The award winning retailer is already supporting hundreds of schools across the UK, by giving 10% commission on every order placed.

Labels4Kids is easy to use as a fundraising tool. You supply your school’s details and they will provide postcards for book bags, and direct you to • SStimulating timulating m multi-sensory www.labels4kids.com b baby aby classes classe • EExciting xciting toddler classes todd where you can download Educational pre-school i o n a l • E d u c a t p posters for publicity. ssessions. essions.

This is raising funds while reducing the size of your Call for your FREE lost property box! trial session

Call Call Elizabeth Elizabeth on on 0113 0113 232 232 8 8131 131

Clothes Labelling made easy.

Reusable Dry clean

Secure Comfortable Boil wash Iron proof Quick apply Small

You provide name

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

Clothes labelling made easy

We etch the name

We post

Order online at:

www.attachatag.com email: e

info@attachatag.com or call:

01757 638926

No sewing - No ironing - No markers

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

www.curlywillowfundraising.co.uk

10

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

Class NEWS… FLEXDANCE

GO MAKE IT – NEW

These popular musical theatre and street dance classes are now available in Crossgates. Sam and Steph already run sessions at John Smeaton Leisure Centre and at Colton on a Saturday, but they’ve decided to add a morning class at St Theresa’s Church in Crossgates.

It’s suitable for children from 5 years old and runs from 9.30am – 11am. www.flexdanceinc.com

Every child loves to make a mess, but no mum likes to clear it up.

That’s why we give a warm welcome to Sarah Sutton who is launching pre-school art and craft sessions.

Classes will run in Horsforth and Chapel Allerton and are suitable for mini Monets from 2 years old. Contact Sarah to book your place at sarah@gomakeit.co.uk or call on 07973 773 048.

CATERPILLAR MUSIC – NEW We welcome a new music session to Leeds. Louise Watmough has launched Caterpillar Music for babies and young children and we’re delighted to have her in the LS postcodes. The established music classes are a great mix of colourful instruments, exciting themes and some friendly puppets.

Classes are running in Bramhope, Cookridge, Menston, Rawdon and Meanwood. For a FREE trial call Louise on 0113 391 0210 • www.caterpillarmusic.com

DIDDI DANCE Every diddi in Leeds must be dancing with the launch of two new classes. Sessions are now up and running in Church Fenton on a Tuesday morning and Ilkley on a Thursday.

Don’t forget you can also disco, cha-cha or foxtrot to a class in Boston Spa, Churwell, Garforth, Guiseley, Horsforth or Roundhay. Make sure you enter our competition to win a Diddi Dance Party on page 15. Good Luck! www.diddidance.com

BABIES CAN SIGN Try baby signing for FREE! Vicki Gilbert is offering parents a free trial at the Tiny Signers Drop In sessions running in Horsforth, Pudsey and Yeadon.

“It’s a great way to experience what we do without the commitment of a term of classes.” www.tinysigners.co.uk

SOCATOTS Everyone will be watching the England football team over the next few weeks, so it’s good that Socatots has an eye on the stars of the future. New sessions are now running in Meanwood on a Friday and there’s a Sunday morning class in Moortown.

“We hope the weekend session will appeal to busy parents and especially Dads,”says Claire Ward from Socatots. www.socatots.com

MUSICBUGS MusicBugs at Farsley Children’s Centre had a special visitor to a recent party.

Shadow Chancellor and local MP Ed Balls popped in to say hello to the group.

“We weren’t expecting him but we were very pleased to welcome him to the class,”says Nicola Lawlor from MusicBugs. www.musicbugs.co.uk

Fitness, Fun & Friends!

MUSICAL THEATRE & STREET DANCE for children from 3–11 years across Leeds Book your SUMMER WORKSHOP now at John Smeaton Leisure Centre

FLEX DANCE PARTIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE

0 7 9 2 1 2 2 2 7 1 0 • w w w. f l e x d a n c e i n c . c o m

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 11

Parlez Vous

ANGLAIS? Taking a trip abroad can be a great opportunity for your child to put into practise the phrases they’ve learnt at language class. Founder of Little Fidgets, Lucy Amos offers some tips.

Bed and Breakfasts used to be the preserve of English villages but now there are plenty of French and Spanish ones.

Although lots are run by British people you will also find the locals have seen how popular they are and have started running their own. If you stay at a B&B run by a French or Spanish person (called ‘Chambre D’HĂ´te’ in French and in Spain look for the words ‘Casa rural’) you’ll get more chance to speak the lingo and experience the local culture.

If you get the chance, pop into the local tourist office and find out if there are any events happening locally. We’ve seen some really lovely festivals in Brittany – with people in costume, local cuisine and great

If you’re off to France or Spain this summer it’s the perfect time to get your child learning languages. A recent article in The New York Times was full of information about how important learning a second language is to boosting your brain power and it’s so much better and easier to start when the children are young – when their brains are much better at learning new words and picking accents.

When you book your holiday, if you can, try and stay in a small town or village – that way you’ve got a much better chance of using your French or Spanish. Big towns tend to have more English speakers and you want to get in as much practise as you can.

People tend to be friendlier in small towns too, so you’re more likely to chat to people.

When you go shopping try to avoid the big anonymous supermarkets and buy as much as you can in the local market.

This will give you and your child a fantastic opportunity to chat to the locals. People on the continent simply adore children and will welcome any efforts you make at speaking the language with open arms. After you’ve done your shopping, treat yourself to a drink in a local cafÊ and get the children to do the ordering!

Fren

ch & S p a n i s h f o r C h

ildre

To book a free trial call 07725 339257

www.tennis-tots.co.uk

music. Sometimes you get local people demonstrating crafts such as pottery, lace-making and wood-turning and this can be a fantastic and inexpensive way to see another side of local life and hear the language.

To get yourselves in the mood it’s a great idea to buy some French or Spanish music; Francis Cabrel sounds typically French and for Spain we recommend the music of Joaquin Sabina.

To find out more about Little Fidgets language classes or to sign up for their really useful newsletter visit www.littlefidgets.co.uk or call 0113 347 0350.

LITTLE FIDGETS useful phrases‌ FRENCH Bonjour Merci, madame Au revoir S’il vous plaÎt Pourriez-vous rÊpÊter?

Chambre d’Hôte

n

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

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

Tel 0113 3470350

ENGLISH Hello Thank you (to a lady) Good bye Please Could you repeat that?

Bed and Breakfast

SPANISH Hola Gracias, seĂąora AdiĂłs Por favor ÂżMe lo puedes repetir?

Casa rural

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12

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

Single Sex Education

Starting Young In the last issue we visited Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) in Wakefield to look at how boy centred learning is attracting more and more pupils. In this issue, we’ve returned to the city to visit Wakefield Girls High School (WGHS) to find out what’s making parents choose a single sex education for their daughters.

I

N a bright and laughter filled Year 1 classroom in the heart of the Junior School at WGHS, all the children are keen to show off their artwork to visitors. A year ago these girls would’ve been joined by the boys now busy reading about dinosaurs over at QEGS. But since September 2011 girls and boys from 4 years old have been taught separately and the results have been rewarding, according to WGHS Junior Head Daphne Cawthorne.

“In the 4 – 7 year age group, our teachers are getting through so much more work. The girls are just eating it up – they love it. But they’re also having a lot of fun.

We did worry that taking the boys out of the school would take away that fun but that’s simply not been the case at all.”

The decision to offer children as young as 4 years old a single sex education at both WGHS and QEGS was a brave one.

At a time when many private schools are choosing to opt for co-educational status, these two high achieving schools are bucking the trend. Almost a year on, interest in Reception entry is healthy which more than justifies the school’s decision.

Maths and English Study Programmes

“What we’re doing with our 4 year old girls, the boys are doing at 6 and 7,” explains Daphne Cawthorne. “Girls have longer concentrations, they focus, they ask more questions. I think we’re providing a better education for our young girls now that the boys aren’t here.”

The benefits of a single sex education for girls have been well documented. Girls take the lead when there are no boys around. They thrive in traditionally ‘male’ subjects like Maths and Sciences and they concentrate better without the distraction of boys. Studies have also shown that underachieving girls make the greatest progress in a single sex environment, with most increasing their performance by up to 20%. However, while much of the research has been centred around older girls, there’s also evidence that younger children benefit greatly from learning in a single sex environment. Louise Robinson is President of the Girls’ Schools Association and says young girls and boys have very different learning needs.

“Junior school children thrive in single sex classrooms because teachers can set different tones of discipline and daily routines. Girls are generally happier to concentrate on a specific task and they don’t like the interruption of boys.

Free

Assessment

The end result is excellent academic progress which continues into Senior School.”

That’s a view reflected in the results and achievements of the girls here at WGHS. They’re taught to have a ‘can do’ attitude to all tasks put in front of them.

The absence of boys means it’s the girls who have to take the lead in every walk of school life – be that the science project or the playground game.

“The concern is that girls slip back into stereotypes when boys are around,” explains Daphne Cawthorne. “They let boys do the experiments while they write it up. They let boys ask questions in class while they observe. Our girls set their sights high. There’s no stereotypes to stop them.”

It’s a point illustrated by a photo taken in the WGHS playground of two girls dressed as builders.

“In a co-ed environment the boys would be wearing the builders hats,” says Camilla Field from Wakefield Grammar Schools Foundation. “But girls want to be builders and pirates. We allow the girls to come out of their stereotypical shell.

They can be whatever they want to be.”

Wakefield Girls High School welcomes girls from 4 – 18 years old.

Find out more at www.wgsf.org.uk or call 01924 372 490.

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

kumon.co.uk

For information call Caroline Buncall on 07843 342 662 • www.tennistykes.co.uk

FREAEL

TRISON LES

Behind the scenes of our…

Jubilee PHOTO SHOOT Capturing a happy child on camera is a lot harder than it looks. Trust me. I’ve spent years trying to do it. But we wanted something special for our Jubilee cover so we called in the experts. Julie Lambert and Anthony Robling from Robling Photography explain why they love making families across Yorkshire smile.

I

SOBEL & ELIZA have spent the afternoon playing in the Spring sunshine. They’ve had a tea party, a game of croquet and eaten a lot of cake. They’ve dressed up, danced with balloons and laughed.

Somewhere along the way Anthony Robling and Julie Lambert have managed to capture almost 1,000 images of them, some I will treasure forever.

Julie and Anthony work as a team throughout the session. While Anthony challenges the children to run as fast as they can with patriotic balloons, Julie captures the excitement and energy with her camera. As Julie produces the cup cakes she’s baked, Anthony is on hand to take pictures of afternoon tea. It’s a partnership that clearly works.

“We participate in our photo shoots,” explains Anthony. “As a photographer of children, you can’t just observe. We want to have fun and if children enjoy the shoot, you as a parent will get the images you want.”

Julie says it’s important to pick a theme.

Today we’ve focused on a Jubilee Tea Party so she’s brought along home made cakes,

vintage tea cups and bunting galore.

Giving children a focus gives parents a greater chance of capturing a natural image of their child.

“Find something your child likes doing and then you’ll get the best out of them,” says Julie. “We photographed a child who was really into rugby, so we captured him doing that. We have a shoot with two girls who are really into horses coming up.

Having that theme means we’ll get great pictures.”

It’s common for parents to try to ‘help’ the couple by hovering on the edge of the shoot either reprimanding their children, or offering guidance to the experts. I was one of those parents and

5 TOP Tips for capturing

YOUR Jubilee Party • Throw yourself into the theme. Kids love dressing up, and playing games. The images will be far more memorable than just straightforward shots.

• Let the kids interact with each other naturally rather than telling them to smile or sit up straight.

Shouting ‘smile’ usually makes a child look like they’re in pain! That isn’t going to get you a photo to treasure.

• Remember that some of the best shots are taken when you and your child least expect it – always be ready for that moment.

• Don’t rush. Take a break if the kids get bored or need a drink.

Happy children usually make for great photos.

• Relax, have fun!

Thanks to Julie and Anthony from Robling Photography for taking our fantastic cover shot • www.roblingphotography.com

Anthony politely suggested that the children may respond better if I was out of the picture. He was right.

“Our advice to parents who have booked us is, don’t get involved,” says Anthony. “A child’s instinct is to look at their parent and we want them to interact with us. We want them to be completely absorbed in what we are doing.”

With me watching from afar, Isobel and Eliza were absorbed in an afternoon tea party in the Spring sunshine that I will never forget, thanks to these beautiful images.

14

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

Let’s make… Rule Britannia

JUBILEE BISCUITS Pull on a pinny and with the help of Cooking Cathie from Stir Krazy Kids Cookery Club let’s get baking!

You’ll need: Large Bowl • Wooden Spoon Baking Tray • Baking Parchment Rolling Pin • Crown Cookie Cutter

Ingredients : 140g Caster Sugar • 1 Egg Yolk 250g Butter (room temperature) • 300g Plain Flour 2 tsp Vanilla Extract How to make Cooking Cathie’s Jubilee Biscuits...

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2.

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4.

JUNE HALF-TERM WORKSHOPS in North Leeds – Book Now! CHILDREN’S PARTIES

5.

6.

7.

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Preheat the oven to 180ºC / Gas Mark 5.

Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl.

Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract.

Sift in the flour and stir well. Get ready to use your hands to make the dough come together!

Dust your surface with flour and roll out the dough.

Use a crown shaped cutter to make your biscuits and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment.

Bake for 15 minutes.

When cool, ice the biscuits with red, white and blue. You’ve biscuits fit to serve to a Queen!

Coming Soon – Mums & Tots Cooking

www.stirkrazykids.co.uk 07725 083959

We salute Popalicious

JUBILEE CAKE POPS…

Sports Camps for 5–14 year olds swimming • football • athletics • rugby • golf • cricket netball • baseball • rounders • basketball • and more

SUMMER CAMPS BOOKING NOW! The Grammar School at Leeds • OFSTED registered

www.activesportingclub.co.uk • 0777 5850 986

If you don’t fancy the idea of baking biscuits, let Helen from the fantastic Popalicious Cake Pops do the hard work.

She’s come up with a range of Jubilee themed treats including these soldiers. We are happy to stand to attention for them!

Prices start at £2.49. www.popaliciouscakepops.co.uk

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 15

WIN… WIN…WIN… .Entries close on Thursday 31st May 2012 and winners will be notified by email.

A ROYAL TEA PARTY…

10 FABULOUS TREASURE TOAD PARTY BAGS You’ll be jumping for joy if you win this fantastic prize from our generous friends at Treasure Toad.

The Leeds based party bag producers will give one lucky reader TEN luxury party bags for their party guests. Inside you’ll find a selection of quality animal themed gifts wrapped in emerald tissue paper and presented in a luxury party bag.

To be in with a chance of giving away these party bags at your next party, send your child’s name, address and age with the words TREASURE TOAD in the subject line to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk. Visit www.treasuretoad.co.uk to see the full range of quality party bags.

Dust off your crowns and put on a posh frock.

You’re invited to host a Jubilee tea party for your friends. We’ve teamed up with Cooking Cathie at Stir Crazy Kids (www.stirkrazykids.co.uk) to offer one lucky subject the chance to host a royal tea party for 5 friends. Make your own sandwiches, bake your own scones and decorate your own regal biscuits, then sit back and celebrate with your very own homemade afternoon tea. You’ll leave the party with themed party bags courtesy of Treasure Toad (www.treasuretoad.co.uk) To be in with a chance of winning this truly scrumptious prize, we’d like you to design an afternoon tea menu fit for a Queen. What sandwiches would you eat if Her Royal Highness was coming for tea? What would you drink?

What does she have on her scones?

Send your ideas to editor@families leeds.co.uk with the words ROYAL TEA PARTY in the subject line and Cooking Cathie will pull a winner out of her chef’s hat. Good Luck!

A DIDDI DANCE BIRTHDAY PARTY Dig out your dancing shoes and get ready to party with Diddi Dance.

We have teamed up with Cath and Caroline from Diddi Dance Leeds to offer one lucky birthday girl or boy the chance to be the star of their birthday show. The hour long party is an energetic mix of unique games and funky pop music. The Diddi Dance team will hand out pom poms, ribbons, hoops and maracas to get the party moving while teaching everyone some brilliant birthday dances. The party is perfect for children from 2 – 6 years old.

To be in with a chance of celebrating with Diddi Dance, simply send your child’s name, address and age with the words DIDDI DANCE in the subject line to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk. To find out more about Diddi Dance classes across Leeds visit www.diddidance.com.

16

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

A RIGHT

ROYAL CELEBRATION

Bring out the bunting – the Queen is coming to Yorkshire to celebrate her Jubilee.

Here are some of our favourite celebrations across Leeds to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

Make sure you check with the venue before you travel and please, dress to impress!

Wednesday 30th May

Sunday 3rd June

Children’s Jubilee Concert LEEDS TOWN HALL

Big Jubilee BBQ CATHEDRAL PRECINCT, WAKEFIELD

Arranged by Dame Fanny Waterman. Begins at 7pm.

0113 224 3801

11am concert and community singing followed by a BBQ lunch at 12noon.

Saturday 2nd June

Sunday 3rd – Tuesday 5th June

Jewels for the Jubilee LOTHERTON HALL

Jubilee Celebrations: Two Elizabeths FOUNTAINS ABBEY

Make the perfect accessories for the Jubilee celebrations. 10am – 2pm.

0113 281 3259

Come along to celebrate not one, but two Queen Elizabeths. Recreate a coronation picture, knight your subjects and create your own crown jewels. After all that royal work, take tea on the lawn of the garden.

Begins at 11am.

01765 643 199

Saturday 2nd – Sunday 10th June Jubilee Treasure Hunt BOLTON ABBEY

Monday 4th June

Find the Queen’s missing crown. Head into the glorious grounds to hunt for clues and test your knowledge of the Kings and Queens of England.

01756 718 009

Sports Day and Country Fair WETHERBY INGS

Sunday 3rd June

12noon until 4pm. Traditional family fun with a bike parade, egg and spoon race, three legged race and much more.

07721 568 298

Harewood Street Party HAREWOOD HOUSE

Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th June

Come and join the Jubilee fun at one of the most regal places in Yorkshire. Lots of family fun.

0113 218 1000

Jubilee Tea Party THACKRAY MUSEUM

Jubilee Party THE GROVE, ILKLEY

Enjoy 20.12% off the entry price and get a ticket you can use all year. Great family fun and the promise of a right royal afternoon tea at the superb inhouse café.

0113 244 4343

Join in the fun from 12noon as The Grove is closed to traffic so the town can celebrate.

Music and refreshments.

Wednesday 6th June

Street Party WETHERBY MARKET PLACE

Jubilee Mug Painting LOTHERTON HALL

Activities from 12noon until 6pm.

07721 568 298

Paint a mug fit for a royal cuppa. Booking required.

0113 281 3259

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 17

Saturday 10th June Victorian Jubilee Tea Party LOTHERTON HALL Join Queen Victoria’s Tea Party. There’ll be Punch and Judy, a brass band, a kids disco and lots more family fun.

0113 281 3259

FIND YOUR NEAREST JUBILEE BEACON: Is your local community holding a beacon lighting event?

From the 6th May you can find out at www.diamondjubileebeacons.co.uk

FOLLOW THE OLYMPIC TORCH 2012 is a summer of celebration and we’re getting a minor dose of Olympic fever when the Olympic torch visits West Yorkshire in June. If you want to follow the fire, take a look at the times and locations below and give the Olympics flame a warm welcome from Yorkshire.

Tuesday 19th June 11.13am BOSTON SPA 11.37am WETHERBY 12.02pm HAREWOOD HOUSE then to Knaresborough

Sunday 24th June 4.46pm ILKLEY 5.50pm HEADINGLEY CARNEGIE STADIUM 6.12pm POTTERNEWTON 6.34pm HAREHILLS 7.08pm RICHMOND HILL 7.30pm Arrive TEMPLE NEWSAM for an evening of celebrations

Monday 25th June 7.13am LEEDS TOWN HALL 7.43am HUNSLET 8.23am BEESTON 8.55am MORLEY then to Wakefield For a street by street breakdown of the route, visit www.familiesleeds.co.uk/olympicleeds

WELCOME THE TORCH AT THE THACKRAY As the Olympic flame passes by outside the Thackray Museum, join in the celebrations. The museum is hosting a Family Olympic Day on Sunday 24th June with lots of themed fun. There’ll be trails, giveaways and some fantastic food fit for an athlete in the superb café.

The torch is due to pass by late afternoon. www.thackraymuseum.org

The Dos and Don’ts off IDO plan earlyI

IDO check for allergiesI

If you think you can book your first choice entertainer and venue a fortnight before your child’s party, think again. The best people and places are fully booked months in advance and if they’re not, ask yourself why not. It’s a question I wish I had posed the year I left it late and introduced a knife juggling circus act to my 4 year old. It’s not a mistake I made twice. “We have taken bookings a year or more in advance,� says Hazel Ramsey from Shuffles Entertainment. “The early bird really does get the best entertainer!�

In a group of 20 children, chances are there will be some allergies, and some children who can’t eat certain foods for religious reasons. Don’t presume parents will inform you.

Ask about allergies when you know who is coming along.

IDON’T over caterI You are feeding a group of children not an army of starving soldiers. Appetites shrink as excitement builds so there is no need to provide a smorgasbord of sandwiches. Stick to the tried and tested trio of party favourites – ham, jam and cheese. Throw in a selection of crisps and a couple of bowls of grapes, cucumber sticks and tomatoes. Our top tip for sweet treats is to order themed Cake Pops (www.popaliciouscakepops.co.uk). The birthday child gets a candle in their personalised pop so they’re the perfect accompaniment to a chorus of Happy Birthday, and the perfect size for small appetites. Forget leftovers. Peckish parents will clear the plates, often while their children are still eating.

Educational Experiences Limited

At a Lion Learners party children can meet, hold and learn about exotic and familiar animals from around the world.

IDON’T be afraid to chase late repliesI

IDO consider a joint partyI

Baby Ballet & Socatots classes here

If you let your little one take charge of who they’re inviting, they’ll leave out the friend they’ve fallen out with in the playground. Up to the age of 7, it’s best to stick to either a full class party, or one where you simply invite all the girls, or all the boys.

Tempting as it is to leave out the class troublemaker or the girl who leaves your daughter out, this is an approach that will only cause future heartache. A party invite not sent, is a party invite not received. Teach your child to be inclusive.

For nursery aged children and over 7s, it’s fine to be selective.

Parties tend to become more expensive as children get older and taking 30 children to Build a Bear or a Laser Quest Party (Crazy Tykes, Wetherby or Kidzplay, Harrogate) would break the bank.

There are few things more irritating than chasing the parents who haven’t bothered to respond to a party invite. Experience has taught me that parents who don’t respond within the first few days of an invite either haven’t received it, or have forgotten.

Give yourself a helping hand by putting an RSVP date on the invite. After that, don’t be afraid to ‘remind’ via text or over a pick up time chat in the playground. Avoid involving bewildered Dads at drop off. Unless they are in charge of childcare, you’ll be disappointed. For those replies that never arrive, and there will be some, head to your party venue armed with some extra food and a few unmarked party bags. Don’t let the unexpected guests catch you out!

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IDON’T let your child decideI Ithe guest listI

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

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

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

Instead of entering into a ‘who can get the invite out first’ race with other parents, join forces and funds. If your child has a friend whose birthday falls around the same time, why not organise a party together. If you’re going to invite the same group of friends and even opt for the same sort of party, this is a great option that halves the cost and the stress. Make sure you and your party partner are clear about the planning and the expectations.

IDO consider your party dateI It’s heartbreaking to receive a steady stream of ‘nos’ after you’ve spent weeks securing an entertainer and a venue on a particular date. Give yourself half a chance by avoiding key dates, like Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day, and religious holidays such as Easter Sunday and Yom Kippur. Parents tend to jet off on holiday as soon as school’s out, or just before term begins again so avoid weekends at either end of the school holidays.

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 19

BIRTHDAY PARTIES! IDON’T invite too many childrenI

IDON’T obsess over 5 a dayI

This is a mistake you’ll only make once. 30 children and 30 parents will fill even the most generous village hall. Add a bouncy castle and some uninvited siblings and you are nearly on riot watch.

“Siblings can dramatically increase numbers,”says Danielle from Make a Wish Entertainment. “It creates a problem with party food, with party bags and with space. We encourage parents to ask about siblings on the invitations so they’re not caught out on the day.”

There are certain things you can depend on. If you’re having a party in your garden, it will rain. If you’ve made 15 party bags, 17 children will turn up and all of your carefully cut cucumber, tomatoes and grapes will remain untouched on the table by the end of the party tea. Be honest. You only put them out to make sure the Annabel Karmel Fan Club in the corner didn’t fall out with you. Remember that it’s one meal, on one day and if all the birthday boy eats is a handful of Hula Hoops, a jam sandwich and a pack of Smarties then so what? You can force feed him broccoli for breakfast tomorrow.

IDON’T make it too longI The length of your party is very much dependant on the age of your children. But there is one consistent rule. Make sure you put a finish time on your invites. Our party experts say one hour of entertainment is about as much as the average 2 – 4 year old can take, followed by half an hour for food and farewells. You can increase that to a two hour party once children turn 5 years old.

“For larger groups and older children, 90 minutes of party entertainment is ideal followed by a half hour party tea,”explains Danielle from Make a Wish Entertainment. “When the party is over, it can be difficult to get guests moving out of the venue.

That’s where we come in, ready to hand over party bags and balloons at the door!”

IDO enjoy itI There are times during the planning you will find this the most absurd piece of advice. How on earth can you expect to enjoy it?

Remember that this is one of those ‘gone too quickly’ milestones and if you don’t press the pause button and enjoy the sight of your child laughing with the entertainer or bouncing with his friends then the stress simply isn’t worth it. When the balloons have burst and the cake is just crumbs, it’s those memories that will make you do it all again next year!

IDO party bagsI Usually found in the back of your car a week after the party, just as the buttercream icing from the napkin wrapped cake is going rancid. But woe betide the mum who thinks she’s above a party bag. It’s a sure fire way to get your guests sobbing as they leave.

Don’t fight it, simply be creative or call in the professionals!

Treasure Toad (www.treasuretoad.co.uk) offers a bespoke party bag service to meet your budget.

“We firmly believe less is more when it comes to party bags.

Offer quality NOT quantity,”explains Naureen from Treasure Toad.

“We aim to source party bag gifts that can be enjoyed for longer, rather than ending up in the bin. No one wants to waste their money.”

Other suggestions include popping in a children’s magazine, a packet of seeds in the Spring or a personalised chocolate bar with the birthday child’s picture on it (www.itsyourchoc.co.uk).

We also like the idea of a lucky dip for your guests as they leave.

And if you want to impress by being the ultimate organised mum, include a pre prepared thank you note. Bribing a child to write notes is easier when there’s the threat of a lost party on the horizon.

Bespoke celebration CAKES for all occasions…

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20

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

We can’t take all the stress out of planning your next birthday celebration, but we can help. We’ve gathered a list of some of the best ways to mark your child’s big day.

All have been recommended to us by readers.

Make sure you let them know you found them in Families Leeds!

KEEP CALM AND PLAN YOUR

PERFECT PARTY Class Parties BABIES CAN SIGN ENQUIRIES@BABIESCANSIGN.CO.UK 07742 296 160 Celebrate with Signing Sam and the team at Babies Can Sign. Musical instruments, bubbles, stories and pass the parcel. There’s a balloon on a stick for each child and a card and gift for the birthday child. Suitable up to 5 years old. Optional extras – party bags, cake and invitations. www.babiescansign.co.uk BABY SENSORY HARROGATE@BABYSENSORY.COM 07800 930 640 A magical way to celebrate a 1st birthday. Themes include Pirates, Light & Magic, Beach Party, Animal Adventure and Space to name a few. Suitable for up to 25 children allowing for every child to have their own equipment and props. www.babysensory.com CATERPILLAR MUSIC CATERPILLARMUSICLEEDS@HOTMAIL.CO.UK 0113 391 0210 A musical party packed with fun activities and surprises. Enjoy party games, action songs, instruments and puppets. Each party has a Caterpillar Music party host for an hour. They’ll organise the instruments and puppets, a pass the parcel game and a surprise present for the birthday child! There’s a variety of themes including Down and the Farm, Princes and Princesses, At the Zoo, Under the Sea or simply Party! Party! Suitable for children up to 5 years old and for up to 20 guests. www.caterpillarmusic.com DIDDI DANCE 07917 757 566 Get your guests dancing from the minute they walk in the door. A Diddi Dance party is a great mix of traditional party games and their trademark funky dancing. There’s lots of props and lots of fun. Suitable for children from 2 – 7 years old. No maximum number. www.diddidance.com FLEXDANCE 07921 222 710 Choreograph a dance routine with your party guests and wow the watching parents! Up to 25 children.

Suitable for 5 – 11 year olds. www.flexdanceinc.com

CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW ON PAGE 22

MUSICBUGS LEEDS@MUSICBUGS.CO.UK 0844 578 1043 Catch the bug and celebrate with Nicola Lawlor and her team. Hour long musical parties tailored to suit your child which include singing, dancing, puppets, pom poms, bubbles, hobby horses and party games. Card and gift for the party child. Invites also provided. www.musicbugs.co.uk TENNIS TOTS INFO@TENNIS-TOTS.CO.UK 07725 339 257 Active, fun packed party for children between 3 and 6 years old. Parties usually held at the weekend during term time. Special gift for the birthday girl or boy. www.tennis-tots.co.uk TENNIS TYKES CAROLINE.BUNCALL@TENNISTYKES.CO.UK 07843 342 662 Tennis parties for 3 – 6 year old children. An hour of tennis activities including lots of games and prizes. Maximum of 16 children for 3 & 4 years and up to 20 children for 5 & 6 year olds. Birthday present for the birthday child. www.tennistykes.co.uk

YOGABUGS YORKSHIRE@YOGABUGS.COM 0113 250 6972 Take a magical adventure with the YogaBugs team. Your guests will go on a storytelling journey inspired by yoga, followed by some great yoga party games. After a relaxation exercise, everyone will leave calm and chilled after the coolest party in town. Popular themes include pirates, mermaids or space adventures. www.yogabugs.com

Entertainers HENRIETTA RABBIT 0333 000 4567 The home of some of Yorkshire’s favourite children’s entertainers.

Henrietta looks after Fairy Ellie, Rosie Rainbow, Wonderphil and Pink Pollie.

Party themes include Circus, Disco, Cinderella, Magic, Witches & Wizards and many more. Top quality entertainers that are recommended by readers time and again. www.henriettarabbit.co.uk MAKE A WISH ENTERTAINMENT CHECK OUT INFO@MAKEAWISHENTERTAINMENT.CO.UK OUR REVIEW OVERLEAF 0113 322 7988 Call on a bit of magic for your next party. Suzanne Kaye Vaughan and her team will create a party to suit your budget and your child. Characters lead children on an adventure. Popular themes include Toy Story, Rapunzel, Fairies, Barbie, Ben 10, Star Wars and Spies.

Highly recommended by readers. www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk

STIR KRAZY CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW 07725 083 959 OVERLEAF You choose the venue and Cooking Cathie from Stir Krazy will create the perfect party. Pick your party tea from the great online menus and then tell your guests to come prepared to cook it! Minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 children.

THE CREATION STATION 0844 8549 130 Arty Parties are themed to the birthday child and every guest leaves with two original creations. Choose from painting, modeling, sculpting and there’s games galore too. www.thecreationstation.co.uk

Adventure Parties AERIAL XTREME 0845 6521 736 Do you fancy celebrating 13 metres in the air? Head to this treetop adventure in Bedale that’s been recommended by our readers. With a minimum of 5 friends, you’ll take the mega walk, climb through the forest canopy and be floating in the air for most of your celebrations. Children need to be at least 1.1metres to take part. Adults may also be required for some support on the ropes. Not for the faint hearted! www.aerialextreme.co.uk

Creative Parties

POLE POSITION KARTING 08712 883 388 The perfect party for a boy racer. Head to the track at either South Accomodation Road LS10 or at Thorp Arch in Wetherby and get ready to race. Children are given a racing outfit to get into and a real helmet.

After being given a safety briefing about the 120cc go karts, they’re off!

Suitable for children from 8 years old and another party recommended by our readers. www.ppik.net

BUTTERCUPS BUTTERCUPSPLAY@GMAIL.COM 01943 468 544 Decorate your own dessert at a cupcake decorating party at Buttercups.

The newly refurbished soft play centre in Otley is offering these yummy parties. They’re hosted by inhouse Cupcake expert and co-owner Sarah Holmes.

LASERZONE 01977 559 911 Strap on your laser gun and get ready to do battle with your guests. Based at Xscape in Castleford this is another popular venue for boys and girls from 7 years old. Choose from a silver or gold package depending on the number of games you want to play. www.laserzone.co.uk

GO MAKE IT 07973 773 048 • SARAH@GOMAKEIT.CO.UK Creative parties for children from 4 years old. Choose your theme and Sarah Sutton will do the rest. Decorate a castle fit for a princess or make an alien mask. From bugs to butterflies Sarah will create the perfect craft party.

Minimum of 5 children and a maximum of 15.

LION LEARNERS 0113 250 9612 Share your party with rabbits, snails, snakes and a host of other creepy crawlies. The children learn all about the animals and then they get to hold them. There’s always the threat of the tarantula for those who refuse to behave! Themed party bags available. www.lionlearners.co.uk

POTS 2 GO 01423 524 797 Popular parties with crafty kids held either in the Harrogate café or at a venue of your choice. Each child gets to choose a piece to paint, with the birthday girl or boy receiving a plate signed by all the guests. Parties run daily from 5pm and on a Sunday by appointment. Suitable from 4 years old and for a minimim of 8 children. This is the quietest party you’ll ever host! www.pots2go.co.uk

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

GO KART PARTY 01422 351981 You’re under starters orders at these well organised and highly recommended go kart parties. Geoff and his team tailor the event to the age of your child and create a party that’s age appropriate. For younger children the karts are slower and the games more intereactive. For older parties, the speed increases and so does the competition. For 4 – 9 year olds. www.go-kartpartyleeds.co.uk SNOZONE 0871 222 5671 The coolest party in town this summer. Choose from sledging, skiing, snowboarding or ice sliding. Great fun and the party hosts get great feedback from Families’ readers.

And if the real snow isn’t enough, you can add a trip to the indoor climbing wall or a visit to the bowling alley. www.snozoneuk.com

Learn a Dance Routine |FLEX DANCE • Across Leeds| |www.flexdanceinc.com • 07921 222 710| Pick your favourite pop song and the Flex Dance girls, Sam and Steph will create a party around it. That’s what Zoe Spanswick did for her 6th birthday. She chose the Kylie classic “I Should Be So Lucky” and the Flex Dance girls got to work putting Zoe and her guests through their paces to create a party performance.

“We individually tailor our parties to the birthday child,”says Steph from Flex Dance. “We create a dance routine for their favourite song, and then we teach it to the birthday child and their guests.”

The party starts with some dance themed party games. There’s a mix of the traditional – musical statues and the Conga – and some games created by the Flex Dance team. Then the work begins on the routine under the watchful eye of two

party hosts. All the guests at Zoe’s party were focused on mastering the moves ready for the end of party ‘show’.

“I love that the children did it all together,”says Zoe’s mum, Laura. “It was something everyone could join in with and Zoe was so proud of herself when she performed the routine with her friends at the end. It was awesome.”

The birthday child takes centre stage.

They’re front and centre when the dance routine is being learnt and they’re lifted into the air as the party comes to an end.

If Kylie doesn’t send you ‘spinning around’ then there’s a host of hits to choose from.

One Direction and JLS are currently topping the Flex Dance charts but for the Spanswick family, they wouldn’t change a thing.

“I would do it all again in a flash,” says Laura. “I’m recommending Flex Dance to everyone. It was great value and great fun.”

Flex Dance Inc offer 60 minute and 90 minute parties for children from 5 years old. Up to 25 children.

Flex Dance Charts TOP 5 1. You don’t know you’re beautiful – One Direction 2. 3D – JLS 3. Footloose – Kenny Loggins 4. Mamma Mia – ABBA 5. I’m a Believer – The Monkees (theme from SHREK)

Clear Your Plate Party |STIR KRAZY PARTY • Leeds and Harrogate • www.stirkrazykids.co.uk • 07725 083 959 There aren’t often clean plates at the end of a party tea. Parents can usually be found hoovering up the remains as they tidy up.

However, at Lottie Evan’s 9th birthday party there was not a crumb to be found.

That’s because the birthday girl and her guests made their own party tea.

“We made pizza with ALL the toppings!”explains Cooking Cathie from Stir Krazy Kids. “There were olives, cheese, ham, peppers, sweetcorn and pineapple.

Some things you wouldn’t associate with

a child’s palate but these girls ate every last mouthful.”

Cathie’s Stir Krazy Cooking Parties are a real hit with children from as young as 5 years old. You choose the venue and the menu and then it’s up to Cooking Cathie and your little chefs to whip up a feast.

“We provide the invites, all the utensils and ingredients, drinks for the children, aprons, hats and party bags,”explains Cathie. “We really are taking the stress out of your child’s party.”

The Stir Krazy Party menu has something for everyone. Choose from mini burgers, chicken spring rolls, sausage rolls and funny faced sandwiches for a savoury option. It’s almost impossible to decide between scones, chocolate drizzled fruit kebabs, cookies or cupcakes for dessert.

Lottie and her friends opted to follow the pizzas with cupcakes, and they really stole the show!

“Decorating the cupcakes was definitely the highlight!“explains Lottie’s

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BOOK ONLINE VEE 10% AV SAV AND SA voucher code: FL10

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info@fantasykidsclubs.co.uk info@fanttasykidsclubs.co.uk www.fanttasykidsclubs.co.uk W: www.fantasykidsclubs.co.uk

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

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 23

Out of this World Party |MAKE A WISH PARTY • Across Yorkshire| |www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk| |0113 322 7988| When mum of three Bess Sturman was organising her childrens’ birthday celebrations, she knew it wasn’t something she could do alone.

“I’m an Interior Designer,”explains Bess. “My skill set doesn’t lie in making 30 children smile and laugh. We’d done soft play parties in the past and I knew I wanted something different, so I picked up Families Leeds and found Make a Wish Entertainment.”

A Make a Wish party is a magical adventure. You pick your theme and Suzanne Kaye Vaughan and her team will create a story led journey for the children to go on. For Bess’ children – 5 year old Theo, Louise who is 3 and 1 year old Isla – the theme was Toy Story.

“We sent along Jessie, Buzz and Woody,” Suzanne explains. “We brought the whole Toy Story world to life but this

time, the birthday children had the ability to change the direction of the story.

That’s where the magic comes in!”

The 35 children took a tour of Andy’s room, went ranger training, practiced being a cowboy and got all the skills they needed to rescue Bullseye. The adventures lasted 1½ hours. The group was, according to Bess, completely captivated.

“The characters related to the children and every time I looked round they were utterly engaged and having so much fun.

There wasn’t a tear in the whole 2 hours of the party which, given there were 35 children aged between 6 weeks and 7½ years old, is pretty amazing!”

If Toy Story isn’t your child’s favourite, there are dozens of other themes to

choose from. Popular at the moment are Rapunzel, Spy Training, Barbie Musketeers, Survival Action Parties and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse celebrations. All are tailored to the age of the guests and all will take your child on a magical birthday journey they will never forget.

“You can’t expect a party of 35 kids to go without a hitch,” says Bess. “But this one did. Both my boys feel like they made a friend for life in Woody that day.”

For a full range of parties look at www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk.

F

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mum Andrea. “The kids had good fun and the cakes were great to eat. I was amazed how much they all ate and I’m sure that was partly due to the fact that they’d made it themselves.

It kept them all involved and they learnt lots but had a great time too!”

Stir Krazy Kids Parties are suitable for children from 5 – 12 years old. Minimum of 5 children, and a maximum of 15.

c or ce h th le i e br ld c o at io re ol ns n’ est s

|

Quote “Families Leeds” and get the birthday child free.

Call 08 0871 71 222 56 5671 71 or email cascorporate@snozoneuk.com cascorporate@snozoneuk.com www..snozoneuk.com www.snozoneuk.com

24

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

Top 10 Birthday Gifts…

ISUPERHERO LEGOI

IPINK TOOL SETI

ITOP MODELI IWEDDING BOOKI

£10.99 from TREASURES OF WETHERBY

£17.95 from BAMBINO GREEN

Meet the Ironman, the Hulk and Captain America. They’re going to be at the top of every boy’s wish list this summer.

“This is the year of the Superhero,”says Zhara Armstrong from Treasures.

“These are great presents for boys and girls from 6 – 12 years old.” You can also get Batman, the Joker and the Green Lantern which were released earlier in the year.

Who says DIY can’t be glamorous?

This super cool 15 piece tool set is a must have for interior designers of the future.

“This is cool twist on a traditional toy,” says Lola Green from Bambino Green.

“There’s no risk of the birthday girl already having one!”

ISTAR WARS DRESS UPI

ITRADITIONAL TEDDYI

IRECYCLE TRUCKI

£20 from ARMADILLO TOYS

From £5.00 from ECO TOY STORE

£19.95 from BAMBINO GREEN

Transforming into your favourite Star Wars character is easy with these great fancy dress costumes. Choose from Anakin Skywalker, Darth Maul and our favourite, Darth Vadar. The force is definitely strong in these outfits!

It looks like an ordinary teddy bear but this furry friend is made out of bamboo!

It means they’re soft and perfect to cuddle. Choose from a dog or different sized bears. Our favourite is the floppy dog at £14 – it’s the pawfect gift!

This retro style truck made from 100% recycled milk bottles is the perfect gift for a young boy. It tips to unload and the back door opens and shuts.

“It’s the best selling truck from the range,”says Lola from Bambino Green.

£7.99 from TREASURES OF WETHERBY The latest release from the ever popular Top Model stable. This is a beautiful book which will keep girls from 5 years old entertained. A great choice as a gift for a classmate. Also from Top Model, there’s new releases in the Trixibelle range for younger girls. We love the multicoloured pencil and mushroom sharpener!

Much more than a PLAY & PARTY VENUE! We have a safe, secure and exciting environment for kids to climb, explore, swing and play on whilst you can enjoy freshly prepared food and cakes in a comfortable air-conditioned environment.

We have a fantastic range of party packages and you can book and administer your party all online!

Y KIDZPLA OFFER PARTY FOR £120 S! 15 KID

Opening times 10am~6pm Monday to Sunday Beech Avenue ★ Harrogate ★ HG2 8DS www.kidzplay.co.uk

HALF PRICE EN TR WITH Y THIS AD !

IPRINCESS DRESS UPI

ICRAYON ROCKSI

£30 from ARMADILLO TOYS

£4.50 from BAMBINO GREEN

Part of a great range of new dressing up outfits from this established Leeds toy shop. The larger shop in Chapel Allerton means there’s more space to stock gorgeous outfits like this Frilly Milly Princess dress.

“This is dressing up luxury,”says Lisa Clay from Armadillo. “It has a velvet bodice and waves of netting, finished off with a feather boa. The perfect party dress!”

These colourful pebbles make a great party bag gift or a present in themselves.

They’re made from soy wax and mineral pigments and come in a handy to carry bag.

“They’re great for taking on trips out because there are no sharp edges,” says Lola from Bambino Green.

ISHOPI ILOCALI TSI ISTOCKIS

IARMADILLOI 112a Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton 20 Town Street, Horsforth 0113 266 7500

IBAMBINO GREENI Online toy store based in Ilkley 01943 430 887 www.bambinogreen.co.uk

IFAIRYTALEI IDOLL HOUSEI £25 from ECO TOY STORE The perfect first doll’s house. Shaped like a heart, your child will fall in love with this wooden home and the new friends who live in it. It comes with lots of great accessories, but it’s small enough to store away.

ISUBBUTEOI

IECO TOY STOREI

£40 from TREASURES OF WETHERBY

Online toy shop based in Leeds www.ecotoystore.co.uk

No matter how the England team do in this summer’s European Championships, you will always be a winner with this fantastic table football set.

“It’s really well made and you can even add your own football team!”says Zhara from Treasures. “We’ll be stocking Leeds Utd, Liverpool and Man Utd.” But beware. You’ll be fighting with Dad to play on this one!

ITREASURESI 8 High Street, Wetherby 01937 589 187 www.treasurestoys.co.uk

Are you looking for quality party bags, toys & gifts?

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

At Treasure Toad you’ll find them and discover lots more: Filled party bags to save you time and money.

Our unique book party bags.

Lots of gift ideas under £10.

3 Delivery options to make life easy.

www.armadillotoys.co.uk

0844 474 8256

Follow us on facebook for our latest events and special offers

www.treasuretoad.co.uk

26

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

Families

PARTY NEWS…

TREASURES WISH LIST CELEBRATES 1st BIRTHDAY! Buying gifts for classmates or even family members can be difficult.

So often you end up presenting them with something they’ve already got, or don’t like. The Treasures Wish List has, over the past year, solved this problem for families across Leeds and Harrogate. The idea is you or your child visits the Wetherby based toy shop to make your own personal wish list. You’re then given wish list cards to hand to guests and family who can choose a gift that they know your child will want.

Treasures will even wrap it for you! Rachel Bentley from Boston Spa used it for her son Evan’s 8th birthday.

“We saw it in Families Leeds last year and thought we’d give it a try,” said Rachel. “It was wonderful. Evan got to push a trolley round and choose his gifts. Everyone bought knowing they were buying a gift he really wanted. He’s desperate to do it again!”

Create your WISH LIST in May or June and get 10% off.

Just mention Families Leeds when you pop in. Treasures is based on High Street, Wetherby. 01937 589 187

ARE YOU A CAKE OR ARE YOU A MUPPET? The answer is BOTH! Take a look at this amazing ‘cake’ designed and created by Popalicious Cake Pops.

It’s a collection of Muppet cake pops, presented to look like a cake.

“It’s a cake pop cake!”says Helen Mallik from Popalicious.

“I’ve had great feedback because the pops can all be displayed.

It means every character gets their time in the birthday spotlight!” www.popaliciouscakepops.co.uk

CUPCAKE PARTIES AT BUTTERCUPS Newly refurbished Otley playcentre Buttercups is now hosting cupcake decorating parties. Get your children to work up an appetite on the play equipment, before decorating their own dessert. There’s a great selection of toppings to choose from and every guest gets a cupcake gift box.

“Baking is my passion,” says co-owner Sarah Holmes. “I bake fresh cupcakes for Buttercups every other day so having them as part of the party packages seems like the perfect idea!”

01943 468 544

ONE STOP SHOP FOR MAGICAL PARTIES Our friends at Make a Wish Entertainment have taken all the stress out of party planning with the launch of their new website. The company provides magical story telling parties for children from 3 years old. The new website means you can view all the party themes and the characters available, book your party and also shop for gifts and party bags.

“We know how busy parents are so we want to make party planning as easy as possible,” says Suzanne Kaye Vaughan from Make a Wish Entertainment. www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk

GRUESOME PARTY PACKAGES AT THE THACKRAY Fancy putting on a lab coat and learning how to make slime?

What about putting on witches make up? The Thackray Museum has launched some fantastic new party packages to include the gruesome themes seen inside the museum.

Learn about the Ghosts and Ghouls of Leeds or visit Victorian Leeds. All come with a party host, access to a room and a fantastic party buffet from the highly recommended museum café. For more details, call 0113 244 4343. www.thackraymuseum.org

NEW PARTIES AT KIDZPLAY Why choose between a soft play party and something more adventurous? The clever folk at Kidzplay Harrogate have found a way to combine the two. For the first hour of your party you can play on the fabulous play frame. Then you can book either tennis, martial arts, singing or a visit from some furry friends.

“We’ve teamed up with Tennis Tykes and NMAC to provide kick boxing and martial arts,” says Lisa Mee from the centre.

“But for the really adventurous we have Noah’s Ark. They’ll bring owls, mice and snakes. It’s not for the faint hearted!”

01423 816 111

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 27

MAY/JUNE What’s on…

Put away your pac a mac and take out the tupperware.

Summer is around the corner and we’ve got some great ideas for days out over June Half Term. Don’t forget to check before you travel and say you saw it in Families Leeds!

Sunday 6th & Sunday 7th May

Saturday 26th May

Play! A Festival of Fun HAREWOOD HOUSE www.harewood.org Welcome summer with this super 2 day event at Harewood. Games for kids big and small!

Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk A new market in an ancient setting that’s getting more and more popular. Good quality food and local goods.

Starts at 12 noon until 3pm.

Thursday 10th May Knights, Dragons and Princesses KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk Do you have a would be knight or a pretend princess in your home? Come and join in the craft fun.

For under 5s.

Thursday 17th May Fairy Fun KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk For fairies aged under 5! Dress up, draw and play.

Come in your outfits but be prepared to get messy!

Saturday 19th May Museums at Night HAREWOOD HOUSE www.harewood.org See Harewood as you’ve never seen it before.

The house will be brought to life with a soundscape experience. Fantastic event.

Museums at Night LEEDS DISCOVERY CENTRE www.leeds.gov.uk Bring a torch and get ready to find out what happens in the museum after the doors close. Do you dare?

Booking required on 0113 214 1548.

Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th May Kite Festival HAREWOOD HOUSE www.harewood.org One of the most popular and colourful festivals at Harewood. See the skies above North Leeds filled with a fabulous display of kites and inflatables. Lots of events and family focused activities. Pray for some wind!

30th Birthday Party ARMLEY MILLS MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk This industrial museum has been open to the public for 30 years. Join in the celebrations.

Family fun starts at 12noon.

JUNE HALF TERM Royal Reminder… don’t forget, if you’re looking for Jubilee events, turn to page 16 for our Jubilee feature.

Saturday 2nd – Tuesday 5th June Day out with Thomas EMBSAY AND BOLTON ABBEY RAILWAY www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk Meet Thomas and Percy and travel behind them on Annie and Clarabel on this popular day out. Sir Topham Hat and the Fat Controller will be on hand to make sure everyone behaves well. Book online and save money.

Saturday 2nd – Sunday 10th June Food Glorious Food FOUNTAINS ABBEY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey Follow the trail and drop in to Swanley Grange for some craft activities. 11am start.

Budding Gardeners RHS HARLOW CARR www.rhs.org.uk Calling all gardeners of the future. Come along and plant your own mini greenhouse while enjoying the new play area. You can also take a look at the show gardens created by local school children and vote for your favourite.

28

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

RHS HARLOW CARR – PHOTO JONATHAN JACOB©

Saturday 2nd – Sunday 10th June

Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th June

Fairy Tale Kingdom EUREKA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM www.eureka.org.uk Meet Kings and Queens from history. Enter a world of dragons and princesses. Lots of activities over the week.

Create a Bug Box ARMLEY MILLS www.leeds.gov.uk Make your own bug home and attract more creepy crawlies to your own gardens.

Wednesday 6th June Family Bike Ride FOUNTAINS ABBEY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey A great opportunity to cycle through the grounds of this wonderful attraction. Start at Studley Gates next to the tearoom. There’s the promise of a BBQ in the tearoom garden when you’ve finished! 6pm start.

Hats Off – Wednesday Wardrobe ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Have fun making all sorts of hats. Bring your camera!

Sessions at 10am and 2pm.

Meet a Dragon KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk Make a mask and scare the dragon! Bring your camera because he’s got a lovely smile. Fun begins at 2pm.

Wednesday 6th – Friday 8th June Kings, Queens, Emperors and Pharoahs LEEDS CITY MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Come along and get crafty making crowns and much more.

Thursday 7th June Geocaching Taster Day FOUNTAINS ABBEY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey A modern day treasure hunt at the historical abbey.

Borrow a GPS unit and have a go.

Royal Murder Mystery ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk This week’s murder mystery has a royal theme.

Solve the mystery at 10am and 2pm.

Gory Tour KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk Find out about the ghostly goings on in an interactive family tour. Not for very young children. Begins at 2pm.

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 29

Weekly Events Make a note in your diary of these regular events at our museums.

Every Tuesday Muddy Monkeys Messy Play KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk 10am – 11am. Unders 5s drop in event.

Every Friday Messy Monkeys (term time only) ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Creative play for under 5s between 2 – 4pm.

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Every Sunday Arty Smarties ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Two hours of weekend fun in the Victorian Streets beginning at 2pm.

Storytelling Sessions (term time only) LEEDS CITY MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Family storytelling sessions themed around the museum’s collections. 2.15pm start.

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FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

Friday 8th June Horsing Around ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Horse themed family craft fun. Sessions at 10am and 2pm.

Potions & Wands KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk A magic morning of potion and wand making.

Bring your good magic! Begins at 10.30am.

Outdoor Play Day LOTHERTON HALL www.leeds.gov.uk Family fun all day at this superb Leeds park. Great adventure playground and bird garden. Don’t miss a treat in the café!

GEOCACHING AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY

Friday 8th – Sunday 10th June

Thursday 14th June

Get Medieval FOUNTAINS ABBEY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey Come and see the costumed re-enactors around their medieval camp. Watch and join in.

Knights, Princesses and Dragons KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk Craft fun for would be knights and princesses.

Be prepared to get messy. Starts at 10am.

Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th June

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th June

Beekeeping Open Weekend RHS HARLOW CARR www.rhs.org.uk There’s a buzz at Harlow Carr this June. Join local beekeepers as they make candles, extract honey and take a look at honeycombs. Lots of family fun promised.

Kite Making FOUNTAINS ABBEY www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey Come and make a kite in the craft workshop. £2 per kite. Sessions from 11am – 4pm.

FATHERS’ DAY Sunday 17th June Father’s Day Classic Car Rally HAREWOOD HOUSE www.harewood.org The perfect way for the family to celebrate Fathers’ Day. The children get to head for the playground or take part in the family fun at the rally. Dad gets to look under the huge array of bonnets and mums can head for the café for a well deserved brew. Hundreds of vintage and classic cars on display.

Thursday 21st June Fairy Fun KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk Fairy fun for under 5s and their carers. Dress up, draw and play. Be prepared to get messy so bring an old fairy outfit! Starts at 10am.

Saturday 24th June

GET MEDIEVAL AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY

Family Olympic Day THACKRAY MUSEUM www.thackraymuseum.org To celebrate the passing of the Olympic Torch through Leeds, the Thackray are having a day of celebrations.

Take a trail, take part in a giveaway and enjoy the superb food on offer at the café. It’s a great way to celebrate.

FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 31

KITE FESTIVAL AT HAREWOOD

BOLTON ABBEY

Saturday 30th June Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk A new market in an ancient setting that’s getting more and more popular. Good quality food and local goods.

Starts at 12noon until 3pm.

Saturday 30th June – Sunday 1st July Harewood Medieval Festival HAREWOOD HOUSE www.harewood.org The launch of the North’s most spectacular medieval festival. See jousting and archery, armoury displays, Norman encampments, crafts, cooking and falconry.

There’s lots of family fun on offer with the chance to camp under the Harewood stars.

Sat 30th June & Sun 1st July

www.harewood.org/medieval Book tickets online or call our Box Office on 0113 218 1000

Make Make iitt holiday a school school holiday to rremember emember to

Discover nine family friendly attractions in Leeds leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays v.u– k10th /scJune lHalf eed s.go2nd hoo2012 lholidays Term:

Abbey House

www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries

Leeds Art Gallery

Armley Mills Discovery Centre Kirkstall Abbey

Leeds City Museum Lotherton Hall Temple Newsam Thwaite Mills Watermill

Keep up to date with daily museums and galleries news at www.facebook.com/LeedsMuseumsandGalleries www.twitter.com/leedsmuseums ww.twitter.com/leedsmuseums w ww.facebook.com/LeedsMuseumsandGalleries and w