The Scallymag for Todmorden & Hebden Bridge - Spring '16

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

Huddersfield’s Splash park

Focus on:

How to choose a nursery

News

How flood affected businesses are rebuilding plus New Baby Classes & Tod Folk Festival and more

Regular Features Family Health Competitons

And much more

Spring ‘16

Issue 51

For Local Parents, Carers & Kids

e s ea e l p ak t ne o

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welcome

elcome to the Spring ‘16 issue of The Scallymag. You may notice things are a bit different this time because, like so many along our valley, the flooding has had a big impact on our business.

So many of our valued customers and supporters have lost stock, buildings and livelihoods that we felt we had to do what we could, to help. So, rather than simply placing their usual advert, when things are far from usual, we have been to visit each of them to bring you their news. Every one of those businesses is fighting back and, if things continue as they are doing, the Upper Calder Valley will be back up to full strength before you know it.

Please support them all you can.

Of course it wasn’t just the shops, school and playgroups that were affected by the flood. A lot of the classes and activities that are run for children have lost their homes with all the flooded halls and venues. We have done what we can here too and colour coded our diary pages so you can see, at a glance, who is temporarily displaced and who is temporarily suspended.

Full details of that is on page 10.

Luckily for us, we live slightly up a hill in Todmorden so didn’t suffer directly with the flooding but we saw the horror unfolding and were out doing what we could to help our neighbours. Since then I have been constantly amazed by the wonderful stories of community support that have been going on. This is a remarkable, astonishing and breath-taking place to live and I hope we never forget that.

Hazel

page welcome header contact us

contents Diary Pages

Playgroups, Out of school clubs, Swimming,

Pre-School Diary

Page 12

Out-Of-School Diary

Page 14

Libraries & Soft Play

Page 11

Competitions

Design our next front cover

Page 10

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

Out & About

Huddersfield Splash Park

Page 16

News

How businesses are getting over the flooding Page 4 - 9

plus new family businesses in our area.

Focus On:

How to choose a nursery

Page 19

Family Health

Helping your child get to sleep

Page 21

Your health Q&A

Page 23

Crafts

Great ideas for Easter

Page 18

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® 2016 Nothing may be reproduced without permission

Our thanks are due to our printer, Charlesworth Press of Wakefield, and especially Nick Crowther, for the help and support they have given The Scallymag over the years; but particularly for their help with this issue which has allowed us to offer support to our customers who have been affected by the devastation that has hit our valley over the past few weeks.

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the cffc flood fund

he Community Foundation for Calderdale is a charity that has been working in Calderdale for 25 years, raising and awarding money to voluntary sector and individuals in need. In this time, they have raised £26m and distributed at least £17m. On average they award from £500,000 to £1m a year.

Their aim is to improve lives and unite the people of Calderdale through philanthropy. Thanks to their donors, and the funds they have established, they are able to work to strengthen communities across the borough.

As the festive cheer of Christmas Day was being washed away in the Calder Valley by the storm which hit early morning on Boxing Day, the Community Foundation for Calderdale launched its emergency response to give assistance to the 2700 homes that were to be affected by the rising flood waters.

The staff of the charity immediately returned to work, leaving behind their Christmas celebrations, to assist in what would become Calderdale’s fastest growing fund raising appeal ever.

The Community Foundation started to promote the fund across media channels and social media channels and, by the end of day one, had raised £25,000. The Chief Executive and senior management team quickly started to approach large organisations for donations to the fund and have, to date, received notable donations from; Morrison’s Supermarket, First Fruits, Daily Mail, Harveys of Halifax, Ikea, Nestle and Marks & Spencer.

Steve Duncan Chief Executive of the Community Foundation said; “Within the first day of launching the appeal, it had raised £25,000 and, thanks to almost 5000 public donations via the Local Giving website and many hundreds of businesses, community groups and individual fundraisers, the Calderdale Flood Relief Fund has

reached over two million pounds in donations and is still rising.” The Government also announced that match funding up to £2Million would be available to charities collecting flood relief monies so a proportion of the total collected up to 5th February will be doubled.

The flooding was devastating and caused massive destruction with cars and buildings being pulled into the river and deposited miles downstream.

Bridges that had stood firm for hundreds of years were washed away by the sheer force of the water that hit Calderdale and soldiers were deployed to assist in the emergency and rebuilding of defences that were demolished by the flood waters.

In the 24 hours following the flooding the charity distributed £3000 worth of cleaning materials to hubs located in the locations worst hit across Calderdale. This was mainly to assist the 1000’s of volunteers who arrive to help with the clean-up operation.

With the appeal fund growing, the Foundation were quickly able to begin distributing emergency grant aid of £200 to the homes affected. To date over £260,000 has been awarded to over 1300 applicants with further awards being made daily. Emma Bolger from the Foundation said; “We have been visiting individuals who have been affected to deliver the grants of £200. In doing so you see first-hand just how much people have lost and, in some cases, the terrible conditions people are still living in whilst trying to recover, many of whom are

elderly or vulnerable”.

Steve Duncan said; “The next stage of our support will be to help people replace white goods, carpets, furniture etc. as well as further financial support. The road to recovery is going to be a long one but we are dedicated to supporting our community and will continue to raise and distribute funds”.

The Calderdale Flood Fund is open to anyone whose home has suffered damage / flooding as well as people who have lost work or income because of the storm or flood.

It will provide support for cleaning up, emergency repairs, clothing, food and drink, heating and heating equipment, child care equipment and basic furniture, etc.

To DONATE to the Fund:

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R www.cffc.co.uk R localgiving.com/appeal/Flooding CommunityFoundationCalderdale

0 Send a cheque, payable to

Community Foundation for Calderdale (Mark the back Flood Fund) 1855 Building, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 2NG

To CLAIM from the Fund:

 01422 349700 R www.cffc.co.uk 0 Return form to:

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CFFC,1855 Building, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 2NG Rob@cffc.co.uk

news

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silly billys

ne of the businesses severely affected by the Boxing Day Flooding was Silly Billy’s Toy Shop in Bridge Mill, St George’s Square, Hebden Bridge.

The water in that area of the town came up to the windowsill level so lifted all the furniture, fixtures and fitting from the floor, tossed them around then dumped them, damp and dirty, back on the floors when the water receded.

When they could get back into the shop, Bill and Robert salvaged what stock they could and put it into storage but, as it became apparent that repairs to the shop building were likely to take some time, Bill took the decision to move premises permanently.

“The new shop will be in the brand new units currently being built on Old Gate,” Bill told us. “It’s a pleasant spot, overlooking the river and, since it is a brand new, purpose built retail unit, there is lots of scope for a new and exciting interior.”

Bill is already in talks with architects and Silly Billy’s new shop, currently under constr designers to get uction the most out of the property.

Lego, Playmobile, Hot Wheels, Crayola In the mean time though, Silly Billy’s and Sylvanian Families. continues as a pop-up shop in the Bill is hoping the new shop will ‘Independent Living’ unit at the bottom be open early in March but you can of Albert Street. It is open on Thursday keep up to date on the latest news and Friday afternoons, between 3.00 by following the regular updates on and 4.30, and on Saturdays between Facebook and Twitter.

10.00 and 4.00. He doesn’t currently have his full stock range available in For more information: the shop but, get in touch, and 01422 843304  he will try to get what you need.

SillyBillysToyShop Once the new shop is open the @sillybillystoys full range will be back, including

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icky sticky KIDS

olme Street Arts Centre, where Nichola holds Icky Sticky Kids, the Tuesday morning pre-school crafty play group, was devastated in the Boxing Day floods. It will be closed for months. The floor was ripped apart and raised 6” so that, and the newly refurbished toilets, will all need replacing.

Nichola stored all the equipment used in the classes at the centre, so she lost most of it to the water, but a

Icky Sticky Kids, before

the floods

friend suggested she start a “gofundme” campaign to help get Icky back, and it worked.

“As well as reaching my goal in the campaign, I have had lots of contributions of art stuff from people” Nichola told us.

“I’ve been able to replace everything I lost, plus have money left over to put into the Arts Centre. The centre obviously needs lots more but it’s a start.

“So Icky Sticky Kids is back up and running, at the Methodist Church on Market Street, until further notice. It is still on Tuesdays 10 - 11.30am. The church is

a smaller space but has mopable floors, which is a key factor! Other places I looked at had too much carpet which isn’t great for a messy arts playgroup! !I think it’s vital to get things back to normal as soon as possible. It’s distressing for children, not just adults, to see their home towns reduced to rubble. So I was determined to get Icky back up and running as soon as possible. Many children call Tuesdays ‘Icky Day’.

“I’d like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for their generous contribution to the Icky “gofundme” and to everyone who donated art materials too. Every bit helps and I’m touched at just how supportive people have been.”

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Hebden Bridge library plans

ibrary services in Hebden Bridge are getting back on their feet after the Boxing Day floods caused over £100,000 of damage to books, equipment, fixtures and fittings.

Around 5000 books, DVDs and CDs were ruined. The shelving, other furniture, counter and self-service machine were also damaged beyond repair. Although some of the metal display shelves were able to be cleaned and will be reused, the children’s area was completely destroyed.

From early January there has been a drop-off point to return borrowed books and other items at Hebden Bridge Town

For more information:

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 01422 288040 8 hebden_bridge.library@calderdale.gov.uk @CMBClibraries

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Hall and Todmorden Library has been open for additional days.

The Council worked hard to get the first floor of Hebden Bridge Library up and running by 25th January. This is to make sure local people can access many of the services normally available, including IT. Replacement books and other materials are being ordered plus new furniture and a range of other items and display equipment. There will be temporary access via the side entrance on Cheetham Street and up the stairs.

Unfortunately, for the time being, there will be no lift access in the building due to the flood damage.

The library will offer standard services (adult and children’s stock, DVDs / CDs, public PCs and wi-fi) but no photocopying service. Also, due to space restrictions, the regular Monday morning Busy Babies sessions will now take place in Hebden Bridge Town Hall.

The ground floor of the library is

scheduled to reopen in spring 2016.

This is to ensure full drying-out before key fixtures can be installed, including a completely new children’s area, replacement counter and self-service facility.

Cllr Steve Sweeney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Incredible teamwork has gone into ensuring that local people continue to access some library services and we are grateful to Hebden Bridge Town Hall for helping us to provide alternatives.

Unfortunately, we can’t say for certain when the library will be fully open over two floors again in Hebden Bridge. We thank people for their patience and support during the repair period.”

The other libraries in Calderdale are open as normal and Mytholmroyd Library is now doubling up as a centre where flood-affected people can get information and support.

flying saucers

lying Saucers - the Pottery painting cafe opened on Hebden Bridge marina in 2004. Since then the business has been popular with young and old alike throughout the valley. No-one, least of all owner Matt Bell, wanted to see it destroyed. Matt told us more about Boxing Day and the aftermath.

“Flood risk had never been on the radar. Even being placed on the marina we had never considered it, until 2012.

That “Once in a lifetime” flood was a massive concern until we found out that the flood water just reached the door, but receded before it got it. In truth, it gave us a false sense of security - if the water didn’t in then, then surely it never would?

“Then came Boxing day 2015. We live just 2 miles from Hebden Bridge and could hear the rain battering the windows all night and all morning, and of course we were concerned but we couldn’t get anywhere near town. I was pleading for information on social media and, eventually, someone sent a photo - we were flooded. It was so frustrating, worrying, gutting and we had such a feeling of helplessness.

“The next morning we headed into town. It was actually worse than I thought. We couldn’t get the door

open at first, as the floor had swollen so much, but we eventually opened it with a sledgehammer and the scene inside was carnage. Tables, chairs, pottery, shelving, paints, brushes, drinks cans, etc had all been floating about the shop crashing into each other. The water had mostly drained out, but what was left behind was thick, sludgy mud. It had even got half way up the kiln.

“We just started dragging everything outside. Before long people arrived to offer their help. I’d turn round, and there was someone new shovelling, brushing, carrying, demolishing. Soon there was almost 30 people working away to help Flying Saucers. It was so touching. But my lovely studio that I’d spent over 11 years nurturing was in

For more information:

 01422 846666 R www.flyingsaucerscafe.co.uk flying-saucers-hebden-bridge

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muddy ruins on the pavement. It’s hard to describe how that felt.

“Since that day, we have re-grouped and opened a pop-up shop less that 100m away at the bottom of Albert Street, which is great. It’s so nice to be up and running (with a shiny new kiln!) doing what we do best - and not wearing wellies! The main studio has now been completely stripped out and dried, re-plastered and we’re in the process of re-instating. Although the contractors can’t commit, I think we’re looking at re-opening on the Marina no later than the start of March.

“Thanks to all the people who’ve visited Flying Saucers over the years, thanks to all those who helped after Boxing Day, thanks to those who’ve supported us at the pop-up, and thanks in advance to all those who will come again to the re-born Flying Saucers - we cannot wait.”

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book case

ike nearly every business on Market St. in Hebden Bridge The Book Case was badly affected by the Boxing Day flood. Despite flood resilience measures being taken after the last flood in 2012, they were completely wiped out as the water came through the shop at over 5ft deep, nearly 2ft over the highest they had planned for.

Unfortunately, like nearly all businesses in the town, they were uninsurable against flooding but they will bounce back. Kate, from the Book Case, told us more.

“We have had huge support from our customers and the book trade, including an amazing donation of books from the wonderful children’s publisher David Fickling Books, and from Dorling Kindersley Books, which we can’t wait to see on our shelves!

“We have also been extremely lucky to have been supported with a grant of £5000 from the James Patterson Fund for independent bookshops. This is to be spent mainly in the children’s section where we will be installing some beautiful new shelving and a striking Picture Book Wall to capture the imagination of our young readers. Happily our beautiful tree mural has survived!”

So keep a look out; The Book case can’t wait to be open and selling books again! In addition to the Children’s Reward Card, introduced at the end of last year, they are also planning a children’s reading club, newsletter and regular children’s author events. So do call in when they reopen, sign up to their newsletter and keep up with all the exciting For more information: events at The Book 8 shop@bookcase.co.uk Case!  01422 845353 R www.bookcase.co.uk BookCase Hebden @BookCaseHebden

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mytholmroyd playgroup

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nother business that suffered terribly in the Boxing Day Flooding was Mytholmroyd Playgroup, formally situated in the Community Centre in Mytholmroyd.

The flooding around this area was devastating, rising to six feet deep around the community centre and houses in Elphborough. The playgroup and toddler group lost absolutely everything but are thankful that they were closed for the Christmas break and no-one was hurt. This gave them enough time to build a donations page on Facebook and the donations came in. By the time they re-opened, on 4th January, temporarily homed in the Best Practice Training Centre, they had enough toys and equipment to start up again.

They stayed there for two weeks while they arranged delivery of portakabin blocks to the community centre car park and have now moved into the blocks, where the children have settled in brilliantly.

Penny, the Manager of the nursery, told us; “The children really don’t mind where they are, only the staff are having trouble adjusting. When we first saw the state our rooms had been left in, we were just shocked. It was heartbreaking to see the mess the water had made and it has taken us all a lot of time to come to terms with it.”

Since the playgroup and nursery were situated in rented rooms, they are still waiting to find out about repairs. The portakabins can stay for up to six months but, after that, things are unclear.

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mural artist

erena Rogers, an experienced wall mural artist, has contacted The Scallymag to let

people know she is available, free of charge, to local businesses affected by the floods who would like murals refreshed or new murals painting in flood-effected buildings.

She understands that some properties may not be ready for her finishing touches yet but, if you could contact her before the end of March, with your requirements, she can book you in.

For more information:

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0 Serena Rogers  07581292894 8 Serenarogers02@googlemail.com

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sling classes swing into town

iona Meleschko is mummy to Áine (4) and Tadgh (9 months) and absolutely loves being a mummy.

When Áine was born she was working as a primary school teacher, a job she had been doing in both primary and secondary roles for over 10 years. While she enjoyed her job, she really wanted to stay at home with her baby but just could not afford to give up work. Work life balance became an issue and, after a change of work role then suffering a miscarriage, returning to work became very difficult.

“I came to resent the early mornings and late night that I had always done.

I was still committed to the job, but I wasn’t happy.” Fiona told us.

“When I was lucky enough to become pregnant a third time I was very much filled with anxiety and the stresses and demands of my job became a serious worry.”

While on maternity leave, after having Tadgh, Fiona made the decision to cut down her hours and become a supply teacher, so resigned from her job. “ As the end of maternity leave was looming, clinging on to and making the most of every last minute, I was searching for fun classes to do with Tadhg and came across Sling Swing!

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Fiona and Tadgh includes Pop, Hip hop, Charleston, Cha Cha, Salsa, Meringue, Bachata, Reggaeton, Swing, Disco, Musical theatre, Ballroom and more. The aim of the classes is to have fun in a friendly, musical environment and to really bond with your baby! Come along and have a boogie!

Classes in our area are in the Salem Community centre, on Central Street, Hebden Bridge, on Wednesdays at 10am but Fiona does many classes throughout Calderdale and Bradford.

Please contact her to find out more or to book a class.

For more information:

0 Fiona Meleschko  07740 346457 R www.slingswing.co.uk

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Sling Swing Calderdale

a big fat flood relief raffle

fantastic “Big Fat Raffle” is currently running with all proceeds to the CFFC flood relief fund.

The top prize is a complete wedding package worth thousands of pounds.

The prize will include the wedding ceremony, wedding breakfast, reception and buffet, drinks, wedding gown, maid of honour and bridesmaids dresses, transport (a vintage VW campervan!), photography, flowers, jewellery and more.

It looked amazing! I loved the closeness and bonding that comes with carrying Tadhg in the sling, I loved dancing and meeting new mummies - perfect!”

Unfortunately, the nearest class was in York, but the Calderdale Franchise was available.

“Sling Swing came along at such a perfect time and it was everything I wanted.

After talks with my husband we decided to take the leap and buy the business, I completed the training and have thrown myself into it!

“It is a huge leap of faith and is a scary one but one that I’m embracing and loving.

I drop Áine at school each day, I take Tadhg to work with me, I still teach and get to meet lovely mummies and babies every day plus all the benefits of the fitness side of my job too.”

So, thanks to Fiona’s new business, Sling Swing is now available on our area for the first time.

The classes are an exciting, gentle movement and dance class for mums and dads or carers with their babies and toddlers in soft, structured, high quality slings and baby carriers or wraps. Spares are always available at the classes for people wanting to try one out.

The musical styles the classes cover

There are plenty of brilliant runners up prizes too - a luxury castle stay, a photography package, theatre tickets and more.

Tickets are just £1 each and getting hold of some couldn’t be easier. www.justgiving.com/ BigFatWeddingRaffle for those people who would like to win the wedding package, or www.justgiving.com/ BigFatRaffle if you are not planning to get married in the near future!

All the prizes have been donated by local businesses and every penny raised will go straight to the Flood Appeal so we want to raise as much as we can!

The draw will take place at the Cedar Court Hotel on 28th April.

news great british deli

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new shop opened just before Christmas on Water Street, Todmorden. Called ‘The Great British Deli’, it prides itself on selling quality food products not normally available in the supermarkets, all made within the UK and many within Yorkshire. The shop is owned and run by Joyce. We went along to buy some local cheese and find out more.

This is a new career for Joyce. Her background is Primary school teaching, a job she did for 30 years, but she took early retirement when she found the joy had gone from the job. She spent the next year travelling and attending food fairs where she discovered the wealth of quality British food producers and products out there that are not available in supermarkets. “ I spent a lot of time researching British Deli products and talking to suppliers. I became a member of the Guild of Fine Food and attended their training, which prepared me for running a food shop and taught me a lot about cheese; how it is made and which cheeses are the best in the country.

“I also kept my eye open for suitable retail premises and looked at lots, until

the small shop on Water Street became available. I jumped at the opportunity then spent 5 weeks getting it ready to open on 29th November 2015.”

Many of the products in the shop have won ‘Great Taste’ awards. It is something Joyce specifically looks for when choosing new products. The awards winners are clearly signed in the shop. There is also a large number of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan foods available.

So, what sorts of things might you find in the shop? Well there is a large variety of speciality cheeses; Wigmore sheep’s cheese, Yorkshire Brie, unpasteurised Brie, Blue sheep’s cheeses plus lots of Todmorden’s own Pextenament cheeses. There are speciality teas and coffees, jams

and marmalades, chutneys, oils and vinegars, speciality flours and spelt flour, luxury chocolates and fudge, Cartmel puddings and Soulful soups! Following a recent trip to a food fair in Scotland, Joyce also hopes to have oat cakes, Isle of Skye salt and haggis soon. Closer to home she stocks crisps, mayonnaise, halloumi cheese, chilli sauces, pies and pasties, all from producers within Yorkshire. Gluten free pies from Voakes in York are a new speciality she has just got in and they are proving to be very popular.

And, if your just looking for something for lunch, pop in for one of her home-made sandwiches, using only the best ingredients from her shop, including local ham, beef and some or her fantastic relishes.

More Family events planned at Tod Folk Festival

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odmorden Folk Festival is back for a second year with a family friendly bonanza.

Like last year, we’ll have a Friday night ceilidh for all the family but, this year, we’re moving it to the Town Hall so we won’t sell out and there will be plenty of room for dancing. On Saturday, we’ll have events all through the day for babies, children and families.

Look out for The Adventures of Pom, a beautiful sensory experience for 0-4 year olds on Saturday morning. We will have a clog workshop for all the family and Pirate Alice will be back with shanties and sea songs.

We’ll have Morris dancing on Saturday to fill the town with music

and colour and we’re so pleased that the unique Britannia Coconutters are going to join us once again along with local troop Oakenhoof Cloggers and The Black Nan Band. We’ve also got concerts full of music and song on Friday night and Saturday afternoon and evening.

Renowned story teller Ursula Holden-Gill will also join us on Sunday with her new show Romance and Ragamuffins.

Do come and join us for this feast of music merriment and fun. Full weekend tickets are just £29 for adults and £10 for under 16s. All tickets and more

details are available via the festival website www.todfolkfest.org or come and say hello at our Facebook page Todmorden Folk Festival.

For more information:

R www.todfolkfest.co.uk 8 hello@todfolkfest.co.uk todfolkfestival todfolkfest

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competition

Front cover for this issue...

diary changes

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ou will notice our diary pages look a little different this time. With so many meetings and classes being affected by the flooding, we have gone any thanks for your entries through and colour coded changes so you can see at a to this issue’s front cover glance what has altered. competition. Unfortunately

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our sponsor, Silly Billy’s, has had to step down from providing a prize this time while other, more important tasks are carried out to get the business back up and running again. I hope this isn’t too disappointing.

We promise all entries we have received this time will be included in the competition next time, when, hopefully, service will return to normal.

The front cover this time was drawn for me by my daughter, Liza.

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Red background means these events are temporarily suspended. The hall or meeting room is in dis-repair and not available, so the meeting are cancelled until things get sorted out.

Orange background means the meetings or classes are still going ahead but something has changed to accommodate a loss of venue. In most cases, this is a change of venue but it may also be a change of day or an alteration to the services offered.

These amendments are correct at the time of going to press but, obviously, some things may get back to normal before the next Scallymag reaches you. We recommend that you check carefully before setting off to any meeting but especially those highlighted ones.

If things do get back to normal, and you can’t remember what ‘normal’ is, our standard diary pages from recent issues can be viewed online on our website - www.thescallymag.co.uk/todmorden/

diary pages

Friday

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

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

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

Thursday

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

Wednesday

Steiner Kindergarten Steiner Kindergarten St. John’s Centre Cragg Vale caldersteiner@gmail.com

Tuesday

Out of School clubs

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 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

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

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

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 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

7:30 - 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

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

7:30 - 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

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

Monday

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

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.

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

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

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

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

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

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

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

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge caldersteiner@gmail.com

TalkFirst Baby & Toddler Signing 10:00 & 11:00 Blessingway Yoga Studio, Birchclife Road, Hebden Bridge Susan - 01706 878781 From Birth

Art Stars 10:00 - 10:45 The Star Tree Studio, 42 Victoria Street, Littleborough Neela - 07778 543233

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

Please call for details Debbie - 07899 077704

TinyTalk Baby Signing 10.30 -11.30 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St George’s Street, Hebden Bridge Joelle - 07967 772183

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

Pyjama 1:00 - 1:3 Hebden George’s Megan -

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 Portacabins @ 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

Stay & P Languag 9:30 - 11 Todmord Todmord College, Todmord 01706 3

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

Steiner Parent & Child 10.00 - 12.00 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge caldersteiner@gmail.com

Pyjama Drama 10:00 - 10:30

Ducklings Swimming Parent & Toddler Swimming various levels 1:30 - 2:30

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

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

Thula Mama (Mums and Babies Steiner Parent & Child Harmony Singing) 10.00 - 12.00 10.00 - 11.30 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Central Hebden Bridge Hebden Bridge caldersteiner@gmail.com Liz Powers 01422 847702

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

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

Baby Messy play 10:00 - 10:45 The Star Tree Studio, 42 Victoria Street, Littleborough Neela - 07778 543233

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

Sling Swing 10:00 - 11:00

Upsy Daisy’s Playcentre 4:00 - 7:00 The Community Room, The Old Shade Junior & Infant School, Todmorden Sports Centre, Moderna Business Park, Co-op, Town Gate, Midgley Shade, Todmorden Ewood Lane, Todmorden Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd Megan - 01422 330069 01706 812913 01706 839090

Fiona - 07740 346457

First Ba 4:00 - 5: DC Danc Todmord Dawn - 0 Age 4 - 5

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

Baby St 1:30 - 3: Todmord Todmord College, Todmord 01706 3

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

Little Bear Feet 11:00 - 11:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 1½ - 3 yrs

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

St Michael’s Angels Worship and Play 9:00 - 11:00 Mytholmroyd Cricket Club, Moderna Way, Mytholmroyd Catherine - 01422 883130

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

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

Blacksh Group 9:45 - 12 Blacksha Hebden Lorraine

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

Dance w 4:00 - 4: DC Danc Todmord Dawn - 0 Age 3 - 4

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 Portacabins, Mytholmroyd Community Centre car park, Elphaborough, Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

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

Cragg Vale Toddler Group 9:30 - 11:30 (term time only) The Ark Day Nursery Sports Hall, Dean Hey Farm, Cragg Vale, Mytholmroyd Cathy 07720715418

Active W for push 9:45 - 11 Meet at Hebden Lucy - 0

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 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge caldersteiner@gmail.com

Art Stars 10:00 - 10:45 The Star Tree Studio, 42 Victoria Street, Littleborough Neela - 07778 543233

Rock ‘n’ Rollers 11:30 - 12:30 Dance 4 All, Upsy Daisy’s Play Gym, Moderna Way, Mytholmroyd Emily - 07903 720214

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) St James’ Church, Church Lane, 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

Dance with Melody Bear 9:00 - 9:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Pre-school Boys Dance 9:45 - 10:30 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

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

Baby Stay and Play 10:00 - 11:30 St James’ Church, Church Lane, Hebden Bridge 01422 845800 - FREE

Sling Swing 10:00 - 11:00

Salem Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge Fiona - 07740 346457

- Widths

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

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

Bookstart Busy Babies 11:00 - 11:40 The Terrace Room, Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St Geirge’s Street, Hebden Bridge Ben - 01422 392620

Baby Stay and Play 12:30 - 2:00 St James’ Church, Church Lane, 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

Drama 35 Bridge Town Hall, St s Street, Hebden Bridge - 01422 330069

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

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

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

Play with Speech & ge Therapist 1:00 (2nd Tue of month) den Children’s Centre den Community , Burnley Road, den 399970 - FREE

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

BATS Playgroup 9:30 - 11:30 Central Methodist Church, Todmorden Debbie - 07899 077704

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

allet & Tip Tap Toe :00 ce, Victoria Road, den 01706 839113 5 yrs

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

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

tay & Play :30 den Children’s Centre den Community , Burnley Road, den 399970 - FREE

Baby Clinic 1:30 - 3:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

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

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

hawhead Arty Toddler

2:00 awhead Chapel, Bridge e - 01422 844971

with Melody Bear :45 ce, Victoria Road, den 01706 839113 4 yrs

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

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

Walking (not suitable hchairs) 1:15 St George’s Square, Bridge 07943 771739

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

Bumps & Babes

support group for multiple births

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

Icky Sticky Kids 10.00-11.30 Methodist Church, Market Street, Hebden Bridge Nichola - 07973 234928

Lesbian Family Groups 12:30 - 2:00 (1st Tue only) St James’ Church, Church Lane, Hebden Bridge 01422 845800 - FREE

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

Preschool Ballet 4:00 - 4:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

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

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths

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

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

Toddler Tuesday

Crafty Creatures 3:30 - 5:00 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Open 10:00 - 5:00 Flying Saucers, Butlers Wharf, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE Hebden Bridge Ages 3 - 6yrs 01422 846666 10% off Pottery Painting plus a free coffee (excludes holidays)

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

SUNDAY

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

Leader Tots 10:00 - 11:00 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

Mini Movers - Disco/Cheer 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

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

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

Mini Movers - Ballroom/Latin 5:30 - 6:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calder Valley Fell Runners - Junior 5:45 - 6:45 Calder High School, Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Alastair 07812 593660 8+ yrs

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

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 - 5:00 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

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

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

TIMS (Model Railway enthusiasts) Junior section 5:00 - 7:00 Knowl End Farm, Staups lane, Todmorden David - 07763 347579 7+ 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

7th Todmorden Brownies 6:10 - 7:25 Roomfield Baptist Church, Todmorden Abigail 07796 618411 7 - 10 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

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

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

Tai Kwon Do 6:00- 7:00 Calder High School, Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Helen 07901 833249 6 - 14 yrs

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

1st Mytholmroyd Rainbows 5:45 - 6:45 Thompson Reuters, The Hatchery, Hall Bank Lane Mytholmroyd Lisa Thwaite 01422 886274 5 - 7 yrs

2nd Hebden Bridge Brownies 6:00 - 7:15 Stubbings School, School Street, Hebden Bridge Christine 01422 843725 7 - 10 yrs

1st Heptonstall Brownies 6:30 - 7:30 Heptonstall Junior School, Heptonstall Angie Mossman 07795 506083 7 - 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

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

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

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

Helen O'Grady Drama Academy 4:00 - 7:00 Nutclough Tavern, Keighley Road, 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

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

Family AEGIS Class 6:00 - 7.00 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

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

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

Rugby League Under 12’s 6:00 - 7:00 Littleborough JARLFC, Littleborough Sports Club, Rakewood Lane, Littleborough Janine O7894 791033

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

Dance 4 All 9:15 - 1:15 The Methodist Church, Market Street, 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

Ballet & Tap (various levels) 10:00 - 11:00 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

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

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

Lane Shaw Drama Academy 10:00 - 1:30 Hebden Bridge Town Hall St George’s Street Hebden Bridge 07754 970798

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

Nick Farrar 01422 882378 5 - 8 yrs

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

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

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

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

Mini Movers - Gymnastic Dance 11:00 - 11:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

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

Todmorden Tai Kwon Do 6:20 - 7:20 Todmorden High School, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Keith Raistrick 07789 074198 6+ 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

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

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

2nd Mytholmroyd Brownies 6:30 - 8:00 The Ark Angela Trowell 01422 885378 7 - 10 yrs

Hippodrome Youth Theatre 7:30 - 9:00 Castle Hill School, Halifax Road, Todmorden Helen 01706 839424 10+ yrs Entry by Audition ONLY

Todmorden Judo Club 7:00 - 8:00 Canteen Mill, Whiteplatts Street, Todmorden Sean Nuttall 07812 187270 8+ yrs 2nd Todmorden Brownies 6:15 - 7:30 St Joseph's School, Wellington Road, Todmorden Fiona Monaghan 01706 819703 7 - 10 yrs

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

Todmorden Tai Kwon Do 6:20 - 7:20 Todmorden High School, Ewood Lane, 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

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

NB. If you would like to list to join a Rainbows or Brownie pack, please visit the website to register & state which pack you are interested in. www.girlguiding.org.uk

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

Swimming various levels 3:15 - 6:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

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

SUNDAY

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

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

Family AEGIS Class 11:00 - 12:00 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

Family Fun Swim (U11) 10:00 - 12:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

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

15

Huddersfield Leisure Centre

Splash park and Pools Spring Grove Street, Huddersfield, HD1 4BP 01484 766269 www.huddersfieldleisure.co.uk

By Penny Grandison

O

ne of the great things about working for a local school is that, on a Monday morning, the classroom is abuzz with excited ‘this is what I did at the weekend’ chatter.

The Splash Park & Pools at Huddersfield’s Leisure Centre has had a number of enthusiastic thumbs up from my class and so, when I was racking my brains for an incentive (ok, bribe) to motivate my two children to be more independent in the mornings, a family visit to the splash park was the natural choice. As a carrot it worked. I enjoyed five mornings of children fed, dressed, teeth brushed and coats on without the usual haranguing. The splashtastic trip was on!

Financial and logistical things first: A family ticket (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children) for a splash park session of 90 minutes costs £18.50. When I made my booking however, this price was reduced to £15.00 because I booked online (www.ticketsource.co.uk/kal).

16

Travel wise; finding Huddersfield Leisure Centre is pretty straightforward.

It’s situated in the Springwood area, near the centre of Huddersfield and just off the A62 ring road, Castlegate.

There’s plenty of parking both at the centre and the area surrounding it. The bus station is just a few minutes walk away, the railway station about ten minutes.

Now, a pet hate of most swimming pool goers, and often the reason many people avoid swimming pools like the plague, is the state of the changing rooms. Dirt-smeared clammy floors do not make for a relaxing experience.

I’m happy to report that said facilities at the Leisure Centre are both brand spankingly clean and spacious, with a number of family cubicles. By the time we’d deposited our bags in the lockers, my two were feverish with excitement and so, I’m not ashamed to admit, was I. This would surely beat the usual family swim whereby one of us attempts a sneaky length leaving the other to get repeatedly squirted in the face by children wielding those squeezy crab toys.

out & about

The splash park area itself isn’t huge. The advantage of this being that you don’t feel an immediate panic as your children plunge in with gay abandonment then immediately head off in opposite directions. As you would expect you can get drenched in a variety of creative ways; water buckets, water jets, small slides and a particularly impressive deluge of water, not unlike a heavy sheet of rain, which will make anyone who lives in this valley feel right at home. There’s also a lazy river, which my two both loved. For babies and toddlers there’s a shallower area, complete with little slide. The temperature both in and out of the water is warm enough for you to wait your turn for the slides without succumbing to fits of teeth chattering.

Yes the slides! One’s a traditional flume, the other a sidewinder; a giant ushaped half pipe which you hurtle down in a tyre. I’d never experienced the latter so excitedly joined my daughter in the queue, paying no heed to the screams overhead. As we climbed the steps and the shrieks intensified, a sliver of apprehension crept in. Having lugged

our double inflatable up two flights of stairs however, retreat was not an option.

Ready in our tyre it took just one enthusiastic push from the lifeguard and we plunged over the edge. Many would describe the sensation of free falling as you’re propelled from side to side at speeds of up to 25mph as exhilarating. I mentally added a few, perhaps more colourful descriptions, as I attempted to extract myself from the ring once it came to an eventual halt. This didn’t stop me returning for another turn or three though.

It’s important to mention here that both the flume and the sidewinder have a height restriction of 1.2metres and that this is enforced. My daughter, who’s 8, met the criteria. My 5 year-old son did not. This potentially could have proved catastrophic. The fact therefore that he

shrugged off the news and was more than happy playing with everything else the splash park had to offer, particularly the challenge of swimming against the current of the lazy river, is testament to the park’s well considered design.

Our 90-minute session flew past.

Once dressed, we could have visited the café situated in the leisure centre’s Reef fun zone but, having noticed that snow had begun to fall outside, we thought it safer to forgo this for another time. All in all, it was a great afternoon and we will definitely be returning (as long as my two continue to get themselves going in the morning that is…)

Prices correct as of February 2016

17

crafts Easter Crafts Decorating eggs These crafts work better if you start with white eggs.

First you need to hard boil your eggs.

• Place them in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to the boil then cover the pan and remove the heat.

• Allow the eggs to stand in the water for about 12 minutes to make them hard.

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Stencilled eggs:

Apply a stencil shape to the eggs and stick in place using egg white.

Delicate leaves work particularly well but may be too fiddly for children. They could try stickers, rubber bands or ever drawing a pattern on the egg with crayon first.

Cut a nylon stocking into tubes approx 12cm log and place the stencilled egg in the tube. Pull the nylon tight over the stencil and tie at the back with string. This ensures the stencil stays in place for the next bit.

The dye is made of 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and about a teaspoon of food colouring (this can be varied depending on the depth of shade you require).

Holding the string, dunk the egg into the dye and leave it there for about 5 minutes. You may need to turn the egg occasionally or spoon the dye over the egg to ensure an ever coating.

When you have reached the depth of colour you require, remove the egg and blot dry with a paper towel.

Carefully snip the string and remove the nylon, peel away the stencil and blot dry thoroughly.

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Melted crayon eggs:

When still hot (after the 12 minutes), carefully remove the eggs from the water and cover with swirling wax crayon designs. Because the eggs are hot the crayon will melt slightly and the colours will combine. Great effects can be created this way.

Once finished, put the eggs in the fridge to cool. After cooling they can be handled without the design coming off.

Pompom Easter bunnies

Cut out your simple easter bunny shapes as in the picture, from sturdy card. Make them about 10cm tall.

To create the pom pom tails, wrap some left over wool, or any yarn or twine, around 2 of your fingers approximately 25 times.

Carefully slide the yarn off your fingers (make sure it doesn’t unravel) and wrap tightly around the middle and tie.

Cut through the rounded ends of the twine and trim it down to your desired size.

Fray twine and fluff into a tail shaped ball. Attach with glue or double sided tape.

Cress egg heads

Carefully crack a fresh egg into a bowl by tapping it with a knife hear the top.

Thoroughly wash the larger bottom part of the shell and put it back into an empty egg box. It is fun to draw a face on the shell at this stage, so the cress will be his hair.

Thoroughly wet a piece of kitchen towel, screw it up and carefully put it in the shell then put a piece of wet cotton wool on top of that.

Sprinkle cress seeds onto the cotton wool then leave in a warm, light place. Don’t forget to sprinkle a few drops of water onto the seeds every day.

They should sprout in about 2 days then grow to about 5 cm in about a week, when it will be ready for eating.

focus on: choose your nursery carefully

C

hoosing the right nursery for your child is a very difficult thing for a parent to do. Following is our guide to help you make that choice well by asking yourself and the setting the right questions.

What sort of nursery?

Community nurseries

Run on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis and often managed by a committee of parents and local people. They usually offer full or part-time care for children aged between two to five years, although some may be registered to take children aged under two years.

Nursery schools and classes

Usually part of a Primary school, these are classes for children aged over three that only run during term-time, during school hours and often only part-time.

Ofsted school inspectors will regularly inspect these.

Children’s centres

Existing to provide family services, including education, for children aged under five and their families. This includes a place to play, learn and be cared for. All centres also offer support for parents.

Private and Independent nurseries

Run on a commercial basis, these nurseries provide a range of full and parttime care for pre-school children, generally from birth to five years.

Workplace nurseries

Privately run nurseries, which provide full or part-time care for the children of people employed in specific organisations or students are specific colleges only.

Which Nurseries shall I visit?

First you need to decide which area you want the nursery to be situated.

Close to home? Close to the schools of older siblings? Near to you workplace?

Etc. There are various places you can then look to find information on what is available in that area.

• Search National Day Nurseries Association’s website for nurseries in your area - www.ndna.org.uk • Use the search feature of your local authority website - www.calderdale. gov.uk/education/childcare/ • Look in the local yellow pages • Speak to other parents.

What do I need to look for?

First, the critical things:

It is not worth looking any further if the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’ • Are they registered with Ofsted?

The registration certificate should be displayed together with a current certificate of insurance.

• Do they have space for a child of your child’s age?

• Do they cover the hours and days you will need?

• Are they a term-time only nursery? Is that suitable?

• Can you afford it?

Finally, arrange a visit: •

• • •

Next, the important things: •

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How big is the nursery? Check how big the rooms are and how the ages are broken down. What is the maximum the nursery can take and how many free places do they currently have?

Does the setting accept Childcare vouchers (which you may be able to get from your employer) and offer the free entitlement for 2, 3 and 4 year olds?

Check the ratios of staff to children, guidelines set are: 1:3 for under 2s / 1:4 for 2-3 years /1:8 for 3-5 years Check the staff qualifications. At least half of the staff should hold an NVQ Childcare Level 2 or equivalent. All of the supervisors must have an NVQ Childcare Level 3 or equivalent. At least one staff member should have a First Aid certificate and check on child protection training. Is the setting proactive in updating qualifications?

Check what your fees include.

Nappies? Wipes? Meals and snacks etc? Also check if extra classes such as babysigning or dancing are available and, if so, is there an extra cost?

What are the meals like? When are the meals served? Are special diets catered for? Are the menus varied and healthy?

You should be allowed to see a copy of their latest OFSTED report. If you don’t have time during your visit these are available online.

How do you find out how your child is doing? How are activities recorded and who do you speak to?

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Note your first impression. Is the building in a good state of repair?

Is it secure? Were you greeted by a friendly member of staff?

How does your child react to the place? Are they clinging to you or do they want to go and join in?

Are the other children in the nursery happy and lively (remember, a group of toddlers should not be silent)?

What are the children doing? Is it something you would like your child to do? Is there a range of activities?

Creative, role-play, books, maths, music, story time and a clean and stimulating outdoor space? Do they have trips out? Are children encouraged to be challenged?

Are the staff friendly, happy and well presented? Do they interact with the children well? Did they welcome your child personally?

How would your child be settled in?

Could you stay with them while they get used to the new environment?

What is the procedure if you need to leave the nursery? Is there a notice period?

What is staff turn-over like? A fast turn over and change of carer may be unsettling for a child.

What is their potty training procedure and discipline regime? Are you happy with that?

If you have a baby, there may be other, specific things you want to know like; where do babies sleep during the day? Is it quiet? How much fresh air do they get? What are the buggies and prams like? How much time do babies spend with older children?

You may also be interested in getting involved with the social side of the nursery. Do they have Summer Fairs? Or parent’s evening/days? Or parent’s associations?

Finally, the most important point - did your child enjoy their time there?

19

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 .

Alison Grant architect

Making buildings individual, accessible and sustainable

Professional teacher and performer Twenty-five years experience

t: 01706 559971 e: sandrpennie@gmail.com

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

20

family health

A

frequent trial of parenting young children is getting them to sleep then, once asleep, ensuring they have a restful night. Hypnotherapy techniques can help so we spoke to Rachel, at Sage Hypnotherapy, who told us more.

“

Children fall in love with books because of the memories created when they snuggle up and read with someone they love”

This quote, from ‘Raising Readers’ is so true. Of course there will always be a parent who doesn’t agree with this statement but I assume that they didn’t even start to read this!

Young children, who are lucky enough to have parents who read them a bedtime story, are in the best place to benefit from the natural trance state that everyone enters as they are about to drift off to sleep.

This state is called the hypnogogic state and can be consciously guided and interpreted as it happens, forging a two-way communication with the unconscious mind. So if your child is reluctant to go to sleep, waking in the night, or experiencing nightmares your choice of bed-time story can get deep into their subconscious and help them experience a more restful sleep.

One of the books that hit the headlines last summer was ‘The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep’, which was created by a Swedish behavioral psychologist and linguist Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin.

Using some techniques similar to those that a hypnotherapist would use,

parents are asked to yawn frequently, emphasise certain words and speak in a slow and calm voice when reading certain words. Although the book has pictures, children are asked to just listen rather than read.

Of course a good night’s sleep, with less fussing, is also helped by having a consistent bedtime routine.

You may have tried it before, and failed, but your school-age child really will respond to the same routine every night before bed. Try to follow the same process - bath, milky drink, etc – each evening (including weekends) so that they are in bed at a similar time every night. And don’t forget that chocolate, cola etc are stimulants – so best avoided in the late afternoon or early evening.

Introducing cues or anchors into the routine can also help. For example, whichever book you read as a bedtime book to your child, use a calming voice and assume the same position on the bed every night.

If you are juggling a job, small children and are the sole carer, it is not always possible to find the time to

read to your child every night but the occasional use of some of the many CD’s available, which you can play to your child as they are about to go to sleep, can work very well. Some use relaxing music as well as soothing stories.

Of course Mums and Dads don’t usually have someone willing to read a bedtime story to them, but soothing sleep and healthy sleep patterns can be reached more rapidly at the end of the day by avoiding stimulants later in the day and using meditation, yoga or hypnotherapy.

Rachel lives and works in Todmorden and runs a hypnotherapy practice in Ilkley.

She is available for private consultations and offers the first consultation to new clients free of charge.

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Est. 2002

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

22

family page header health

Q Can Traditional Chinese Medicine,

particularly acupuncture, help with postnatal symptoms?

A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive system of healthcare that has evolved in China over 3,000 years. It offers a range of unique therapies such as Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.

TCM always regards and treats the body as a whole. Its primary emphasis is on health promotion and prevention.

When one falls ill, the focus of the treatment is on the person suffering from the illness rather than the illness itself.

Acupuncture is a therapy where very fine needles are inserted into various points along the ‘meridians’ with the aim of regulating the flow of vital energy and restoring any imbalance within the body. Modern studies have proven that acupuncture is highly effective in treating a wide range of conditions and may well help with restoring the balance of a body that has been through the considerable strain of pregnancy over several months. Acupuncture is an ancient traditional technique; it is drug free and a natural remedy which means that, unlike prescription medicines, there are no side effects.

Over time research and development has founded the theory of ‘Meridians’ in the human body. Through this we understand humans have 14 main meridian channels plus many other

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.

small channels coming from these. Each meridian connects to each organ inside the body. Western medicine agrees that the nervous system is mainly meridian based but TCM also includes blood vessels, the lymphatic system and other known body regulating systems in the meridian system.

In acupuncture, the needles are placed in a certain way so that they can open the channel, unlock the blockage and then regulate and stimulate the organ function. This helps the body to go back to a balance and treat the condition. For example, many symptoms can be caused by neural impulses being interrupted in the spinal cord or peripheral nerves; acupuncture can be used to rapidly adjust and rebalance the nervous system. It can also adjust the flow of fluids around the body, affecting long-lasting biomechanical and biochemical changes that can aid healing. It can affect the biological, physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological aspects of wellbeing, which aids rehabilitation and healing both in the short term and through longer lasting effects.

Chinese Therapeutic Massage, also known as Acupressure, is a therapy where finger and palm pressure is applied, instead of a needle, and uses a wide range of techniques on selected points.

This can be either relaxing or stimulating helping the body to improve circulation and regain its yin-yang balance.

Acupuncture therapy can treat and regulate the body for the following major problems: In the cardiovascular system, it has • a two way effect on blood pressure regulation and can enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment, reducing the risks of strokes and heart attacks.

In the respiratory diseases, it can • improve the body’s response to such things as cough, asthma, hay fever and other respiratory conditions.

In the digestive system, it can help to • regulate organs, treating such things as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Thyroid problems, Acid reflux, Diabetes and weight problems.

In the urinary tract system, it can • help with water retention, frequent urination and incontinence.

It can balance the body’s hormone • levels and the effects of aging such as Impotence, Prostate problems, PMS, period problems, infertility and menopause.

In the nervous system, it has a good • effect on such things as anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia and panic attacks.

It is also good for Systemic or local • pain disorders such as neck and shoulder pain, tennis elbow, sciatica, arthritis and sports injuries.

Dr Wen trained for 6 years at the Heilonyang University in China studying Traditional Chinese Medicine. After qualifying and gaining his degree he worked in the Universities teaching hospitals before coming to England 10 years ago. He then worked for a Chinese company as a doctor for 6 years and during this time he worked in London, York, Edinburgh and Manchester, where he gained valuable knowledge,

experience and insight into working with British patients. He now works privately at a number of clinics across Manchester including at Physio & Therapies in Todmorden. He is a member of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture UK .

For Treatments and appointments please contact the team and Physio & Therapies on 01706 819464

23

+ for parents and First Aid

grandparents

A short introduction to the basics of first aid on babies and children �Dealing with choking �Giving CPR � Meningitis � Head injury and more... an informal,, have a go, course in a baby friendly environment, you can bring your baby to play while you learn.

SP LA T

Courses run at local play gyms and other community venues please see www.splat traininig.co.uk for details. Or call Amy on 01422843210

ing s rn tick a e l at s th

01422843210 info@splattraining.co.uk