Winter '14 issuu

THE

S C A LL Y A G M

ÂŽ

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

Diary Pages

For Pre-school and Out of school activities

Out & About

Legoland, Manchester Ski Rossendale

News

Keeping you up-to-date with events in the area

Focus on: On-line school applications

Regular Features

Family Health Literacy News Bloke in the Kitchen Competitons

Autumn ‘14

Issue 46

For Local Parents, Carers & Kids

And Much More e s ea e l p ak t ne o

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

Est. 2002

MAGICAL CHILDREN’S NURSERY set in 4-acre countryside site o Dedicated Baby Area - 1:2 staff to child ratio o Forest School – Mondays and Fridays o Healthy meals cooked in 5* kitchen o Free 3 - 4 year funded places available The Ark, Dean Hey Farm, Mytholmroyd, HX7 5RU www.thearkexperience.co.uk T 01422 882010 Open 51 weeks, 7am-6.30pm

health Drop-In Clinic at Hebden Bridge Town Hall Supporting you and your family naturally.

We often see people who have tummy bugs, ear ache, itchy skin, coughs, colds, disturbed sleep, headaches, worry, stress or are feeling run down.

10am-11am Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. £15 for a 15 minute consultation, includes homeopathic remedy and healthcare advice.

Safe for babies, children, during pregnancy, free from toxic chemicals and compatible with other medication.

See editorial for further details.

Julia Wilson, Sam Lowi and Zoe Holden are local, registered and insured Homeopaths.

Tel: 07938 790856 Email: goodhealthdropin@gmail.com https://goodhealthdropin.wordpress.com

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 Legoland, Manchester Ski Rossendale News New party venue, new health service, new baby classes, christmas events and more Focus On: Applying for school On-Line Family Health Your health Q&A Literacy The latest news from The Book Case Bloke in a Kitchen Easy Sticky Toffee Pudding Family Matters Motoring for Winter Christmas Alternative Gift ideas

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

Page 4 Page 16 Page 23 Page 21 Page 20 Page 8 Page 19

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

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® 2014 Nothing may be reproduced without permission

Congratulations To: Anna Bauer

aged 7, of Littleborough, who drew our wonderful front cover picture

“Eskimo in the Snow”

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

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

news

S

seventy two parties!

eventy Two cafe on Burnley Road, Todmorden has long been a family friendly cafe to drop in for a bite to eat and a cuppa.

Situated directly opposite Centre Vale Park entrance, it has a special childfriendly room full of toys and books, with a wonderful Gruffalo mural that children love. Now Tammy and Emma are offering exclusive use of the whole cafe, food room and activity room, to host your child’s birthday party.

They currently offer 4 different party packages. The basic package starts at just £5 per child (minimum 8 children) including choice of hot meal or cold buffet. Add to this your choice of party room decoration, take-home gift, party games or other fun activities, including cake decorating and crafty parties, face painting and personalised birthday cake

O

ne of the longest running playgroups in Todmorden is about to move home. Centre Vale Playgroup,

to give a bespoke party your child will love.

Most dietary needs can be catered for, and lots of themes and other options are available, if you give notice.

The cafe is available for parties from 5.00 every evening, including weekends, and all day on Tuesdays.

Just give Tammy or Emma a call to start making your perfect party plans. More details are on their facebook page or ring 01706 817203.

number change for Tod CC

T

odmorden Children’s Centre has changed its phone number. Please make sure you have the new phone number if you would like details of any of the services the centre provides.

The new number is 01706 399970.

The centre is situated on Burnley Road and supports children and families of the Todmorden area. It has a weekly timetable of activities aimed to support the growth and development of young children, whilst being fun. Details of the current activity list is on our pre-school diary pages.

As part of the Upper Valley Family Services, the centre also provides support packages tailored to individual family needs, such as one to one support, home visits, advice on family matters and young children’s growth and development. They also provide parenting programmes, family learning and much more. See the council website www.calderdale.gov.uk or call in for more details.

new home for playgroup

which has been running for over 40 years, has been meeting regularly in the recreation hut in Centre Vale Park but, unfortunately, the hut is no longer fit for purpose so new premises were needed.

These have been found, just around the corner, in the Fielden Centre.

The change of location also means a change of day. Thursday 18th December will be the last meeting at the Recreation Hut. The new meetings, in the Fielden Centre, will begin on Monday 5th January, 9.30 to 11.30, and every Monday after that, including school holidays.

However a big farewell Christmas party is planned, at the Recreation Hut, on Tuesday 16th December, complete with children’s entertainer and a visit from Santa.

If you would like to attend the party, please contact Natasha or Caroline on centrevaleplaygroup@ gmail.com for more details.

Left - The Fielden Centre, Ewood Lane. New playgroup home.

F

School Cuts Fees

rom September 2015, Hipperholme Grammar School is introducing a new fee structure, reducing the fees at the Senior School by an average of 10%.

The School has a long tradition, since its endowment in 1648, of providing an excellent education for children in the local community and across West Yorkshire. The School is proud of its recent academic success, bucking national trends in results at both GCSE and A- level and wants to ensure that as many families as possible can access the education it provides.

Fees are already ‘all-inclusive’, including lunches, books, stationery and examination costs, to enable parents to plan their finances more easily.

Headmaster Jack Williams said, “In an improving economic climate we want to give more parents the confidence to invest in their children’s education and long term future. Our A-level results this summer show our pupils’ academic success, enabling them to leave our School as well qualified, rounded and confident young people.”

“Hipperholme Grammar School offers a small school, family ethos, high standards and excellent provision. We are aware that many parents would like their sons and daughters to be able to come to our School. Our hope is that the new fee structure will now make that feasible for many more families and we would welcome parents and children to come and see for themselves.”

news lamplighter festival returns

O

n Saturday December 6th the Lamplighter Festival will return to Todmorden, to guide us through the darkest months of the year.

There will be fire performers, street bands, illuminated installations, a Christmas night market of locally made gifts and food and, of course, the handmade lantern parade.

Showcasing the unique creativity of Todmorden, Lamplighter features widely renowned street performers and installation artists from the upper Calderdale valley and, of course, You! The parade begins at 6.00pm, followed by the Fire shows, illuminated installations & street performances between 7 and 9pm

This year there will also be Performance workshops for anyone wishing to learn new skills, such as fire twirling or shadow puppetry. These are for adults and teens only but, if you would like to know more, please visit www.handmadeparade.co.uk and follow the links.

The Lantern Workshops are open to everyone who would like to make their own lantern and join in with the parade.

They will be held at the Unitarian Church, Honey Hole, Todmorden. All materials will be provided and entrance is by donation (the suggested donation is just ÂŁ5 per lantern). Under 13s must be accompanied by an adult.

Sat Nov 22nd 1-3pm Sun Nov 23rd 1-3pm Wed Nov 26th 4-6pm Sat Nov 29th 1-3pm Sun Nov 30th 1-3pm Wed Dec 3rd 4-6pm

B

new baby classes at dc dance

aby Moves and Toddler Moves is an award winning, unique sensory, movement and music programme for babies and young children from birth.

The programme has been endorsed by the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education, is linked to the early years curriculum and is now available in Todmorden at DC Dance on Victoria Road.

The classes run in four and six week blocks and consist of lots of fun activities for you and baby which will help stimulate their brain and bodies to grow in a natural way.

Baby Moves engages your baby with sensory massage, movement skills, sensory and creative play, social and emotional skills as well as speech and language and is suitable for all babies from birth to toddling. Toddler Moves is designed for toddlers from the age of 12 months, or when they begin to toddle, to three years of age and is a natural progression from the Baby Moves programme.

DC Dance has been offering tuition in a vast range of activities, dance and performing arts for many years. The school often takes part in activities such as exams, shows, competitions, dance displays, charity and community events, keeping the members constantly striving to achieve new goals.

Bookings for the Baby Moves and Toddler Moves Classes are now being taken for the New Year. Email info@dcdance. co.uk or phone 01706 839113 to register.

news good health for all

J

ulia, Sam and Zoe are local mums who understand how worrying it can be when your children are ill and how reassuring it is to have quick access to professional advice.

T

he Incredible Farm in Walsden was originally a project of Incredible Edible Todmorden. It was built for

Julia (right), Zoe (below right) and Sam (below).

As experienced homeopaths they are used to providing natural health care to ‘nip in the bud’ everyday complaints such as tummy bugs, ear ache, itchy skin, coughs, colds, disturbed sleep, headaches, worry, stress or feeling run down.

They started the GOODhealth dropin clinic to make this expertise available to the public without having to wait for an appointment.

Local mum Clare found the service excellent; “My daughter Lucy had been sick in the night and the following morning was still nauseous with a sore throat. I took her to the clinic, they were very friendly and asked me lots of questions about Lucy’s general health and her current medication. They gave me clear dietary advice and a homeopathic remedy. By the end of the day Lucy was feeling so much better.”

Ben’s father also had a good experience; “Ben’s ear was throbbing and red, he was distressed with a high temperature.

This was the 3rd

incredible junior farmers

time in three months and he’d already had two courses of antibiotics. I wanted to try something different. Three hours after taking the remedy he was back to his happy self and pain free. I couldn’t believe it. Six months later he hasn’t had another infection and he’s gone back to swimming. What a relief to break that cycle!”

Julia, Sam and Zoe are really excited to be working together and encourage you to drop in to their clinic and see how homeopathic medicine works.

Contact Zoe Holden on 07938 790856 Email goodhealthdropin@gmail.com www.goodhealthdropin.wordpress.com GOODhealth drop in clinic runs on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 to 11am at Hebden Bridge Town Hall.

No appointment needed.

Cost £15 for a 15 minute consultation, includes homeopathic remedy and healthcare advice.

teaching small scale commercial food growing and marketing skills to young people and is now a stand alone not for profit company.

The site includes ponds with ducks, chickens, a fruit tree nursery and polytunnels and they are proud to have been producing high quality, fresh food for the catering trade, supplying local pubs and cafes with salad leaves herbs and vegetables since late February 2012.

The aim is to produce food with minimal impact on the environment using permaculture methods. While doing this they have involved students from Tod High, who have studied for the Btech Level 2 Agriculture there and they have run a series of very successful adult learning courses from Fruit tree grafting to foraging.

As well as these courses, on the second Saturday or each month they run a ‘Junior Farmers’ Club, aimed at all children aged between 8 and 12.

The club runs from 9.30 to 12 and has a different theme each month.

December’s meeting will include harvesting potatoes, looking for wildlife in the Winter and cutting and carving wood. January will include seed planting, nature art and learning the skills of knotting and lashing.

If you would like to know more about these meetings, please email beth@incrediblefarm.co.uk or visit the website - www.incrediblefarm.co.uk - to download a membership form.

queen for a day

T

odmorden Carnival is

holding auditions for the 2015 Carnival Queen (12 upwards) and Princess ( 6 - 12 years) on 30th November at Todmorden WM Social Club, Halifax Road at 2pm.

family matters family motoring

A

s winter approaches and people are setting off to visit families over the holiday period safety of your vehicle is of critical importance. Here we have highlighted a few tips which will help maintain safety and save on expensive repairs.

1.

.

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4.

5.

6.

Batteries: Batteries usually only have a life of around 5 years and, with the extra wear on them over the winter, with the use of wipers / heaters / lights, it is always worth considering replacing it before the winter begins. remember - always turn your lights off even if you are only leaving the car to pop in to the shop.

Anti-Freeze: Before winter sets in, check your anti-freeze levels. As the temperature drops you can cause your pipes to freeze, burst the radiator, damage the water pump impeller, etc, if you don’t have the appropriate fluid. There are two types of Anti–freeze so you need to check which colour your vehicle takes. It will either be blue (Standard) or red (Long life). If you are not sure you may find the information in your vehicle’s hand book or take it to a garage who can check for you and top up if necessary. When you top up it is usually a 50/50 ratio of water/anti-freeze.

Tyres: Tyres need a tread of at least 3mm for winter driving. Most tyres have wear indicators on them in between the tread intermittently around the tyre.

Tracking: This is all about wheel alignment. Wheels can become misaligned when work is done on the suspension or in other ways and this can cause tyres to wear quickly and unevenly or crabbing (pulling to the side when driving).

Wipers: Check that your wipers clear the windscreen.

During the winter months we anticipate lots of rain and snow so the wipers need to be adequate for long journeys.

Fluids: Check all fluids are topped up. On most new cars these are indicated under the bonnet by a yellow cap.

Checkpoint Car care are specialists and can carry out all these checks for you, including all your fluid checks, tyre checks, laser wheel alignment, storage of your summer tyres if you choose to swap to winter tyres and free wipers (when needed) with all servicing.

Checkpoint is owned by Sean and, with help from his partner Rachel in the office, he has been in the business for over 20 years. They understand how daunting car servicing can be so they aim to put you at your ease. They have coffee, tea and juice facilities, should you need to wait, plus activities for little ones. They also offer a free local collection and delivery service.

2015 Bookings now being taken Enjoy the Motorhome experience

Hire for Short Breaks or Family Holidays Call Sarah on 07776 755 766

out & about

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE Barton Square, The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AS

O

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is situated in Barton Square of the Trafford Centre. We arrived just before midday and it was very busy. During the school holidays and weekends my advice would be to arrive as early as you can as we did have to queue for over an hour to get in. If you pre-book online you are also able to join a “fast track” queue which moves considerably quicker than the “walk in” queue.

Your experience begins with an interactive factory tour led by Professor Brick. He involves the children in a fantasy demonstration of how a LEGO brick is made and at the end of the tour they are presented with a free souvenir LEGO brick to take home with them.

After the introduction you are then free to explore the Centre. Starting with ‘LEGO Miniland’ (lots of UK landmarks in miniature made of LEGO) we worked our way in to the main attractions to the ‘Kingdom Quest Laser Ride’. This ride is most suitable for my son’s age group of 5 and above. You are tasked with shooting at trolls with a laser gun in an attempt to free the Princess. Small children are not permitted to sit on your

lap so you may struggle with very young children and babies. Despite the fairly long wait to get on, this ride is lots of fun. Both of my children wanted to go straight back on!

Next we tried out ‘Merlin’s Apprentice’. Here you have to pedal with fury to make your ‘bike’ rise into the air, the faster you pedal the higher the bike goes. The downside of this ride is that you are seated in pairs with 2 riders to each bike so my son was asked to ride alone on a separate bike from me and his sister. The ‘LEGO Racers’ were a little more successful as he was able to get on these fairly quickly and had his own little racing car to drive around a makeshift racetrack. Be warned however, because children ride alone they have to be at least 4 years old or a certain height for this ride.

The ‘Ninjago Laser Training Camp’ was also a hit with both of my children.

This attraction tests their skill and agility by leading them through a maze of laser beams which they aren’t allowed to touch. There are varying levels of difficulty so it appeals to all age groups.

My 3 year old had immense fun diving under and over the laser beams pretending to be a White Ninja!

Probably the highlight of the day is the 4D cinema. For those who don’t know (I didn’t) 4D is a film in 3D with physical effects that occur in sync with the film. So for example, as the LEGO characters are catapulted down a waterfall the audience is sprayed with a jet of water to give the effect of also being catapulted down a waterfall. This was a very enjoyable 10 minute LEGO Chima movie. The kids loved it and the overall experience of 4D was quite impressive.

There are many other activities on offer at the Discovery Centre and during the peak season it certainly takes at least 4 to 5 hours to get round all of it and if your children are happy to spend time really exploring and building stuff out of LEGO you could probably spend a whole day here. We took a packed lunch but there is a café which sells snacks and drinks and there is a seating area for you to sit and eat.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is a good day out if you plan correctly.

The kids certainly had an AWESOME time. The queuing times really do effect things however, so the advice is to go early or off peak if you have the opportunity to do so. I know they offer good deals during term time for parents and tots. Check their own website www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk as they do offer online booking deals, or check other websites for 2 for 1s or half price special offers.

Heading Photograph by Merlin Entertainments

ne day left of the school holidays, you have to make it count. At least this is what I told myself as I dawdled over what to do with this precious last day.

Then I remembered I had a half price family voucher to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre – BINGO! So with 2 excited, LEGO addicted children and a picnic lunch packed into the car, we headed off.

By Kelli Nixon

Opening times

10am – 7pm (last admission 5pm)

Useful information

Full baby changing facilities Family restroom Pushchair park Lift access to 1st floor (wheelchairs and pushchairs}

page header

10

diary pages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

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

9:20 - 3:30* ages 2½ to 4

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

7:45 - 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

7:45 - 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

7:45 - 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

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

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

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

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

Friday

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

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

Thursday

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

Out of School clubs

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

Wednesday

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

Tuesday

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

Monday

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

pre-schools & playgroups

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

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

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

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

On this first page we have the Pre-school and Playgroups that run in our area. These usually offer free sessions for children aged 3 and over for 15 hours per week during term time. Contact them directly for more information.

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

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

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

The centre spread is the Pre-school Diary.

White background is for drop-in sessions, shaded background is for bookable activities.

All sessions will require an adult to remain with the child at all times. Most activities charge a small fee; all Children’s Centre services are free, with any donations gratefully

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

T

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

9:45 - 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

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

10:00 - 6:30

2:00 - 4:30

2:00 - 6:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:30 - 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 - 3.45 7:00 - 8.15

Wednesday

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

10:00 - 5:00

Thursday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 9.00

10:00 - 6:30

Friday

9:00 - 12:00 1:30 - 7:00 8.00 - 9.00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 6:30

1:30 - 6:30

Saturday

9:00 - 1:30 3.00 - 6:30

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 4:00

10:00 - 12:00

sunday

9:00 - 12.45 2.30 - 4.00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 5:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:30 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

9:30 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

10:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

10:00 - 3:00

9:30 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

10:00 - 5:00

9:30 - 4:00

9:00 - 6:00

9:30 - 6:00

10:00 - 4:00

Parties Only

10:00 - 4:00

9:30 - 6:00

2:00 - 4:30

1:00 - 5:00

11

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

Pre-school diary

12

Parent & Toddlers 9:15 - 12:15 The Old Library, 1 Parkside Road, Cornholme Oxana - 01706 813222

Walsden Community Playgroup @ St Peter’s 9:15 - 11:00 St Peter’s Church, Walsden Sheila 01706 812782

Centre Vale Playgroup 9:30 - 11:30 from 5th Jan Fielden Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden Please call in for details

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 please call for details 07528 626 000

Parent S 10:00 - 1 Todmord Burnley R 01706 3

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

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

Please call for details Debbie - 07899 077704

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

Ladies F 1:45 - 2: Todmord Burnley 01706 3 Limited

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

Pauline - 01422 842784

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

Mytholmroyd Mini Movers 9:00 - 11:00 Mytholmroyd Methodist Church, Scout Road, Mytholmroyd Janet - 07515 356539

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

Lumbutts Baby & Toddlers 9:30 - 11:30 Lumbutts Methodist Church Lumbutts Debbie - 07899 077704

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

Centre V 9:30 - 11 The Bow Vale Par Todmord Please c

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

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

Yoga (with Creche) (by referral) 1:15 - 2:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

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

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

Ninja To 5:30 - 6:1 AEGIS A Commun Central S 07903 7

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

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

Family Stay and Play 9:30 - 10:30 & 11:00 - 12:00 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01422 264688 - FREE

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

Weaning Group 11:00 - 12;00 (By Invitation) Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

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

Todmor 12:30 - 2 Todmord Commun Road, To Jenni - 0

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

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

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

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

Parent & Toddlers 9:00 - 11:30 Gordon Riggs, Bottom’s Mill Bistro, Walsden

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

Centre Vale Toddlers 9:30 - 11:30 to 18th Dec 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

Family Activities Little Angels 9:30 - 10:30 (Term Time Only until 9:30 - 11:30 Christmas) St. Michaels Church, Todmorden Children’s Centre, Cornholme, Todmorden Burnley Road, Todmorden Anne - 07587 700355 01706 399970 - FREE

Dodnaze 9.45 - 11 Dodnaze 54 Hirst

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

Art Stars 10:00 - 10:45 & 11:15 - 12:00 Upsy Daisy’s Play Gym Mytholmroyd Neela - 07778 543233

Pregnancy Yoga 10:00 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Elaine - 07967 974 376

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

Buggy 4 Fitness 1:30 - 2:30 Calder Holmes Park, Hebden Bridge Sharon - 07825 706983

Baby/po 2:00 Blessing Centre, H Elaine -

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 399970 - FREE

Family Activity 10:00 - 11:00 (term time only) Ferney Lee School, Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

The Woods (Forest School

Aquatot 11.00 - 1 Todmord Ewood L 01706 8

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

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

Rock ‘n’ Rollers 11:30 - 12:30 Dance 4 All, Methodist Hall, Hebden Bridge Emily - 075903 720214

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

Todmorden Swimming Club

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

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

Caterpillar Club 9:00 - 11:30 (term time only) Scout Road Academy, Scout Road, Mytholmroyd 01422 883327

PEEP Group (For families and children with additional needs)

9:45 - 10:45 Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge Amanda - 01422 264688 FREE

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

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

Dads & Male Carers Event 10:00 - 12:00 (1st Sat. of month Todmorden College Hall, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

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

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

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

only)

Harmony Singing)

10.00 - 11.30 Central Hebden Bridge Liz Powers 01422 847702

& Outdoor Play all year round - please dress accordingly)

10:00 - 12:00 Eastwood, Todmorden Emily

- Widths

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

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

Ninja To 11:30 - 1 AEGIS A Commun Central S 07903 7

Sling Lounge Library (baby

Support Drop-In 12:00 den Children’s Centre, Road, Todmorden 399970 - FREE

call for dates)

Fitness & Pilates :45 (term time only) den Children’s Centre, Road, Todmorden 399970 - FREE crèche

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

Vale Toddlers 1:30 to 18th Dec wling Pavillion, Centre rk, Burnley Road, den call in for details

Stay & Play 10:00 - 11:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

carrier hire)

1:00 - 4:00 (Fortnightly. Please My Play Cafe, Central Street, Hebden Bridge Debbie - 07899 077704

Young Parents’ Group 1.45 - 3.15 (alternate weeks - call

Good Health Drop-In 3:30 - 4:30 Todmorden Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge Town Hall, Heben Bridge Burnley Road, Todmorden 07938 790856 01706 399970 - FREE

for dates)

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

Bumps & Babes

support group for multiple births

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

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

Baby Stay and Play Please call for Dates & Times Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE

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

Toddler Tuesday

Icky Sticky Kids 10.00-11.30 Open 10:00 - 5:00 Holme Street Arts Centre, Flying Saucers, Butlers Wharf, Hebden Bridge Hebden Bridge Nichola - 07973 234928 01422 846666

Roomfield Playgroup 1:00 - 3:00 Roomfield Baptist Church, Halifax Road, Todmorden Rebecca - 07780 386874

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

Pregnancy Yoga 5:30 Blessingway, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge Elaine - 07967 974 376

Todmorden Swimming Club

Good Health Drop-In 3:30 - 4:30 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, Heben Bridge 07938 790856

Baby Sing & Sign Please call for Dates & Times Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 FREE

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

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

Good Health Drop-In 3:30 - 4:30 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, Heben Bridge 07938 790856

ots 15 Academy, Salem nity Resource Centre, Street, Hebden Bridge 706784

rden Family Support 2:00 alternate weeks den Fire Station nity Room, Stansfield odmorden 01706 839787

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

Mid-Week Movers 3:00 - 5:00 (Term Time Only) Todmorden Community College Hall, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

& Toddler Swimming 12:45 Junior & Infant School, Todmorden 812913

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

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

e Parent & Toddlers 1.15 e Community Centre, Grove, Hebden Bridge

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

Breastfeeding Group 10:00 - 11:30 (alternate weeks

gway, Birchcliffe Hebden Bridge 07967 974 376

ts 11.45 den Sports Centre, Lane, Todmorden 839090

ots 12:15 Academy, Salem nity Resource Centre, Street, Hebden Bridge 706784

Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Dramasaurus 2:30 - 3:15 (age 2/3) 4:00 - 4:45 (age 4/5) Roomfield Church, halifax Road, Todmorden Mel - 07554 368232

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

Mature Parent’s Group 1:30 - 3:00 (1st Fri. of month only) Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970 - FREE

Rhyme, Rattle and Roll Please call for Dates & Times Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE

Under 25s Group Please call for Dates & Times Hebden Vale Children’s Centre, Hebden Bridge 01706 399970 - FREE

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

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

SUNDAY

ostnatal Yoga

- please call for dates)

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

07704 568237

- Widths

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

Ninja Tots 5:30 - 6:15 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784

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

White background shows drop-in events open to all.

13

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

out of school diary

14

Good Health Drop-In 3:30 - 4:30 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, Heben Bridge 07938 790856

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cornholme Recorder Choir 3:50 - 4:35 The Old Library, 1 Parkside Road, Cornholme

Good Health Drop-In 3:30 - 4:30 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, Heben Bridge 07938 790856

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pro Games (By Referral Only) 5:00 - 7:00 (alternate weeks) Todmorden Children’s Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden 01706 399970

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

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

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

Swimming various levels 4:00 - 7:00 Todmorden Sports Centre, Ewood Lane, Todmorden 01706 839090 5+ 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 8+ yrs

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

Good Health Drop-In 3:30 - 4:30 Hebden Bridge Town Hall, Heben Bridge 07938 790856

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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) Ferney Lee School, Todmorden Rachel Ormerod 07766 890668 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

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

Family AEGIS Class 12:30 - 1:15 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

Junior Dance Classes (all types)

11:00 - 3:00 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family AEGIS Class 6:30 - 7:15 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults 1st Walsden Brownies 6:00 - 7:15 Walsden Junior School, Walsden Donna Scholfield 01706 839042 7 - 10 yrs

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

18th Hebden Bridge Cubs 6:15 - 7:45 Top Floor, Salem Mill, Hebden Bridge Mark Rafferty 07432 115 696 8 - 10½ yrs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family AEGIS Class 6:30 - 7:15 AEGIS Academy, Salem Community Resource Centre, Central Street, Hebden Bridge 07903 706784 7+ yrs and adults

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

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

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

SUNDAY

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

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

Family Fun Swim (U11) 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

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

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focus on:

Primary Schools Adm

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Applying

alderdale’s on-line admission application system is now the main route for all applications for primary school reception places.

Paper copies of the prospectus and application form will not be routinely available. Full versions of these will be viewable and downloadable via the on-line application system on the Council website. So we thought it might be helpful if we highlight some of the more frequently asked questions about applying on-line.

Who does this apply to?

Any child who turns 5 between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016 is legally obliged to start full time education at the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday.

In Calderdale, children are able to start school at the beginning of the Autumn term in the academic year in which they turn five.

So children born between 1st September 2009 and 31st August 2010 may start school in September 2014.

When can I apply?

You can apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week from 20th November 2014 to

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15th January 2015. You can also amend your completed application at any time up to the closing date.

How do I apply?

Visit www.calderdale. gov.uk and follow the links to educations/schools/ admissions If you are new to the service, you will need to register. You will be prompted to provide a password and complete registration. You will then receive an email with a unique link. Once you click on this link you will be able to complete your online application. There is also a guide for parents applying online should you experience any difficulties.

missions in Calderdale

g On-line

Is my on-line application secure?

Yes, applying on-line is secure.

The system uses the same encryption technology as most financial websites.

All data is held securely within Calderdale Council’s computer network.

Can anyone else tamper with my application?

The registered user making the application is the only person who can see the details of the application or amend them. Users should not disclose their username and password to anyone else in order to ensure the security of their application. Passwords for accounts are only sent to the email address that a parent uses to register and are not disclosed to users in any other way. Users are advised to ensure that no one else is able to access their emails in order to keep their password secure.

Do I have to complete my application in one go?

How do I know if my on-line application has been received?

The on-line admissions system displays a confirmation page once an application has been completed and successfully submitted. Users can print the confirmation page when displayed, for their records. Successfully submitted applications will show as Complete when you log in. All on-line applicants will also receive a confirmation email at the email address they used to register after they submit their application. If a user does not receive an email they should contact the Customer Service Centre, contact details shown below.

Can I alter my application after I have submitted it?

Once completed, online applications for primary schools can be amended at any point before the closing date on the 15th January 2015.

When completing the online application, what order should I state the schools?

Applications are automatically saved when you move from one stage to the next within the system, so you can fill in part of your on-line application and then come back to it later, as long as it is completed before the deadline. An application is only complete once the user has reached the confirmation page for the application they are making and clicked the “submit” button.

All preferences are considered equally, so you should preference the schools in order that you would like them allocated. If your child is eligible for more than one school, the Authority will offer the highest preference possible. To clarify, your true first preference of school should be put first on application you submit.

Will the system help me decide which school I want my child to go to?

The word used in law about school admissions is ‘preference’ not ‘choice’.

This means that you can state which school you would prefer your child to attend, but there is no guarantee that the application will be successful.

You can list any school you wish as a preference.

No, the on-line School Admissions system allows parents to apply for a place at the school of their preference for the following academic year.

Parents will need to have decided which schools they want to apply to in order to complete an on-line application. Parents can register on the system and fill in the early parts of the process without knowing which schools they want to apply for, but they must complete their application before the deadline.

Do I need to complete any other forms apart from the online application?

If you are applying for a faith (church) school amongst your preferences, you may need to complete the school’s Supplementary Information Form if you are applying under faith criteria.

Check the primary schools admissions criteria (available on the council website or speak to the school concerned) for more details.

Do I need to apply if I already have an older child at the school?

Yes. The application procedure and timetable is the same for all applicants regardless of whether there is an older child or if the application is for an only child. If there is a sibling already attending the preferred school you need to make sure that you state this in the relevant section of the online application.

Do I need to apply if my child is already in nursery at a school?

Yes. There is no automatic progression from nursery to reception and you need to apply in the same way as parents whose children are not in a nursery class. Attending a school’s nursery class does not give a child priority for admission to the Reception class.

Can I choose any school?

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christmas

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10 Non-Toy Gifts for Children

ith young children in the house, every Christmas (and birthday) the amount of toys you have around the place will increase. So how about moving away from the predictable and trying some of our non-toy ideas this year.

1.

Classes. Music, dance, riding, karate, classes are the best way to encourage children in their interests and show them that you pay attention to them and what they enjoy. . Memberships. Zoo, children’s museum, YMCA membership, etc. Many young families want to enjoy day outings and this gift of a yearly membership can make it more affordable. . Magazine Subscriptions. Kids always enjoy getting things in the post so encourage their reading by getting them a magazine subscription for something they are interested in.

4. Events. Cinema tickets, or tickets to a play, concert or sports event are really exciting! Having an event to look forward to can be very exciting.

5. Recipe and Ingredients. Young children love cooking with their parents. Print out a recipe, purchase all the ingredients and set a date for cooking together.

6. Arts and Crafts supplies. Stock up your child’s craft box a little with things you need. Add in something fun they haven’t used before. A gift of arts and crafts supplies often brings on the imagination, and kids can’t wait to get to work!

7. Restaurant Gift Card. Dinner, ice cream, burger, whatever suits their fancy!

Give them the freedom of inviting whomever they wish: it may be you, if you’re lucky, or it may be a grandparent, aunt or special friend they would like to spend more time with.

8. Outdoor Supplies. If you are an outdoorsy family, giving your child their own fishing tackle or gardening equipment can be great for them.

9. Games and Puzzles. Games and puzzles are great activities for when kids have to be indoors. They can teach a lot, too! Maths, memory and strategy skills can all be improved with games playing.

10. Calendar. Many children like to know what is going on, what day it is and how many days until... A calendar of their own will mean they can write down their class schedule, appointments, playdates, etc. and begin to take control of their own time.

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out & about

Ski Rossendale

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Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, BB4 8RR 01706 226457 info@skirossendale.co.uk

ometimes at the weekend or during the holidays you just want an activity that will get the children out in the fresh air and doing something different; something that won’t take all afternoon driving to get to, cost the earth or that will take over the whole day. With the

time pressures we all live with, a couple of hours are sometimes all we can spare to get them out and ‘blast’ them with something to do. Tubing at Ski Rossendale is perfect for this!

Tubing, (I should explain, for those like me who didn’t know) involves sitting inside round inflatable doughnuts that have smooth plastic bases which enable them to slide down slopes. I came across the activity, as an option of something to do in the holidays, quite by accident. I had heard about the possibility of holding a children’s party there but never considered the place for an afternoon’s outing. So with three children aged between 5 and 9, with a combined energy output of a tsunami, I thought we would give it a go! At the time I didn’t know that I too would need to equal that energy output!

Ski Rossendale Ltd was formed in 2011 by snow-sports instructors Dave Fuller, Karon Driver and Sue and Steve Foulkes, after the facility was closed by Rossendale Borough Council earlier that year. It’s been established as a Social Enterprise, aiming to become a local facility where people of all ages and abilities can come together to have fun, whilst learning to ski and snowboard.

I called and booked ahead for a 50 minute session; I asked about safety and clothing required and was reassured that my 5 year old would be fine on the slope. I was also told that it was an all-weather activity and we should be prepared for that, (waterproof coats, gloves, hats etc). As it happened it was a glorious afternoon! We arrived at the allotted time and once booked in we were given a meeting point from which we would be collected by our instructor/supervisor. There were six children in total in the group and we were taken to the slope’s ‘quarter-pipe’ for our activity session. Each child was told to collect a ‘tube’, the instructor then gave us all a safety talk and led us up the slope.

This is where the fun begins. The instructor stands at the top and helps the children get into the ‘tube’ and pushes them off down the slope!

Screams of excitement follow and once safely at the bottom the child must then pull the tube clear of the ramp, so the next person can begin their ride down. Then to have another go, the tube must be pulled back up to the top of the slope. The sooner you get back to the top, the more goes you get to have within your time slot. Sounds great - until you realise that, depending on the age and strength of your child, you may have to help them pull the tube up to the top. Luckily, I had had warning that my contribution would be required, as my 5 year old was never going to be able to pull the tube up the slope on his own. By the end of the session, I was pulling all three of them up as the children were shattered (obviously, not too tired to want to hurtle down the slope again and again)! Needless to say, I ended up exhausted too!

Obviously there is more to do here than just tubing: you can learn to ski and snowboard, practise and improve new tricks for Freestyle… and then there are children’s parties!

It was a great hour and the children loved it. We’ve been back again and this time I took strong teenagers and adults to help me. Also: make sure you take a drink as it is very thirsty work, for them and you! At the time of writing a café is being built, which is bound to offer much needed refreshment and a well-earned break.

Needless to say we ALL slept soundly that night, although I was the only one that had stiff muscles the next day!

By Tracey Sunderland

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Bloke in the Kitchen Wonderfully easy Sticky Toffee Pudding

By Richard Dalby

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t’s hard to imagine anything more comforting and satisfying on a crisp, chilly winter’s day than this glorious pudding. The flavours are rich and warming and, with the lovely fresh dates and lush sponge, there’s nothing else quite like it. Little wonder this is one of the UK’s most loved puddings. For added indulgence, you could serve this with a big scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

Method

Please note: This recipe uses a 410g tin of evaporated milk.

You’ll need half of the tin for the pudding, the other half for the sauce.

Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 4 / 350°F / 180°C

For the pudding; • 50g softened butter • 175g caster sugar • 175g self raising flour • 2 free range eggs • 175g dates, stoned and chopped • 205g evaporated milk • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 150ml / ¼ pint water • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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1.

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4.

5.

6.

7.

For the sauce; • 200g brown sugar • 50g butter • 205g evaporated milk

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8.

9.

Mix the softened butter and sugar until pale, then beat in the eggs and flour.

Put the chopped dates and evaporated milk in a saucepan with ¼ pint of water and bring to the boil.

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla essence and the bicarbonate of soda Fold this into the creamed mixture (from step 1).

Pour into a greased and lined 2 pint dish and bake for 40 - 45 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before turning out.

When the pudding is almost finished cooking, it’s time to make the sauce.

Gently melt the sugar and butter in a small pan and then add the evaporated milk.

Carefully bring to the boil, stirring continuously. Boil for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens a little.

Pour over pudding when serving.

literacy Christmas is Coming!

Information kindly provided by;

The Book Case 29 Market Street, Hebden Bridge 01422 845353

The Christmas Stocking Joke Book

by Shoo Rayner £4.99 The ideal stocking-filler, bursting with fun-filled festive jokes and cartoons, this a joke book every child will love. A trusted Christmas favourite!

Father Christmas Needs a Wee

by Nicholas Allan £5.99 Children will love joining in with the counting and rhyming and giggling at the thought of poor old Father Christmas getting increasingly desperate for the loo as he delivers his presents.

Best Sellers This season’s bestsellers at the Book Case are dominated by the big name new releases out in time for the Christmas market. The new David Walliams went straight to top spot within a week of publication and I’m sure it will be finding its way to many Christmas stockings. The second Goth

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Christmas is coming and we thought we’d pick out a great selection of stocking fillers that won’t break the bank but will provide lots of fun and distraction for excited children this festive season.

Jolly Christmas Postman

by Alan Ahlberg £12.99

First Sticker Book Christmas Market Usborne £4.99

This wonderful Christmas favourite is a best-seller every year with good reason.

It’s Christmas Eve and the Jolly Postman is delivering greetings to various fairy-tale characters including three surprise envelopes.

Girl story has proved just as popular as the first, particularly among girls aged 7 to 10. Local children’s writer Liz Flanagan has her third book out with Barefoot books. Dara’s clever trap turns fairy tales and traditional girls roles on their head with our princess using her skill in engineering to

Sticker books are perfect for keeping excited children occupied. The Usborne ones are always lovely and this Christmas market one has busy festive scenes for children to add stickers to and talk about.

rescue the prince. Small children love dinosaurs and Gigantosaurus, with its exciting pictures can’t fail to please. Mo Willem’s new picture book, That Is Not a Good Idea, combines his humorous style with an important message. Finally an old classic, Skellig, is a moving tale suitable for children ages 9 upwards.

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3

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Goth Girl and the Fete Worse than Death

Dara’s Clever Trap

Gigantosaurus

That is Not a Good Idea

Skellig

David Walliams

Chris Riddell

Liz Flanagan

Jonny Duddle

Mo Willems

David Almond

£12.99

£10.99

£5.99

£6.99

£6.99

£7.99

Awful Auntie

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6

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Viol in & Viol a TuiTion Beginner to Diploma Standard

ROBIN PENNIE Tr i n i T y C ol l e ge l on d on - l .T.C.l .

Professional teacher and performer Twenty-five years experience

t: 01706 559971 e: sandrpennie@gmail.com

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

Q I have just found out

I am pregnant for the second time. During my first pregnancy I had a lot of trouble with pain in my feet and calves. What advice could you offer to help stop this from happening again?

A Most of us are aware of the joys of pregnancy and what to expect whilst carrying our little bundles of joy! Hormonal ups and downs, weight gain, varicose veins and the very attractive waddle walk we adopt in our later trimesters.

However, very little attention is paid to our pillars of support – not our partners… but our feet!

As a Podiatrist and Mother of two, I have discussed the highs and lows of pregnancy with many

patients. It has occurred to me that our feet usually get neglected during the exciting and busy time of pregnancy. As I read further it was highlighted that lots of ‘Mums to be’ still attempt to conform to fashion and social pressures …. and I questioned if they could be damaging the two things they will rely on to walk around for years to come?

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists carried out a survey of 1000 pregnant women in 2012. Many still wore high heels, ballet pumps, flip flops or Ugg boots during gestation and 50% felt pressure to still follow such fashion trends. Not surprisingly 70% admitted to suffering foot problems including swollen ankles, foot, arch and heel pain.

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

So just what does happen to our feet during pregnancy?

• Relaxin is released. This allows our bodies to change and adapt to carry our babies, by relaxing and softening the ligaments.

Unfortunately it also reduces the stability the ligaments in the feet and ankles. Weight gain increases the effect and some women report a drastic change in foot posture and shape.

• Weight gain, changes in foot posture and footwear can also create high pressure areas in the feet. These can result in callus and corns which, if untreated, can be painful to walk on – further adding to the waddle!

• Prolonged pressure by the bump can affect the venous return in our lower limbs, making some women, particularly those who have inherited weak valves, prone to varicose veins. The risk of deep vein thrombosis is also increased with pregnancy.

• Fluid retention and swelling in the lower limbs are common complaints.

What can your Podiatrist do to help?

Chiropody is care of nails and skin. Increasing the comfort of the feet with chiropody treatments to remove the thickened areas of skin and nail care, particularly when bump won’t allow you to reach!

Footwear assessments and advice, that is realistic to your age group. I have found we all have our own styles and preferences which are still important to us during pregnancy. It may be something as simple as increasing or decreasing the pitch/heel height of the shoe, choosing foot wear with different widths or support in different parts of the shoe structure. This depends on your own foot type and shape and can be assessed by your podiatrist.

Lower limb screening (veins) will involve discussing your history and assessing the venous supply in your lower limbs. The competence of the valves can be checked with a Doppler Ultrasound. Sometimes it is advised pregnant women wear compression socks or simply modify their activity and seating position. Advice on prevention and the signs of a deep vein thrombosis can also be invaluable.

Foot posture screening will involve a check of your foot positioning and walking pattern.

Bespoke insoles are available if required.

General advice for Pregnant Women

If you are experiencing problems I would advise an appointment with your Podiatrist, GP or Midwife as assessment and diagnosis are essential to ensure you get the appropriate treatment plan.

A broad list of generalised advice may be helpful:- • Avoid sitting cross legged • Avoid long periods of standing • When seated elevate your feet • Use a cream regularly to soften skin on the soles of the feet and around the heels, avoiding between the toes • Aim for the pitch/wedge of the shoe to be around 3 cm with adequate fastening and stability • Any pains in your calf contact a Podiatrist, your GP or A&E highlighting your symptoms Andrea Gledhill Podiatrist at Physio & Therapies

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