Scallymag for Todmorden & Hebden Bridge - Autumn '15

THE

S C A LL Y A G M

®

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

Diary pages For Pre-school and Out-of-school activities

Out & About National Football Museum Tarbury Woods Owl & Bird Sanctuary

News

Keeping you up-to-date

Focus On:

Understanding the new school levels

Regular Features Family Health Literacy News Competitions

And Much, Much More

Autumn ‘15

Issue 50

For Local Parents, Carers & Kids

e s ea e l p ak t ne o

Alison Grant architect

Making buildings individual, accessible and sustainable

Need more room?

Don’t want to move?

I can help you create the space you need.

extensions loft conversions alterations energy solutions restorations

Contact Alison for creative, practical and affordable advice

5 Northfield, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7NW

Tel 01422 847 927

Web www.alisongrantarchitect.co.uk

E s t . 2 0 02

MAGICAL CHILDREN’S NURSERY set in 4-acre countryside site o Dedicated Baby Area - 1:2 staff to child ratio o o o o

Forest School on Mondays and Fridays Healthy meals cooked in 5* kitchen Early Years teacher in Pre-school Free 3 - 4 year funded places available

The Ark, Dean Hey Farm, Mytholmroyd, HX7 5RU www.thearkexperience.co.uk T 01422 882010 Open 51 weeks 7am-6.30pm

Xbox – PS3 – music area – Wii – crafts sports hall – and much more Lots of fun for 4 – 14 year olds

page welcome header contact us

contents Diary Pages Playgroups, Out of school clubs, Swimming,

Libraries & Soft Play Pre-School Diary Out-Of-School Diary Competitions Design our next front cover Out & About National Football Museum Tarbury Woods Bird Sanctury News Warning over deadly game, New babies and children’s activities, Ladies Circle and more Focus On: New Education Levels Family Health Your health Q&A Minor Ailments Scheme Literacy The latest news from The Book Case Features Breastfeeding Support Hypnobirthing explained

Page 11 Page 12 Page 14 Page 8 Page 9 Page 17

Page 4 Page 10 Page 23 Page 22 Page 16 Page 19 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:

0 Bankside House, Haugh Road, Todmorden, OL14 6BU 8 hazel@thescallymag.co.uk  07816 321439 R 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® 2014 Nothing may be reproduced without permission

Congratulations To: Mary Joanna Drake

aged 8, of Todmorden, who drew our wonderful front cover picture

“A Wise Old Owl”

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

Many thanks to Robert from Silly Billy’s for judging the competition.

news ladies circle

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re you a woman aged between 18 and 45? Do you feel you need to expand your social circle a little and start getting out more to have fun? Have you considered joining the Hebden Bridge & District Ladies Circle?

The group meets twice a month, on the first and third Wednesday and, bearing in mind their motto of Fun, Friendship and Fundraising, their aim is to offer the best opportunity for young women to connect with each other, have a great time and give something back.

A spokesperson for the group says; “Making lasting connections is at the very heart of everything we do at Ladies Circle. Often women don’t know anybody when they join, sometimes they come with a friend; either way most members find that, within a very short time, they’re making new friendships that last a lifetime.

“For some women, it’s the regular night out that allows them to take a night off and be themselves. For others, it’s getting involved in events and working as a team to accomplish something extraordinary. Either way, what most of our members find is that the friendships they form at Ladies Circle extend into a trusted,

supportive network that soon becomes part of their everyday life.

“Regardless of your reason for getting involved, we can promise you a warm welcome and a group of firm friendships just waiting to be made.”

If nights out have become a thing of the past and you’re raring to let your hair down, then Ladies Circle might be just what you’re looking for. Or if you already have an active social life, joining Ladies Circle will extend your network so you’re never faced with the prospect of a quiet night in!

Recent activates the members of the Hebden Bridge Circle have enjoyed include a Martial Arts lesson at AEGIS in Hebden Bridge, Cocktails and Karaoke with the Round Table members, fundraising in the Race for Life and glam champagne nights out. They have given a £100 donation to the Todmorden Food Bank and regularly donate to other local charities such at Overgate Hospice.

“Many women join Ladies Circle wanting to put something back,” we were told, “but are lacking the time or knowledge as to how they can get involved. Joining a local Circle means they become part of something much bigger and, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant the contribution they can make personally, together they are able to make a real difference.”

Nationally Ladies Circle raise in excess of £250k each year.

For more information:

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Hebden Bridge Ladies Circle www.hebdenbridgeladiescircle. weebly.com

marie curie appeal

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arie Curie is appealing to the Todmorden community for volunteers. They are looking for collection box coordinators who can help raise funds for the charity and so in turn help people with a terminal illness in this area get the care they need, at home, from Marie Curie nurses.

Marie Curie nurses provide hands on care for terminally ill patients, along with emotional support for them and their families in their own home. In order to raise the funds to continue providing this care they rely enormously on voluntary contributions. One way of doing this is by siting collection cans in local businesses such as pubs, shops, hairdressers etc.

However, they are currently in urgent need of a collection box co-ordinator in Todmorden who would be willing to be the contact to site collection boxes in local businesses, swap them over once they are full and bank the money.

This job can be run on an ad hoc basis during times convenient to them.

For more information:

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0 Leah Mitchell  07538 380909 8 leah.mitchell@mariecurie.org.uk

improved gcse results

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alderdale students were celebrating recently after receiving their GCSE results.

A complete picture of the results is still being finalised but early indications are that a number of schools have made significant improvements on last year’s marks, particularly Trinity Academy, Todmorden High School and Calder High School.

Cllr Megan Swift, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children

and Young People’s Services, says: “I’d like to congratulate all of our young people on their hard work and achievements. I also want to thank staff, governors and parents for their continued support, which makes learning in Calderdale so great. If you haven’t achieved the results you expected, don’t worry and don’t give up! There are lots of options out there, and plenty of support. I wish all students the very best in their future studies and careers.”

news raising awareness of a deadly game

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n awareness campaign has been launched

by Todmorden mum, Selina Booth, after the very sudden and tragic loss of her fourteen year old son, Jack, in February this year.

Jack was a bright pupil at Todmorden High School with a great future in front of him. He was a passionate Burnley FC supporter and, like most teenagers, had a great social life. But it wasn’t ‘bad’ drugs, or a car accident, or any of the usual stuff we hear about all the time that took his life - it was a ‘game’ that went tragically wrong.

Most parents have never heard of ‘The Choking Game’ but it has been around since the 1900s! It is mostly played by boys aged between 9 and 16, some estimates suggesting as many as 87% will try it. Another name for it is ‘The Good Boy’s High’ because it seems to be the boys who don’t get drawn into underage drinking or illegal drug taking who are most susceptible to giving it a go, seeing it as a safe and legal ‘high’.

So here are the graphic details. The idea is to starve the brain of oxygen, almost to the point of asphyxiation, then release the pressure so, as the oxygen rushes back to the brain, the child experiences a euphoric high they become ‘addicted’ to. NB. - It is not a true addiction.

The child can stop this practice at any time.

There are two ways this is done. The first is played amongst friends where one child restricts the airways of another with their hands or a make-shift noose.

This results in a high for the victim and great hilarity for the onlookers. However the risks of fits, seizures, haemorrhages, memory loss and comas are very real and these affects can also result in deaths, sometimes days after the event.

The second and even more deadly way is played by the child when alone.

They start by putting a makeshift noose around their necks, made from a rope, dog lead, knitting wool, phone charger cable - anything will do the job - and

attaching the other end to a door knob, bed frame, stair banister, etc. The intention is not to hang themselves, like in the usual suicide scenario - they choose something at the correct height so they can lean against the cord whilst kneeling. Of course they run all the same risks as the first way but with the obvious added risk that, if they black out, they can’t free themselves.

Almost all deaths attributed to this ‘game’ happen to children at home, alone in their room, with a parent in the house. Statistics indicate that most deaths seem to occur when a child tries it for the first or second time. There are “How to” videos on YouTube and videos shared on Social Media amongst friends.

The Internet has made it a growing craze.

The coroner’s office has attributed seven UK deaths to this game in the last five years, the youngest victim being just six years old, but it is believed the true figure is much, much higher. The current lack of awareness means many unexplained deaths are being recorded as suicide when there was no reason to believe the child was at all suicidal, or as misadventure when the reasons for death are not clear.

Selina has told us about Jack.

“Jack was my best friend. We just did everything together - shopping, wrestling, holidays and days out.

“He was just funny.

He was always doing something, whether it was eating daft food or telling silly jokes. He loved football, especially going to watch Burnley.

“It was a Monday morning when Jack got up early to play this game. My husband, baby and I were all asleep in the house. Of course he left no note; nothing to say he was leaving this world.

He thought he was safe and would be down for breakfast, the same as always.

“Later I was calling him to get him up for school. When I got no response I went to wake him. I thought he was messing around as he was in a funny position. Then I saw the cord around his neck.”

Todmorden boy Jack Pickles died after playing a deadly choking game.

These are some warning signs that all parents should be aware of and look out for:• Bloodshot eyes • Marks or bruises to the neck • Wearing high neck tops, even in warm weather • Frequent /server headaches • Locked doors • Confusion or disorientation after spending time alone • Unexplained presence of unusual items/dog leads/chocking collars/ropes/scarves/belts and so on • All of the above tied to bedroom furniture/doorknobs/stair banisters/low beams with new nails in • Wear marks around bed posts, etc.

• Loud bumps and crashes Please don’t be afraid to speak to your children about it. There is one school of thought that says discussing it will bring it to a child’s attention and make them more likely to try it - but the game is already out there. Children need to understand the dangers so they won’t try it themselves and so they know what to do if they suspect someone else is involved in this practice.

“My aim is to get the message out to as many parents and teenagers as possible. I will be visiting local high schools to talk to the kids there. I will get Downing Street, the Chief Coroner’s Office, the police and doctors knowing about this game. At the moment they don’t even know the warning signs.” says Selina.

“I would like to set up a charity in Jack’s name so no other parents go through what I’m going through. Or, if they are, then there is a place they can turn to.

“I just need help in fundraising and getting the message out. I don’t want another kids death being recorded as a suicide because of this game.“ More information is available from www.aheadofthegrief.me.uk and G.A.S.P. the American campaign set up to fight this game - www.gaspinfo.com

news

Baby Signing

Join our award-winning and fun classes to help your child communicate before they can talk.

Contact Joelle joellem@tinytalk.co.uk Tel: 07967 772183 www.tinytalk.co.uk/joellem

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LLL meetings for breastfeeding mums

a Leche League (pronounced la lay-chay) is an international charitable organisation founded to give information and encouragement, mainly through mother-to-mother support, to all women who want to breastfeed their babies.

Now there is a local Calderdale branch right on our doorstep.

Rebecca and Ellen are our local LLL leaders and breastfeeding counsellors and they are available to help if you’re: • Expecting a baby and want to know more about how to breastfeed • Already breastfeeding and experiencing challenges • Need information about solids and weaning • Want to meet other breastfeeding parents • Want to learn more about breastfeeding, birth and parenting • Are a health professional or breastfeeding supporter who wants to know more Meetings are held once a month, usually on the last Wednesday of the month between 10 and 12, at various locations but usually in Todmorden Fire Station Community Room. Each meeting has a different topic or theme

but all mums are welcome to come along and discuss anything that is concerning them.

If you need breastfeeding support between meetings you can call our national helpline: 0845 120 2918 or, for local support, call either Rebecca (Todmorden) on 01706 433 712 or Ellen (Hebden Bridge) on 01422 814 344.

For more information about upcoming meetings, etc, please check the website or Facebook or by text 0777 397 6531

For more information:

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0 Rebecca (Todmorden)  01706 433712 0 Ellen (Hebden Bridge)  01422 814344 R www.lllcalderdale.weebly.com La Leche League Calderdale

woodcraft folk relaunch

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oodcraft Folk, a national children and young people’s organisation, launched its New Groups project in West Yorkshire last year and is now up and running in our area.

The project, funded by the Youth United Foundation, aims to create 400 new places for children and young people throughout West Yorkshire over the period to March 2016. Five new part time staff are coordinating the recruitment and ongoing support of 120 new volunteer group leaders. Ellie Julings, Support Officer for the New Groups project, commented “It’s really

For more information:

0 Eden Ballayne  07908 379983 8 eden@woodcraft.org.uk

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exciting to be able to offer this level of support to new groups. It means we are in a great place to reach those most in need of top quality youth provision”.

The new leader in Hebden Bridge is Eden Ballantyne who is now running two new Woodcraft Folk meetings per week - Elfins for 6 to 9 year olds and Pioneers for 10 to 12 year olds. Both groups meet at Salem Mills, Central Street, Hebden Bridge, every Thursday evening during term time.

Eden tells us, “Woodcraft Folk’s primary aim of ‘Education for Social Change’ is enacted through the weekly group night activities. These activities are based around principles of cooperation and equality. Badge work, residential hostel trips, camping adventures, international exchanges and involvement in decision-making are all important elements of the Woodcraft experience for children and adult volunteers alike.”

news

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New Local Drama Academy Open Day

aula Lane, best known for her role as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street, along with her husband and fellow actor Tom Shaw (ITV’s DCI Banks, Inbetweeners) will begin teaching drama workshops for children at the Hope Baptist Church starting this October.

The Lane Shaw Academy will teach drama to youngsters aged 5 – 16 on Saturdays and each hour long class will involve fun acting games along with vocal training and text work.

An Open Day, which will give kids the chance to try out these new and exciting workshops for free, will be held on Saturday 10th October at Hope

For more information:

Baptist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge. Times are 10:00am for 5 – 8 year olds, followed by 8 – 11 year olds at 11:00am and finishing with 11 – 16 year olds at 12:30pm. Normally the fee for each class will be £7 per person.

Both Paula and Tom are classically trained actors who have worked in TV, Film and Theatre. Since graduating from London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, Paula has worked extensively in TV, appearing in Terry Pratchett’s Going Postal before landing the role of Kylie in Coronation Street.

After graduating from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) Tom has appeared in the Inbetweeners and as DC Templeton in ITV’s DCI Banks. He was also part of the Olivier nominated, West End production of When We Are Married.

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 07754970798 8 LaneShawAcademy@outlook.com LaneShawAcademy @LaneShawAcademy

Musical Fun at TinyTalk

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or over a decade, TinyTalk’s fun, friendly, baby signing and singing classes have delighted babies. Now these award-winning classes are launching in Calderdale.

“I really do think it’s one of the most amazing things you can do with your baby” says local teacher and mum of two Joelle, who started out by taking her own baby to TinyTalk and loved it so much she decided to run classes herself.

“Not only is it great fun for babies and parents, it also gives you an incredible gift - allowing your baby to express themselves and communicate with you long before they can talk”.

TinyTalk’s special mix of songs and rhymes, puppets, books, instruments and sensory activities stimulates babies development, gives parents chance to spend quality time engaging with their

little one and an opportunity to make friends too.

Using simple signs from BSL, babies as young as 6-9 months can tell you their wants and thoughts. Babies are thrilled when they’re understood, building a very special bond, and promoting vital early communication skills.

“Babies are natural communicators, and parents tune in to their baby’s signals for what they want” says Joelle, “but baby signing really explodes what they are able to tell us. I remember feeling mind blown sitting in my friend’s kitchen one day with her babbling baby when he suddenly signed ‘aeroplane’, having heard one fly past outside. I thought it was amazing that he had a way to show us he’d heard and understood that and this was really only possible thanks to signing.”

TinyTalk classes are designed to offer something for babies, from newborn up to about 2, using sensory activities

to develop a range of communication skills. Babies can recognise signs from about 3 months, getting excited when you smile ‘milk’. And even early talkers can benefit. “It really helped me to understand my daughter’s early words,” says Joelle, “making the sign for ‘book’ or ‘ball’ whilst saying ‘ba ba ba’ for example. Because she was understood, I really felt that it boosted her confidence and encouraged her to communicate more.”

Joelle is running weekly classes on Mondays at Hebden Bridge Town Hall, and Tuesdays at Copley Cricket Club from September.

For more information:

 07967 772183 R www.tinytalk.co.uk/joellem

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competition

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scallymag reaches 50!

e were delighted, and a little bit surprised, to realise that this issue is the 50th!

produce anything. Especially DC Dance, Castle Hill Day Nursery, Sarah Hitchon School of Dance and The Ark Nursery, who have been in every issue since the beginning; Talk First Baby Signing, Flying The Scallymag has been sharing stories, Saucers and Jo Jingles who weren’t information and news with the parents around when I started in 2003 but have of Todmorden and Hebden Bridge for been in every issue since they started; over 12 years now. I began this magazine special mention to Lynne at Physio & when my children were very small and Therapies for answering your questions I was struggling to find everything that over the years and, finally, Bill at Silly was going on in the town. Over the Billy’s Toy Shop in Hebden Bridge, who years the towns have changed a lot, my has not only advertised in every issue children have grown older and I am no since the beginning, but has judged every longer my own target readership, but I front cover competition and donated still love putting the magazine together every prize. Thanks Bill! and I especially like it when I hear I also need to how much it has helped mention local parents. It all the makes everything people worthwhile. who I would like to help me take this opportunity distribute to thank some of my the best supporters over magazine. the years.

Every primary First my advertisers school without whom I couldn’t The first 4 issues! secretary who

sorts it out to the book bags, every nursery and playgroup who stock the magazine for me and, of course, the health visitors who pass it on to new parents.

Thank you all.

I must also thank you, my readers for all your kind comments over the years, for writing many of the articles I print and for helping me develop the magazine and make it as useful and indispensible as possible.

Finally, special thanks go to my team at home. To Jonathan for your patience proof reading every issue through and correcting my grammar and the other mistakes I couldn’t see; for all your help over the years putting up with countless cardboard boxes in your garage, helping with delivery and not complaining when the ironing pile was getting a bit too big; and to my two wonderful children, Bobby and Liza, who were my inspiration when I started and continue to be my raison d’etre. x Here’s to the next 50!

page out &header about

National Football Museum Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG 0161 605 8200 www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

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wishing to buy tickets (should you wish to enhance your visit further) for the interactive exhibitions called Football Plus+. These purchased credits can buy you a photograph of you lifting the FA cup, taking part in a penalty shoot-out or following an autocue and pretending to be Motty on MOTD. We decided not to buy the extra credits and just see what the Museum had to offer.

From the entrance, you are led through the turnstiles and into a Hall of Fame, and so your Football Museum experience begins. You are free to meander on each level where there is a large variety of interactive objects, games and displays.

What we found most interesting was that the Museum did not concentrate wholly on the richest, most famous and local teams; ALL teams and football personalities from the UK and in fact worldwide were represented. It was very interesting and as a person with limited football knowledge, I got to know some curious facts. Personally, the best item I discovered was in the main glitzy Cup display area. Amongst all the shiny, famous trophies, shields and awards, was a beaten and slightly worse-for-wear Rossendale Cup. It was last presented

to Stacksteads FC in the 1930’s. I also enjoyed seeing the films being shown of old football footage- it brought back such fond memories of wet, almost-dark Saturday afternoons, watching the TV and the videprinter with my dad, whilst checking the football results against his ‘pools coupon.

Needless to say, we never won!

After a few levels, both my daughter and I got ‘footballed’ out, plus our feet were tired! So we went to investigate the ground floor café and shop. The café area is large and there seemed a fair variety of foods on offer, including a children’s menu. There seemed to be plenty of high chairs and I believe the staff are happy to warm bottles if required, so it is very family friendly. We settled on cake and hot chocolate (not pies and Bovril, but you could have them if you wish). The shop is also well stocked for all the family too, including pocket money gifts!

A point to note is that all the Museum floors are accessible with lifts. I would also say go early, as this is a popular destination during holiday time.

Overall, it was a good place to visit with activities for all ages and was an easy way to spend a couple of hours. However, you can get too much of a good thing; it depends on whether you are football fans or not. My son and my husband could easily have stayed the whole day. For me, I would have liked to have dipped into the local shops for an hour too. More importantly, the Birthday Boy had a great time!

By Tracey Sunderland

Photos:

It does help that the Birthday Boy (aged 10) has a new-found interest in the ‘beautiful game’ and so The National Football Museum (NFM) in Manchester seemed a good choice. However, would his brother and sister enjoy it too? Would there be enough diversity in the 140,000 items on display to interest us all?

The NFM originally opened in Preston in 2001, but due to its success and demand for greater accessibility to a wider population, the Museum relocated to Manchester and re-opened in 2012.

It claims its existence is to explain how and why football has become, over the last 150 years, ‘the people’s game’ and a key part of England’s heritage and way of life. Thus it explores football past and present, trying to look at the game from every angle, so that non-football fans can appreciate and enjoy the experience too.

We took the car to a reasonably-priced City Centre car park, which would have been a good place to find space normally.

However, this was three days before Christmas…. The Museum is located in the Urbis building, so right in the City Centre. Admission to the Museum is free; however a discretionary donation is politely requested.

The NFM is laid out on five levels.

Upon entering the Museum we were met by helpful members of staff at the reception, where we purchased our visitor guide for £1.00 (a must if you want to make the most of your visit).

They were offering useful advice to those

Top & Centre courtesy of Peter Corcoran for Mather Right by T Sunderland

here can you go for a birthday treat with a child whose birthday it is three days before Christmas? It has got to be indoors, as it’s freezing in December.

It can’t involve Santa, elves or reindeer- otherwise it isn’t a birthday treat. Where to go…?

focus on:

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s a result of the introduction of the new National Curriculum in September 2014, from this new school year the government will stop schools using ‘levels’ as educational performance measurements and instead let the schools themselves decide on how they wish to measure individuals progress. This is, understandably, causing confusion and concern.

So here is a brief guide as to what the changes are and how it should help you, as a parent, ensure that your child makes good progress throughout the next academic year and beyond:

Life after Levels!

Previously, a child in school would have been given a “National Curriculum Level” to represent their attainment; for example ‘3C’. However the numbers bore no relation to the year group a child was in, the letter represented sub levels and, all-in-all, it was considered vague and confusing for parents: What did a Level 3C actually mean?

The Department for Education agreed and so, from September 2015, all children will now be assessed and placed on a ‘level’ using a system each individual school can devise for themselves.

It is expected that most schools teachers will use statements such as “Working within the expected level of attainment for his/her age” or “Working beyond the expected level of attainment” to describe pupils’ progress, as well as commenting on whether the child has made good progress over the year, giving details of curriculum areas where they have achieved well and areas that need

more development and support.

For teachers, it will still be about regularly monitoring and evaluating a child’s ability throughout the year; with more emphasis on helping to develop the child’s knowledge and ability in a subject, as well as identifying any gaps that needs further work or improvement. They will be trying to develop and tailor the ‘next steps’ in learning for each child, rather than move them on to the next ‘level’.

There will still be national assessments at regular intervals: • In Reception children will undergo a new Baseline Test (from September 2016). The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile will no longer be compulsory.

• In Year 1 they will have a Phonetics screening • At the end of Year 2 (end of KS1) they will sit a SATs test in English and maths.

• At the end of Year 6 (end of KS2) they will sit a SATs test in English and maths.

It is expected that the SATs test will be more challenging in line with the tougher new curriculum and the child will receive a scaled score instead of a level, which will put them somewhere on the national standard scale.

For non-SATs subjects children will be matched against ‘performance descriptors’ (what pupils are expected to know and be able to do at the time of testing) at the end of KS1 and KS2 to check if they are achieving the expected standard. From May 2016 (the first time the news tests will be set) the government expects 85% of pupils to reach a ‘good level of attainment’.

That is a massive increase on the current 65% expectation. The precise extent of progress required in each year group will be set in May 2016.

If you are in doubt or wish to seek further information or clarification, please contact your child’s school.

Viol in & Viol a TuiTion Beginner to Diploma Standard

ROBIN PENNIE Tr i n i T y C ol l e ge l on d on - l .T.C.l .

Professional teacher and performer Twenty-five years experience

t: 01706 559971 e: sandrpennie@gmail.com 10

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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

3:30 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

7:30 - 9:00 3:00 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

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

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

Friday

9:00 - 12:00 1.00 - 3.30* ages 2 - 5

Space at The Ark The Ark Nursery, Cragg Vale, Mytholmroyd 01422 882010

Thursday

9:00 - 12:00 1:00 - 4:00*

Out of School clubs

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

Wednesday

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

Tuesday

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

Monday

The Ark Pre-School Dean Hey Farm, Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 882010

pre-schools & playgroups

received. Please phone ahead before setting out as details can change at any time.

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.

Heptonstall Out of School Club Heptonstall J, I & N School, Smithwell Lane, Heptonstall 01422 843619

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 Clubs 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

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

T

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

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

Mytholmroyd Library Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 883933

Walsden Library Inchfield Road, Walsden 01706 815602

Maxwell’s Fun House Hollins Mill, Rochdale Road, Walsden Todmorden 01706 813166

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

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

soft play

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

10:00 - 6:30

10:00 - 6:30

2:00 - 4:30

2:00 - 6:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

Monday

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

Tuesday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 3.45 7:00 - 8.15

Wednesday

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

10:00 - 5:00

Thursday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 9.00

10:00 - 6:30

Friday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 7:00 8.00 - 9.00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 6:30

1:30 - 6:30

Saturday

9:00 - 1:30 3.00 - 6:30

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 12:00

sunday

9:00 - 12.45 2.30 - 4.00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

10:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

1:00 - 5:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

1:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 4:00

9:30 - 6:00

2:00 - 4:30

1:00 - 5:00

11

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

Pre-school diary

12

Caterpillar Club 9:00 - 11:30 (term time only) Scout Road Academy, Scout Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 883327

Parent & Toddlers 9:15 - 12:15 The Old Library, 1 Parkside Road, Cornholme Oxana - 01706 813222

Walsden Community Playgroup @ St Peter’s 9:15 - 11:00 St Peter’s Church, Walsden Sheila 01706 812782

Centre Vale Playgroup 9:30 - 11:30 Fielden Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Please call in for details

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

Parent Support Drop-In 10:00 - 11:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Heptons Toddler 10:00 - 1 Heptons Club, Ac please c

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

Caterpillar Music 10:00 - 10:45 (0 - 36 mths) 10:50 - 11:35 (18 mths - 4 yrs) Hebden Bridge Methodist Church, Market St/Hebble End, Hebden Bridge Angela - 01422 844551

Baby Massage 10:30 - 11:30 Todmorden or Hebden Bridge.

Please call for details Debbie - 07899 077704

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

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

Duckling various 4:00 - 7: Todmord Ewood L 01706 8

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

Mytholmroyd Mini Movers 9:00 - 11:00 Mytholmroyd Methodist Church, Scout Road, Mytholmroyd Janet - 07515 356539

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

Mytholmroyd Toddlers 9:15 - 11:15 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Elphaborough, Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

Stay & Play 9:30 - 11:00 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Parent & 9.30 - 11 Hare & H Todmord Janet - 0

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

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

Baby Sing & Sign 11:30 - 12:15 (booking essential) Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970

Parent & Toddler Swimming 1:30 - 2:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913

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

Ducklings Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Ninja To 5:30 - 6:1 AEGIS A Commun Central S 07903 7

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

Mum Zone 10:00 - 1:00 Queen Hotel, Rise Lane, Todmorden 01706 819917

Weaning Group 11:00 - 12;00 (1st Wed only) Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Todmorden Family Support 12:30 - 2:00 alternate weeks Todmorden Fire Station Community Room, Stansfield Road, Todmorden Jenni - 01706 839787

Tweenies/Mid-Week Movers 1:30 - 3:00 (Term Time Only) Todmorden Community College Hall, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Baby Cl 1:30 - 3: Todmord Burnley 01706 3

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

Art Stars 10:00 - 10:45 & 1:30 - 2:15 The Star Tree Studio, 42 Victoria Street, Littleborough Neela - 07778 543233

Baby Sing & Sign 10:00 - 10:45 (booking essential) Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 845800 - FREE

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

Parent & 11:45 - 1 Shade J Shade, T 01706 8

Parent & Toddlers 9:00 - 11:30 Gordon Riggs, Bottom’s Mill Bistro, Walsden

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

Parent & Toddler Group 9.30 - 11.00 Hare & Hounds, Burnley Road, Todmorden Janet - 01706 818820

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

Little Angels 9:30 - 11:30 St. Michaels Church, Cornholme, Todmorden Anne - 07587 700355

Stay & Play 9:30 - 11:00 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 845800 - FREE

Dodnaze 9.45 - 11 Dodnaze 54 Hirst

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

Art Stars 10:00 - 10:45 & 11:15 - 12:00 Upsy Daisy’s Play Gym Mytholmroyd Neela - 07778 543233

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

Baby Yoga 1:00 - 2:00 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Tracy - 07864 007179

Buggy 4 Fitness 1:30 - 2:30 Calder Holmes Park, Hebden Bridge Sharon - 07825 706983

Dramas 2:30 - 3: 4:00 - 4: Roomfie Road, To Mel - 07

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

Old Town Playgroup 9:00 - 11:00 Old Town Primary School, Billy Lane, Old Town 01422 842859

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

Mytholmroyd Toddlers 9:15 - 11:15 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Elphaborough, Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

Stay and Play 9:30 - 11:30 Todmorden Health Centre, Halifax Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Tweenies 9:30 - 11:00 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 845800 - FREE

Cragg V 9:30 - 11 The Ark Hall, Dea Vale, My Cathy 07

Ante-Natal Clinic 9:00 - 2:00 Todmorden Children’s Centre, 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

Rock ‘n’ Rollers 11:30 - 12:30 Dance 4 All, Methodist Hall, Hebden Bridge Emily - 07903 720214

Dramasaurus 2:30 - 3:15 (age 2/3) 3:40 - 4:25 (age 4/5) Heptonstall Social & Bowling Club, Acre Lane, Heptonstall Mel - 07554 368232

Ducklings Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Todmorden Swimming Club

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

Dads & Male Carers Event 10:00 - 12:00 (1st Sat of month) Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 845800 - FREE

Ducklings Swimming various levels 9:00 - 1:30; 3:15 - 6:30 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

Harmony Singing)

10.00 - 11.30 Central Hebden Bridge Liz Powers 01422 847702

- Widths

7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah - 07551 266862

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

Good Health Drop-In 10:00 - 11:00 The Old Treehouse, Market Street, Hebden Bridge 07938 790856

Baby Stay and Play 1:00 - 2:30 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 845800 - FREE

Young Parents’ Group (for parents under 25 yrs) 1:30 - 3:00 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

gs Swimming levels :00 den Sports Centre, Lane, Todmorden 839090

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

& Toddler Group 1.00 Hounds, Burnley Road, den 01706 818820

Childminder Drop-In 9:30 - 11:30 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 845800 - FREE

BATS 9:45 - 11:30 Lumbutts Methodist Church Lumbutts Debbie - 07899 077704

Active Walking (not suitable for pushchairs) 9:45 - 11:15 Meet at St George’s Square, Hebden Bridge Lucy - 07943 771739

Bumps & Babes

support group for multiple births

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

ots 15 Academy, Salem nity Resource Centre, Street, Hebden Bridge 706784

Pregnancy Yoga 6:00 - 7:30 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Gillian - 07855 004858

Good Health Drop-In 10:00 - 11:00 The Old Treehouse, Market Street, Hebden Bridge 07938 790856

Roomfield Playgroup 1:00 - 3:00 Roomfield Baptist Church, Halifax Road, Todmorden Rebecca - 07780 386874

Lesbian Family Groups 1:00 - 2:30 (1st Tue only) Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 845800 - FREE

linic :30 den Children’s Centre, Road, Todmorden 399970 - FREE

Baby Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

& Toddler Swimming 12:45 Junior & Infant School, Todmorden 812913

Baby Yoga 1:00 - 2:00 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Tracy - 07864 007179

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

Ducklings Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Pregnancy Pilates 6:15 - 7:15 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Rachel - 07944 360594

e Parent & Toddlers 1.15 e Community Centre, Grove, Hebden Bridge

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

Good Health Drop-In 10:00 - 11:00 The Old Treehouse, Market Street, Hebden Bridge 07938 790856

Breastfeeding Group 10:00 - 11:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

saurus :15 (age 2/3) :45 (age 4/5) eld Church, halifax odmorden 7554 368232

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 various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Vale Toddler Group 1:30 (term time only) Day Nursery Sports an Hey Farm, Cragg ytholmroyd 7720715418

Active Walking (not suitable for pushchairs) 9:45 - 11:15 Meet at St George’s Square, Hebden Bridge Lucy - 07943 771739

The Woods (Forest School 10:00 - 12:00 Eastwood, Todmorden Emily

Aquatots 11.00 - 11.45 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Family Fun Swim (U 11s) 10:00 - 12:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Family Fun Swim (U 14s) 1:00 - 2:15 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

SUNDAY

stall Parents & Group 11:45 stall Social & Bowling cre Lane, Heptonstall call in for details

& Outdoor Play all year round - please dress accordingly)

Ninja Tots 10:00 - 10:45 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784

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

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

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

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths

7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah - 07551 266862

Kids Craft Club 3:45 - 5:15 Word of Mouth, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Christina - 07766 021766

Postnatal Pilates 8:00 - 9:00 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Rachel - 07944 360594

Ninja Tots 5:30 - 6:15 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784

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

07704 568237

NB: Shaded background indicated these events are bookable. You must call beforehand.

White background shows drop-in events open to all.

13

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

out of school diary

14

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

Modern Jazz Dancing 4:00 - 7:15 Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, The Conservative Club, Rochdale Road, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 3 + yrs

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

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

St Josephs Rainbows 5:00 - 6:00 St Josephs School, Wellington Road, Todmorden Rowena - 07470 400044 5 - 7 yrs

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

Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 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

Campaigners - Kids Zone 5:00 - 6:30 Lumbutts Church, Lumbutts, Todmorden Les or Pat 01706 814754 6 - 12 yrs

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

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

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

Swimming various levels 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

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

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

Cornholme Recorder Choir 3:50 - 4:35 The Old Library, 1 Parkside Road, Cornholme

Kids Craft Club 3:45 - 5:15 Word of Mouth, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Christina - 07766 021766

Climbing Fun 4:00 - 5:30 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

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

Tod Harriers Junior Training 5:00 - 6:30 Todmorden High School, Ewood Land, Todmorden Ben Crowther 07817 108921

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

1st Old Town Brownies 6:30 - 7:45 Stubbings Infant School, School Street, Hebden Bridge Dinah Newsome 01422 843202 7 - 10 yrs

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

Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

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

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

Climbing’ Skool Academy 5:00 - 6:30 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

2nd Luddenden Rainbows 5.45 - 7.00 every fortnight Kershaw Youth Centre Kershaw Drive, Luddendenfoot Kay - 07814 745340 5 - 7 yrs

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

After School Swimming 4:00 - 6:00 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

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

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

Pro Games 5:30 - 7:00 (By Referral.

Alternate weeks only) Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548187 - FREE

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

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

Climbing Fun 4:30 - 6:00 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

Dramasaurus 4:50 - 5:35 (age 6/7/8) 5:40 - 6:25 (age 9/10/11) 6:30 - 7:15 (age 12/13) Roomfield Church, Halifax Road, Todmorden Mel - 07554 368232

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

8th/26th Calder Valley Cubs 6:00 - 7:15 Central Methodist Church, off Bramsche Square, Todmorden Dave Payne 01706 816568 8 - 10 yrs

Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

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

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

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

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

Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

After School Swimming 4:00 - 5:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

Climbing’ Skool Academy 4:30 - 6:00 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

8th/26th Calder Valley Beavers 5:30 - 6:45 Central Methodist Church, off Bramsche Square, Todmorden Dave Payne 01706 816568 6 - 8 yrs

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths 7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah - 07551 266862

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

Junior Tennis 4:00 - 5:00 Todmorden Tennis Club, Hallroyd Road, Todmorden Andrew 01706 815265 4 - 10 yrs

Dramasaurus 4:30 - 5:15 (age 6/7/8) 5:20 - 6:05 (age 9/10/11) Heptonstall Social & Bowling Club, Acre Lane, Heptonstall Mel - 07554 368232

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

Ballet & Tap 9:00 onwards Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, The Conservative Club, Rochdale Road, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 3 + yrs

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

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

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

Swimming various levels 9:00 - 1:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

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

20th Pennine Calder Beavers 9:00 - 12:00 (first Sat of Month) Ferney Lee School, Todmorden Rachel Ormerod 07766 890668 6 - 8 yrs

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

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

11:00 - 3:00 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

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

Hebden Bridge Saints Saturday Soccer Club 11:00 - 12:00 Luddenden Dene School, Dene View, Luddendenfoot.

Nick Farrar 01422 882378 5 - 8 yrs

Sports Zone - For children with disabilities 1:00 - 2:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Debbie 01422 264740 6 + yrs

Todmorden Judo Club 10:00 - 12:00 Canteen Mill, Whiteplatts Street, Todmorden Sean Nuttall 07812 187270 5+ yrs

Climbing Fun 11:00 - 12:30, 2:30 - 4:00, 5:30 - 7:00 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

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

Junior Dance Classes (all types)

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

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 Deborah - 07551 266862 For strong swimmers

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

20th Pennine Calder Cubs 6:30 - 8:00 Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden Chris 07774 817235 8 to 10½ yrs

Todmorden Judo Club 7:00 - 8:00 Canteen Mill, Whiteplatts Street, Todmorden Sean Nuttall 07812 187270 8+ yrs

Family AEGIS Class 6:30 - 7:15 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults 1st Walsden Brownies 6:00 - 7:15 Walsden Junior School, Walsden Donna Scholfield 01706 839042 7 - 10 yrs

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

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

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths 7:00 - 8:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah 07551 266862

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

18th Hebden Bridge Beavers 6:15 - 7:15 Top Floor, Salem Mill, Hebden Bridge Matthew Speak 01422 846340 6 - 8 yrs

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

Parent & Child Yoga 8:45 - 9:45 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Tracy - 07864 007179 5 - 9 yrs

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

18th Hebden Bridge Cubs 6:30 - 8:00 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St George’s St. Hebden Bridge Anastasia 07900 715170 8 - 10½ yrs

Woodcraft Folk (Elfin & Pioneers) 6:30 - 7:45 Salem Mill (Top Floor) Salem Street, Hebden Bridge Eden 07908 379983 6+ yrs

Family AEGIS Class 6:30 - 7:15 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

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

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

SUNDAY

Swimming various levels 3:15 - 6:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs Junior Hippodrome Youth Theatre Alternate Sundays 10:00 - 12:00 Hippodrome Theatre, Halifax Road, Todmorden Emma 01706 817518 8 -10 yrs Entry by Audition Family Fun Swim (U11) 10:00 - 12:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Family AEGIS Class 11:00 - 11:45 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

Climbing Fun 12:30 - 2:00 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina 01706 819100

Family Fun Swim (U 14s) 1:00 - 2:15 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

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literacy Information kindly provided by;

The Book Case 29 Market Street, Hebden Bridge 01422 845353

n’s e r d l i h C r award fo bookshop s written some n ha

James Patterso

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r children of al month great books fo eck out his n the last few r t chance to ch fo ea r gr o a th is u w a no g best-sellin work. ildren James adults and ch g in d n a s is perfect s been h e School serie dl id M is Patterson ha H y e n format is really f his own mo o -13. The diary 9 ts n es ra ag r g fo t u o especially okshops to young readers, o b ith t w n r e la d pu n e po p ith longer to inde ildren. h struggle a bit w c at to th e g os in d th of a promote re er books and, combined with lots a few v o y a w a n e giv ations and So far he has ase is humour, great illustrey start the series C k o o B e h T ts, once th £250,000 and e that we plot twis hooked! c n u o n n a to they’ll be delighted ky shops to c lu e th f o e are on . arded a share w a n e e b e v ha g this money to

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We will be usin e shop ren’s area in th ild ch r ou p m reva t work, shelving and ar w ne e m so with g place en more invitin ev an it e ak m to also owse. We will to come and br with s ol ho e local sc be visiting som ith a w ill G n a Holde ul rs U r le el yt stor e joy of at promotes th th ce an m or rf pe ing. books and read

Best Sellers Our two best sellers this month reflect how much children enjoy books that provide a humorous twist on the trials of growing up, maybe one of the reasons the diary format is so popular with young readers at the moment. The

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Ride the Maximum For teenagers, a in t se eck thrillers the series of breakn on em re will keep th eir th dystopian futu om fr at and away ey th edge of their se e ar ens. But be aw computer scre reflected ens and this is are for older te . and themes in the language

Tiger who Came to Tea is a permanent fixture in our bestsellers, and rightly so, and two more picture books, both with different holiday themes have been selling well. Just Beyond the Waves is a lovely rhyming boardbook to take on a seaside trip and A Walk in Paris is

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a delightful introduction to the sights and culture of Paris, from the Metro to the Pompidou Centre. Finally Beautiful Beasts is a gorgeously illustrated cavalcade of creatures past and present, which is sure to entrance children and adults alike.

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Geek Girl

Tom Gates Yes! No! Maybe

Tiger Who Came to Tea

Just Beyond The Waves

Holly Smale

Liz Pichon

Judith Kerr

£6.99

£10.99

£6.99

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A Walk in Paris

Beautiful Beasts

Sally Hopgood

Salvatore Rubbino

Camilla de Bedoyere

£7.99

£6.99

£9.99

page out &header about Turbary Woods Owl & Bird of Prey Sanctuary

92 Chain House Lane, Whitestake, Preston, PR4 4LB 01772 323 323 . 07734 231142 www.turbarywoods.co.uk

By Tracey Sunderland

L

Turbary Woods is a pure volunteerbased, non-profit making Sanctuary; it boasts a unique collection of over 90 birds of prey, including, eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and vultures, to name but a few. All the money that is raised is spent entirely on the upkeep of the birds, and it is clear that this is the case.

The Sanctuary is tucked away behind a garden centre that you have to walk through, in fact I wasn’t even sure we’d come to the right place. It was very reasonably priced, £16.00 for the five of us, £13.00 for a family-of-four ticket.

However, be warned: they only take cash, not credit or debit cards.

The Sanctuary itself is set in very sheltered woodland and the birds are housed in large open-fronted aviaries.

It can appear from a first impression as being a bit basic but this centre has limited funds and, what it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in passion for the birds. The volunteers freely share their knowledge and love for these beautiful creatures with the public, and you can feel it. This is definitely a centre that is in development in a positive way.

Your experience with the birds begins almost immediately, as there were baby owlets and falcons to see up close at the payment kiosk, looking like little fragile balls of fluff. You can then wander round looking at a huge variety

of unusual species of owls and other birds of prey. There were lots of friendly volunteers on hand to answer all sorts of questions the children were asking and they were extremely knowledgeable.

A flying display can be seen every day (weather permitting) and it is very much part of the experience. As being so close to these creatures is wonderful, not just holding them on your gloved arm (or in some cases your head) but watching them in flight. The handlers, who were all very skilled, brought out a number of different birds, from a big Brown Owl, to Harris Hawks and even a little kestrel. The birds were not there to perform tricks, they were there for the public to see and admire, so a few times the birds went AWOL and the handlers had to carefully encourage the birds back. This did take a time and it was difficult to explain to three children, not known for their patience, that this

is what sometimes happens and it is important that they remain quiet and wait. (A good opportunity to open and share the secret bag of sweets you put in your bag). The flying display lasts for about 90 minutes and anyone, of any age it seemed, was allowed to hold the birds and have their picture taken. It was lovely to be so involved however, you can wander off and come back, as some families did.

After the display we went wandering around again, choosing our favourites and taking proper notice of the information panels. There was great variety to see and all the birds looked healthy and cared for. This Sanctuary is an active rescue and rehabilitation centre as well so it does far more than the public gets to see.

As we walked back towards the garden centre, there was a small playground, with picnic tables adjacent to a café. It was a perfect refreshment spot.

We really enjoyed our few hours here and will certainly come back again.

It was fun, good value, educational and a wonderful experience to watch these beautiful birds. Everything you want to beat a boring Sunday afternoon!

Photo - courtesy Tarbury Woods and Tracey Sunderland

et’s be honest, Sunday afternoons can be boring, at least they often have been for me. So to break the rut of the usual routine, I insisted we all go out for a few hours to do something as a family we could all enjoy. After stumbling around on the internet, I came across this place- and what a little gem of a find!

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If you are given a sparkler, always wear gloves.

Always hold sparklers at arm’s length.

Fireworks will scare your pets, so keep them safely indoors.

Never give sparklers to a child under five.

Only adults should light and hold fireworks.

When a sparkler goes out, DON’T TOUCH IT. It could still burn you, so put it in a bucket of water, hot end down.

When you are watching fireworks, always stand well back.

B You have to be 18 years old before you are allowed to buy fireworks in the shops.

Never play with fireworks.

They are dangerous and can hurt you.

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Never go near a firework when it has been lit.

Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.

feature

W

e all like to think that having a baby will be text book perfect, the most magical event ever with no complications whatsoever.

Unfortunately the reality is that having a baby is not always like that (for the few who experience the fairy tale ending, maybe keep that a little quiet!).

The True Strength of Support Pregnancy is very unpredictable but, with the right support and care, has the potential to be the most magical event. Breastfeeding is known for being the most natural and wonderful thing we can do as mothers - we hear that from just about everyone! As a woman who has just given birth, surely breastfeeding should be a natural, instinctive experience? It is at this point motherhood can seem lonely and frightening. Many new mums experience problems or are not prepared for the reality of breastfeeding and it is here that loneliness and guilt can permeate through and fill us with doubt and many different negative emotions.

A trained breastfeeding Peer Supporter can help mums in this, and similar situations, and can be a real life-line.

A Breastfeeding Peer Supporter is able to offer motherto-mother support, encouragement and information. They can promote a better understanding of breastfeeding, as this lovely quote from lactation consultant Norma Woolf Ritter highlights; “The greatest joy is nursing one’s own baby. The second greatest is helping another woman to nurse hers.”

Todmorden’s Children Centre runs a breastfeeding support group. The group is open to any breastfeeding mother, pregnant lady or relative who might have questions. The group is very relaxed with the most welcoming aura. The group is friendly and every mum makes the next feel welcome so friendships are soon made. Mothers are able to ask a trained Peer Supporter any question, no matter how big or small. Sometimes it is just lovely to be with other mothers feeling the same emotions you are, experiencing the same fears and needing to be told everything is ok. If it is not ok, the Supporters will make sure to help you on the path to make things better. Sometimes mums do feel lonely, even while they are so happy and enjoying motherhood, so it is extremely comforting to know you are not alone. Peer support has the potential power to give hidden strength and to help new mums, and those around them, be as capable as they possibly can be.

The breastfeeding support group is compassionate, nondiscriminatory and open to all. The group is also set up for babies and their older siblings, with lots of toys, activities and delicious snacks! There is no need to be alone.

Mothers are able to learn and share without judgment; to gain strength, friendship and hope.

We look forward to welcoming new mothers and being able to support them, as the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said; “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars”

By Rebecca Harrison Mother and Breastfeeding Peer Supporter

About the Breastfeeding Peer Support Network Calderdale Breastfeeding Peer Support Network was set up and is funded by Calderdale Council to promote breastfeeding in Calderdale.

It is made up of women from the local community who have breastfed their own children

and who work as volunteers to support other mothers to breastfeed. They are specially trained, and are supported and supervised in their role by a team of coordinators who work with health professionals.

If you would like support from the network, please contact peersupporters@calderdale.gov.uk or 07920 466660.

If you are interested in volunteering to be a peer supporter, please contact bridget.hall@calderdale.gov.uk or 01422 393480 / 07920 466627.

For more information search for Calderdale Breastfeeding Support Network on Facebook or follow @breastfeedpeers on Twitter.

The Breastfeeding Group takes place each Thursday 10.00am until 11.30am.

You can reach Todmorden Children’s Centre on 01706 399970 or at Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden OL14 7BX.

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www.splat-training.co.uk Baby and Child

First Aid Basics

for parents, guardians & grandparents A short introduction to the basics of first aid for baby and child.    

Dealing with choking Administering CPR Meningitis What to do during seizure

This will be an informal, have a go course run in a child friendly environment where you can bring your child to play while you learn.

@ Upsy Daisies Mytholmroyd For more info call Amy on 07796 872170 *This course is not intended for those who work with children. For those purposes a longer accredited course is recommended for info call SPLAT.

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feature

P

arents who have welcomed their new baby to the world using hypnosis are often surprised at how relaxed they and their new born baby are at delivery. We spoke to Rachel Bielby from Sage Hypnotherapy, to find out more.

Hypnobirthing “Hypnobirthing techniques are a great way to help you cope with labour and reduce your need for other forms of pain relief.” Rachel said. “It is a totally natural method to keep you in control and relaxed during labour. It is possible to achieve total anaesthesia using hypnotic techniques giving benefits for both the mother and baby, with no known side effects. It shortens the first stage of labour and fully involves the birthing partner in the birth.

What will I learn and when?

Working with a qualified hypnotherapist, the expectant mother is guided in self hypnosis and taught relaxation methods that allow her to control all sensation in her body. The birth partner is also taught how to ‘cue’ the mother on relaxation and trance responses. It allows you and your birth partner to become experts in relaxation – through guided meditation, breathing and mindfulness techniques.

This enables you to feel confident and prepared for birth, leaving you looking forward to meeting your baby for the first time.

From 34 weeks the mother is encouraged to practice self hypnosis and moving sensation around her body.

That way she is totally prepared for when the first signs of labour appear.

A responsible hypnotherapist will not start birth preparation sessions until 34 weeks. This ensures that the pregnancy has passed the gestational stages that miscarriage may occur but is not too late so the mother is ready should the baby arrive early.

“If you’re in a lot of pain, are worried or feel scared during labour, your body is likely to go into “fight-or-flight” mode.

Stress hormones, the main one being adrenaline, will flood your body; you become tense and the more tense that you are, the more difficult the delivery may be.”

Here Rachel has answered some frequently asked questions;

Will I be awake during the birth?

Yes, you will be totally aware of everything that is going on and able to respond accordingly. No matter what level of trance or relaxation is being experienced, hypnotic suggestion ensures the mother will respond to instructions from either the Doctor or Midwife.

Are midwives familiar with the technique?

Midwives are familiar with this form of pain control and are not surprised when hypnotherapy is included in the birthing plan. Some midwives train in hypnotherapy in order to use hypnosis with the mother in the delivery room.

The birth partner also often reports how hypnosis helped them to remain calm while supporting the mother.

Does the hypnotherapist have to be in the delivery room with you?

No. Some hypnotherapists provide CDs recorded for the family to listen

to, once labour has started. The good news is the hypnotic music can also be used to relax baby after delivery – very helpful for a baby who doesn’t want to sleep.

How do I find a good Hypnotherapist?

It is really important that parents feel able to bond with the hypnotherapist so interview a few before finally deciding who you want to share this very special time with. It’s never too soon to start finding the hypnotherapist who is right for you (though remember hypnobirthing training can not start until after 34 weeks). Always ask if the hypnotherapist is a member of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). The CNHC was initiated by the Government to regulate therapists. Therapists on this register are qualified to work within the NHS. It is possible for a therapist to work with more than one expectant mother at a time but some parents prefer to have individual sessions where the therapy can be more easily tailored to their individual needs. Ask about this when you meet your therapist.

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family health Minor ailments

A

few weeks ago some information went viral on Social Media about parents getting FREE medicine for their children. Some of the information was correct but, more importantly, some of it was grossly misleading. We have spoken to a pharmacist to get the truth about the Minor Ailments scheme in our area.

The Minor Ailments service is available to everyone in the UK to provide a back-up to the overworked GPs. Anyone with minor ailments (see the information box for a full list of ailment covered) can see a Pharmacist, usually within a couple of minutes, at a pharmacy that offers the service, for assessment and treatment, rather than take up a GP appointment. This frees the GPs to deal with more complex issues.

However, to qualify for the FREE medicines everyone is talking about, there are a number of criteria that need to be filled.

The pharmacy must offer the service. In our area that is both pharmacies in Hebden Bridge, the one at the Health centre in Todmorden and the one in Mytholmroyd ONLY. To get the service at these pharmacies, the patient must be registered with a GP in Calderdale

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Ideally the patient should be available to be assessed by the Pharmacist in the shop The patient should qualify for free prescriptions due to age or low income levels.

The medicines that are available through the scheme are restricted to non-branded items only (you may get paracetamol suspension but you won’t get ‘Calpol’) and you will only get the smallest pack size available.

The list of medicines available is also restricted. There is nothing available to treat either eye infections or coughs for example, though advice for these issues will still be given.

The list of treatable ailments and available medicines varies throughout England but you should also remember that the NHS still pays for these medicines plus a fee to the pharmacy every time a patient is seen.

Hope this helps to clarify things.

The minor ailments a pharmacist can assess and advise/treat are: athlete’s foot constipation cough cystitis diarrhoea earache fever hay fever/allergic rhinitis and allergies head lice indigestion insect bites and stings minor burns and cuts mouth ulcers sore throats sprains and strains teething threadworm vaginal thrush verrucas and warts viral upper respiratory tract infection

family page header health

Q I’m five months pregnant with

my second child and I’m starting to experience quite a few side effects that are different to my first pregnancy. A few people have suggested reflexology to me, what are the benefits and is it OK to start treatments now? Also, can it help if I go overdue?

A Reflexology is one of the safest

and most supportive therapies for pregnant women. As an experienced reflexologist, with advanced techniques in maternity reflexology treatments and a passion for this specialised field, I have the honour to treat many women who suffer from some of the adverse effects of the physiological changes that pregnancy can bring.

Reflexology can be extremely beneficial for expectant, labouring or newly delivered women and for their babies; both to treat a variety of specific conditions and to aid relaxation and induce sleep. Regular sessions throughout pregnancy (after Week 14) can help to alleviate symptoms by encouraging the body’s self-healing and self-regulating systems.

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.

Pregnancy Reflexology can be beneficial for anaemia, anxiety, appetite regulation, backache, blood pressure regulation (except in cases of pre/eclampsia), constipation and bowel changes, carpel tunnel syndrome, emotional disturbances and mood swings, gestational diabetes, haemorrhoids, heartburn and acid reflux, insomnia, muscular fatigue/tension, nausea and vomiting, oedema, improvement of flexibility of pelvic floor, prevention of episiotomy, pelvic girdle pain (SPD), sciatica and urinary tract problems.

Birth Reflexology can help to ‘prime’ your body for birthing, aiding relaxation and reducing stress, promoting pain relief, boosting failing energy levels and, studies have found that it can help reduce the length of labour. It can also help to position your baby correctly.

Postnatal Treatment can help restore balance to your body. Women experience huge physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and it is important that you are given the time to recover from the experience of birthing. Treatments can help to alleviate anxiety and the ‘baby blues’, assist recovery following an epidural, aid recovery following a caesarean section, ease breastfeeding discomfort and encourage lactation , encourage the menstrual cycle to return to normal, ease digestive problems, aid sleep and relaxation and reduce the pain and discomfort of haemorrhoids.

Post due date Reflexology may help to bring on labour, although it is advisable to get the all clear from your midwife or doctor if you pass your due date. Natural induction can be encouraged with specific reflex points so as to hopefully avoid a cascade of medical intervention after medical induction.

Contraindications (conditions that cannot be treated with reflexology and require medical attention) Bleeding, continuous vomiting, deep vein thrombosis, HELLP Syndrome (later stages of pregnancy – a variant of pre-eclampsia), hydroamnios – too much fluid around the baby after 32 weeks, Pica Syndrome – an eating disorder, placental abruption, placenta previa – low lying placenta (grade two or three after 32 weeks) and preeclampsia/eclampsia.

What to expect Treatments follow an initial consultation and will be performed on your feet as you semi-recline on a treatment couch. Sessions typically last for an hour. It is a wholly non-invasive treatment that is deeply relaxing, treating not only you but your baby as well. Babies often become very active and responsive during treatment! I can see how calm and relaxed my clients become, many close their eyes and drift off for a while, entering a deep state of relaxation – something that is especially important during this time.

It has become a very popular therapy, particularly as many expectant mothers seem to be working closer to their due dates, increasing the likelihood of stress, which can then risk early labour due to the release of stress hormones.

Frequency Maternity reflexology care can be planned around each individual client’s needs. Many women wish to attend every few weeks (after Week 14). After Week 34, many also find that weekly sessions help to relieve symptoms of backache and provide some precious ‘me time’. The choice is up to the individual and can be planned as the pregnancy progresses.

If you would like to book an appointment with me either during, or after pregnancy, please contact the reception team, on 01706 819 464.

Lucy Wilson MFHT IIHHT Dip.

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