Scallymag for Todmorden & Hebden Bridge - Spring '13

THE

S C A LL Y A G

M

®

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

DAILY DIARIES For Pre-school and Out-of-School Activities

OUT & ABOUT

Thompson park, Burnley More Top Trumps

Local News Focus on:

Do you understand Food Labelling?

Family Health How to treat Threadworms plus other health Q&A

Debate

When to report suspected Child Abuse

Plus

Bloke in a Kitchen Competitions Classified Ads,

AND MUCH e s much more! a Spring ‘13

Issue 40

For Local Parents, Carers & Kids

e e l p ak t ne o

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

No Trade Please Early Learning wooden kitchen.

Ready assembled containing an oven and hob, sink, microwave, fridge and dishwasher. Height - 44”, Length 32” and width 20”.

In pastel pink, blue, green and yellow and in very good condition £60.00 07973 190168 * Table top football table. 7 a-side, measuring 37” long, 20” wide and 10” high. In good condition £30.00 o.n.o. 07973 190168 *

Nintendo Wii Lego Batman game in perfect condition £7.00 01706 819472 * Britax First Class Si car seat.

Suitable from birth to 4 yrs (18 kg). Excellent condition. £30.00 o.n.o. 01706 816845 * Motherease cloth nappies. 18 nappies with pop in pads, nappy wraps, fleece liners and night time pads. From birth to potty training. Easy to use. Bucket also available. Super condition; were bought new and used on one baby only. £150.00 o.n.o. 01706 816845

Don’t Forget:

Between issues visit our website www.thescallymag.co.uk for an up-to-date list of items in the Market Place.

W

elcome to our 40th issue of ‘The Scallymag for Todmorden and Hebden Bridge’. It is somewhat of a milestone as we now approach our 10th year of producing the magazine.

Over the years the magazine has got slightly thicker, gone from mainly black and white to full colour and maybe got a bit more professional looking as we have got better at what we do, but we have always stuck to our core belief; this magazine is for you, the reader.

We’re not producing a directory of trade adverts, we’re not bringing you news from places you have never heard of, we’re still as local as ever.

Soon after we started, other neighbouring towns wanted to be involved but we didn’t want to dilute our

information or our appeal, hence or first two sister publications; ‘The Scallymag for Halifax and Sowerby Bridge’ and ‘The Scallywag for Rossendale’. Both these magazines have now been serving their communities for the past seven years.

And since then ‘The Scallywag for Hyndburn’ and ‘The Scallymag for North Huddersfield’ have join our group, with others on the way. We’re ready to take on the world! Don’t you think every parent should have access to their own local Scallymag? www.magazine-franchise. co.uk

2 one-act plays by Tom Stoppard that deal with important social issues through the performance of abridged versions of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and "Macbeth."

The Todmorden Hippodrome Youth Theatre present

1st and 2nd March 2013 at 7.30pm For more information visit our website at www.todhip.org

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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 Thompson Park, Burnley Cultural Retreats Top Trumps Classified Adverts The place to buy and sell you kids stuff News Local Cinemas, Libraries and more Family Health How to treat Threadworms Your health Q&A Literacy The latest news from The Book Case Debate When to report abuse Bloke in a Kitchen Ricotta Dumplings Focus On: Food Labelling

Page 11 Page 12 Page 14 Page 8 Page 6 Page 9 Page 2 Page 4 Page 20 Page 23 Page 21 Page 19 Page 17 Page 16

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

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

Editor: Hazel Bregazzi Lay-out & Design: Hazel Bregazzi Publishing: Bankside House Publishing, Todmorden Distribution: Many thanks to all schools, groups and other businesses which help with the distribution of The Scallymag® Special Thanks: To all advertisers whose contribution ensures the magazine can be distributed Free of Charge Editorial & Advertising: Hazel Bregazzi, Bankside House, OL14 6BU info@thescallymag.co.uk Disclaimer: Whilst every care is taken to ensure that information contained in this magazine is true, accurate and fair, the publisher cannot take any responsibility for events arising from the use of this information. Any statements or opinions given in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. © The Scallymag® 2013 Nothing may be reproduced without permission

Congratulations To: Faith Mitchell

aged 6, of Luddenden, who created our cheerful front cover picture

“Sunny Spring”

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

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

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news

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Digital library services are improving

alderdale libraries are getting set to start a new chapter that will bring lots of exciting benefits for local people.

Calderdale Council is launching a new Library Management System in libraries across the borough, which will make using the electronic parts of the library service easier, more interactive and more efficient. The new system will go live in March 2013 and users will start to see many benefits straight away.

The Library Management System carries all membership information, details of items that are on loan and the catalogue. The new-look online catalogue will include more information about the books and other

library items such as DVDs, and provide additional information such as images of the book cover and details about a book’s contents making it more like the experience of searching for books on websites like Amazon.

The database will build up a record of the kinds of books, DVDs and music that library members like and it can start to recommend further material they might want to borrow. Online information can be found using far fewer clicks, meaning it will be quicker and more efficient.

The new system will be much easier to use and gives library members more options when they are using

their online library account. Information on previous items borrowed will be available and there will also be an option to pay online for chargeable library services. It will be easier for families as tickets will be linked so parents can renew their children’s books from their own ticket.

To prepare for these improvements there will be a phased programme of one-day library closures to allow for staff training. For more details of when your local library will be closed, please visit www.calderdale.gov.uk Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Pauline Nash, said: “This new system opens a new chapter in library development. We are delighted to be investing in Calderdale’s libraries and this new Library Management System will bring many new services for people and will make libraries more efficient.”

If you are a library user and don’t yet have access to the electronic system you will need to take your library card to your local library and ask a member of staff about an access pin number. With that you can then log on to the libraries online service at www.calderdale.gov.uk

Jingling for children in need

J

o Corbett, local leader of Jo Jingles, would like to extend a very special ‘Thank You’ to everyone involved in their special Children In Need events, which raised an amazing £1,500!

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During Children In Need week her young Jinglers did a sponsored nursery rhyme sing-a-long then, just before Christmas, they had a couple of festive, fund-raising parties in Todmorden Sports Centre. Big Jo, the Jo Jingles character, and Pudsey Bear both came to join in the fun along with over 100 children and their families.

Jo also thanked the Todmorden Sports Centre for the free use of their hall for the parties.

Jo Jingles provides pre-school music and movement classes throughout the area. They have recently started New Baby classes at Jitterbugs in Littleborough and the first four weeks are free! They also have space in all other classes

right up to school-age. Details of where and when the Jinglers meet are in our diary pages but, if you would like to know more, please contact Jo on 01706 212889.

The next event they are working towards is World Book Day. Each week, after half term, they will be exploring a different book. ‘The Gruffalo’, ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ and ‘Going On A Bear Hunt’ are all scheduled to get the Jingling treatment in the next few weeks. World Book day is 7th March.

2 cinemas on your doorstep

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f you like nothing better than a bit of down time at the cinema, then your luck is in with two new family cinema experiences in our area.

First the Hebden Bridge Picture House has recently begun trialling Parent and Baby screenings for the first time. Taking place once a month, on Tuesday mornings, these special screenings will have the lights turned up a little and the sound down a notch or two, to help to create a stress-free environment exclusively for parents and guardians to enjoy films with their babies (NB. The films are not necessarily children’s films).

Tickets will be at the reduced rate of £5 which includes a free hot drink or glass of squash.

Hebden Bridge Picture House benefits from having seats with lots of leg room, which means baby car seats, bags etc can easily be stored. The Emergency doors to the right of the cinema will also be available for those requiring level access for prams and pushchairs and there is plenty of storage inside for the prams during the film. New baby changing facilities have also been installed in the foyer.

These screenings are exclusively for adults with babies or young children. To check which films will be shown and when, visit the Picture House website www.hebdenbridgepicturehouse. co.uk or look for ‘Hebden Bridge Picture House’ on Facebook. If you would like to be added to their database and kept informed about these screenings, please email the Picture House manager – rebekah.fozard@hebdenbridgepicturehouse.co.uk.

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Not to be outdone, there is now a cinema in Todmorden. The Electric Palace Cinema at Todmorden’s Hippodrome Theatre has recently re-opened.

The Hippodrome Theatre opened in 1908. The first films were shown there in 1912 and the theatre was renamed ‘The Hippodrome and Electric Palace’, and now it’s back.

The plan is to open the cinema once a month with a Saturday afternoon Family Film plus a Sunday evening film. Weekends may be themed, for example April 6th and 7th is a ‘Read the book – see the film’ weekend.

Entrance to all the films is completely FREE (all donations are gratefully received). The bar will usually be open and hot drink, popcorn and other refreshments will be available.

To keep up-to-date with the schedule visit www.todhip. org and follow the link, or look for ‘The Electric Palace – Todmorden’ on Facebook where your input is encouraged to suggest films that you would like to see in the future.

Time for science

rom 15-24 March 2013 it will be National Science and Engineering Week, ten days of science,

engineering and technology events held across the UK for budding scientists of all ages!

Organised by the British Science Association, this special week is for everyone and anyone and is to raise awareness of the contribution of engineering and science to our society.

This year the theme of the week will be “Our world in motion”.

The week coincides with lots of large events across the country. Events local to us include a playful approach to Science at Eureka! in Halifax on March 16th and 17th, and special

demonstrations of the large mining machinery at the National Coal Mining Museum for England in Wakefield on March 23rd and 24th.

If you can’t make it to the events in person, then don’t worry. At the British Science Association website - www. britishscienceassociation.org you can take part in online events! There are science quizzes and competitions, and they’re always looking for new ideas, so why not email them a few?

Of course schools will be taking part too and, on the website, you can find lots of useful resources to get both parents and pupils thinking!

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page header

THOMPSON PARK Ormerod Road, Burnley, BB11 3QW

DIRECTIONS The easiest way to find the park from Todmorden direction by car is to drive to Burnley on the A671 Todmorden Road, until you reach the crossroads by Burnley Football Club.

From here, go straight across (instead of turning left into the town centre), along Belvedere Road. At the next junction you are at the park. There is a small, free, car park nearby, and also usually plenty of free parking on the roads nearby.

The main entrance is on Ormerod Road.

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T

hompson Park is something of a hidden gem, despite being situated in the very heart of the town of Burnley.

The park opened its’ gates to the public in 1930 and retains most of its’ original features, including the beautifully landscaped gardens, bridge, and the boating lake itself which remains the park’s centre piece. The winding paths through the park offer tantalising glimpses of the next place to explore that lies just around the corner.

I’d heard a few people mentioning the park as a great place for kids, so my 3 year old daughter & I packed a picnic and headed over to check it out. We had a wonderful time and have since been back several times to spend hours exploring the gardens, rowing on the boating lake, enjoying the spacious playground, and playing in the paddling pool. The miniature railway ride around part of the park is a big draw, and along with the lake makes a visit that bit more special.

The spacious playground has plenty of slides, see-saws, swings, climbing frames, as well as a large sand play area, so don’t forget your bucket and spade! A large paddling pool is open on warm sunny days, and great for kids to safely splash around and cool off on a hot summer’s day.

The park feels a very safe environment for children to play and explore. All the park staff and Rangers are very welcoming and friendly, and obviously take a great pride in where they work. On our first visit, the staff kept the boating lake open late so that we could go on the rowing boats on a lovely late summer’s early evening. The park is also kept immaculately clean (please note that dogs are banned from the grounds).

Even on warm sunny days, the park never feels crowded and, indeed, it feels like a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

The Rose Garden looks over the lake and is a lovely place to sit and watch the world, and boats, go by.

The boating lake and miniature railway are open every weekend, bank holiday and school holiday from April to the end of September. To hire rowing boats, pedalos, and kayak canoes is exceptional value

at £1.00 per person for 30 minutes. The miniature train rides are also £1.00 per person.

The Pavilion Café in Queen’s Park, literally across the road from the top entrance of Thompson Park, is a cosy, friendly café serving a range of affordable, tasty refreshments, ice cream and superb coffee. The cafe has indoor and outdoor games to keep your young ones occupied whilst you relax and take a well-earned break.

Queen’s Park also has plenty of open space for kicking a ball around and a nice modern playground with a ‘road track’ for toddlers to hone their cycling skills. You could also stop off at nearby Towneley Park on the way home to make a hat trick of three great parks in a day. That should tire out even the most active children!

By Richard Dalby

Small photos all Richard Dalby

out & About

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competition

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page out &header about

Play Area

Towneley Hall

Top Trumps

Burnley

By Eugenie Karen

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Part 5 - Cultural Retreats

pring weather, blossom and balmy days, time to get outdoors once more.

However, we live in Calderdale so the need to hedge one’s bets with the weather never goes away.

With this in mind this season’s suggestions have indoor and outdoor play next to one another. The indoors are places to stretch minds as well as legs. Towneley Hall has bags of history, paintings and fun objects to investigate inside, huge space outside and a great play park. Bankfield Museum puts on fascinating exhibitions, has a diverse permanent collection, public library and a playground. The Hepworth has space, child-tasks provided and a ridiculously tasteful play park. Towneley and The Hepworth have their own cafes, there’s also an extra kiosk near the playground at the former.

Bankfield lacks a refreshment spot of its own but it’s not far from Halifax centre with all it has to offer.

Sat-Nav - BB11 3RQ Access

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Equipment

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Peace of Mind

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Appeal to all ages

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Underfoot

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Comfort and Joy

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A treat’s in store for those yet to discover it. It’s incredibly close and incredibly lovely. There are woodland walks to enjoy, a playground beloved of digger-mad small people who will play in and with the sand as long as you can bear it. Happily there’s a kiosk close by. There’s wacky building and planting to explore in Offshoots, birds to feed on the pond and we haven’t even got inside yet. Let’s just say, taxidermy and mouse trails... NB. only open 12 - 5 and closed Friday.

Bankfield Museum

The Hepworth

Halifax

Wakefield

Sat-Nav - HX3 6HG

Sat-Nav - WF1 3QW

Access

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Access

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Equipment

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Equipment

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Peace of Mind

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Peace of Mind

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Appeal to all ages

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Appeal to all ages

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Underfoot

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Underfoot

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Comfort and Joy

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Comfort and Joy

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It’s well tucked away, blink and you’ll miss it. The nasty 70s municipal doorway does no justice to the lovely entrance. They put on some great temporary exhibitions - memorably a room filled with knitted objects with a list of things to find, currently they’re showing works by Quentin Blake. There’s a room full of bygone toys and loads of army stuff in addition to a well-stocked library.

Outside there’s loads of space to explore and the playground.

It’s

nearer than you think and well worth the effort. Start your visit with a lesson in geography as you cross the Calder on your approach to the building. Inside, friendly folk will offer activity sheets for children to help them explore and experience the art. They run monthly ‘Toddler Tuesdays’ where you can have creative and inexpensive fun with the little ones (weekly in school holidays). Outside, the nearly new playground has a huge pirate ship and plenty more to amuse besides.

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Est. 2002

Private Day Nursery

Rated ‘OUTSTANDING’ by Ofsted Highest quality, purpose built facilities Wonderful countryside location Sensory room and library 5* kitchen with varied, healthy menu 15 hrs/week of 3-4 yr old free places Exciting new Forest School facility

Out of School & Holiday Club 4 – 14 years Fantastic outdoor playing field with trampoline and traversing wall Computer suite and internet Sports hall with indoor traversing wall Extensive & varied play opportunities PS3, Wii & X-Box Come and see what’s happening at Forest School this Spring!

Dean Hey Farm, Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd HX7 5RU T 01422 882010 www.thearkexperience.co.uk Open 7am – 6.30pm 51 weeks

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

���������

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�� �����

For more information call

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

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Todmorden Children’s Centre Nursery

Are you looking for a nursery place where;

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

Free places available for eligible children aged 2, 3 and 4 For more information or to book a nursery place Please call 01706 548140/1 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College Burnley Road Todmorden OL14 7BX T: 01706 548140

diary pages 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

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

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

Tuesday

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

Wednesday

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

Thursday

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

Friday

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

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

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

The Glen House Montessori PreSchool Glen House, Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge 01422 884682

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

Monday

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

Out of School

pre-schools & playgroups

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 listings are for older children who require care outside normal

free, with any donations gratefully received.

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

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

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

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

T

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

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

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

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

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

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

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

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

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

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

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

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

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

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

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

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

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

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

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

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

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

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

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

3:30 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

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

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

Wednesday

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

10:00 - 5:00

Thursday

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

10:00 - 6:30

Friday

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

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 6:30

1:30 - 6:30

Saturday

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

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 12:00

sunday

9:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 5:00

2:00 - 4:30

1:00 - 5:00

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

Tuesday

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

2:00 - 6:00

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

2:00 - 4:30

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

Walsden Library Inchfield Road, Walsden 01706 815602

10:00 - 6:30

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

2:00 - 8:00

4:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

2:00 - 8:00

4:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

4:00 - 8:00

1:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

2:00 - 8:00

1:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

2:00 - 8:00

4:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

9:00 - 8:00*

11:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

9:00 - 8:00*

11:00 - 6:00

Parties Only

10:00 - 4:00

9:30 - 6:00

*Not available if a party is booked

Mytholmroyd Library Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 883933

10:00 - 6:30

Monday

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

Todmorden Library Strand, Rochdale Road Todmorden 01706 815600

Library times

Hebden Bridge Library Cheetham Street Hebden Bridge 01422 842151

* See Diary Listing for Fun Swim times

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

Swim

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SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

Pre-school diary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unde 10:00 Todm Ewoo 0170

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

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

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

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

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

Counselling Service for Parents (by referral) 1.30 - 5.00 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01422 250081 - FREE

Ladi 1:45 Todm Burn 0170 Limi

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

Pauline - 01422 842784

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

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

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

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

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

Child 9:30 Hebd Cent 0142 FRE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Todm 12:30 Todm Com Road Jenn

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

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

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

Thula Mama (Mums and Babies

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

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

Pare 11:45 Shad Shad 0170

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

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

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

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

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

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

Little 10:00 St. M Corn Irene

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

TalkFirst 9:30 - 10:15 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 844904 FREE

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

Jo Jingles 9:45 - 10:15 (over 2s), 10:45 - 11:30 (under 2s), 11:45 - 12:15 (3-9 months) Jitterbugs Play Centre, Littleborough Jo Corbett - 01706 212889

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

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

Child 4:00 Cald Hang Bridg Abi Ages

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

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

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

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

Bong 10:00 Fern Road 0779 FRE

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

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

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

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

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

Campaigners - Eagles

Todm

5:45 - 7:15 Lumbutts Church, Lumbutts, Todmorden Les or Pat 01706 814754

7:00 Todm Ewoo Debo

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

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

(ages 4-6 yrs)

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

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

Pare 1:30 Shad Shad 0170

- Wid

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

Icky Sticky Kids 10.00-11.30 Holme Street Arts Centre, Hebden Bridge Nichola - 07973 234928

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

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

ies Fitness - 2:45 (term time only) morden Children’s Centre, nley Road, Todmorden 06 548140 ited crèche FREE

Ben’s Music and Story 3:30 - 4:15 (please call for dates) Cornholme Primary School, Greenfield Terrace, Cornholme 01706 548140 - FREE

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

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

dminder Drop-In - 11:30 (2nd and 4th Tuesday) den Vale Children’s tre, Hebden Bridge 22 844904 EE

Bumps & Babes

Ben’s Story and Rhyme time 10:45 - 11:30 (call for dates) Todmorden Children’s Centre Open 10:00 - 5:00 Todmorden Community Flying Saucers, Butlers Wharf, College, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge Todmorden 01422 846666 01706 548140 - FREE Toddler Tuesday

support group for multiple births

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

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

Yoga (with Creche) (by referral) 1:30 - 2:45 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140

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

Pregnancy Yoga 5:00 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Elaine - 07967 974 376

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Under 25s Group 1.30 - 3:00 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 844904 FREE

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

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

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

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

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

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

go Bongos 0 - 11:00 (term time only) ney Lee School, Ferney Lee d, Todmorden 98 581215 EE

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

The Woods (Forest School & Outdoor Play all year round - please dress accordingly) 10:00 - 12:00 Eastwood, Todmorden Emily

Todmorden Swimming Club

- Widths

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

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

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

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

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

Family Activities 1:30 - 2:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140 FREE

morden Swimming Club

dths

SUNDAY

- 8:00 morden Sports Centre, od Lane, Todmorden orah - 07551 266862

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

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

07704 568237

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

13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6th Todmorden Rainbows 5:00 - 6:00 St Josephs School, Wellington Road, Todmorden Tammy - 01706 813731 5 - 7 yrs

Family Choir For families who love singing!

3:30 - 4:30 Hope Baptist Church, Hebden Bridge Liz Powers - 01422 847702 All ages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8th/26th Calder Valley Cubs 6:00 - 7:17 Central Methodist Church, off Bramsche Square, Todmorden Dave Payne 01706 816568 8 - 10 yrs

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

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

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

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

2nd Hebden Bridge Brownies 6:00 - 7:15 Hope Baptist Church Hall, Cheetham St. Entrance, Hebden Bridge Christine 01422 843725 7 - 10 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 (level 2 and above) 5:00 - 5:30, 6:30 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Todmorden Judo Club 10:00 - 12:30 4 Whiteplatts Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Sean Nuttall 07812 187270 5+ yrs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Anya 01706 839871 8 to 10½ yrs 1st Walsden Brownies 6:00 - 7:15 Walsden Junior School, Walsden Donna Scholfield 01706 839042 7 - 10 yrs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUNDAY

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

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

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

15

focus on:

P

re-packaged food labelling is a minefield. Each supermarket has their own system for their own brand foods; some use the traffic light system (red for bad, green for good) while some just list an amount of fat, sugar, salt etc per serving (what is a serving?) and others list the % of you guideline daily amounts (have you any idea what these are?).

guide to food labels There have been moves to attempt to standardise the system and get everyone using the same, the latest news saying that this will be introduced by summer this year, though it will still be voluntary.

So here is a brief guide to some of the more common labelling terms currently in use:

Use by

DATES

The term ‘use by’ is put on all foods that have a limited life, such as fresh meat and prepared fruit or veg. If a food is labelled ‘use by’ you should use it by that date or you may be putting your health at risk. You must also follow all other storage instruction on the pack, such as ‘keep refrigerated’ otherwise the ‘use by’ date will be inaccurate.

Some of these foods can be frozen, to extend their life, but you will need to follow the further instruction regarding freezing and defrosting to ensure it is still safe to eat when required.

Best before

This term refers to quality, not safety.

It is used mainly on store-cupboard foods that have been tinned or dried, or ready-frozen foods, all of which should last a number of weeks without any signs of degradation.

Provided the item has been stored as instructed (e.g. in a cool dry place) it will still be safe to eat after the ‘Best before’ date has passed, though it may begin to lose flavour or texture.

Display until and sell by

These dates are there for the shop staff, to help with stock control. They usually appear on items that also have a ‘best before’ date. As a shopper, the ‘best before’ date is the only date you need to be looking at.

Health

OTHER CLAIMS

New rules came into effect in July 2007 to clean up what had become a very ‘vague’ system the food manufacturers had created.

Now, all health claims, such as ‘helps aid digestion’ or ‘can help lower cholesterol’ must be based on proven science. More general claims, like ‘healthy’ will also need to be accompanied by some sort of scientific explanation as to why the food is ‘healthy’.

Food labels cannot claim that the food treats, prevents or cures any disease or illness. Only licensed medicines can make these claims.

Light or lite

This description is not so easy to understand. To be described as ‘light’ (or ‘lite’) one of the values, as listed in the nutritional information table on the back of the packet (e.g. calories or fat), must be at least 30% lower than the equivalent standard product, and the labelling must state which value that is; for example ‘30% less fat’. Take care though. One brand’s ‘light’ version might still be higher in calories, or fat, or whatever, than another brand’s standard version. The only way to be sure is to check the nutritional information table thoroughly.

Low-fat

If a product contains 3% fat for solids or 1.5% fat for liquids, it can claim to be ‘low-fat’.

No added sugar or unsweetened

The important word here is ‘added’.

This description does not mean that the food contain no sugar, or is even low in sugar, only that no extra sugar, or other sweeteners, have been added as an ingredient during the manufacture or packaging process.

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FATS

Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats Saturated fat is bad, unsaturated fat is better though should still be kept to a minimum in your diet. As a general rule, to help remember which is which, saturated fats are often solid at room temperature, unsaturated fats are usually liquid (oils). So fat that comes from meat is saturated (bad) and vegetable oil is unsaturated (better).

All unsaturated fats have been shown to lower cholesterol levels (reducing the risk of heart disease) but polyunsaturated does this more effectively. Sunflower and soya oil are both high in polyunsaturated fats, olive oil and rapeseed oil are high in monounsaturated fats. General ‘vegetable oil’ is a blend but will still be low in saturated fats.

bloke page in a kitchen header Ricotta Dumplings with Basil Tomato Sauce

By Richard Dalby

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his is one of my daughter’s favourite meals, and makes a nice alternative to spaghetti, which, lets face it, was designed for no other reason to be just about the messiest meal on Earth.

The dumplings and basil and tomato sauce are a great combination and makes a really tasty, filling and satisfying change from pasta.

My daughter Amelie loves to help cracking the eggs, mixing and tasting the basil leaves, parmesan and the ricotta cheese. I’m convinced that

getting children involved in the cooking process goes a long way to help appreciate a good variety of new flavours (the same goes for adults!). I’ve always tried to do this with my daughter and so far, not once (yet) has she shown any signs of being a fussy eater.

Ingredients For the dumplings;

200g plain flour, (preferably Italian ‘OO’) plus extra for flouring 220g ricotta cheese 3 egg yolks 30g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the sauce;

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Please visit my blog for lots more simple and tasty ideas; www.blokeinakitchen. wordpress.com

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In a large bowl, mix the flour, ricotta, egg yolks, Parmesan, nutmeg and a pinch of salt and pepper together to form a soft, slightly moist dough. Place on a floured work surface and knead for 3–5 minutes. Leave to rest, whilst you prepare the tomato and basil sauce.

Place the tomatoes and basil in a bowl, season with salt and pepper and mix well. Gently heat the olive oil in a large pan and add the garlic (and chilli if using). When the garlic begins to change colour, remove the pan from the heat and add the tomato mixture. Replace on the heat and cook gently for about 10 minutes.

Back to the dumplings! With your hands, roll the dough into a long, thin sausage shape and then cut it at right angles into rectangular shapes about 2cm long. Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to the boil and add the dumplings. Wait until they rise to the surface again, then lower the heat and simmer for a further 2 minutes.

Drain the dumplings with a slotted spoon and add to the tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly and serve immediately.

All photos: Richard Dalby

2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes Approx 10 basil leaves 6 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves, cut into thick slices 1 sliced chilli (optional)

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Sing Along with Jo Jingles!

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

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

Pre School Dance:

For a full range of Classes call:

Come to our Zumba Class and at the same time let your 2-4 year old Dance Stay & Play! only ÂŁ4.50 Wednesdays 11-12pm

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debate

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n light of the recent Jimmy Savile scandal the NSPCC are reporting a huge increase in the number of calls they are receiving from adults concerned about a child being sexually abused.

What would you do?

From September to October 2012 they (the NSPCC) saw an increase of 200 per cent in advice calls about sexual abuse, both past and present. Through October and November they referred 788 more children to the police or social services than they did for the same months in 2011, and October 2012 was the busiest month in the NSPCC Helpline’s history with nearly 5,000 contacts, up a third up on the previous October.

A recent poll carried out by the NSPCC and YouGov found that 42 per cent of UK adults say they are more likely to report their concerns as a result of recent media stories about child abuse.

So, whilst recent media coverage has heightened public awareness of child sexual abuse, a poll conducted recently by the NSPCC and YouGov shows that many people are still waiting to act, with fewer than one in five (17%) saying they would report concerns as soon as they arose.

These findings are supported by the NSPCC’s own data that shows almost half of people who contact its helpline have waited over a month to get in touch, with some waiting much longer.

The charity is therefore concerned that people are still unsure how and when to act.

Peter Watt, Director of the NSPCC’s helpline, said: “Child sexual abuse is not a problem that died with Jimmy Savile. It is a problem that continues today, with children across the UK suffering at the hands of a minority of adults.

“Whilst the uplift in reports of abuse, and new figures indicating that people are more willing to speak out, is very welcome, it’s also clear that people are still waiting for that elusive certainty before taking action. People clearly have the desire to act but are unsure how or when to do it.

“The truth is you will probably never be certain because of the hidden nature of abuse, especially sexual abuse. The poll also shows that 59% of people are not confident that they could spot the signs if a child they knew was being sexually abused.

The poll found that the main barriers to reporting child abuse would be fear of being wrong (59%), fear of making it worse for the child (39%), fear of splitting up the child’s family (17%) and fear of repercussions for the accused (17%).

Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos said: “Jimmy Savile was allowed to abuse in part because people were not certain that what they were seeing was abuse. Also, in part, the children themselves were not listened to or believed.

It’s vital that people listen to what children are saying, and that they report concerns immediately even, if they are not certain.

“People are understandably concerned about being wrong or making things worse for the child if they say something but, all the time they spend procrastinating, that child could be in real danger. To a child who is being abused every day, if the abuse is

Worried about a child? Don’t wait until you’re certain, contact the NSPCC for help, advice and support.

Call 0808 800 5000 Text 88858 Email help@nspcc.org.uk Visit www.nspcc.org.uk/helpline Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717. Photography by Jon Challicom, Gettyimages and iStockphoto, posed by models.

Updated September 2012. 0726/12.

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allowed to continue, it can feel like a lifetime. Also it is important people understand that, if they are wrong, a family will not be separated because of their mistake.

Trained professionals will tactfully investigate before any action is taken. You can’t be expected to know for certain and that’s where the NSPCC can help.”

Monica* called the NSPCC when her daughter’s friend confided that her violent father had sexually abused her 13 year old sister: “I knew I had to act. I felt the responsibility of what might happen to the family, but I had to do it.

“I don’t know exactly what happened after that, but I do know that shortly afterwards Emily and her sister no longer lived with their father.

Sometime later, I spoke to a * Name has been changed to protect identities

neighbour who told me that she had heard something that worried her, something about the father’s behaviour toward the children, but that she had not acted for fear of ‘getting involved’.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to call the NSPCC again if I was worried about a child, even if I wasn’t sure. You have to trust your instincts if something feels wrong. We’ve got an obligation to listen to children.”

Anyone who has concerns about a child or wants advice can contact the NSPCC for free 24 hours a day, by calling 0808 800 5000, emailing help@nspcc.org.uk, texting 88858 or using an online reporting form available on www.nspcc.org.uk. They can choose to remain anonymous if they wish.

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family health

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s parents, we have to deal with some pretty antisocial problems. Fortunately, the older your children get, and the older your friends’ children get, the more you come to realise that every family is dealing with the same problems and sometimes it can help to share the details, however unsavoury they may be.

how to treat: threadworms A couple of issues ago, we dealt with head lice. This time it is the turn of Threadworms (yuck – I know).

Threadworms (sometimes known as Pinworms) look like small (usually between 5 and 15mm long) lengths of white cotton thread which can be seen wriggling around the anus or sometimes in faeces. They are difficult to see so, if you had rather not go looking, that’s fine. Diagnosis of an infection does not necessarily need the worms to be seen, the symptoms are fairly precise and recognisable.

First it should be pointed out that Threadworms are not dangerous. Don’t get them mixed up with tapeworms or other types of infections of the gut. The only real problem with threadworms is the intense itching and discomfort that can be caused, which can lead to irritability, while the scratching can lead to secondary infections.

Symptoms

The main and most obvious symptom of a threadworm infection is the intense itching around the anus, usually in the evening or soon after the child has gone to bed. This is caused by the worms, which live in the lower gut, wriggling out of the bottom to lay eggs between the buttocks. If a child scratches then carries the eggs back to their mouth with their hands, the next generation of worms can continue the cycle.

Eggs can also be spread to others very easily and indirectly in dust, food and on other items. They don’t need to go via the mouth either. They are small enough to be inhaled and then swallowed. This is why, if you have one child with the symptoms, it is important to treat the whole household (including the adults, who are not immune) at the same time.

Treatment

Treatment is simple. If your child is under two years old, or if a member of the household is pregnant or breastfeeding, you should visit your GP for advice. If not, speak to your Pharmacist or Health Visitor.

Medication is avavilable over-thecounter, but read the label carefully to ensure it is safe for your family.

Treatment is in either syrup, tablet or powder form and one dose is usually enough to kill the infestation.

However it only gets rid of the worms, not the eggs. These can remain ‘alive’ for two weeks so treatment must be accompanied by some strict hygiene rules to prevent re-infection and, if necessary, a second dose of medication two weeks after the first.

Hygiene On first diagnosis: • Wash all night clothes, bed linen, towels and soft toys. This can be done at normal temperatures but make sure that the washing is well rinsed.

• Thoroughly vacuum and dust the whole house, paying particular attention to the bedrooms. Continue to vacuum regularly and thoroughly.

• Carefully clean the bathroom and kitchen by damp-dusting surfaces and washing the cloth frequently in hot water.

Continue to clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces regularly and thoroughly.

• Avoid shaking any material that may be contaminated with eggs, such as clothing or bed sheets. This will help prevent eggs being transferred to other surfaces.

School

There is no need to keep a child with threadworms off school. As long as they have been following the hygiene rules they should not be carrying any eggs with them and so cannot infect anyone else.

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General good Hygiene to prevent re-infection: • Don’t eat food in the bedroom; you may end up swallowing eggs that have been shaken off the bedclothes.

• Keep fingernails short.

• Discourage nail-biting and sucking fingers. In particular, make sure that children don’t suck their thumb.

• The five second rule about food on the floor is a myth.

Don’t allow your children to eat any food that has been on the floor.

• Wash hands frequently and scrub under fingernails, particularly before eating, after going to the toilet and before and after changing your baby’s nappy.

• Wear close-fitting underwear at night and change underwear every morning.

• Bath or shower regularly, particularly first thing in the morning. Make sure that you clean around your bottom to remove any eggs.

• Ensure that everyone in your household has their own face flannel and towel. Don’t share towels.

• Keep toothbrushes in a closed cupboard and rinse them thoroughly before use.

pageliteracy header 2013’s eight amazing World Book Day books are:

Information kindly provided by;

The Book Case 29 Market Street, Hebden Bridge 01422 845353

 Alfie’s Shop by Shirley Hughes  Giraffes Can’t Dance Colouring and Puzzle Fun by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees  Horrid Henry’s Guide to Perfect Parents

by Francesca Simon and Tony Ross  Tony Robinson’s Weird World of Wonders: Funny Inventions by Tony Robinson and Del Thorpe  The Diamond Brothers in…Two of Diamonds by Anthony Horowitz  Hang In There Bozo: The Ruby Redfort Emergency Survival Guide For Some Tricky Predicaments by Lauren Child  Tom Gates: Best Book Day Ever! (so far) by Liz Pichon  The Chocolate Box Girls: Bittersweet by Cathy Cassidy

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World Bo Day

, h March 2013 Day falls on 7t k oo B ld d or an W s This year hools, kids club e country in sc th children s, er ov rie l ra al lib d d an shops an ok bo as l el w activities nurseries, as ance to join in ch e th ve ha g and of all ages will ge with readin ga en to em th lebration to encourage the biggest ce is ay D k oo B vouchers books. World ions of book ill M . re he yw of its kind, an d eight fantastic t to children, an ou n ial ve gi be will written a spec ors have each th the au r s fo n’ re ge ild ch in exchan available free e ar at th ok bo WBD voucher

Best Sellers Julia Donaldson appears twice in our best-sellers, with her latest story that has continued to sell well after her visit to the town, and an old favourite that has been given a new lease of life by a BBC adaptation. Another classic is Mog;

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Superworm

we have some gorgeous Mog soft toys, which have been selling well together with the book to make a lovely gift. For older children the new secret agent series featuring the sassy Ruby from the author of Charlie and Lola has proved a big hit as has the latest from the master

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Mog the Forgetful Cat

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Ruby Redfort: Take Your Last Breath

of Mythological Fantasy Rick Riordan.

We also have a non-fiction title in the best sellers. Stuart Wright has written a great book full of facts that will help kids pick up vital information on tricky subjects in a fun and accessible way.

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More Interesting Than Your Teacher

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Mark of Athena

Room on The Broom Julia Donaldson £6.99

Julia Donaldson

Judith Kerr

Lauren Child

Stuart Wright

Rick Riordan

£10.99

£5.99

£12.99

£9.99

£12.99

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craft easter craft ideas

By Anne Glynis Davies

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Supplies:

f you’re looking for a fun craft that all the family can do at Easter, then why not try decorating small items (plastic or wooden eggs work well, as do plant pots, picture frames, etc.) with eggshell mosaic.

Your item to decorate clean eggshells, saved from eggs that have been cooked acrylic paints a paintbrush non-toxic PVA glue

Instructions:

Firstly, paint your item in a colour(s) of your choice.

Wash a selection of eggshell segments in lukewarm soapy water. Allow to dry then paint the inside of the pieces - the white membrane will hold the colour better than the porous outer shell. Leave the shells to dry thoroughly.

Break the segments into pieces and start decorating your item by gluing on the coloured segments. It is up to you how much of the item you cover. Keep going until you are happy.

For children, a nice idea is to get them to draw their name in pencil and stick shells to follow the individual letters; they will end up with their own personalised mosaic.

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



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

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

means stretching them from their relaxed state to a state where they are ready to do some exercise.

However you need to remember that you should get some blood pumping before you start to stretch muscles - without a good blood supply the muscle fibres can’t lengthen properly.

So spend at least a minute jogging on the spot, or have a brisk walk, to wake up your circulation before you start to stretch.

Muscle takes at least 10 seconds to start to alter in length and stretches need to be held for at least 20

seconds and nearer a minute if you feel the muscle is particularly tight.

‘No pain, no gain’ definitely does not apply to stretching. You should feel a mild pull, rather than any pain. In fact, stretching should be a relaxing experience rather than a strain and as we all know, we perform much better when we’re relaxed!

Bouncing at the end of a stretch can also cause injury; the sudden movement, rather than relaxing and lengthening your muscle, makes it contract and shorten, causing microtrauma within the muscle.

When you do stretches, each of the main muscle groups that you’ll be using needs some attention. If you can’t feel a stretch in the muscle, you’re probably doing the stretch wrong! The biggest mistake we see in patients is that they move their back instead of stretching the tight muscles in their legs. So here are our top tips for basic leg muscle stretching exercises. For each, you should hold the stretch for at least 10 seconds and if the pull has worn off, try to stretch a little further holding for another 10 seconds. Repeat on the other leg and do 3 times on each leg.

Remember, if you haven’t done exercise for a while do check first with your GP, practice nurse or see a Chartered Physiotherapist who can advise you on suitable levels of exercise for you and teach you more stretches too! Happy Exercising!

• Hamstrings (the muscle at the back of your thigh). The safest stretch for these muscles is done lying on your back. Bend one knee up towards your chest and hold behind the knee with both hands, with your arms as straight as possible. Now gradually straighten the knee until you feel a stretch in the muscle.

• Calf. This is actually made up of two muscles, the gastrocnemius and soleus, so you need to do two stretches! For gastroc stand in the stride position, keep the heel of your back foot on the ground and your knee straight. Then lunge gently forwards bending your front knee over your big toe until you feel a pull in the back lower leg. To stretch the soleus repeat as above, but after lunging try gently to bend your back knee still without lifting your heel!

After thoroughly enjoying the Olympics last summer, I felt inspired to get myself fitter with more exercise. However the aching and stiffness that comes on me the following day is putting me off continuing. Do you have any advice?

Most non-contact sports injuries are caused by an inadequate warm up. We all know about warming up, but it is crucial you do it thoroughly and properly if you are to avoid any injuries.

‘Warming up’ the muscles mainly

• Quadriceps (the muscle on the front of your thigh). Try this in the proposal position i.e. on one knee!

Then, keeping your spine straight, tuck your bottom under until you feel the stretch above the knee that is on the floor. If you can’t feel the stretch, raise your back foot slightly with a cushion.

Lynne Midwinter Chartered Physiotherapist

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