Scallymag for Halifax - Feb-Mar '12

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®

Halifax, Brighouse, Elland, Sowerby Bridge, Ripponden, Northowram, Shelf and Surrounding areas

Focus On

New!

Calm Babies & Happy Parents Can You Change a Child’s Life?

Protecting Children from Whooping Cough

Out and About

Halifax History Local Sports Pages

Competition

Win a Place at Junior Chef’s Club

Cannon Hall Farm What’s On Guide

February/March 2012

Issue 24

For Local Parents, Carers & Kids

Daily Diaries

For pre-school and out of school activities

Plus

Local news, features and lots more!

FREE

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¥ Football &

Rugby Skills

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME Monday 13th February - Wednesday 15th February 2012 9.30-3pm

Join us for a wide range of activities to keep your children entertained this half term! *Terms & conditions apply

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¥ Problem Solving Activities

¥ American Football

¥ Team Building

¥ Netball

¥ Dance

¥ Climbing Wall

¥ Games

£40 for 3 days of activities!

Activities suitable for 8-13 year olds For further information please call 01422 399331 or email inspirecentre@calderdale.ac.uk

page WELCOME header Contents News

New Head at Local Grammar School Police Target Bad Behaviour on Buses Focus On Calm Babies, Happy Parents Can You Change a Child’s Life?

Protect Children from Whooping Cough Out n About Cannon Hall Farm What’s On New Features Halifax History Local Sports Competitions Search for the Next Business Gurus Win a Place at Junior Chef’s Club Diary Pages Pre-school diary Out of School diary

welcome page 4 page 5 page 8 page 13 page 23 page 7 page 10 page 9 page 28 page 26 page 27 page 16 page 18

Front Cover

Our vibrant, colourful front page picture was painted by Lightcliffe C of E School pupil Ella Hill-Harnell, aged 5.

Writing this letter is always the last thing I do before the magazine is sent for print. I like to look through the content, refer to it in what I write and make sure everything is just right.

I love my job. But for this edition I am probably more excited than ever. Although we’ve been keeping local families informed and entertained for the last five years, this issue is one of firsts. It’s our first bi-monthly magazine – you used to only get four a year. ‘How did we cope?!’ I hear you cry!

It’s the first one that will be delivered to the pupils and parents of Ling Bob and Shelf schools – a warm welcome to you all. We now deliver to 40 schools and pre-schools and are very grateful to their staff for distributing The Scallymag for every pupil to take home in their book bag.

Another first in this issue, we introduce our brand new local sports pages. We want to hear if you’re a junior sports star or if your school team has done well. Send us an email and we’ll do our very best to feature you in the next edition!

We are also delighted to bring you our new Halifax History pages.

We’re really keen that local children and their families know about the heritage of our towns and surrounding areas and so will be featuring local stories of days gone by each edition. Check out the fascinating feature on Big Daddy, by Neil Roberts, on page 9.

All of the above has been achieved because demand for The Scallymag is growing and growing.

But we’re not going to rest on our laurels, we want your input! This is your local, family magazine. Send us your news, views and feature ideas and we’ll continue to grow together!

From my family to yours,

Mel

If you’d like to paint or draw a picture for our front cover please post it to The Scallymag (contact details below) by March 20. Our next edition covers the months of April and May so please make your picture bright and seasonal!

contact us 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:

 1 Mountfields, Lightcliffe, Halifax, HX3 8SS  mel@thescallymag.co.uk  Mel: 07527 847423  www.thescallymag.co.uk The Scallymag (Halifax) @thescallymag

Editor: Melanie Hill 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: The Scallymag, 1 Mountfields, Lightcliffe, Halifax, HX3 8SS e: mel@thescallymag.co.uk Disclaimer: Whilst every care is taken to ensure that information contained in this magazine is true, accurate and fair, the Publisher/ Editors 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 or Editors. © The Scallymag® 2011 Nothing may be reproduced without permission

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local news Lottery Boost for New Head at Local Pre-School Grammar School

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hildren, parents and staff of Sowood PreSchool are celebrating after receiving a grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

The money will be used for new resources and equipment to help the dedicated staff prepare the children for school.

Hannele MacNaughtan, a member of the Management Committee, said the money would “make a real difference”.

Sowood Pre-School is an Ofsted registered charitable organisation able to care for a maximum of 24 children at any one time, who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage aged from 2 years old to statutory school age.

Employing a team of highly skilled staff, the pre-school is managed by a volunteer trustee committee consisting of parents, carers and members of the community.

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ipperholme Grammar School has welcomed a new headmaster this term.

Jack Williams joins the school from his previous role at Hillcrest Grammar School in Stockport and has previously worked at Leeds Grammar School and Magdalen College School, Oxford.

A Chemistry Graduate from the University of Sheffield, Mr Williams will be taking an active role in the classroom as well as leading

both the Junior and Senior Schools, which together as the Hipperholme Grammar School Foundation provide education for children aged 3 to 18.

Mr Williams, who is a softball umpire at national level, said: “I am delighted to have joined the school at an interesting time in education.

The opportunity for children from 3 -18 to learn in the same, small nurturing environment is one which all can benefit from. I hope to be able to bring a number of new initiatives to benefit pupils, parents and staff alike, whilst maintaining the aims and ethos which have made the school so successful for over 350 years.”

Mr Williams’s wife, Anne, also works in the independent education sector and he has a young son, Oliver.

New Headteacher Mr Jack Wills with Hipperholme Grammar School’s head girl and boy.

Streetdance Comes to Square Chapel

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quare Chapel Centre for the Arts in Halifax has teamed up with Rationale Hiphop Dance Company to deliver Streetdance sessions on Mondays after school.

The classes are for 11-18 years olds and will be held from 4.30-6pm.

Michaela O’Sullivan, Education and Outreach Worker at Square Chapel said: “Rationale are a really exciting company based in Sheffield and we are

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thrilled to have one of their amazing dancers leading our sessions. There will be an opportunity to perform the curtain raiser to Rationale Hiphop’s own show at Halifax Festival in July. These energetic and fun classes are suitable for complete beginners and those with some experience – just be prepared to work up a sweat!”

To book a place, please contact Square Chapel’s box office on 01422 349422 or email michaela@squarechapel.co.uk

local news

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Police Target Bad Behaviour on Buses

olice in Halifax have been targeting bad behaviour by schoolchildren using public bus services.

Officers from Halifax Central Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) joined forces with transport executive Metro to mount an operation aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour by schoolchildren travelling on public services.

Officers in plain clothes travelled on buses throughout Halifax during the operation. They were supported by uniformed officers who intercepted the buses and youths at the end of the route.

During the journey six young people aged 11 to 14, were heard using bad language and seen pushing in to members of the public.

Officers escorted the schoolchildren off the buses and spoke to them about their behaviour. The children were then excluded from school for the remainder of the week.

Letters were also sent home to parents and followed up by a visit from their local NPT officer.

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ightcliffe Scout Group is inviting new members and leaders to join them.

Sgt. John Thomas Sgt John Thomas, of Central NPT, said officers would be carrying out similar operations in the coming weeks and months.

“We are not out to criminalise young people but to address anti-social behaviour. We also want to reassure members of the public using the bus services as well as the bus drivers,” he said.

“We want those who take things too far to understand the consequences of their actions and the potential for more serious action to be taken, including possible Antisocial Behaviour Orders being issued, should their bad behaviour continue.

“The schools were fully supportive of the operation and we have fed back any positive as well as negative behaviour to the students’ head teachers.”

Get Fit Free!

eeping fit is a walk in the park thanks to a new, free outdoor gym at Manor Heath.

The equipment includes apparatus that help with tai chi, pull ups, abdominal exercises, tricep dips, stretches, chest press and lateral pull downs.

The outdoor gym is opposite the children’s play area in Manor Heath Park, next to the Flutterbites Café.

Director of Public Health for Calderdale, Dr Graham Wardman, said: “Our aim with the outdoor gym is to encourage more people to get out in their local area and moving more. It’s something new and a good starting point for those who want to get fit.

“Being based in the local community should make it easier to access and

Want to Join the Scouts?

people can use the facilities when they’re out walking the dog or playing with their children.”

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Communities, Councillor Pauline Nash, said: “The outdoor gym has been funded through the Healthy Towns Programme, which aims to make Halifax a healthy town through regeneration, inclusion and fun”.

Boys and girls are welcome to join, along with any adults that would like to take up a leadership role within the group.

Cubs meet from 6.45-8.15pm on Mondays, Beavers from 6.15-7.15pm on Tuesdays (this section is currently full but there is a waiting list available) and Scouts from 7.15-9pm on Wednesdays.

If you would like further information on how to join please contact Brian Reeves, Group Scout Leader, on 01484 520122 or 07523890583.

Recall of ‘Toxic Seed’ Bracelets

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recall is underway of thousands of beaded bracelets sold in tourist attractions after it emerged they are made from a highly toxic seed.

The red and black seed bracelets are made from Jequirity beans which are highly toxic and can be fatal if chewed or swallowed.

A number of tourist attractions including London Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo and the Eden Project were selling them.

The advice for people who have bought or been given a seed bracelet like this in the last two years is to place it in a sealable bag and dispose of it in their household waste.

No special treatment is required but do wash hands and avoid touching the eyes after contact with the beans.

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focus on

BabyCalm® teacher Andrea Wallman “Thank you so much for your help yesterday, it was absolutely invaluable - I’m pleased to report she stayed calm all afternoon, no more colic! And we got six hours straight sleep for the first time ever, I couldn’t believe it!” - Ellie and baby Jessica (four weeks).

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Calm Babies and Happy Parents

ost mums and dads know that awful feeling when you just can’t calm your baby. For new parents in particular it can be a worrying time.

But now Shelf mum of two Andrea Wallman is helping local parents to calm their baby’s crying, avoid colic and aid restful sleep through her BabyCalm® classes.

BabyCalm® is a unique concept, presented through classes and literature, that aims to empower new parents to

raise their baby with confidence; turning crying babies and stressed parents into calmer babies and happier parents!

BabyCalm® was founded in 2007

by Sarah Ockwell-Smith, a mother of four and joined in January 2011 by Charlotte Phillips, a mother of one, both from Saffron Walden in Essex.

UK. Sarah and Charlotte trained over 100 BabyCalmer’s nationwide in their first year of business alone! 2012 sees BabyCalm’s launch into Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Spain with a USA launch planned for 2013.

Andrea, a qualified antenatal teacher and BabyCalm teacher, is running a variety of Babycalm courses across the district:

The BabyCalm® Baby Calming Parenting Course

A unique four week (eight hour) course designed for new mothers and babies, incorporating baby calming and communications skills, interactive class discussion of many topics that new mums commonly face and baby touch therapy. The classes will help you bond with your new baby, help him or her to be calm and happy, free of colic and help you to experience a stress free relationship of trust, calm and confidence.

The BabyCalm® Colic and Crying Workshop

Intended as an emergency one off class to help new parents whose babies are suffering from prolonged crying and/or baby colic and fretful sleep. Andrea will firstly help you understand why your baby is so unsettled and then demonstrate many techniques and tools to help your baby settle, calm colic and sleep better!

The BabyCalm® Antenatal Workshop

Designed to introduce new parents to the reasons that babies are commonly unsettled, including an explanation of baby colic and common reasons babies cry, helping them to understand their baby before they are even born! You will learn how to be a confident mum or dad able to welcome your baby into a world where they are calmer and more settled and be armed with many techniques to make your baby’s transition from womb to world as smooth and comfortable as possible, avoid colic and aid sleep for the whole family.

Gift Vouchers are available as a great present for expectant parents.

Fantastic offer for Scallymag readers see discount voucher on page 31

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out & about

Cannon Hall Farm

By Carrie Goodwin

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f you’re looking for a fun family day out that offers value for money, Cannon Hall Farm has it all.

After hearing lots of positive things about it, we decided to give it a go. We arrived at around 10.30am on a chilly morning to explore the Best Tourist Experience Yorkshire has to offer, according to the judges at Yorkshire’s White Rose Awards, and now according to us too.

Finding the farm was easy; parking was easy, it seems everything has been thought of.

Admission is £4.95 per person (less for senior citizens and under 4s are free). It’s great value for money as this gives you access to the farm and the adventure playgrounds for as long as you choose to stay.

The farm is well stocked with sheep, goats,

cows, llamas, guinea pigs, rabbits and our favourite, the pigs. My little one wanted to see Peppa Pig and he wasn’t disappointed. There were plenty, and at a range of ages, some just days old.

We also had a quick cuddle with a rabbit and a guinea pig in the animal petting area, which apparently isn’t a place where animals go to kiss!

After that we went to explore the adventure playground. After recently spending £400,000 on new equipment, which includes a climbing forest, tube maze, zip wire and pyramid towers, the staff at Cannon Hall Farm know how to entertain the whole family.

The play area was lots of fun, so much so, I found myself climbing through the tube maze with lots of five and six year olds. Then, when the cold weather got the better of us we decided to head over to the tea rooms to warm up and refuel.

The choice is pretty good. There’s a children’s menu with all the usuals you would expect to see at a farm café but there are also gluten free options, decaf drinks and all the extras that nudge it up towards a luxury offering. And, if you spend £10 in the tea room you can claim back the £3 you paid to park.

On a practical point, there are toilets and hand sanitizers everywhere. The staff are helpful and it’s easy to get around with a buggy.

There’s also plenty planned for the Easter holidays including sheepdog demonstrations where you can watch the dogs showing off their skills herding ducks and geese, bird of prey demonstrations and a huge Easter Egg Hunt. On top of all that it’s lambing season with around 200 ewes to lamb.

Essential Info Cannon Hall Farm is five miles west of Barnsley, 10 minutes from junction 37 of the M1 and about a 40 minutes drive from the centre of Halifax.

Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT 01226 790427 info@cannonhallfarm.co.uk www.cannonhallfarm.co.uk

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A Hidden Spicy Gem

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curry night in a pub on a Tuesday evening is certainly a departure from our normal routine.

When we teetered up the cobbles to the Cross Inn at Heptonstall on a foggy January night we didn’t really know what to expect.

But stepping from the damp night air into the warm and welcoming inn we knew we were on to a good thing.

I have to say I spice produced amongst the best curry I have ever tasted. We were there as a family for their Connoisseur Curry Night. The attention to detail and explanation of each dish was exquisite.

These guys cook delicious meals, have the personal touch to passionately talk through the make-up of their dishes, which in the main is from locally grown sources, and their evenings are laid back and welcoming. Kids, as long as they’re well behaved, are most welcome too.

We will definitely be back.

• I spice is venturing into Halifax! From 6-8pm every Wednesday from February 15th they will be at the Three Pigeons, South Parade, Halifax. See www.ispice. biz for details. For a FREE child’s meal see the voucher on page 31!

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local history

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Big daddy By Neil Roberts

ife was very different for your grandparents. On rainy Saturday afternoons we couldn’t play on the Wii, or even on computers because they quite simply hadn’t been invented.

For our entertainment in the 1970s and early 1980s we relied on playing with our friends, reading or watching the three available television channels. That’s right: just three television channels.

The very best thing you could watch on Saturday afternoon was World of Sport. This programme would show a variety of sports we hardly ever see on television any more, like ten-pin bowling, rallying and lacrosse. Some of the sports that were particularly popular around Halifax at the time would get a lot of coverage, including stock car racing, speedway and, most importantly, wrestling.

The king of the wrestling ring was a giant of a man, from Halifax, known as Big Daddy.

Big Daddy’s real name was Shirley Crabtree. His father had been called Shirley too. Some sources say his grandmother had named him after a famous local novel, written by Charlotte Bronte, and that she thought the name would be character building. It certainly helped him to learn to fight when the other children at school bullied him.

When he left school he started to play rugby for Bradford Northern but never made the first team because his temper was too bad.

In 1952 he took up wrestling, which his dad had done professionally before, and became quite successful. In those days wrestlers would either be goodies or baddies. Shirley was a baddie. He fought under several names, including the Blonde Adonis, and won two titles

in the British Wrestling Federation. In 1960 he gave it all up.

Then, one day, sixteen years later, Shirley was watching a film where one of the characters was called Big Daddy. He thought that name would work well for a wrestler and decided to give life in the ring another go. His wife, Eunice, took the cover from the family sofa and turned it into a wrestling costume, stitching a huge “D” on it.

Then he called on his brother Max, who had become famous as someone who organised wrestling matches.

By now Shirley was in his mid-40s.

He was six foot, six inches tall and weighed a massive 26 stone. He had

the largest chest in Britain, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as 64 inches. Bigger than his chest was his enormous tummy, which he used as his most effective weapon. Big Daddy was infamous for falling on his opponents, flattening them with his huge belly. This move was called The Belly Splash.

He was no longer a baddy: he was every child’s hero. He would walk to the ring with a sparkly silver top hat and Union Jack cape, with the crowd chanting “Easy! Easy!”. Big Daddy rarely seemed to lose a match. His arch enemy was another giant of a man, a baddy named Giant Haystacks who would glare and stare at Daddy, while the old ladies and children in the audience would shout insults at Haystacks and encourage Daddy to take him on. Things were looking up for Big Daddy. He was a national hero. He even recorded a record, was featured in a comic strip and was offered his own TV show.

Then disaster struck. On 23rd August 1987 a bout between Big Daddy and Mal “King Kong” Kirk went terribly wrong. After being hit by a belly splash from Big Daddy, King Kong Kirk groaned and collapsed. He was rushed to hospital, but died from a massive heart attack.

Although everyone agreed it was not Shirley’s fault, he blamed himself and never fought seriously again.

Not long later, ITV stopped showing wrestling, and the whole sport quietly disappeared.

Shirley Crabtree died on December 2nd, 1997 – but the legend of Big Daddy still lives on.

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what’s on

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ebruary and March are jam-packed with fun events for all the family in Calderdale and beyond. Here’s our pick of some of the best:

‘Elmo Makes Music’ comes to the Victoria Theatre

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The Muppets is shown at the Rex Cinema, Elland, from Friday February 10 to February 19. Starring Jason Segel, Ricky Gervais, Selena Gomez and more.

From 10am-5pm,February 11-19 there’s an Alice in Wonderland event running at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax. Admission for adults and child aged 3+ £9.95, child 1-2 £3.45 and Under 1s free.

The Saturday Art Club, for 8-12 year olds, is held at the Smith Art Gallery, Brighouse, from 10.30am-12.30pm on February 11 and 25 and March 10 and 24. The sessions use the fantastic collections at the Gallery and library for inspiration allowing children to be creative, have fun and make new friends. Admission £5. To book a place please contact Jeffrey on 01422 352334, or e-mail jeffrey. andrews@calderdale.gov.uk The seventh Doghouse Family Friendly Sunday event will be held from 2.30-7.20pm on February 12 at Arden Road Social Club in Bell Hall, Halifax. The Great Si Moano Children’s Entertainer will perform at 4.30pm, food will be available, free car parking.

Bands include Arthur Rigby & the Baskervylles and The Mexanines - 5.30pm.

Admission £6 or£5 for regulars. U16 £3. U4 free.

Halifax Light Opera Society Juniors present Godspell from February 14-18.

Performances start at 7:30pm at Halifax Playhouse.

Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre in Heckmondwike is holding a host of events during half-term. On February 13 and 14 there are Valentine’s craft days, children’s fun days on February 15 and 17 and Mother’s Day Crafts on February 16.

Sesame Street Live Elmo Makes Music comes to the Victoria Theatre in Halifax at 2pm on Saturday February 18. Favourite Sesame Street friends take to the stage to share their love of music. From Big Bird’s tweets, Oscar the Grouch’s stomping trash can lids, Cookie Monster’s crumbling cookie jars and much more become instruments to make beautiful music and have lots of noisy fun!

Tickets £12, under 16s £10. Family tickets available.

An indoor car bootless stall is being held at Bailiff

what’s on

Bridge Community Centre from 8amnoon on February 26. Refreshments available. Call 07511 573569 for information.

Also on Sunday February 26 Theatre Hullabaloo presents ‘Angel’ at the Square Chapel Centre for the Arts in Halifax. This beautiful and witty play about childhood and ageing is a fantastic story of unexpected friendship.

Suitable for ages 10+. Duration one hour. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Full priced tickets £8.

Hoofers Dance Studio presents Dance, Music & Song at 7pm on Saturday March 3 at the Victoria Theatre. A fantastic show featuring locally born singer AJ Brown & Swingshift BigBand led by Phil Shotton with guest musical director Ian Darrington MBE, together with the amazing dancers from Hoofers Dance Studio.

During the first act dancers of all ages will take to the stage, then following the interval AJ, Swingshift and senior pupils will entertain you. Tickets £12 under 16s £9. Discounts available.

Staying with the Victoria Theatre The Chuckle Brothers perform there at 2pm on Sunday March 4. Paul and Barry are visiting a Theme park for the day and decide to brave going on one of the daring water rides. Once inside, they accidentally find themselves magically transported back in time to a world of pirates and sunken treasures.

Fun and laughter for all the family.

Tickets £14.

As part of National Science and Engineering Week Eureka! The National Children’s Museum is hosting The Gross Lab on March 10,11, 17 and 18.

The Jane Elizabeth Ballet and Theatre Dance School presents Dancing round the Planets at the Victoria Theatre at

7pm on Saturday March 10.

Set to music that explores our universe and all its wonders, this fabulous show is perfect for the whole family. Tickets £15 under 16s £13.

Discounts available.

To celebrate Mother’s Day there is free entry for all mums at Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre in Heckmondwike on Sunday March 18 (not valid with any other vouchers/ offers).

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary year, Stardom School of Performing Arts makes a welcome return to the Victoria Theatre with their theatrical extravaganza, Razzle Dazzle ‘Em 2012.

Packed full of dance, drama and song, this show is perfect for the whole family!

Saturday March 24 at 1pm and 7pm and Sunday March 25 at 3pm. Tickets £18, under 16s £14. Discounts available.

The Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company presents ‘The Way Back Home’ at the Square Chapel Centre for the Arts at 2.30pm on Sunday March 25. Suitable for ages 3+. Full priced tickets £7.

Theatre Hullabuloo presents ‘Angel’ at the Square Chapel

Opera North presents ‘Cautionary Tales’ at the Square Chapel on March 27 and March 28. Full of colourful tunes and stories this is a lively short piece of musical theatre for all the family and an ideal introduction to opera. Suitable for ages 5+.

Get ready for the spectacular, all new, professional, Easter pantomime, the Wizard of Oz at the Victoria Theatre at 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday April 3 and 1pm and 4.30pm on Wednesday April 4. Starring the hilarious Bobby Davro as Scarecrow and children’s favourite Sarah-Jane Honeywell from CBeebies Tikkabilla, Mighty Mites, ZingZillas and Higgledy House as Glinda, plus a full supporting cast and amazing dancers.

Also yet to be announced... a very special guest star as Dorothy. Suitable for all ages. Tickets: £18, under 16s £16.

Family tickets and discounts available.

Venues

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE. 01422 330069 Smith Art Gallery, Halifax Road, Brighouse, HD6 2AF. 01422 288065 Bailiff Bridge Community Centre, Victoria Road, Bailiff Bridge, HD6 4DX Square Chapel Centre for the Arts, 10 Square Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1QG. Box Office 01422 349422 Halifax Playhouse, King Cross Street, Halifax, HX1 2SH, 01422 365998 Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre, Ponderosa Park, Off Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike, WF16 0PN. 01924 235276

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focus on Thousands turn to ChildLine over holiday season

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hildLine received almost 50,000 cries for help from children and young people in the twelve days from Christmas Eve to 4th January, a 19 per cent increase on last year’s figures.

Contacts by telephone, email or online chat to ChildLine totalled 48,751 over the festive period and figures show a staggering 50 per cent increase in the number of counselling interactions on Christmas Day compared with last year.

Family problems remained the primary concern of children and young people who contacted ChildLine, accounting for 14 per cent of the total counselling interactions.

However, there was a dramatic increase in depression and mental health related counselling, which has increased by 103 per cent compared with Christmas 2010. Counselling regarding self-harm and suicide also increased by 62 per cent and 57 per 

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

                           

     

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cent respectively. This comes as more and more children are now contacting ChildLine online where many feel more able to talk about the most difficult issues. Visits to the ChildLine website increased by 57 per cent last year.

In 71 cases over the festive season the situation was so serious that they had to be referred to other agencies such as the police and children’s services, a 109 per cent increase on last year. Around 59 per cent of these referrals were regarding suicide.

Are you a child?

Do you need to talk?

Call ChildLine on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk

Worried about a child?

You may be their only hope.

Call the NSPCC Helpline now on 0808 800 5000

High resolution posters are available to download from the NSPCC Website

wordup design logo design business stationery posters flyers & leaflets menus adverts company brochures catalogues & binders ncr sets Next time you are looking for design and print work contact Liz for a quote.

Tel: 01422 824618 liz@wordupdesign.co.uk www.wordupdesign.co.uk

focus on

A

Can You Change a Child’s Life?

s The Scallymag went to press, there were 300 children in Calderdale in need of fostering and only 90 foster carers.

There’s an obvious need to double the number of foster carers in our area for there to be a good choice for children who can’t live with their own families.

Coun Megan Swift is highlighting the urgent need to recruit foster carers: “Not having enough foster carers often means that children cannot be placed with the right foster carers in their own area, or brothers and sisters may have to be placed in separate foster families,” she said.

“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.”

It’s not a problem that is acute to Calderdale. Nationally, there is a shortage of foster carers and Calderdale Council is launching a campaign to recruit more.

The council has streamlined the way in which it recruits foster carers, reducing the expected average time it takes for someone from making an initial enquiry to becoming a foster carer to six months, as opposed to the previous average which was 12 months.

Coun Swift said: “We have opportunities for dedicated and loving people to start a rewarding career in foster care. We’ll provide people with the financial support, training and the potential to make a difference in every moment of a child’s life.”

Calderdale Council Leader Coun Janet Battye said: “We want people who are able to make a difference to young people’s lives to seriously think about fostering.

“We value every person who is either providing foster care or who is thinking about becoming a foster carer. We need

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer shou ld contact the Calderd ale Council on 0845 24 5 6000 or visit Calder dale.gov. uk/fosterin g to provide the best support we can to those already fostering and make the process quicker and easier for those who want to become foster carers.”

Foster carers currently receive payments ranging between £10,280 and £28,836 per year based on individual circumstances and the needs of the child they care for. Payments are regularly reviewed to make sure that foster carers have all the support they need.

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page header

14

diary pages

T

he Scallymag Diary Pages are a FREE listings service designed to help busy parents and kids plan their week’s activities.

Humpty Dumpty PreSchool Highroadwell & Warley United Reformed Church, Warley Road, Halifax 07952 995710

Holy Trinity Primary School Playgroup Holy Trinity Primary School, Savile Park Road, Halifax 01422 367161

Hopscotch Tuel Lane, Sowerby Bridge Vera - 01422 316227

Warley St Johns Under 5’s Playgroup Warley St Johns Church, Windleroyd Lane, off Burnley Rd, Warley 01422 885623/320592

Monday

9:30 - 12:00 12:30 - 3:00 +lunch club

9:00 -11:30 12:30 – 3:00

9:30 - 12:00 12:30 - 3:00

Tuesday

9:30 - 12:00 12:30 - 3:00 +lunch club

9:00 -11:30 12:30 – 3:00

9:30 - 12:00

Wednesday

9:30 - 12:00 12:30 - 3:00 +lunch club

9:00 -11:30 12:30 – 3:00

Thursday

9:30 - 12:00 12:30 - 3:00 +lunch club

9:00 -11:30 12:30 – 3:00

9:30 - 12:00

Friday

9:30 - 12:00 12:30 - 3:00 +lunch club

9:00 -11:30 12:30 – 3:00

9:30 - 12:00

9.00 - 11.15

9:30 - 12:00

Big Blue Frog Stead Street, Halifax 01422 363878

Play Palace Jubilee Mill, 3a West Parade Halifax 01422 353700

The Play Gym The Workshops, Upper Bonegate, Brighouse 01484 711102

Active Bodies Playgym Unit 4, Chapel Street Huddersfield 07834 047135

The Edge Play Gym Water’s Edge Childrens Nursery Park Road, Elland 01422 377222

Soft Play Areas The Funhouse, Dispensary Walk, Halifax 01422 383131

Whether you’re looking for a dance class, karate, toddler group or play gym opening times you’ll find the local information you need right here.

We aim to make this list as accurate and complete as possible. But if you spot anything that is missed out or any errors please let us know so we can update our records for our next edition. Thanks!

It is free to add a listing to this section – just get in touch via the contact details on page 3 – if there are any children’s activities, opening times etc that you would like to add.

Playgroups

Monday

9:30 - 3:30

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:30 - 6:00

Tuesday

9:30 - 3:30

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:30 - 6:00

Wednesday

9:30 - 3:30

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:30 - 6:00

Thursday

9:30 - 3:30

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 4:00

Closed

9:30 - 6:00

Friday

9:30 - 3:30

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:30 - 6:00

Saturday

10:00 - 2:00

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 7:00

9:30 - 12:00

10:00 - 1:00

10:00 - 4:00

Sunday

Parties Only

9:00 - 7:00

9:00 - 7:00

Parties Only

10:00 - 1:00

10:00 - 4:00

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Humpty Dumpty Toddler Group 9:15 - 11:15 Highroad Well & Warley United Reform Church Warley Road 07952 995710

Childminders Group 9:30- 11:30 Wellholme Children’s Centre, Bradford Road, Brighouse 01484 714768

Warley St Johns Parent and Toddler group 10:00 - 11:30 Warley St Johns Church, Windleroyd Lane, off Burnley Rd, Warley 01422 885623/320592

Socatots 9:30 - 10:30 Play Palace, Jubilee Mill, 3a, West Parade, Halifax 07919151339 Ages 2½ to school

Action Kids Academy 10:00 - 10:45 The Playgym, Brighouse Heather - 07717 576160 Ages 18 mths - 4 yrs

Socatots 10:30 - 11:30 Play Palace, Jubilee Mill, 3a, West Parade, Halifax 07919151339 Ages walking to 2½

babyballet please phone for times babyballet Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063

Parents & Toddler 9.00 - 11.30, 1.00 - 3.30 The Play Gym, The Workshop, Upper Bonegate, Brighouse 01484 711102

Trinity Tots 9:15 - 11:15 Holy Trinity J& I School, Swires Road, Halifax 01422 367161

Music and Action 9:15 - 11:15 St Paul’s Methodist Church Sowerby Bridge 01422 835614

Humpty Dumpty Toddler Group 9:15 - 11:15 Highroad Well & Warley United Reform Church Warley Road 07952 995710

St Paul’s Methodist Toddler Group 9:30 - 11:30 St Paul’s Methodist Church, Tower Hill, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831109

Jo Jingles 10:00 - 10:45, 11:00 - 11:45 Big Blue Frog, Stead Street Halifax 01422 820425

Breastfeeding Peer Support Group 10:00 - 11:30 (closed on bank

Young Parents Group 1:00 - 3:00 Wellholme Children’s Centre, Bradford Road, Brighouse 01484 714768

Toddler Talk 2:00 - 4:00 New Road Ch Sowerby New Sowerby New Bridge 01422 31708

Humpty Dumpty Toddler Group 9:15 - 11:15 Highroad Well & Warley United Reform Church Warley Road 07952 995710

Ripponden Parent & Toddler Group 9:30 - 11:30 The Community Centre, 5 Old Bank, Ripponden 01422 822777

All Saints Ch Toddler Grou 9:30 - 11:30a 2.30pm All Saints Ch Road, Skirco Wilma - 0142

Barkisland Parent & Toddler 9:30 - 11:30 Barkisland Cricket Club, Woodfield, Barkisland Eileen - 07718 606867

Copley Parent & Toddler Group 9:30 - 11:15 Old Rishworthians Rugby Club, Copley Lane, Copley 01422 376815

Savile Park Toddlers 9:30 - 11:30 Savile Park Primary School, Moorfield Street, Halifax Call in when school is open

Warley St Jo Toddler grou 10:00 -11:30 Warley St Joh Windleroyd L Rd, Warley 01422 88562

Tatty Bumpkins 10.00 - 11.00 Play Palace, Jubilee Mill, 3a West Parade, Halifax Clare - 07790761702

Action Kids Academy 10:15 - 11:00 Kidzville, Greetland 10.15am - 11.00am Heather - 07717 576160 Ages 18 mths - 4 yrs

babyballet please phone for times babyballet Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063

St. Jude’s Tiddlers 9.00 – 11.00 St. Jude’s Church Hall, Free School Lane, Halifax Mary 01422 343476

Parents & Toddler 9.00 - 11.30, 1.00 - 3.30 The Play Gym, The Workshop, Upper Bonegate, Brighouse 01484 711102

Baby Cafe Breastfeeding Support 9:00 - 11:30 babyballet Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 01422 224417

Breastfeeding Peer Support Group 9:30 - 11:30 Elland Children’s Centre, Boxhall Road, Elland 01422 373133

Savile Park Toddlers 9:30 - 11:30 Savile Park Primary School, Moorfield Street, Halifax Call in when school is open

Tiny Tweeter 10:45 - 11:30 Wellholme Ch Bradford Roa 01484 71476

Socatots 9:30 - 10:30 & 10.30 - 11.30 Play Palace, Jubilee Mill, 3a, West Parade, Halifax 07919151339

babyballet Tatty Bumpkins please phone for times 10:30 - 11:30 babyballet Academy, 25 Square Big Blue Frog, Stead St, Halifax Road, Halifax Clare - 07790 761702 08701 430063

Just4kids play session 9:30 - 11:00 St Pauls Church, Tower Hill, Sowerby Bridge, Lucy 01422 340440

CJ’s 9:30 - 12:30 The Elim centre, Ryburn street, Sowerby Bridge 01422 836441 Term Time Only

Stones Baby and Toddler group 9.30 - 11.00 Stones Methodist Church Rochdale Road, Ripponden Lindsey - 01422 834335

Aqua Tots 10:00 - 10:45 Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool, Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831929

Warley St Johns Parent and Toddler group 10:00 -11:30 Warley St Johns Church, Windleroyd Lane, off Burnley Rd, Warley 01422 885623 / 320592

Baby Clinic 11:00 - 1:00 Station Road Bridge 08444 77891

Action Kids Academy 10:15 - 11:00, 11:15 - 12.00 Kidzville, Greetland Heather - 07717 576160 Ages 18 mths - 4 yrs

Baby Massage 1:00 - 3:00 Wellholme Children’s Centre, Bradford Road, Brighouse 01484 714768

babyballet please phone for times babyballet Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063

Breastfeeding Peer Support Group 12:30 - 2:00 Information Shop for Young People, Connexions, Alexander Street, Halifax

Fun Swim 1:00 - 2:00 Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool, Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831929

Jo Jingles 9:30 - 10:15, 10:15 - 11:00 St Mary’s Church, Cottonstones Sowerby Bridge 01422 820425

babyballet please phone for times babyballet Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063

Holidays)

Field Lane Children’s Centre, Burnsall Rd, Rastrick, HD6 3JT 01484 384154

babyballet please phone for times babyballet Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

pre school diary

k (first Mon Only)

hildrens Centre, w Rd School, w Rd, Sowerby

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Play Services 3:30 - 5:30 New Road Childrens Centre, Sowerby New Rd School, Sowerby New Rd, Sowerby Bridge 01422 835614

hurch Parent and up am and 12.30-

Key

Most activities (those with the white background) are pay-per-session, possibly with a one-off joining fee.

The shaded background indicates courses or activities where booking (and payment where applicable) is essential.

Cottonstones Mother & Toddler Group 9:30 - 11:30 St Mary’s Church. Cottonstones, hurch Hall, Godfrey Millbank, Sowerby Bridge oat Green 01422 823403 22 320097

Greetland Parent & Toddler Group 9:30 - 11:30 Greetland Community Centre, Rochdale Road, Greetland 01422 311688

Baby Club 1:00 - 3:00 Wellholme Children’s Centre, Bradford Road, Brighouse 01484 714768

ohns Parent and up

Breastfeeding Peer Support Group 10:00 - 11:30 Illingworth Children’s Centre, (Whitehill School), Off Occupation Lane 01422 243633

Little Ballerina Classes 10.30 - 11.30 The Play Gym, The Workshop, Upper Bonegate, Brighouse 01484 711102

hns Church, Lane, off Burnley

23/320592

Chatterbox Mums & Toddlers 10:00 - 11:30 St Peter’s Community Centre, St. Peter’s Avenue, Sowerby, Sowerby Bridge 01422 832747

Family Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:30 St Peter’s Community Centre, St. Peter’s Avenue, Sowerby, Sowerby Bridge 01422 835614

Well Baby Clinic 1:30 - 3:30 Singing and Storytime New Road Childrens Centre, 1:15 - 2:15 Sowerby New Rd School, Whinney Hill Community Centre, Sowerby New Rd, Sowerby 01484 714768 Bridge 01422 835614

rs 0 hildren’s Centre, ad, Brighouse 68

Breastfeeding beyond Speech and Language Drop In babyhood 11:00 - 12:00 (2nd Thu Only) 1:00 - 3.00 (every other week) Wellholme Children’s Centre, Funhouse, Dispensary Walk, Bradford Road, Brighouse Halifax 01484 714768 Charlotte 01422 250259

Young Parents Group 1:00 - 3.00 New Road Childrens Centre, Sowerby New Rd School, Sowerby New Rd, Sowerby Bridge 01422 835614

d Surgery, Sowerby

Baby Group 1:00 - 3.00 New Road Childrens Centre, Sowerby New Rd School, Sowerby New Rd, Sowerby Bridge 01422 835614

Ducklings Swimming Lessons 4:15 - 6:15 (several sessions) Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool, Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831929

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Breastfeeding Peer Support Group 1:00 - 2:30 Wellholme Children’s Centre, Bradford Road, Brighouse 01484 714768

Breastfeeding Peer Support Drop in 1:00 - 3:00pm Booth Town Children’s Centre

Fiona’s Drop In 3:30 - 5:00 Tiddle Toddle New Road Childrens Centre, 1:30 - 3:00 Sowerby New Rd School, Whinney Hill Community Centre, Sowerby New Rd, Sowerby 01484 714768 Bridge 01422 835614

NOTE:

All activities listed on these PreSchool pages will require an adult to remain with the child at all times.

Some activities have limited places, some only run in term time and some may be cancelled at short notice. We always advise phoning ahead before setting out to any activity and, for some of the courses, it is essential.

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SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

out of school diary

18

Saxon Karate club 3.45 - 4.45 Tuel Lane Infant School, Sensei Leigh Smith 07836 778821 age 4 +

Creative Dance 4.15 onwards Dance 4 All, The Old School, Carlton Terrace, Halifax 01422.884634 age 5 - 10 yrs

1st Sowerby Bridge Rainbows Swimming Lessons 5:00 - 6:00 4:00 - 6:00 Christ Church Junior School, Park Sowerby Bridge Pool Road, Sowerby Bridge Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831389 01422 831929 5 - 7 yrs

Gymnastics Club 6:00 - 8:00 Greetland Community Centre, Rochdale Road, Greetland Tim 01422 311989 5 yrs +

5th Elland (Greetland) Beavers 6:15 - 7:15 St Thomas’ Church Hall, Greetland Howard - 01422 376032 6 - 8 yrs

Rishworth Brownies 6:30 - 7:30 (term time only) St. John’s C of E Junior & Infant School, Rishworth, Sowerby Bridge 01422 824533 7 - 10 yrs

Rainbows 6.00 - 7.00 St Mary’s Church, cottonstones Rev Martine Crabtree 01422 832830 5 - 7 yrs

1st Sowerby Bridge Brownies 6:15 - 7:15 Christ Church Junior School, Park Road, Sowerby Bridge 01422 882557 7 - 10 yrs

Halifax Sport Karate - Fighting Class 6.30 - 8.00 17a Mill House Works, Mill House Lane, Halifax Matt Handley 07858 115031 5 yrs +

3rd Sowerby Rainbows 5.30 - 6:30 St Peters Church, Sowerby Rev Martine Crabtree 01422 832830 5 - 7 yrs

Gymnastics Club 6:00 - 8:00 Greetland Community Centre, Rochdale Road, Greetland Tim 01422 311989 5 yrs +

Adventure Club 4.00 - 5.30 & 5.30 - 7.00 CI Adventures, The Boiler House, Shaw Lodge Mills, Halifax 01422 410 727

Street Dance 4.30 onwards Dance 4 All, The Old School, Carlton Terrace, Halifax 01422.884634 age 7+ yrs

Swimming Lessons 4:00 - 7:00 (Several Sessions) Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool, Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831929 5 yrs +

Saxon Karate club Under 13s and under 15s 5.00 - 6.00 Cricket Ripponden Junior & Infant School, 6:00 - 7:00 Sensei Leigh Smith Stones Cricket Club, Ripponden 07836 778821 01422 824359 age 4 +

Dance Arena Ballet & Stage School 3:45 - 9:00 (various classes) Stainland Community Centre, Stainland Road, Stainland 01422 357678 5 yrs +

Street Surfing Club 4.00 - 5.30 & 5.30 - 7.00 CI Adventures, The Boiler House, Shaw Lodge Mills, Halifax 01422 410 727

Swimming Lessons 4:00 - 6:00 (Several Sessions) Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool, Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831929 5 yrs +

Combination Class 5.30 onwards Dance 4 All, The Old School, Carlton Terrace, Halifax 01422.884634 age 7+ yrs

Archery Club 4.00 - 5.30 & 5.30 - 7.00 CI Adventures, The Boiler House, Shaw Lodge Mills, Halifax 01422 410 727

Saxon Karate club 5.45 - 6.45 Action Kids Highgate Methodist Church, 5:30 - 6:15 Kidzville, Church street, Greetland Pellon Heather 07717 576160 Sensei Leigh Smith 07836 778821 4 - 7 yrs age 5 +

Cheerleading 5.30 onwards Dance 4 All, The Old School, Carlton Terrace, Halifax 01422.884634 age 7+ yrs

Barrel of Monkeys Drama School 5.30-6.30 Sophie Walker 01422 881497

Swimming Lessons 4:00 - 6:30 (Several Sessions) Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool, Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831929 5 yrs +

Lightcliffe Beavers 6:15 - 7:15 Brian - 01484 520122 Age 6 - 8 yrs

Junboku Karate 6.00 - 7.30 Sowerby Village Primary School Sensei Nick Broadbent 07519 075 775 All ages

Sowerby Bridge Sport Karate 6.30 - 7.30, 7.30 - 9.00 Sowerby Village Primary School, St Peter’s Avenue, Sowerby Matthew Handley - 07858 115031 Juniors, Seniors

Saxon Karate club 6.00 - 7.00 Hollywell Green Junior & Infant School, Sensei Leigh Smith 07836 778821 age 5 +

Halifax Sport Karate Beginners Class 6.30 - 7.30 17a Mill House Works, Mill House Lane, Halifax Matt Handley 07858 115031 3 yrs +

Sowerby Bridge Youth Club 7:00 - 9:30 Sowerby Bridge Youth & Community Centre, Foundry St, Sowerby Bridge 01422 839526

Junboku Karate 6.30 - 8.00 St Andrews Moores Hall, Halifax Sensei Nick Broadbent 07519 075 775 All ages

Ripponden Guides 7:00 - 8:30 Ripponden Community Centre 01422 370542 10 - 15 yrs

Lightcliffe Scouts 7:15 - 9:00

7th Sowerby Bridge Brownies 6:00 - 7:30 St. Pauls Methodist Church, Tower Hill, Sowerby Bridge Becky - 01422 832195 7 - 10 yrs

Sowerby Bridge Sport Karate 6.30 - 7.30 Sowerby Village Primary School, St Peter’s Avenue, Sowerby Matthew Handley - 07858 115031 Juniors

Saxon Karate club 6.00 - 7.00 St Margarets Primary, Mill Bank Sensei Laraine Smith 07836 778821 age 5 +

5th Sowerby Bridge Rainbows 6:00 - 7:00 St. Pauls Methodist Church, Tower Hill, Sowerby Bridge Carol - 01422 832195 5 - 7 yrs

Boys Brigade 6:30 - 8:00 Christ Church, Wharf St, Sowerby Bridge 01422 833794

Saxon Karate club 6.00 - 7.15 Christ Church Junior School Sensei Leigh Smith 07836 778821 age 5 +

Sowerby Bridge Sport Karate 6.15 - 7.45 Sowerby Village Primary School, St Peter’s Avenue, Sowerby Matthew Handley - 07858 115031 Mixed levels

Stones Cricket Club Under 8s & Under 11s 6:30 - 8:00 Stones Cricket Club, Swiftcross, Ripponden Old Land, Ripponden David - 01422 824359

Halifax Sport Karate - Fighting Class 6.30 - 8.00 17a Mill House Works, Mill House Lane, Halifax Matt Handley 07858 115031 5 yrs +

Ballet 5.00 onwards Dance 4 All, The Old School, Carlton Terrace, Halifax 01422.884634 age 5+ yrs

Gymnastics Club 6:00 - 8:00 Greetland Community Centre, Rochdale Road, Greetland Tim 01422 311989 5 yrs +

The Imperial Crusaders Drum & Ripponden Rainbows Trumpet Corps 6:30 - 7:30 6:15 - 8:30 Ripponden Community Centre St. Pauls Methodist Church, Ripponden Tower Hill, Sowerby Bridge Linda - 01422 824168 01422 833060 5 - 7 yrs 8 yrs +

Swimming Lessons 8:00 - 11:00 (Several Sessions) Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool, Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831929 5 yrs +

Gymnastics Club 9:30 - 11:00, 11:00 - 12:30 Brooksbank School, Victoria Road, Elland Tim 01422 311989 5 yrs +

Fun Swim 1:00 - 2:00 Sowerby Bridge Swimming Pool, Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831929

Kid’s Club 5:00 - 6:00 St Peter’s church, sowerby Rev Martine Crabtree 01422 832830

Creative Dance 9.15 onwards Dance 4 All, The Old School, Carlton Terrace, Halifax 01422.884634 age 5 - 10 yrs

Boiler House Club 10.00 - 12.00 CI Adventures, The Boiler House, Shaw Lodge Mills, Halifax 01422 410 727

Dance Arena Ballet & Stage School 1:45 - 6:30 (various classes) Stainland Community Centre, Stainland Road, Stainland 01422 357678 5 yrs +

Freestyle Dancers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 7 - 9 yrs

Tap Dance 9.15 onwards Dance 4 All, The Old School, Carlton Terrace, Halifax 01422.884634 age 5 - 10 yrs

Halifax Sport Karate - Junior Class 12.00 - 1.00 Studio 1, Halifax Swimming Pool, Skircoat Road, Halifax Matthew Handley - 07966 939066 5 yrs +

Swimming Lessons 2:00 - 4:00 Sowerby Bridge Pool Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge 01422 831929

Mini Groovers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 4 - 6 yrs

Brian - 01484 520122 Age 10½ +

Junboku Karate 6.30 - 8.00 St Annes in the Grove Church, Southowram, Halifax Sensei Nick Broadbent 07519 075 775 All ages

Brownies 7.00 - 8.00 St Mary’s Church, cottonstones Rev Martine Crabtree 01422 832830 7 - 10 yrs

First Sowerby Bridge Guides 7:30 - 9:00 Christ Church Junior School, Park Road, Sowerby Bridge 10 - 15 yrs 04122 831389

Sowerby Bridge Youth Club 7:00 - 9:30 Sowerby Bridge Youth & Community Centre, Foundry St, Sowerby Bridge 01422 839526

Mini Groovers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 4 - 6 yrs

3rd Sowerby Brownies 6.30 - 7:45 St Peters Church, Sowerby Rev Martine Crabtree 01422 832830 7 - 10 yrs

1st Ripponden, St Bartholomews Brownies 6:30 - 8:00 Ripponden Community Centre Ripponden Tracey - 01422 824359 7 - 10 yrs

Saxon Karate club 7.15 - 8.45 Warley Road Junior & Infant School, Sensei Leigh Smith 07836 778821

Halifax Sport Karate - Junior Class 6.30 - 7.30 17a Mill House Works, Mill House Lane, Halifax Matt Handley 07858 115031 5 yrs +

Junboku Karate Shotokan Karate Club 7:30 - 9:30 6.45 - 8.15 Bolton Brow Working Mens Club, Sowerby Bridge Youth & Sowerby Bridge Community Centre, Foundry St, Sowerby Bridge Sensei Alan Clarke Peter - 07880 530514 07519 075 775 7 yrs + All ages

5th Elland (Greetland) Cubs 6:45 - 8:15 St Thomas’ Church Hall, Greetland Rose - 01422 371661 8 - 10 yrs Lightcliffe Cubs 6:45 - 8:15 Brian - 01484 520122 Age 7+ yrs

Freestyle Dancers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 7 - 9 yrs

3rd Sowerby Guides 7:45 - 9:00 St Peters Church, Sowerby Rev Martine Crabtree 01422 832830 10 yrs +

Freestyle Dancers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 7 - 9 yrs

Mini Groovers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 4 - 6 yrs

Mini Groovers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 4 - 6 yrs Freestyle Dancers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 7 - 9 yrs Halifax Sport Karate - Junior Class 6.30 - 7.30 17a Mill House Works, Mill House Lane, Halifax Matt Handley 07858 115031 5 yrs +

Sowerby Bridge Sport Karate 7.30 - 9.00 Sowerby Village Primary School, St Peter’s Avenue, Sowerby Matthew Handley - 07858 115031 Seniors

Mini Groovers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 4 - 6 yrs

Freestyle Dancers Junboku Karate Phone for times 6.30 - 8.00 Beech Hill School, Pellon, Halifax babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax Sensei Nick Broadbent 08701 430063 07519 075 775 7 - 9 yrs All ages Junior Discos Phone for times (last Fri only) babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 6 - 10 yrs

Shotokan Karate Club 7:30 - 9:30 Sowerby Bridge Youth & Community Centre, Foundry St, Sowerby Bridge Peter - 07880 530514 7 yrs +

Freestyle Dancers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 7 - 9 yrs

SUNDAY

Juniors Karate 7:00 - 8:00 Sowerby Bridge Youth and Community Centre Foundry Street, Sowerby Bridge 01422 839526 5 yrs +

Mini Groovers Phone for times babyballet Dance Academy, 25 Square Road, Halifax 08701 430063 4 - 6 yrs

These pages are for the Out-Of-School clubs for children aged uinder 10. This is a huge subject and almost impossible to research thoroughly. That is why we need to rely on you. If your child attends any after school clubs that are open to all, even if they are currently full and have a waiting list to join, please let us know about them we so can fill our diary.

All listings are FREE. Just contact us with the details by email (mel@thescallymag.co.uk) or by phone (07527 847423). We’d love to hear from you!

19

feature Welcome to Bertie’s

F

or 30 years Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms has built its reputation on serving honest food at an honest price while retaining the value of a family business.

Their combination of superb service, exemplary food and unique atmosphere make this Elland venue one of the leading catering companies in the North of England.

The sumptuous banqueting rooms are perfect for a wedding venue, conference facilities and dinner dances.

Whether choosing the magnificent Crystal Ballroom, Number One Brook Street, Rennie Mackintosh Room

or the outside catering team quality in service, menus and organisation are guaranteed.

If you’re planning an event at Bertie’s your dedicated event organiser will guide you through the planning to make the task so much easier.

Bertie’s also host their own tremendously popular events and tribute nights, the perfect excuse to get out with friends and have fun!

Have the time of your life at Berties at one of the regular tribute nights! These events sell out fast so book early to avoid disappointment!

Charity Valentine’s Ball in aid of

Ruddi’s Retreat Children’s Cancer Charity Providing Holidays from the Heart.

Saturday February 18

at Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms.

7.15pm onwards.

Five course meal, disco, big prize raffle and live acts including Robbie Williams and The Sound of Swing.

For more information call Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms on

20

T

SO

OU LD

feature

Helping Mums Get Fit and Feel Fabulous!

A

s a busy mum of two children under the age of three Helen Smith understands exactly how hard it can be for women to juggle careers, homes, children and partners let alone finding time to exercise. So she created HS Group Fitness to help women get back into shape and feel great. She shares her story with Scallymag readers: After spending years teaching fitness classes but not shifting my post pregnancy pounds, I looked into the latest developments into fat loss and getting great results in half the time.

A lot of people are misguided about the best way to lose weight or shape up. They spend hours and hours on treadmills and machines, but not getting anywhere.

Hormones have such a big impact on the body and how it can affect weight gain, but this is barely touched upon in most areas.

And from this I created the ladies fitness bootcamps, designed to get ladies back into enjoying exercise or offering a different approach to exercise. As well as providing the latest calorie burning fitness programme, we also provide nutrition support and food plans, along with weigh in, measures and constant support and guidance throughout the four weeks.

It’s HS_140x100mm a personal within a group Ad.pdf service 1 12/11/2011 11:47

environment which in itself offers the support to keep you going.

The first bootcamp started in February 2011 and it has gone from strength to strength.

We now have three venues running at Savile Park, Greetland and Elland and the newly opened Hipperholme and Lightcliffe, and two female instructors teaching alongside myself.

I constantly listen to the feedback from all my customers and this has led to us offering a two week body blast bootcamp as well as the normal 4 weeks.

Our results speak for themselves, members lose 8lbs-1 stone and 5-10 inches on average in the four weeks!

We are also very excited about launching our new online ‘Bootcamp To Go’ package from February.

A lot of ladies contacted me about the bootcamps but struggled due to work commitments, working away or partners being away, childcare etc.

FED UP OF YO-YO DIETS? SPEND HOURS EXERCISING BUT STILL CANT FASTEN THOSE JEANS? BORED OF GYMS AND THE SAME OLD FITNESS CLASS? WANT TO EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW AND DIFFERENT??

LADIES ONLY FITNESS BOOTCAMPS. Full support from qualified lady instructors.

Experience the latest techniques and advice in fat loss.

Not just an exercise class, full support on diet, health and well being.

Visit us at www.hsgroupfitness.co.uk

07792 795833 Venues in Greetland/Elland , Savile Park and Hipperholme.

So why not have the same package but available to take with you wherever you like?

You will receive: • 3 x 30 minutes workout each week (in written form and download) • 14 day fat loss meal planner • Online private members group to offer support throughout and guidance.

• Constant support throughout the programme A lot of ladies would love to get out and feel great about themselves but as a mum especially, you always come last in the queue! If you can spare the time, even 15 minutes twice a day, you can get a new you!

• If you would like to book onto any of Helen’s bootcamps or find out more about the new online product, contact her on 07792 795833.

You can also follow on Twitter @group_hs or Facebook at HS Group Fitness

The second HS Group Fitness two hour calorie burner will run on Sunday February 19. Admission is £10 and includes drinks and snacks. The event features:

Cardio combat class Fitness boot camp class Extreme abs and conditioning Relaxation and stretching class A talk on hormones, stress and the truth behind weight gain and loss Booking strictly by the website www.hsgroupfitness.co.uk.

Payment cannot be taken on the door.

21

focus on Keepsakes Dreams are Made Of

F

rom gorgeous keepsakes to enchanting quilts and cushions Neverland Creations’s products encapsulate precious memories.

Local mum of two Clare Birkby began her thriving business last April while on maternity leave with her second child. She hasn’t looked back.

Her unique brand of embossed silverware and bespoke quilts have brought fans from as far away as Tasmania.

Clare’s pieces include silver jewellery embossed with your child’s hand, foot and fingerprint or even your child’s favourite doodle! She can scan your precious memories and transform them into timeless pieces. Clare also produces a range of beautiful cameo pendants featuring the profile of your loved one.

The most emotional and important part of Clare’s work is to produce silver keepsakes for parents who have lost a child. From baby scan photos to finger, hand and footprints, Clare can ensure that a baby’s unique individuality is remembered forever on a piece you will keep close to your heart, be it a necklace, bracelet, cufflinks or tie slide.

Meanwhile Clare’s beautiful, bespoke quilts are a delight to behold. You choose the fabric –be it your baby’s newborn outfits, your wedding and bridesmaid’s dresses or your child’s first school uniform, Clare will transform them into an amazing quilt that you will treasure forever.

Reach for the Stars

with Stage Door Studio

S

tage Door Studio Theatre Workshop in Halifax has some great opportunities for young people aged 6 to 18.

The group is ideal for children who have a committed approach to learning the many different aspects offered at the workshops and it prides itself on offering something for everyone - a great mix of challenging, fun-filled drama sessions.

Pupils can attend theatrical workshops comprising of acting, dancing & singing each Saturday, as well as having the opportunity to perform in a concert on the Victoria Theatre stage in March and to take part in the musical Guys & Dolls. This junior version of the classic film and stage show is to be performed in September at the Playhouse in Halifax.

If anyone is interested in joining the group and auditioning to be in the show, please contact Anne Redfern.

Anyone that would like to go along to the workshops and have a ‘taster’ session can call on 01422 200334 or email info@stagedoorstudio.co.uk

22

S TA G E D O O R S T U D I O T h e a t r e Wo r k s h o p 11, St James Street, Halifax

NEW TERM STARTS THIS MONTH…!!!!

Would you like to Act, Dance & Sing on Saturdays?

Make new friends, have fun & star in a musical?

If the answer is ‘YES’ Call 01422 200334

focus on

P

Call to Protect Children from Whooping Cough

arents in Calderdale are being advised to make sure their children are protected against whooping cough as cases increase across the district among children and adults.

Whooping cough, otherwise known as Pertussis, is a highly infectious bacterial disease of the respiratory tract and is spread by droplet infection when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms include a persistent cough which gets worse at night and can lead to vomiting. Not all sufferers will have the characteristic ‘whoop’ which gives the disease its name.

Vaccination can protect children from contracting whooping cough and is offered routinely to children as part of the UK Childhood Vaccination Programme.

Dr Graham Wardman, NHS Calderdale’s Director of Public Health, said: “It is important that parents protect

their children from infectious diseases like whooping cough. If a child is not up to date with their vaccinations, parents are advised to arrange this through their GP practice. To ensure children receive optimum protection, it’s important that the booster dose is taken up between the age of 3 and 5 when offered by GPs, as well as the first doses which are offered to young babies under 4 months of age along with other primary vaccinations.”

Anyone suffering from a persistent cough which is worse at night and causes them to be sick or feel sick is advised to see their GP, as the illness can be treated with antibiotics.

Those who are affected should avoid contact with children, particularly small babies who are vulnerable to infection before they reach the age at which the first course of whooping cough immunisation can be given (four months).

Dr Martin Schweiger, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at

West Yorkshire Health Protection Unit, added: “The recent increase in pertussis cases we are seeing in Calderdale is a concern. The illness can be unpleasant for the majority of people, commonly lasting between 6 to 8 weeks even when treated with antibiotics. However, the infection has the potential to be even more serious for some vulnerable groups in our communities, such as new born babies and infants.

“Pertussis vaccine substantially reduces the number of cases of the infection in the UK. It is crucial parents ensure their children are vaccinated against infectious diseases, as this not only serves to protect the individual, but protects vulnerable people in our families and communities who may be at greater risk from these diseases.”

The ‘Catch It, Bin It, Kill It’ hygiene regime can help prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including whooping cough and flu: • Catch it – Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and use a tissue when possible (if someone coughs or sneezes the droplets they expel can travel about one metre {3ft}) • Bin it – Put your dirty tissues straight in a bin, don’t reuse them.

• Kill it – Good basic hygiene, especially washing your hands frequently with soap and water will help to reduce the spread of the germs from your hands to your face or to other people, especially after sneezing. Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles and telephones) frequently is recommended and you don’t need special disinfectant - a normal household cleaning product works well. © Crown copyright 2007 284556/A4 1p 80k Nov07 (BEL)

23

local news

The 7th Doghouse Family Friendly Sunday

L

ove live music but also love spending time with your family on a Sunday afternoon? Well Doghouse live music promotions has the answer.

They will be hosting their seventh Family Friendly Sunday event from 2.30-7.20pm on February 12th at Arden Road Social Club in Bell Hall, Halifax.

The Great Si Moano Children’s Entertainer will perform at 4.30pm, food will be available, free car parking and what Doghouse themselves described as “our usual shambolic raffle”!

• Arthur Rigby & the Baskervylles - 6.30pm • The Mexanines - 5.30pm •

By Toutatis - 4.30pm • Hey Zeus! - 3.45pm • The Oreoh’s - 3.15pm Admission £6 or£5 for regulars. U16 £3. U4 free.

Job Opportunty! Elland Company Looking for Someone to Join its Team

I

nspirational Elland based company SaBe Wear Ltd is looking for a committed, dynamic and ambitious person to join the team.

Founded by local mum of two Rebecca McKay the company manufactures unique tubular design baby carriers, funky dribble bibs for babies and dignity aid bandanas (DABs) for adults.

Rebecca said: “We’re looking for someone with a flair for sales to work on our range of personalised dignity aid bandanas. We manufacture and sell the popular Sa-Be Baby dribble bibs and know how good they are at keeping babies clothing dry. So we have had them enlarged for adults with specific medical needs. Not only do they work very well, they also look amazing and are very comfortable to wear.”

The sales position is available on a commission basis and is ideally suited to those who are looking for a career that fits around their childcare needs.

For more information contact Rebecca McKay at Sa-Be Wear on 07796 682 416.

24

local news

A

New Sowerby Bridge Practice Welcomes Patients

new GP surgery has opened at Allan House on Station Road, Sowerby Bridge. Patients can now register at the practice which is the third and final branch of the Meadow Dale Group Practice to open.

Operated by Assura Leeds LLP, a partnership between 26 GP practices and leading healthcare provider Assura Medical, the practice provides extended evening and weekend access to GP and nurse services from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and from 8am to 1pm on Saturday including bank holidays.

As one of three branches, patients who register at Sowerby Bridge are automatically eligible to use the other two Meadow Dale Group Practice branches in Ovenden and Elland.

Dr Ken McGechaen, a Leeds GP and chair of Assura Leeds LLP, said: “We are delighted to welcome our first patients to our brand new Sowerby Bridge branch of the Meadow Dale Group Practice.

“If you register with our group practice in Sowerby Bridge you can also access services at any of our other two practices. For example if you live in Sowerby Bridge but work in Ovenden, you can go to either of those two or the one in Elland if you wish. This gives patients much more choice and flexibility.”

Angela Monaghan, chair, NHS Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield District Cluster said: “The opening of this new GP surgery is great news for local people giving them better access and more choice. It is a demonstration of our continuing commitment to improving primary care across Calderdale, which we know will improve the health and lives of local people.”

In 2008 Calderdale was identified by the Department of Health as one of the ‘least well’ served districts for GPs in the country. During 2008 NHS Calderdale ran a large scale consultation called ‘Practice Plus’. Over 2,000 residents took part and their feedback was included in the design of the service

Pupils Love their Alpine Adventure

T

he worst blizzards since records began struck in the French resort of Alpe D’HUez while pupils from Hipperholme Grammar’s Senior and Junior Schools were enjoying their annual skiing trip there.

However there was brilliant sunshine for part of the week and the pupils loved the skiing and snowboarding on offer.

Head of PE Mr Mark Hendry said: “Our snowboarders and skiers made the fastest progress I have ever seen in my 15 years of ski trips.”

Pupils from years five up to year 11 enjoyed the Alpine break, led by teachers Mr Hendry, Mr and Mrs Griffiths and Junior Headteacher Mrs Reynolds.

Nursery Raises Vital Funds for Children’s Charities

S

taff and pupils at Pye Nest Nursery in Sowerby Bridge have been busy raising money for two children’s charities.

Through a variety of fundraising events they raised £1017 for Children in Need and the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Bradley which cares for children with a life threatening or lifelimiting illness from Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

Pye Nest Nursery has had an incredible start to 2012. They began the year by receiving an Outstanding grading from Ofsted and celebrating their 15 year anniversary.

Nursery owner Denise Gwizdak said: “‘This is one of the proudest moments of my career; the team have all worked incredibly hard supporting each other to become good reflective practitioners, and to have been acknowledged as Outstanding by Ofsted. Raising such an incredible amount of money has been a wonderful way to celebrate the nursery’s anniversary and the Ofsted report. Everyone at Nursery is delighted to be able to support such a worthy cause and to raise so much money is fantastic.”

The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice must raise over £2.5m per year to ensure they are able to provide help for the children and families who they support.

The support the hospice has received from the local community is phenomenal, and with this support the hospice is now in the position to actively deliver care to local children and families.

25

competitions EXCLUSIVE SCALLYMAG COMPETITION FOR SCHOOLS!

Searching for the Next Generation of

Business Gurus

Win

a Stepteam pack for your school worth £247!

H

ow many budding Alan Sugars, Deborah Meadons and Theo Paphitis are there growing up in Halifax?

The Scallymag bets there are lots.

It only takes the right encouragement and input to turn promising entrepreneurs into our next business leaders.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with STEPteam to offer our local schools the chance to win a FREE programme to build the business aspirations of Year 5 pupils.

The STEPteam Programme not only teaches children the basics of business, but also gives them the opportunity to run a real and profitable business of their own, with real products and real profits.

Kathryn Rushfirth, Managing Director of S.T.E.P. Ltd, said: “Our aim is to create that spark in the children so that, regardless of their social background or circumstances, they might think: ‘I can do that!’.”

After learning the basics of business then the team competition is on to create the best business plan. This is great fun and culminates in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitch by each team to determine the best overall plan.

The winning team each get prizes and everyone gets a certificate.

Everything needed is in the pack, you just need to provide an enthusiastic teacher and a couple of Dragons!

The programme has been piloted in schools in West and North Yorkshire and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

To win a STEPteam pack for your school to run the programme, inclusive of samples, prizes and certificates – which would normally cost £247 -simply email your contact details and school name to mel@thescallymag.co.uk

by March 1, 2012. Winners will be announced in the next edition of The Scallymag.

“The children have thoroughly enjoyed the project. I was particularly impressed by the business acumen that the children developed. The use of real products fired the children’s imaginations.

“This programme is particularly good at engaging with children of all ability levels, acknowledging ideas from all and raising aspirations. The additional worksheets that are in development will only add to the effectiveness. There is currently a shortage of projects that do fully engage with high achieving children.

This programme allows them to fully explore their potential too.”

Head Teacher, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary Dewsbury

Photo: Children of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary in Dewsbury at their ‘Dragons’ Den’ style pitch with The Yorkshire Mafia’s Geoff Shepherd.

26

competitions

Win

a Place at Junior Chef’s Club!

T

he Cooking School at Dean Clough in Halifax is a state of the art kitchen right here in Calderdale. They run a Junior Chefs’ Club for 8-12 year olds throughout the school holidays – where kids can get hands on cooking in the state of the art cooking school.

It’s a chance to give your children a head start with invaluable cooking skills for life. These fun sessions with The Cooking School’s highly qualified staff will build confidence and independence over the course of each week. To get the most out of the Chefs’ Club, book all five dates for 2012 as each date will develop a different kitchen skill. Plus your child will receive a chef’s passport to stamp each time they complete a course and at the end of five courses a chef’s hat to take home.

See the results in what they bring home. Not just one great meal but a new young chef in the family!

All ingredients are provided with

drinks and biscuits half way to keep the young chefs going. Plus takeaway packs are provided for all the food they make to take home with pride and enjoy.

Children can be left with the team of qualified Chef Tutors while you head off to work, shop or visit the on-site galleries and café.

Learn different dishes each time you come to The Cooking School and try them out at home.

The next kids’ course is on 15th February and teens courses for 13-16 year olds are running all year also. To find out more visit www. thecookingschool.co.uk

To win a place at the Junior Chef’s Club on 15th February simply answer the following question: What is the age range for kids attending the Junior Chefs’ Club?

To enter simply email the answer to mel@thescallymag. co.uk by 8pm on Friday February 10 or enter via our Facebook page: The Scallymag (Halifax). Good luck!

27

sports pages Fun Activities to Get Kids Moving

A

ction Kids Academy is holding classes across Calderdale to provide children with fun, physical activity.

The classes, for children aged 18 months to four years, are held in Brighouse, Mytholmroyd and Greetland (for times and venues see the pre-school diary on pages 15 and 16).

Heather Tomlinson, from Action Kids Academy Calderdale, said: “Action Kids provides opportunities for children to take part in safe, supervised, physical activities.

“Involvement in Action Kids activities works at

body and brain levels, during which many learning strategies are tested and formed. The programmes are designed to ensure that both sides of the body and brain are stimulated for the development of wellbalanced children.”

Heather added that the activities also helped children to develop their social skills, greater self-awareness and more self-control.

“Action Kids sessions show that active and fit children are happier and healthier,” she said.

For further information contact Heather on 07717 576160 or visit www. actionkids.co.uk

MAXimum High in Polocrosse

N

orth Halifax Grammar School pupil Max Pedley is riding high competing for the UK at the equestrian sport of polocrosse.

er now off We can s ie t r y pa birthda , please e ag for any re e for mo ir u q n e n io t informa

28

Max, 13, started playing the game through his local pony club when he was only eight.

He was hooked and in 2011, at the age of just 13, was picked to represent the UK Under 16 squad in Australia.

The game has become a passion for his whole family!

Max’s dad Gary started riding and playing polocrosse only two years ago at the age of 43.

Mum Deborah, a keen rider herself, explained: “Polocrosse is best described as lacrosse on horseback played by two teams each consisting of six players who compete for the possession of the ball with which they score goals. The big difference from polo is that a soft ball is used and picked up in a net instead of a hard ball hit with a mallet.

“The pitch is divided into three areas, which only certain players are allowed in. Between each area there is a dividing line over which the ball cannot be carried. Goals are scored by throwing the ball between two posts.

“Polocrosse is an excellent way to improve riding skills and confidence whilst enjoying a fun game. Polocrosse is played in both the pony club and the UKPA (United

sports pages

s t r spo

W

elcome to our brand new Scallymag Sports pages. Every edition we’ll be featuring the achievements of local sports stars and teams, be they rugby, football, cricket, hockey, netball…in fact any sport under the sun!

We want you to send us your local sports news so that we can publicise your achievements to our readers right across Halifax.

From pre-school to seniors we want to hear what you’ve been up to. Sport is thriving in Halifax from grass roots upwards and The Scallymag promises to champion all your achievements.

If you have a sports story to tell email mel@thescallymag.co.uk

Girls’ Football

G

irls only football sessions are starting at Calderdale College every Monday from February 20th.

Organised by the West Riding County FA the sessions are for 7-11 year olds and will be held from 5-6pm.

For more information contact Caroline Hulme, West Riding County FA Women and Girls FDO, by email: caroline.hulme@wrcfa.com or call 07912 309125.

Kingdom Polocrosse Association).

Anyone can play polocrosse, you don’t need expensive equipment or a world class horse. Most ponies will happily take to the sport.”

If you’d like to watch a training session call 07798934805 for times and venues.

Practises are held locally in Lightcliffe.

Or if you fancy having a go yourself contact your local Pony Club or the UKPA official website (www.ukpa.org.uk).

SCHOOL CELEBRATES TRIPLE OLYMPIC SUCCESS

S

taff and pupils at Ling Bob Junior, Infant and Nursery School in Pellon, Halifax, are celebrating the selection of three members of staff to help at the forthcoming London 2012 Olympics.

applicants and began their training at Wembley in early February.

Mr Tipton will be based at the heart of the Olympic city in London at the Edexcel Centre where his ICT prowess and ability to transport Olympic personnel will be main features of his work throughout the games.

Mr Sykes will also play an important part within a team of 10,000 volunteers in the transportation of athletes during the Paralympics Games.

Mr Brooksby will be one of 150 Games Makers involved in the Olympic football matches held at six high profile football grounds around the UK. He will be based at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United FC, as part of the team in charge of the equipment for all the Olympic football matches held there. Team GB play their opening fixture at the famous stadium.

Games Makers will take on hundreds of different volunteering roles in a number of venues throughout the UK working hard to turn London 2012 into the best sporting event the UK has ever seen.

Deputy Headteacher Dorian Brooksby, Sports Coach Jamie Sykes and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Technician Steve Tipton have been selected as ‘Olympic Games Makers’. They will be part of a team of 70,000 volunteers who “can make or break the Games” according to Seb Coe, London 2012 Organising Committee Chairman.

Ling Bob School headteacher Mrs Rosemary Solan said: “Pupils and staff are becoming excited by the prospect of the Olympic Games especially as they are learning more and more about the historic event as part of their normal day to day work. To have not one but three people in School who will be playing an important part in the success of the Olympic Games adds to the excitement for everyone and is a very proud moment for Ling Bob School.”

The three members of staff were successful in the initial selection process in July 2011 which involved left to right Jamie Sykes, Steve Tipton and Dorian Brooksby. over 240,000

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Sunday 11th March at Ogden Water, Halifax

Sunday 11th March at Ogden Water, Halifax.

A stroll around Ogden Water with your favourite Teddy Bear.

Bring your Teddy along to Ogden Water between 11.30am 12.30pm and join in our Teddy quiz whilst walking 1 mile around Ogden Water. Teddies receive a unique certificate and refreshments are provided.

A sponsored 3 mile walk in aid of Overgate Hospice Registration: Adults: � £3 before the day, � £5 on the day.

Registration:

Children: � £1 before the day, � £2 on the day.

Adults: � £3 before the day, � £5 on the day.

Also on the same day The Teddy Toddle, a stroll around Ogden Water with your favourite teddy. Refreshments will be provided and all teddy bears will receive a unique certificate. Call Faye on 01422 387120 for details.

Sponsored by Registration between 11.30am –12.30pm To register please call fundraising on 01422 387120 or email faye.henderson@overgatehospice.nhs.uk

Children: � £1 before the day, � £2 on the day.

To register please call fundraising on 01422 387120 or email faye.henderson@overgatehospice.nhs.uk Also on the same day, The Ogden Stomp a 3 mile sponsored walk at Ogden Water, Halifax.

For full details call Faye on

www.iftllp.com t: 01422 349131

Sponsored by

01422 387120

Reg Charity No: 511619

SUCCESS IS AFFORDABLE...

FROM AGES 3-18

Open Days:

Scholarships:

Junior School:

Academic, Music, Choral and Saturday 10th March 2012 Sports Scholarships available.

10 am – 12 noon Apply now for Year 7 entry in 2012.

Senior School:

Friday 9th March 2012

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7 pm – 9 pm

For further information, please email info@hgsf.org.uk or call 01422 202256

www.hgsf.org.uk

Please contact us for a prospectus or to arrange a visit

www.iftllp.com t: 01422 349131 Reg Charity No: 511619

offers Top Class PR Advice for Local Businesses – For Free!

B

usinesses advertising in The Scallymag can now benefit from a free one hour PR and marketing consultation with high-flying Yorkshire company, Integrity PR.

It means that small, local businesses can now benefit from top class marketing and PR advice from a company with local, national and international clients.

Carrie Goodwin, of Integrity PR, said: “No matter how big our clients’ organisations or how far we travel around the world to represent them, we know where our roots are. We began as a small two person business with one director based in Halifax and the other in Sheffield. We are passionate about championing creativity, providing businesses with focus and guiding them to success.

“We are delighted to be partnering The Scallymag in this project and helping as many businesses as we can along the way.”

Integrity PR was founded in 2008 by two mums who have a background in journalism, PR, marketing and crisis communications. The company won its first international client just months later and has never looked back.

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THE MOMENT

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