The Scallymag for Todmorden & Hebden Bridge - Spring '19

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Walsden Cornholme Todmorden Hebden Bridge Mytholmroyd Cragg Vale Luddendenfoot Midgley & Surrounding Areas

Diaries

Plan your week with your kids

Out & About Mersey Ferries Cruises Martin Mere

News

Local crop sharing scheme Time Out for Teens Local music festivals

Features

Music across the generations Making a Will

Regular Features: Health Literacy Bloke in a kitchen Competiton and MORE

FRE E

Spring ‘19 Issue 64

Competition

Alison Grant architect

Making buildings individual, accessible and sustainable

Need more room?

Don’t want to move?

I can help you create the space you need.

extensions loft conversions alterations energy solutions restorations

Contact Alison for creative, practical and affordable advice

5 Northfield, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7NW

Tel 01422 847 927

Web www.alisongrantarchitect.co.uk

Welcome

Welcome To

The Spring ‘19 edition of The Scallymag for Todmorden and Hebden Bridge

A

s I type, the crocuses are starting to show in the grass verges along the main roads, and the promise of the daffodils are shooting up in the garden. Spring is on its way!

We’ve got two Out & About ideas for you this time. One is to Merseyside for a trip on the Mersey Ferries and one is to Martin Mere Wetland Centre. So if you want the excitement of space exploration, WWII German submarines and boats on the high seas (well, the River Mersey) or would prefer the tranquillity of reconnecting with nature, we’ve got it covered.

Many thanks, as always, to our regular contributors; to our Bloke in the kitchen, our health and education professionals and our children’s literature experts. We couldn’t do it without you.

The next issue will be for Summer - any contributions or ideas by late April please. Thank you.

On that note, we have news about two family friendly events happening in the area in the coming weeks. 26th, 27th & 28th April, Hebden Bridge will host its annual Piano Festival and 3rd, 4th & 5th May, Todmorden will host its annual Folk Festival. We are very lucky to have such splendid events right on our doorstep.

Congratulations To:

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

Arthur Green aged 6, of Hebden Bridge, who drew our wonderful front cover picture “Spring Time” He gets a £25 voucher to spend at Silly Billy’s Toy Shop in Hebden Bridge.

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

Editor: Hazel Bregazzi Lay-out, Design & 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, 07816 321439 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® 2019 Nothing may be reproduced without permission

News

Find Your Thing with Time Out!

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t’s rare to pick up a newspaper without a glaring headline around young people’s mental health.

A number of recent studies suggest a real cause for concern, with rising numbers of children and young people struggling with anxiety, depression, stress and selfharm.

Photo: A Youth Social Action group from Calderdale College using Lego Mega Bloks to build their steps to excellence.

The exciting news for Calderdale is that Healthy Minds’ Time Out project is taking a different approach to emotional wellbeing for young people. Focusing on prevention, early intervention and building resilience, Time Out provides a menu of low-cost activities for all 10-19 year olds to access. There’s no need to have a specific mental health need; Time Out is for everyone.

“The project has been shaped by young people themselves who told us that ‘finding your thing’ – finding something you love to do – helps with feeling good and staying mentally well,” says team leader Tara Guha.

“It’s all about getting out of the house, meeting people and learning what works for you. For some young people it will be sport that boosts their mood; for others it could be drama or art or the outdoors. We’re using a ‘recovery college’ approach, which brings together a range of different providers of activities and services. So much is happening for children and young people already in Calderdale, but sometimes it can be hard to find out what’s available. By looking on the Time Out website parents and children can search out activities or support in their area.”

There are other strands to the project too: workshops around different aspects of mental health, wellbeing courses, youth social action training programmes and numerous opportunities for

volunteers. Time Out works closely with schools as well, delivering interactive anti-stigma workshops, drop-ins and targeted activities for smaller groups. For younger children (aged 5 upwards) with an identified need, Time Out can provide group support and creative courses to help children understand their feelings.

School holidays can be a tricky time for some children and families, which is why Time Out organises activities all year long. Art and drama activities have just run over February half term at Orange Box and more will happen over the Easter holidays: details will be on the website nearer the time.

Key Time Out partners include Orange Box, Square Chapel, Calderdale College, Piece Hall, Cricket Asylum, Handmade Parade, Victoria Theatre, Hebden Bridge Picture House, CVMAA (formally AEGIS Martial Arts), Calderdale Libraries and WomenCentre, with a wide variety of local community organisations also involved. Tara Guha says, “We are keen to connect with as many local groups as possible. If you provide activities or support for young people please get in touch so that we can add your details to our website and discuss partnership opportunities.”

“The best thing is the feedback we’re getting from children,” concludes Tara. “As one ten year old put it after attending one of our recent workshops, ‘I learned that it’s OK not to be OK.’ What we really want to be able to say to young people is ‘whether you’re OK or not OK, or not even sure, Time Out can meet you where you are and offer you opportunities to meet people, do interesting things and get support.’”

Young people interested in getting involved should go onto the website www.timeoutcalderdale. co.uk to register, or parents/children can contact the Time Out team directly on 01422 345154/ timeout@ healthymindscalderdale.co.uk. Schools, parent groups and organisations can also get in touch via these details.

News

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odmorden Folk Festival is entering its 5th year and will be all over the town, over the three days of 3rd to 5th May. As well as the concerts, some of which are moving to bigger venues this year, there are lots of free things planned for families. Everything from a tiny theatre in a tent to reggae for tots, the organisers are making sure children feel welcome at all the events.

Here is a guide to the top ten events for families during the festival.

1. Join in the Family Festival Fun on Saturday with free activities for kids – making, playing, music and more! FREE 2. Dance away at the Family Ceilidh with ‘Frog On a Bike’ ceilidh band.

3. Join the Saturday evening concert. The first act will inspire any budding youngsters to pick up an instrument. 13 year olds Orladh and Leo have earned their spot in the headline concert as this year’s Young Musician Award winners!

Followed by the lively and vibrant Sheelanagig.

4. Jig about to an outdoor family gig with our local favourites, Red Hippo! FREE 5. Sing sea shanties! Sunday afternoon’s concert includes our fantastic young musician award finalist trio ‘Heather’ and some rousing choruses from She Shanties - fun for kids

that love to sing and any little kids that plan to be pirates when they grow up.

6. Bring your babies to the classic Tiny Dancers disco with a reggae roots twist! Music, dancing and sensory fun for our littlest festival goers (Aimed at 0-5s). FREE 7. Take a break at the festival Café and craft market.

Affordable fulfilling food and great cakes too! FREE 8. Enjoy a Family theatre show with Happy Campers Theatre and ‘The Fisherman Fable’, a sweet, enchanting maritime adventure. FREE 9. Hang out at the Global Street Market with music, stalls and tasty food. FREE 10. Watch the Dancing around the town. The costumes, movement and music will be a great spectacle. FREE Look out for the programme for details and we’ll see you there!

Boost for Cyclists and Walkers

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heels are in motion for a £2.1m scheme to improve cycling and walking access on a 6km section of the Rochdale Canal towpath between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. This is part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s £60m CityConnect programme and is aimed at encouraging more people to travel by bike or on foot.

The plans include resurfacing and widening the canal towpath, building on improvements to a 10km section between Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge, and providing communities along the Calder Valley with a traffic-free, flat and attractive alternative route to the A646.

The scheme, which will use Department for Transport funding, secured by the Combined Authority and Calderdale Council, with additional contributions from both organisations, will be delivered in partnership with Canal & River Trust.

The works between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden are due to start in the spring with the scheme completed by autumn.

The project is part of a wider package of canal towpath improvements being delivered across the region through the CityConnect programme, including between Huddersfield and Milnsbridge on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and between Silsden and Riddlesden on the Leeds Liverpool Canal as part of the Airedale Greenway.

For more information about this and other CityConnect projects visit www. cyclecityconnect.co.uk/projects

Photo © Craig Shaw Photography

5th Todmorden Folk Festival

News

‘Bags of seasonal goodness’

Exclusive Offer for Readers

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new food project, based on principles instead of profit, is aiming to make a positive change to the way we shop and eat. Pennine Cropshare is a local veg bag scheme, providing customers with seasonal, organic veg at affordable prices.

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They have a range of different bag sizes to choose from, making the scheme suitable for more households. A Mini bag starts at only £6 but, for larger families that love their veg, there is a Bumper bag with a greater variety of tasty seasonal vegetables.

Isobel from Cropshare explained to us; “By eating with the seasons you help the local economy while enjoying fresher more nutritious produce. You will also be helping to protect the environment by reducing the distance your food travels.

Fresher produce always tastes better too!”

Pennine Cropshare believe in supporting local growers. Most of the veg is grown in Yorkshire or Lancashire, some as close as Hebden Bridge.

“We love having the fresh produce from Sagar Lane at Horsehold and The Long Causeway Market Garden, two very small scale local growers producing great quality veg.” Isobel said.

The veg is supplied in environmentally friendly, re-useable jute bags rather than in boxes and delivered to various pick up points across Hebden, Todmorden and

the Burnley areas. This keeps transport and costs to a minimum.

Pennine Cropshare have also teamed up with Bakehouse in Mytholmroyd and can offer the option to have a freshly baked sourdough loaf in your veg bag too, making the collection of your weekly bag even more exciting!

“We’re building real alternatives to the current damaging food system.”

Isobel went on, “Pennine Cropshare is a small social enterprise with big ambitions for a fairer, more resilient food system, committed to the sustainable, local production of good food.”

Signing up to the scheme is simple. Just go online to www. penninecropshare.co.uk, choose the veg bag size you would like then pick your closest collection point. The veg will be picked fresh that week, packed and delivered to your chosen pick up point every Friday. And please mention you saw the scheme in The Scallymag when you place your first order, and you will receive an extra vegetable portion in your first bag.

Mendelssohn to Madness

ebden Bridge Piano Festival is billed as “A magical weekend of piano music, in the heart of this beautiful Yorkshire town.”

The Festival takes place at Hebden Bridge Town Hall over the weekend of Friday 26th to Sunday 28th April and is a mix of free and paid events.

The festival is now in its seventh year and, each year, over the three days, they have presented afternoon and evening concerts, lunchtime recitals and the annual children’s concert. Most of the performers are of national and international renown, though they also have an ethos of showcasing talented local amateur pianists and to put on

events aimed at people of all ages.

Although the main focus of the event remains on Classical music, there will be other forms too. This year’s line up includes Lauren Zhang, the BBC’s Young Musician of the year for 2018, and Karl Mullen, who specializes in solo piano jazzy arrangements of everything from Rimsky Korsakov to Madness and the Beach Boys.

More details are on their website - www. hebdenbridgepianofestival.com

Out & About

Mersey Ferry Explorer Cruise fter years of taking three children ‘out & about’, one of the secrets to a successful day out is keeping the children constantly moving so, hopefully, they remain interested (or at least distracted), by what and where you are visiting. Taking a trip on a Mersey Ferry Explorer Cruise is an excellent example of keeping them constantly moving and interested. And, if you choose a fair-weather day, this could be one of those successful days out!

Liverpool’s Mersey Ferries operate various Explorer Cruises all year round and they are reasonably priced. I chose this particular cruise as it runs between three terminal locations on both sides of the river and the price includes entrance to two riverside attractions: Spaceport and the U-boat Story. The total cruising journey time is fifty minutes and you can hop on and off the ferry at any terminal throughout the day. They run frequently, so you have flexibility. I pre-ordered the tickets on-line (which were discounted) and chose to join the ferry at Liverpool’s famous Pier Head. In hindsight, for ease of parking, I maybe should have joined the ferry at another terminal. It really depends on the time you have available.

Once aboard the ferry there is lots to see. The river ride itself with the view of Liverpool’s famous waterfront was really enjoyable and we were lucky enough to be sailing on the stunning Dazzle ferry, created by Sir Peter Blake as part of the 2018 First World War commemorations.

The eye-catching dazzle design is in honour of the patterns that were first used on vessels in WW1. They worked by ‘baffling the eye’ and making the ships difficult to target.

Our first stop, at Seacombe Terminal, was Spaceport. It’s a great place to get interactive, with fascinating information about the solar system and beyond. The 360 degree space dome and observatory were really interesting and the Space Ride and Space Dome shows are a must for a visitor of any age - I had as much fun as the children! The sizeable Star Wars exhibition was an added bonus, especially as we have young SW fans in

our family. We stayed at Spaceport for at least a couple of hours.

From Seacombe we hopped back on the ferry for the short ride to Woodside Terminal, where we visited the U-boat Story. Here we learned about and saw an actual German U-boat that had been sunk off the coast of Denmark and found many years later, before being homed in Birkenhead. It was a wonderful insight into the role of the U-boat during WW2 with the (indoors) exhibition housing lots of interesting artefacts, historical information and even an enigma machine. The outside section is the actual salvaged U-boat which has been cut up into four sections. You can look into the various compartments of the boat through glass panels which allow you to see its structure and loads of detail. It was amazing to think that this vessel housed fifty four men plus their equipment; it must have been a very claustrophobic atmosphere. We spent about an hour or so here before getting re-boarding the Dazzle and heading back over to Pier Head.

At the Pier Head there are lots of cafes to stop for something to eat, but snacks and refreshments are also available on the ferry. Personally, I found on board was a perfect place to enjoy our picnic!

I picked a dry day for this trip out as it would not have been be so enjoyable had it been rainy and windy. Plus it can be cold on the river, whatever time of the year you go. So remember to pack extra layers for warmth as the ride is best enjoyed sitting outside on the deck.

By Tracey Sunderland

Photos courtesy Mersey Ferries

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www.merseyferries.co.uk 0151 330 1003

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ildlife, and especially birds, are not really what the children are into.

That’s the truth. The thought of birdwatching (in my mind it means being quiet and standing still for hours on end waiting for our feathered friends to appear on a distant tree branch) did not exactly conjure up a good day out. However, listening to the radio and David Attenborough back in July, telling me that, ‘Watching butterflies is good for you!’ I decided that it was time to step out of our comfort zone and go to a Wetland Centre to look at birds and count butterflies.

Martin Mere Wetland Centre Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0TA | 01704 895181 | www.wwt.org.uk/martin-mere

The Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a nature reserve managed by The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, a conservation charity that essentially saves wetlands.

As an area, Martin Mere was formed at the end of the last Ice Age and, until it was drained, was the largest body of fresh water in England. Part of this old mere is now the site of the Wetland Centre. Since 1946 The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust has been encouraging and developing the connection we have with nature through these beautiful areas. They have carefully designed and managed these reserves so that endangered wildlife is not only saved, but allowed to flourish. This is one of ten Wetland Centres dotted around the UK and was opened in 1975.

On arrival you can see that the Centre is very well laid out and managed.

There is a notice board which you are directed to (and encouraged to take a mobile picture of) that has all the times and events that are due to happen at the centre that day, for example, the flamingo and otter feeding times. This makes it so much easier to plan your day

as there are over 400 acres to wander around. We also purchased an essential pack of seed to feed the birds with. One pack was enough for the whole visit.

Then we began to wander and wander and wander. There are paths and trails around the centre that take you into large pens filled with various species of birds, although many of these areas are so large that you do not realise that you are walking between fenced areas. You really do get very close to the birds and some are so tame and gentle that they will take seed from your hand.

Staff and helpers are always nearby to give advice and further information.

There are a number of bird hides dotted around which are open to all and a separate area, set aside from the more public trails, for the professional ‘Twitcher’ to do their observing. There is also a large lake that offers boat trips and canoe safaris, plus a children’s arts and crafts section and a large, wellstocked play area, with a zip wire and cold water fountain, perfect to burn off any excess energy. Needless to say there are plenty of places to eat a picnic or

stop for a snack or just stop.

We went for day trip during the summer but this is a great venue for any season. This is nature at its very best as the wetland landscape and wildlife is constantly changing. In fact, the winter season is supposed to be the best time of year to visit as it is a marvellous opportunity to view huge flocks of migrating birds. There really is something for everyone, no matter what the time of year is, how old they are and what their level of interest in wildlife is.

As part of our ‘Welcome pack’ we were given a butterfly hunt sheet and were encouraged to go and search, then record our findings on the number of varieties we could find, and this is what we did, just like David Attenborough had told me to. And I think he’s right. We did feel good at the end of the day, tired and certainly a lot more connected with nature.

The Big butterfly count 2019 will take place from Friday 19 July - Sunday 11 August.

By Tracey Sunderland

Photos courtesy Martin Mere Wetland Centre & Tracey Sunderland

Out & About

Feature

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here is an abundance of research now available supporting the claim that, providing activities involving different age groups, has significant health benefits for all involved.

Growing older doesn’t necessarily mean having to lose an interest in activities enjoyed as a child and hearing music can often stimulate very strong and meaningful memories. For many young children, exposure and familiarity with the older generation may, for a variety of reasons, be infrequent or non-existent. The same applies to the older generation who may not have regular contact with grandchildren or families.

SongTime with Jo Jingles

At Jo Jingles they care about the community and the spirit of the community. So much so that they have taken their already successful music and movement sessions into two elderly care homes – including maracas, the parachute, the bag of sleeping teddies and obviously ‘Little Jo’! It has been an enormous, pleasurable success for all concerned, proving that music can provide positive mental stimulation for both young and older generations but also, enjoying the experience together in a simple format of just ‘making music’ means that heaps of fun can be had as well.

Jo Corbett, session leader and Manager of Jo Jingles Rossendale enthused, “The older generation who raised us with love, and passed on their wisdom, enabled us to do the same with our children, the younger generation. So, when we can bring them both together, we get very excited. I am lucky enough to experience this ‘meeting’ every week and it is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Three generations coming together and sharing their love of music and movement.”

Jo was unsure of what the response was going to be when she first approached care homes with her idea. Would they be interested in introducing their residents to sharing her music and movement sessions with pre-schoolers? But two care homes immediately jumped at the opportunity and it’s fair to say, no-one has looked back. The sessions have been judged to be amazing and the impact on so many levels is clearly evident by all those present.

As Jo goes onto to say, “First, we have the residents themselves. They love seeing something different and they can join in with the children and have a good laugh with them. Myself and Gwen, my lovely teacher, can see residents coming out of their shells and becoming re-energised as each week goes by. Also the staff enjoy it too! As the weeks have gone by, residents’ relations, the sisters, brothers, daughters and partners, are coming in to visit when we are there to see for themselves what is happening. One daughter told us that the difference to her dad was amazing. He had become very reclusive after having had a stroke but now he has made good friends with a couple of the children and he looks forward to their visit, taking an active part in the sessions. Then there are our super ‘Jingling’ children and their parents. They come for so many different reasons. Many are current Jo Jingles customers who just love to bring joy into the care homes. What’s wonderful is that we also have parents who are now visiting their relations in the home every week and bringing their children with them, so that they all ‘Jingle’ together. Whatever the reason, it is making an immense difference!”

One parent is quoted as saying, “It’s so heart-warming to watch the children and residents interact with each other.”

Louise Testa, Registered Manager at Cherry Tree Care Home, says, “Jo Jingles has enhanced our home immeasurably; the joy of bringing the old and young together has created an overwhelming sense of excitement and purpose for our residents. You may reach an age where playfulness and childlike freedom is forgotten, but it only takes a spark to re- ignite that flame of childhood laughter.

Jo Jingles has brought that to Cherry Tree in abundance and long may it continue.”

Perfect.

The good news is you can be a part of it as well.

Jo Jingles sessions are currently running in two care homes: • every Monday afternoon at 1.45pm they visit Cherry Tree Care Home in Rawtenstall • alternate Wednesday afternoons at 2.15pm at Carders Court Care Home in Castleton.

These are Pay as You Go sessions at £2.50 per child, however there are only 10 places, so booking is essential.

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Diary Pages

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

Pre-school and Playgroups usually offer free sessions for children aged 2½ and over for 15/30 hours per week during term time.

Contact them directly for more information.

Out of School Clubs are for older children who require care outside normal school hours or during holidays. Those listed take

all children, not just those who attend any associated school.

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

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

8:45 - 11:45 12:25 - 3:25* ages 2 to 5

Tuesday

9:00 - 12:00 12:25 - 3:25* ages 3 & 4

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

9:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 3:00* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2 to 4

8:45 - 11:45 12:25 - 3:25* ages 2 to 5

Wednesday

9:00 - 12:00 12:25 - 3:25* ages 3 & 4

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

9:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 3:00* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2 to 4

8:45 - 11:45 12:25 - 3:25* ages 2 to 5

Thursday

9:00 - 12:00 12:25 - 3:25* ages 3 & 4

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

9:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 3:00* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2 to 4

Friday

9:00 - 12:00 12:25 - 3:25* ages 3 & 4

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

9:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 3:00* ages 2 - 5

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2 to 4

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2 to 4

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

Todmorden CE Nursery Todmorden CE Junior, Infant & Nursery School, Burnley Rd, Todmorden 01706 812019

9:00 - 12:00 12:00 - 3:00* ages 2 - 5

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

Colden Early Years Nursery Colden School Playground, Smithy Lane, Colden, Hebden Bridge 01422 846734

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

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

Little Village Learners The Community Centre, Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge 01422 882226

9:00 - 12:00 12:25 - 3:25* ages 3 & 4

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

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

Monday

Out of School clubs

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

Shade School Nursery Knowlwood Road, Todmorden 01706 812913

Pre-schools & Playgroups

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.

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

8:45 - 11:45 12:25 - 3:25* ages 2 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

8:45 - 11:45 12:25 - 3:25* ages 2 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

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

Playtopia Moderna Business Park, Burnley Road, Mytholmroyd 07943 840113

Soft Play

Todmorden Library Strand, Rochdale Road Todmorden 01706 815600

Library times Hebden Bridge Library Cheetham Street Hebden Bridge 01422 842151

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

* See Diary Listing for Fun Swim times

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

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

2:00 - 4:30

11

9:00 - 6:00

1:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 6:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:00 - 6:00

Private Parties Only

9:00 - 6:00

11:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 4:00

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

Pre-School Diary Caterpillar Club 8:30 - 11:00 (term time only) Scout Road Academy, Scout Road, Mytholmroyd Emma - 07901 888829

Parent & Toddlers 9:00 - 11:00 The Old Library, 1 Parkside Road, Cornholme Oxana - 01706 813222

Walsden Community Playgroup @ St Peter’s 9:15 - 11:15 St Peter’s Church, Walsden Sheila 01706 815924

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

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

Steiner Parent & Toddler 10.00 - 12:00 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052 816

Pre-school dance 10:00 - 10:40 JADPA - Julie Anne Dance and Performing Arts, Luddendenfoot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddendenfoot Julie - 07758 147364 18 months - 3 yrs

Postnatal Yoga 11:30 - 12:30 Calderdale Yoga Centre, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge Kay - 07773 767427

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

Luddenden Valley Stay & Play 9:15 - 11:15 Luddenden Foot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddenden Foot Collette - 07901 748024

Mytholmroyd Toddlers 9:15 - 11:00 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Elphaborough, Mytholmroyd 01422 882226

BATS Playgroup 9:30 - 11:30 Central Methodist Church, Todmorden Tammy Powell

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

Steiner Baby Group 10.00 - 11.15 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052 816

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

Parent & Toddlers 9:15 - 11:15 St Joseph’s Primary School, Wellington Road, Todmorden Rowena - 01706 812948

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

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

Thula Mama (Mums and Babies Harmony Singing)

10.00 - 11.30 Central Hebden Bridge Liz Powers 01422 847702

Midgley Under 5’s 9:45 - 11:15 Midgley School, Midgley Claire - 01422 883837

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

Afternoon Toddlers 2:00 - 2:45 (10.00 - 11.00 from Jan ‘19) Helen Wilman School of Todmorden Children’s Centre, Dance, Waterside Gym, Burnley Road, Todmorden Valley Road, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE 07435 560218

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

Childminder Network Group 9:30 - 11:30 (term time only) Dodnaze Community Centre, 54 Hirst Grove, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970

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

Icky Stic 10:00 - 1 Methodi Street, H Nichola

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

Ballet & Tap 4:00 - 5:00 JADPA - Julie Anne Dance and Performing Arts, Luddendenfoot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddendenfoot Julie - 07758 147364 3 - 5 yrs

Junior Strikers 5:30 - 6:30 CVMAA, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784

Bumps

Stay and Play 10:00 - 11:30 (term time only) St James’ Church, Church Lane, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE Ages 0 - 5yrs

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

Tweenies/Midweek Movers 1:30 - 3:00 (term time only) Todmorden Children’s Centre Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE Ages 0 - 3yrs

Steiner Parent & Toddler 10.00 - 12:00 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052 816

Little Bear Feet 10:30 - 11:15 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 1½ - 3 yrs

Parent & Toddler Swimming 11:45 - 12:45 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913

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

Prescho 4:00 - 5: DC Dan Todmord Dawn Age 4 - 6

Baby Massage 12:30 - 1:30

Central Street Playgroup 9:00 - 11:00 (term time only) Central Street School, Hebden Bridge 01422 842784

St Michael’s Angels Worship and Play 9:00 - 11:00 St Michael’s Hall, Mytholmroyd Catherine - 01422 883130

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

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

Hebden Bridge Toy Library 10:00 - 11:30 (term time only) Hope Baptist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Sarah

Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:00 (term time only) Todmorden Children’s Centre Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Jo Jingles 9:30 - 10:15 (under 2s), 10:30 - 11:15, (over 2s), 11:30 - 12:15 (3mths - walking) 12:30 - 1:15 (over 3s), Todmorden Cricket Club, Burnley Road, Todmorden Jo Corbett - 01706 212889

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

Rhythm Time 10:00 - 10:45 (14 mths +), 10:45 - 11:30, (6 - 14 mths), 11:30 - 12:15 (birth - 6mths), Mytholmroyd Cricket Club, Moderna Way, Mytholmroyd Alison - 07938 752005

Steiner Parent & Toddler 10.00 - 12:00 Machpelah Mill, Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge Sally - 07904 052 816

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

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

Todmorden CE Playgroup 9:00 – 11:00 (term time only) Todmorden CE School, Burnley Road 01706 812019

Luddenden Valley Stay & Play 9:15 - 11:15 Luddenden Foot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddenden Foot Collette - 07901 748024

Baby & Tweenies Stay & Play Parent & Toddlers 9:30 - 11:30 9:30 - 11:30 Todmorden Health Centre, Vale Baptist Church, Burnley Lower George Street, Road, Cornholme Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Ante-Natal Clinic 9:00 - 4:00 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden By appointment only via your midwife

Jo Jingles - Family session Art Stars 9:45 - 10:30 (3mths - walking) 10:00 - 10:45 10:45 - 11:30 (3mths - walking) The Star Tree Studio, 42 St Andrews Church, Arm Victoria Street, Littleborough Road, Littleborough Neela - 07778 543233 Jo Corbett - 01706 212889

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

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

Ballroom & Latin 4:30 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 4 - 6 yrs

Little Bear Feet 9:15 - 10:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 1½ - 3 yrs

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

Ballet & Tap 10:00 - 11:00 JADPA - Julie Anne Dance and Performing Arts, Luddendenfoot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddendenfoot Julie - 07758 147364 3 - 5 yrs

Dad & Male Carers Group 10.00 - 12.00 (3rd Sat of month) (term time only)

Halifax Fire Station, Skircoat Moor Road, King Cross, Halifax 01706 399970 - FREE

Ducklings Swimming various levels 9:00 - 1:30; 3:15 - 6:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

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

support gr

10:00 - 1 The Met Road, H Nicola -

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

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

Todmor - Widths

7:00 - 8: Todmord Ewood L Deborah

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

Dance (Various Classes) 9:00 - 11:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 4 - 6 yrs

Melody Movement Dance 9:15 - 10:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 3 - 4 yrs

12

Humpty 11:00 - 1 StoryMa Todmord Halifax R Katrina

Pre-School Diary

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

ngs Swimming s levels :00 den Sports Centre, Lane, Todmorden 839090

cky Kids 11:30 ist Church, Market Hebden Bridge a - 07973 234 928

Sunny Days Playgroup 10:00 - 12:00 (except Bank Holidays)

Artsmill, Linden Mill, Linden Road, Hebden Bridge Catherine - 07921 903846

Drama with Singing 4:00 - 4:30 StoryMagic Theatre School, Queen Hotel, Rise Lane, Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788 Ages 4+ Toddler Tuesday

Baby Stay and Play 12:30 - 2:00 (term time only) Central Street School, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE

Todmorden CE Playgroup 1:15 - 3:15 (term time only) Todmorden CE School, Burnley Road 01706 812019

Todmorden Taekwondo - Dragons 6:00 - 6:30 Todmorden Town Hall, Todmorden Keith - 07789 074198 4 - 6 yrs

Pregnancy Yoga 7:30 - 8:45 Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge Kay - 07773 767427

Baby Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:00 (From Jan ‘19) Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Children’s Centre Burnley Road, Todmorden Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE 01706 399970 - FREE Pre-walkers only

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

Well Baby Clinic

10% off Pottery Painting plus a free (For weighing ONLY) coffee (excludes holidays) 1:00 - 3:00 (From Jan ‘19)

Open 10:00 - 5:00 Flying Saucers, Butlers Wharf, Hebden Bridge 01422 846666

& Babes

roup for multiple births

11:30 thodist Church, New Hebden Bridge - 01422 843129

ool Ballet & Tap :00 nce, Victoria Road, den 01706 839113 6 yrs

Dance Acro 5:00 - 5:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 4 - 6 yrs

Todmorden Taekwondo - Dragons 5:50 - 6:25 Todmorden Town Hall, Todmorden Keith - 07789 074198 2 - 5 yrs

ngs Swimming s levels :00 den Sports Centre, Lane, Todmorden 839090

R-Kix Soccer Tots 5:00 - 6:00 Calder High School, Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Rick - 07887 477626 3+ yrs

Junior Strikers 5:30 - 6:30 CVMAA, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784

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

Tinderwood Trust Forest School 10:00 - 12:00 The Cricket Club, Eastwood, Todmorden Claire - 07926 053461

Baby Art 10:00 - 11:30 Artsmill, Linden Mill, Linden Road, Hebden Bridge Catherine - 07921 903846

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

White background shows drop-in events open to all.

Todmorden Swimming Club - Widths

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

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

rden Swimming Club

SUNDAY

:00 den Sports Centre, Lane, Todmorden h - 07551 266862

y’s half hour 11:30 agic Theatre School, den Social Club, Road,Todmorden - 01706 810788

Pregnancy Yoga 6:15 - 7:30 The Old Coop, Rochdale Road, Todmorden Julie - 07816 238957

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

Family Service with crafts/Messy Church 10.30 - 11.45 (1st Sunday only) St Peter’s Church, Walsden Rev’d Nancy 07964 340849

Junior Strikers 10:00 - 11:00 CVMAA, 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

13

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

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

Out Of School Diary After School Swimming 3:45 - 6:15 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

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

Boxing 4:15 - 5:00 Hybrid Strength, Unit 2, 10a Nanholme Mill, Shaw Wood Road, Todmorden 07824 391723 5+ yrs

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

Junior Cricket 5:00 - 6:30 Todmorden Cricket Club, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 813140 Under 9s & under 11s

Group Singing 5:30 - 6:00 StoryMagic Theatre School, Todmorden Social Club, Halifax Road,Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788

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

Drama with Singing 4:00 - 4:30 StoryMagic Theatre School, Todmorden Social Club, Halifax Road,Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788 Ages 4 - 7

Drama 4:30 - 5:30 StoryMagic Theatre School, Todmorden Social Club, Halifax Road,Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788 Ages 7 - 11

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

Junior Grapplers 5:30 - 6:30 CVMAA, Salem Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 8+ yrs

2nd Luddenden Rainbows 5.30 - 6.30 every fortnight Kershaw Youth Centre Kershaw Drive, Luddendenfoot Fran - 07711 871068 5 - 7 yrs

After School Swimming 3:45 - 6:30 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

Gym 4:00 - 5:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 8 - 15 yrs

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

Netball (various levels) 5:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Lisa - 07977 007190 10+ yrs

Boxercise 5:00 - 5:45 Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy, Perseverance Mill, Halifax Road, Todmorden 07732 433243 or Facebook 5-10 yrs

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

Little Scarabs MMA Fit 4:00 - 5:00 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd Laura - 07548 767282 6+ yrs

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

Primary Ballet 4:15 - 5:00 Helen Wilman School of Dance, Waterside Gym, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge 07435 560218

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

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

Family Martial Arts 6:30 - 7:30 CVMAA, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

Kids Sewing Club 3:30 - 5:00 Word of Mouth, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Jinny - 01422 648299 8+ yrs

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

Girls Kickboxercise 4:00 - 4:45 Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy, Perseverance Mill, Halifax Road, Todmorden 07732 433243 or Facebook 8-11 yrs

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

Ballet & tap 5:00 - 6:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

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

Dancing (various classes) 4:00 - 8:45 Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, Conservative Club, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 10 + yrs

Spanish Club 4:00 - 5:00 Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge Anil - 01422 229748 6+ yrs

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

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

Junior Grapplers 5:30 - 6:30 CVMAA, Salem Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 8+ yrs

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

Kids Sewing Club 3:30 - 5:00 Word of Mouth, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Jinny - 01422 648299 8+ yrs

Dancing (various classes) 4:00 - 8:00 Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, Conservative Club, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 10 + yrs

Little Scarabs MMA Fit 4:00 - 5:00 Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd Laura - 07548 767282 6+ yrs

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

Boxercise 5:00 - 5:45 Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy, Perseverance Mill, Halifax Road, Todmorden 07732 433243 or Facebook 5-10 yrs

Disco/Freestyle 5:00 - 6:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

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

Football Training 4:00 - 5:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5 - 6 yrs

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

Football Training 5:00 - 6:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 7 - 8 yrs

R-Kix Soccer Tots 5:00 - 6:00 Calder High School, Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Rick - 07887 477626 Under 7s

1st Mytholmroyd Rainbows 5:45 - 6:45 St Michael’s Church Hall, Mytholmroyd Lisa - 01422 886274 5 - 7 yrs

After School Swimming 3:45 - 6:00 Shade Junior & Infant School, Shade, Todmorden 01706 812913 4+ yrs

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

Musical Theatre 4:30 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Junior Cricket Training 4:30 - 5:15 (4 - 6 yrs) 5:15 - 6:00 (7 - 11 yrs) Walsden Cricket & Bowling Club, Scott Lane, Walsden 01706 813179

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

Dancing (various classes) 4:00 - 7:30 Sarah Hitchon School of Dance, Conservative Club, Fielden Square, Todmorden Sarah - 07929 576785 10 + yrs

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

Kids Pole Training 4:00 - 5:00 Hybrid Strength, Unit 2, 10a Nanholme Mill, Shaw Wood Road, Todmorden 07824 391723 6+ yrs

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

Ballroom & Latin 5:00 - 5:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

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

Football Training 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 & 11:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+, 7+, 9+ & 11+ yrs

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

Dance 4 All (various levels) 9:15 - 1:15 Riverside School, Hebden Bridge Abigail 07772 608989 5+ yrs

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

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

Junior Grapplers 10:00 - 12:00 CVMAA, Salem Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 8+ yrs

Boxercise 9:00 - 9:45 Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy, Perseverance Mill, Halifax Road, Todmorden 07732 433243 or Facebook 5-10 yrs

Swimming (various levels) 9:00 onwards Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ yrs

Ballet (various levels) 9:30 - 2:20 Helen Wilman School of Dance, Waterside Gym, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge 07435 560218

Dance (Various Styles) 10:00 - 1:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Gym 10:00 - 11:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 10 - 11 yrs

Musical Theatre (various classes) 10:00 - 1:00 StoryMagic Theatre School, Todmorden Social Club, Halifax Road,Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788 Ages 4+

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

Kids Pole Training 9:15 - 10:15 Hybrid Strength, Unit 2, 10a Nanholme Mill, Shaw Wood Road, Todmorden 07824 391723 6+ yrs

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

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

Youth Theatre 10:00 & 11:00 Square Chapel Arts Centre 10 Square Road, Halifax 01422 349422 5+ & 8+ yrs

Judo Excellence 10:00 & 11:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 5+ & 8+ yrs

Ballet, Tap & Jazz (Various levels)

4:00 - 7:30 JADPA - Julie Anne Dance & Performing Arts, Luddendenfoot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddendenfoot Julie - 07758 147364

14

Out Of School Diary Hebden Bridge Junior Band - beginners 5:45 - 6:45 Masonic Lodge, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge 07879 998151

Judo Excellence 6:00 - 7:00 Above Purdy Pine, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge Tony - 07932 081793 5 - 8 yrs

Luddendenfoot Boys Brigade Anchors & Juniors 6:30 - 8:00 Luddendenfoot Civic Institute, Station Road Heather - 01422 885542 5 - 11 yrs

Orange Box Rock School 6:30 - 8:00 Orange Box Young People’s Centre, 1 Blackledge, Halifax, 01422 349422 11 - 16 yrs

Todmorden Shotokan Karate 7:00 - 8:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 07794 241107 7+ yrs

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

1st Cornholme Brownies 6:10 - 7:20 Vale Baptist Church, Burnley Road, Cornhome 7-10 yrs

Todmorden Taekwondo 6:30 - 7:30 Todmorden Town Hall, Todmorden Keith - 07789 074198 5+ yrs

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

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

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

2nd Mytholmroyd Brownies 6:30 - 8:00 The Ark, Dean Hey Farm, Cragg Rd, Hebden Bridge Angela - 01422 885378 7 - 10 yrs

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

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

Todmorden Taekwondo 6:30 - 7:30 Todmorden Town Hall, Todmorden Keith - 07789 074198 5+ yrs

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

18th Hebden Bridge Beavers 6:15 - 7:15 Top Floor, Salem Mill, Hebden Bridge Sarah Hebdenbridgebeavers @gmail.com 6 - 8 yrs

Luddenden Guides 7:00 - 8:45 Luddenden Youth Centre, Kershaw Drive, Luddenden Foot.

Sue - 07920482404 10 yrs +

Todmorden Guides 7:15 - 9:00 Roomfields Baptist Church, Todmorden Clare - 07726 599287 10 yrs +

2nd Hebden Bridge Brownies 5:45 - 7:30 Hope Baptist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Christine - 01422 843725 7 - 10 yrs

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

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

1st Heptonstall Brownies 6:30 - 7:30 Heptonstall Junior School, Heptonstall Angie - 07795 506083 7 - 10 yrs

Todmorden Shotokan Karate 7:00 - 8:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 07794 241107 7+ yrs

Hebden Bridge Junior Band 5:45 - 6:45 Masonic Lodge, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge 07879 998151

Family Martial Arts 6:30 - 7:30 CVMAA, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

18th Hebden Bridge Cubs 6:30 - 8:00 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St George’s St. Hebden Bridge Howard hebdenbridgecubs@gmail. com 8 - 10½ yrs

Kids Thai 7:00 - 8:00 Hiit House Fitness, Whitham Mill, Stansfield Road, Todmorden Alison - 07795 536986 4+ yrs

Heptonstall Guides 7:50 - 9:00 Heptonstall Junior School Emma - 07821419547 10 yrs +

Family Martial Arts 6:00 - 7.00 CVMAA, 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

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

Todmorden Community Brass Training Band 6:30 - 7:30 The Bandroom, Wellington Road, Todmorden Maurice - 01706 816588 Sports Zone 60 - For children with disabilities 1:00 - 2:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Debbie - 01422 264740 6 + yrs

Ballet, Tap & Jazz 11:00 - 12:00 JADPA - Julie Anne Dance & Performing Arts, Luddendenfoot Civic Centre, Station Road, Luddendenfoot Julie - 07758 147364

Fun Swim 1:15 - 2:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 Under 14s

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

Peter - 07810 645229 5 - 8 yrs

Kids Thai 2:00 - 3:00 Hiit House Fitness, Whitham Mill, Stansfield Road, Todmorden Alison - 07795 536986 4+ yrs

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

SUNDAY

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

Girls Soccor Club Phone for times Calder High School (Girls Gym), Brier Hey Lane, Mytholmroyd Peter - 07810 645229 5 - 8 yrs

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

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

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

Family Fun Swim 1:15 - 2:30 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 Under 14s

Family Martial Arts 11:00 - 12:00 CVMAA, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

15

Feature

Have you made a Will?

N

o-one likes to think about dying, particularly when you have a family. However, if there are people in your life who you care for, making a Will is the only way that you can decide; decide who looks after your young children and decide who sorts out your affairs after you’ve gone. It ensures that possessions and money go to the people of your choice, at the time they need it most. Hopefully it also avoids family squabbles.

There are many reasons why you should make a Will. Some include: • if you have children or step-children under 18, you can appoint someone to be their guardian if both parents were to die. Otherwise, your children would pass into Local Authority care until the courts decide.

• if you are living with someone (cohabiting), they will only inherit from you if you include it in a Will.

• if you have a disabled or vulnerable person in your care you can make better financial provision for them after your death.

• you can choose who you want to carry out your wishes by appointing your own Executors.

• the practicalities of applying for Probate with a Will are far quicker than without.

• you can leave something to friends or charities.

• a carefully drafted Will can sometimes help reduce the inheritance tax that may need to be paid.

• It can protect your finances against long-term care costs.

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A Will saves everyone a lot of worry and, at such a difficult time, it makes life easier for those who are left behind.

Any unfairness, heartache and delay can be avoided by simply making a valid Will. But how can you do this? You can make a ‘DIY’ Will but this leaves no way to ask questions from an expert and you risk mistakes, which can make the whole Will invalid. It is always safer to seek professional advice.

After qualifying with the Institute of Professional Willwriters, Sally set up VALLEY WILLWRITING as she wanted to offer a bespoke, at home, Will drafting service for people in the Calder Valley and beyond. She has no impersonal office, no limit on time and is guaranteed to fit around childcare and bedtimes in your own home, at a time to suit you.

It is essential to seek professional advice from someone who is qualified, insured and experienced and she can offer all that, plus a friendly face, at VALLEY WILLWRITING. Visit www.valleywillwriting.co.uk, or call 07540295937, for further information.

Feature

L

et’s talk about a taboo subject.

No, not how much you earn or your views on abortion and gay rights... No, let’s talk about playground anxiety. And I’m not talking about children’s school anxieties here; I’m talking about parents and how some of them, probably many more than

you realise, absolutely hate doing the school drop-off and pick-up.

That familiar knot of anxiety in your stomach and the wish that you were completely invisible. But what causes it? Why is this one of the most secretly stressful parts of parenting and what advice is there to deal with it?

Being Mum

By Josie Pritchard

In the pre-school days, you are free to chose who you spend time with and, naturally, you chose people you have things in common with. People you enjoy the company of, who share your values and lifestyle choices. People who make you feel secure. Then, suddenly, you hand your child over to the school and all that changes. Your precious child is going to join ‘them’ rather than ‘us’ and you’re not sure you want to be part of ‘that’ gang. Surely they are all going to judge you, judge your lifestyle, your clothes, how good your child’s last party was, how many out-ofschool clubs your child attends, your child’s friendship choices, your child’s success.

Also the etiquette is quite baffling to a first timer. Those parents who have older children and have been doing this for a few years, or who knew each other in pre-school days, or whose friendships even pre-date children, will gather together in what appear to be exclusive cliques. How is it that these parents are doing drop-off and pick-ups for each other, planning playdates or even grown-up nights out after only a few weeks of term? Where did you go wrong to be so excluded so quickly?

Of course these cliques are largely a myth and the vast majority of other

parents do not mean to be unfriendly. It may feel like you are the one going back to school, with the teenage bitching, gossiping and judging, but it’s not the case.

So, if you’re one of the many, many parents who just doesn’t have the headspace for social niceties first thing in the morning or doesn’t know any of the other parents, who is new to the area or isn’t comfortable in group situations, what can you do to help yourself? To stop yourself becoming more anxious, appearing more unfriendly and therefore becoming more excluded in a vicious circle of loneliness?

One solution could be to avoid the playground all together. Drop off your children a few yards short of the gate and wait for them at the end of school at a pre-arranged point. Maybe drop them at a Before School Club or enrol them in school activities that take place when school finishes for the day so you can do the dreaded pick-up alone. But, at the start of their school career, this can be a risky strategy. At this age a child’s social life depends almost completely on their parent’s choices. Would it be fair if they were the only child left out from a birthday party simply because the birthday child’s parents don’t know you?

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If you want to make friends though, the key is to be proactive. Be as open, friendly and approachable as you can muster and try to remember which child goes with which parent. That way you always have the opening line... “How is Jonny getting on with...”.

Joining the PTA is a good way to meet other parents in a more formal setting, where those ‘cliques’ will be hidden and event/fundraising goals can be shared.

If that’s not for you though, maybe a WhatsApp group would help. As we all know, chatting by text can be much easier than talking face-to-face, and everyone feels part of the conversation.

Look out for other parents out of the school setting. If you see them at an exercise class, in the park or just on the street, you may find that, away from the stresses of the playground and all the other parents, they are actually really nice people.

But don’t be put off by those parents who just don’t want to be friends. Those who maybe have many older children and are just not interested in making any new friends at the school gate or those who are simply too snobby to be bothered with you. Those people will never be your real friends, in the long run.

Feature

Teacher’s Top Tips:

By Denny Stretton

C

hildren suffer from stress just like adults. I see it all the time as a school teacher; especially near the SAT’s, which these days affects children of all ages in our increasingly target driven education system.

Children also worry. They want to please, they want to make us proud of them, they often feel overwhelmed by what it takes to succeed. Added to school pressures, if they have too many commitments, conflict in the family and problems in their friendships these can all trigger stress.

An amount of stress is normal and can even be beneficial. If managed well it speeds up our ability to take in information and, if interspersed with periods of calm (not inertia), it can allow us to receive and process new information well. This enables us to expand and grow.

However, before the levels get too high, and your child starts self medicating on food and other things that make them feel better, here are some ideas to help manage the levels and learn to problem solve.

Denny lives in the Todmorden area and is happy to discuss tutoring sessions to help build your child’s self esteem and restore their love of learning. Contact her through Facebook: Confident Learning or email her on denisestretton@hotmail.com

Denny is a qualified Primary teacher with 25 years of teaching experience. She has taught Autistic and dyslexic children and specialised in giving children confidence to learn and the tools to succeed.

In the last issue she explained how to spot the signs of stress and begin to tackle the problem by increasing endorphins. Here are some further tips to help your child get through the school year.

1. Stop over scheduling.

Children get stressed when they are over scheduled. We expect our children to pay attention and perform in school for seven hours, excel at extracurricular activities, come home, finish homework and go to bed just to do it all over again the next day. Children need uneventful time to take a breath. Their brains and bodies need to rest. However they might not realise this by themselves so, knowing when your child is over scheduled is important. A good indicator is to look at how your family is eating their meals. Is everybody eating on the run, in the car, grabbing and going? If so, then too much is going on!

2. Make time for play.

By this I mean play with no lesson, competition or winner. Younger children will do this naturally but older kids may forget how to simply play. Try to combine play with physical activity, which is critical for well-being. Some ideas include: riding your bikes, throwing a ball around, skateboarding, going ice skating, going to a floats out swimming session, etc.

3. Make sleep a priority.

Sleep is vital for everything from minimising stress to boosting mood to improving school performance.

Again, reducing commitments helps, especially in the evenings. We all know keeping TV’s, and other electronics, out of your child’s bedroom helps enormously in giving them that real wind down environment. If your child has electronics in their room now, talk to them about the benefits of taking it out, even if it’s only for a time until the causes of their stress abate. Perhaps they can have one in their room at holiday times or one night a week?

4. Listen to their bodies.

Teach your children to understand their own bodies, the physiology of stress and encourage them to listen to what their bodies are saying. While it’s normal for a child’s stomach to feel jumpy

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on the first day of school, leaving class because their stomach hurts or waking up repeatedly with a headache is a sign there’s too much going on.

5. Manage your own stress.

If you are showing signs of stress your child will be feeling it too. If you’re living in an environment with one thing after another, your child is going to pick up on that. Let them see you managing that in healthy ways. Let them see you slow down.

6. Make mornings calmer.

A disorganised home is another stressful trigger for kids and this is especially evident in the mornings. Get things ready the night before. Set routines that require minimum last minute thinking and take time to pay attention to each other before you all go off into your day.

7. Prepare your children to deal with mistakes.

For children, a lot of stress comes from the fear of making mistakes. Remind them that they’re not supposed to know how to do everything right. Help them understand that mistakes teach us more than success and that life is a long game.

Mistakes are opportunities for greater understanding. Learning how to recover from mistakes is essential groundwork to healthy self esteem. Let your child know they are not alone, that they are valued and understood. Help them to work out the next step when they find thing difficult or make mistakes. Help them to work out how to make amends and move on.

School life, conflicts and friendships may all be stressful but, with your help, they can all present opportunities to build robust and healthy coping strategies that help make your child fit for a future they can enjoy and do well in. There is life after SAT’s. All stress is temporary. It may overwhelm in the moment but, together, you can weather it and come out closer for sharing the experience.

Bloke in a kitchen

Paneer Butter Masala

By Richard Dalby Ingredients

T

his delicious Indian recipe is quick and easy to prepare and full of amazing flavours that all the family will love. Paneer cheese is now widely available in many supermarkets and, of course, Asian food stores.

Paneer holds its shape whilst cooking and makes a nice healthy alternative to meat, fish or soya products.

Method

Serves 4

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 500g hard Indian paneer cheese, cut into small cubes 3 tablespoons butter 1 large brown onion, finely chopped 4cm ginger, peeled and grated 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped 500g tomato passata 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 cloves, finely ground in a pestle and mortar ½ teaspoon chilli powder 2 tablespoons honey 1½ teaspoons of sea salt 250g peas or a finely sliced green pepper 100ml double cream Toasted flaked almonds to decorate

•

•

•

•

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Put a tablespoon of vegetable oil into a large frying pan over a medium heat and, when hot, add the cubes of paneer. Fry gently for a couple of minutes until golden on all sides. Remove and allow to cool on a plate.

Put the butter into the same pan over a medium hear. Add the onion and fry for 10 minutes, until translucent and turning golden. Add the ginger and garlic, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, then add the passata.

Cook gently for about 15 minutes, until reduced to a lovely thick sauce.

Add the fenugreek leaves, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, chilli powder, honey and salt to the pan.

Stir then add the fried paneer and cover for 5 minutes. Add the peas (or green pepper slices) and the cream then cook on a low heat for a further 5 minutes.

To serve, scatter with the almonds and serve with plain basmati rice.

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Literacy Matters Information Kindly supplied by:

The Book Case 29 Market Street, Hebden Bridge www.bookcase.co.uk 01422 845353

Best Sellers

at The Book Case Shiny Pippin and the Broken Forest

The Book Case children’s space has had a spring makeover! We have expanded our children’s area to twice the size making room to display lots more of your favourite books.

We have a big wall where we can show of lots of beautiful picture books for our younger visitors and our chapter books are divided into first readers, younger readers, older readers and young adult to help you choose the book that is perfect for you. We also have some fantastic non-fiction books for all ages. Whether you enjoy science experiments, writing your own stories, drawing fab pictures or just reading about amazing characters from history we have something for everyone! And of course we also have helpful and knowledgeable staff on hand if you need any advice.

by Harry Heape £6.99

Pvp Wonky Donkey

by Craig Smith £6.99

Pvp Dave The Lonely Monster

by Anna Kemp £6.99

Pvp One Of Us Is Lying

by Karen McManus £7.99

Pvp Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World

by Kate Pankhurst £6.99

Inspirational stories for

Amazing

girls and boys!

At the book Case we have been loving some of the amazing new books for children that tell the stories of some inspirational role models. In the last couple of years publisher’s realised that there was a lack of history books to inspire girls and BAME children. Now there is a fantastic range of titles telling the stories of inspiring characters, some you may have heard of and some whose stories are less well known. Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Ada Lovelace and Muhammad Ali are just some of the people feature in the Little people, Big Dreams series Stories For Kids Who Dared To Be Different features people who’s individuality is inspiring including Bjoerk, Dr Seuss, Whoopi Goldberg, Andy Warhol and Ellen MacArthur.

And finally, if that’s not enough, Rebel Cats, Brave tales of Feisty Felines is full of true stories of animal bravery!

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Pvp Tiger Who Came To Tea

by Judith Kerr £6.99

Pvp Our best sellers this week are headed by local author Harry Heape. His Shiny Pippin stories are a big hit with local kids.

The internet sensation Wonky Donkey has been proving just as popular away from Facebook. Dave the Lonely Monster is a lovely story about kindness featuring a bass playing monster. One Of Us Is Lying is and intense thriller for older readers. Fantastically Great Women is full of some fantastic facts about amazing women. Finally, the perennial favourite The Tiger That Came to Tea is never far from our best seller list.

Est. 2002

Magical children’s nursery set in 4-acre countryside site

Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for a third time 1:2 staff to child ratio up to 12 months Dedicated Baby Area has a sleep room, low level windows & secure, covered outdoor play area Woodland Explorers on Mondays and Fridays for children age 2+ Forest School sessions on Mondays and Fridays for Pre-school children Early Years teacher in Pre-school Extra-curricular sessions: Baby Ballet, Jo Jingles, Pyjama Drama & French

The Ark, Dean Hey Farm, Mytholmroyd, HX7 5RU www.thearkexperience.co.uk T 01422 882010

22

Health Matters

I

’m six months pregnant with my second child and recently I am getting so much pain in my groin and hip area that I have to take stairs one at a time and somedays I can’t pick up my toddler at all. I struggle to move around in bed due to the pain and getting in and out of the car is also really painful. I’m reaching the end of my tether.

What can I do?

As a Chartered Physiotherapist with a special interest in pelvis and spine problems I treat many women who have pelvic pain during pregnancy but suffer in silence because they don’t want to take medication that might harm their baby. Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) used to be called Symphasis Pubis Dysfunction and can occur any time during or after pregnancy. It affects one in four pregnant and postnatal women.

They present with a wide range of symptoms and the severity can vary widely however PGP is a common and, in most cases, easily treatable condition.

It can be treated very effectively at any stage during or after pregnancy by a Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in Pelvic dysfunction.

Although women are often told that PGP is caused by hormones, up to date research shows that it is usually caused by a pelvic joint problem. The pelvis is made up of a ring of three bones.

They join at the Sacro-iliac joints (the dimple joints at the back above your bottom) and the Symphasis Pubis at the front. Normally these joints move a little to allow you to walk, turn over in bed and climb the stairs. In PGP one joint becomes stiff and stops moving normally and then the other joints have to compensate. As a result muscles may

also be tight and painful. Often the joint causing the problem is not particularly painful, so treating the painful points doesn’t treat the underlying problem.

By treating the stiff joint an experienced Physiotherapist can help the joints to function normally again and allow the irritation at the painful joint to settle.

It is increasingly recognised that PGP can also have a big impact on how you feel emotionally because coping with the physical challenges of daily life can be difficult leaving you feeling low and isolated. One of the problems is there is nothing to see with PGP - you’re not wearing a plaster cast and the pain isn’t visible to others. Women often feel cheated as they expect to be blooming and enjoying their pregnancy but, in fact, are struggling because they are experiencing pain that no-one can see. This is even worse in second and subsequent pregnancies as you are also having to care for at least one other child or toddler!

PGP can usually be treated effectively by a ‘hands-on’ manual therapist like myself. It really is treatable at any stage of pregnancy or postnatally as soon as you feel able to leave the house and your new baby for an hour. An individual assessment is very important to look at the position and symmetry of movement in your pelvic joints to find out which joints are causing the problem. I use my hands to gently reposition the pelvis and free up the stiff joint and I can do this with you lying on your back or on your side - whichever is easier for you. I will also teach you exercises to support the pelvis and prevent the problem recurring and you should walk out of each treatment feeling some improvement in either pain or function and preferably both. When I treat anyone I always write to the GP, with the patients permission, and during pregnancy we liaise with your Midwife too.

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There are varying approaches to PGP, but the main things you should expect from your therapist are: • The therapist will ask you about your PGP and how it affects you.

• They will ask you to undress down to your underwear.

• They will look at and feel how the joints at the back and the front of your pelvis move when you move (e.g. standing on one leg, bending forwards etc.)

• They will feel how symmetrically the joints move when you are lying down on your back and your front ( or on your side it you are very pregnant) • They will discuss their findings and agree a treatment plan with you, explaining what they are going to do • Treatment is likely to include realigning joints so they move symmetrically again. This may need to be done a few times until your muscles become strong enough to keep them in place without treatment.

• You should be given gently exercises to help your pelvic stability and as you recover the exercise programme will be adapted to suit your individual needs until you get back to normal.

For more information about Pelvic Girdle Pain the Pelvic Partnership have a very useful website https:// pelvicpartnership.org.uk/ and a support group of Facebook.

If you would like to book an appointment to see me about any Pelvic or Spine pain problem - either during pregnancy or at any other time in your life please contact our reception team on 01706 819464.

Lynne Midwinter If you have any health questions, querys or concerns you would like to ask an expert about, please contact us by any of the methods shown on page 3.