The Scallymag for Todmorden & Hebden Bridge - Summer '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 Crocky Trail, Chester Windmill Animal park, Burscough

Feature

Find your way around childcare benefits

News

What’s happening in our area

Regular Features: Health Bloke in a Kitchen Literature News Competitions and MORE

FRE E

Summer ‘19 Issue 65

Competition

Welcome

Welcome To

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

W

elcome to the Summer ‘19 issue of The Scallymag for Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. Another packed issue with lots of features that can help out families in our area.

time and will hopefully be in our area in the next few months. There is a new Family Choir group meeting at Mytholmroyd Community Centre and a new, FREE, Mums (and dads) and babies Aquafit class at Tod Sports Centre. Please remember, if you have any more information that should go in the diary pages please let us know.

Thanks to our regular contributors from The Book Case, our Bloke in a Kitchen and our health spot from the staff at Physio & Therapies.

The next issue will be the Autumn one, when the schools return in September. Remember to send us your updates, entries for the front cover competition or any news you think we might be interested in.

Have a good Summer everyone!

Our big feature this issue is a guide to help everyone understand what they can claim to help with Childcare Costs. It is such a muddled picture at the moment, with schemes closing and new ones starting, that we thought a complete guide wouldn’t go amiss.

The Diary pages, as always, have been updated this issue with a few new events added. RugbyTots is now on our doorstep for the first

Hazel

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

Emilia Hardy aged 8, of Luddendenfoot, who drew our wonderful front cover picture “Summer Dream” 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.

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

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Rugbytots comes to Halifax, Rochdale & Burnley

tarting back in 2006, the Rugbytots motto is simple: - “make it more fun”. This is done by delivering their specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement. This creates an atmosphere in the class that is totally unique and engaging for parents and children alike.

Here in the UK, over 500 coaches deliver more than 2500 classes per week… and the numbers keep rising!

Rugbytots Halifax, Rochdale & Burnley launched in February 2019. Classes are currently available in Halifax & Ripponden for children aged from 2 to 7 years. They also run classes in Nurseries across the area including The Ark, Mytholmroyd. They are looking to introduce weekend and midweek community class for the Calder Valley in the coming months, along with classes launching in Rochdale and Burnley in 2019. If this is something that would interest you then please contact kath@rugbytots.co.uk for further information.

We spoke to Kath to find out more.

“Our fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way, whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team.” she told us. “Classes are split into three age groups, making sure that children get to play alongside other children of their own age, in an encouraging, friendly environment.”

The age groups are as follows:

2 to 3 ½ years

This class gives parents the opportunity to spend quality time with their child whilst they learn new skills, meet new friends and have an exciting introduction to Rugby.

Your child will learn about shapes, colours, numbers and counting, and they will be encouraged to work independently as well as enjoying team games. Rugby

specific skills are gently introduced and all the equipment used in these classes has been specifically designed and selected for toddlers. The classes use sponge foam balls so the children can catch, pass and kick their goals with confidence. Its colourful, it’s lively and it’s guaranteed to brighten up their day!

3 ½ to 5 years

Cheering and encouragement is essential in these classes, as children will be part of a dynamic session that will develop their social and physical skills in a positive environment.

With slightly more focus on Rugby specific skills, the Rugbytots discover a new world of sporting imagination. Finding space, looking after the ball, scoring try’s, running with the ball in two hands and general agility and balance are just some of the skills that are developed.

5 to 7 years

The older age group classes really start to prepare children for life after Rugbytots, with sessions including advanced team games, whilst ensuring that the basic skills of Rugby are coached in the right way by maintaining small class numbers.

The focus is on fun and encouragement whilst enhancing self-esteem and confidence, and preparing the children for their next Rugby adventure.

To find out more about Rugbytots in your area please go to www.rugbytots.co.uk or contact kath@rugbytots.co.uk.

News

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Third Todmorden Game and County Fair

ow in its third year, the Todmorden Game and Country Fair (rebranded this year from the Todmorden Country Fair) will take place on 29th June. They are hoping to provide more educational things centred around the countryside.

Planning Committee member Shirley Fielder, told us more.

“We have already had Straw buildings at the show and are now hoping for a demonstration of thatching, fly fishing and lazer shooting. The coracle building was a great success last year so this year we are hoping to see them float! Safari Phil is back if you would like to see and hold exotic animals and, hopefully, we won’t lose one of the flying Falcons this year! Donkey rides are with us again, along with the racing Camels.

“We have cooking demonstration every hour, courtesy of Rod from the Hincliffe Arms, Cragg Road, Mytholmroyd, who will entertain you, along with other chefs from outstanding restaurants and hostilities in our area. We have Terrier racing and “Scurrying Along” with PAWS Rescue Center’s agility and Happy Dog competitions.

“The horse and pony show will be much bigger this year with a new display of equitation in the main ring, lots of new classes for people who have never been in a show before and classes for disabled riders.

“We have sheep rare breeds and sheep shearing. Last year New Zealand Mike gave a very entertaining and funny commentary so

look out for that again this year.

“Of course there will be an assortment of trade stands showcasing local food and goods and the local Arts and Crafts competition.

The school winner last year was Ferney Lee School, who received £50 for the school.”

So far over £2,350 has been raised for local charities by the fair so the committee would like to give everyone a big Thank You for supporting the event. This year they are hoping for a good day with fine weather so the town can have a get together and a truly enjoyable day.

More information is on the website www. todmordengameandcountryfair.co.uk Tickets are available on line or at Todmorden Information Centre, Todmorden News Centre (Cryers) Riggs and Walsden Store.

Pre-paid ticket prices are: Adults £5, Children (6-15 yrs) £2.50, Family (2+2) £12 (each additional child is £1) On-the-day tickets are: Adults £6, Children (6-15 yrs) £3, Family (2+2) £15 (each additional child is £2)

Friday play, a brew and a view

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um of two boys, Isla Campbell, claims she went to pretty much every local baby and toddler group going, when she first moved to Hebden Bridge and had her first child.

at Old Town School Playgroup!

“I found it the best way to make new friends and get settled in.” She says. “My oldest child now goes to Old Town School and I can’t recommend its Friday playgroup enough. I still go with my four year old and it’s a highlight of our week. He particularly enjoys scuttlebugging in the playground and I love the valley views!”

Emily Knudsen has been bringing her two year old since he was born. “It’s fine to pop in as a one-off or come more regularly.

Everyone’s welcome. There’s lots of toys suitable for under 5’s and plenty of tea and real coffee for the adults.”

Mum of two playgroup attendees, Rosie Duke, adds “The kids love the playgroup and it’s a great way to immerse yourself a little in a warm village school atmosphere.

I particularly value the Reception and Head Teachers’ efforts to get to know the playgroup children; how they pop by to join

in the fun on occasion!”

Old Town is a school without a pre school so the play group is great chance for prospective parents and kids to get to know the school and make friends. But it is also just a fun session that anyone would be welcome to come to.

The playgroup is held Fridays 9.00 to 10.30am, term time only and is run by parents. There’s a £1.50 fee, which pays for snack time/refreshments and contributes to Christmas gifts and a Summer outing.

The 595 bus stops just outside. If you are feeling energetic, there is beautiful Old Town park to play in after the session and many off road routes back down to Hebden.

Contact details and term dates are available on the Old Town school website: www.oldtown.calderdale.sch.uk

News

Singing with all the family

Awards for Calderdale

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C

e Are Family Choir is a new community choir based in Mytholmroyd, for all people age 7 and above. The idea has been put together by Hannah Rockcliffe, a local musician.

alderdale Council has been shortlisted for a number of prestigious national awards, thanks to its innovative work. The MJ Local Government Achievement Awards 2019, recognise the best in local government services and staff across the country, and enable councils to learn from each other.

“Rarely does the whole family have an activity that they can enjoy learning together, and we do encourage participants to come with friends and family, regardless of age (7+), gender or ability.” says Hannah.

“Our aim is to have a great time making music and singing each week, learning techniques and songs that you can continue to have fun with at home.”

Singing in a group has many proven benefits: • Strengthens the immune system and is known to increase antibodies • A brilliant exercise for your lungs and circulation • Improves posture • Helps with sleep, including strengthening parts of the mouth and throat to help stop snoring • A natural anti-depressant; singing releases endorphins, the happy hormone!

• Lowers stress levels by decreasing the levels of cortisol!

• Improves mental alertness. Singing is especially good for people with memory problems, Dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers • Can widen your circle of friends • Boosts confidence • Broadens communication skills, especially in young, developing minds • Increases your appreciation of other singers and perhaps help you find new music to love!

“There are many benefits to joining a choir, but this one doesn’t require babysitting! Whether its Daddy-Daughter time or Grandparents with their grandkids, you’ll have a great time singing a range of chart topping songs from every decade.”

Amongst others, the Council is in the running for the following award categories:

Public Health Improvement

The judges were looking for innovative projects which have helped to improve people’s health in local communities. The Council has launched the ambitious Active Calderdale movement to help Calderdale become the most active borough in the north of England by 2024. Moving more is vital for good health and wellbeing and the Council is working with partner organisations to tackle the barriers that prevent people from being active. One way is through the successful Active Calderdale Bike Library, which has been recognised by the MJ as an outstanding project.

The Bike Library is a joint scheme by the Council and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, funded by Yorkshire Bank. Opened in 2017 at Halifax Fire Station, it lends donated bikes to children and families in the community, helping more people to take up cycling and addressing poverty. There have been nearly 1000 bike loans so far and over half of the loans have come from two of the most deprived areas in Calderdale.

Innovation in Children’s Services

This is all about reaching and engaging with people who are in most need of support. The MJ shortlisted the Council for its innovative approach to helping young people leaving care, which has kindness at its heart. As one of the first local authorities to formally recognise not only its role as a corporate parent, but also corporate grandparent, the Council provides outstanding support (as recognised

by Ofsted) not only to young people leaving care, but also to their children. This ensures that everyone has access to opportunities which help them achieve their best.

Talented young people continually shape the service; they plan their own futures with the support of staff they trust; and they have access to apprenticeship and work opportunities within the Council and with partner organisations. 17% of Calderdale’s young people are in higher education, compared to the national average of 6%. 99% of Calderdale’s young people live in suitable accommodation, compared to 84% nationally, through the extensive range of housing options and tailored support to live independently.

The year 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday. But where does Calderdale want to be by 2024? How will the Calderdale of then be different from the place it is now? What ambitions does it have? To find out more and to get involved, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision

The choir is every Thursday, 5-6, in Mytholmroyd Community Centre. For more information contact Hannah on hj.rockcliffe@gmail. com, 07772 486 812

The Crocky Trail

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was recommended to try this place out as somewhere completely different, where entertainment and fun is aimed at children in a truly back-to-basics sort of way.

So still being outdoors, still getting fresh air and exercise but with added excitement and layers of mud. And where you can join in too! A true whole family experience.

The Crocky Trail is an activity or adventure park and playground divided into two halves.

There is the actual Trail, which is a mile and a half long adventure route that encourages you to scramble and swing through trees, climb over crooked or narrow bridges; and clamber through and tackle various obstacles. The other half is a park area with adventure rides, some of which are not for the faint-hearted; an opportunity to test the children’s nerve, as well as your own.

Located in Cheshire, it’s a place to go when you have the complete day free and the weather is dry. It’s open all year round, weekdays during the school holidays and weekends throughout term time. They only close when the weather is particularly bad, so check their website for details. Be warned, some of the rides close when it rains as they become too slippery. This is a very popular school holiday destination, so pick the day you go carefully and aim to arrive early. We were there for at least four hours, longer if the children had had their way. Booking and payment can be done online, so as soon you arrive, get your receipt checked and wristband attached, the fun can begin. It’s not the cheapest day out, (£14.00 per child, £9.00 per adult) but this is a one off charge. Apart from food and drink, there are no extra costs involved.

We visited the park rides and slides first as it was early and not many visitors had arrived.

So there was little or no queuing and the children (and you) can go on them again and again and again. The rides themselves look like they have been built in someone’s garage, but don’t let this put you off. The Park is nothing like a fairground, there is no piped music and no fibreglass characters. However, there is dirt, mud and a certain amount of risk involved.

After a couple of hours of the children enjoying the Park, we started our trek around

the Trail itself. This route winds through fields and over a stream, broken at intervals by swings, mazes, bridges and walkways to cross. The Trail has been devised with varying degrees of participation in mind, that is to say, if you don’t want to do a challenge like walk across a stream using a 5cm wide iron beam with two slack chains to hang on to; you don’t have to. There is a path aside of each task that avoids these obstacles. To complete the circular Trail and tackle the various challenges, took us about an hour and a half. However, there were lots of places to stop on the way and sit and relax; you go at your own speed.

There were also lots of quirky picnic spots dotted all the way round.

Luckily, the large (free) carpark is close by, so you can easily nip back for picnics (only snacks and drinks are served during off-peak times) and a change of clothing (which I didn’t take)! Please do not wear your best clothes, you will get dirty. Footwear with a good grip is necessary, like walking boots or trainers.

Wearing fashion footwear is not advisable, whereas taking a large pack of wet wipes is (I forgot these too).

Although The Crocky Trail is promoted as being fun for the whole family, some of the rides are clearly not suitable for young children, however, there a variety of attractions that they can enjoy. This is reflected in their pricing policy where under 5’s go free.

This is a full-on fun day out, so be prepared to get dirty and laugh a lot. In reality, you have to be sensible and do your own risk assessments regarding the rides and challenges. However, it’s a fantastic place to let children be children and burn off some energy.

We will visit again in the spring, this time with the essential change of clothes, a big pack of wet wipes and a couple of plasters.

By Tracey Sunderland

Photos courtesy The Crocky Trail. Inset picture T Sunderland

Cotton Abbotts, Waverton, Chester CH3 7PH 01244 336084 www.crockytrail.co.uk

Feature

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hildcare cost benefits are a minefield and, personally, I find it unsurprising that £1000s are being left unclaimed often by the people who need the money most. Tax credits? Childcare vouchers?

15 or 30 hours free? Which way to go and which is best for you? Let’s try and sort it out.

Understanding Childcare Cost Benefits The first thing to realise is that “Childcare” includes all children, including those of school age. Also all childcare provisions for which you can claim any help, must be an Ofsted-registered provider.

Registered providers include nannies, childminders, au pairs, nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools, before and after school clubs and summer schools. The provider should be able to tell you if they are registered but, if you would like a list of local registered providers, go to www. calderdale.gov.uk and follow the ‘Education and Learning’ link.

Free Childcare for three and four (and two) year olds.

Starting from the beginning of term after your child’s third birthday, everyone (and this IS everyone) is entitled to 570 hours of free childcare per year. This is usually taken up as 15 hours per week for the 38 weeks of the school year, though you may be able to do less hours per week for more weeks of the year. To access this benefit simply ask your local childcare provider if they have space. Be aware of potential add-on costs though, such as meals or nappies.

Some families are entitled to increase this free childcare to 30 hours per week (or 1,140 hours per year) if they meet certain criteria. If both parents (in a couple) or the main parent (in a single parent family) earns, or is expected to earn, over £1,707.68 in the next 3 months (this odd figure is calculated based on working 16 hours a week for the National Living Wage for over 25s) but less than £100,000 per year, then they can claim.

If you are self employed, you can average out your annual income if necessary.

To access this benefit you will need to visit www.gov.uk/apply-30-hours-free-childcare and fill in the form. Once approved you will be given a code to pass on to your childcare provider. Your extra free hours should then begin at the beginning of the next term.

Two year olds from certain low-income families are also entitled to free childcare.

Visit www.calderdale.gov.uk to find out more.

If you are still receiving Tax Credits.

Tax credits have been replaced by Universal Credit for a lot of people and, from July ‘19, everyone still on the old scheme will begin to be moved over to the Universal Credit scheme. But for now, those who were claiming the Childcare element of the Working Tax Credit scheme will still receive them. (NB. You may be better off moving to the Universal Credit scheme sooner. There are online calculators available to help you assess whether this will be the case for you).

Childcare costs within Universal Credit.

If you are receiving Universal Credit you can claim back up to 85% if your childcare costs, up to a maximum of £646 a month for one child or £1,108 per month for two or more children. You can only claim the money after you prove you have paid it and you need to apply, each month, through your Universal Credit account. The money will be reimbursed to you through your next month’s UC payment.

Feature If both of you (in a couple) or you (if you are a single parent) earns...

Child’s Age

0&1 2

Low Income

Between £1,707.68 every 3 months and £100,000 per year (roughly between £570 and £8,333 per month)

Childcare costs within Universal Credit

P

Tax-Free Childcare

P

Free Education and Childcare

P

Tax-Free Childcare

P P

3&4

More than £100,000 per Look at: year (roughly £8,333 per month)?

P

P

Childcare costs within Universal Credit

P

30 hours Free Childcare & Tax-Free Childcare

P 5 - 11

15 Hours Free Childcare

Childcare costs within Universal Credit

P

Tax-Free Childcare

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Tax-Free Childcare This is a new scheme to help working parents and will replace the Childcare Voucher scheme. The Voucher scheme is now closed to new applicants but, if you are already in the scheme, you received your first vouchers before 4th October ‘18 and your employer continues to offer the scheme, you are not forced to change. However it may be in your interests to do so. Again, look online for a comparison calculator.

So, this new Government-backed scheme gives eligible families an extra 20% towards childcare costs. For every 80p you put in, the government will add 20p, effectively giving you your basic-rate tax back, hence the name.

In total you can claim up to £2,000 per child (more if your child is disabled) each year, meaning £10,000 of childcare will cost you only £8,000.

To qualify both parents (in a couple) or the main parent (in a single parent family) must earn, or be expected to earn, over £1,707.68 in the next 3 months but less than £100,000 per year; this includes self-employed parents, where a 3-monthly average income is used. Your child must be 11 or under (16 for children with disabilities).

To access this money, you need to set up an online childcare account via www.gov.uk/ apply-for-tax-free-childcare. Only one parent can open the account (of course both can access it), so decide whose name it should be under. If you are separated and can’t decide, both parents can apply for an account and HMRC will decide who gets it.

You can pay money in via a standing order, with a debit card or directly from a bank account and the government will top the money up by 20% the same day. So, pay £80 in at lunch time and, by the evening, that should be boosted to £100. The childcare providers can then be paid directly from this account.

You can vary the amount you pay in to the account each month but, bear in mind, the maximum government top-up (£2,000 per year) is actually £500 every three months, so try to even out your input in order to get maximum benefit. Of course, if your childcare costs are higher than £10,000 per year, you can put more money into the account to pay your provider, but you won’t get more than £500 total top-up every three months.

Every three months you will also be required to ‘reconfirm’ your eligibility but this is simply to tick a box stating your circumstances haven’t changed.

NB. You cannot get this new Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as claiming Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers. Your Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit will stop straight away if you successfully apply for Tax-Free Childcare. However, wait until you get a decision on your Tax-Free Childcare application before cancelling a Universal Credit claim. You can join this scheme and still get the 30 hours free childcare, but both claims must be made in the same name.

Paying for Summer Childcare

When we say Summer childcare, we mean childminders, nurseries, etc AND Children’s Summer Activities - Football weeks, camps, etc. If you need to pay for them and they are Ofsted-registered, then you can claim/pay as you would using Childcare tax-credits, UC claim-back, vouchers or your tax-free childcare account.

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 and Rugby Tots.

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

15 hours of fun!

Don’t miss out on your child’s funded early learning and childcare place.

Ask your local childcare provider or visit www.calderdale.gov.uk for more information.

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Diary Pages

T

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 - 4:00 7:00 - 8.15

Wednesday

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

10:00 - 5:00

Thursday

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

10:00 - 6:30

Friday

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

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 6:30

1:30 - 6:30

Saturday

9:00 - 4:30

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 12:00

Sunday

9:00 - 1:00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 5:00

2:00 - 4:30

11

1:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:00 - 6:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:00 - 6:00

10:00 - 3:00

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

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

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

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

Afternoon Toddlers 2:00 - 2:45 Helen Wilman School of Dance, Waterside Gym, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge 07435 560218

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

Drama w 4:00 - 4: StoryMa Queen H Todmord Katrina Ages 4+

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

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 Methodis Street, H Nichola

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

Children’s 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

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-sch 4:00 - 4: DC Danc Todmord Dawn - 0 Age 4 - 6

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

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 - 10:30 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

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

support gr

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

Children 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

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

Little Bear Feet 9:00 - 9:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 Age 1½ - 3 yrs

Rugbytots 9:00 - 9:30 (age 2-3.5) 9:35 - 10:20 (age 3.5 - 5) Rishworth School, Rishworth, Sowerby Bridge Kathryn - 0345 3130065

Children’s Swimming various levels 9:15 - 3:15 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

12

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

Mini Movers Street 9:30 - 10:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

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

Ballet & 10:00 - 1 JADPA and Perf Luddend Station R Julie - 0 3 - 5 yrs

Pre-School Diary

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

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

with Singing :30 agic Theatre School, Hotel, Rise Lane, den - 01706 810788 +

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

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

Holidays)

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

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

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

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

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

Well Baby Clinic

Baby Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:00 1:00 - 3:00 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Children’s Centre Burnley Road, Todmorden Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE 01706 399970 - FREE

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

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

Mum & Babies Aquafit 2:45 - 3:15 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

Beenies/Stay & Play 1:30 - 3:00 (term time only) Luddenden CE School, Dene View, Luddenden Foot 01706 399970 - FREE 0-4 yrs

& Babes

roup for multiple births

11:30 thodist Church, New Hebden Bridge 01422 843129

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

White background shows drop-in events open to all.

hool Ballet :30 ce, Victoria Road, den 01706 839113 6 yrs

Mini Movers Musical Theatre 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

n’s Swimming 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

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

& Tap 11:00 - Julie Anne Dance forming Arts, denfoot Civic Centre, Road, Luddendenfoot 07758 147364

Humpty’s half hour 11:00 - 11:30 StoryMagic Theatre School, Todmorden Social Club, Halifax Road,Todmorden Katrina - 01706 810788

SUNDAY

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

13

Family Fun Swim (U 5s) 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

Rugbytots 9:00 - 9:30 (age 2-3.5) 9:35 - 10:20 (age 3.5 - 5) The Halifax Academy, Halifax Kathryn - 0345 3130065

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

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

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

Table Tennis Club 3:30 - 5:30 Mytholmroyd Community & Leisure Centre, Caldene Ave, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge 01422 883023 7+ yrs

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

Swimming Coaching

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ballet & Tap (First & Foundation) 4:00 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

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

Junior Street 4:30 - 5:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 6 - 10 yrs

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

Junior Disco & Cheer 5:00 - 6:00 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113 6 - 10 yrs

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

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

Family Choir 5:00 - 6:00 Mytholmroyd Community & Leisure Centre, Caldene Ave, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge Hannah - 07772 486812 7+ yrs

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

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

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

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

Musical Theatre 5:45 - 6:45 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

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

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

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

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

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

Dance (Various Styles) 9:00 - 2:30 DC Dance, Victoria Road, Todmorden Dawn - 01706 839113

Swimming Coaching (various levels) 9:15 - 3:15 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090

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

Gym 10:00 - 11:00 & 12:00 - 1:30 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

(various levels)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sports Zone 60 - For children with disabilities 1:00 - 2:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Debbie - 01422 264740 6 + yrs

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

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

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

Rugbytots 10:15 - 11:10 Rishworth School, Rishworth, Sowerby Bridge Kathryn - 0345 3130065 5 - 7 yrs

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 Family Martial Arts 11:00 - 12:00 CVMAA, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults Climbing Fun 12:30 - 2:00 Climbing’ Skool, Vale Street, off Stansfield Road, Todmorden Georgina - 01706 819100

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Feature

A

few issues ago I was writing about phone apps that can be a potential problem for your kids. However there is a new app on the block that may save your, or your children’s, life.

Being Mum

By Josie Pritchard

I first heard about What3words on QI a couple of years ago. The panel were somewhat dismissive while poor Sandi Toksvig was trying to explain how brilliant it was. The show moved on.

Since then though, the British company behind the idea have developed and it had recently been taken up by the West Yorkshire Police Service as a way to EXACTLY locate the person needing help.

Put simply, the whole surface of the earth, including the entire ocean, has been divided into 57 trillion 3m x 3m squares. Each one of those squares has an address that consists of just 3, apparently random, words and just 40,000 words are required to assign each square a different address. Of course this has been done by a magic algorithm I can’t even begin to understand, but the three words are chosen to be phonetically different and, if there is a possible confusion, the similar named square will be so far away that any uncertainty is negated. For example, the centre of the roundabout in Todmorden is “lows, shout, backpacks” and Hebden Bridge Town Hall entrance is “went, troubles, wiggling”. The advantages that what3words claim over the traditional coordinate system are memorability, errordetection, providing addresses where no streets exist, high levels of specificity and voice input.

So far seven emergency services across the country have taken up the service, including West Yorkshire Police, and it has already been used to save lives. Cases include the rescue of a victim of sexual assault who was being held hostage, and the capture of the offender, a member

of the public used it to locate a remote riverside path where she had found a lost child and a mother and child were rescued after a car crash in a very remote location.

So the app - search for ‘what3words’ - is quite small so should fit comfortably on a modern smart phone. The majority of the memory it takes up is the algorithm, meaning (and this is the critical thing) it will be able to locate your position and hence your 3 word address, without an internet location. It uses the GPS signal, so may be a little slower, but is just as accurate.

The main home screen of the app is a map (from Google maps) with an option to turn on the satellite view. It knows where you are and will display your three word location. There is also a clear link to share that information with whoever needs to know - your guests who can’t find your house, your family who are trying to catch you up on a trek across the moors, the police, etc. - via any messenger services you have installed.

Of course, it also works in the opposite direction. Someone can send you a three word position so you can pinpoint their location and get directions to it, using Google maps (you will need a data connection for this to work) and/or a compass (works offline). You can also input the three words by talking to the app.

So this is an app I can recommend; and get all the family involved. Next time you are working as parent taxi service and have no idea where your children’s friends live, next time you head out for a walk across the moors with the dog, next time your child heads up to Gaddings dam with a bunch of mates, no one should ever be lost again.

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The 3words for Gaddings Dam Beach are: increased, edit, learn

Literacy Matters Information Kindly supplied by:

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

Carnegie Medal and Kate Greenway Awards

T

he two most prestigious children’s book awards showcase the cream of children’s writing in the UK. With the winners to be announced on 18th June, we take a look at the shortlist for some ideas for great summer reading.

This year’s shortlists comprise books by authors and illustrators from across the globe, offering multiple perspectives – from suffragette to slam poet, tribesman to basketball player – and settings as varied as Coney Island, the East End slums of 1920s London, an Indian forest and a remote mountain village in the Philippines. Female voices are strongly represented across both lists, with 11 of the 16 shortlisted books written or illustrated by women, and around half the books featuring female protagonists.

CILIP Carnegie Medal shortlist (alphabetical by author surname): • • • • • • • •

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo Rebound by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge Things A Bright Girl Can Do by Sally Nicholls Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Chris Priestley The Land of Neverendings by Kate Saunders

Kate Greenaway Medal, for distinguished illustration in a book for children, shortlist (alphabetical by illustrator surname): • • • • • • • •

The Day War Came by Rebecca Cobb, written by Nicola Davies Ocean Meets Sky by Eric Fan and Terry Fan Beyond the Fence by Maria Gulemetova The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett Julian is a Mermaid byJessica Love You’re Safe With Me by Poonam Mistry, written by Chitra Soundar The Lost Words by Jackie Morris, written

by Robert Macfarlane Suffragette: The Battle for Equality by David Roberts

Best Sellers

at The Book Case Wonky Donkey

by Craig Smith £6.99 Pvp

Skylark’s War

by Hilary Mackay £6.99 Pvp

Fing

by David Walliams £12.99 Pvp

Rebel Cats Brave Tales of Feisty Felines

by Kes Gray £6.99 Pvp

Dog Man and Cat Kid

by Dave Pilkey £8.99 Pvp

Ugly Five

by Julia Donaldson £6.99 Pvp Wonky Donkey is still out selling all our other children’s books, it seems everyone has seen the viral video featuring the Scottish granny who can’t read it with out laughing!

War Winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award 2018. The Skylarks’ War is a beautiful story following a family growing up against the harsh backdrop of World War One. David Walliams latest Fing is straight into our list, followed one of our favourite non-fiction titles featuring 30 real-life felines, including WWII heroes, courageous adventurers, a Guinness World Record holder and even an astrocat that travelled in space. The Dog Man series is still an absolute favourite with our younger readers, who love the humour and the comic style layout. Finally another classic from the master Julia Donaldson A lovely picture book with the message that everyone is perfect just the way they are.

Left: Some examples of the illustrations shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal.

Far left - Lost Words Left - The Wolf, the duck and the mouse

17

Summer Schools

L

ooking for activities for your children over the Summer holidays? If you need some flexible childcare, your children want to learn new skills and meet new children outside their usual friendship circle, or just want to make some special childhood memories, one of these activities might be the answer.

Out of school & holiday club set in 4 acres of countryside

With a sports hall, large playing field, traversing walls and all the latest games, there’s never a dull moment in Space!

The Ark & Space, Dean Hey Farm, Mytholmroyd, HX7 5RU www.thearkexperience.co.uk T 01422 882010 DC Dance - Victoria Rd - Todmorden

of FUN! _ Workshop at

PLAY

DC

LS O O H 22 - 26 July 2019 SC !

OUT A Fun Packed FOR E TIM Y! PLA

Activity week

8:30am - 5:30pm £100

£20 Deposit 10% sibling discount Booking Essential due to Limited Places

info@dcdance.co.uk All Leaders CRB and Chaperone Licensed Balance Due on or before First Day Flexible Drop Off/Pickup Times Telephone booking available Packed Lunch Required

01706

839113

18

Out & About

Windmill Animal Farm

W

elcome to… farm animals, reptiles, bouncy castles, playground adventure trials and a miniature steam train.

A winning combination for family groups with children of all ages – literally something for everyone!

Opening times: 10am - 5pm daily Admission Prices: Family Ticket (2 +2) £26.00, Adults £6.50, Children £7.50, Under 2’s free admission.

Recently we had visitors with small family members and pondered about where we could go that would keep everyone entertained. What attracted us to take our guests on a 45 minute car journey was the variety of attractions at Windmill Animal Farm. There is a traditional farmyard with tame animals roaming, there are bigger enclosures for the less tame and larger animals, a miniature railway, an outdoor playground, indoor play frames… well, let’s just say lots of things to see and do.

We started in the farmyard and barn area, where miniature goats wander freely and can be stroked, petted and fed with food purchased in the farm shop.

There is also a dedicated reptile area. In the yard outside there are lots of small pedal tractors that the little ones can ride for free and roller racers for older children. Through the yard, the barn has a number of other animals enclosed in pens, such as pigs, donkeys and even llamas! There are steps at the side of the pens so that smaller children can climb up to see the animals too.

Outside in the larger animal enclosures one can see Shire horses, Shetland ponies, different breeds of cows and goats to name but a few. The Highland cattle, or hairy cows, as we call them, were a particular favourite. One can wander freely about this grassed area and as it’s flat and even, the terrain is pushchair- and pram-friendly.

One of the most popular attractions was the ride on the miniature railway, which is an additional cost to the admission price. The train departs from the farm “station”, past the animal pens and across fields to a small lake,

19

which is safely enclosed and has a new playground adventure trail. There is also a picnic area nearby. The ride takes about 5 minutes and is great fun, as the carriages are not fully enclosed and you’re quite close to the ground.

At the lake station the train waits five minutes before returning to the farm station, giving people the opportunity to have a very quick look at the lake and playground. Alternatively, one can stay at the lake and return on a later train, as the trains leave every half hour.

We took a picnic with us and stayed at the lake to eat our lunch at one of the picnic tables, returning later. It must be said the children were more interested in playing on the adventure play equipment than eating!

The weather was very kind to us on the day we went, but in the event of rain showers there is an indoor play barn, with a ball pool for little ones and a very large soft play frame area for bigger ones. Of course, there is a café and gift shop with endless supplies of ice cream.

The management have provided excellent hand washing facilities for when the children have finished petting the animals. There are also good picnic facilities. There is ample car parking and access for the disabled, with good toilet facilities and baby changing amenities.

The farm is well sign-posted and relatively easy to find, too.

All in all it was a lovely, full day out and thoroughly enjoyed by children and adults alike. The variety of activities was great, not sure who was tired out most, us or them!

By Tracey Sunderland

Photo courtesy: Windmill Animal Farm

Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancs L40 1UQ 01704 892282 www.windmillanimalfarm.co.uk

Feature

Summer Reading Challenge

E

very year, thousands of families all over the country take part in the UK’s biggest reading event for children in libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge, run by the national charity The Reading Agency.

The aim of the Challenge is to encourage children to read any six books of their choice from their library during the summer holidays. It offers children and families an enjoyable, free activity in the six-week summer break from school when reading skills and confidence can dip, commonly known as the ‘summer slide’. Children receive special rewards each time they finish a book and there’s a certificate for everyone who completes the Challenge.

Every year there’s a different theme. The Summer Reading Challenge 2019 theme is Space Chase, an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Children taking part in the Challenge will join the super space family, The Rockets, for a thrilling mission to track down books nabbed by mischievous aliens!

Space Chase will feature bespoke artwork from top children’s illustrator, Adam Stower, and will celebrate adventure, exploration, reading and fun!

The Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at children aged four to eleven. It is run in almost all libraries in the UK and it is completely free!

Visit your local library during the summer holidays to sign up – the sooner you go, the

20

longer your child will have to read six books!

Staff will register your child for the Challenge and give them some fun materials to get them started.

Many libraries will also offer pre-school activities suitable for under-fours, including specially designed Summer Reading Challenge materials. Visit your local branch to find out more.

The Challenge will launch in libraries in England and Wales on Saturday 13 July 2019.

The Reading Agency does not set an official end date for the Summer Reading Challenge but check with your local library service to find out when the Challenge will begin and end in your area.

The Summer Reading Challenge website allows your child to keep track of the books they have read during the summer and beyond. They can also find new books to read, recommended by other children; watch exclusive author videos; take part in competitions and play games.

Please note: the Summer Reading Challenge is a library-based scheme and children must sign up at a participating library to take part and be eligible for any rewards (including stickers and certificates).

Bloke in a kitchen

Quick ‘n’ Easy Summery Ice Cream

T

his is a brilliant, quick and easy way of making a cooling dessert for those long hot Summer’s days. The recipe is based on an Italian version of ice cream called spumone, using just a few ingredients to create something fruity and wondrous. Get creative and try variations using other fruit such as raspberries or even bananas, with a touch of honey or maple syrup. Have fun and enjoy!

By Richard Dalby

Ingredients

• • • •

300ml double cream 255g fresh strawberries Juice of 1 lemon 115g icing sugar

•

• •

•

•

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Method Line a loaf tin, or container of a similar size, with clingfilm so it hangs over the edge a few inches on all sides.

In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream until firm peaks. Set aside.

In a food processor or blender, combine the fruit and lemon juice and puree until smooth. Transfer this to another large bowl and stir in the icing sugar, and then gently fold into the whipped cream, mixing well and removing any large lumps of cream.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin, cover with the overhanging clingfilm and put in the freezer for at least 4 hours, until firm.

To serve, pick up the edges of the clingfilm and remove the ice cream.

Serve with fresh fruit.

AS SEEN ON

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

DISCOVER RUGBYTOTS

Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment.

For more details, just call or email:

0345 313 0065 kath@rugbytots.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

22

Health Matters

B

efore I was pregnant I used to run and do regular gym work.

Could you give some advice on returning to this after the birth of my baby?

Giving birth, whichever way you do it can be an empowering experience, and many women recover naturally and quickly.

Women usually want to return to function, pain free, leak free, comfortable and feeling strong enough to take care of their babies and do whatever exercise they were doing before childbirth, but it’s not always easy.

Up to half of all women have weakness in the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy, and a third still have a gap in their tummy muscles at 8 weeks post birth.

This can mean they have poor core strength and can lead to pelvic or back pain, bladder and bowel leakage, sexual dysfunction or prolapse. Issues may take a while to develop as women become more active.

So, when you return to exercise can depend on many factors. All postnatal women need healing time, whatever their delivery. It can take around 6-12 months for the pelvic floor, connective tissue and nerves to recover. The abdominal muscles and fascia can all take way beyond the 6 week mark. Breastfeeding women may have joint laxity due to hormones (relaxin) and this may extend up to 3 months post weaning. so more sprains are possible.

Newly published guidelines ‘Return to

running postnatal’ by Donnelly et al (2019), recommend high impact activities like running should not be started until after 3 months postpartum and should be avoided if the woman has the following symptoms: • Heaviness/dragging in the pelvic area (could be prolapse) • Leaking urine or inability to control bowel movements • Pendular abdomen or noticeable gap in tummy muscles (Diastasis Recti) • Pelvic or lower back pain • Ongoing or increased blood loss beyond 6 weeks postpartum Sleep was mentioned as a factor to consider also. We do all our healing when we sleep (though babies don’t seem to know this!).

Low impact activities and gradual return to exercise are recommended pre-3 months and it is recommended that women seek referral to Pelvic Health Physiotherapist for an assessment if any of the above symptoms occur or if they have specific sporting goals.

If a woman has had big or multiple babies, if they are older (>35), had a long/difficult birth, has uncomfortable/tight scars or has a history of pelvic pain or leakage during pregnancy (or ever) then we suggest you consider a “Mummy MOT”. This is a Postnatal Physiotherapy check which will screen posture, breathing, tummy gap and strength, C-Section scar and pelvic floor muscle strength. From there we can suggest a program of strengthening movement that is tailored to your specific needs, plus advice on how to feel great. You can come for the

23

check-up any time from 6 weeks after the birth and, of course, you can bring baby with you.

For many, this check gives the woman a boost of confidence to do whatever activities they want. However, for some, pain, pelvic floor & core strength doesn’t return naturally and extra help may be needed. We can check for such things as pelvic floor damage where a Pilates or Yoga class, for example, may not solve the symptoms and some exercise can make things worse.

So top tips after childbirth if you want to start exercising?

• Start slowly, consider your healing • Low impact activities before 3 months (walking, Pilates, Yoga) then build up gradually to things like running/higher impact.

• Seek referral to a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist if you experience pain, leakage, bulging/heaviness down below, bleeding or your scars are not healing comfortably.

• Get enough sleep! This helps muscles recover better.

• Eat a balanced diet and regular meals.

• Find something you ENJOY. Katy Winters Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist (and mum of 3) 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.

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