Scallymag for Todmorden & Hebden Bridge - Autumn '12

THE

S C A LL Y A G

M

®

Walsden, Cornholme, Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, Luddendenfoot & Surrounding Areas

DAILY DIARIES

For Pre-school and Out-of-School Activities

OUT & ABOUT More Top Trumps Lister Park, Bradford

Focus on: Starting School

News

New Baby and Pre-school groups

Family Health Pilates

Focus On: Starting School

Plus

Competitions Classified Adverts

And Much More

Autumn ‘12

Issue 38

For Local Parents, Carers & Kids

e s ea e l p ak t ne o

page classified header market place Post or Email your Children’s “For Sale” adverts to us, we’ll put them on our website and print them in our next issue. We can also advertise “Wanted” items.

No Trade Please Baby Jogger City Elite Double buggy.

Black and stone colour in excellent condition. £200.00 07932 668758 * iCandy Pear double stroller. Black with 1 iCandy footmuff, 2 raincovers, carrycot attachment for newborn. Seat 1 is in used condition. Carrycot and seat 2 are in excellent condition. £200.00 07932 668758 * Chicco DJ Baby Walker in excellent condition. £10.00 07932 668758 * Nursing rocking chair and matching rocking footstool. Used condition (some marks and stains). £10.00 07932 668758 * Maxi Cosi Isofix car seat base in excellent condition. £40.00 07932 668758 * Maxi Cosi Priorifix car seat. Black in good condition. £30.00 07932 668758

Tiny Love car seat toy bar in excellent condition. £5.00 07932 668758 * Mothercare car seat raincover in excellent condition. £5.00 07932 668758 * Big box of VHS videos, including lots of Disney, All suitable for pre-school and older.

Offers 01706 819426 * Slot car set, complete with two cars and controllers. Makes an oval with two loops. £5.00 01706 819426 * First ballet set, with floor mat, bar and DVD instructions. £5.00 01706 819426

Don’t Forget:

Between issues visit our website www.thescallymag.co.uk for an up-to-date list of items For Sale

For a full range of Classes call:

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News Flash

Hebden Vale Children’s Centre After the floods...

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any of you will be aware that Hebden Vale Children’s Centre was badly affected by the recent flooding, like most of the town!

They are however happy to announce that during the refurbishment they have managed to secure alternate venues for many of their sessions. The Methodist Church, My Play Cafe and the Library have all played host to the popular groups.

They are working hard to get the Centre up and running again in early September, with a fantastic Open Day – keep an eye out for texts/emails or visit the website for further details.

Please call Todmorden Children’s Centre for any assistance you may require in the meantime.

Their number is 01706 548140/41.

They would like to thank all their families for their continued support over this time.

page welcome header contents

contact us

Diary Pages Playgroups, Out of school clubs, Swimming, Libraries Page 11 & Soft Play Pre-School Diary Page 12 Out-Of-School Diary Page 14 Competitions Design our next front cover Page 6 Out & About Off the Beaten Track Top Trumps Page 7 Lister Park, Bradford Page 9 Classified Adverts The place to buy and sell you baby and kids stuff Page 2 Family Health Your health Q&A Page 23 Literacy The latest news from The Book Case Page 19 News New Pre-school Messy Group Page 4 New Baby Singing group Page 5 Creation Station wins award Page 5 Feature Page 8 New Pool Parties in Cragg Vale Have you considered Fostering?

Page 10 Calling all Mums in Business Page 18 Childcare Vouchers Page 17 Focus On: Starting School Tips Page 21

For competition entries, to discuss and book advertising space, ideas for future articles or just to let us know what you think of the magazine, please get in touch by any of the following means:

 Bankside House, Haugh Road, Todmorden, OL14 6BU  hazel@thescallymag.co.uk  01706 814392  www.thescallymag.co.uk The Scallymag (Todmorden & Hebden Bridge) @ScallymagTod

Editor: Hazel Bregazzi Lay-out & Design: Hazel Bregazzi Publishing: Bankside House Publishing, Todmorden Distribution: Many thanks to all schools, groups and other businesses which help with the distribution of The Scallymag® Special Thanks: To all advertisers whose contribution ensures the magazine can be distributed Free of Charge Editorial & Advertising: Hazel Bregazzi, Bankside House, OL14 6BU info@thescallymag.co.uk Disclaimer: Whilst every care is taken to ensure that information contained in this magazine is true, accurate and fair, the publisher cannot take any responsibility for events arising from the use of this information. Any statements or opinions given in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. © The Scallymag® 2012 Nothing may be reproduced without permission

Congratulations To: Kaya Fletcher

aged 5, of Hebden Bridge, who drew our sunny front cover picture

“Playing with Leaves”

She gets a £25 voucher to spend at Silly Billy’s Toy Shop in Hebden Bridge.

Many thanks to Bill from Silly Billy’s for judging the competition this time.

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news icky sticky kids

By Hugh Wilson

P

oppy is elbow deep in jelly and squealing in delight.

Piper is eyeing the baked beans suspiciously and wondering whether to eat them or scoop them up with his toy digger. All around them, messy kids are doing messy things and loving it.

Welcome to the noisy, raucous world of Icky Sticky Kids; a new Hebden Bridge kids’ group that lets the Upper Valley’s under fives do all the things they’re not really supposed to do at home. If they want to walk in paint and make footprints on giant rolls of paper, they can. If they want to splash about at the water table, that’s fine.

Their parents are pretty happy with the arrangements too. They don’t have to clean it all up afterwards.

Icky Sticky Kids is the brainchild of two local mums, Nichola Cortese and Dawn Hinton-Smith. They wanted a place where their young children could get together with others and do all the things young children would do if left alone with lots and lots of irresistibly horrible stuff, from gooey paints to trays of cooked spaghetti.

“It all stems from the much missed Messy Play session at the local children’s centre,” says Nichola. “My daughter absolutely loved it and then, for various reasons, the sessions stopped running. Dawn and I put our heads together and thought, ‘let’s do one of our own but bigger, better and even messier!’”

To that end they hired a space at Holme Street Art Centre (just next to the Post Office), invested in a few plastic trays, a sand pit and a water

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table. They made jelly and play dough, and put a few posters up around town advertising the group. They expected three or four other kids on that first Tuesday morning. In the end they had about 18.

“It was a real surprise,” says Dawn.

“We knew there might be a few parents there who’d been at the Messy Play sessions at the children centre but, as it turned out, they’d told others about the group and a few more had seen the posters. We were a bit overwhelmed, but the kids loved it. Everybody who was there that first time has been back again and word quickly spread.”

In the 10 weeks since it started, Icky Sticky Kids has gone from strength to strength, regularly attracting mums and kids from across Hebden Bridge and as far afield as Todmorden. As the weeks have gone on the fun has been expanded and, occasionally, refined.

“We take suggestions about what people think their kids would like and, if we can do it, we will,” says Nichola.

“We’ve had cupcake decorating sessions a couple of times, which the kids are mad about. They get to spoon on the icing and sprinkle on the fancies.

We have a far bigger space than the Messy Play at the children’s centre so we can offer a lot more messy fun and we never have to turn anyone away.”

The group has proved such a success that its founders are already planning for the future. They are applying for a council grant for not-for-profit community groups so they can update and expand their facilities. Future plans include a second Icky Sticky session later in the week to meet the demands of parents who can’t attend on Tuesdays, and a more sophisticated, if equally messy, session for kids older than five.

“It’s taken us by surprise a bit,” says Dawn. “Parents who have come with toddlers have said to us, ‘Ooh, my fiveyear-old would love that,’ or even, ‘My seven-year-old would love the painting,’ so it’s definitely on the cards. Kids’ love of getting messy doesn’t stop when they reach school age.”

What do the Icky Sticky founders get out of it all?

“To be honest my daughter Poppy loves it so much that I couldn’t possibly stop now, even if I wanted to,” says Nichola. “But it’s nice that other mums like it too. I don’t think there’s anything else quite like it in the area and parents love seeing their kids have messy fun, especially if it’s not in their own homes!”

Check out www.ickystickykids.co.uk for more details.

news thula mama comes to Hebden Bridge

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years ago, A Devon mum, bored with traditional baby singing groups, decided to set up a new kind of group: an a-cappella

harmony singing group where mums come together to sing chants, lullabies, and songs from around the world, while their babies bliss out on the sound of their mother’s voice.

She named the group Thula Mama (‘Hush, don’t cry’), after a South African lullaby of the same name, and it was an immediate success.

Today, that Devon mum, Thula Mama founder Helen Yeomans, has franchises all around the country.

Helen’s newest franchisee, Liz Powers, started her Thula Mama group in Hebden Bridge this Spring and is now inviting mums and their pre-crawling babies into her cosy living room in central Hebden on Wednesday mornings between 10.00 and 11.30.

Sessions cost £4 when booked in advance or £5 drop-in, with cups of tea, delicious snacks, laughs, hugs, making friends, comparing baby stories, and beautiful soothing singing all included in the price.The first session is free!

Liz said “As a qualified music teacher, I’ve lead community choirs and singing

groups in schools for years.

When I became a mum it seemed the natural thing to want to start a singing group for other mums.

There’s nothing like singing in harmony with other people for lifting your spirits and making you feel good.”

She explained; “At the heart of Thula Mama is the understanding that mothers, as well as their babies, need to be nurtured and nourished.

Singing together brings a sense of community and is a grounding and confidence-building activity for mothers who can often feel quite isolated while their babies are tiny. The fact that the songs we sing soothe the babies and give mums an alternative to traditional nursery rhymes, is just the icing on the cake!”

Call Liz on 01422 847702 to let her know that you’re coming, and to get the address.

Thula Mama is for pre-crawling babies but, if you have older children who love to sing, look out for Liz’s Family Choir, also starting soon in Hebden Bridge, for children of all ages and their adults to come together and sing. Call for more information or look out for posters in Hebden Bridge.

New 100% scholarship for top independent school

H

ipperholme Grammar School is delighted to announce a new 100% funded place at their senior school from next year.

The Charles Fenton Scholarship will be awarded to the pupil who achieves the top marks in the senior school entrance examination on Saturday 13th October 2012. This is in addition to other Academic, Music, Performing Arts and Sporting Scholarships at the Senior School, including Sixth Form. The school says it is committed to recognising the achievements and talents of individual children from all backgrounds and to enabling them to benefit from the School’s excellent academic, extracurricular and pastoral provision, and invites all interested families to come and have a look around. 01422 202256 info@hgsf.org.uk www.hgsf.org.uk

LITTLEBOROUGH KIDS GROUP IS TOP OF THE CLASS

L

ocal mum Neela Jackson is celebrating after her pre-school class was voted the very best in Rochdale & Bury and one of the top 3 classes in Oldham & Tameside.

The Creation Station Little Explorers class, which supports parents to enjoy creative arts and crafts play with their children, won the top prize in the awards from the UK’s biggest parenting site Netmums.com. It beat off competition from dozens of other classes in the area and will now be listed as the area’s best on the Netmums website.

The activity class runs at Jitterbugs Play Centre in Littleborough and in Uppermill, Saddleworth and costs £5.00 per session. Mums praised the class for being friendly and said it was the highlight of their children’s week.

Delighted Neela said: “I’m absolutely thrilled our class has been crowned the best in Rochdale & Bury and a very close runner up in Oldham & Tameside.

The Netmums award means so much because it is voted for by the parents. I love running the class and it’s fantastic to know the parents and children enjoy it as much as I do.”

Local Netmums editor Karen Dutton added: “Pre-school classes are one of the very best ways to bond with your

child and provide hours of fun for all the family. We were very impressed by the high standard of classes in Rochdale & Bury but Neela and The Creation Station are worthy winners.”

Neela runs regular weekly Baby Discovery and Little Explorer Classes across the Pennines in Littleborough, Saddleworth and Mytholmroyd and also provides birthday party and event entertainment across the area.

For more information, please contact Neela on 0844 954 9092 / neela@thecreationstation.co.uk

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page out &header about

Play Area

Top Trumps

By Eugenie Karen

Luddenden

Part 3 - Just off the beaten track

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alk on the wild side. Break the mould, get out of your playground ruts. Top Trumps brings you three treasures that you could whizz by without realising they exist.

Luddenden folk have long been enjoying their playground tucked into the hillside away from the road that speeds people past the village. Narrow, randomly pavemented lanes that not even the ice cream van attempts, lead up to it.

Zooming along Wadsworth Lane you might be too busy admiring the sweeping valley views that Dodd Naze enjoys and miss the estate completely. Turn in and you’ll find a totally refurbished play area with loads to offer the most jaded kids and carers.

Speeding along the Cragg Vale super-highway you could inadvertently pass the wooden sculptures that mark the entrance to a wonderful community space. Containing a recently created play area surrounded by bushes and woodland, it feels like you’ve stumbled into a private garden.

Slow down, turn off, and discover.

Dodd Naze

Access

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Equipment

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Peace of Mind

4

Appeal to all ages

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Underfoot

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Comfort and Joy

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A bit of a walk from bus stop and car park, this playground has a lot of charm. The solid, old style see-saw was a huge hit.

There are enough swings to go round and plenty to scramble on. Older children can play ball or hide in the bushes above. It’s poorly fenced so escapologists will have to be watched closely and the grassed areas treated with caution - dogs use it for their purposes. No shops but plenty of seating. Come prepared.

Cragg Vale

Access

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Access

9

Equipment

9

Equipment

9

Peace of Mind

7

Peace of Mind

9

Appeal to all ages

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Appeal to all ages

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Underfoot

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Underfoot

9

Comfort and Joy

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Comfort and Joy

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Dodd Naze sits high above Hebden Bridge. Formerly grim, the playground has been transformed and boasts a range of distractions, sandpit, baby swings and various climbing things in a fenced toddler section. Outside of this there are all sorts to interest the more agile including a basketball hoop that can become addictive - bring an extra ball.

Easy to get to by car, bus or foot if you can face the climb. There’s nowhere to buy snacks or tables to eat at, so come prepared.

Arriving by bus, car or foot, climb the zig zag footpath that leads up from the road to this lovely space. Adjoined by a garden and woodland, a mown pitch complete with goal sweeps towards a lovely new playground where kids will find plenty to amuse. There’s a little passageway into the woods which offers adventure but otherwise it’s secure. Carers can install themselves at one of the two picnic benches and let kids roam.

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feature Cool Pool Parties Come to Cragg Vale!

When life throws you lemons, make lemonade… when you’re made redundant – PARTY!

By Matthew Corbyn I’ve always been a keen swimmer and was a volunteer Swim Teacher around the time I was made redundant from Curry’s (the electrical shop sort – not the yummy spicy kind!).

Although the prospect of losing a steady income, with a mortgage and five children to look after, was terrifying at the time, the natural choice for me was to follow my heart and teach swimming.

It was great timing when I came across Swimstars and jumped at the chance to join their ranks! That was three years ago and I am now a firmly established Swimstars teacher.

Now, at our beautiful new pool at Cragg Vale (Craggs Country Business Park), I can also offer ‘Cool Pool Parties’ for various celebrations, or just for fun.

Although I advertise a ‘Cool’ Pool Party, the temperature of the water

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is anything but, at a toasty 31 degrees. The pool is suitable for groups of up to 12 children (please ring to discuss your exact requirements). 75 minutes of frolicking amidst giant inflatables and your little swimmers will be ready for party feasting in our comfy reception area.

Pass the parcel, music and drinks, a host and a lifeguard are included in the price with cake and goodie bags available at a small extra cost.

With a clear poolside view of Stoodley Pike and passing sheep, it’s a wonderful way to mark a celebration, and best of all – everybody gets to take home a very tired, partied-out swimmer!

out & about

Lister Park

North Park Road, BD9 4NR www.bradforddistrictparks. org 01274 437673

L

ister Park, in Bradford, sits about a mile out of the city centre on the Shipley Road and is a gem amidst the urban sprawl.

In 2006 it won the title of ‘Britain’s Best Park’ after extensive renovations and additions, and you can easily see why.

The Park was donated to the city by a local mill owner, Samuel Lister and opened in 1870. It covers over 22 hectares and includes many things to keep a family entertained on a nice day. We spent over three hours there without retracing our steps once.

First, and quite central to the park, is the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, opened in 1904 which still contains an impressive collection of notable art owned by the City of Bradford.

Our older children were actually quite absorbed by some of the paintings, which all have brief notes adjacent to them explaining, in simple terms, what each picture depicts. A favourite with all the family was the large Lowry but there were sculptures, models and modern art too. For younger children there was also drawing stations, dressing up areas

and other things for them to do, all cleverly relating to the pictures hanging on the walls.

For example we all loved the wonderful dolls-house size model of an Arabian dwelling, complete with dolls and furniture, part of which could be seen in the adjacent painting.

There is also a gallery showing a history of Bradford’s Silk industry, where Lister made some of his fortune.

In front of the Gallery are some beautiful formal gardens, including a floral clock, and the Mughal water gardens. There is a large, well kept, children’s play area and a boating lake with pedelos or rowing boats to hire.

There are hundreds of very well fed ducks, coots and geese and a small café selling light meals, drinks and cakes.

There is also a Botanical Garden and Geological Trail. For anyone interested in Horticulture and/or Geology, you could spend hours here alone.

Originally designed in 1903, the plan was to represent every family of plants in British Flora plus different rock types that can be found throughout Yorkshire.

In the 50s it was replanted on a themed basis to show plants used in the textile and medical industries and, after it’s renovations between 2001 and 2002, it is now of award winning standards. On the day we were there the smells alone were sensational. Look out for the park guide and map (we got ours from the Cartwright Hall Gallery) so you can fully appreciate the huge variety of trees and plants.

All the paths are wide and smooth.

The park does sit on a slope but there are no steps, apart from around the water gardens; so pram, pushchair, scooter or bike access is no problem.

Entrance to the Gallery is free and Pedelo hire is £4.00 per half hour.

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page header feature Your chance to make a difference – Be a Foster Carer

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here are over 65,000 children and young people living in care across the UK, most of them living with foster carers.

But, despite this, research carried out by leading charity ‘The Fostering Network’ suggests there is a national shortage of approximately 8,750 foster carers.

This situation is reflected here in Calderdale. The number of children and young people who need foster care in our area has been increasing over the last few years. Today, there are 365 children in care in Calderdale and more foster carers are needed.

Not having enough foster carers often means that children cannot be placed in the area they know. If the right foster family is not available straight away this can sometimes mean that children have to be placed with fostering agencies outside of the borough or placed temporarily with alternative carers and then moved again within a short space of time.

Children who need foster care come from different backgrounds and

from all areas across Calderdale.

Sadly, many of these children will have suffered abuse or neglect.

Foster carers are needed from all walks of life. Calderdale’s current foster carers come from all cultures, religious faiths, and age groups, living in all kinds of homes. Calderdale needs people to become foster carers who can make a positive difference to children’s lives.

Foster carers currently receive payments that range between £10,280 and £28,836 per year based on individual circumstances and the needs of the child they care for.

Fran, a Calderdale foster carer, summed up what drove her to foster children: “Knowing that we are making a difference to a child and that it will help them in later life, that they are safe and well cared for whilst they are with us,” she said.

As a Calderdale foster carer, there’s a package of support that you’ll receive including contacts with existing foster carers.

Could you make a difference to a child’s life?

If you would like to know more about becoming a foster carer please call 0845 245 6000 or visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/fostering to receive an information pack and registration of interest form.

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diary pages

T

he heart of The Scallymag are the following indispensible diary pages.

On this first page we have the Pre-school and Playgroups that run in our area. These usually offer free sessions for children aged 3 and over for 15 hours per week during term time. Contact them directly for more information.

The Out of School listings are for older children who require care outside normal school hours or during holidays. Those listed take all children, not just those who attend any associated school.

The bottom section shows opening times for places you might like to visit regularly with your child.

The centre spread is the Pre-school Diary. White background is for drop-in sessions, shaded background is for bookable activities. All sessions will require an adult to remain with the child at all times. Most activities charge a small fee; all Children’s Centre services are free, with any donations gratefully received. Please phone ahead before setting out as details can change at any time.

Finally the second spread shows the many different activities available for school age children, from Chess to Dancing, Karate to Brass bands! Again, please use the contact details provided to check details before setting out.

If you have any new or up-dated information that should be included here, please let us know – contact details are on page 3.

Hebden Royd Out-Of-Schools Club Upper Rooms, St James’ Church, Hebden Royd 01422 842821

The Fun Track Out of School Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Caldene Ave. Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

7:30 - 9:00 2:30 - 6:00

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 4 to 11

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

7:30 - 9:00 2:30 - 6:00

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 4 to 11

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

9:15 - 11:45 12:45 - 3:15* ages 2½ to 5

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

7:30 - 9:00 2:30 - 6:00

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 4 to 11

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

9:15 - 11:45 12:45 - 3:15* ages 2½ to 5

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

7:30 - 9:00 2:30 - 6:00

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 4 to 11

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

Monday

9:15 - 11:45 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

9:15 - 11:45 12:45 - 3:15* ages 2½ to 5

9:30 - 11:30 ages 2 - 4

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

Tuesday

9:15 - 11:45 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

9:15 - 11:45 12:45 - 3:15* ages 2½ to 5

Wednesday

9:15 - 11:45 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

9:15 - 11:45 12:45 - 3:15* ages 2½ to 5

Thursday

9:15 - 11:45 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

Friday

9:15 - 11:45 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

9:30 - 11:30 ages 2 - 4

The Glen House Montessori PreSchool Glen House, Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge 01422 884682 9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

Steiner Kindergarten Steiner Kindergarten St. John’s Centre Cragg Vale Marilyn - 01422 885249

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

Rainbow Kids Hope Street Baptist Church New Road Hebden Bridge Mags - 07940 040931

7:45 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 4 to 11

Todmorden Playgroup Todmorden C of E School Playground, Burnley Rd, Todmorden 01706 812019

7:30 - 9:00 2:30 - 6:00

Colden Preschool Colden School Playground, Smithy Lane, Colden, Hebden Bridge 01422 846734

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

Mytholmroyd Playgroup The Community Centre, Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge 01422 882226

Before & After School Luddenden Dene J,I & N CE School, Dene View, Luddenden Foot Andrea - 07812 905251

Out of School Space at The Ark The Ark Nursery, Cragg Vale, Mytholmroyd 01422 882010

pre-schools & playgroups

* Lunchtime supervision is also provided for children staying all day, for a small extra charge.

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 4:00 7:15 - 9:00

Wednesday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 7:00 8:00 - 9:00

10:00 - 5:00

Thursday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 4:00 7:00 - 8:15

10:00 - 6:30

Friday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 7:00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 6:30

1:30 - 6:30

Saturday

9:00 - 1:30 2:45 - 6:30

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 12:00

sunday

9:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 5:00

2:00 - 4:30

1:00 - 5:00

Jitterbugs Play Centre Riverside Works, Todmorden Road, Littleborough 01706 378123

Tuesday

Upsy Daisy’s Playcentre Moderna Business Park, Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 881717

2:00 - 6:00

My Play Cafe 7 Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07517 539 821

2:00 - 4:30

Soft Play Pockets Snooker Club, Hollins Mill, Rochdale Road, Todmorden 01706 812297

Walsden Library Inchfield Road, Walsden 01706 815602

10:00 - 6:30

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 7:00

2:00 - 8:00

4:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

2:00 - 8:00

4:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

4:00 - 8:00

1:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

2:00 - 8:00

1:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

2:00 - 8:00

4:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

9:00 - 8:00*

11:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

9:00 - 8:00*

11:00 - 6:00

Parties Only

10:00 - 4:00

9:30 - 6:00

*Not available if a party is booked

Mytholmroyd Library Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 883933

10:00 - 6:30

Monday

soft play areas Soft Play at the Creche Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Todmorden Library Strand, Rochdale Road Todmorden 01706 815600

Library times

Hebden Bridge Library Cheetham Street Hebden Bridge 01422 842151

* See Diary Listing for Fun Swim times

Swim for all Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Swim

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SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

Pre-school diary

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Parent & Toddlers 9:00 - 10:30 Scout Road Primary School, Scout Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 883327

Rolling Programme 9:00 - 10:00 (Term Time Only) Cornholme J&I School, Portsmouth, Todmorden call 01706 548140 for details FREE

Midgley Under 5’s 9:45 - 11:15 Midgley School, Midgley Jo - 01422 881984

Montessori Pre-School Group 10:00 - 12:00 Glen House Montessori School, Cragg vale, Hebden Bridge 01422 884682

Heptonstall Parents & Toddler Group 10:00 - 11:45 Heptonstall Social & Bowling Club, Acre Lane, Heptonstall Hannah-Louise 07528 626 000

Stay & Play 10:00 - 11:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140 - FREE

Unde 10:00 Todm Ewoo 0170

Reflexology (by referral) 9.00 - 12.00 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140

Steiner Parent & Child 10.00 - 12.00 St John’s Centre, Cragg Vale Sally - 07904 052816

TalkFirst Baby & Toddler Signing 10:00 - 11:00 Fielden Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Susan - 01706 878781

Parent & Toddler Swimming 12:30 - 1:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913

Talk First (baby signing) 12:45 - 1:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140 FREE

Baby Massage 1:30 - 3:00 Valley Medical Centre, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge 01422 841218

Coun Pare 1.30 Todm Todm Colle Todm 0142

Central Street Parents & Toddler Group 9:00 - 11:00 Central Street Infants School, Hebden Bridge.

Pauline - 01422 842784

Mytholm Parent & Toddlers 9:00 - 11:00 Hebden Royd School, Church Lane, Hebden Bridge 01422 842821

Luddendenfoot 0 to 5’s 9:15 - 11:15 Luddenden Foot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddenden Foot Sophie

Stay & Play 9:15 - 10:45 (Term Time Only) Luddenden Dene School, Luddendenfoot 01422 844904 FREE

Lumbutts Baby & Toddlers 9:30 - 11:15 Lumbutts Methodist Church Lumbutts Helen

Mytholmroyd Toddlers 9:30 - 11:30 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Elphaborough, Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

Cent 9:30 The Vale Todm Plea

Parent & Toddler Swimming 9:00 - 10:00 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913

Counselling Service for Parents (by referral) 9.00 - 4.00 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01422 250081 - FREE

Weaning Group, 9:30 - 10:30 (1st Tue only) Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden Health Visitors - 01706 811114 FREE

Steiner Parent & Child 10.00 - 12.00 Steiner Centre, Macpelah, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052816

Baby/postnatal Yoga 10:00 & 2:00 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Elaine - 07967 974 376

St. Josephs Toddlers 9:15 - 11:15 St Joseph’s School, Wellington Road, Todmorden 01706 812948

The Methodist Church Toddler Group 9:30 - 11:30 Scout Road, Mytholmroyd Joyce Greenwood 01422 883792

Family Stay and Play 10:00 - 11:30 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 844904 FREE

Rolling Programme 10.00 - 11.00 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden call 01706 548140 details

Melody Makers 10:00 - 10:40 Dodnaze Community Centre, Hirst Grove, Hebden Bridge Patricia - 01422 844037

Sure Start Baby Club 10:00 - 11:00 Jitterbugs Play Centre, Todmorden Road, Littleborough

Todm 12:30 Todm Com Road Jenn

Blackshaw Head Parents & Toddler Group 9:30 - 11:30 Blackshaw Head Chapel, Hebden Bridge Ann - 01706 810596

Creation Station - Little Explorers 9:45 - 10:30 Jitterbugs Play Centre, Todmorden Road, Littleborough Neela - 0844 854 9092

Steiner Parent & Child 10.00 - 12.00 Steiner Centre, Macpelah, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052816

Thula Mama (Mums and Babies

TalkFirst 10:30 - 11:15 Jitterbugs Play Area, Todmorden Road, Littleborough Sharon - 01706 378123

Little Bear Feet 11:30 - 12:15 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 1½ - 3 yrs

Pare 11:45 Shad Shad 0170

Luddendenfoot 0 to 5’s 9:15 - 11:15 Luddenden Foot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddenden Foot Sophie

Centre Vale Toddlers 9:30 - 11:30 The Bowling Pavillion, Centre Vale Park, Burnley Road, Todmorden Please call in for details

St Michael’s Angels 9:30 - 11:00 St Michael’s Church Hall Mytholmroyd Catherine - 01422 883130

Toy Library 9:30 - 11:30 Central Methodist Church, Todmorden Pete - 07724 528027

Dodnaze Parent & Toddlers 9.45 - 11.15 Dodnaze Community Centre, 54 Hirst Grove, Hebden Bridge

Blackshawhead Arty Toddler Group 9:45 - 12:00 Blackshawhead Chapel, Hebden Bridge Lorraine - 01422 844971

Little 10:00 St. M Corn Irene

Jo Jingles 9:30 - 10:15 (under 2s), 10:30 - 11:15, 11:30 - 12:15 (over 2s), 12:30 - 1:15 (over 3s), 1:30 - 2:00 (3 - 9 months) Todmorden Sports Centre, Jo Corbett - 01706 212889

TalkFirst 9:30 - 10:30 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 844904 FREE

Creation Station - Little Explorers 9:45 - 10:30 Upsy Daisy’s, Mytholmroyd Neela - 0844 854 9092

Jo Jingles 9:45 - 10:15 (over 2s), 10:45 - 11:30 (under 2s), Jitterbugs Play Centre, Littleborough Jo Corbett - 01706 212889

Post Natal Mum & Baby Yoga 11:00 - 12:30 Calderale Yoga Centre, 38 Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge Donna 07985 274181

Parent & Toddler Swimming 12:15 - 1:15 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913

Child 4:00 Cald Hang Bridg Abi Ages

Stubbings Toddler Group 9:00 - 11:00 Stubbings Infant School, School Street, Hebden Bridge, 01422 842728

Old Town Parents & Toddlers 9:00 - 11:00 Old Town Primary School, Billy Lane, Old Town Kate - 07917 793192

Luddendenfoot 0 to 5’s 9:15 - 11:15 Luddenden Foot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddenden Foot Sophie

Mytholmroyd Toddlers 9:30 - 11:30 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Elphaborough, Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

Aquatots 9:30 - 10:15, 10:15 - 11.00 & 11.00 - 11.45 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Baby Stay and Play 9:30 - 11:30 Todmorden Health Centre, 01706 548140 FREE

Rolli 9:30 Vario for d 0142 FRE

Ante-Natal Clinic 9:00 - 2:00 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden By appointment only via your midwife

Steiner Parent & Child 10.00 - 12.00 St John’s Centre, Cragg Vale Sally - 07904 052816

Sticky Fingers 1:30 - 2:30 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 844904 FREE

Intro to Football 1:45 - 2:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Ducklings Swimming Classes 4:00 - 4:30, 5:30 - 6:00, 6:00 - 6:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Pre-School Swimming Classes (Level 2+) 4:30 - 5:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Little Bear Feet 9:00 - 9:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 1½ - 3 yrs

Melody Movements 9:00 - 9:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 3 - 4 yrs

Mini Movers Disco/Cheer 9:00 - 10:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Pre-School Ballet & Tap 9:15 - 10:15 Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, The Conservative Club, Rochdale Road, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785

First Ballet & Tip Tap Toe 10:00 - 11:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Harmony Singing)

10.00 - 11.30 Central Hebden Bridge Liz Powers 01422 847702

PEEP Group (For families and children with additional needs) 1:30 - 2:45 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge Amanda - 01422 399552 FREE

Fun Swim 1:30 - 2:45 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 Ducklings Swimming Classes 9:00 - 9:30, 10:30 - 11:00, 11:15 - 11:45, 4:30 - 5:00, 6:00 - 6:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Pare 1:30 Shad Shad 0170

Cam

(ages

5:45 Lumb Todm Les

er 5’s Fun Swim 0 - 11:00 morden Sports Centre, od Lane, Todmorden 06 839090

nselling Service for ents (by referral) - 5.00 morden Children’s Centre morden Community ege, Burnley Road, morden 22 250081 - FREE

tre Vale Toddlers - 11:30 Bowling Pavillion, Centre Park, Burnley Road, morden ase call in for details

Crafty Calves Toddler Meet (10% off for under 5s)

10:30 - 12.00 Halifax Road, Todmorden 01706 557414

Ladies Fitness 1:45 - 2:45 (term time only) Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140 Limited crèche FREE Childminders Drop In (2nd Tuesday Only)

9:30 - 11:30 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 844904 FREE

Walsden Community Playgroup @ St Peter’s 1:30 - 3:00 St Peter’s Church, Walsden Catherine - 01706 818403

St Mary’s Family Service All Children Welcome 4:05 onwards St Mary’s Church, Todmorden 01706 819300

Wild Things Drama Group 3:30 - 4:15 (please call for dates) Cornholme Primary School, Greenfield Terrace, Cornholme 01706 548140 - FREE

Rhyme, Rattle & Roll 4:00 - 4:45 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140 - FREE

Bumps & Babes - support

Toddler Tuesday

Icky Sticky Kids 10.00-11.30 Open 10:00 - 5:00 Holme Street Arts Centre, Flying Saucers, Butlers Wharf, Hebden Bridge Hebden Bridge Nichola - 07973 234928 01422 846666

group for multiple births

10% off Pottery Painting plus a free coffee (excludes holidays)

10:00 - 11:30 The Methodist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Nicola - 01422 843129

ent & Toddler Swimming - 2:30 de Junior & Infant School, de, Todmorden 06 812913

Yoga (with Creche) (by referral) 1:30 - 3:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140

FixLifestyles Mums & Babies Training 3:00 - 4:00 10a Top Land Country Business Park, Cragg Vale Rachel - 07702 796236

First Ballet & Tip Tap Toe 4:00 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 4 - 5 yrs

morden Family Support 0 - 2:00 alternate weeks morden Fire Station mmunity Room, Stansfield d, Todmorden ni - 01706 839787

Luddendenfoot 0 to 5’s 1:15 - 3:15 Luddenden Foot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddenden Foot Sophie

Baby Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:00 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 844904 FREE

Baby Stay & Play with Baby Clinic 1:30 - 3:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140 FREE

ent & Toddler Swimming 5 - 12:45 de Junior & Infant School, de, Todmorden 06 812913

Pregnancy Yoga 1:30 & 7:30 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Elaine - 07967 974 376

Tiny Tots 4:00 - 5:00 Hebden Dance Place, Hope Baptist Church, Hebden Bridge Miss Julie - 07581 165057

Ducklings Swimming Classes 5:00 - 5:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

e Angels 0 - 11:30 Michaels Church, nholme, Todmorden e - 01706 817296

Lesbian Parents Group Stay and Play 10:00 - 12:00 (3rd Thu only) Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 07704 568237 FREE

Counselling Service for Parents (by referral) 12:30 - 4:00 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01422 250081

Baby Clinic, Baby Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:30 (2nd & 4th Thu only) Valley Medical Centre, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Lal - 01706 548149 FREE

dren’s Yoga - 5:00 derdale Yoga Centre, gingroyd Lane, Hebden ge - 01422 844146 s3-7

Dainty Dolls 4:00 - 5:00 Hebden Dance Place, Hope Baptist Church, Hebden Bridge Miss Julie - 07581 165057

Melody Bear 4:00 - 4:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 3 - 4 yrs

Ducklings Swimming Classes 5:00 - 5:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

ing Programme - 10:30 (Term Time Only) ous Locations - please call details 22 844904 EE

Family Stay and Play 9:30 - 11:00 (term time only) Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden 07798 581215 FREE

The Woods (Forest School & Outdoor Play all year round - please dress accordingly)

Ben’s Story and Rhyme Time 10.30 - 11.15 (please call for dates) Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 844904 FREE

s 4-6 yrs)

- 7:15 butts Church, Lumbutts, morden or Pat 01706 814754

Mid-Week Movers 3:00 - 5:00 (Term Time Only) Todmorden Community College Hall, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140 - FREE

Yoga for Pregnancy 7:00 - 8:30 Todmorden Donna 07985 274181

Family Social From 3:30 Trades Club, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge Lucy - 07943 771739

Family Social From 3:30 Trades Club, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge Lucy - 07943 771739

Todmorden Swimming Club

- Widths

7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 817559 Young Parents Group (For

parents under 25)

2.30 - 4:00 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 844904 FREE

Young Parents’ Group 1.30 - 3.00 (2nd & last Fri Only) Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140 FREE

Todmorden Swimming Club

- Widths

7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 817559

SUNDAY

mpaigners - Eagles

10:00 - 12:00 Eastwood, Todmorden Lizzie - 07772 331780

Tatty Bumpkins 4:00 - 5:00 Zion Housing Co-op Studio, Hebden Bridge Clare - 07790 761702

Live @ 9:15 interactive, informal worship 9:15 - 10:00 (1st & 3rd Sun only) Central Methodist Church, Todmorden 01706 839032

Lesbian Parents Group Sunday Socials 2:00 - 4:00 (last Sun only) Various Locations - call for more info.

07704 568237

Family Fun Swim 10:00 - 12:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

13

out of school diary Girls Group (Arts, crafts,

Modern Jazz Dancing 4:00 - 7:15 4:00 - 5:30 Sarah Hitchon School of Dodnaze Community Centre Dance, The Conservative Club, 54 Hirst Grove, Hebden Bridge Rochdale Road, Todmorden Jean 01422 843216 Sarah - 07929 576785 8 yrs + 3 + yrs

Boyz Break Dance 4:00 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

Mini Movers Street Crew 5:00 - 5:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 4 - 6 yrs

Woodcraft Folk (Elfin) 5:15 - 6:30 The Fielden Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Pete 01706 818346 6+ yrs

Judo Excellence 6:00 - 7:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 5 - 7 yrs

Swimming (level 2 and above) 4:00 - 6:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Move & Groove Disco/Cheer 4:00 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 4 - 6 yrs

After School Swimming 4:30 - 6:15 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

Football Coaching 5:00 - 6:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 8+ yrs

Tod Harriers Junior Training 5:30 - 6:30 Todmorden High School, Ewood Land, Todmorden Eileen Miles 07738 634625 8+ yrs

Kidz Latino & Salsa 6:00 - 6:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

After School Swimming 3:30 - 6:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

Ballet & Tap 4:00 - 6:30 (various classes) DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113 5+ yrs

Swimming (level 2 and above) 4:00 - 7:00, Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Boyz Tap 4:30 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

Tod Harriers Junior Training 5:00 - 6:30 Todmorden High School, Ewood Land, or Shepherds Rest Pub, Lumbutts Road, Todmorden Ben Crowther 07817 108921

Calder Valley Fell Runners - Junior 5:45 - 6:45 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Mytholmroyd Alastair 07812 593660 8+ yrs

Family Social From 3:30 Trades Club, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge Lucy - 07943 771739

Creative Dance 4:00 - 6:00 Dance 4 All, Castle Hill School, Halifax Road, Todmorden Penny Alexander 01422 884634 5+ yrs

Coached Mini Tennis 4:00 - 5:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Andrew Bentham - 01706 815265 5 to 11 yrs

Swimming (beginners) 5:00 - 5:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Junior Ballroom & Latin 5:30 - 6:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

Todmorden Community Brass - 5-Note Beginners Band 6:00 - 6:45 The Bandroom, Wellington Road, Todmorden David White 01706 815820

Family Social From 3:30 Trades Club, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge Lucy - 07943 771739

Swimming (level 2 and above) 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Dancing - Various classes 4:00 - 8:45 Fielden House, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah Hitchon 07929 576785 10 + yrs

Beginner Ballet & Tap 5:00 - 6:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113 Age 7 - 11 yrs

Girls Football Development 5:00 - 6:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 8+ yrs

Calderdale Schools Music Service Choir 5:30 - 6:30 Riverside School, Hebden Bridge Music Service 01422 366456 5+ yrs

Gymnastics Club 4:00 - 5:15 Calder High School, Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Tracey 07970 730224 Beginners

Children’s Yoga 4:00 - 5:00 Calderdale Yoga Centre, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge Abi - 01422 844146 Ages 8 - 13

Move & Groove 4:30 - 5:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113 Age 4 - 7 yrs

Disco Team Class 5:00 - 5:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

7th Todmorden Rainbows 5:00 - 6:00 Roomfield Baptist Church, Todmorden Katie - 07769 151276 5 - 7 yrs

7th Todmorden Brownies 6:00 - 7:15 Roomfield Baptist Church, Todmorden Jennifer Jackson 01706 815342 7 - 10 yrs

After School Swimming 3:30 - 4:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

Children’s Yoga 4:00 - 5:00 Calderdale Yoga Centre, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge Abi - 01422 844146 Ages 3 - 7

Football Training 4:00 - 5:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5 - 8 yrs

Dancing - Various classes 4:00 - 8:00 Fielden House, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah Hitchon 07929 576785 10 + yrs

Football Training 5:00 - 6:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 8+ yrs

8th/26th Calder Valley Beavers 5:30 - 6:30 Central Methodist Church, off Bramsche Square, Todmorden Dave Payne 01706 816568 6 - 8 yrs

Junior Tennis Sessions 4:00 - 5:00 Todmorden Tennis Club, Stansfield Road, Todmorden 01706 815265 5 - 10 yrs

Swimming (beginners) 4:00 - 4:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Swimming (level 2 and above) 4:00 - 6:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Junior Street, Disco & Cheer 4.30 - 6.00 (various classes) DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

Hebden Dance Place 5:00 - 6:00 Hope Baptist Church, Hebden Bridge Miss Julie - 07581165057 6 - 8 yrs

6th Todmorden Rainbows 5:30 - 6:30 Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden Tammy Frankland 01706 559493 5 - 7 yrs

Todmorden Tennis Club 4:00 - 5:00 May - September Burnt House Lane, Hallroyd Road, Todmorden.

Andrew Bentham 01706 815265 4 - 10 yrs

Helen O'Grady Drama Academy 4:00 - 7:00 Holme Street Arts Centre, Hebden Bridge Wendy 01706 810164 5 to 11 yrs

Swimming (level 2 and above) 5:00 - 5:30, 6:30 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Calder Valley Karate 6:00 - 7:30 The Girl’s Gym, Calder High School, Mytholmroyd Andrew Nightingale 01422 847877 8+ yrs

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths 7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 817559

Dancing - Various classes 4:00 - 7:30 Fielden House, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah Hitchon 07929 576785 10 + yrs

Baby Ballroom 5:00 - 5:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113 Age 4 - 7 yrs

Campaigners - Kids Zone 5:45 - 7:15 Lumbutts Church, Lumbutts, Todmorden Les or Pat 01706 814754 6 - 10 yrs

Todmorden Community Brass Training Band 6:30 - 7:30 The Bandroom, Wellington Road, Todmorden Maurice 01706 816588

Football Training 8:30 - 12:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Creative Dance 9:15 - 1:15 Dance 4 All, Riverside School, Hebden Bridge Penny Alexander 01422 884634 5+ yrs

Swimming (level 2 and above) 9:30 - 12:15, 4:00 - 6:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Swimming (level 1/2) 10:00 - 10:30, 12:45 - 1:15 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Calderdale Dyslexia Hebden Bridge Saints Friendship & Support Group Saturday Soccer Club 10:00 - 12:00 First Saturday of the 11:00 - 12:00 month only Luddenden Dene School, Upper Rooms, St James Dene View, Luddendenfoot.

Church, Mytholm, HB Nick Farrar 01422 882378 June 01422 842190 5 - 8 yrs

Border Gymnastics 9:00 onwards Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden Paul 01706 816755 5+ yrs

Ballet & Tap Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, The Conservative Club, Rochdale Road, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 3 + yrs

Junior Badminton 9:30 - 10:30 Calder High School, Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Mary Smith 07970 734639 6 - 11 yrs

Judo Excellence 10:00 - 11:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 5 - 7 yrs

1st Colden Rainbows 10:00 - 12:00 Alternate Saturdays Colden School Portacabin, Colden, Hebden Bridge Sandra McNeill 01706 812291 5 - 7 yrs

Junior Musical Theatre 11:00 - 11:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

20th Pennine Calder Beavers 9:00 - 12:00 (first Sat of Month) St Josephs School, Wellington Road, Todmorden Rowena Goldthorpe 01706 810821 6 - 8 yrs

Gymnastics Club 9:30 - 12:30 Burnley Road School, Mytholmroyd Tim Wild 01422 372321/07931 337487 5+ yrs

Rugby League Training 9:45 - 11:15 Littleborough Community Campus School, Calderbrook Road Carol Locket 01706 378348 7 - 9 yrs

Todmorden Judo Club 10:00 - 12:30 Todmorden Cricket Club, Burnley Road, Todmorden Sean Nuttall 07812 187270 5+ yrs

Ballet & Tap (various classes) 10:00 - 1:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

Judo Excellence 11:00 - 12:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 8+ yrs

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

cookery etc. for girls)

14

Swimming (Beginners) 6:30 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Luddendenfoot Boys Brigade Anchors & Juniors 6:45 - 8:00 Luddendenfoot Civic Institute, Station Road Heather - 01422 885542 5 - 11 yrs

Todmorden Swimming Club - Lengths 7:00 - 8:00, 8:00 - 9:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 817559 For strong swimmers

Monday Club 6:00 - 7:30 Mount Zion Baptist Chapel, Meet at Colden School 5 to 11yrs, Elva Hulme 01422 842726

Todmorden Tai Kwon Do 6:30 - 7:30 Ferney Lee School, Todmorden Keith Raistrick 07789 074198 6+ yrs

Judo Excellence 7:00 - 8:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 8+ yrs

Hippodrome Youth Theatre 7:30 - 9:30 Hippodrome Theatre, Halifax Road, Todmorden Helen 01706 839424 10+ yrs Entry by Audition ONLY

Swimming (level 1/2) 6:00 - 6:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

20th Pennine Calder Cubs 6:30 - 8:00 Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden Anya 01706 839871 8 to 10½ yrs

1st Old Town Brownies 6:15 - 7:15 Hope Baptist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Dinah Newsome 01422 843202 7 - 10 yrs

Todmorden Judo Club 7:30 - 9:00 Todmorden Cricket Club, Burnley Road, Todmorden Sean Nuttall 07812 187270 5+ yrs

1st Walsden Brownies 6:00 - 7:15 Walsden Junior School, Walsden Donna Scholfield 01706 839042 7 - 10 yrs

18th Hebden Bridge Beavers 6:15 - 7:15 Top Floor, Salem Mill, Hebden Bridge 6 - 8 yrs

18th Hebden Bridge Cubs 6:15 - 7:45 Top Floor, Salem Mill, Hebden Bridge Jan Bottomley 01422 846379 8 - 10½ yrs

2nd Mytholmroyd Brownies 6:30 - 8:00 Mytholmroyd Methodist Church, Scout Road, Mytholmroyd Angela Trowell 01422 885378 7 - 10 yrs

Tai Kwon Do 6:00 - 7:00 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Mytholmroyd Helen 07901833249 6 - 14 yrs

2nd Todmorden Brownies 6:15 - 7:30 St Joseph's School, Wellington Road, Todmorden Fiona Monaghan 01706 819703 7 - 10 yrs

Todmorden Tai Kwon Do 6:30 - 7:30 Ferney Lee School, Todmorden Keith Raistrick 07789 074198 6+ yrs

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths 7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 817559

1st Mytholmroyd Rainbows 5:30 - 6:30 St Michaels Church Hall, Mytholmroyd Lisa Thwaite 01422 886274 5 - 7 yrs

2nd Hebden Bridge Brownies 6:00 - 7:15 Hope Baptist Church Hall, Cheetham St. Entrance, Hebden Bridge Christine 01422 843725 7 - 10 yrs

Woodcraft Folk (Elfin & Pioneers) 6:30 - 7:45 Salem Mill (Top Floor) Salem Street, Hebden Bridge Julie 01422 846214 6+ yrs

8th/26th Calder Valley Cubs 6:30 - 7:30 Central Methodist Church, off Bramsche Square, Todmorden Dave Payne 01706 816568 8 - 10 yrs

Ballet & Tap 6:00 - 7:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

6th Todmorden Brownies 6:15 - 7:30 Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden Rowena Goldthorpe 01706 810821 7 - 10 yrs

1st Heptonstall Brownies 6:30 - 7:30 Heptonstall Junior School, Heptonstall Sandra McNeill 01706 812291 7 - 10 yrs

Junior Disco/Cheer 1:00 - 2:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

Junior Street 2:00 - 2:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

Junior Modern 1:00 - 1:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

Junior Gymnastic/Limbering 2:30 - 3:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn 01706 839113

Fun Swim 1:30 - 2:45 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Hebden Bridge Saints Team Trials Please phone for times and venue details Graeme 01422 884527

SUNDAY

Hebden Bridge Chess Club 6:00 - 7:15 Trades Club, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge John Kerrane 01422 842426

Junior Hippodrome Youth Theatre Alternate Sundays 10:00 - 12:00 Hippodrome Theatre, Halifax Road, Todmorden Emma 01706 817518 8 -10 yrs Entry by Audition

Mini Rugby 10:30 - 12:00 Littleborough RUFC Rakewood, Hollingworth Lake Harry Hanson 0161 624 7880 6+ yrs

Family Fun Swim 10:00 - 12:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

15

E st. 2 00 2

Private Day Nursery

Rated ‘OUTSTANDING’ by Ofsted Highest quality, purpose built facilities Wonderful countryside location 15 hrs/week of 3-4 yr old free places Sensory room & library

Open 7am – 6.30pm 51 weeks a year

Out of School & Holiday Club 4 – 14 years Fantastic outdoor playing field with trampoline and traversing wall Computer suite and internet Sports hall with indoor traversing wall Extensive & varied play opportunities PS3, Wii & X-Box

New!

Forest School for outdoor adventure, exploration and play!

catio on? educati

We provide an unhurried and creative environment where children can develop a love of learning.

Kindergarten

Willow and Birch Kindergartens for ages 3 to 6 offer a beautiful environment to learn through imaginative play and practical activities.

The school

Formal education for children aged 6 and above.

Our new school opened in September 2011 with the first class of children aged 6 and 7. All subjects are taught in an artistic and creative way, developing the whole child.

For more information phone: 01422 885249, email: info@hebdensteiner.com or visit: www.hebdensteiner.com

Dean Hey Farm, Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd Hebden Bridge HX7 5RU Tel 01422 882010

Reg. charity no: 109011

www.thearkexperience.co.uk

��������������� �������������� ����������� run by highly-trained and loyal staff, with high staff: child ratios ���5 star kitchen serving healthy vegetarian food freshly made on site ���Imaginative year-round ������������� ���������������������� in the heart of Hebden Bridge with waterside and park views ����������������� organisation, led by parents and carers

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For more information call

������������� www.crossleymillnursery.org.uk Crossley Mill Nursery, New Road, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8AD Registered Charity No. 519937

16

childcare Todmorden Children’s Centre Nursery

Are you looking for a nursery place where;

“Children are well supervised and their learning supported” “Children make good progress, and are well prepared for school” “Parent/ carers are welcomed into the nursery environment” Ofsted Report Nov. 2011 If so, Todmorden Children’s Centre Nursery is the place for you.

Free places available for ages 3-5 years.

For more information or to book a nursery place please call 01706 548140/1 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College Burnley Road, Todmorden OL14 7BX T: 01706 548140

Y

Childcare Vouchers

ou may well have seen most childcare providers advertising the fact that they accept Childcare Vouchers but do you know what they are and where you can get them? Are you missing out on hundreds of pounds per year by not claiming them?

Childcare vouchers are a tax-efficient way to pay your childcare costs. For a basic rate taxpayer (paying 20% tax), up to £55 per week can be taken from your salary BEFORE the tax and national insurance is paid. This is then returned to you in the form of vouchers. This is called ‘Salary Sacrifice’ and it means this money is never taxed. It can represent a maximum annual

gain of £930 per claimant, and both parents, or those with parental responsibility for a child living with them, can claim.

The vouchers are accepted by all regulated childcare providers, including nurseries, playgroups, nannies and childminders, for children aged up to 15. If you are in any doubt, just ask your provider.

There are a few things you need to be aware of before you claim.

• The voucher scheme is only available to those parents in employment with a company who offer the scheme. It is not offered by all employers and cannot be used by the self-employed. Ask your Human Resources Department if they offer the scheme and, if not, ask if they would consider it. It doesn’t cost them anything to set up and can actually save them money on National Insurance payments.

• The amount you can claim is only per working parent (with access to the scheme), not per child. The vouchers are not child specific though and have a long expiry date so you could consider saving them up for school holiday childcare or other times when your costs may be higher.

• For higher rate and top rate taxpayers the amount of vouchers you can purchase is lower so that, overall, everyone has the same tax benefit. Higher Rate payers can claim up to £28 per week and Top rate £22 per week.

• The effective loss of salary may impact on things such as pension contributions, maternity pay, etc. Make sure you are aware of the implications.

• Look carefully if you get Childcare Tax Credits. The amount of Childcare Tax Credit you receive depends on how much you pay for childcare in cash, therefore Childcare Vouchers reduces your bill and thus your eligibility for tax credits. Most people who get Childcare Tax Credits are better off without the vouchers. The balance only tips if your childcare costs are above £175 per week for one child or above £300 per week for two or more children.

• Remember, when you no longer need to pay for childcare, you need to check you have returned to your full salary.

17

page header Feature Doing the Sums for Mums in Business

G

reetland mum Helen Rhodes is flying high after setting up her own accountancy firm offering a fuss-free, straight-talking service to mums in business and small firms.

Helen, 35, mum to Charlie aged one and step-mum to six year-old Kai, is a qualified Chartered Accountant who held senior financial positions in

   

industry for many years. But when she became pregnant she reevaluated her career and decided it was the perfect time to set up her own business.

“I’d been thinking about starting my own company for a while but what finally persuaded me to take the plunge was having Charlie. Being my own boss affords me the flexibility I need for childcare while Charlie is young and it’s also a fantastic opportunity. I really wanted the challenge,” Helen said.

“Since having Charlie a whole new world has opened up to me. I’ve met lots of new mums but no-one is ever ‘just a mum’. I’ve met people with a broad range of expertise and it occurred to me that we can all help each other in business.”

Helen has tailored her company so that it is ideal for offering accountancy services to the self-employed and small firms.

“I’ve found that lots of women set up their own business when they

Physiotherapy Sports Massage Exercise Classes

£10 off voucher!

Fitness Analysis

0800 0751 641 www.backtofitnessphysio.com enquiries@backtofitnessphysio.com Suite 8B, Top Land Country Business Park, Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd, HX7 5RW

Sing Along with Jo Jingles!

Fun Music, Singing & Movement Classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years Classes in Bury, Haslingden, Rochdale, Littleborough, Todmorden, Rawtenstall & Heywood

For details call Jo on 01706 212889 jocorbettuk@aol.com www.jojingles.com/rossendale

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have children because it allows them the flexibility they need whilst also providing the career challenge that they crave. Most people in business however don’t want to be worrying about doing their accounts and that’s where I come in,” she said.

“Because I have an office at home I don’t have as many overheads as some of the bigger firms so I can keep my fees low. I find my clients appreciate that they only ever deal with me and the one to one service that that brings. Once I have completed a client’s accounts I also give a ‘plain-English’ financial summary which sets out the key yearly figures in an easy to understand way and gives any cost or tax savings that I have identified. In this way clients get a bit more for their money. Remember, behind every great business there’s a great accountant!”

pageliteracy header Information kindly provided by;

The Book Case 29 Market Street, Hebden Bridge 01422 845353

scene! e h t n o r e of ny is a mother nt publish t up the compa

ependechildren aged from 0 to 14 from d n i w e n A for trators thors and illus

T

’re his month we new highlighting a children’s independent r. book publishe pendent

a new, inde Nosy Crow is s books ishing children’ company, publ

PIP AND POSY: THE BIG BALLOON Illustrator: Axel Scheffler Age: 2+ Pip is very proud of his big red balloon. But when he lets the balloon go and it pops, he is inconsolable. Luckily, Posy has a clever idea to cheer up her friend and soon they are having fun again!

Best Sellers Our best seller this month was the Singing Mermaid, a beautiful glittery book from two of our best loved picture book writers. Secret Hen House Theatre at number two shows that

1 Singing Mermaid Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks £10.99

2 Secret Henhouse Theatre

who se s created herself, and ha young children value on that puts a high ny pa au m n w co a no l-k ing as well the both wel and great writ have just won ng lli ey te Th y . nt or st le ta ly covers. ren’s and new hing child friend r’s Guild Child tc he ca is ebl ey Pu t as en me of my Independ award, with a selection of so ar a s Ye e’ e er th H of r Publishe quality eir new titles. ve range of high favourites of th , on ils really impressi W e ure books. Kat fiction and pict

THE GRUNTS IN TROUBLE

THE SECRET HEN HOUSE THEATRE

Author: Philip Ardagh Illustrator: Axel Scheffler Age: 7+ Meet Mr and Mrs Grunt and their son, Sunny, who isn’t really their son because they stole him off a washing line when he was a baby. Follow their adventures in their homemade (badly-made) caravan, drawn by Clip and Clop (whom the Grunts took to be one donkey until they realised that they could see them both at once) then add a household of disgruntled servants from nearby Bigg House (owned by the wildly unpopular Lord Bigg); a swarm of angry bees; and some serious misunderstandings and mischief and you begin to get an inkling of the trouble they find themselves in.

That kind of trouble that begins with a capital ‘T’.

Author: Helen Peters Age: 10+ Since the death of her mother, Hannah’s family life has been chaotic.

Ignored by their dad, who’s absorbed as much by his grief as by the challenges of running their hopelessly dilapidated farm, Hannah and her brothers and sisters are left to fend for themselves.

While the younger kids run riot round the farm, Hannah decides she wants to do something special, something that connects her to her theatre-loving mum.

She’s going to write and put on a play in the overgrown hen house she’s found in a remote corner of the farm. Then the farm is threatened with demolition, and Hannah – with her best friend – have to find a way to save it. Perhaps one of the props they’re using in the play is valuable after all…

children can really enjoy great story telling. Olympia the Games fairy has been a popular choice this Olympic summer, and Where the Wild things are is ever popular, but had a boost in sales after the sad death of its creator

Maurice Sendak. We also have two Roald Dahls in our best sellers, which have been selling well to complement a new range of mugs decorated with Quentin Blake’s illustrations from the stories.

3

4

5

Olympia the Games Fairy

Where The Wild things Are

6

The Twits

Matilda

Helen Peters

Daisy Meadows

Maurice Sendak

Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl

£6.99

£4.99

£5.99

£5.99

£5.99

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 

  

   



  

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20

focus on: Starting School

I

t’s a worrying and stressful time for both parent and child when they go to school for the first time. We all hope our children will be happy, confident and make lots of friends at school, so here is our guide to ease you and your child through those first few weeks.

1.

Preparation

It can be very helpful for a child if they know what to expect when they start school. If you get the opportunity, visit the school together before they start.

Make sure your child knows where their peg will be, where the toilet is, where they will eat lunch, etc. Being able to picture where they are going and what they will be doing will all help ease any anxiety.

2.

New bed-time

3.

New routine

4.

The Goodbye

In the days leading up to starting school take the chance to get your child’s body clock into the new routine. It is recommended that 4 – 6 year olds are in bed by 7.00pm to get sufficient sleep for school. Good sleep means good learning.

Plan your mornings carefully so you’re not rushing. If your child likes to take their time over breakfast get them up and dressed before they start, so you’re ready to go as soon as they are done.

Leave extra time for any crisis that may arise, such as lost shoes, and never skip breakfast; it is crucial for good concentration.

Some schools may allow parents in to school for a few minutes to get the child settled, some may not. Either way try to ensure you have a few minutes spare to spend with your child at school, either in the yard or in the classroom. Set boundaries though, so they know you have to leave and when you will leave, even if they are crying or making a fuss.

If they are crying, hand them over to a teacher; they are trained to be able to deal with it, but never leave without saying goodbye. Sneaking off will lose your child’s trust and will only make things worse the next time.

5.

Stay positive

Even if you are anxious about your child starting school, try not to let it show.

You don’t want your child worrying about you missing them during the day!

6.

Be reassuring

Give encouragement wherever possible; tell your child how ‘grown up’ they are being and reassure them that you will be there to pick them up. Maybe ask them to paint a special picture for you and give lots of praise for the good things they did that day.

Point out the positive things, like how great it will be to have a PE lesson, and try to only give positive advice like “Remember to share nicely” rather than the negative “Don’t be naughty”.

7.

Making friends

8.

Make their life easier

If your child is going to school with children they already know, it will help a great deal with the settling in process. If you get the chance, introduce them to some class-mates before school starts.

But remember, your child may not necessarily be friends with your friend’s children. Let them choose their own friends and maybe ask if they would like to invite any of them to your house after school or over the weekend.

9.

Teach them to recognise their own name Many children can already write their own name, or more, when they start school but don’t worry if yours can’t.

However it is always helpful if they can recognise their own name so they can find their peg or their tagged belongings.

10.

If they’re not settling?

Some other tips and tricks you can try: • Try to keep the rest of your homelife routine as similar as possible so they don’t have to make too many huge changes all at once.

• Plan a little treat for after school and tell them in the morning so they can look forward to it throughout the day • Pack the school bag together.

Include a little picture of a smiley face that you can kiss for them, or pack something special and soothing from home.

• Ask for the teachers to find a special partner for your child. Someone they can rely on to work with them and help them through.

• Don’t be afraid to ask the school for help, especially if you think your child may be bottling up their anxiety while at school.

If your child has difficulty tying shoe laces, buy them Velcro shoes. If your child is a picky eater, consider making them a packed lunch rather than putting them through the stress of a school dinner or, worse, leaving them hungry.

Try not to load them up with too many changes at once.

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page header

f O r e w o P e h T Simp le Gift A Make a special connection with a child in need overseas – give a shoebox gift from your hands into theirs. It’s a powerful way to share God’s love at Christmas.

Come get involved in Operation Christmas Child with your local group!

To get involved in this exciting campaign, please contact: There will be a collection point for your shoeboxes at Hartley’s Cheese Stall in Todmorden Market Hall between 1st and 18th November, or ask your school if they will be involved this year.

www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk UK Charity No 1001349 Scottish Charity No SC039251 Company No 2462257 Poster A4 2012

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family page header health Physio & Therapies in Todmorden offers treatments for a wide range of family health issues. If you have any questions, queries or concerns you would like to ask an expert about please get in touch by any of the methods shown on page 3.

They have a wide range of specialists including Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Nutritionist, Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Clinical Psychologist, Homeopath and other Therapists to answer your questions.

I get a lot of niggling low back pain which comes and goes, it all seemed to start after I had my children for no reason and it’s getting gradually worse. My friend has recommended Pilates. What is Pilates and is it effective in stopping this type of back pain.

Pilates is a form exercise that emphasises the importance of having the body working correctly at all times during a set of exercises, which once learnt can be carried over into everyday activities. In order to understand how Pilates works it is best to have some understanding of what can go wrong during the child baring years to cause pain.

The body needs to be able to control the pelvis and lower spine in order to be able to move efficiently. During child bearing the pelvis and

lower spine change position to accommodate the growing baby. During the last few weeks of pregnancy and for a time after the birth a hormone is produced that allows ligaments in the body stretch to allow the bones of the pelvis to move so the baby can pass through the pelvis during birth. All this causes the ligaments and joints to become too mobile and if the muscles that control the area don’t get exercised and strengthened soon enough after birth the pelvis and spine can remain in a poor position. Often

both the spine and pelvic area become intermittently painful as the joints and ligaments get overloaded or badly positioned.

In some people the ligaments remain in this lax state and the joints are constantly strained while the ligaments and muscles are overloaded more and more. This makes the pelvis very unstable and can lead to pains not only in the back but in the limbs, neck or head.

Pilates was devised by Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) He worked as a hospital orderly and he came up with a set of exercises for hospital patients to do while in bed. When these patients got better faster than other patients the doctors gave him their endorsement.

He later worked with dancers before going to America where he opened his first Pilates studio and when he moved to California his exercises were taken up by Hollywood stars and his reputation soon spread.

Joe Pilates believed that by controlling the central core (Pelvis and lower spine muscles) and by adjusting the intensity and resistance of exercises, you can correct poor posture, improve muscle control, prevent injuries and pain. He advocated concentrating on precision exercises, breathing control and smooth movement to alter the abnormal ways pain, injury or habit has made us move.

There are two Pilates forms, basic technique called matwork and machine based exercises taught in special Pilates studios.

In traditional Pilates there are 34 exercises which strengthen, mobilise and stretch the body.

The matwork sessions promote the stability of the pelvis and lower spine and build on altering the poor ways of moving. For instance, a set of muscles can

be overused while an injured set of muscles can become underused and weak, leading to poor posture and eventually, pain with or without an injury. By correcting of poor posture while strengthening the weak muscles the body learns to readjust itself into healthier postures and patterns of moving. The joints, ligament and muscles then have less strain and load and so the risk of pain diminishes.

Today Modified Pilates is used by many Chartered Physiotherapists to help their clients free themselves from pain and dysfunction. Modified Pilates has been devised to make sure the original exercises will not aggravate any pain you may have. In many cases people report that their pain started without any significant incident or injury. A commonly heard history from clients is that the pain just seemed to have started for no reason or that it has been niggling since the birth of children.

At Physio and Therapies in Todmorden we hold a 6 week course in small groups or for individuals. We teach how to correctly activate the right muscle sets during a selection of exercises at a level that you can cope with. There is no emphasis on ‘going for the burn’ or pushing you outside your comfort zone although as one participant said “it’s amazing how hard you can work without breaking into a sweat”. We teach correct technique at a pace you can cope with. After the 6 week course most people feel a change in their strength, control and posture. Clients often then go on to continue their exercises at home or join one of the follow-on classes held locally. If you would like more information about these classes please phone Physio & Therapies on 01706 819464.

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