Families pennines issue 19 mar apr 14 page turner version

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Countdown to Le Grand Depart - 100 days to go to the Tour de France Education - Getting ready for big school and preparing for SATs and 11 plus

What’s On for

Easter activities at home and in our area

Forget Me Not - in the News

March and April

Alive and Kicking! Clubs and Classes

The really useful magazine for families in Halifax, Huddersfield, Brighouse, Oldham and Littleborough

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‘Time for me’ sessment

Fantastic Easter egg hunts, springtime crafts, hopping games and nature fun! www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries

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Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities t Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. t Adapts to the individual needs of your child. t Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. t Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

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Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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Spring is just around the corner....

We have had a fab couple of months putting your latest Families Pennines together.

It is full of information just for you - local news (why not tell me yours – always free),Tour de France countdown, getting your little one school ready for September, preparing for Sats and 11 plus, clubs and classes reviews and news, activities both in the home and out and about for Easter – plus a selection of events and days out for you and your family in March and April. And don’t forget our selected vouchers on page 15 too! Phew! How do we ever fit it into 16 pages? We always have more on our website www.familiespennines.co.uk so take a look and register to be kept up to date with Families Online.

If your school, business or organisation would like to join our group of contributors and advertisers please get in touch – editor@familiespennines.co.uk

Our established Nanny Agency covers Huddersfield and surrounding areas and we provide: • Reliable and professional Nannies, Mother’s Helps and Babysitters • Relevant childcare qualifications &/or min 2 yrs childcare experience • CRB checked and excellent references

Call Rachel Bradley on

01484 645621 * 07557 787119 www.huddersfieldandholmfirthnannies.co.uk rachel@huddersfieldandholmfirthnannies.co.uk

Have a great March and April and a Happy Easter too!

Childrens Clothing

Our advertisers allow us to bring you this resourceful magazine free every other month - please support them where you can and mention where you saw their ad or voucher – Families Pennines Magazine!

In this issue 3

ews N from our area and beyond.

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Education and Childcare including Getting Ready for School and Preparing for 11 Plus and SATs.

9 Tour de France 100 day Countdown.

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Design by Nik Clayton 07710 618119 niksclayton@sky.com Printed by Charlesworth Press, Wakefield T 01924 204830, www.charlesworth.com

Unique-Childrens-Clothes-Boutique

aster E activities for you and your family.

14 What’s On really useful listings of family events in and around our area.

Rachel Bentley: editor@familiespennines.co.uk Tel: 07580 612800 www.familiespennines.co.uk

Families Pennines is free to our readers thanks to our advertisers.

Find Us On Facebook

uniquechildrensboutique@hotmail.co.uk

10 Clubs and Classes featuring local Clubs and Classes.

Contact us

Next issue: May-June 2014

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Your Families Pennines editor

Copyright Families Pennines March-April 2014 Front cover taken by Charlotte Arliss Photography, www.arlissphotography.co.uk Families Pennines is one of a group of magazines established in 1990. It is a Families Franchise independently owned and operated under licence.

We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences.

Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

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News

Be First – Be Aware

As parents, grandparents, baby sitters and child minders we are responsible for the safety of babies and children. With this in mind Loretta Bevilacqua, a qualified First Aid Instructor (Qualsafe, Nuco, FFA) and owner of Be First has created an informative two hour baby and child carer’s awareness course to help equip you with skills to protect your little one in the event of sickness or injury. Loretta also offers full certified one day and two day Paediatric courses which are in more depth.

The awareness course is fun and interactive, covering the main concerns of First Aid for little ones, such as burns, scalds, choking, bleeding, CPR, planning for an emergency, allergic reaction, asthma, croup, poisoning, Sickle cell, Meningitis, Seizures and Febrile convulsions. Held at comfortable locations around Huddersfield and Brighouse, the course is just £20 per person.

To find out more contact Loretta Bevilacqua info@be-first.co.uk, 07986 444 241, www.be-first.co.uk

Magic Power for Marsden FC

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice welcomes new Ambassadors Huddersfield based Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice has announced that Graham Leslie (successful serial entrepreneur and Professor at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre) and Nina Hossain (ITN Newscaster) have become Ambassadors for the charity. Both Graham Leslie and Nina Hossain are locals and keen supporters of the charity.

A mum herself, Nina commented ‘There are 700 families in the Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield area that could benefit from the care and support from the charity and we need to make them aware of the help that is available to them. The charity needs to raise a gigantic £2.8million each year and we need to support the team at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice to ensure that they are getting the right funding this year, for future years and decades to come.’

Graham Leslie and Nina Hossain will join the Charity’s existing Ambassadors, Hannah Cockroft (MBE, British Wheel Chair Athlete, Paralympic Gold Medalist) and Daniel Lloyd (British Racing Car Driver, Porsche Carrera Cup GB Scholarship Winner).

Could you and/or your business help local families? To find out more visit www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk or call the Fundraising team on 01484 411040. Anyone can refer a child with a life shortening condition to Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice. Call the care team direct on 01484 411042 to start the process.

The Magic Box toyshop in Marsden has teamed up with The Power Station Gym in Slaithwaite to sponsor Marsden Football Club under 7s.

The team was recently set up by Steven Avison, a local lad himself. Just 4 children turned up for the first training session, but 4 months on, around 20 children regularly attend. The sponsorship money will help the club fund new kits for the under 7s and will be a great boost to the club.

Lisa Lancaster, owner of The Magic Box, took over the existing business in November 2013 and wanted to get involved in the community where she also grew up and is thrilled to be sponsoring the local team.

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The Magic Box toyshop is at 5 Peel St. Marsden, Tel 01484 841365 www.magicboxtoys.co.uk

Snapshot of Yorkshire at Abbey House Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall, Leeds has launched a brand new exhibition celebrating Yorkshire’s past.

The displays are mostly put together from Leeds Museums’ own collections, plus a dressing up area for little ones to pretend they are animals from the Great Yorkshire Show! Abbey House Museum offers a lovely cafe and shop in addition to the amazing indoor street showing what life was like for the different tradespeople in and around Leeds in the Victorian era and remains a family favourite.

An outdoor play area and beautiful ruins of Kirkstall Abbey are a short walk away from the free parking.

The exhibition runs till the end of 2014. For information see www.leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse .

www.familiespennines.co.uk

News

Competition time

Benetton Huddersfield, on the move

The Zone in Huddersfield is offering a free Lunchtime or Tea Time Special for a lucky reader!

Plans are underway for Huddersfield’s Benetton Children’s and Ladies wear shop to move from Peter’s Department Store in King Street to its very own retail premises in New Street, in the Town Centre. The current location will remain trading until the new shop is ready for business and we will be reporting on the move in the next issue of Families Pennines.

This will be available term time only and 11am-1.30pm or 3-5pm. The winner will get to play and then eat from the children’s menu. Answer a simple question and enter by going online to www.familiespennines. co.uk/win where terms and conditions for the competition are also found (please refer to the Zone for their terms of use eg height and age restrictions.)

Closes 30 April 2014.

See page 15 for voucher to spend in store up to the end of April.

The Zone, Huddersfield, offers soft play, classes and out of school clubs.

Visit http://thezonehct.com/ for information.

Get your kids’ stuff back!

Despite the closure of Cash’s name tapes in January, traditional woven sew on labels are still a big seller in the UK. Great British company, Labels4Kids are suppliers of sew on labels including their new ‘hot cut’ labels, traditional woven and a new rainbow sew on label. Why not combine them with the new snappy school pack with vinyl waterproof labels for all your non-clothing items, two bag tags as well as reusable snap on snappy tags etched with your chosen name. Other new lines include TSA luggage straps personalised with your name.

Families Pennines readers get 10% discount with the code “families” at the checkout so go to www.labels4kids. com/fam and buy today! Be prepared for next school year before the rush.

For the latest updates and offers see www.labels4kids.com/fam. Like the Labels4Kids Facebook page for competitions.

Baking by design.

Rachel Bentley, Families Pennines editor, talks to the Great British Bake off 2013 winner Frances Quinn.

Millions glued to the screen for the final of 2013’s Great British Bake Off (GBBO) - Frances Quinn beats off tough competition to triumph. How has she kept it all together?

“It was stressful –the judges’ comments can hit you hard.” Famously Frances was told to be aware of ’style over substance’ during the show.

This is a lady with a lot of style AND substance.

A designer for top clothing brand, Joules, she is taking time out to pursue baking-oriented challenges, but the 31 year old from Market Harborough has developed her love of baking combined with design over many years.

“I don’t want to choose, I think they mesh together.

I don’t want to be boxed in and hope to keep on creating in both spheres. And there is a book deal in the ‘piping bag’ line!! It has all been incredible.”

As we finish, I head straight for our family kitchen, hide the candy-coated-chocolate-bean cake decorations to the back of the cupboard - and begin to rethink baking with the kids!

See Frances’s website for bake ideas and see our Easter Feature for a noughts and crosses game with a baking difference! www.francesquinn.co.uk

The youngest of 5, the kitchen played a big part in family life and from a young age she would go and make a batch of flapjack – there was always a lunch box to be filled!

Join in the fun in 2014 with Kirkwood Hospice’s 7th Midnight Memory Walk on 21 June The Midnight Walk is a major fundraiser for the Hospice and they would love you to take part. This year is one not to be missed with a new 10 mile (or shorter 6 mile) walk around Kirklees, along well lit streets, starting and finishing at The John Smith’s Stadium. There is an ‘early bird’ entry fee if you sign up by the end of March 2014.

Many parents are concerned over sugar and additives in our children’s food – and Frances uses ingredients which are lower sugar, with natural colourings and few additives.

“I use ginger or chocolate for colouring, perhaps with a bit of gold leaf, like my owl-shaped shortbread with almonds, rather than making brightly coloured, sweetie covered cakes.”

The Hospice provides specialist care, free of charge, to adults in Kirklees with advanced, progressive illnesses and support for their families, relying on the financial support of the public.

At Joules the colours she developed all had reference to food! She’d take bakes to work to test out themed cake designs on colleagues and Joules asked her to include her bakes on its blog. She is often asked will she pursue baking OR clothing design.

To find out more and register contact: 01484 557911, emily.kennedy@kirkwoodhospice.co.uk, www. kirkwoodhospice.co.uk.

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Education & Childcare Hipperholme Grammar - a modern school with a 480 year history.

The historic buildings of Hipperholme Grammar’s Senior School are a famous local landmark but before they were developed, the earliest documented history of the School was 480 years ago this year, in 1564, when the first references to a predecessor School at Coley Church (less than a mile away) are recorded.

The present School was endowed in 1648 and to this day holds steadfast to its traditional values of academic study, hard work and perseverance whilst also preparing its pupils for today’s modern, international world through a challenging and varied curriculum. Hipperholme Grammar School provides opportunities to try new activities which widen pupils’ experiences through their enrichment programmes.

Hipperholme Grammar School is registering now for Nursery and Reception for 2014 and 2015 and for Year 7 intake and Sixth Form places for 2014 academic year. The School can arrange a private tour of their excellent facilities at the Junior and Senior Schools sites and open days are frequent, the next being an open morning for the Junior School on Saturday 15 March and an open evening for the Senior School on Thursday 13 March with a Sixth Form information evening on Thursday 20th March.

For more events and opportunities to visit Hipperholme Grammar School Foundation see our School Days listing or contact the school, 01422 202256, info@hgsf.org.uk, www.hgsf.org.uk,Twitter: @HipperholmeGS

Bailiffe Bridge pupils raise Young Voices

At the beginning of February, Bailiffe Bridge Junior and Infant School took singers from classes 4 to 6 to join 1000s of children from the North of England at the Manchester Arena.

This was as part of a nationwide series of concerts organised by Young Voices at venues more used to pop groups like Little Mix and One Direction!! Young Voices is the largest children’s choir organiser in the world.

Head teacher, Helen Proctor, said, “We have chosen pupils who showed an interest in music from the older end of the school who will be confident in singing at Manchester Arena. The pupils have been working hard learning songs which all the schools will be singing together.”

The organisers believe that by introducing children to a wide variety of music and performance opportunities, they support and encourage everyone to learn, enjoy and share music and singing.

Explore Free maths and English activities in April Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities.

Explore fits easily around family life; the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

On the 15th April Explore will be hosting a Community Open Day! There will be free interactive maths and literacy workshops for 5 – 14 year olds across all the Explore Learning centres. Spaces are limited so call your local centre to reserve your place.

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Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk. Ashton under Lyne centre is on 0161 300 6260.

School Plus

Children at Heathfield are busy during the School day – and that continues with a variety of extracurricular activities on offer and a choice of forty different clubs, providing a wide range of experiences.

‘Traditional’ team sports are practiced as well as individual pursuits such as fencing. Specialist coaching and facilities like the on site swimming pool help Heathfield children to maintain their place on the national sporting stage.

Music and art clubs provide cultural pursuits. Electric keyboards, steel pans, or perhaps the double bass all children are given the chance to gain experience with different instruments, and go on to a school ensemble, orchestra or the Junior Rock Band! The Art club gives time for children to develop their own projects.

Heathfield children make full use of the outdoor facilities at the School: the gardening club grow their own vegetables, sold to provide funds for the next planting, and there are groups extending their learning outside the classroom in the dingle and woodland areas. The writing clubs gain inspiration from the spectacular landscape, and more physically strenuous activities, such as mountain biking, can take place within the Heathfield environment.

Mr Anthony Wilkins, Head of Heathfield, says, “The foundation of a good education is in the strength of academic subjects, but we build upon that foundation to provide a truly excellent education for the whole child, and that is what extra-curricular provision is all about for younger children: providing opportunities for success through a wide variety of exciting experiences, both inside and outside the classroom.”

Heathfield School is the Junior School to Rishworth.The school welcomes tours at a time to suit you, contact admin@heathfieldjunior.co.uk, 01422 823 564 or 01422 822 217. www.rishworth-school.co.uk

SCHOOL DAYS...

A selection of Open Events and diary dates from our local schools – contact editor@familiespennines.co.uk to add your school event.

1 Mar, 9.30am-12pm Open Morning Heathfield Junior School 01422 823 564/01422 822 217 admin@heathfieldjunior.co.uk www.rishworth-school.co.uk

15 Mar Open Morning Hipperholme Grammar School - Junior School 01422 202256 info@hgsf.org.uk www.hgsf.org.uk

3 Mar, 6-8pm Open Evening Rishworth School Address by the Headmaster at 6.30pm.

01422 823 564/01422 822 217 admin@heathfieldjunior.co.uk www.rishworth-school.co.uk

20 Mar Information Evening Hipperholme Grammar School - Sixth Form 01422 202256 info@hgsf.org.uk www.hgsf.org.uk

7 Mar World Book Day Schools, book shops and libraries throughout our area will celebrate and dress up for the event!

13 Mar Open Evening Hipperholme Grammar School - Senior School 01422 202256 info@hgsf.org.uk www.hgsf.org.uk

www.familiespennines.co.uk

5 Apr Kindergarten Easter Egg Hunt Oldham Hulme Grammar School Check timings with the school 0161 624 4497 www.ohgs.co.uk.

7-8 Apr, 7pm ‘Return to 1914’ Hipperholme Grammar School Performance in the Senior School Hall 01422 202256 info@hgsf.org.uk www.hgsf.org.uk

Heathfield stock ads x3 _Layout 1 30/01/2014 08:51 Page 2

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Inspiring Young people to fulfil their potential

AcAdemic excellence is only pArt of the story

If your child hasn’t been offered a place at their chosen secondary school, there is still time to join our boys and girls in Year 7.

Our all-round learning experience and extracurricular activities will enable your child to unlock their potential and get their secondary education off to the best start possible. Academic excellence is only part of the story, so discover more and call our team or visit our website.

Heathfield

0161 624 4497 | www.ohgs.co.uk

The Junior School to Rishworth School

Heathfield provides a caring environment and a stimulating education for boys and girls from the ages of 3 to 11 Rishworth, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom HX6 4QF. Tel: +44 (0)1422 822217 Fax: +44 (0)1422 820911 E-mail: admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk Website: www.rishworth-school.co.uk

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Before and after-School care available

Nursery places available from third birthday Ask for details

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Education & Childcare

Taking the next big step Families Pennines asked Erica White, Head of Kindergarten at Oldham Hulme Grammar School, for advice on getting your child ready to start school this September.

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Starting school is an important milestone and the idea of being with other children and new adults can seem strange and daunting for many youngsters.

Some children will have played co-operatively with others, perhaps at a day nursery, whilst others may be more adult reliant. Whatever your child’s experience they need love, encouragement and support to make a smooth transition into the next phase of their life.

1. Being ‘grown up’

Young children love to be told how ‘grown up’ they are and being independent at school helps them have confidence to try new things without first seeking help from an adult.

Encourage independence at every opportunity and give plenty of praise - even for the smallest achievement, like putting on their own hat or opening their yoghurt themselves. Practice now will pay dividends in September – a child able to put on their coat and shoes without help has more time outside in the fresh air!

2. Going to the toilet

Children will be expected to use the toilet by themselves once they start school, so build your child’s confidence in order to avoid any accidents.

Encourage your child to begin taking toilet trips without you. Let them practice how to wipe properly and remember that hand washing is also part of the ‘visit’. Get some fun hand-wash and encourage your child to sing a nursery rhyme whilst they wash to make the visit enjoyable and to make sure hands are washed long enough to be thoroughly clean.

3. Sharing and being with other children

Learning to take turns and share are important skills for a child to learn, and hitting, pinching, kicking or biting will not be tolerated by other children - or parents! Take every opportunity for your child to be in the company of other children.

4. Loving learning

Though your child might read and write their name, count and say their colours, it is even better if they love to learn. Bringing learning to life so your child develops a naturally enquiring mind and explores every opportunity is one of the best head starts any child could have! So take an interest in everything around - visit local parks and talk about the plants and animals you see, count the ducks, read park signs together.

5. A good start... every day

Give yourself a head start and practise the morning routine and the school run. At Hulme learning starts as soon as children enter the classroom. Your child may be missing out on reading, writing and number activities that take place first thing in the morning if you are late.

Encourage your child to lay their uniform out the night before. Have a structured bedtime routine that allows for a good night’s sleep. Have the table already set for a good, hearty breakfast and leave the house in plenty of time to allow for the rush of ‘school-run’ traffic.

6. Settling in – the Hulme experience

Above all, remember to have fun with your little one. Relax and enjoy spending time with them as they grow up all too soon. You can play a very

Testing Times

important part in the process of ‘going to school’.

Whatever your own experience of school, you must send out a message that is loud and clear: starting school is exciting and something to look forward to. Your child will follow your lead so be calm and positive about the whole experience.

One final word of advice: try not to cry as you say goodbye to your child on their first day at school.

You may want to, but seeing you upset will only make your child distressed. So, take a deep breath, wave goodbye with a smile on that first morning and save the tears until you are walking out through the playground. Your child will already be beginning to settle before you reach the school gate...

At Hulme we understand young children and we help you and your child make a smooth transition into school life. Why not take a personal tour around our setting so that you and your child can become familiar with your new school environment? We hold Saturday morning events throughout the year and invite parents and children of Early Years age to explore our learning environments. Remember to bring your wellies, as you might explore our wonderful woodland setting whilst you hunt for Easter eggs or Christmas reindeer!

To visit the school call 0161 624 4497, and see www.ohgs.co.uk.

child needs extra support and dedicates time to build on these areas.

Families Pennines asked Huddersfield’s Numberworks’nWords about preparing for SATs and 11+ exams coming up soon.

What are ‘SATs’?

SATs (Standard Attainment Tests) are taken in Year 2 and Year 6. Year 2 children are assessed by their teacher setting and grading short pieces of work in English, mathematics and science. In Year 6, children sit formal exams lasting 45 minutes each which are sent away for external marking.

What is tested?

Year 2 children are given levels for reading, writing and speaking and listening.

They will also be graded in mathematics and science.

Year 6 children sit tests in English reading, English grammar, punctuation and spelling and mathematics (including a mental mathematics test) and graded from 3 to 5. Writing is graded through a teacher assessed task. In addition, a small number of children also take a level 6 assessment, if their class teacher feels they demonstrate attainment above level 5.

How can Numberworks’nWords help?

The SATs assess children’s knowledge and understanding of aspects of the National Curriculum. NumberWorks’nWords derives programs from the National Curriculum to support work in the classroom, and ensures they can use the method each child find works best for them.

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Spend time in parks and play centres or with friends to help develop their social skills. Be clear and firm with the boundaries you set and always insist on good behaviour and praise your child for taking turns or sharing their toys.

In mathematics and English Numberwoks’nWords determines in which areas your

11+ Preparation – Advice Every year the 11+ exam gets more competitive meaning extra help is needed to prepare for the assessment. Verbal Reasoning (VR) is one of the main areas tested in 11+ examinations and as this is not part of the National Curriculum then it is not taught in schools. That’s why it’s vital that pupils receive supplementary tuition in the VR strategies prior to taking the 11+ tests. The majority of successful pupils start this preparation in Year 4.

NumberWorks’nWords approach to preparation NumberWorks‘nWords is successfully helping many children get ready and gain confidence leading up to the life changing exam. By developing your child’s core skills through individually tailored lessons, they are able to build upon essential foundations that are then transferred to essential exam type questions.

Steve Uttley of Numberworks’nWords, Huddersfield says, “We achieve excellent results with our students at all levels by offering a range of teaching strategies such as written methods, practical methods (educational games) and computer based strategies. This allows the preparation to become a fun learning process, as it is vital that their learning is not too intense. At NumberWorks’nWords, we plan the preparation to ensure that your child hits their peak at the right time.”

If you need personalised help with your children’s learning, don’t delay.

Book your child’s free maths and English assessment now. Ofsted registered – ask about using childcare vouchers to cover fees. NumberWorks’nWords, Huddersfield 01484 487911, www.numberworksnwords.co.uk.

www.familiespennines.co.uk

Tour de France

100 days countdown to the Tour de France The world’s greatest cycle race - and its biggest sporting event - passes through Calderdale and Kirklees on 6 July 2014 as part of ‘Le Grand Depart’, the start of the Tour de France (TDF). There are cultural and sporting activities planned up to the start of the TDF and Yorkshire will be showcasing itself as a creative county by offering a variety of ways to get in the TDF spirit. The fun and excitement will begin to build from 27 March, which marks the 100 day countdown to the big event.

Welcome to Yorkshire, responsible for bringing this event to the UK, has a dedicated website for you to keep up to date with what is happening near you - letour.yorkshire.com. Let Families Pennines know what YOU are doing so we can share with our audience of 1000s! www.familiespennines.co.uk Tour de France Challenge at The Zone, Huddersfield.

Huddersfield Community Trust is launching its own Youth Gym TDF Challenge from 27 March-4 July 2014. Young people aged 8-16 years who use the facility based at The Zone, Huddersfield, will be invited to ride the spinning bikes in the gym over the 100 day countdown in an attempt to reach the 3656km target – the distance of the whole of the Tour de France.

Adhérez à Phoenix Trading en France (i.e. Join Phoenix Trading in France – or in UK/NZ/Oz!)

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The wonderful greeting cards and stationery business brought to you by Phoenix Trading is available for your French contacts to join. France is a big market with only a few Independent Phoenix Traders so it is a great time for them to join.

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For more information or to see the products contact Senior Executive Trader, Rachel (i.d. 7093) on 07976621496 or email rachelscardshop@gmail.com or visit the website www.rachelscardshop.co.uk .

And the instructors might be going to a primary or secondary school near you! They will be visiting a number of Kirklees schools to take the challenge into the community. The best results might ‘win’ Super League 2013 League Leaders, the Huddersfield Giants squad to visit your school and join your class mates in a lesson plus free yearly memberships at The Youth Gym at The Zone.

Youth Gym Instructor, Hannah Proctor, said, ‘We intend to have lots of fun and encourage some great competition between individuals and schools; we are keen to use this activity as a legacy to encourage more children to take on regular exercise and look after their bodies.’

For more information or to register your interest in the Youth Gym’s TDF Challenge contact 01484 484185 or email youth.gym@thezone.uk.com.

For more information on the Tour de France in Kirklees visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/events/ tourdefrance/index.aspx Camembear’s Bicycle Race Yorkshire schools have been learning French with Camembear, the incredible French speaking puppet, who appeared on Look North last autumn and in our Christmas issue. To celebrate the Tour de France, Camembear will be at Le Grand Départ. Meanwhile your primary school anywhere in the UK can request FREE the French from Camembear Teaching & Learning Activity for Early Years & KS1 all about the TDF. Children can follow Camembear at each stage of the Tour de France in 2014 and each year after. This will enhance the 2014 Tour de France legacy and help schools achieve the goal for languages to be on the curriculum for all 7 year olds from 2014.

Simply register your school via this link to receive your free Tour de France Resources: https://tutor2u.wufoo.eu/forms/camembearsbicycle-race. For more information on bringing Camembear to your school contact enquiries@headstartlanguages.co.uk or see www.headstartlanguages.co.uk

CREDIT: Welcome to Yorkshire

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Clubs and Classes Family Fun at Colne Valley Black Belt Academy Family sessions at Colne Valley Black Belt Academy are 45 minutes long and a real chance to get children and their parents working out together.

The classes are aimed at 4-16 year olds and their parents. Starting with a good warm up – perhaps a game of tig – then the participants are encouraged to move round and get into stance in pairs. Next are team runs to add a bit of competitive spirit and then into stretches to help prevent strains. Children and parents are partnered for ‘pad and mitt’ which basically allows kids to kick and punch mum or dad but in a nice way!! As the class progresses the families practice freestyle basic moves in lines following the teacher. And at the end there will be a fun game such as capture a clothes peg off competitors’ clothing.

Colne Valley Black Belt Academy is based in Linthwaite, Huddersfield. Call now for a free trial class 01484 844386 or email info@cvbba.co.uk and see www.cvbba.co.uk for full list of classes and party details.

babyballet babyballet is aimed at pre-schoolers and Halifax classes take place in their studios, handily situated close to Eureka! As a franchise, there are classes throughout the UK – so check the babyballet website for your nearest class.

The classes are split by age as follows: Twinkle Tots – 6 to 18 months - musical playtime and socialising.

Tiny Toes – 18 months to 3 years - movement, singing and dancing.

Mini movers – 3 to 4 years - basic ballet moves and rhythm.

Tots Tap – 3 years and up - children love their noisy tap shoes learning basic steps!

Call to check for availability and to book 01422 329471, email halifax@babyballet.co.uk and for information such as class times see the website www.babyballet.co.uk.

The Star Tree Studio Based in central Littleborough with plenty of parking close by, why not book your baby or pre-schooler into a class – a chance for socialising (both for child and carer) and the fabulous people at The Star Tree Studio provide materials, guidance - and clear up afterwards!!

Art Stars - Creative Art & Crafts Classes Fun, educational arts and crafts classes for 15 months - 4 yrs and their grown up.

NEW - Baby Messy Play Freedom to learn and meet other babies and their carers.

Term time only - places limited, booking essential. Contact hello@thestartreestudio.com, 07778 543233 or drop in to book and visit the shop! www.thestartreestudio.com

Ten Top Tips to get your child swimming 1. Use bath time to introduce your child to water with toys and songs – have a splashing time!

2. For your first visit to the pool, encourage a fun, relaxed feel, don’t expect too much from your child and allow them to develop at their own pace.

3. Encourage water play whilst they build their confidence, and only when ready, introduce basic skills, still using play.

4. Not confident in teaching your child to swim?

Book a local course which can provide great ideas to practice with your child, with the support of a qualified teacher.

5. Children love to swim with their parents. Hold younger swimmers to maintain eye contact and swim (and dive!) with older children so they can see how you move through the water – and it’s fun!

6. Get into a routine, this helps them to feel settled and they’ll be happier to try new things which you gradually introduce.

7. It’s better to find the right time for your child to swim than try to force them to fit into a schedule which doesn’t suit them.

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8. Children progress at their own pace, so don’t compare them with other children. Sometimes they don’t progress for a while and then suddenly come on in leaps and bounds in one session.

9. Encourage a strong leg kick and arm action, and repeat these core skills at each pool visit, for up to 7 minutes at a time, then rest and play.

(Swimbabes has swimmers who are just 2 years old who can swim a width.)

10. Babies and young children love swimming and once confident will be drawn to the water – do be aware of the inherent dangers, and even for the most confident little swimmer, always be vigilant!

Swimbabes courses start with babies of 4 weeks of age (and recommend beginning lessons before your child is 18 months). Classes take place in warm, handpicked pools - including around Huddersfield, Halifax, Rochdale, Wakefield, Barnsley and Leeds. Courses are termly and bookable in advance.

For information on classes available and to book see www.swimbabeslessons.co.uk or call 01484 683570. Visit the Swimbabes shop online www.swimbabes.co.uk or in Holmfirth to see the vast range of swimwear, kids clothing and accessories.

www.familiespennines.co.uk

Get into The Zone HE ZONE FOR FITNESS & FUN! for Fitness and Fun!

Clubs GETand Classes

INTO THE ZONE

GET INTO THE ZONE FOR FITNES

The Zone is the amazing venue for kids and parents to party or stay and play as well as being a hub of clubs and classes activities in Huddersfield.

Did you know that weekly activities on offer include Tiny Terrier Tot football sessions from 2 years old? These sessions concentrate on teaching the ABCs of football to boys and girls.

And the Zone told Families Pennines that new for March 2014, they are introducing Mini Ballet from 6 years old, offering regular IDTA exams.

For information on all the classes, party facilities and play sessions available contact 01484 484 134 or visit www.thezonehct.com

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email: hello@thestartreestudio.com

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www.babyballet.co.uk Respect l Self-control Self-discipline l Fitness Fun l Friendship l Team work Concentration l Confidence Family classes

Colne Valley Business Park Linthwaite Huddersfield

01484 844386

www.cvbba.co.uk

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Easter

Take to Nature’s Stage at Eureka! this Easter Spring is positively bursting out at Eureka! with a bear hunt, a Spring Fairy bringing sleepy nature back to life and a Eureka! jungle for you and your little ones to take a walk in during the holiday period this April. Eggsellent fun to be had with storytelling and animal handling on certain dates too (check their fab website for more details nearer the time). And if you want more, there’s loads to do in and around Eureka! whatever the weather. There are play areas outside and interactive galleries inside, all designed around the younger members of the family to help them learn through play.

Playing with food.

As Easter time approaches here is a fun idea for using a seasonal bread bun from Frances Quinn!

All you need is a slate tile with noughts and crosses grid chalked on it and prepare home-made (or a couple of packs each of) bagels and hot cross buns – bagels for noughts and hot cross buns for crosses! Play using CLEAN hands and finish the game by eating the playing pieces!

Fun and Yum! Read more about Frances’s baking life in our News section.

5-27 April, Eureka! the National Children’s Museum, Halifax HX1 2NE. 01422 330069, info@eureka.org.uk, www.eureka.org.uk

“Eggs are a symbol of rebirth in many cultures and were given as springtime gifts well before Easter was first celebrated by Christians.”

We’re going on an Easter Egg Hunt!

The Easter Bunny will be very busy in Oldham this year! On the morning of 5 April, he will be hiding lots of lovely Easter Eggs in the woodlands in the grounds of Oldham Hulme Grammar School’s Kindergarten. Can you find them? You can also have a look around the facilities too.

For times check with the school, 0161 624 4497, www.ohgs.co.uk.

Hands free with Sa-Be! If you are juggling looking after a baby as well as toddlers or older children, you will know that holiday time can be tricky when visiting attractions with a pushchair (and some of them won’t allow you to use it) or simply walking by a road and having enough hands to hold onto little ones to keep them safe! With an amazing Sa-Be (pronounced say bee!) baby carrier, invented by a local mum and made in Elland, parents and carers can pop Baby into the comfy and supercool wraparound carrier as they need and have their hands free for activities with the rest of the family! Also the wrap is easy to put on and you can keep wearing the carrier with your seatbelt – with Baby of course safely in their car seat! So get out and about with a Sa-Be this Easter!

For the latest styles and more information on safe use of baby carriers visit www.SaBeBabyWear.com

Kirkwood Hospice Easter Eggs needed Are you able to help Kirkwood Hospice by donating an Easter Egg for their Easter campaign?

All eggs will go towards raising vital funds for the Hospice by being raffled via organisations and businesses.

If you can help with a donation or hosting a raffle prize, call Dawn on 01484 557913 (more information about the charity at www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk.)

“A new Guinness World Record for the most entrants in an egg hunt was set in London at Easter 2012 when 12,773 people took part in The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt.”

All aboard the Easter Eggspress at Yorkshire’s Biggest Little Railway!

Kirklees Light Railway invites families to Clayton West to meet the Easter Bunny and climb aboard the Easter Eggspress. Trains will be running every 40 minutes from 10am to 4pm during the Easter weekend (18-21 April).

Travel by steam train aboard the Easter Eggspress to Shelley to meet the Easter Bunny who has dropped all of his food in the play ground and needs everyone to help him collect it! He has also hidden some extra special Golden Eggs around the play ground too and everyone who helps collect his food in the Egg Hunt will receive a chocolate egg and there might be a bigger reward if you find a Golden Egg! As well as the main Egg Hunt, there will be lots more activities to do including Egg & spoon races (more prizes to be won), platform rides on the Tram, Arts & craft activities, face painting*, bouncy castles* and the miniature train* (*some activities will be subject to an additional charge/weather dependent).

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Pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment, available to purchase now at the Station in Clayton West HD8 9XJ, over the phone by calling 01484 865727 or online http://kirklees.vticket.co.uk.

www.familiespennines.co.uk

Easter Egg decorating easy as 1, 2, 3

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Leeds Museums and Galleries open their doors to Easter!

“Eggs are brightly coloured to symbolise spring sunlight.”

Yes - It’s that time of year when you are given the task of helping your child create a decorated egg for nursery or school!

3. Easter Lamb – glue a thin layer of cotton wool over most of the egg. Next make lots of tiny cotton wool balls and glue these on top, leave a space for the face.

Draw the face using black marker. Make a ‘stand’ by bending a pipe cleaner into an oval and then cut another pipe cleaner in half, wrap one half around the oval to create the front legs and do the same for the back. Sit your lamb on top.

Annual Egg Roll at Leeds City Museum - Join Rory’s Saturday Club for its annual egg roll, either take your own egg to decorate and see how far it rolls or use one provided.

Sat 19 Apr 11am - 12.15pm.

King Henry the Egg: Decorate an ‘egg’ character at Temple Newsam House Create an ‘egg’ character inspired by Tudor history and stories. For eggxample, ‘King Henry the Egg’, ‘Elizabeth of Yolk’, ‘The Ghost of the Speckled Blue Lady’. Tues 15 Mon 21 Apr 11am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 3.30pm

“About 10% of Britain’s annual spending on chocolate is on Easter eggs.”

Here at The Star Tree Studio we’ve come up with three easy ideas to suit all ages.

2. Super Hero Egg – paint your egg, we used paint pens and then markers to draw the face. You could use googly eyes if you prefer. Wrap a pipe cleaner around to make arms/legs. Glue a piece of tissue paper on the back for the cape.

Bunny Fun with the Easter Bunny at Abbey House Museum - A range of fun bunny crafts. Be on the lookout for Easter chicks in the Victorian shops and you might just bump into the friendly Easter Bunny. Fri 18 Apr 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm / Sat 19 2pm - 4pm / Sun 20th & Mon 21st Apr 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm

For more information about these and all the other Leeds Museums and Galleries events over the Easter school holidays visit www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries

Families Pennines asked The Star Tree Studio in Littleborough for top tips on what can be a really tricky make – egg decorating!

1. Decoupage Egg – create a beautiful on trend egg using gorgeous patterned decoupage papers; pick a stylish colour theme or an eclectic mix.

Why not take the family on a quick spin on the M62 East and visit historic sites all around Leeds this Easter? There’s a lot on offer! Here are a few snippets and see our What’s On listings (pages 14-16) for more.

Get into The Zone with a special offer!

So the madness that is the Easter school holidays is over. How about taking your little ones out for a bit of a treat now the big kids are back in class!? Even better, a treat for your pocket too? Our friends at The Zone, Huddersfield, are offering Families Pennines readers a HUGE 50% off child entry to the Play Zone 28 April-4 May 2014. All you need to do is take the voucher (see page 11) and present it prior to paying at The Zone reception – one voucher per child and no photocopies please. The Zone has a prize on offer in our free competition on page 5 - to enter and for full T&Cs go to www.familiespennines.co.uk/win. Also see our clubs and classes section for information on some of the fantastic classes on offer at The Zone.

The Zone, off St Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield HD1 6PT, 1484 484134, thezonehct.com

The Star Tree Studio offers a place to play in a creative way – and they clear up the mess afterwards too!

For more information on classes (term time), drop in sessions and special events, parties and the shop full of creative games and toys also available online, visit www. thestartreestudio.com or call 07778 543233.

Hatch your Easter plans at RSPB Old Moor, South Yorkshire!

Halifax, West Yorkshire 01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk/buyticktes

If you think that RSPB wetlands are all about birds, think again! Easter holidays at RSPB Old Moor Reserve (just off M1 near Barnsley) includes activities looking at all aspects of wildlife and celebrates Spring and Easter too – there is even a Welly Egg Hunt! We have a not-to-be-missed families go free voucher on page 15.

Drawing, Dipping and Discovery Day - 14 Apr, plus 18 & 25 Apr (both Free Fridays – reserve entry free to children) - Activity centre open for self led crafts all about homes for wildlife, Spring and Easter. Pond dipping kits and activity backpacks are available to hire.

Welly Egg Hunt – 19-21 Apr - The Easter Bunny is worried that his eggs will get wet out on the reserve so he’s hidden clues in his wellies which will lead you to their location. Can you find all the clues and win an egg?

Tuesday Tales – 15 & 22 Apr - Join Chris and Bob for tales of wildlife and wonder in the heart of our nature reserve.

Wild Wednesday – 16 & 23 Apr – RSPB Old Moor’s most popular holiday time activity. Classroom based nature themed craft activities, go pond dipping on the reserve with a wildlife expert, or simply enjoy being out in the fresh air in beautiful surroundings.

Thinkbomb! – 17 Apr - What’s that bird? Family Hide holds a fun session of bird identification for beginners, and 24 Apr - What’s that plant? A stroll around the reserve to identify the beautiful flowers and find out how they provide a perfect home for wildlife.

For times and booking information check rspb.org.uk/oldmoor, or contact 01226 751593 or old.moor@rspb.org.uk. All of the events are free, but a reserve entry fee applies: £4 adults, £2 children, £8 family ticket – or take along the voucher on page 15 for FREE family entry.

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What’s On Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax HX1 2NE A few of the brilliant things in store for you at Eureka! For Easter activities see our Easter feature. For information on prices and opening times: info@eureka.org.uk, www.eureka.org.uk/whatson 01422 330 069 1, 8, 22 Mar, 10am-12pm Primary Aged Autism Club FREE Saturday Clubs for families of Autistic Children aged 5-11, with fun craft and games supported by trained staff in different areas each week. Funding from Esmée Fairbairn. Booking essential, call Trizia or Jenny G on 01422 330069.

15-16 Mar Health Heroes Dragon’s Den - National Science & Engineering Week Meet Florence Nightingale, Alexander Fleming and Louis Pasteur in an entertaining Dragon’s Den style session. Who wins?

You decide!

THEATRE

4-5 Mar, 6pm & 8pm Strictly Pennine Dance Festival 40 schools from the Pennine Sports Partnership taking part in four shows over two nights.

Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org 13-16 Mar The Gruffalo Victoria Theatre Halifax 01422 351158 victoriatheatre@calderdale.gov.uk www.calderdale.gov.uk/victoria Leeds Museums and Galleries Easter Holiday round up – for Easter weekend events see our Easter Feature.

For further information see www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries.

Abbey House Museum 8 Apr, 10am-12pm & 2-4pm Foody Fun Yorkshire Fun family crafts on the theme of Yorkshire food. Expect Yorkshire puddings, Pontefract cakes and cheese!

9 Apr, 10am-12pm & 2-4pm Silly Science: Yorkshire Inventions A day of science activities inspired

by Yorkshire’s great inventors and inventions. How do cats eyes work?

What does a Bailey Bridge look like?

11 Apr, 10am-12pm & 2-4pm Animal Magic; Yorkshire Animals Fun family crafts on the theme of Yorkshire animals. Expect Yorkshire terriers, ferrets and pigeons!

15 Apr 10am-12pm & 2-4pm Easter Animal Craft Join us for fun family crafts inspired

by Easter animals, chicks and bunnies.

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Please be aware that things change so check details and suitability for your family with the provider before setting out as Families Pennines cannot be held responsible for the events we list.

22 Mar, 11am & 2pm The Brothers Grimm Ages 4-8 Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org 25-29 Mar, 7.30pm, plus Sat 2.15pm Grease Woodhouse Musical Theatre Company Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org 30 Mar, 2.30pm The Just So Stories Red Table Theatre Square Chapel Halifax 01422 349422 www.squarechapel.co.uk 1-2 & 8–9 Apr, 7.30pm Jump and Shout Kirklees Council Communities & Leisure Services A festival where performers aged three and above take centre stage.

Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org 17 Apr, 12.15pm, 2pm & 3.45pm Three Little Pigs Northern Ballet Ages 3-8 Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org 23-24 Apr, 7.30pm Flown Pirates of the Caribana Acrobats, aerialists, daredevil stuntmen and musicians - a jawdropping spectacle.

Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org

16 Apr ,10am-12pm & 2-4pm Silly Science: Eggsperiments A day of science activities inspired by eggs. Can you crush an egg in your hand? How do you know if an egg is boiled? Is your egg fresh?

Kirkstall Abbey 8 & 15 Apr, 10-11am Mini Eggs Our popular Tuesday under 5’s session gets an eggy make over for Easter. Bring your own mini egg but be prepared we like to get messy!

10 & 17 Apr, 2-3pm How does your garden grow?

Plant some sunflower seeds to take home and make a mini scarecrow to keep your plants safe in your garden.

Leeds Art Gallery 7-20 Apr (during opening hours) Artspace: Look into your world Be inspired by artworks by young people from Leeds, get creative and share something about your world.

Leeds City Museum 8, 9, 15 & 16 Apr, 10am-12pm & 2-4pm Egg Lab Egg related experiment fun!

24-25 Apr, various times Peter Pan – Easter Pantomime With Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker & Strictly Come Dancing), Comedian Bobby Davro and Lloyd Warbey (Disney’s Art Attack). Book early to avoid disappointment ‘The `Croc’ is ticking! ALSO - when you buy a ticket you can also book for fun activities.

Victoria Theatre Halifax 01422 351158 victoriatheatre@calderdale.gov.uk www.calderdale.gov.uk/victoria 26-27 Apr, various times Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Victoria Theatre Halifax 01422 351158 victoriatheatre@calderdale.gov.uk www.calderdale.gov.uk/victoria 27 Apr, 2.30pm The Worried Walrus Odd Doll Theatre of Puppetry Square Chapel Halifax 01422 349422 www.squarechapel.co.uk

EVENTS

Also check the boxes in this section and our Easter feature for more Easter Events.

MARCH

1 Mar, 10.30-11.15am, 11.30am12.15pm, 1-1.45pm, 2-2.45pm Pirate Extravaganza Captain No-Beard recounts tales of famous pirates Bankfield Museum, HX3 6HG 01422 352334 www.calderdale.gov.uk 3 Mar-7 Apr, 6m-crawling - 10.1511.15am, 3m-6m, 11.30am-12.30pm Baby Yoga Courses Oldham Library 6 week course - booking essential – contact Susan 07813 077074 susan@circleoflife.co.uk

Leeds Industrial Museum 8-10 Apr, 1-3pm All sewn up!

To celebrate the opening of our new Tailoring Gallery, join us to make waistcoats and design t-shirts.

15-17 Apr, 1-3pm Make a sun print Make interesting ‘photos’ of objects from our museum collections using the power of the sun!

Lotherton Hall 5 Apr, 12-2pm Easter games and trails with the Easter Bunny Join the Easter Bunny for outdoor games (weather permitting!) and hop around the Estate to follow the Easter Bunny trail. The trail will be on throughout the school Easter holidays (5-21 Apr).

7 Apr, 11am-4pm 9 Apr, 11am-3pm 13 Apr, 12-2pm Springtime Crafts Spring is here! Join in with our Springtime crafts in the school Easter holidays. Each day will be a different theme; from Nest Building to Basket Making we’re sure to have crafty things to keep you busy!

www.familiespennines.co.uk

5 Mar, 10-11.30am Baby Days Oldham Library Babies up to 18 months and carers share experiences - free and a great way to introduce little ones to the library.

7-9 Mar Baby & Toddler Show EventCity, Manchester http://babyandtoddlershow.co.uk/ manchester/ 7-15 Mar Children’s and young people’s book festival for Calderdale & Kirklees Brand new festival with a range of activities taking in Halifax Central Library, Eureka! the Bankfield Museum and University of Huddersfield plus libraries and schools in the area too! http://pageturners.hud.ac.uk/ 9 Mar, 1-3pm Table Tots Baby and children’s table top sale Brighouse High School HD6 2NY 07706 227742 tabletots@live.co.uk www.tabletots.co.uk 9 Mar, 1pm St. Patrick’s Day Parade Huddersfield Town Centre.

Floats, pipe band, Celtic Rock band, samba bands, Brass Band, Morris Dancers, themed characters and more 01484 315729 www.theparadeonline.org 15 Mar, 1-3pm Table Tots Baby and children’s table top sale Southfield Grange Sports Centre BD5 9ET 07706 227742 tabletots@live.co.uk www.tabletots.co.uk 16 Mar, 10.30am-12:30pm The Teddy Toddle and Ogden Stomp Sponsored walks around Ogden Water, Halifax for Overgate Hospice. www.overgatehospice.org.uk

16 Apr, 12-2pm Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Bring along a picnic or buy a special children’s box from the cafe and join this famous character and his friends for the strangest afternoon tea! With face painting, games and activities for the whole family.

Temple Newsam House 5, 6, 8-13, 15-21 Apr, 11am-12.30pm & 2-3.30pm Easter Eggstravaganza!

Join in our Easter egg hunt! Search for clues around the house to be in with a chance of winning an eggcellent Easter egg prize! A great time to visit the newborn animals on the farm too!

Thwaite Mills 8 Apr, 1-3pm Make Easter biscuits Make traditional Easter biscuits in the Victorian kitchen.

15 Apr, 1-3pm Be a Victorian servant Dress up and experience life as a Victorian servant. Wash the Masters’ clothes, polish his shoes and buff up his brass!

What’s On Kirklees Light Railway with Thomas and friends A very special event coming up in March plus see our Easter feature for information on KLRs Easter Eggspress!

Go along to Clayton West this Spring (15-16 March) for the first of several weekends planned in 2014 for Thomas and his friends to entertain your family. Thomas will be pulling the first train at 10:00am (this is the only train that Thomas pulls to Shelley) after he has returned from Shelley, Thomas will be at Clayton West providing platform rides for everyone to enjoy! With lots going on there is something for every little one including face painting, bouncy castles and donkey rides too!

This is a very busy event and so Kirklees Light Railway strongly recommends you book in advance by calling in at the Clayton West Ticket Office, phoning 01484 865727 or visiting www.kirkleeslightrailway.co.uk.

5-22 Apr, 10am-6pm Stockeld Park Easter Adventure Roller rink, Enchanted Forest, outdoor and indoor play areas, maze, giant inflatable slide, electric scooter trail, magical gift emporium, ice cream parlour and craft area, PLUS many magical adventurous Easter events A661, Wetherby LS22 4AN 01937 586333 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 12 Apr, 1-3pm Table Tots Baby and children’s table top sale Titus Salt School BD17 5RH 07706 227742 tabletots@live.co.uk www.tabletots.co.uk 15 Apr, 11am- 12pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm Sparks! Easter Holiday Fun! Learn about real pirates and make a cutlass Bankfield Museum, HX3 6HG 01422 352334 www.calderdale.gov.uk

Useful vouchers Old Moor Nature Reserve

SatNav: S73 0YF Tel: 01226 751593 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor

Free family entry to RSPB Old Moor nature reserve (worth £8) when you present this voucher. Valid until the end of April 2014.

RSPB Old Moor Events 19 Mar, 10-11.30am Baby Days Crompton Library Babies up to 18 months and carers share experiences - free and a great way to introduce little ones to the library.

Here are some events from RSPB Old Moor, just off the M1 near Barnsley.

For Easter holiday events see our Easter Feature.

22 Mar, 11am-1pm Playing Out at Ogden Water - Hobby Horses Make a hobby horse and follow the hobby horse trail through the woods. No dogs please. Route suitable for pushchairs. Booking essential. Telephone Julie Swift.

01422 284415 julie.swift@calderdale.gov.uk www.calderdale.gov.uk

Nature and Nebulas II - Celebrating National Astronomy Week

24 Mar, 6-7pm Bedtime Stories Oldham Library Come in pyjamas and settle down for a story from Wee Willie Winkie. For under 5’s - bring your teddy or a cuddly toy.

27 Mar, 10-11am Signalong Oldham Library An introduction to Baby Signing (0 – 18 months) 0161 770 8013 angela.lee@oldham.gov.uk www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries 27 Mar-6 Jul Yorkshire Festival 2014 Celebrating the 100 days countdown to Le Grand Depart of the Tour de France in Yorkshire.

0113 322 3500 http://festival.yorkshire.com 29 Mar, 2pm Songs of the Sea Kimber’s men perform traditional sea songs Bankfield Museum, HX3 6HG 01422 352334 www.calderdale.gov.uk

APRIL 2 Apr, 10-11.30am Baby Yoga Taster sessions Oldham Library Baby Yoga FREE taster session for babies aged 3 – 12 months. Booking essential 0161 770 8013 5 Apr, 11am-3pm Stopping the Pirates Explore how the navy beat the pirates.

Bankfield Museum, HX3 6HG 01422 352334 www.calderdale.gov.uk

Join the team at Old Moor and Mexborough and Swinton Astronomical Society for an evening of natural spectacle. Go on a guided walk to see birds come home to roost followed by stargazing at the night sky plus a planetarium display in the visitor centre. In the cafe, watch new footage of earth from the International Space Station while you warm up with soup and hot drinks.

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22-23 Mar, 11am-3 pm Recruiting the Redcoats Shibden Hall, Halifax His Majesty’s 33rd Regiment of Foot “The Havercake Lads” will be recruiting volunteers for Wellington’s Army of 1814!

01422 352246 shibden.hall@calderdale.gov.uk www.calderdale.gov.uk

15% Off quote FAMPEN

8 Mar, 5-8.30 pm (approx.)

Find Us On Facebook Unique-Childrens-Clothes-Boutique

uniquechildrensboutique@hotmail.co.uk

£5 Adults, £4 RSPB Members, £3 children (under 5’s go free). All proceeds go to support the work of the two charities.

29 Mar, 10am-3 pm Gifts for Mothers Day Make cards and gifts for Mothers Day with a nature theme in the activity centre. While the paint is drying why not go for a stroll around the reserve to see Spring blooming in all its glory. £3 per child including materials and reserve entry fee. Adult reserve entry fee £4.

Family ticket £8 plus £1 per child to cover materials.

10% Off Discount Card BENETTON

Peters Department Store 25-31 King Street Huddersfield Receive 10% Off through Mar & Apr 2014 Not in conjunction with any other promotions

27 Apr, 4.30am Dawn Chorus Old Moor welcomes you to nature’s opera. Enjoy the thrill of an early start and mind-blowing sound of a dawn chorus at this time of year before heading to the Old Moor café for a well-earned breakfast.

Suitable for adults and older children. There are two walks available : Short walk 4.30 to 7.00 Long walk 4.30 to 7.30 Followed by breakfast in the cafe.

Booking essential - £10 non members, £6 RSPB members. Cost includes walk, breakfast bap and hot drink.

Most of the events are free except where indicated, but the reserve entry fee applies: £4 adults, £2 children, £8 family ticket. Activity backpacks are available to hire. Check the website or call the visitor centre for information on times and booking: old.moor@rspb.org.uk, 01226 751593, rspb.org.uk/oldmoor – remember to take our voucher on page 15 for free family entry

07580612800

Bluebell Wood Therapies® £5 voucher off a treatment session of £20 or over in Mar & Apr 2014 Call Rebecca On

07783 823303 BluebellWoodTherapies for latest offers

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16 Apr, 11am- 12pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm Sparks! Easter Holiday Fun! Listen to pirate tales and make a pirate hat.

Bankfield Museum, HX3 6HG 01422 352334 www.calderdale.gov.uk

23 Apr, 11am- 12pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm Sparks! Easter Holiday Fun! Design a Pirate Flag.

Bankfield Museum, HX3 6HG 01422 352334 www.calderdale.gov.uk

17 & 24 Apr, 11am-12pm, 1-2pm and 2-3pm Sparks! Easter Holiday Fun! Shibden Hall, Halifax Join the Easter Bunny in search of eggs and create your own felt Easter egg. Booking essential 01422 352246 shibden.hall@calderdale.gov.uk www.calderdale.gov.uk

25 Apr, 11am- 12pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm Sparks! Easter Holiday Fun! Make an eye patch and pirate medallion.

Bankfield Museum, HX3 6HG 01422 352334 www.calderdale.gov.uk

22 Apr, 11am- 12pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm Sparks! Easter Holiday Fun! Make your own pirate puppet.

Bankfield Museum, HX3 6HG 01422 352334 www.calderdale.gov.uk

YOU CAN ADVERTISE HERE FROM £40

26 Apr, 11am- 12pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm Fair winds me hearties Say farewell to the pirates.

Bankfield Museum, HX3 6HG 01422 352334 www.calderdale.gov.uk 28 Apr, 6-7pm Bedtime Stories Oldham Library Come in pyjamas and settle down for a story from Wee Willie Winkie. For under 5’s - bring your teddy or a cuddly toy.

Wildlife, nature trails, fun activities, tranquillity... ...and cakes!

Discover more at RSPB Old Moor nature reserve

Old Moor Lane, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 0YF www.rspb.org.uk/oldmoor The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654.

Image: Kaleel Zibe (rspb-images.com)

18 Apr, from 11am Calder Valley Pace Egging Weavers Square, Heptonstall Pace Egging Plays are traditional mumming plays performed during Eastertide. The name comes from the players or their attendants in past years begging for eggs for the Easter season.

29 Apr, 10-11.30am Baby Days Failsworth Library Babies up to 18 months and carers share experiences - free and a great way to introduce little ones to the library.

Contact Rachel on 07580 612800 editor@familiespennines.co.uk

Distributors Wanted...

Egg hunt, egg & spoon race, Easter Bunny, platform rides & more

Families Pennines is looking for distributors in the rains every Halifax, Huddersfield andT Oldham areas. If you have 40 minutes, a car, a few hours spare every10 two-months 4pmand want to earn some extra money,Friplease contact: 18th AprilRachel to on 07580612800 or emailMon editor@familiespennines.co.uk 21st April 2014 To book call

01484 865727 Park Mill Way, Clayton West Huddersfield HD8 9XJ For up to date availability visit

www.kirkleeslightrailway.com

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0-12 & Ladies Store Ground Floor Peters Department Store 25-31 King Street Huddersfield

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