The Sunshine Vitamin

are you getting enough?

Christmas is coming

essential guide

Reading

step by step

FREEIssue 11

November/December 2012www.familiespennines.co.uk

The really useful magazine for parents in the boroughs ofCalderdale, Kirklees, Oldham, Tameside and Littleborough

P e n n i n e s

2 www.familiespennines.co.uk tel: 07580 612800

For more fun and creative projects visit our website www.thecreationstation.co.ukSend in pictures of your Christmas creations to art@thecreationstation.co.uk

For local classes and parties call Neela on 08448 549092

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines 3

Visit www.familiespennines.co.uk to winCOMPETITION TIME...

Pennines

PLUS! Go to our centre page spread for the chance to win a £200 shopping spree with Pollarn O. Pyret.

WIN! Family ticket to the Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park including a visit to see Santa!

To enter, visit www.familiespennines.co.uk/competitions Terms & conditions apply.Closing date for the above competitions is Friday 30 November 2012.

WIN! Fab scooter from ProXtreme Sports in time for Christmas Congratulations to

Connor of Kirkburton, the winner of our July-August competition – a £30 voucher

from ProXtreme sports.

New Editor for Families Pennines! C O N T E N T S

Hello and welcome to my first issue of Families Pennines as your new editor.

A sad farewell and huge thank you to Louise Bennett who has been the editor since the launch of Families Pennines in 2011. I am sure you will want to join me in wishing Louise and her family the best of luck for the future and hope that they keep in touch with Families Pennines HQ.

I have joined at an exciting time, publishing our November and December issue including news, views and information for parents about local events and services up to Christmas. With information updated on our website www.familiespennines.co.uk, you can keep in touch with what’s going on in your area, and if you like to be in the know when you are on the go make sure you Like our Families Pennines Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @familiespenn. I want to hear from you too, so do keep in touch!

Your new Families Pennines Editor,

Contact us Rachel Bentley : editor@familiespennines.co.uk Tel: 07580 612800 w w w.famil iespennines.co.ukNext issue: January/February 2013 Families Pennines is free to our readers thanks to our advertisers.Design by Russell Finneran 01457 873300 w w w.stonehousecreativeser vices.co.ukPrinted by Warners Midlands PLC Tel: 01778 391035 w w w.warners.co.uk Editor's photo by Toni at MiaFoto. Copyright Families Pennines November/December 2012

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 not its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Pages 4 & 5

News – what’s happening near you

Page 7

Health – Vitamin D

Pages 8 - 9

Christmas is coming – things to see, do and ask Santa for!

Pages 14 - 16

What's On – November and December

Next issue January/February 2013 – Deadline early December

Park Mill Way, Clayton West Huddersfield HD8 9XJ

To book call01484 865727

For up to date availability visitwww.kirkleeslightrailway.com

1st & 2nd December8th & 9th December

15th & 16th December21st - 24th December

7th December14th December21st December

4 www.familiespennines.co.uk tel: 07580 612800

NewsWhat's happening near you

Support Swimbabes Swimathon

Yorkshire Teen Hero

Henshaws celebrates with Oldham exhibitionHenshaws Society for Blind People is celebrating its 175th year with a special exhibition. With the help of Heritage Lottery Funding, Henshaws will be showcasing Thomas Henshaw: One Man’s Vision, with a touring exhibition around the North, opening first in Thomas Henshaw’s home town at Gallery Oldham until 5th Jan 2013.

The exhibition allows visitors to experience the exhibition in a variety of ways using different senses to step into the shoes of the people who Thomas Henshaw set out to help.

The exhibition will contain an audio-tour, penfriend labelling (used for scanning barcoded labels), 3D tactile artworks and handling objects, oral histories and poetry available to listen to across the exhibition and interactive exhibits which will enable visitors to experience some of the most common visual impairments.

Henshaws provides expert care, advice and training to local people affected by sight loss and other disabilities, right where it’s needed most, and because a person’s sight loss affects friends, family and colleagues, it works with them too. With centres and communities in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Newcastle and Yorkshire, Henshaws also has an Arts & Crafts Centre and specialist Henshaws College, a unique further education college for students aged 16-22. For more information about the exhibition or the charity please visit www.onemansvision.org.uk or www.henshaws.org.uk.

Swimbabes, the baby and toddler swimming lessons specialists, are supporting a really good cause this autumn. They will be hosting a Baby Swimathon 2012 in aid of Children In Need in November. This will take part during all lessons from Monday 5th November until Sunday 11th November inclusive.

Becci at Swimbabes says, “We will be asking all swimmers to take part as per their normal lessons & aim to raise £5 each, which can be collected via the donation

website www.justgiving.com/swimbabeschildreninneed or via a sponsorship form, which can be emailed to those who need it.”

For more information about this fundraiser or about lessons please contact Swimbabes on 01484 683570 or visit www.swimbabes.co.uk.

Yorkshire’s George Stocker has been named as the BBC Radio 1’s Teen Awards’ Teen Hero in October. George was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged just 9 and it has taken years of treatment and operations to put George back on the road to recovery – and back playing his favourite sport, rugby.

George, now 13, was nominated by his sister Kelly – so she could meet One Direction! George won having impressed the judges by raising tens of thousands of pounds for local children’s cancer charity Candelighters to help support children who George

Now the days are getting shorter (and colder!) why not head to your local bookshop to see what’s on offer. Bookshops regularly hold author events and storytelling sessions. In November Waterstones Huddersfield will be welcoming children’s authors including Karen Langtree, author of Fairy Rescuers-Return to Elysia (on 10 November) and The Flying Carpet author Christine Savage (on 24 November).

At the theatre fans of Michael Morpurgo should head to The West Yorkshire Playhouse to catch the adaptation of Farm Boy in early November, whilst the much-

thought were more poorly than himself. Candelighters work with other organisations including Brain Tumour Research to help fund studies into the treatment of brain tumours. This latest honour is one amongst many including being chosen to carry the Olympic Torch in Wetherby in the countrywide relay this summer.

At the awards George met Olympian Louis Smith and rugby star Dylan Hartley and his sister met her heroes - One Direction! For more information on the Brain Tumour Research Charity and their fundraising go to page 13.

loved Wind in the Willows will be performed over the festive period. The Lowry in Salford presents Lynley Dodd’s popular tale of Hairy Maclary, which will delight younger theatre-goers.

Take a look at the Book Events for Children dedicated website, Facebook and Twitter feed listing book-related events for children across the UK. The site also features additional content including interviews with authors, publishers and independent bookshops. www.bookeventsforchildren.co.uk, Twitter: @ChildBookEvents, Facebook page: Book Events for Children.

Book Events for Children

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines 5

Huddersfield’s Santa Dash and Reindeer Run

Printing YOUR news is always FREE - send to editor@familiespennines.co.uk

Benetton kids dress safely

Benetton Group has launched Dress Safely, a project to tell parents about the safety of children’s clothing. The project was developed after Benetton Group’s childrenswear ranges adopted the Eco Safe mark for meeting high chemical and mechanical safety standards. The mark is issued by the ICQ group, a major consumer goods quality and safety certifying body.

With the launch of the autumn/winter 2012-2013 collections, United Colors of Benetton, Undercolors of Benetton and Sisley Young childrenswear

Forget me Not Children’s Hospice invite you to take part in Huddersfield Lion’s Santa Dash and Reindeer Run on 9th December. Invite your family and friends to sponsor you, come to watch the spectacle, and help raise as much money as possible so children who need the hospice can have a happy Christmas. Adults and children will be provided with seasonal costumes and dashing (walking or wheeling) for 1 mile

ranges will carry a special Eco Safe label. Before reaching the shelves, the clothes will have been monitored all the way through the production process by a technical committee of safety experts to assess potential physical or mechanical risks. The safety.benetton.com website provides full details about the Dress Safely project and the Eco Safe mark. Also, information about Dress Safely and the company’s policies on children’s safety and the environmental sustainability of its products will be available in-store from this autumn.

around Huddersfield Town Centre.

Adults £5, including 5 piece Santa outfit, and children under 11 £2.50, including Reindeer antlers and a nose! For more details please contact Gina Fielding on 01484 411040 or email gina.fielding@forgetmenotchild.co.uk.

The great outdoors for local school

Oldham Coliseum raises the curtain

Children at a Hipperholme school have been heading outdoors this autumn, with a make-over of the outside facilities at the school’s two premises and a visit to an adventure centre in North Yorkshire.

Hipperholme Grammar School has invested in outdoor facilities across the School. The Junior School has a new rubberised playground whilst the Senior pupils are benefiting from new locker and fitness areas.

Headmaster Mr Jack Williams says, “We believe that it is extremely important for children to be active and enjoying their time at School, and this is already paying dividends with the knock-on effect of improved focus in the classroom.”

Changes are afoot on Fairbottom Street at one of North West most loved regional theatres. After months of extensive refurbishment, Oldham Coliseum Theatre re-opened on 26th October with a cast of Coliseum regulars and guest appearances. Future family oriented productions this season include Oliver from 6-10

Head of Hipperholme Grammar Junior School, Mrs Louise Reynolds, believes that challenging children outside the classroom environment is an important part of raising achievement. At the start of the Autumn term the new Form 3 went out of school to spend the day at Carleton Lodge, an outdoor adventure centre in Thirsk.

“For the children to spend the day team-building with their class mates promotes working together to solve problems,” explains Mrs Reynolds “and rising to the challenges set gives them an enormous sense of achievement. Our children begin the year believing that they can achieve anything if they really try. And, of course, they do!”

November, performed by the Congress Players with proceeds going to KidsCan children’s cancer charity, and Cinderella from 24 November. For the latest performances schedule and details of activities for children plus education and outreach projects go to www.coliseum.org.uk.

6 www.familiespennines.co.uk tel: 07580 612800

The Parent Business

In 1998 I left my job as a London solicitor to relocate to Switzerland where I met Deborah, as her husband worked for the same bank as mine.

The arrival of Tomas in 2000 changed the direction of my life. Tomas is autistic and I was told that Tomas may never talk or go to mainstream school. I read somewhere that having a child with a developmental disorder is like getting on a plane bound for Venice, excited about seeing the beautiful sites, but told mid flight that you are actually going to Holland. You just cling to the fact that there is beauty in windmills too!

Helping TomasI was determined that Tomas reach his full potential, whatever that may be. I learnt German, joined Swiss support groups, researched therapies and took on an intensive ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis) therapy programme which meant a constant stream of therapists and psychologists. I spent most evenings making resources, flashcards, and games for the programme. At age 4 ½ years he finally said ‘Mummy’. It was the most magical sound I have ever heard.

TomTag's next stepsI really want Orkid Ideas to succeed and we have plans to build the company to employ young adults like Tomas with additional and special educational needs. TomTag has helped Tomas and my daughter pack independently and take responsibility for their belongings. Morning routines run a lot smoother in our house because of TomTag! I am excited by the potential that TomTag has to assist and improve the lives of children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

Charity bike rideBeing a single mum with 2 children, one of whom is autistic, settling into a new country and setting up a new business has been a challenge. However, I like a challenge! This year I started cycling and in June rode from Paris to London to raise money for the National Autistic Society. In October I completed the coast to coast, Morecambe to Bridlington.

Getting organisedTomas started at a private school in 2004 alongside his ABA and speech therapy work. To help him I took an online distance learning course with Dyslexia Action and had to design an aid to help students with poor organisational skills. Using my experiences I came up with TomTag named after Tomas. It was a big hit at school and I made them for other friends. Deborah had relocated back to York, and we discussed the possibility of making TomTag a commercially viable product together.

New beginnings2010 was a very eventful year for me.... I left Switzerland, left my husband, moved house, settled kids in new schools, started the long process of getting a Statement of Special Educational Needs for Tomas – and we started the company. Over numerous cups of tea, handwringing and mopping of brows my kitchen table has seen Orkid Ideas (short for organised kids) and the TomTag brand take shape.

From the wilds to windmillsI have learnt so much from Tomas, his enthusiasm for life, his honesty and sheer determination to function in a confusing and scary world is truly humbling. The challenges that I face balancing family and work are therefore nothing compared with the challenges he and other people on the autistic spectrum face on a daily basis. I’m looking for my 2013 challenge....maybe cycling from Saddleworth to Amsterdam to see those beautiful windmills!

Orkid Ideas sells TomTag-the cool tool to help kids pack their bag for school!

For information about TomTag, the school fundraising campaign or to buy from the online shop please visit www.orkidideas.com, email info@orkidideas.com or call 01904 213 123

Orkid Ideas is a small business run by two local mums, Deborah Watson and Clare Cusack.

They developed TomTag, which is a colourful daily checklist that clips to your child’s school bag so they always know what to take to school ... and to bring home again.

Families Pennines asked Clare, based in Saddleworth, to tell us her inspirational story...

What is it for?Vitamin D is an essential nutrient required by the body for several functions, including absorption of calcium, without which can lead to Rickets in children and weakness, aches and pains in adults.

Vitamin D deficiencyNICE reports that some groups are more at risk including over 65’s, under 5’s, pregnant women, those with darker skin and people with poor exposure to sun. Some conditions affecting intestinal absorption such as Coeliac disease or Crohn's disease, could result in lower than normal vitamin D levels.

Sunlight and vitamin DDuring the summer, just 15 to 20 minutes exposing bare arms, face and hands to sunlight without sunscreen in the early morning and late afternoon several times per week is enough for most light-skinned individuals (more for skin with greater pigment levels) to create an ample supply of vitamin D. Sunscreens are essential during the sun’s peak hours for you and your children. Skin should never be allowed to go red, with individual sensitivity taken into account, particularly with children. In the winter in the UK, there is insufficient sunlight meaning dietary vitamin D and/or a supplement may be needed.

Food & vitamin DAvailable sources of vitamin D are oily fish such as mackerel, herring, sardines, trout, fresh (not tinned) tuna or salmon and cod liver oil is the richest source. It is found in cottage cheese, eggs, fortified fat spreads, fortified breakfast cereals and powdered milk. If these foods are not regularly eaten by children (and adults!) then relying on dietary sources may not be sufficient.

Enough vitamin D?Check with your GP if you think you may not be getting enough. The Department of Health list of recommended levels can be found on the website www.nhs.uk. Single vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D (for use by under fives) are available at most pharmacies and supermarkets. Women and children who qualify for and already participate in Healthy Start can get free supplements containing vitamin D.

Too Much?If you take vitamin D supplements, it is important that you do not take too much. Taking 25 micrograms (0.025mg) or less a day of vitamin D supplements is unlikely to cause any harm but if you are not sure then do check with a health professional. Always check with your GP before you take vitamin D supplements if you have a condition that results in high calcium levels in the blood, and be aware that certain medications interfere with vitamin D absorption.

With the onset of winter following a dull summer vitamin D, the 'sunshine vitamin', is in short supply.Recent Department of Health figures indicate that around a quarter of the UK population is deficient in vitamin D.

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines 7

The sunshine vitamin

Janine Channon a student Health Visitor based in Calderdale has been studying vitamin D supplement take up and working with a local health centre. She is keen to get the message to parents about this important vitamin and has found that providing information and supplying supplements has increased the uptake of vitamin D.

Janine says, ‘When vitamin D deficiency is addressed it can have far reaching, positive effects on the health of the population. I would encourage parents to ask for more information from their Health Visitor. Parents can obtain cheap or free Healthy Start vitamins from them, and Health Visitors are trained to advise on all the Healthy Start vitamins.'

Useful websites are: www.nhs.uk www.webmd.boots.com www.patient.co.uk

WEAR AHAT DAYThursday28th March2013

REGISTER NOW | Tel: 01296 733011

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8 www.familiespennines.co.uk tel: 07580 612800

Christmas is coming...

Santa will be steaming his engines and welcoming families aboard the KLR Santa Express at Clayton West, near Huddersfield throughout December once again. There will be sacks full of presents for the children and sherry and mince pies will be served to adults. Santa’s reindeers have also been spotted grazing up at Shelley so keep your eyes peeled for them!

For an extra magical Christmas experience climb aboard the Twilight Santa Express and enjoy a floodlit train journey to Santa’s Grotto. Adults will be treated to a glass of mulled wine and all the children will receive a festive biscuit.

The Ticket Office is open 7 days a week from 9.30am – 5.00pm ready to take your bookings. An up to date listing of availability can be found at the KLR website www.kirkleeslightrailway.com.

Christopher Vine has published four more fantastic paperback books in the Peter’s Railway series. Combining entertaining adventure stories with simple technical information. Peter's Railway have an amazing buy one get one free offer until the end of the year. See www.familiespennines.co.uk for how to order.

Santa will feel very much at home during his visits to the Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park just off the A1 near Wetherby this year in his beautiful, new, luxury log Santa’s Grotto all the way from Lapland! Santa is welcoming children to visit him from 10th November right up to Christmas Eve – starting with a Reindeer Sleigh Parade on 10th and 11th of November.

As well as his Grotto, Santa will be enjoying special breakfast events with his friends – do pre-book early as spaces at this special occasion with Santa are limited. Check the Christmas Adventure website for full details but early arrival is advisable as Santa is a very popular guy! Call 01937 586333 or visit www.thechristmasadventure.com

Santa’s Yorkshire Trip Peter’s Railway

The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park

If it is a lasting memory of Christmas, a framed image to treasure or a present for grandparents that will take pride of place, then how about booking a professional photo session.

Gaynor Wilson runs Shy Violet Photography from her studios in Springhead, Saddleworth, handy for the M62 and M60. Gaynor says, “For a good family sitting my top tip is for customers to relax, feel at ease and laugh … a lot!” Gaynor also offers Violet Boudoir Photography, with a special deluxe album the ultimate gift for your loved one this Christmas. 01457 878689, www.shyvioletphotography.co.uk, www.violetboudoir.co.uk .

Based just off the A1 north of the M62 and M1, MiaFoto is a comfortable studio experience. Toni Gregory says, “MiaFoto is more than photography, it is about creating memories. At MiaFoto our aims are for our clients to be relaxed, have fun and together we can create your perfect picture.” With packages including cake smash, bump to baby, family and boudoir now is the perfect time to book. 07500 956665, www.miafoto.co.uk.

Fantastic Photos

Shy Violet

MiaFoto

Charity Christmas CardsHelp others whilst keeping in touch with friends and family. Search for Charity websites (some featured in this issue) or ask your school or nursery if they are helping a good cause with cards this year. Take a look at Phoenix Trading’s latest Charity Christmas Card range at www.rachelscardshop.co.uk.

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines 9

Christmas is coming... Some of our favourite things to see, do and ask Santa for this Christmas!(Dont forget to check out the most up to date details direct with the provider.)

Thursday 13 – Saturday 30 December Once upon a time there lived a hideous beast in a vast, dark castle. Beauty’s father plucks a rose from the garden, and in return he must give his daughter to the angry creature. Frightened and alone, Beauty begins to hate the Beast - who could love a monster like him?

This Christmas, the LBT welcomes you to a new musical staging of an old, old tale. The show combines an imaginative script from Olivier award-winning Mike Kenny and specially written music and songs from Julian Butler (Charlie and Lola).

An enchanting adventure, a lasting love story and a perfect festive family treat.

It’s behind you! BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Lawrence Batley Theatre

The Lawrence Batley Theatre and Engine House 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org

Take a look at our What's On section for listings of other pantos and performances around our area.

Benetton Huddersfield is the cool place to get warm, winter, kids clothing. The Autumn/Winter 12 collection is all about colour, versatility, comfort and excellent quality. Dresses, soft shirts and comfortable sweaters that are just right for those beginning to explore their world, through to comfortable, urban and cool for the tween in the family. There is a fantastic 10% discount card to use in the Huddersfield store based in Peters, King Street (see back page). Plus Benetton Huddersfield is offering a free Christmas gift for all purchases over a £100 in November and December. www.bennetton-huddersfield.co.uk.

New clothes make any occasion extra special. The Polarn O. Pyret Christmas collection for newborn to age 12 years is now in store and online. The clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too. Cosy cotton PJ’s that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day. Enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays.

FREE! Gift wrapping available at Polarn O. Pyret stores – Families Pennines’ nearest is House of Fraser, Deansgate, Manchester or check www.polarnopyret.co.ukFor your chance to win £200 of Polarn O. Pyret products please enter your details at www.polarnopyret.co.uk/win by 10th of December.

Cool Clothes to beat the chill

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ProXtreme Sports - Top 3

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This Christmas, how about one of the top 3 ride-ons from ProXtreme Sports? 07790 260562 www.facebook.com/proxtremesports

10 tel: 07580 612800www.familiespennines.co.uk

n Decide when and where a reading session will take place, which fits into your household schedule, and keep it. Ten minutes is fine.

n Encourage your child to read aloud. They don’t have to get every word right, and praise them often. If they are discouraged by their own reading, you read aloud. The pleasure of listening to you read can restore their enthusiasm. Offer to read every other sentence, page, chapter, and have conversations and discussions about the content.

n Make it fun. Children love sound effects, different voices, pulling faces.

n Introduce the bookmark. Stop after a few pages and pick up where you left off at another time.

n Provide an accessible, special place for children to keep their own books.

n Use special incentives, e.g. an extra 5 minutes to finish a chapter, a promise to take them to see the film of the book, sticker charts and certificates.

n Notice what attracts your children's attention, even if it’s only pictures, and build on that interest. Gather more information on the same subject.

n Listen to audio books (in the car too). These help develop visualisation, a critical pre-reading skill.

n Let them choose their own books. Don’t worry the books are too young or too easy, early reading success can came from several "non-traditional" sources such as comics.

n Buy a special notebook and record all the books they have read, add their thoughts and a star rating.

How to encourage readingStep one - Set up reading time every day

Step two - During reading time

n Find out what reading program the school follows, get to know the levels, and aim to supplement the program at home.

n Prepare a timetable. Know what level your child is at and the next, with some idea of when it can be achieved. There is no race to be the first to read, it just puts things into context.

Step three - See the teacher and judge where they are

n Extend your child's positive reading experiences, e.g. if they enjoyed reading about dinosaurs, visit a natural history museum.

n Encourage activities that require reading, e.g. read a recipe, instructions, and directions, play games that require reading, use a reference book to look up something you have seen.

n Visit the library and give your child their own library card. They can choose their own library book or listen in on story-time.

Step four - Plan specific reading linked activities

n Let your children see you reading for pleasure. Read aloud everyday items - menus, road signs, food labels.

n Give books as gifts.

n Leave books, magazines, and colourful catalogues around your home.

n Write short notes for your child to read.

n Reading opens up new worlds to your children and gives them a chance to use their imaginations. There are many ways to encourage your child to read, and the best ways always include participation on your part.

Step five – Be a role model

Books and Audio Follow a book as the audio book plays. Listen to a chapter, and then read it together.

Turn on the TV subtitles Sub-titles on your TV or DVD help increase sight word vocabulary, whilst developing a sense of flow of written and spoken language.

Make your child the star of their own audio book Your child can read into a recorder, then follow the book together during playback.

Everyone joins in Reserve thirty minutes each evening for family reading time. Each family member reads different material and then shares information about it, or take turns reading aloud from the same book.

Support their learning Help ensure your child doesn’t get behind in reading material necessary for school subjects, ask for help with obtaining textbooks on CD ROM. Together identify unfamiliar words you come across and show your child how to look up the meanings of words.

Helping reading for children with learning difficulties

Further information:www.numberworksnwords.com www.bookeventsforchildren.co.ukwww.readingeggs.co.uk www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk© mickyso - Fotolia.com

By Elisabeth Dolton

11Please say you saw us in Families Pennines

Please contactme for a brochureor to find out more:

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07976 621496rachelscardshop@gmail.comwww.rachelscardshop.co.uk

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12 www.familiespennines.co.uk tel: 07580 612800

Holiday tips for learning from

Ask your child to tell you some of the things they’ve learnt over the term. Your child likes to show you that they are a worthy and intelligent member of the family. Think about it - they always love it when they have learnt something new and can’t wait to show you how good they are! However, sometimes there are topics they don’t understand, but admitting that to you is a step backwards in their minds! Try and identify areas where your child is lacking confidence or doesn’t fully understand. Get them to work on these areas over the holidays and talk to their teacher or get outside help before the issue gets worse.

Strike a balance between fun activities and academic activities. Over the holidays, your child will probably prefer to be doing something more ‘fun’. If there is an option to watch TV or play with Christmas presents, they will take it. Set a routine that includes time for revising school work. The routine must be balanced with things they like to do, but have a time every day where everyone turns the TV and electronic games off, and does some work. It only needs to be 15 – 30 minutes. The routine is more important than the amount of time spent! As they mature, they will learn to increase the time to match the workload.

Point out to your child how useful learning is. “I don’t care about times tables! I don’t care if I

don’t know them!” Sound familiar? The trick to

this is involving your child in everyday activities

and, when a situation arises, point out that

knowing their times tables, for example, would

be very useful here. Or how about a reward?

It doesn’t need to be a material reward like

sweets or toys, but can be as simple as: “If you

can come back in 10 minutes and recite your

six times tables, I’ll show you how to play this

new game.” Spending time with Mum, Dad or

grandparents is one of the best rewards you can

offer. They share your time with so many other

things these days and to have one on one time

with you is golden!

Plan and cook a Christmas Holiday meal. Allow the children to plan the meal, create a shopping list, make the selections at the supermarket, calculate how much it will cost and then cook a meal for the family. Let them measure out the ingredients and get involved in as many aspects of the meal as possible.

Christmas maths games. Give a holiday theme to maths games that can be done by all the family through the holiday. For example, use the words for “The 12 Days of Christmas” to set questions and tasks which can be differentiated to suit abilities - How many gifts were given on Nth day? How many gifts were given altogether? How many Partridges in a Pear Tree were given? It’s amazing how quickly the gifts amount up!

Plan a day trip. Allow the children to plan the day – research on the internet or from leaflets – make an itinerary. Let them take photographs throughout the day and then stick them in a scrapbook and write a diary of the day. Encourage them to include their emotions rather than just writing, ‘First we did this ……. Then we did that ……’ etc.

Play ‘educational’ games.Word games – Scrabble, Bananagrams.

Number games – Rummikub, card games, bingo, Tri-ominoes.

Jigsaws etc require concentration and patience.

These types of games stimulate thinking and learning and are fun for the whole family to get involved in.

SteveandJuditharebasedinHuddersfieldandofferspecialistMathstuitionandEnglishtuition. For more help or information please call 01484487911orvisit www.numberworksnwords.co.uk.

As the Christmas holiday approaches, the temptation of TV, electronic games and new toys is just too much and often the homework routine is forgotten! Families Pennines asked Steve and Judith Utley of Number Works’nWords Huddersfield for some top ideas for fun things to do over the holidays to keep up your child’s good learning habits.

Plan fun and educational things to do to keep young minds stimulated:

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Brain Tumour Research - Wear A Hat Day Join the fun on March 28th and help fund the fight against brain tumours

‘Wear a Hat Day’ is a fun way of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer.

From sponsored silences to charity runs and school bake sales, nurseries, pre-schools, schools and colleges around the country are being encouraged to raise money to help fund vital research into brain tumours in any way they can.

Sue Farrington-Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research, says, “Brain tumour research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet this deadly

disease kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer so please get involved on March 28th 2013. It’s a day every year that we ask people to wear a hat to raise awareness, a day when we encourage people to make donations in order to wear a hat to school, at work, at social events or even at home. ”

Register your interest today by emailing: sarah@braintumourresearch.org and go to www.braintumourresearch.org for more details and this year’s range of Christmas Cards sold in aid of this worthwhile cause.

Baby and toddler swimming lessons at warm, local pools for ages 1 to 18 months.

www.swimbabes.co.uk t:01484 683570

Check out our unique swim, holiday and outdoor shop online and in Holmfirth.

The cool tool that helps kids pack

their bag for schoolThis colourful daily checklist

clips to your child’s school bag so they always know what to

take to school and to bring home again.

To find out more visit

www.orkidideas.comTel: 01904 213 123

14 www.familiespennines.co.uk tel: 07580 612800

Thursday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 November Bookstart Busy Babies Halifax Baby bounce and rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers. Sessions take place on Thursday mornings at 10.00 – 10.40am and 11.00 – 11.40am. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. £2 per child or free for Passport to Leisure holders. Central Library, Northgate, Halifax HX1 1UN. For more information please contac t B en on 01422 392620.

Saturday 3 & 17 November Saturday Art Club, Bankfield Museum, Boothtown Road, Halifax HX3 6HG

Saturday 10 & 24 November Saturday Art Club While the adults go shopping the children can take part in a creative and fun workshop. The Club is for children aged 8 -12 years old. We explore a variety of arts and crafts activities using the gallery exhibitions and museum collections for inspiration. £5 per child 10.30-12.30pm. Smith Art Gallery, Halifax Road, Brighouse HD6 2AF Emai l jef f rey.andrews@calderdale.gov.uk or r ing 01422 352334

Monday 5, 12, 19, 26 November Bookstart Busy Babies Hebden Bridge Baby bounce and rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers. Sessions take place on Monday mornings 11.00 – 11.40am. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. £2 per child or free for Passport to Leisure holders. Hebden Bridge Library, Cheetham Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 8EP For more information please contac t B en on 01422 392620.

Tuesday 6,13,20,27 November Hade Edge Parent, Baby & Toddler Group Friendly drop-in sessions. Play, reading time and songs. 10.30am-noon. Adult £1; child 50p, includes drink & snack around 11am. Church Hall, Hade Edge. Emai l p laygroup@mail.com

Stockeld Park – the Christmas Adventure Santa’s Arrival and Reindeer Sleigh Parade

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 November Reindeers will be in their pen from 12pm and the parade takes place at 3pm. Help welcome Santa back to Stockeld Park and maybe win a sleigh ride! FREE EVENT. Visit Santa in his Grotto from midday for £8 (this is a mid-season rate). For the full list of dates when Santa is at the Christmas Adventure please check on line or contact the venue direct. The Christmas Adventure, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, LS22 4AN. Telephone 01937 586333 or v is i t w w w.thechr istmasadventure.com

Saturday 10-Sunday 11 November Day out with Thomas Join Thomas & his friends Percy, Toby & Mavis at Kirklees Light Railway, with Sir Topham Hatt, the Fat Controller, making sure everyone behaves. Trains depart from Clayton West every 30 minutes, 10.00-16.00. Family ticket £34; adult £10.50; child £8.50; under 2 FREE. Advanced booking recommended. KLR, Clayton West, Huddersfield HD8 9XJ Tel : 01484 865727 w w w.kirk leesl ightrai lway.com

Friday 16–Sunday 18 November Shibden Hall Christmas Craft Fair Find those special Christmas gifts in this unique blend of contemporary & traditional gifts, crafts & skills. Admission charges apply. Shibden Hall, Lister’s Road, Halifax HX3 6XG Tel : 01422 352246

Saturday 17 November Monster in my piano What do you do when you hear a strange munching noise inside a piano? Call the Piano Doctor of course! But when he looks inside, the musical notes are packing their bags and running away. What are they scared of? Who is hammering at the keys? Performance 11am & 2pm. Ages 4-7 years. Tickets: adult £6; child £4.50 Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Huddersfield HD1 2SP R ing 01484 430528 w w w.theblt.org

What's On November/December

Saturday 17, Sunday 18, Saturday 24, Sunday 25 of November, Saturday 1 or Sunday 2 December 2012. Stockeld Park – the Christmas Adventure Breakfast with Santa Join Santa and all his friends for a yummy breakfast. As well as dining with a hero, each child receives a Christmas present! Pre-book early as spaces at this special occasion with Santa are limited. Each child may be accompanied by a maximum of 2 adults. £13 per child, £6.50 per adult (breakfast and present included).

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November 2012. Christmas at ‘Hogwarts’! Stockeld Park ‘Make a Wish’ welcome some special wizarding visitors all the way from Hogwarts! Harry Potter tribute events are happening all weekend; wear the sorting hat, complete a broomstick training workshop, see live owls, plant a magic bean, you might even see Harry and Hagrid lurking in the forest waiting to perform a special show for you. Get your Golden Potter Pass to include entry to all the core activities and special additions (excludes Grotto). £15 per child, £17 per adult or £56 for a family of four.

Book tickets for both of these above events online. The Christmas Adventure, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, LS22 4AN. Telephone 01937 586333 or v is i t w w w.thechr istmasadventure.com

● Structured 45 minute sessions● Jumping, rolling, climbing, balancing● Fun songs and rhymes● Specially designed children’s equipment● Separate classes for ages 7 months to 7 yrs● Monday and Tuesday - Sheffield● Wednesday and Saturday – Huddersfield● Thursday – Holme Valley● Friday – Denby Dale

Skillsfor Life

The Leading National Physical Play Programme

To book, phone 01484 689467 or visit www.tumbletots.com/huddersfield

November What's On

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines 15

For more events visit www.familiespennines.co.uk/whatson

Families Pennines tries to get the details right – but sometimes things change so please check before you travel.Want your event listing? email the details to editor@familiespennines.co.uk

Saturday 17 November Hebden Bridge Craft Fair Local craft workers & designers selling handmade goods. Free admission 10am-4pm. Holme Street Arts Centre, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 8EE

Saturday 24 November-Saturday 12 January Cinderella Oldham Coliseum is renowned for its award-winning traditional family pantomimes. This year, Fine Time Fontayne and Kevin Shaw bring their unique talents to Cinderella – with the promise of an enjoyable time for all the family. Tickets from £11.50. Oldham Coliseum, Fairbottom Street, Oldham OL1 3SW R ing 0161 624 2829. w w w.col iseum.org.uk

Saturday 24 November – Saturday 19 January The Wind in the Willows A new production of Alan Bennett’s adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic novel about the exploits of Mole, Ratty, Badger & Toad. Age 7+. Tickets from £9, terms & conditions apply. West Yorkshire Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP B ox off ice, Tel : 0113 2137700. w w w.w yp.org.uk

Sunday 25 November Overgate Hospice Christmas Market 10:00–15:00 Treat the whole family and wrap up a magical Christmas with a trip to the Overgate Christmas Market. The day will be the perfect start to your Christmas with a feast of fine gifts and food, live music and festive games, carol-singing and even Father Christmas himself will be paying a visit. The Christmas Market is free and is held at the Shay Stadium, Halifax, HX1 2YS. w w w.overgatehospice.org.uk .

Tuesday 27 November-Friday 24 December Santa Express Kirklees Light Railway transports you to Santa’s Grotto for a memorable start to Christmas. Booking essential. Price range £14-£6. KLR, Park Mill Way, Clayton West, HD8 9XJ. Ring 01484 865727 www.kirkleeslightrailway.com

Friday 30 November Bouncers Disco Dance & bounce to music at Bouncers Play Centre. £4, includes hot dog. 5.30-7.30pm. Bouncers Play Centre, Huddersfield Road, Diggle OL3 5PJ. R ing 01457 810300.

Friday 30 November-Saturday 5 January Irving Berlin’s White Christmas If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas then this is the show for you. Tickets from £24. The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ R ing 0843 2086000 w w w.thelowr y.com

Saturdays 1,8,15, Sundays 2,9,16 then daily 17-23 December Santa’s Grotto Father Christmas has a base at Eureka! this year – with Christmas crafts included in the standard admission. Extra charge for Grotto visit. Eureka! Discovery Road, Halifax HX1 2NE R ing 01422 330069 or v is i t w w w.eurek a.org.uk

Saturday 1 & 15 December Saturday Art Club, Bankfield Museum, Boothtown Road, Halifax HX3 6HG

Sunday 2 December Christmas Fair East Riddlesden Hall’s Airedale Barn houses refreshments, craft activities & music. 11am-3pm. Free entry. East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Keighley BD20 5EL For more information r ing Shel ley Hol l ingdrake 01535 683806

Monday 3 December – Sunday 13 January Cinderella A brand new version of the classic tale, packed with laughter, romance, music, comedy, thrills & spills – featuring two of the most outrageous Ugly Sisters you’ll ever meet.

Tickets from £14. Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Wakefield WF1 2TE R ing 01924 211311 w w w.theatreroyalwakef ie ld.co.uk

Monday 3,10,17 December Bookstart Busy Babies Hebden Bridge Baby bounce and rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers. Sessions take place on Monday mornings 11.00 – 11.40am. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. £2 per child or free for Passport to Leisure holders. Hebden Bridge Library, Cheetham Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 8EP For more information please contac t B en on 01422 392620.

Tuesday 4, 11, 18 December Hade Edge Parent, Baby & Toddler Group Friendly drop-in sessions. Play, reading time and songs. 10.30am-noon. Adult £1; child 50p, includes drink & snack around 11am. Church Hall, Hade Edge Emai l p laygroup@mail.com

Thursday 6,13,20 December Bookstart Busy Babies Halifax Baby bounce and rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers. Sessions take place on Thursday mornings at 10.00 – 10.40am and 11.00 – 11.40am. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. £2 per child or free for Passport to Leisure holders. Central Library, Northgate, Halifax HX1 1UN Contac t B en on 01422 392620. Central

Friday 7 December – Saturday 19 January Sleeping Beauty A fresh & fun retelling of a classic fairytale. Age 4+. Tickets from £11. West Yorkshire Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP B ox of f ice, 0113 2137700.

Saturday 8 December Peter Pan David Hasselhoff hits Manchester as Captain Hook in this version of the classic tale. Manchester Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HP R ing 0844 8717660.

Saturday 8 December Winter Wonderland Experience the joyous atmosphere of a traditional Christmas with reindeer, elves & Father Christmas in his Grotto. Free entrance to event, charge for Grotto. 10am-4pm. Cathedral House, St Thomas Road, Huddersfield HD1 3LG R ing 01484 514088 w w w.huddersf ie ldchr ist ianfel lowship.com

Liz Carney as Fairy Failsworth in last year’s panto Dick Whittington at Oldham Coliseum

December What's On

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PARTS & ACCESSORIESSTUNT SCOOTERS

What's On November/DecemberSaturday 8 & 22 December Saturday Art Club While the adults go shopping the children can take part in a creative and fun workshop. The Club is for children aged 8 -12 years old. We explore a variety of arts and crafts activities using the gallery exhibitions and museum collections for inspiration. £5 per child 10.30-12.30pm. Smith Art Gallery, Halifax Road, Brighouse HD6 2AF R ing 01422 352334

Saturday 8th December Winter Wonderland, 10-11am The woodland at OHGS is transformed into a winter wonderland and invite visitors to discover what the Nursery and Kindergarten have to offer… You might even spot a reindeer or two! But remember to take your wellington boots and waterproofs. Chamber Road, Oldham, OL8 4BX 0161 630 6255 or e -mai l prepadmin@ohgs.co.uk w w w.ohgs.co.uk .

Sunday 9 December Santa Dash and Reindeer Run Help Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice by getting the family down to Huddersfield Town Centre to take part or watch this year’s Santa Dash and Reindeer Run – with those taking part getting accessories to dress the part included! Cal l G ina Fie lding 01484 411040 or emai l g ina. f ie lding@forgetmenotchi ld.co.uk .

Thursday 13 – Sunday 30 December Beauty and the Beast A new musical staging of the tale of the hideous beast that lives in a vast, dark castle and captures Beauty’s heart. A perfect festive family treat. Various times.

Tickets £14, £12 & £10. Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Huddersfield HD1 2SP R ing 01484 430528 w w w.theblt.org

Saturday 15 December-Sunday 6 January Beauty & the Beast A fairytale classic that will add sparkle to your festive celebrations. Tickets from £10.50. Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax HX1 1BP R ing 01422 351158 w w w.vic tor iatheatre.co.uk

Saturday 22-Thursday 3 January Sparkle, Robins & Trees School holiday fun drop-in workshops – make a decoration for your Christmas tree. 11am-3pm. Free event but normal admission charges apply. Fountains Abbey, Ripon HG4 3DY w w w.nationaltrust.org.uk

Monday 31 December Noon Year’s Eve Party Welcome the New Year with child-friendly celebrations at the stroke of midday. Eureka! Discovery Road, Halifax HX1 2NE R ing 01422 330069 or vis it w w w.eureka.org.uk