Summer '13 issuu by Bankside House Publishing

THE

S C A LL Y A G

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

Daily Diaries

Local News

For Pre-school and Out pf School Activities

Party Planning New pre-school classes Summer Events for all the family

Bloke in a kitchen Literacy News Competitions Classified Ads

Family Health

And Much, Much More

Out & About Downham Village Paddling Top Trumps

What is Somatics?

Summer ‘13

plus

Issue 41

For Local Parents, Carers & Kids

e s ea e l p ak t ne o

classified ads market place Post or Email your Children’s “For Sale” adverts to us and we’ll print them in our next issue. We can also advertise “Wanted” items. No Trade Please Navy Blue Bergaus lightweight raincoat, size 11-12 years in VGC Cost £30.00 new £15.00 01706 819472 * Motherease cloth nappies. 18 nappies with pop in pads, nappy wraps, fleece liners and night time pads. From birth to potty training. Easy to use. Bucket also available. Super condition; were bought new and used on one baby only. £150.00 o.n.o. 01706 816845 * black and chrome dining room table with 4 chairs £30 o.n.o. 01422 646829 * Bag of boys clothes £8.00 01422 646829

Tomy Starlight Dreamshow. Plays 3 different tunes whilst projecting magical images above. Turns its self off after 5 or 10 mins. Can fasten to cot or be free standing. VGC, just needs new batters £10.00 07966 021936 * Child Bike Seat – Hamax Sleepy. Great condition and reclines. Red/grey. £30.00 07897 832675

page welcome header contact us

contents Diary Pages Playgroups, Out of school clubs, Swimming, Libraries & Soft Play Pre-School Diary Out-Of-School Diary Competitions Design our next front cover Out & About Downham Village, Lancs Paddling Places Top Trumps Classified Adverts The place to buy and sell you kids stuff News Party Planning Service, New pre-school classes, Summer Events and more Family Health Your health Q&A Literacy The latest news from The Book Case Bloke in a Kitchen Sunshine Cake Focus On: UNEARTH - Self Discovery Through Play Photography Service designed around Children

Page 11 Page 12 Page 14 Page 6 Page 9 Page 19 Page 2

Page 4 Page 23 Page 21 Page 17 Page 8 Page 16

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

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

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

Congratulations To: Caitlin Barker

aged 7, of Luddendenfoot, who created our cheerful front cover picture

“Summer”

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

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

news hasslefree partying

t’s All Tickety Boo is a brand new children’s party and events business recently launched by two friends, based in Todmorden but operating throughout Calderdale and beyond.

As two qualified Nursery Practitioners, Heather and Rachael, the business founders, are passionate about children and creating memorable parties for you and your family. They have several themed parties available and can also offer a tailor-made party for those who are looking for something unique. Their flexibility enables them to host the party in the venue of your choice. This means they not only cater for birthdays, but can also entertain your little guests at weddings, naming days and christenings, leaving your big guests to get on with enjoying their day.

Heather and Rachael are

ready to party!

Heather says, “The aim is to take away the hassle of organising a party, by getting everything ready for you. Our competitive prices include a snack pack to keep your guests energised, all party decorations and props, party prizes and a memorable photo frame complete with a photograph of all your guests for each child to take away. “As party entertainers we bring along energy, enthusiasm and creativity; exploring the beautiful imaginations of children because, at a Tickety Boo party, imagination is everything.” To find out more, or to book a party, please visit their website - www. itsallticketyboo.co.uk or phone 07866717060.

businesses stay afloat

ou can’t fail to have been affected by the Environment Agency “Flood Alleviation Scheme” happening all over our end of the valley at the moment.

Three businesses on Water Street in Todmorden have been severely affected since the work involves the demolition and rebuilding of three properties that overhang Walsden Water as it runs alongside Water Street. All three businesses have been temporarily re-homed in alternative nearby premises for the duration of the works. Angela Quinn of “Selfimage Beauty and Holistic Salon” and Wendy Powell of “Nails by Wendy” are now operating from 21 Rochdale Road while Emma Pemsel, who runs the hairdressers “Sweeney of Tod” has relocated to 2 Dale Street. Angela said, “Though the move has been disruptive for each business we

Water Street, Todmorde

Photo © Robert Wade

n before the work started

are grateful for the loyalty and support shown by all our regular customers who have been very understanding. We also appreciate the support we have had from the Environment Agency. We look forward to moving back to Water Street into newly rebuilt properties before the end of the year. Until then it is very much a case of business as usual”.

news new drama classes

o you have a budding Thespian at home? Or a child that might benefit from increased self-confidence and public speaking skills? If so you will be

EW unique music sessions for babies and toddlers have just launched in the Littleborough and Calderdale areas.

keen to hear about the new classes just started in our area, teaching drama to children between the ages of 2 and 15. Dramasaurus is run by Mel Daniels, a qualified and experienced drama teacher and mother to George (5), Agnes (3) and Mabel (1). Mel says the classes are designed to focus on fun, not fame; where children will be encouraged to represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through role-play and stories. The classes started at Easter and now run weekly at Roomfield Baptist Church, Todmorden on Thursdays and The Bowling Club, Heptonstall on Fridays. So far they have included; “A Back Garden Adventure”, “Rocket to Space” and “A Restaurant Mime”. Future plans include anything from “Exploring Shakespeare” to “Wind in the Willows”. Opportunities to take drama exams and compete in festivals are also offered. The first session is free. More details are in the diary pages on the Dramasaurus website – www. dramasaurus.co.uk. Holiday Workshops are also planned and will run from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

caterpillar music comes to town

Caterpillar Music classes opened in Hebden Bridge in May. They are being run by local mum Angela Davies and she is really excited about her new venture. She currently works part-time in Early Childhood Services, with experience in quality assurance and performance monitoring of children’s centres services, but her new venture will give her the opportunity to offer these unique Caterpillar Music classes to local families. Caterpillar Music has been offering fun music sessions across the UK since 2001. Angela is passionate about the importance of music in the development of young children. She tells us, “It offers families something different; a fun learning experience for babies and toddlers. We use amazing puppets so children are inspired to learn the songs and actions with their parents, grandparents, carers and friends. At each class, every child is given a percussion instrument and puppet to use - even the youngest members (and we can take babies from just 6 weeks old!) “Joining in with group activities enhances learning, confidence and

social skills. Through Caterpillar Music classes, babies will soon recognise their favourite songs, rhymes and music. Parents are encouraged to sing our songs at home too and see the results! Babies communicate with their parents through actions, nursery rhymes and music, long before their first words are spoken.” Experts agree that music enhances learning and helps babies and adults communicate with each other. They also advise parents of young children to spend more time singing to their little ones to help children develop speaking, listening and counting skills before entering primary school. Caterpillar Music will initially run classes on a Monday morning at Hebden Bridge Methodist Church Hall (just opposite the Co-op) and classes will be starting soon on Fridays. They also offer exciting birthday parties and nursery sessions. Bookings are now being taken for a Free Trial. For further information please call Angela on 01422 844 551 / 07900927143 or visit: www.caterpillarmusic.com

Get sewing

heeky sew and sew is a ‘sewing cafe’ based on Rochdale Road, Todmorden.

They have a range of sewing machines that you can drop in and use, and pay by the hour. They also serve tea, coffee, homemade cake and snacks, but it’s more about the sewing than the cafe! As well as free weekly sewing and knitting groups they run weekly courses around sewing and knitting, and fabric based crafts such as rag rug and needle felt. They usually run on a Wednesday afternoon, and

are repeated in the evening, and longer courses are run on a Saturday. In the holidays they run family craft activities suitable for both adults and children, they have an alterations and repairs service, they take commissions for handmade clothes, soft furnishings and knitted garments and can host your children’s party or Hen night. Contact Tansy on 01706 816181 or email email@cheeky-sew-andsew.co.uk for more information. This summer the following courses will be run. Note them in your diary now!

27th Jul

Make a simple child’s sundress

11.00 - 4.00

£25

3rd Aug

Make a sock puppet or sock monster

11.00 - 12.00

£5

10th Aug

Draw and make your own mini fabric monster

12.00 - 4.00

£20

17th Aug

Make ‘Hair Candy’ - hair bands, slides and flowers

12.00 - 2.00

£10

24th Aug

Make an animal doorstop

12.00 - 2.00

£10

All sessions are suitable for either accompanied children or both children and adults. The make a child’s sundress needs to be a joint child and adult or adult only session but all other events are suitable for children to make themselves.

news

news illustrating the world

n exciting new gallery concept has opened in Hebden Bridge. Illustrated

Word Gallery brings together the best of illustration and fine art, combined with creative workshops, storytelling, author events and art parties. Founded by artist, illustrator and former arts lecturer, Nina Wadcock the gallery exhibits a diverse range of art with a strong focus on illustration. Recent pieces exhibited include original pieces by children’s favourite, Babette Cole, widely regarded as one of the country’s leading illustrators, work by Dean Clough based illustrator, Chris Vine and Nationally recognised local artist and illustrator, Kate Clarke.

Since opening in January 2013 the gallery has hosted a range of events from a Mad Hatters’ Tea Party, Illustration workshops with Steve Hutton, a fun reading workshop with Once Upon a Slime and a book signing and reading with celebrated author, Margi Mcallister. Events have proven a great success and the gallery now offers a programme of arts lessons for adults, teenagers and will soon be offering art parties for older children and adults. The idea of bringing together various artforms is something important to Nina, who is originally from Hebden Bridge and studied Fine Art and Drama, going on to work in media and television before training as an Art Lecturer and teaching in Further Education for twelve years. “I have worked in both vocational and none vocational arts education and have also worked as an artist and illustrator. I am passionate about bringing the arts together and believe art is for all. My interest in illustration has led to a fascination with storytelling. In April The

Shaggy Dog Storytellers held an event at the gallery, the youngest storyteller being 13, the oldest in her 80’s. I love the way the arts bring people together. The Events have proven such a success I am already looking towards moving to bigger premises.” For further information about the gallery and events please go to illustratedwordgallery.com or visit the gallery page on Facebook.

myths, mysteries and mayhem

nce again this Summer, Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade, the spectacular procession shaped by local people, will be celebrating creativity and the art of the handmade on Saturday 22nd June.

��

There will be the usual mix of bands, stilt-walking and more, but the highlights, as ever, will be the costumes, carryable art and giant puppets and animatronics, formed in the open workshops in the weeks leading up to the parade. Up to 700 people can walk (or dance) in the parade through the streets of Hebden Bridge, watched by thousands, and anyone interested in getting involved is invited to join in with the workshops. All materials will be provided, along with as little or as much instruction from the resident artists as required. Under 12s need an adult to accompany them to the workshops and entrance is by donation (suggested £5 per person for the first session, £1 for each subsequent session). The theme for the 2013 parade is Myths, Mysteries And Mayhem and it is hoped there will be a lot of each.

Handmade Parade Workshop times: All workshops take place in Unit 5, Victoria Works, Victoria Road, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8LN, times as follows:

Saturdays & Sundays, 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, June 1:00 – 4:00pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4th, 6th, 11th,13th, June 4:00 – 6:00pm Tuesday and Thursday, 18th, 20th June 4:00 – 6:00pm and 7:00 – 9:00pm

focus on:

UNEARTH

Self Discovery Through Play

airy houses, gnome grottos & group shelters. Fire craft - including safety & lighting fires without matches. Tool use; peelers, secateurs, loppers, & saws. Creating natural art. Game playing and exploring with the senses are all on offer with UNEARTH – Self Discovery Through Play.

UNEARTH is being developed as a Community Interest Company, and has grown out of a love of play, the natural environment and knowing how much positive experiences in the outdoors contributes to children and adult’s physical and emotional health and well-being. Parental fears about stranger danger, traffic and a lack of community coherence have meant that many children and young people have very limited opportunity to engage in activities that are adventurous, stimulating, safe and outside. Even fewer children have access to these opportunities when they are supported by experienced, qualified and enthusiastic adults. “Engaging with nature is good for you, and the absence of it can cause Nature Deficit Disorder”, says Richard Louv (2012) author of ‘The Nature Principle’ and ‘Last Child in the Woods’. Being disconnected from nature makes you become fractious, bored and unable to concentrate. This increases your chance of becoming obese or of suffering from mental health problems. Research shows that being in nature and playing, learning and exploring helps children and adults to appreciate, care and protect their local environment.

As Kate Humble, the Springwatch presenter, said, “If a child hasn’t ever got its hands dirty sifting through soil for bugs, kicked up leaves, or been wowed by a cute baby bird, how can we expect them to care about the natural environment?” (Independent 20,4,12). If most of today’s children are not even allowed down the street by themselves, the chances of them exploring the natural world are even more remote, as survey after survey has shown. According to a 2012 National Trust Natural Childhood report: • Fewer than a quarter of children regularly use their local ‘patch of nature’, compared to over half of all adults when they were children. • Fewer than one in ten children regularly play in wild places compared to almost half a generation ago. • Children spend so little time outdoors that they are unfamiliar with some of our most common wild creatures. • One in three children could not identify a magpie. Half could not tell the difference between a bee and a wasp, yet nine out of ten could recognise a Dalek.

We run sessions at Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge every third weekend of the month: Saturdays for families and Sundays for Women Only, both 11.00 – 1.00 pm, £7 per person (first child free) to a maximum of £20 per family. There will also a Playscheme Day Adventure on 28th May 10.00 am – 2.00 pm £20 per child (5-11 years) at Hardcastle Crags.

So, are you inspired to get out into your local woods to reap the wealth of health and feel-good benefits it can bring? If, like many others, you and/or your children need encouragement, a varied menu of activities to choose from and someone on hand to safely organise everything then contact julie@west148.wanadoo.co.uk 07850 429 566. Or contact us for a conversation about tailor made services for you and/or your organisation. All activities are risk/benefit assessed & insured. They are staffed by skilled, experienced, qualified, empowering and enthusiastic staff, with enhanced CRB checks, outdoor first aid and with full resourcing.

We are planning more UNEARTH sessions for children, young people and adults in Todmorden so please contact us if you are interested as this will also help us with grant funding. For more information contact julie@west148. wanadoo.co.uk Tel: 07850 429566.

page out &header about

ith our two older children now possessing walking boots we felt it was time to really get them out and about, walking along muddy footpaths, scrabbling over stiles, maybe introduce them to basic map reading. It would

be a different type of day out for them; no theme parks, glitzy entertainment or convenient amenities to hand. Instead, we were planning to do something more physically challenging and possibly more unpredictable in terms of their enjoyment. It was going to be a day out that my husband and I would have enjoyed in the years BC (Before Children)! We chose to try a 4 mile circular walk around the quaint and quiet village of Downham, which is situated approximately three miles from Clitheroe. This part of the Ribble Valley is classified as an Area of Outstanding Beauty and for good reason: this little attractive village sits beneath Pendle Hill and has been largely unspoilt for the past 200 years. Downham village is privately owned, having belonged to the Assheton family since 1558. Every house is rented and certain tenancy rules apply: no television aerials or obtrusive satellite dishes, no overhead wires or roadside yellow lines and minimal signing in the village. With a church neatly sat on at

the top of the hill, clustered by pretty cottages, the area has an old-world charm and feel. As it has this timeless character, Downham has been used on more than one occasion by film makers, most recently for the BBC TV series ‘Born and Bred’. This is a popular area for walkers and tourists, some to climb Pendle Hill, others to enjoy the many local walks from the village. There is something to suit all ages and abilities! We parked in the village car park, which has a small information centre (unstaffed) and toilets. I had printed off a circular walking map (number 2) from the Forest of Bowland website (www.forestofbowland.com), which was supplemented by our OS Explorer Map (OL41). The walk, as the guide suggested, took about two and a half hours. Our children, then aged four and six, coped brilliantly with it, even with the occasional small steep sections, probably better than us, the unfit adults! (I would strongly recommend sturdy footwear be worn as it can get extremely muddy underfoot in places). There is lots to see during the walk; apart from the stunning views, the remains of Twiston Mill, a corn mill dating from the 1800’s, Twiston Beck, a major spawning ground for fish, the unusual design of stiles, and the remains

of the old village stocks in front of the Post Office. Who could miss Downham graveyard, the final resting place of several witches condemned to death in the 17th Century – unusual for that time as most were not buried in consecrated ground but on the roadside. Pendle Hill has long been associated with witches and magic! Once back at the car, we had changed our boots and had a very nice lunch in the local pub, the Assheton Arms. If that’s not to your taste there is a tea room attached to the Post Office which also sells locally-made souvenirs. After a suitable recovery period, we took the short stroll back to the car park past Downham Brook and said ‘hello’ to the over-fed ducks. It was a truly lovely day, enjoyed fully by us ALL! Downham is situated just off the A59 Clitheroe – Skipton Road. The closest Motorway exit is junction 13 of M65; nearest train station is Clitheroe; nearest bus station is Whalley. For further information and timetables contact Clitheroe Tourist Information Centre on 01200 425566. Loads of alternative walking and cycling routes can also be found on Lancashire County Council webpages for ‘Short Walks’ - www. lancashire.gov.uk By Tracey Sunderland

Photos: Top courtesy visitlancashire.com Bottom - T Sunderland

The Village of Downham, Ribble Valley

page header

The Upper Valley Family Services Team believes that every child and family matters. Our mission is to offer services that ensure everyone has fair and equal opportunities to reach their full potential. The team have been established since 2008 and consist of Todmorden Children’s Centre including nursery, Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, the Family Support and Outreach team and a team of Community Early Years Practitioners. Our Children’s Centres offer a range of activities to meet the statutory core purpose of; school readiness, child and family health and well being, and parenting skills, aspirations and self-esteem. The Family Support and Outreach team provide parenting and emotional support for families. The Community Early Years Practitioner team

can support parents with their children’s learning in the Centres and at home. We aim to provide these services for the families that need them the most. Our team has had a very successful year delivering pre-school term-time and holiday activities across the Upper Valley and we aim to continue this year with an equally exciting offer for families. Please see the diary pages for detailed information about what is on offer. We produce our own magazine which is posted to families on our records twice yearly. If you haven’t been receiving a copy please let us know on 01422 847444

so that we can add you to our mailing list. You can also keep up to date via the websites shown below. Some of our activities have been so successful we have had to introduce booking systems to ensure we can meet health and safety standards. In addition, part of our timetable is now being delivered on a rolling programme to ensure we can reach families across all our target areas. If you would like to check availability, or to book on any of our sessions, please call into either Centre or telephone 01706 548140.

www.calderdale.gov.uk/education/childcare/childrenscentres/hebden-vale.html www.calderdale.gov.uk/education/childcare/childrenscentres/todmorden.html

Summer Holiday Events 2013 Date

Venue

Activity

25th July

Longfield Community Centre Todmorden

Time

Booking

Fruity Fun

10.00 - 11.30

yes

30th July

Dineley Avenue Ashenhurst Todmorden

Busy Buzz & Duplo

10.00 - 11.30

31st July

Kershaw Park Luddendenfoot

Den Making

10.00 - 11.30

5th August

Centre Vale Park Todmorden

Den Making

10.00 - 11.30

12th August

Centre Vale Park Todmorden

Family Olympics

10.00 - 11.30

14th August

Calder Holmes Park Hebden Bridge

Family Olympics

10.00 - 11.30

19th August

Centre Vale Park Todmorden

Welly Walk, or Sandal Stroll, weather permitting

10.00 - 11.30

yes

27th August

Longfield Community Centre Todmorden

Beach Bonanza

10.00 - 11.30

yes

28th August

Calder Holmes Park Hebden Bridge

Welly Walk, or Sandal Stroll, weather permitting

10.00 - 11.30

yes

Todmorden Children’s Centre Nursery

Would you like your child to come to a nursery setting which is warm and welcoming and where children are valued as individuals? “Children are well supervised and their learning supported” “Children make good progress, and are well prepared for school” “Parent/ carers are welcomed into the nursery environment” Recent Ofsted Report If so, Todmorden Children’s Centre Nursery is the place for you. Free places available for eligible children aged 2, 3 and 4 For more information or to book a nursery place Please call 01706 548140/1 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College Burnley Road, Todmorden OL14 7BX T: 01706 548140

To book your place please ring 01706 548140

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Join a highly skilled and friendly team, learn new skills, boost your confidence and improve your employment prospects. Upper Valley Family Services have vacancies for volunteers working with children, families and administration duties. For more information please ring Claire Broadbent Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01422 847444.

diary pages 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

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

Tuesday

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

Wednesday

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

Thursday

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

Friday

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

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

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

Out of School clubs Space at The Ark The Ark Nursery, Cragg Vale, Mytholmroyd 01422 882010

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

Monday

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

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

pre-schools & playgroups

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

On this first page we have the Pre-school and Playgroups that run in our area. These usually offer free sessions for children aged 3 and over for 15 hours per week during term time. Contact them directly for more information. The Out of School Clubs listings are for older children who require care outside normal school hours or during holidays. Those

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.

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

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

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

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

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

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

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

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

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

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

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

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

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

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

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

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

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

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

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

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

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

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

9:15 - 3:15 ages 2½ to 6

7:00 - 6:30 ages 4 to 14

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

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

3:30 - 6:00 ages 3 to 11

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

9:45 - 1:45 ages 3 to 6

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

Mytholmroyd Library Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 883933

Walsden Library Inchfield Road, Walsden 01706 815602

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

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

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

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

soft play areas

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

2:00 - 4:30

2:00 - 6:00

4:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

Monday

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

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

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

10:00 - 5:00

Thursday

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

10:00 - 6:30

Friday

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

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 6:30

1:30 - 6:30

Saturday

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

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 12:00

sunday

9:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 5:00

2:00 - 4:30

1:00 - 5:00

4:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

1:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

1:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

4:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

11:00 - 6:00

9:00 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

11:00 - 6:00

Parties Only

10:00 - 4:00

9:30 - 6:00

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

Pre-school diary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unde 10:00 Todm Ewoo 0170

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coun Pare 1.30 Todm Todm Colle Todm 0142

Central Street Parents & Toddler Group 9:00 - 11:00 Central Street Infants School, Hebden Bridge. Pauline - 01422 842784

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

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

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

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

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

Child 9:30 Hebd Cent 0142 FRE

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

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

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

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

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

Yoga (with Creche) (by referral) 1:15 - 2:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140

Pare 1:30 Shad Shad 0170

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

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

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

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

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

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

Todm 12:30 Todm Com Road Jenn

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

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

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

Thula Mama (Mums and Babies

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

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

Pare 11:45 Shad Shad 0170

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

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

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

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

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

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

Little 10:00 St. M Corn Irene

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

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

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

Jo Jingles 10:15 - 11:00 (Family Session) 11:45 - 12:15 (3-9 months) Jitterbugs Play Centre, Littleborough Jo Corbett - 01706 212889

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

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

Dram 2:30 4:00 Room Road Mel -

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

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

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

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

Bongo Bongos 10:00 - 11:00 (term time only) Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden 01706 548140 FREE

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

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

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

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

Melody Movements 9:00 - 9:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 3 - 4 yrs

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

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

UNEARTH – Self Discovery Through Play 11:00 – 1:00 (3rd Saturday Only) Gibson Mill, Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge Julie - 07850 4290566

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

Harmony Singing)

10.00 - 11.30 Central Hebden Bridge Liz Powers 01422 847702

Campaigners - Eagles

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

Todmorden Swimming Club

(ages 4-6 yrs)

- Widths

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

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

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

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

Ben’ 10.30 Hebd Cent 0142 FRE

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

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

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

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

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

nselling Service for ents (by referral) - 5.00 morden Children’s Centre morden Community ege, Burnley Road, morden 22 250081 - FREE

Ladies Fitness 1:45 - 2:45 (term time only) Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 548140 Limited crèche FREE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

masaurus - 3:15 (age 2/3) - 4:45 (age 4/5) mfield Church, halifax d, Todmorden - 07554 368232

Children’s Yoga 4:00 - 5:00 Calderdale Yoga Centre, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge Abi - 01422 844146 Ages 3 - 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

’s Story and Rhyme Time 0 - 11.15 (please call for dates) den Vale Children’s tre, Hebden Bridge 22 844904 EE

Bumps & Babes

support group for multiple births

10:00 - 11:30 The Methodist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge Nicola - 01422 843129 PEEP Group (For families and children with additional needs) 1:30 - 2:45 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge Amanda - 01422 399552 FREE

SUNDAY

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

Toddler Tuesday

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

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

Todmorden Swimming Club

- Widths

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

Lesbian Parents Group Sunday Socials 2:00 - 4:00 (last Sun only) Various Locations - call for more info. 07704 568237

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

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

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

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

out of school diary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20th Pennine Calder Cubs 6:30 - 8:00 Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden Anya 01706 839871 8 to 10½ yrs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family Choir For families who love singing! 3:30 - 4:30 Hope Baptist Church, Hebden Bridge Liz Powers - 01422 847702 All ages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swimming 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hebden Bridge Saints Saturday Soccer Club 11:00 - 12:00 Luddenden Dene School, Dene View, Luddendenfoot. Nick Farrar 01422 882378 5 - 8 yrs

UNEARTH – Self Discovery Through Play 11:00 – 1:00 (3rd Saturday Only) Gibson Mill, Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge Julie - 07850 4290566

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Todmorden Swimming Club - Lengths 7:00 - 8:00, 8:00 - 9:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Deborah - 07551 266862 For strong swimmers

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

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

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

1st Walsden Brownies 6:00 - 7:15 Walsden Junior School, Walsden Donna Scholfield 01706 839042 7 - 10 yrs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUNDAY

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

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

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

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

UNEARTH – Self Discovery Through Play Women Only 11:00 – 1:00 (3rd Sunday Only) Gibson Mill, Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge Julie - 07850 4290566

focus on:

ndy Wade’s children don’t like to sit still and that gave him the light bulb moment to begin ‘Location Portraits’ professional portraits out of a studio setting.

Already an experienced wedding and portrait photographer, Andy believes many parents want quality photographs that say a little bit more about their children. After all they are all unique. “Children feel more relaxed when they are outdoors and doing their own thing. Whether it’s dancing or martial arts, being in their own environment and getting into the activities they love, they feel a sense of belonging and begin to show their natural character. Photographing in this way I can capture their spirit and give the family

a fantastic memento. The pictures become a meaningful moment in time and in a particular place - it becomes special. I’ve enjoyed shooting in some wild locations like windswept moorlands, standing in the middle of a river and even perched in an old oak tree.” Clients always have somewhere that is special to them. Where would you choose? Helen Stobbs was a recent customer and said this; “Thank you so much for the fantastic photographs you took of our daughter. They have lived up to expectation and more! The action shot captures a special moment in time set against spectacular scenery. You have created photographs that show perfectly the beauty and graceful movement of our ballet dancing daughter for posterity.”

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If you would like to have portraits of your family or children you can get in contact with Andy. Portrait prices start at £90 for a shoot including a print. Other options include photo books, canvas prints and frames. Contact Andy on: email: andy@andrewwadephotography.com mobile: 07970 377567 website: www.andrewwadephotography.com or follow him on Facebook: andrewwadephotography Twitter: @awwphotography

bloke page in a kitchen header sunshine cake By Richard Dalby

ere’s a brilliant recipe I’ve adapted (dare I say, improved) from a classic Italian polenta cake. It’s a scrumptious, zesty, golden cake that’s perfect for, fingers crossed, lazy hazy Summer days. a few cookery techniques such as measuring flour and oil, cracking eggs, zesting and juicing the oranges and lemons, so it’s a good one for children to help out with. Oh, and it’ll keep well in an air-tight tin for a week or two. As if it’s humanly possible to not devour a cake as good as this at one sitting!

Ingredients

Method

For the cake;

175g / 6oz self-raising flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 50g / 2oz polenta flour or ground semolina 225g / 8oz granulated sugar 225ml / 8fl oz mild olive oil (you don’t want a strongtasting, or extra virgin olive oil for this, it’ll over-power the cake) 4 medium free range eggs, beaten 1 orange, finely grated zest and juice of. 1 lemon, finely grated zest and juice of.

For the topping;

Juice of 2 oranges 120g caster or granulated sugar

Preheat the oven to 170C / 325F / Gas Mark 3. Grease and line a round, sprung cake tin. 2. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl and add the polenta / ground semolina and sugar. Mix well. 3. Make a hollow in the dry mixture and pour in the olive oil. Add the beaten eggs and stir well with a wooden spoon until you have a smooth mixture. 4. Add the orange and lemon zest and juice and stir well. The mixture should be light and drop softly from the spoon. It may even seem a bit runny – don’t panic! 5. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin, smooth out, and place on top of a baking tray. 6. Bake for 60 minutes on the middle shelf. It should be well risen, golden brown, shrunk from the sides and firm to the finger. Let it rest and cool for 15 minutes, before gently 7. transferring to a wire tray. 8. Whilst the cake is cooling, make the orange syrup. Bring the orange juice and sugar mixture to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes or so, until slightly reduced. 9. Prick the cake all over with a wooden toothpick then brush the cooled syrup all over the top of the cake. 10. If you can resist from tucking in, the cake’s taste and texture will improve after being out of the oven for a few hours and once the orange syrup has soaked well into the cake.

All photos: Richard Dalby

With the orange syrup topping, it’s quite similar to our traditional Lemon Drizzle cake, but more sophisticated in taste and texture. Give this a try – it’s an absolute blinder! Perfect on its own, or with a great big dollop of soft mascarpone cheese with a little honey stirred in. It’s a really simple cake to prepare and there’s quite

Check out my ‘Bloke In A Kitchen’ blog / Facebook page for lots more Summery ideas. And please, please, please try the Lemon Granita recipe on there – you wouldn’t believe how sublime something just using tap water, sugar and lemon could be.

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For a full range of Classes call:

out & about

Play Area

Top Trumps

Gibson Mill Hebden Bridge

By Eugenie Karen

Part 6 - Paddling Revisited

he valley is finally pulling itself slowly out of our eight month winter. There’s a great big glowing round thing in the sky that is promising to make us feel warmer. Remember the sun anybody?

Last year Top Trumps profiled three paddling places and in celebration and anticipation of the glorious summer we all deserve, here are three more lovely places to cool your pins. Vie with the ducks for a spot along the tucked away valley beside East Lee Lane where the only remnant of a long demolished mill makes a brook into ideal paddling pools. Slip into the river by Gibson Mill where there’s a little beach within sight of the buildings. Alternatively, for a taste of megapaddling, visit Bradford’s City Park and take the plunge into the 4000 sq m mirror pool. It’s a short walk from the railway station and more than justifies the effort of packing lunch and towels. Your kids will thank you for it.

East Lee

Access

Equipment

Peace of Mind

Appeal to all ages

Underfoot

Comfort and Joy

On a sunny day there’ll probably be about two thirds of Hebden Bridge and half of West Yorkshire present at the mill, but don’t let that put you off. It’s a fabulous spot offering a gentle beach by the water and plenty of sticks and stones to experiment and investigate with. Happily it is within sight of the mill building which contains the NT cafe, and more happily still, they serve a cracking Victoria Sponge. Well worth the walk.

Mirror Pool

Todmorden

Bradford

Access

Equipment

Peace of Mind

Appeal to all ages

Underfoot

Comfort and Joy

Walk up East Lee Lane, under the railway bridge but instead of following the road around to the right, walk straight ahead into a narrow valley. At the bottom there’s a rather scary drain but move swiftly on and you’ll come to a series of stepped, brick built pools that offer water of varying depths and accessibility. It has very steep sides so choose a sweltering day at lunchtime in mid summer and you may even catch some rays.

I discovered the pool by accident on a racquet buying trip to the city. The shop had closed down and we had promised the kids a trip to Eureka but then we found this. Shallow water warmed by the sun and room for hordes of excited children in an urban wonderland. Eureka was forgotten and instead we paddled ourselves silly in this inspired space ending up soaking, towelless and very happy. Try it soon!

Sing Along with Jo Jingles! Fun Music, Singing & Movement Classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years Classes in Bury, Haslingden, Rochdale, Littleborough, Todmorden, Rawtenstall & Heywood

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

Est. 2002

o o o o

Private Day Nursery

Countryside location 5* kitchen with varied, healthy menu 15 hrs/week of 3-4 yr old free places Exciting new Forest School facility

Out of School & Holiday Club 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14 years

Dean Hey Farm, Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd HX7 5RU T 01422 882010 www.thearkexperience.co.uk Open 7am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6.30pm 51 weeks

pageliteracy header Information kindly provided by;

The Book Case 29 Market Street, Hebden Bridge 01422 845353 have that seems to fter a winter at r, it seems th lasted foreve nd we ally arrived, a n fi s a h g n ri p s tside in to getting ou rd a rw fo k o lo can ames! for fun and g light some great ir a h s e fr e gh th to hi

would be nice doors, So I thought it re and the out tu na e at br le books that ce ing. t the sun is shin whether or no

All The Wild Wonders - Poems of our Earth by Wendy Cooling

The Wild Weather Book by Fiona Danks

Another gorgeously illustrated book, this one featuring poems that celebrate nature and our planet. It is a great collection which takes a global perspective, and takes a thoughtful look at the future of the Earth.

After the success of Stick Book this is another brilliant book from Fiona Danks, packed with imaginative suggestions for games, crafts, activities and experiments in the wind, rain and snow. There’s an amazing idea on every page for cold rainy days to get out and have fun!

Cook Wild, Year Round Cooking on an Open Fire by Susanne Fischer-Rizzi

My First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies and Mark Hearld

From chocolate bananas to roast venison, the only book you need to prepare a family feast outside.

Mark Hearld’s beautiful illustrations are wonderfully complemented by the lyrical text, which manages to be both poetic and informative as it explores each season in turn, This is a perfect book to buy as a gift or to treasure in the family and return to again and again.

Best Sellers We have a real mix in our bestsellers this month. At number one, created in 1945, and published in this country for the very first time, The Moomins and the Great Flood, offers an extraordinary glimpse into the creativity and imagination that launched the Moomin books.

Alan Garner’s haunting fantasy has been selling well through word of mouth recommendations, and another fantasy novel with a captivating and intriguing title is in third place. It’s a spellbinding fantasy for older readers, by an award winning novelist. Fantastic rhyming fun and a clever lift-the-flap with a twist makes What’s

Moomins and the Great Flood

The Weirdstone of Brisingamen

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

Tove Jansson

Alan Garner

£9.99

£6.99

Catherynne M Valente £9.99

in the Witches Kitchen set to become a classic, and in Stanley’s Stick, Hegley’s lyrical prose captures the free-wheeling expressiveness of childhood, with illustrations full of wit and character. Only just in paperback and already selling well, David Walliams latest is both funny and moving.

6 Gangsta Granny

Whats in the Witches Kitchen?

Stanley’s Stick

Nick Sharratt

John Hegley

David Walliams

£6.99

£5.99

£6.99

Looking for fun for little ones? ��

Caterpillar Music TM

newborn to 4 years New Local Classes Now Open

01422 844 551

FREE TRIAL CLASS BOOK NOW!

www.caterpillarmusic.com

family health page header 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.

I’ve heard about Somatics but would like to know more about it and how it can help me with my tight and sore muscles Somatics is a movement education process that uses hands-on guided movement as well as a series of self care exercises (lasting as little as 15 minutes a day) that lengthen muscles back to their natural, relaxed state and correct inefficient movement patterns. When muscles become chronically contracted from misuse, physical and emotional stress, and injury and trauma, the body becomes imbalanced. Years of adjusting to these changes can lead to pain in the neck, back,

hips, knees, shoulders, etc., eventually leading to sciatica, scoliosis, carpal tunnel, disc degeneration, arthritis, fatigue, and other structural and functional problems. Once the muscles are relaxed and balanced through Somatic movement education, posture and functioning return to a normal state, flexibility returns, and you often feel more energetic, since you require much less effort to do things like stand, walk, dance, and exercise. Somatics takes advantage of the neuroplasticity of the brain. A Somatic movement lesson leads you through comfortable movements that focus the brain specifically on the contracted muscles and

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

movement patterns. Once the brain is made aware of the held contractions, it is able to release them back to a relaxed state. Many other pain relief and rehabilitative methods rely on someone else to “do the work” . When you actively engage yourself in the process, the muscles follow and do what they are asked. Somatics gets right to the heart of the matter, helping you to adjust the “software” rather than the “hardware”. Somatic movement education uses techniques, based on a thorough and modern understanding of human functioning, to create long-lasting and direct changes in your movement, coordination, and efficiency.

Through one to one somatic movement lessons you can enhance your overall wellbeing and ability to function, as “mind” and “body” become more in tune and chronically held muscles contractions are released. Somatic movement education is delivered in fully clothed hands on sessions. A course of 3-6 sessions are generally required and also provide you with a personalized brief routine of simple exercises you can use easily for the rest of your life to stay healthy and pain free, and get even healthier and more flexible. By Chris Halliday, Trager and Somatics Practitioner, Physio & Therapies

Testimonial for Somatics I have had problems with my back for nearly 30 years. For most of that time, I have been unable to sit, or stand, for any length of time without pain .I retired from work (Computer Programmer) due to my back pain at the age of 42, the problem was so bad. I have tried nearly everything over the years to try and help fix the problem and relieve the pain (Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Physio, Alexander Technique, Massage, Bowen Technique, NHS Pain Management Prorgamme etc) but when a friend told me about Somatics, it was something I hadn’t even heard of. After just one session with Chris the pain had gone and my body felt much less stiff, and after 3

sessions, I was back to walking big mountains in the Lakes again. There have been two other big unexpected and wonderful changes. Firstly, as my brain is becoming more aware of my muscles and gaining conscious control over them, I can now sit down for longer than I have been able to for over 20 years, which has improved my quality of life enormously. And secondly, because my body is working better, my balance is much better, and that is improving my enjoyment of hill walking. All this has happened in less than 4 months and I can see that there is plenty of improvement to come yet. I can’t thank Chris enough for how much he has helped me and literally given me back a large part of my life that I hadn’t thought was possible. Heather Doyle, Ormskirk March 2013

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