families leeds jan-feb 2012

Leeds’ Favourite Parenting Magazine // JAN/FEB 2012 // ISSUE 20

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WIN… a family membershipat Cookridge Hall for a month

Start the New Year as you meanto go on and sign up to a gymmembership, on Families Leeds!We’ve teamed up with the superb Cookridge Hall to giveone family the chance to be members at this exclusive

health and fitness club for a month. You’ll get to enjoy the greatgym and pool facilities, while your children take advantage ofswimming lessons, kids camps through the school holidays andsome great classes. If you want to be in with a chance ofwinning this prize, simply send your name, address and detailsof your family to [email protected] with thewords COOKRIDGE HALL in the subject line. Take a look atwww.cookridgehall.co.uk to see the facilities you’ll be using ifyou’re a winner. And if you miss out on this great prize, everyFamilies Leeds reader can be a winner. Enjoy a day there with ourFREE DAY PASS on page 11. It’s a great way to kick start 2012.

WIN… £60 to spendat ARMADILLO toy shopTo celebrate the launch of some superb Schleich products in 2012,we’ve teamed up with Armadillo Toys in Leeds for a great give-away. First prize is £50 to spend on Schleich products in either Armadillo’s Horsforth store, or their new larger shop in the heartof Chapel Allerton. There’s a second prize of £10 to spend instore. Choose from the knight and heroes range, or take your pick

of the huge range of animals for your collection.New for 2012 are African elephants, pandas,nesting eagles and llamas.

To be in with a chance of winning thissuper Schleich shopping experience, simplysend your name and address to [email protected] with the wordsARMADILLO in the subject line.

Our favourite is the bamboo eatingpanda. Which is your favourite? Visitwww.armadillotoys.co.uk and checkout the Schleich products.

DISNEY ON ICE tickets Join Disney’s Princess and Heroes in Sheffield as they take you ona journey. Watch as all your favourite Disney characters take tothe ice and bring their stories to life.

You’ll see Aerial and Prince Eric. Witness Prince Philip defeatMaleficent in a race to save Sleeping Beauty, and catch up withJasmine and Aladdin as well as old friends Cinderella, Snow Whiteand Belle. There’s even the promise of a visit from Disney’s newestPrincess, Rapunzel.

The prize is for a family of four to go along to the show atSheffield’s Motorpoint Arena on Friday 30th March at 6.30pm.To be in with a chance of winning, just send your name, addressand contact number of [email protected] with thewords DISNEY ON ICE in the subject line.

If you’re not lucky enough to win, you can book your ticketsonline at www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk or via the BoxOffice on 0114 256 56 56. Good Luck!

WIN… WIN…WIN…

Entries close Thursday9th February 2012

What’s inside…4 Families NEWS

6 Are you IN TUNE with your child?

7 Families Leeds meets… author Simon Wilkes

8 Class NEWS

9 What happens at… Tennis Tots Plus

10 What happens at… Yoga’d Up

11 COOL Kids at SNO!zone

12 Living with REFLUX

14 Never too YOUNG to learn Families Leeds’ guide to the best BABY classes

16 Celebrations at FROEBELIAN

17 Schools NEWS

18 The world according to DAD

19 Discover YOUR Countryside

20 Parties NEWS

21 Pick of the WINTER Parties

26 Are we there yet, Dad?A look at a family’s journey through the UK

28 WHAT’S ON January/February

CIRCULATION: 18,000 copies printed

NEXT DEADLINE:March/April is Thursday 9th February. If you wantto advertise contact [email protected]

CONTACT US:PO BOX 403, BARDSEY, LEEDS LS17 1EP01937 579 065 • 07764 943 [email protected]

DESIGNED BY:Justin Leeming • www.jgl-design.co.uk

COVER IMAGE:Grace Brindle by Sarah Butters

PRINTED BY:Warners, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE 10 9PHFamilies Leeds® is distributed free of charge to schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs andclasses, selected retail outlets and sports centres. Distribution is across ALL LS postcodes.Families Leeds® is part of a larger group of magazines headed by Families SW London®.All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated underlicence. We take every care when preparing this magazine, but publishers anddistributors – which include schools – cannot be held responsible for the claims ofadvertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor any consequences.

Fitness, Fun & Friends!MUSICAL THEATRE & STREET DANCEfor children from 3–11 years across LeedsBOOK NOW for 2012. Classes in Armley, Bramley, Colton,John Smeaton Leisure Centre & Otley.

FLEX DANCE parties also available

0 7 9 2 1 2 2 2 7 1 0 • www. f l exdance i n c . com

As we kick off 2012 I have only one New Year’s resolution –to try and be a better parent.

I ended last year shouting about homework, stressing about team selections and spent Christmas Day slumped over my turkey and stuffing, exhausted from the daily parenting battles. In short, I looked in the mirror and saw a mother I didn’t much like.

Just as I thought life was getting easier, it’s suddenly started to getharder. I no longer worry about how long the girls will sleep and whatthey eat, but I worry about what they’ll become. Now they’re in schooland competing to be the fastest runner or the best speller I worry thatsome days I push them too much, and other days I don’t push themenough.

It’s made me reflect on what life was like ‘in my day’. I don’t remember doing five nights of after school activities and I’m not suremy mum even knew my reading age when I was 5 years old. I think shewas simply pleased I knew how to play hopscotch and that I skipped outof school with a smile on my face. When I think about the dreams I hadfor my girls as I held them in my arms in hospital, it wasn’t that theymade the netball team, or got the call from MENSA. I simply wantedthem to be happy. And they are. So maybe I should be.

My resolution this year is not about denial and punishment, it’s aboutcelebration and keeping things in perspective.

Whether you’re about to start on the great parenting journey or likeme, you’re a fair way down the rough, unpredictable road I wish you atruly happy new year.

Sarah Butters

Welcome Back…

Introduce your baby to the enjoyment of waterSkill related activities and underwater swims,to build water confidence.

BABY SWIMMERS

LEEDS • BRADFORD •YORK • HARROGATE • POCKLINGTON

Tel: 01757 229 880 • [email protected]

Come Swimming, Be Safe, Have Fun!

Introduce your baby to the enjoyment of waterSkill related activities and underwater swims,to build water confidence.

Come Swimming, Be Safe, Have Fun!

L E E D S

P I L A T E SP L A C E

Take up our ‘New Year, New You 30 Session Challenge’ and you’llget that new body you’ve always dreamed of, along with anamazing 20% off the usual rates. To qualify, you need to startin January 2012 and attend 3 times per week for 10 weeks(30 sessions in total).

As part of the Challenge, you’ll be given an expert instructor tosupport and encourage you. There is also optional dietary supportfrom Ursula Philpot (from Channel 4’s Supersize v. Superskinny).

Contact us now for more details and quote ‘New You Challenge’.Phone 0113 225 0791 or email us at [email protected]

LEEDS PILATES PLACE Chantry House,Victoria Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3JB W: www.leedspilatesplace.co.uk

‘In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference,

and in 30 you will have a whole new body’ J O S E P H P I L A T E S

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!A NEW BODY IN 30 SESSIONS!

20%OFF!

Families NEWS…

Are you abookworm?

Join storytellers this February halfterm at some of our favourite Leedsattractions. The sessions, for over8s, will feature stories about the countryside, animals and nature aswell as some familiar fairy stories.Hear the stories on Tuesday 14thFebruary at Temple Newsam’sHome Farm and on Thursday 16th

February at LothertonBird Garden between1pm and 2pm. 0113 264 5535

Fun classes for children aged2–11 and their parent/carerWith puppets, songs, craft,stories and snacksLeeds, Roundhay, Horsforth,Harrogate & YorkWe’re expanding: teachers required

littlefidgets.co.uk Tel 0113 3470350

French & Spanish for Children

Treasures loyaltyscheme launches

The ingenious elves atTreasures Toy Shop inWetherby have carriedon working into the NewYear. They’ve launcheda loyalty scheme to helpyou earn money while

you shop. For every £1 you spend, you’llearn a point. When you reach 200 points,you’ll earn £5 to spend instore.

“Our system keeps track of your pointsso there’s no card to lose,” says Zhara Armstrong from Treasures. “You can spendthe credit as you earn it or save it for birthdays or Christmas.”

Find Treasures on High Street, WetherbyLS22 6LT. www.treasurestoys.co.uk •01937 589 187

Local lad gets

a BIG laugh A Leeds schoolboy is officially thefunniest boy in Britain. Six year oldJeremy Windridge-France has beencrowned winner of The Big Jokeby celebrity jokers Dick and Dom.Jeremy had to enter a film of himself performing his favourite gags for the competition in Toxic Magazine.

“We chose Jeremy because he had thebest delivery,” explained Dick and Dom.“He stood out right away – a good lad!”

And what was his joke? What do youcall a couple of robbers? A pair of knickers.

Fundraisingcompany launchesAre you looking for a way to raise moneyfor your playgroup or PTA? Local mum ofthree Mari Johnson has launched Curly Willow Fundraising to help you do justthat. Sign up for FREE and get your parentsto buy their greetings cards and stationary

through Curly Willow, andyour good cause will receive10% of the cash back.

“Everyone sends greetings cards,” says Marifrom Ilkley. “Now you can doyour bit for your good causewhile doing so.”

Take a look atwww.curlywillowfund

raising.co.uk to see the productsfor sale.

Our friends at the personalisedartwork company 4 Little Artare offering you 10% off anypurchase made this month. It’sa great chance to stock up oncanvases, door plaques, clocksand wall art made just for you.New for 2012 are these amazing ‘Best Hands Down’prints which are a great Mother’s Day gift.Visit www.4littleart.co.uk and enter the discount code jan10.

10% OFF ART

Classes at:The Grammar School at Leeds,

Ramada Jarvis nr Bramhope, Moorlands Schooland Temple Moor High School.

0844 264 1102 (Local call rate)www.splishsploshswimmingschool.co.uk

FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February 5

Weight loss supportThe New Year is a great time to focus on weight loss, but many of usfall at the first hurdle. Hypnotherapist Rachel Swann says the key tosuccess is support and that’s why she’s introduced a new teleseminarseries. Each month in 2012 she will be running a FREE seminar, accessible by phone or the internet, talking about issues that face busymums trying to lose weight. Rachel will be covering food, motivation,exercise and she will be interviewing other experts too. Between themthey will be giving you tips, techniques and information that you canuse immediately to help you lose weight permanently and easily.You will be able to access the calls live or as a replay as long asyou book in advance. To find out more about the calls visitleeds.beautifulswans.com/monthly-teleseminars.

Snap up TROPICAL tickets

To celebrate the crocodile’s 2nd year at Tropical World, the attraction is giving away THREE family tickets. As part of crocodilemonth, which is running through January, Tropical World is asking visitors to answer the question ‘How many teeth does afully grown morelet crocodile have?’ You can enter online atwww.leeds.gov.uk/tropicalworld. Pop along to Tropical Worldto take part in lots of crocodile themed craft activities. Now that’ssomething to get your teeth into!

Cinderella comes to theCARRIAGEWORKS

Think panto season is ‘behind you’? Oh no it isn’t! Cinderella is coming to The Carriageworksthis January. Leeds based amateur dramatics company LIDOS are putting on this familyfavourite from 12th–21st January. Alwoodley teenager Kayleigh Newsome has won the role of Dandini and says it’s a productionworth popping along to. Tickets are a belt tightening £9.50.It’s a great way banish those post Xmas blues! 0113 224 3801

A NEW BODY IN 30 HOURS!Does a New Year mean a new you? Are you looking for a challengeto kick start 2012? Look no further because our friends at Leeds Pilates Place have developed a programme to give you a new bodyor you get your money back!

“Joseph Pilates said, in 10 sessions you will feel the difference,in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you will have a wholenew body,” explains Claire Sparrow from Leeds Pilates Place.“That’s what we’re going to achieve with people who sign upto our New Year challenge.”

Claire and her team will create a ten week workout for you, incorporating three hours of pilates a week. You’ll tackle a combination of cardio and gym sessions at the centre in Kirkstall.It’s the second year they’ve run the challenge and Claire says their

clients reported huge successlast year.

“Two people lost 9cms aroundtheir tummy. Everyone grew atleast 2cms and one person grew31⁄2 cms.”

Places are limited but you’ll geta 20% discount if you book now. www.leedspilatesplace.co.uk •0113 225 0791

A fun and educational tennis playand skills programme Classes in Adel, Chapel Allerton,Ilkley, Wetherby, Harrogate, Ripon & York

For information call Caroline Buncallon 07843 342 662 • www.tennistykes.co.uk

FREETRIALLESSON

Teaching tennis to little ones from 2 years

6 FAMILIES LEEDS | January/February

ARE YOU IN TUNE with Your Child?You know your toddler enjoys music but why expose your baby to theworld of claves and cymbals? RHYTHM TIME’s Elizabeth Hawkshead takes alook at why choosing a music class can support your babies’ development.

MUSIC is one of the very fewthings that stimulates EVERYpart of a baby’s brain and it

is through stimulation that your babies’brain grows and develops. Music is crucialto language development and so shouldbe an essential part of their life when theirbrain is developing.

Even in the womb your baby can hear,feel, see, taste and remember. At only 17

weeks your baby’s hearing skills will havestarted to develop and one of the very firstsensory experiences is that of sound and vibration. By the time baby is born it willrecognise any songs or rhymes that havebeen repeated regularly. These songs andrhymes will soothe and calm them andmake them feel more secure. Singing withyour baby also helps to build the neuralpathways that stimulate the growth of language and memory and amazingly, verysoon, your tiny baby will be trying to ‘singback’ to you.

Don’t worry if you think you can’t sing.Singing to your baby is more importantthan talking to them, and YOUR voice isthe most important voice to YOUR baby.In the confines of your own home no oneelse need listen!

Music makes everyone feel good andit is exactly the same for a baby or toddler.

Not every child will become an opera singeror the leader of a world famous orchestrabut every baby and child can experiencethe joy of music. It is also crucial for ababy’s development. It helps develop confidence, creativity and co-ordination.These skills are important as childrengrow and develop, and will help them enormously when they start school.

Music within a group is great too as babies soon learn that making music withothers is a wonderful experience. Even fromonly a few weeks old you can take a drumand use your baby’s foot as the beater.Your baby will then be able to feel thebeat of the music and as they grow olderwill eventually be able to beat a drum intime to the music. Group music sessions arealso a lovely way to mix with other parentsand make new friends for you, as well asyour baby.

Jo Jingles TOP 5 TIPS for enjoying music…

1 SING to your child regularly. Make it part of your routine. Don’t worry if you don’t

sing in tune. Your baby is not Simon Cowell and won’t care. Just be enthusiastic.

2 INTERACT with your child. Putting a CD on is not enough. Join in with the actions.

Movement helps with co-ordination so get up and DANCE!

3 INVEST in some musical instruments. Rainmakers, bells, maracas, tambourines and

castanets are all great. If you don’t want to buy, make your own. Pan lids make great

cymbals and an empty shampoo bottle filled with dried peas is a homemade rainmaker.

4 USE PROPS. If you’re singing Old McDonald, get out the toy farmyard animals.

Show pictures to accompany the songs. They’ll help your child understand.

5 ENJOY different music. Turn off the TV and turn on iTunes! See what music your

child reacts to.

Join a Music Class near YOU!Jo Jingles • www.jojingles.comClasses from 3 months old in Boston Spa (Monday),Garforth (Wednesday), Horsforth (Wednesday), Otley (Thursday),Wetherby (Monday) and Yeadon (Tuesday).01977 650455 (Paula) / 07853 263143 (Mel)

MusicBugs • www.musicbugs.co.ukClasses run in Alwoodley and Otley (Monday)Horsforth (Tuesday), Guiseley, Roundhay &Calverley (Wednesday), Farsley (Thursday)and Horforth & Headingley (Friday.0844 578 1043

Rhythm Time • www.rhythmtime.netClasses in Alwoodley (Friday), Barwick(Tuesday), Horsforth (Wednesday & Friday),Roundhay (Monday) and Scholes (Thursday).0113 232 8131


Stagecoach booking now in…Wetherby, Selby and Kippax on 0113 210 3505Alwoodley on 01943 817 414Horsforth & Morley on 01757 248 884www.stagecoach.co.uk

BOOK FOR 2012 NOW!

High Ash Dental SurgeryAll new NHS patients welcome at our

friendly Dental Practice. Our long established practice provides QUALITY dental care for all the family.

n Experienced professional dentists.n Emphasis on preventative dentistry.n A full range of dental treatment available.

DR A M QAYYUMHIGH ASH DENTAL SURGERY,88 HIGH ASH DRIVE, ALWOODLEY,LEEDS LS17 8RE

Tel 0113 2688 391

Local author Simon Wilkes has writtena series of books inspired by his two sons.We sent our trainee reporter, 8 year oldIsobel Butters to interview Simon aboutrobots, rainbows and a few of his favouritethings right here in Leeds.

What’s your book about? My book – Robbie and the Red Robots – is amagical adventure about a young boy called Robbie and his three furryfriends, who help red robots visiting from outer space. Together they attempt to outwit an evil king and his grumpy old goat, who have stolenall the robots’ oil and foil, storing it at a floating castle in the sky. Robbieand his new friends set sail on a river of rainbows, fly to the castle andinvite the king to Robotland in a battle between good and evil.

Why did you decide to write them? The idea for the story came fromthe mind of my eldest son, who ran into our bedroom one morning saying he needed my help to fight red robots. After a few minutes ofbattle, he decided they were friendly robots who wanted to play in thegarden and stay for the day. I said I’d write him a story about his newfriends, and when asked what he’d like in the story he replied after a little thought: ’A river of rainbows… a grumpy old goat… and a castlein the sky please daddy’.

You’ve got 2 sons. What do they think of Robbie and the Red Robots?They love it as they were the inspiration behind it. They’re both typicalboys, full of energy and fun. However, they’ll drop everything if there’sthe offer of a book to be read. They proudly tell their friends that I’man author. Their favourite characters are Baby Ray and Mouse, as they’realways getting into scrapes and being cheeky. I think the boys are proudas they have copies of the book and audio CDs at their school and nursery, so read it with their teachers and friends.

Have you got any more ideas for the robots?I wrote Robbie and the Red Robots in January 2010 so have had plentyof time on my hands while the illustrator and website designer helpedme create the book and site. I’ve actually written a series of adventuresduring that time, with Robbie and the Red Robots going to a zoo, toschool, to a farm, on holiday and to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus.I’m hoping the first book is successful enough for me to publish the entire series – and I’ve recorded four of the adventures as audio stories,which are free to download on my website.

What’s your favourite family day out in Leeds?We’re cardholders at Harewood House, and love going there as it’s gotan amazing outdoor playground, penguins, a bird garden, a waterfalland lovely walks around the lake. The ice cream is pretty good there too!

What’s your favourite place to go for a family walk in West Yorkshire?We have two great recommendations for family walks. We often goto Otley Chevin as there’s a great forest to explore – but also love theCow and Calf in Ilkley, as the views are stunning and there are lots ofrocks to climb!

WIN... a copy of Robbie and the Red RobotsFancy finding out what happens to Robbie on his adventureswith the Red Robots? We have a copy of the book to giveawayto onelucky reader just put RED ROBOTS in the subject line [email protected] by 9th February. Good Luck!

Families Leeds MEETS SIMON WILKES

Tennis Tots is the UK’s leading tennis play and

coaching programme for boys and girls aged 2-6

years of age

To book a free trial callLeeds - 07763 128853

Harrogate - 07725 339257

www.tennis-tots.co.uk

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Class NEWS…


FRANCHISEOPPORTUNITIESAre you looking for a new career in 2012?Tracie Margo and the Baby Swimmers teamare launching franchise opportunities across theUK. You’ll need to be enthusiastic, self motivatedand keen to run your own business. Baby Swimmerswill give you all the training you need. For more information,call Tracie on 01757 229 880. The team have added a newLeeds venue for the New Year. Classes are now runningon a Thursday at Temple Moor High School. Look atwww.babyswimmers.co.uk to check availability.

BOOK NOWThere are spaces available in FlexDance’s Musical Theatre sessionson a Saturday morning in Otley,Bramley and Armley. The classes are open to children from5 years old, regardless of ability. Flex Dance also runs Saturday sessions in Colton and at John Smeaton Leisure Centre.Book your place online at www.flexdanceinc.com

SATURDAY MORNING CLASSESSay Bonjour to your weekend withnew Saturday morning French classesin Roundhay. Sessions for 2 year olds,begin at 9.15am and for 4 year olds at

10.15am. Why not try booking your place online on the Little Fidget’s website.

“It’s easy and convenient for busy parents,” says Lucy Amosfrom Little Fidgets. “We’ve had great feedback from familieswho have used it.”

Parents can use the vibrant new website to find theirnearest class. www.littlefidgets.co.uk • 0113 347 0350

NEW TEACHERSFancy teaching pre-school childrenmusic? Elizabeth Hawkhead isl ooking for new team members.It’s a part time role that would suita mum with school age children.

“You must be able to sing in tune, be friendly and approachable and have your own car,” explains Elizabeth. If you’reinterested in joining the friendly, supportive Rhythm Time team,call Elizabeth on 0113 232 8131 • www.rhythmtime.net

FRANCHISEFOR SALEin NORTH LEEDS

Do you want to run your own business? Are you interestedin joining the Tennis Tots team? Matt McTurk is looking for a franchisee for the established North Leeds area.

“They’ll need to be enthusiastic and lively, keen to make a success of their own business. Start up costs are low, and theNorth Leeds classes are already thriving, so this is a great opportunity to join a business with a proven track record.”

For more information contact Matt at 07725 339 257 oremail [email protected]

NEWKIDZPLAYCLASSIt’s game, set and match toKidzplay in Harrogate. TennisTykes are launching classes atthis popular soft play centre on a Friday afternoon. You’ll be ableto stay and play for free at the centre after your tennis session.There are also sessions on a Saturday in Wetherby at CastlegarthTennis Club for 5-6 year olds. For more classes take a look atwww.tennistykes.co.uk • 07843 342 662

At DDANCEWORKS we have a range of

classes to suit all types of students,

from exam classes to fun classes.

Street Jazz to Ballet.

From little tots to boys classes.

For more information

CALL: 0113 2950126

AGE: 3-18 years

WHERE: Fir Tree Lane, Moortown, Leeds

DANCEW

ORKS

“In the pre-school classes Tennis Tots run, we concentrate on the children standing still andlearning their swing,” explains Peter Cox, Tennis Tots coach. “In this group, it’s about gettingthe children to move towards the ball. They have to run, stop, check their feet and then hitthe ball. This is multi-skilling!”

The session begins with some information about the court on which they’ll play. Afterraces from the baseline, to the sideline then the net, the children begin to concentrate ontheir co-ordination while reinforcing the educational aspect of the classes. They’re asked torecognise letters and catch balls, all while their laughter rings out into the winter evening.

“I’ve had parents tell me that one of the things they love about Tennis Tots is male rolemodels,” says Peter. “It’s quite rare for children of this age to be taught by men and parentslike that.”

This is Stage 2 of the Tennis Tots program for children from 4-6 years old. The aim is to introduce more racquet skills while helping children to control the ball on both sides of thebody. There’s an emphasis on teamwork, not just with the other children in class but also withthe parents who are encouraged to be involved. It’s Tennis Tots, but at the next level.

“We do more above the head work,” explains Peter. “Most of what children do every dayis based around the waist – writing and eating. We try to get them to focus on using theirhands above the head.”

After 45 minutes of backhands, forehands and lots of laughter, the children are finished.The post classroom energy is all gone and they’re ready to head home having had a ball!

Where can I find TENNIS TOTS PLUS? Cookridge Village Hall: Monday 4–4.45pm & 5–5.45pm Westcliffe Hall, Harrogate: Tuesday 3.45pm St Margaret’s Church Hall, Horsforth: Wednesday 4–4.45pm & 5–5.45pm Roundhay Parochial Hall: Thursday 3.45–4.30pm & 4.45–5.30pm

Tennis Tots also runs pre-schools sessions across Leeds for children from 2 years old. www.tennis-tots.co.uk 07725 339 257

Quality, stylish greeting cardsand gifts at great prices with

10% cash-back to yourchosen good cause

For more information about our free fundraiser contact [email protected] / 01943 863368

www.curlywillowfundraising.co.uk

The doors at Roundhay Parochial Hallburst open with children ready for a gameof tennis. The four year olds pull on theirTennis Tots t-shirts and get ready to getactive. Today’s lesson is about learning howto alternate the forehand and backhandstrokes that the children have been learningthroughout the term. Everyone is readyfor action.

We teach all standards of swimmersFROM 3 YEARS

For more information please call Nick on:

0 7 8 7 0 5 6 2 3 6 5

Based at:Moorlands School – Leeds &Belmont Grosvenor School, Birstwith, Harrogate.

Swimming Lessons take place onweekday evenings and Saturday mornings

Intensive courses are also available during every holiday

What happens at

TENNIS TOTS PLUS?

Are you looking for a newcareer this new year?Tennis Tots is looking for a franchisee in North Leeds.If you’re interested in runningyour own business, find outmore at [email protected]

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What happens at

YOGA’D UPThe YogaBugs are all grown up andthey’re now inviting your child to get allYoga’d Up. Children from 8 years old arebeing asked to leave the day’s stresses atschool and head for the hour long classfor a lesson in some very different ABCs –Attitude, Breathing and Commitment.

The classes are the next stage for children who have beenthrough YogaBugs. While the younger sessions look at teachingyoga through adventure led storytelling, the Yoga’d Up classesare a move towards more traditional teaching.

“If you walked into a Yoga’d Up class, you’d recognise it asyoga,” explains Rachel Frazer from YogaBugs Yorkshire. “But because we are still teaching children, it’s not quite as calm andtranquil. These classes are about slowing down and finding aquiet time in your child’s day.”

Each class is themed, sometimes around a letter, or arounda part of the body. If the focus is on the hamstrings, there’s anemphasis on standing postures. If the theme is ‘the elements’then students will look at air postures like the eagle or the aeroplane. There’s also a move towards teaching the philosophyof yoga and meditation.

“What’s nice at this age is, these children really want todo yoga,” says Rachel. “They’re ready to absorb what we say.You get a lot back from this age group. They want to learn.”

Each week the group gets to contribute to a Yoga Journal.This is a record that’s handed to one student who has shown theyunderstand their ABCs – Attitude, Breathing and Commitment.Students are encouraged to be creative in their contributions –some write poems, others draw pictures or take photos connectedwith yoga. These are then shared and celebrated with the groupeach week. This is a class that aims to give children skills they cantake into all parts of their lives.

“Yoga compliments everything a child does,” explains Rachel.“It helps creativity, it helps keep you supple and it helps a childmanage stressful situations – be it a class presentation, a schoolplay or dealing with anger against a sibling. We give children skillsthey can take into their busy lives.”

Yoga’d Up classes run in Roundhay on a Wednesdayafternoon. Rachel Frazer also runs after school YogaBugsand Yoga’d Up sessions in schools across West andNorth Yorkshire. www.yogabugs.com

IT’S SUNDAY MORNING and there’s a line of young childrensnaking their way down the slope at Xscape in Castleford. At thefront, there’s an instructor running through the actions of ‘Head,

Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ which the children obediently follow whilehurtling, sometimes at speed, towards the button lifts. This is KidsClub, SNO!zone style.

The 12 children in this group are all under 6, and will spend anhour following the coaching staff through a series of drills. All of themcan ski – they can control their speed, link their turns and use the lifts.Most have completed basic lessons here and their parents are lookingfor a way to build on the skills they’ve learnt.

“It’s a natural progression for children who have been throughthe SNO!Cubs and SNO!Bears classes,” says Aidan Harrington fromSNO!zone. “These are children looking to get as good at skiing as they can.”

In this morning’s group is my 5 year old daughter, Eliza. This is her third year skiing, andthis winter we’re hoping to move from developing core skills, to developing a love of this familysport. During the hour long sessions she’s asked to come down the slope driving a car, then riding on an aeroplane and finally with hands on knees. It’s all under the watchful eye of KidsClub coach Pete. He makes the session fun, and let’s the children feel like they can do anything.

“As the children develop, we introduce them to moguls, freestyle skiing and someracing,” explains Aidan Harrington. “If they’re interested in growing these skills theycan do that in Kids Club, or join specific skill sessions. We are looking for these kidsto progress.”

That progression is clear when you watch the afternoon Kids Club for 7–15 year olds.These run for 2 hours and are a test of stamina as well as skill. Here the children attackthe snow with confidence and fearlessness, taking the jumps and challenges in theirstride. There’s a lot of laughter on the slopes during these sessions, and it’s in thisgroup my 8 year old daughter Isobel has found the fun.

“The afternoon Kids Club is very often student and parent led,” explains Aidan.“We talk to families about their goals for the children. It’s not just a supervised ski.These children are here to learn, develop and progress.”

The coaching staff challenge the children, encouraging them to try out the mogulsand have a go at the jumps that line the main slope. With the session nearing its end andconfidence high, Isobel took up the challenge of a particularly tricky jump and cleared it,only to land in the netting next to a Sledging Party.

“That was BRILLIANT!” she said as she raced to the bottom shaking off the snow thathad covered her a few minutes earlier. “I want to try it again!”

So we will. Next Sunday.

The Kids Clubs are a flexible option for busy parents. You don’t have to go alongevery Sunday, but can benefit from a discount when you book a block of either fouror eight sessions. Sessions for 3–6 year olds run at 10am and for 7–15 year oldsat 2pm. There are advanced sessions at 11.30am.www.snozoneuk.com • 0871 222 5671

KIDSCooL

Once your child has learnt to ski, how doyou refresh their skills for the new season?Join the SNO!zone Kids Club. Sarah Buttershas been along to see how they’re puttingthe fun into Winter.


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VICKI GILBERT is a third timemum. To see pictures of her,her husband Sean and her happy

smiling children in the early stages of babyJoe’s life, it’s hard to believe what was goingon every time she closed the front door.

“From being a couple of weeks old,Joe would scream and scream,” Vicki remembers. “At one point, the screamingwent on for 18 hours a day. He was hystericalwhen you laid him down for a nappychange. He screamed through every car journey. The only respite we got was a 5 hourstretch at night when he literally passed outfrom exhaustion. It pushed us to the end ofour tethers.”

Reflux is the contents of the stomachcoming back up into the gullet. The acid

causes a burning sensation which canmake baby vomit, arch their back and cry inconsolably. It’s thought about half of all babies have reflux in the first 3 monthsof their lives to some degree, with most developing it at about 2 months. That figurereduces to 5% by the time babies are 10months old.

Babies get reflux because the stomachvalve hasn’t developed properly. That valvekeeps the food and the acid, in the stomach.When it’s not working properly and babyis full, that food and acid comes back up.Symptoms vary depending on the child andthe severity of the case, but the inconsolablecrying described by Vicki is common.

“Nothing worked. It was utterly heart-breaking. I remember being in my bedroom

Living with REFLUXBefore you have a baby, you’re told to see feedingtime as a time of bonding. But for some mums, it’s any-thing but. Families Leeds looks at how living with a babywith reflux can drive you to the very brink of despair.


and shouting to my husband to call an ambulance. We never actually did it, but wewere so near on so many occasions.”

Vicki’s story is repeated on forums andin chat rooms across the internet. There arestories of families who have been driven tothe brink by their babies’ suffering. Manyturn to Alison Scott-Wright, an expert in reflux also known as The Magic Sleep Fairy.

“New mothers assume that feedingtheir newborn will be a positive experience,”explains Alison. “Sadly this isn’t true for thosewhose babies suffer from reflux. Reflux can’tbe cured, but it can be controlled. We haveto crack the ‘reflux code’ for each baby tofind out what helps relieve the individualsymptoms.”

Those symptoms vary. For some it’s excessive vomiting, irritability, a white coatingon the tongue, excessive mucus, refusal to feedand poor sleep habits. These sleep habits are aproduct of the pain your child is experiencing,and it’s those habits that can remain long afterthe baby has outgrown the reflux. For babieswith ‘silent’ reflux – that’s all the pain and irritability, without the vomiting – diagnosis ismore difficult. But Alison Scott-Wright saysit’s vital parents listen to even the youngestof babies.“Babies cry to communicate. If theyare crying for long periods of time, then

there’s something wrong and, in my experience, it’s usually a digestive issue.”

Vicki Gilbert found support from herlocal GP and says without that, she’s notsure how she would have coped. He listened,explained and prescribed medication that has,after 7 months, eased Joe’s pain.

Leeds based Consultant Paediatric Surgeon Emma Sidebottom says it is important to consult with your health careprofessionals about treatments – like productsto thicken milk which helps baby keep itdown, as well as acid blockers. “Some parentsexperiment with the hungry baby milks.These are designed to stay in the stomach forlonger. But if you have a baby with reflux,milks like that will make it worse.”

If you’re not getting the support youneed from your GP, Emma says you canask to be referred to your local hospital’s Paediatric Clinic. The specialists there will beable to see children at much shorter noticethan waiting for a GP refererral.

“Remember that 99% of babies with reflux will outgrow it completely without anytreatment,” adds Emma Sidebottom. “Refluxis made better by your baby growing. Thetwo milestones are starting on solids – whichstay down better than milk – and children becoming more upright. It will get better.”

And it is getting better for Vicki Gilbertand 7 month old Joe. He’s on a cocktail ofmedication that has brought his symptomsunder control. For the past month, life hasbeen a little more normal. Like many childrenwith reflux, he’s developed poor sleep habitsbut that’s a battle for later. The sleep he doestake is in a cot propped up at an angle. Vickisays it’s been incredibly tough, but she hopesother parents of babies with reflux will takestrength from her experience.

“If your instinct tells you something iswrong, don’t listen to those who say your babyis ‘unsettled’ or ‘colicky’. Seek help from yourGP. If they won’t listen, see another GP in thepractice. It is NOT normal for babies toscream for hours on end.”

TOP 5 TIPS from The Magic Sleep Fairy…n Research, research, research. Go on online forums and chat to others mums.

Look at www.livingwithreflux.org or www.littlerefluxers.co.uk. Also, join myFacebook page and get advice from other parents.

n Keep a journal. Include videos of any reflux episodes by your baby and photos.Use these when visiting health care professionals.

n Go to your GP and make them listen. This may mean you returning time and again. n Get someone to come along to the GP with you. If you are suffering from a lack of

sleep and are emotionally charged, you may need support to get your case across.n Remember, you are your baby’s only voice. That inconsolable cry is

trying to tell you something. Trust your instinct and don’t be fobbed off.

Alison Scott-Wright is author of The Sensational Baby Sleep Planand an expert in infant reflux • www.alisonscott-wright.com

REFLUX –spot the symptomsDoes your baby…n Vomitn Have bouts of inconsolable cryingn Arch their backn Have frequent hiccups and excess dribblen Have a white coating in their tonguen Refuse to feedn Have poor sleep patternsn Have excess mucusn Display signs of pain and irritability


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There’s a pile of tiny red boiler suits by the doorof this Monday morning Baby Discovery sessionin Yeadon. It’s not long before Hayley Sugdenfrom The Creation Station has filled trays withwater, bubbles and paint, inviting the childrento get creative. It then becomes clear why theboiler suits are a ‘must have’. Into the water gobare feet and hands and the bubbles becomebreakfast for several of the babies. This is howbabies discover what The Creation Stationhas to offer and Hayley says she’s delightedto be able to offer the classes in Leeds.“This term we are exploring different coloursand textures,” explains Hayley. “It’s quite a structured class so we do music and songs andthen we open the magic bag of discovery.”

In that bag today are a selection of brightlycoloured ribbons and balloons which the babies hold, squeeze and attempt to eat.But everything here, from the paint and glueto the bubbles and wipes, is baby safe. In factHayley has helped create and pilot the BabyDiscovery program for Creation Station franchisees across the UK.

“It’s been exciting to be part of and I’m really pleased these baby classes are now available across the country. It’s important formums to have a creative option early on, andhave the confidence to take ideas home.”

Thankfully the mess is something that doesn’t go home. And there’s lots of it.

After thewater/bubblescombination, theglue and paintcomes out for thecreation of fishmobiles. Some ofthe babies use thisas an opportunityto decorate notjust their fish but also themselves andtheir parents.

“He absolutely loves it,” says Catherinewho is mum to 14 month old Harry. “It’s achance for him to get really, really messy andexplore in a way he can’t do at home.”

As the class draws to an end, it’s timeto clean up the children and catch up withother mums. That’s something that Hayley encourages. “When the kids get messy, theycreate a fun environment. It allows parents toopen up and talk to each other. That’s exactlywhat we want, because these classes aren’tjust about the babies. They’re also aboutmums supporting each other too.”

Baby Discovery classes are for childrenfrom 3–15 months old. Sessions inYeadon with more planned across Leedsin 2012. www.thecreationstation.co.uk0845 303 9441

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More and more classesare offering sessions forbabies. Now your littleone can swim, dance andeven create their ownmasterpiece all beforetheir 1st Birthday. We’vebeen along to visit TheCreation Station’s newBaby Discovery sessionto find out if it gets agluey thumbs up fromfamilies in Leeds.

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“Signing with babies is not intended to replace speech, we always say the word weare signing as well,” explains Vicki Gilbertfrom Babies Can Sign. “It merely gives yourbaby the ability to communicate what theywant before they can verbalise it.” 07742 296 160

BABY BALLET • www.babyballet.co.ukClasses encouraging movement andco-ordination with music for babies from 9months old. Sessions in Beeston (Friday AM)and Horsforth (Saturday AM)

“It’s a great socializing experience forboth Paisley and me. Its amazing to watchher progress,” says Sunny Carr, mum to 15month old Paisley.07702 965 932

BABY SWIMMERSwww.babyswimmers.co.ukClasses from as soon as you’re ready to swimwith your baby. Sessions at warm water poolsacross Leeds. 30 minute lessons are aboutbuilding water confidence with your baby.01757 229 880

JO JINGLES www.jojingles.comMusic and movement sessions for babiesfrom 3 months old up to walking age. Available in Boston Spa (Tuesday NEW),Horsforth (Wednesday), Otley (Thursday),Wetherby (Monday NEW) and Yeadon (Tuesday). Each class lasts 30 minutes andyour first FOUR sessions are completely free.Then you’ll pay £3.50.01977 650 455 (Paula)/ 07853 263 143 (Mel)

MUSIC BUGS www.musicbugs.co.ukBaby Bugs classes launch on Thursday 5thJanuary 2012 in Horsforth. These are a multisensory introduction to music and singing forchildren from birth – 1 year old. The sessionis 30 minutes.

“From a very young age your baby will beable to recognise and respond to the patternof music, and will enjoy being held, rockedand soothed as you enjoy the class together.”0844 578 1043

PRAMERCISEwww.leedspilatesplace.co.ukThe original 45 minute full body pram exerciseclass. Classes in Roundhay Park and HorsforthHall Park on a Thursday morning. 07931 565 920

SPLISH SPLOSH SWIMMINGwww.splishsploshswimmingschool.co.ukLessons for babies from 3 months oldacross Leeds. 0844 264 1102

RHYTHM TIME • www.rhythmtime.netMusic class for babies from birth. The classesblend singing, dancing, massage and move-ment to give children a great introduction tomusic. Sessions in Alwoodley (Friday), Barwick(Tuesday), Horsforth (Wednesday & Friday),Roundhay (Monday) and Scholes (Thursday).0113 232 8131

VIVERE • www.learnbabymassage.co.ukLearn how to massage your baby over 5weeks on these superb courses run by VictoriaIball. There are sessions in Alwoodley, ChapelAllerton (NEW), Farsley (NEW), Guiseley,Horsforth, Otley, Roundhay and Yeadon.Suitable from birth. Recommended by Families Leeds readers.0113 258 3847

WATERBABIES • www.waterbabies.co.ukBaby swimming and water confidence classesfor babies from birth. Sessions at pools acrossLeeds. You’re advised to register your interestprior to your baby’s birth as these sessionsare popular.01943 872 556

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January is a busy time at The Froebelian. The school’s 20 Year 6 pupilsare busy preparing for entrance exams at some of the top secondaryschools in Yorkshire. It means a month of focus for staff and pupils, dedicated to polishing the performance of leavers so they make it intothe schools of their choice.

The Froebelian is set in the heart of Horsforth, but attracts pupilsfrom across Leeds. Many parents like the high academic achievements,celebrated by their 15th place in the prestigious Sunday Times leaguetable. However, the schools’ long serving Headmaster John Tranmersays the Froebelian is about more than academics.

“We don’t apologise for the fact that academic performance isvery important to us,” explains Mr Tranmer. “It’s what will unlock achild’s future potential. I know there is a perception that we put suchemphasis on academic work, other areas suffer, but that is simply notthe case.”

The hallways are decorated with pictures of victorious sportingteams and wooden plaques celebrating captains past and present.The children enjoy a host of sports including football, rugby, netballand swimming, competing with schools across Leeds and beyond. During today’s visit there’s elation over yesterday 10–1 victory for thefootball team. There’s still much pride in the netball team’s successat last year’s West Yorkshire Youth Games. These achievements areall the more impressive when you consider the size of the school.

At the moment there are 190 pupils here, ranging in age from3 up to 11 years old. It’s large enough for great teaching and smallenough for it to be a family. Children tend to join the nursery at 3years old and stay until they move on to secondary education. It meansa continuity and stability for staff and pupils, but disappointment formany parents looking for a Froebelian education. With a single nurseryentry of between 24 and 26, space is limited and demand is high.

However John Tranmer, who has been Headteacher here for thepast 21 years says over the past five years, he has seen a change in theway parents make choices about their children’s education. With manyfeeling the financial pinch, parents are deciding when to invest in private schooling.

“More parents are taking the view that it’s better to invest in theearly years to make sure they get a good education and develop goodstudy habits and ambition for themselves. We instill a discipline aboutlearning that will carry them through the whole of their academic life.Parents now look at the fees and say, up to 11 years old we can

afford it. However some are taking the view that ifthey can get a place in a strong state secondaryschool, they’ll do that.”

While demand for places at the Froebelian remainshigh despite the financial climate, so does demandfor the school’s bursaries. John Tranmer says applica-tions have increased and the school has an ambitioustarget to fund a bursary in every year by the school’scentenary year in 2013.

“The recession has added a lot more focus tothe bursaries scheme. There are more parents whowant to take advantage of the education we provide,but can’t afford the fees. Allocation is based onmeans testing and interest always exceeds what wecan provide.”

As my visit comes to an end, I pass the librarywhere a group of Year 6 pupils fill envelopes withthe latest newsletter. With the stamps on, soon allFroebelians’ friends will know it’s a first class school.

For information on bursaries or admissions,visit www.froebelian.com • 0113 258 3047

The Froebelian in Horsforth is theonly Leeds school to make it into thetop 20 Prep Schools in the country,as featured in a league table compiledby The Sunday Times. Families Leedshas been along to visit the school andcongratulate them on their success.

League table SUCCESS FOR FROEBELIAN

Book launchat GATEWAYSThe Countess of Harewood was the guestof honour at a book launch at Gateways.The event, to celebrate the publication of‘Gateways to Harewood: Tales of a house,a school and a village’ was attended by 200people. It was the culmination of 18months hard work involving all the school’spupils who have researched, illustratedand designed the book. CongratulationsGateways! www.gatewayschool.co.uk

New centre forfirst class LEARNINGFollowing the success of the centre inMoor Allerton, Simon Deacon is openinga second centre in Alwoodley this January.It will offer after school support in Englishand Maths and Simon says he’s delightedto give parents in Leeds an alternative location. For location details, visitwww.firstclasslearning.co.uk or call0113 267 1150.

For more information and to register, contact the Admissions Office on 0113 288 6345 / 0113 218 1213

Gateways School, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LE www.gatewayschool.co.uk

ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS – (Year 7)

18 January 2012 SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATIONS – (Year 7)

20 January 2012

Richmond House School

Where children are happy to learn

170 Otley Road, Leeds LS16 [email protected] www.rhschool.org

Open Afternoon: Wednesday 29th February 2-7pm

To arrange a visit please call 0113 275 2670

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Schools NEWS…


Open Days 2012 MOORFIELD SCHOOLSaturday 24th March

www.moorfieldschool.co.ukOpen morning from 10am–12noon.

This once all girls school nowwelcomes boys from nursery

to 11 years old.01943 607 285

MOORLANDS SCHOOLTuesday 21st February

www.moorlands-school.co.ukOpen morning from 9am–12noon.

0113 278 5286

RICHMOND HOUSE SCHOOLWednesday 29th February

www.rhschool.orgOpen working afternoon from2–7pm. A chance for parents to

experience first hand, the happy yetchallenging teaching environment atRichmond House. You’ll have a tourof the school, talk to staff and pupils

and meet the Headmistress.0113 275 2670

Schools NEWS…

HAVE YOU EVER COMMITTEDto something without really understanding the implications?

It appears that I’ve lost my Sundays, forever.How did that happen?

I was delighted when ‘boy wonder’(aged six) said he wanted to play rugby.He’s never been the most confident individual and a bit of a voluntary socialisation seemed like a good idea.

We’ve got a good localclub and the kids playon Sunday mornings –sounds good, so where’sthe catch?

Well, the first false expectation was on theday we went to signup. I had mistakenlythought that signing upwas the extent of theweek one activity.Wrong. He was straighton the pitch for a standard two hourtraining session (goodjob he went in his trainers). In each ofthe following weeksthe full extent of our commitment becameclearer. The undersevens appear semi professional – theyplay frequent matcheswith home and awayfixtures; the latter beingthroughout Yorkshire.And of course you needthe full kit.

My fellow touchline contingent is anow familiar bunch with a good mix ofgrandparents, mums, dads and younger siblings; as well as the odd dog. The support routines are also pretty well established.Number one priority is keeping warm(ish).Thankfully the weather has been relativelykind so far this season but it has been sufficiently cold on occasion to require frequent stamping of feet and the clasping ofhot drinks. In addition to the weather, otherdiscussion topics include the week that was,as well as the week ahead. ‘Guess the score’ isanother popular pastime since the scoreboardcan turn over pretty rapidly. And what ofthe recent press article that described howoutbreaks of loutishness were starting to infect the touchlines of junior rugby? Wellin my experience to date parents are takingtheir ‘role model’ responsibility seriously.There’s a good blend of a competitive spiritas well as an encouraging attitude in supportof both teams.

So does the demise of Sunday morningsmake me a grumpy old man? Of course not.You see, I’m no behavioural scientist butfrom the frolicking on the pitch I surmisemy son is as happy as Larry. And whenhe scored for the first time he somewhat immodestly declared it to be a ‘brilliant try’.As a wise man once (should have) said,“A proud and happy child makes Dad prettychuffed too.”

Farewell to Sundays and go, go, goBOY WONDER!

Moorlands SchoolA unique school offering Opportunity,Quality and Achievement

0113 278 5286or visit our website www.moorlands-school.co.ukFoxhill Drive, Weetwood Lane, Leeds, LS16 5PF

For further information , please telephone:

OPEN MORNINGThursday 21st February, 9am – 12pm

Founded in 1898, Moorlands School is dedicated toproviding a first class education for girls & boys aged 2 to 13 in a warm, friendly environment.

The school is conveniently located in Weetwood, North Leeds, within its own beautiful grounds and offersample off road parking as well as:• Dedicated computer,

art & music facilities• Science laboratories• Indoor heated swimming pool• Sports hall and climbing wall• Sports fields• Specialist subject teaching• 7.30am - 6pm wrap around care

Access to weekly swimming, IT, dance and music lessons for all our nursery children

With the New Year comes a newaddition to the Families Leeds team.We welcome our first ever columnist,local dad Jim Cardwell. We hope youenjoy his take on family life here inWest Yorkshire and we hope heenjoys sharing it. Jim’s firstcolumn looks at why hisSundays will never bethe same again.

THE WORLD

DAD…

We may be in the depths of winter, butwe’re looking forward to all that the springhas to offer. Sarah Butters looks at how oneformer farmer is bringing the countrysideto classrooms across Yorkshire. Mark Thompson used to be a pig farmer. He’s now making it hisNew Year mission to let children across Yorkshire know what happensin our countryside. He’s formed a partnership with Stocksbridge Technology Centre in Cawood, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and farmersacross the region to teach children about nature’s cycles.

“The farm at Cawood has been working with primary school children for many years to let them experience the thrills of growingtheir own food,” explains Mark. “However the children visit perhapsonce a year and see a snap shot of the seasons. We felt we neededto show the children more.”

So Mark and his team have decided to take the countrysideinto the classroom. Throughout the course of 2012, he will makea series of 18 films showing everything from maize harvesting,to ram breeding and beetroot harvesting. The idea isto show primary school children what’s happening inthe countryside at different times of the year.

“Our ‘Discovering our Countryside’ programmeallows us to follow the farming year through the seasonal life of crops, animals and wildlife in ourcountryside,” Mark explains. “Our videos are tenminutes long and divided into discrete sections, sothat teachers can use short items for specific lessons.Last year we watched lambing season, and potatoplanting. There’s more to come in 2012.”

The programme supports several areas of the National Curriculum including Healthy Eating, Sustainable Skills and Thinking Skills. It also linkswith the Eco School work and links into governmentinitiatives such as Every Child Matters and LearningOutside of the Classroom. All the videos come withsupporting teaching notes and are FREE to access.

“The 18 videos we aim to make this year willfit around school terms. We hope Discovering our Countryside brings farming, food and wildlife to yourchildren so they can experience what nature doesand how it affects the landscape and country life seasonally. We hope it will encourage them to makechoices about the food they eat, the diversity of nature and maybe think about a future career.”

To find out more about howYOUR school can spend a

day in the countryside,without leavingthe classroom visit

www.discovering-our-countryside.co.uk

Discover theYORKSHIRECOUNTRYSIDE


Have a ball with Tennis Tots You’re invited to make a racquet at your party this year!Tennis Tots is now hosting parties for children from 3 years old. The hour long celebration is packed withfun team games and activities, all with a Tennis Tots twist. Parties are for a minimum of 10 and a maximumof 16 children. There’s also a gift for the birthday child. Find out more at www.tennis-tots.co.uk.

Henrietta Rabbit ’sTop 5 Party Bag AlternativesLeading party entertainer Henrietta Rabbit is calling on parentsto ditch tacky party bags in favour of these alternatives.1. MAGAZINE: Most come with a toy and your guest will have something to read as well.

2. MUG: Character mugs can be picked up relatively cheaply.

3. PLANT or SEEDS: Give a pack of seeds or a small plant to encourage green fingers.

4. LUCKY DIP: Have a bucket filled with inexpensive wrapped goodies and get gueststo take their chances.

5. EASTER EGGS: If your child’s birthday falls near Easter, stock up on an egg each.

Castles & CakesWhy not book your cake when you book your castle?You can with Cherie’s Cakes, based in Ilkley. Cherie Wright is combining both family businessesto give parents a one stop shop when planning their party.

“We know parents are busy so when they come to me to book a cake, or a cupcake party,now they can book their bouncy castle too!”

To take a look at the inflatables on offer, look at www.bouncy-castle-hire-ilkley.co.uk.

Party with MusicbugsHave you thought about celebrating with MusicBugs?

Nicola Lawlor brings all the fun of their weekly classes to eithera 45 minute or an hour long party.

“We bring along a range of your favourite props from theclasses and sing your favourite songs,” says Nicola. “They’re alwaysgreat fun.”www.musicbugs.co.uk • 0844 578 1043

Parties NEWS…

Independent Toy ShopLEGO, Playmobil, Sylvanian Families, Baby Toys, Wooden Toys,Name Plaques, Puppets, Games & Jigsaws, Craft & Science Kits,Bath Toys, Animals, Knights & Dinosaur Figures, Castles,Doll’s Houses, Farms & much, much more...

20 Town StHorsforthLeedsLS18 4RJ0113 258 8777

NEW LARGER SHOP112a Harrogate RdChapel AllertonLeeds LS7 4NY0113 266 7500

www.armadillotoys.co.ukFollow us on facebook for our latest events and special offers

Pick of theWinter PartiesShake off those New Year blues withthoughts of celebrations to come in 2012.Whether you want to spend an afternoonwith Rapunzel, or leap from a tree top,we have something to suit your birthdayboy or girl. But this bumper winter partyguide comes with a word of warning.Make sure you plan ahead. The verybest parties get booked up early!

Imagine you’re.A PRINCESS….www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk • 01924 281 365Imagine opening the door on your birthday to find Rapunzel onyour front step. That’s what happened to 6 year old Lily Allen fromBramhope. She had a visit from the latest Disney princess thanksto the wonderful Make a Wish Entertainment.

“I wanted to give Lily a party that was different and personal,”says Sally Allen, Lily’s mum. “I couldn’t have asked for a more perfectparty. The 10 children were mezmorized for an hour and a half.I forgot they were in the house!”

The Rapunzel party is the latest magical celebration from the imagination of Suzanne Kaye Vaughan of Make a Wish Entertainment.She and her team transform into the character your child wants at their party. Be it Belle and her Beast, or Buzz Lightyear and Jessie,Alice and the Mad Hatter, Make a Wish Entertainment will make those wishes come true.

“With the Rapunzel party, we can bring along Flynn to carry out some combat training with any boy guests,” explains Suzannefrom Make a Wish. “It’s about using our imagination to create a magical party.”

And Lily believes there was some magic at her party that day. She made flowers with Rapunzel, played games and, shared herbirthday with her Disney heroine and her friends.

“As far as Lily is concerned, Rapunzel came to her house,” says Sally. “I wanted to cry because she was completely in awe of her.Giving her that experience was truly magic.” Take a look at their website for the full range of Make a Wish Character Parties.

.A RACING CAR DRIVER….www.go-kartpartyleeds.co.uk • 01422 351 981If you have a bite-size Jenson Button in your home who feels the need for speed,Go Kart Party is for you. Geoff Holmes can suggest appropriate venues for his inflatabletrack and go karts, as well as tailoring each party to fit your Leeds’ based Lewis Hamilton.

“We can control the speed of the karts, without the children knowing it,”explains Geoff.

For older children, there’s races, reversing and a host of fast paced games. Foryounger party goers, it’s about role play games. This is a real driving experience in a safeenvironment. Parties run for an hour (12 children) and an hour and a half (20 children).

.A WILD ANIMAL KEEPER….www.lionlearners.co.uk • 0113 250 9612Do you fancy sharing your birthday with a bearded dragon? Whatabout chatting over cake with a cornsnake? Lion Learners can give youa party with some pretty wild guests. From tarantulas to chinchillas,you’ll get to learn about them all and even hold some of them.This West Yorkshire based company will come to your venue and puton an hour long party that will entertain and educate. They’ll even provide your guests with some animal themed party bags to headhome with, courtesy of www.easypeasypartybox.co.uk.

SCHEME

CUSTOMER


Soft PlayParties.Crazy Tykes • MAKE A BEAR PARTIES // CRAFT PARTIES //..LAZER PARTIES.01937 541 007 • www.crazytykes.co.uk

Whether you want to build a bear, or invite your guests to a laser challenge there is a party tosuit at Crazy Tykes. Tracey Prudhoe and her team have recently added some great extras to theirpopular parties. As well enjoying the soft play centre on your special day, you can arrange tomake a birthday bear, escape to a themed craft room or compete in a laser quest.

“Our Crazy Tykes craft party is hugely popular,” says Tracey. “ We can arrange craft activitiesthemed around Ben 10, Angelina Ballerina, Hannah Montana, Spiderman. Your birthday wish isour command!”

While the make a bear parties are proving popular because at £9 a head, they’re great value, the laser parties are still a hit.These parties are held from 5.30–7pm, with exclusive use of the centre from 6.30pm.

“When everyone else leaves, we turn the lights down and the music up and have lots of laser fun,” says Tracey.“We have children as old as 12 enjoying the competition and energy of a laser party.”

.Kidzplay • LAZER PARTIES // HOLLYWOOD DISCO.01423 816 111 • www.kidzplay.co.ukRoll out the red carpet and get ready to party like a star! Kidzplay in Harrogate has launcheda Hollywood party for over 7s. Join the Kidzplay dancers as they take you through routines,before you head to the disco dancefloor to try them out. Guests can enjoy cocktails and anAmerican themed buffet. Parties begin at 6.30pm and last 2 hours.

If your little soldier would prefer to go into battle, then opt for a Lazer Tag party.Your guests will be split into 2 teams to fight to capture the birthday flag.

Kidzplay also do a great range of parties for younger children. There’s a Fun and GamesParty which lasts 2 hours and combines use of the play frame with some party games led

by a member of the Kidzplay team. However if you simply want your guests to play, there are parties to suit you. Choose from a varietyof themes to make your child’s party their own.

There are opportunities to book the play centre out for the exclusive use of your party guests. Give Lisa Mee and her team a call tofind out more.

.Tumble Town • EXCLUSIVE USE PARTIES.01943 870 189 • www.tumbletownadventureplay.co.ukAnother local soft play centre offering EXCLUSIVE use. Tumble Town offers a great Venue Onlyparty allowing you to hire out the soft play and bring your own food. If you are looking for somesupport from the Tumble Town team, you might look at the signature Tumble Town party. Again,you’ll get exclusive use of the venue, but they’ll provide food, party bags and a host to run somegames. You just bring the cake. The final option for those smaller celebrations is the Meet andPlay party. This allows you to get together for a party tea, at a reserved table and enjoy the buzzof a regular day at Tumble Town.

.Little Bees • TODDLER PARTIES.0113 232 9822www.littlebeesplay.co.ukA great venue for atoddler party. Little Beesoffers a two hour party fora minimum of 10 children.You’ll get to use the softplay centre for 90 minutesand then head to a privateroom for your party tea.Little Bees provides invites and party bags – all you need toorganise is the cake! Parties can be booked any day, at any time.

01943 435 849 • 07722 270 904

Bespoke celebrationCAKES for all occasions…


Give them a party they won’t forget!Completely safe for 4–9 year olds.

Bring your party to one of our indoor venues.

Contact Geoff on 01422 351 981www.go-kartpartyleeds.co.uk


Adventure Play Area ~ Separate Toddler Area

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat-Sun 10am-6pm Suitable for ages 0-11 especially pre-schoolers

w w w . l i t t l e b e e s p l a y . c o . u k Unit B, Seacroft Trade Park, Coal Road, Leeds, LS14 2AQ. Tel 0113 2329822

Baby Ballet & Socatots

classes here

OPEN FOR PLAY 7 DAYS A WEEK

Harrogate • www.kidzplay.co.uk • Northallerton

New Menu

New Party OptionsHome-made

Cakes

Half Price Entry after 3pm weekdays

Yummy Parties.Popalicious Cake Pop Parties.07759 029 138 • www.popaliciouscakepops.co.ukImagine making your own edible football team or decorating acake pop princess. After a year of providing party guests acrossYorkshire with her sweet treats, Helen Mallik has decided tomake her cake pops the guest of honour. You provide the

venue and decide on a theme, and the Popalicious team will come along and host a party. “I will bring everything – table cloths, aprons and cake pops,” says Helen Mallik

from Popalicious. The activities are age appropriate. Under 7s will dip the pre-moulded chocolate cake pops

in melted candy and decorate with a variety of brightly coloured sprinkles. Older children willget to tackle some of Helen’s more adventurous designs.

“If the children are decorating footballer cake pops, I’ll bring mini personalised shirts forthe sticks, or patches and hats for the pirate pops,” Helen explains.

Themes include princesses, pirates, teddy bears, pandas, ladybirds and footballers. However Helen is always open to suggestions!Parties are for a maximum of 12 children and start at £10.99 per child. Everyone leaves the party with a tissue layered box packedwith their four cake pops so there’s no need for party bags, or a birthday cake!

.Casa Mia.0845 688 1818 • www.casamiaonline.com/kidsDo you have a chef inyour house? Casa Miawants to throw them aparty! Head to eitherthe Millennium Squareor Chapel Allertonrestaurants for Pizzaand Pasta making parties. Each child willget an apron and hat before watching a demonstration by a CasaMia chef. Then it’s time to get creative. Party guests can eithermake their pasta from scratch or they’ll get their own dough to create the perfect pizza. As the creations are cooking, the birthdaymeal is served with staff happy to provide balloons and even ahomemade birthday cake.

Parties are for a minimum of 10 children, last 2 hours andare suitable for children from 4 years old. Guests leave with theirfinished dish.

.Pizza Express.Call Individual Restaurants • www.pizzaexpress.comPizza making parties. Held at the Corn Exchange, Clarence Dock,Headingley, Roundhay, Ilkley and Xscape at Castleford restaurants.Parties include pizza and cake and are £9.95 per child. Most restaurants host parties on a Sunday morning.

.Cherie’s Cup Cake Parties.01943 435 849 • www.cheriescakesilkley.co.uk/partiesSometimes the best part of a birthday is making the cake.Cherie Wright from Ilkley has made that into a party!

“Each child gets a hat, an apron and a cupcake box which canall be decorated. After they’ve seen my demonstration, they canstart having fun!”

Parties last between 1–2 hours depending on your child’s age.Each child will decorate four cupcakes with buttercream or fondanticing and an array of sweet decorations and sprinkles. Every childreceives a certificate from Cherie’s Cupcake Academy and there’s aprize for the best designed desert. Parties are for a minimum of 6children and a maximum of 12 and are £10.95 per child. But if youmention FAMILIES LEEDS when you call, you can book for £9.95per child. Now that’s something worth celebrating!

.Piccolino, Wetherby.01937 579 797 • www.piccolinorestaurants.co.ukA pizza making masterclass for your little chef. This popular localrestaurant will kit your guests out in a named chef’s hat and apronbefore giving them a demonstration. Children then get to designtheir own pizza before seeing it popped into the oven for themto eat. Parties are available every day apart from Sundays and are suitable for children from 7 years old. There’s a minimum of 12guests and a maximum of 18. The pizzas are served with fries anda soft drink. A chocolate birthday cake and fruit cocktails can beprovided at an extra charge. A mouthwatering celebration!

Town theme with Shop, Cafe & Petrol StationFreshly prepared food daily • Separate baby area

Private Parties catered for (centre closed for parties)

Unit 2 • South View Business Park • Guiseley

Leeds LS20 9PP (straight on past Argos,we're 3rd on left)

01943 870 189www.tumbletownadventureplay.co.uk


Pots 2 Go

Pottery Painting, Birthday Parties,Baby Hand & Foot Prints

25 Montpellier Parade • Harrogate • HG1 2TG

01423 524 797Open Tuesday to Saturday

Free exhibitions coming soon

27 January -22 April 2012

11 February -17 June 2012

When high wasted flares were fashionable and prawn cocktail was the height of sophistication! Silver 70s recreates a home of the 1970s and looks at the decade through its popular culture.

Explore the myths and realities of kingship in ancient Egypt though a fascinating collection of objects from the British Museum.

A BR IT ISH MUSEUM TOUR

Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Cookridge Street, Leeds LS2 8BH

www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum

Supported by the generosity of the Dorset Foundation

Adventure Parties.OUTDOOR CLIMBING.Log Heights, Ripley Castle nr Harrogate01423 711 044 • www.logheights.comFeel on top of the world with this birthday party.Log Heights is the ultimate tree top adventurebased at the beautiful Ripley Castle. The courseis spread across the grounds and challengesparty goers to be brave. One minute you’ll bewalking along a huge beam high in the sky.The next you’ll be jumping for a trapeze.

Party teas can be provided by Castle TeaRooms or you can bring your own picnic. Partiesfor 9 children last 1½ hours. For 12 children, theparty lasts 2 hours. They’re suitable for childrenfrom 8 years old. Available every weekend andon weekdays during school holidays.

.INDOOR CLIMBING.Leeds Wall, Gelderd Rd, Leeds LS12 6BY0113 234 1554 • www.theleedswall.co.ukEnjoy an indoor challenge at the Leeds ClimbingWall. You’ll spend 1½ hours with experienced instructors as you try climbing. Parties are for6–10 children and are suitable from 6 years old.A buffet party tea is included. Parties can bebooked on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am,11.45am, 1.45pm and 3.30pm. Checkavailability online.

.SNO!zone.Xscape, Castleford • 0871 222 5671 • www.snozoneuk.comWrap up for the coolest party in town at the real snow slope inCastleford. Choose from Ice Sliding down the slope or Sledging.There’ll be a photographer on hand to capture your special dayand you can even add on a trip to the bowling alley or the indoorrock wall at Xscape. You choose the party package and SNO!zonewill do the rest.


The Little Hen Company

NEW SHOP IN HORSFORTH125 New Road Side (A65) • Horsforth • LS18 4QD0113 258 2808 • www.thelittlehencompany.com

LEGO

Baby Gifts

TOP MODEL

BeanieBoosWOW

TOYS

Sylvanian FamiliesSchleich Plastic Animals

Wooden Railway

Wooden Toys

PLAYMOBIL

Big Jigs Rail

Museum Parties.Kirkstall Abbey • NEW.0113 230 5492 • [email protected] into a Princess, a Knight or a Dragon at these magical parties at Kirkstall Abbey.Set in the ruins of the Abbey, there will be craft activities and games to make the day special.Make a princess crown, a knight’s sword or your own pet dragon. Play in the sandpit and finish with a game of sleeping dragons. Parties are for children from 2 years old and areavailable on Wednesdays in May, June and July. If you’re interested it’s worth planning ahead.There’s a special introductory offer of £50 per party, with a maximum of 20 children.Picnics can be provided at an extra charge by the Gatehouse Café at Abbey House Museumby calling 0113 278 1233.

.Leeds City Museum • NEW.0113 224 3728 • [email protected] fabulous museum has recently started to offer a Tiny Tigers Party for children aged between 2 and 6 years old, and an ExplorerParty for older children. You’ll have your own Visitor Assistant to guide you through the exhibitions. For Tiny Tigers, you’ll take a triparound the Life on Earth Gallery and find the museum’s mascot Rory the Tiger. Then it’s to the activity room for messy tiger themed craft.Explorers will get to discover the hidden treasures in the museum. Then they can enjoy a craft activity. Parties are held on weekendafternoons from 2–3.30pm and there’s a maximum of 15 children. Both parties cost £60 and party food can be provided by theMuseum Café at an additional cost. Call 0113 244 6006 for more information.

.Abbey House Museum.0113 230 5492 • [email protected] fans of the Messy Monkey sessions at Abbey House, these parties are a must! Leaveyour party dress at home and prepare to make an artistic mess at the Messy Monkey parties.They’re aimed at children from 2–6 years old and can be themed around your child’sfavourite character. After your monkey has enjoyed getting messy, you can leave theclearing up for someone else! For children from 7 years old, there are Arty Smarty parties.A Visitor Assistant will take guests back in time with a tour along the Victorian Streets.Then it’s time to get creative with a choice of t-shirt making, clay tile designing or jewellery

and card making. Both parties cost £40 and there’s a maximum of10 children. Party food can be ordered at an additional charge fromthe Gatehouse Café on 0113 278 1233.

.Thackray Museum • NEW.0113 205 6521 • [email protected] wonderful Thackray Museum in Leeds is now hosting birthday parties. You’ll be able to explore all the secrets of this fantastic medical museum before heading to the café for your party tea.Suitable for children from 7–14 years old.

FEB HALF TERM 13TH - 17TH

EASTER 2ND - 6TH 9TH- 13TH

©Leeds City Council


1Not owning a Sat-Nav today is like being a 14th century

sailor and trying to round the Cape without a nautical

chart. We bought one halfway through our trip. Put it

this way, if I’d a choice – Brakes or Sat-Nav? – I’d gladly

drill a hole in the driver’s foot well and use my feet

to slow down.

2It’s unwise to accidentally-on-purpose allow Dinah,

my wife, who has raging cheloniaphobia (fear of

tortoises and any creatures that look like tortoises),

to wander untended through the Turtle Sanctuary at

Birmingham’s National Sealife Centre. I’m also aware

now that afterwards claiming ‘sorry, I thought they

were hibernating’, cuts little ice.

3Containing the world’s largest collection of David

Hockneys, The 1853 Gallery in Saltaire, West Yorkshire,

has a café where staff heat up baby food. They also turn

a blind eye while your toddler daughter completes her

first mixed media work (a rabbit that involved crayons,

a pencil and a sachet of Ketchup from her fish-finger

sandwich).

4At the Jorvik Viking Centre in York it’s possible, through

responding to a series of questions about your hair

colour, and also your sandwich filling of choice, to see

how much Viking blood you possess.

5After almost being blown up in a field of live ordnance

inside a Military Zone, near Otterburn, we’ve learnt to

be careful taking the kids for nature wees. Keep a look

out for signs saying: “Warning: This may explode and

kill you.”

6It’s easy stealing lunch from hotel breakfast buffets. We

started by secretly pilfering the odd roll when waitresses’

backs were turned. A few weeks in, feral, we were

snatching camembert triangles, bacon, sausages and

yoghurts then asking for napkins to wrap it all up in.

7You can impersonate David Blaine on the A719 between

Dunure and Croy in Scotland. Here, there’s an optical

illusion created by the surrounding landscape which

means that if you put your car in neutral and release

the brake, it appears to slowly roll up hill. Known as the

Electric Brae (brae meaning slope), the spot is marked

by a stone cairn inscribed with an explanation that you

needn’t trouble your awe-struck family with.

8On long journeys don’t oversell destinations as we did

visiting the Wensleydale Cheese Visitor Centre. On the

strength of a Yorkshire Tourist Board leaflet featuring

Wallace and Gromit, we rashly promised life-size models

of the cartoon characters wandering around. However,

the only thing Wallace and Gromit related, was a chalk

outline of them on the café’s specials board. We’d driven

two hours to a working cheese factory to show the

kids how Wensleydale cheese did in the last Nantwich

International Cheese festival.

Ben Hatch and his young family spent 5 months touring family friendly

Britain. In the course of 8,000 miles they reviewed 900 attractions, slept in

tents, mobile homes, castles, hotels and once in their car. Here, Ben shares

15 things he now knows if you’re thinking of a staycation in 2012.

Are we there yet?

Phoebe at theJorvik Centre, York Inside

EUREKA!


Yummy�Mummy�Week

Enjoy tea, coffee and cakes with friends to raise vital funds. Combine it with a

pamper party, community event or workplace fun to make it even more yummy.

Dosomethingyummy...

for�children�and�young�people�with�cancer

10�–�18��March�2012

Register now 08451 206 658 www.yummymummy.org.uk�

Every day 10 children and young people hear the shocking news they have cancer. Treatment

normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last up to three years.

CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families,

providing all-round care and support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life.

11S

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CLIC Sargent, registered charity number 1107328 and registered in Scotland (SC039857)

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Supported by:

9At Leicester’s Abbey Pumping Station childrencan excitedly follow the progress of excrementfrom a toilet to the Wanlip sewage works viaa see-through waste pipe.

10Cheap in-car DVD players are inadvisable.Ours kept disconnecting from the cigarette lighterand returning the film to the beginning every timemy wife scratched her leg in the passenger seat.Despite watching Finding Nemo 10 times, our kidsare still unaware Nemo was eventually reunitedwith his father.

11Mother Shipton's Cave in Yorkshire, is wherea 17th century prophetess lived and predictedboth the Great Fire of London and the adventof email.

12 I now never to listen to my wife on health matters.In a serviced apartment in Leeds she advised mea pain in my side was trapped wind and I should‘cycle in the air’ to alleviate it. I was eventuallyrushed (after she and kids finished watchingNina and Neurones on CBeebies) to the A & E department of St James Hospital, Leeds wherea kidney stone was diagnosed.

13 Scone Palace near Perth was where QueenVictoria was taught curling on the polished floorof the Long Gallery. It’s also where Robert theBruce and Charles II were crowned and wherewe heard one the funniest utterances of our trip.A German man in the café ahead of us ordering‘Von Bobbily Bobbily’.

14 You can have fun in the Scottish Central High-lands at Doune Castle, used in the filming ofMonty Python and the Holy Grail, shouting fromthe ramparts in our best John Cleese voices:“I fart in your general direction. Your motherwas a hamster and you father smelledof elderberries.”

15 Finally, if all distractions in the car fail, turn upClassic FM to maximum volume and kid yourselfyou aren’t muffling the kids’ din with an evenlouder one, but that you’re educating themabout Haydn.

Are We Nearly There Yet?8,000 Misguided Miles Round Britain is available fromall good bookshops and from Amazon for £5.

Phoebe at theNational Railway Museum

Grab

bing a

snac

k out

side

Salt

's M

ill, S

altair

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At Clifford Tower,York

Tempting as it is to lock the doors and curl upin front of a roaring fire, there’s lots going onif you’re prepared to brave the chill. So wrap upwarm and get ready to have some winter fun.And remember to say you saw it in Families Leeds!

Saturday 14th January

Let’s PretendLOTHERTON HALL

www.leeds.gov.ukTrails around the house with dressing up and lots of

opportunities to play.0113 281 3259

Rory’s Saturday Club LEEDS CITY MUSEUMwww.leeds.gov.uk

Regular art and craft activity. Begins at 11am.0113 224 3732

Saturday 21st January

Clay PlayTHWAITE MILLS

www.leeds.gov.ukMessy play for children of all ages. Clay modeling and painting.

Between 1–3pm.0113 276 2887

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd January

Dancing DragonsTEMPLE NEWSAMwww.leeds.gov.uk

Make your own paper dragons for Chinese New Year.Sessions at 11am and 1.30pm.

0113 264 7321

Clowning Around EUREKA!

www.eureka.org.ukSlap on the make up and pull on some oversized shoes.

Get giggling as you learn how to clown around as a family. 01422 330 069

Friday 27th January

Messy Monkeys ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukCreative fun for under 5s from 10.15am and 2pm.

Leave all your mess behind!0113 230 5492

Saturday 28th January

Let’s PretendLOTHERTON HALL

www.leeds.gov.ukTrails around the house with dressing up and lots of

opportunities to play.0113 281 3259

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th January

Story SteppingTEMPLE NEWSAMwww.leeds.gov.uk

To celebrate National Story Telling Week, step in from the coldand listen to storyteller Chris Cade.

0113 264 7321

What’s on…January & February

HALF TERM FUN AT HAREWOOD HOUSE

Every term timeSaturday

Also on the28th & 29th January

See the steam starfrom the Harry Potter

movies, but hurry – it’sonly here for a spell.

WizardWeek

11 –19 February 2012

nrm.org.uk/wizardweek


Friday 3rd February

Tiny TigersLEEDS CITY MUSEUMwww.leeds.gov.uk

Create your own mess using paints, stencils, crayons and glue.For under 5s.

0113 224 3732

Messy MonkeysABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukCreative fun for under 5s from 2pm.


Saturday 4th February

Dress up in ArtspaceLEEDS ART GALLERYwww.leeds.gov.uk

Paint clothes to celebrate International Women’s Day.Begins at 11am.0113 247 8256

Saturday 4th & 5th February

Painting FashionsLEEDS ART GALLERYwww.leeds.gov.uk

Explore paintings that tell us interesting things about fashion.0113 247 8256

Saturday 11th – Sunday 19th February

Egyptian TrailLEEDS CITY MUSEUMwww.leeds.gov.uk

Come and discover all about ancient Egypt at a special exhibition fresh from the British Museum. Explore the Pharoahtrail and take part in craft activities on Tuesday and Wednesday.

0113 224 3732

Wizard WeekNATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM

www.nrm.org.uk/wizardsweekThe magic returns to York with a week of spells and Harry Potterinspired mischief. It’s all in celebration of the arrival of the train

from these magical films. There’ll be lots of family activities including wizards duals, broomstick flyings, magic shows and

owl displays. A MUST SEE for any Harry Potter fans.

St Valentine’s TrailBOLTON ABBEY

www.boltonabbey.comCupid pays a visit to Bolton Abbey this half term. You’re invitedto hunt for the symbols of love in Strid Wood. Take part in the

activities trail. 10am–4pm.01756 718 009

Half Term Fun at HarewoodHAREWOOD HOUSEwww.harewood.org

Come along for some old fashioned outdoor fun at one of ourfavourite places. Harewood will be celebrating all things bright

and beautiful this half term.0113 218 1000

Also on Friday10th February

Saturday 11th – Sunday 19th February

Half Term Fun – HeraldryFOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.fountainsabbey.org.ukDrop in crafts in Swanley Grange. Sessions from 11am – 3pm.

01765 608 888

Alice in WonderlandEUREKA!

www.eureka.org.ukHalf term fun with a Wonderland theme.

01422 330 069

Bedtime!TEMPLE NEWSAMwww.leeds.gov.uk

Make your own bed bug, design a bedroom door hanger

and discover a bed fit for a Queen.

Sessions at 11am and 1.30pm.

0113 264 7321

Sunday 12th February

Music Maker Family FunABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukA day of craft fun inspired by the Performance exhibition.

Sessions at 10am and 2pm.

0113 230 5492

Monday 13th – Sunday 19th February

Paint Surfaces in ArtspaceLEEDS ART GALLERYwww.leeds.gov.uk

Have fun with household paints. Help on hand. 10am – 3pm.0113 247 8256

Tuesday 14th February

Birds on the BrainTHWAITE MILLS

www.leeds.gov.ukLearn how to identify the birds in your garden and how

to support them. Session from 1–3pm.0113 276 2887

Wednesday 15th February

Wednesday WardrobeABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukTake a look inside a great dress up wardrobe.

Sessions at 10am and 2pm. 0113 230 5492

Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th February

Bird Box MakingFOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.fountainsabbey.org.ukMake your own bird box to help your feathered friendssurvive the winter. £5 a box. Sessions at 11am–12noon

and 1–3pm at Fountains Mill.01765 608 888

WIZARD WEEK AT THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM

Also onThursday 16th February

Discover more

www.harewood.org

· Award winning Gardens & Grounds

· Taste home grown produce in our Cafés

· Let little legs run off steam on our Adventure Playground

Enjoy family trails, activities& events all year round....

Come as often as you like with family membership!

Discove

& events all year round....Enjoy family trails, activities

aste home grown produce in our Cafés· T

ward winning Gardens & Grounds· A

r more

& events all year round....Enjoy family trails, activities

aste home grown produce in our Cafés

ward winning Gardens & Grounds

.harewo

e with family membership!Come as often as you lik

· Let little legs run off steam on our A

w rg

e with family membership!

dventure Playground· Let little legs run off steam on our A

Free event, normal admission applies. For more information contact:

01756 718 009 www.boltonabbey.com

St. Valentine’s TrailSat 11th-Sun 19th Feb 2012 10am - 4pm

Can you and your family find all the symbols of love hidden along the Valentine Trail in Strid Wood?

This trail is not just for those pierced by Cupid’s arrow, anyone can join in!

Fill in the activity sheet as you wander along and enter our free prize draw!

This February half-term at

BOLTON ABBEY


Thursday 16th February

70s CraftsLEEDS CITY MUSEUMwww.leeds.gov.uk

FREE crafts for all the family to help celebratethe Silver 70s exhibition. 10.30am start.

0113 224 3732

Friday 17th February

Puppet on a StringABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukA day of puppet craft. Sessions at 10am and 2pm.

0113 230 5492

Friday 24th February

Messy Monkeys ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukCreative fun for under 5s from 10.15am and 2pm.


EXHIBITION AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM FROM FEBRUARY

RE12

55 B

TS20

12 U

KJ23

LNE

Give your child a head start at

school!

Register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk and use this code: UKJ23LNE

GET YOUR FREE 5 WEEK TRIAL!

3-4 Years

7-13 Years

5 Years

6-7 Years

families leeds jan-feb 2012

Documents

cakethe new way

great way

new year

great prize

new larger shop

superb schleich products

superb cookridge hall

giveone family