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LOCAL INFORMATION

for parents of 0-12 year olds in

HUDDERSFIELD DEWSBURY HALIFAX BRIGHOUSE TODMORDEN LITTLEBOROUGH OLDHAM

IT’S CHRISTMAS!

ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE SADDLEWORTH

WHAT’S ON

for November and December

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NEWS EDUCATION CLASSES

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LOCAL PARALYMPIANS FRESH FROM RIO 2016

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WELCOME

Merry Christmas! Christmas is always a busy time of the year, so to help you out we’ve put together a bumper Christmas feature. It’s packed full of scrummy festive recipes, craft ideas, inspiration for gifts and books, as well as where to go to get into the Christmas spirit and meet the main man himself.

IN THIS

ISSUE

04 NEWS

06 EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

10 CHRISTMAS

14 CHRISTMAS WHAT’S ON

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What a whirlwind year 2016 has been!

I was also extremely lucky to meet some of our local Paralympic heroes on their return back from Rio. Check out their inspirational stories on page 9 and 10 – they’re really worth a read. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone that helps keep the cogs turning at Families Pennines. Theresa the designer, Patricia my sales agent, all my distributors who have been a great help over the last few months, Russell Press, and all our drop points across the region. Also huge thanks to my family and friends for all their support and feedback. It’s all really appreciated and I couldn’t do it without you all.

8 PARALYMPICS

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for a new venture for the New Year, we’re still looking for someone to manage our Kirklees microsites at www.familiesonline.co.uk, so if you fancy a flexible role to fit around family life, do get in touch. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. See you in 2017!

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Emily Raleigh Editor, Families Pennines

5 YEARS

New Luxury Day Spa A Revitalising Rural Retreat based between Holmfirth and Penistone.

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Editor: Emily Raleigh 07974 401663 editor@familiespennines.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesPenn

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CIRCULATION 20,000 DEADLINE Early December 2016 FRONT COVER Just Play Photography, www.justplay.photography DESIGNED BY Theresa McDermott, 07462 961793, www.designedbytree.com PRINTED BY Russell Press, 0115 9784505, www.russellpress.com Copyright Families Pennines November/ December 16 Families Pennines is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Pennines are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. 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 consequence.

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ROYAL COUPLE CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are getting behind a campaign that aims to support children with mental health problems and offer support at times when their lives change dramatically, such as when moving or during times of family upsets. The Duke of Cambridge said: “The Heads Together campaign is all about getting people talking about the difficult times that many of us will face and have faced in our lives. “We know that parents sometimes don’t know how to help their children open up and talk about difficult times. Heads Together has published, on its website, some top tips for parents – to help them talk to their children about big changes you may be going through.” For more information on Heads Together Back to School visit www.headstogether.org.uk/backtoschool

New spa retreat for South Yorkshire A new luxury spa has opened between Holmfirth and Penistone. Located in a converted historic farm building with breathtaking views of the Peak District, Smallshaw Spa includes the very latest in luxury spa facilities, from a rustic sauna, foot spas, tropical experience shower, herbal sauna, chill out room and double treatment/nails room. Additional treatment rooms are available for therapies including massage and manicures using Temple Spa skin and body care, aromatherapy and spa products. Guests staying at Smallshaw’s four luxury holiday cottage properties can use the spa, as well as day visitors for half day sessions or individual therapy treatments and packages. More information can be found at www.smallshaw.com.

Save the date ...

Pencil Friday 31st March 2017 in your diary in big, bold writing because Wear A Hat Day is back for the eighth time and it will be EVEN HATTIER than last year. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is the only national UK charity that funds sustainable research into finding a cure. Wear A Hat Day is the premier brain tumour awareness event, and is a great way to show your support and raise money for brain tumour research during a day of hat-filled fun and games. Buy a hat, make a hat, take a photo and share it online #HATTASTIC Register now and start planning your event. We’ll send you an exclusive pack of fundraising goodies – including leaflets, posters, balloons and any other merchandise you ordered at time of registering – in plenty of time for your Wear A Hat Day. Stuck for ideas? Our Hatter’s Workshop online at www.wearahatday.org is brim-ming with inspiration: event ideas, quizzes, additional poster designs and much more! Top 10 event ideas and fundraising tips are also available on our website. So get those thinking caps on, and start counting down to 31st March. Together we will find a cure.

Helmets proven safer than you think A study of bike helmet use has found that the wearing of a bicycle crash helmet reduces your risk of a serious head injury by 70% – and your risk of a fatal head injury by 65%. The same study also said that neck injuries are not caused by, or made worse by, wearing helmets. Statisticians from Australia’s University of New South Wales took data from 40 studies to come up with their findings and presented their results at Safety 2016 in Finland.

For more news, visit Families Online:

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BOOKS Our Editor went along to Calderdale Council’s homecoming event at the MBi Shay Stadium in Halifax to celebrate the amazing achievements of local Paralympic athletes. The event was an opportunity for the local community to congratulate their Paralympic heroes, Halifax’s Hannah Cockroft and Mytholmroyd-based Steve Bate; Steve’s tandem cycling partner, Adam Duggleby; Karen Darke and Harry Brown. The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Howard Blagbrough, said: “What an incredible homecoming event! It was really heartening to see people get behind our local Paralympic heroes and celebrate their fantastic achievements. All of the athletes are truly inspirational, and we were delighted to let them know that we are all so proud of them.”

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warm welcome for local paralympic heroes

Here is our round-up of the best new book releases… 0-2 Years Jungle Sounds by Usborne Publishing £12.99 This beautifully illustrated board book is the perfect way to entertain any young reader. You’ll find buttons to press featuring different animal sounds, from roaring tigers and trumpeting elephants, to squawking parrots and a rather noisy orangutan! 3-5 Years The Little Elephant Who Wants to Fall Asleep

by Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin £7.99 From the author of best seller The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep, this latest installment features Ellen the Elephant and a whole new cast of lovable characters, who travel through a magical forest that leads to Dreamland.

‘Hurricane’ Hannah surpassed her amazing medal total from the London 2012 games, by winning three gold medals, in the 100 metres T34, the 400 metres T34, and the 800 metres T34. Steve and Adam won two gold medals in the cycling road time trial B and the cycling track men’s 4,000 metres individual pursuit, as well as a bronze in the men’s road race B. Karen Darke won gold in the women’s cycling road time trial H1-3 and Harry Brown achieved bronze in the wheelchair basketball team. Check out page 9 and 10 to hear more from Hannah, Steve and Adam about their time in Rio.

6-8 Years The Girl Who Saved Christmas

by Matt Haig £12.99 Nine-year-old Amelia writes to Father Christmas to ask for her mother to get better. Unfortunately, Father Christmas can’t get his trusty reindeer off the ground and Christmas is cancelled! A year on, Santa sets off for London, with the aim to make this the happiest Christmas ever for the very first child he visited.

9-11 Years The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson, £6.99

11-year-old Matthew is trapped in his bedroom by the crippling OCD brought on by his baby brother’s death. Spending most of his time staring out of his window, he is the last person to see his next-door neighbour’s toddler, Teddy, just before he goes missing. Turning detective to unravel the mystery of Teddy’s disappearance.

12+ Years Holding Up the Universe

by Jennifer Niven £7.99 Libby Strout is the girl so heavy she had to be lifted out of her house by a crane. Everyone knows Jack Masselin, too – but Jack has a secret: his brain is different, and he can’t recognise faces. Landing in group counseling and community service, the angry duo find that the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. Claire Muffett-Reece is a freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others.

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GROUP TUTORING REDUCES COSTS BUT PROBABLY WON’T BE AS TAILORED There are increasing numbers of tuition centres offering group classes, both independent companies and chains. These can work out cheaper per hour but your child won’t get the same one-on-one attention, and it’s vital to check that those in the group need to work on the same things at roughly the same level.

ANYONE CAN BECOME A TUTOR SO DO YOUR HOMEWORK Anybody can set up as and call themselves a tutor, even if they’ve never taught anyone anything – there’s no regulation, which means checking credentials and qualifications is vital. One-on-one tutors should be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked (formerly known as CRB checking) – if they aren’t, then be wary.

DON’T BE SHY ABOUT CHECKING HOW THEY WORK Ask questions even if you’ve had a recommendation from other parents – what suits their child may not suit yours. Are they a teacher/ former teacher and if so where did they work? How long have they been tutoring for and what is their track record like?

ARRANGE A TRIAL LESSON Many tutors will offer your child a trial lesson – this lets you get a feel for whether the tutor and your child gel and whether their teaching style is going to work for you both. Good luck!

TUTORING: What you need to know

Whether it’s to prepare for exams or improve a struggling child’s confidence, a tutor can provide a significant boost to learning. Yet finding a decent one can be a test in itself. Here’s how to find the best one for your child…

PLAN AHEAD WHERE POSSIBLE The best tutors may well have waiting lists, so if you know your child will need support for exams or perhaps before moving to secondary school, begin your search well in advance. In very competitive 11+ areas for example, you may have to register interest with the most in-demand tutors 18 months ahead.

ASK AROUND Word-of-mouth is often the most effective way to find a good tutor. Ask parents you know and trust for recommendations. For the 11+ or public exams, speak to those with kids a year or two older, who’ve been there and done that recently.

FIND OUT THE LOCAL GOING RATE Expect to pay anything between £20 and £65 an hour, depending on where you live and how in demand a particular tutor is. However, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better.

CONSIDER AGENCIES If your requests for recommendations draw a blank, a wellestablished tutoring agency could be the answer. Reputable agencies will vet tutors’ credentials and should match you and your child to someone with a similar style. Another upside of an agency is that if your usual tutor is ill or away for a long period, they should be able to send someone else.

Benefits of tutoring for children with dyslexia Children with dyslexia often learn differently. A qualified dyslexia teacher can make a huge difference to a child’s learning, in particular through 1:1 sessions, as this helps the teacher focus on exactly what each child needs. Many children with dyslexia have negative experiences at school, so it’s important to have a positive learning environment that can enable children to experience success. Experts will use specific dyslexia literacy programmes, as well as dyslexia friendly tuition in other subjects, (including French and Spanish as dyslexic children can find learning languages very challenging). Combined literacy and study skills programmes are often popular with older pupils at high school. Parents tend to see an improvement in their child’s self-esteem, confidence, reading, writing and spelling. Children are taught strategies they can transfer into lessons in school to help with their everyday learning. Children are not moved on until they master a particular skill in the reading or learning process. This ensures solid foundations are built for future learning. Francine Garnier runs The Brighouse Dyslexia Centre. If your child is struggling with their learning get in touch on 07971 105743 or e-mail info@brighousedyslexia.co.uk.

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Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘‎How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

EDUCATION AND CHILDCARENEWS BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN MATHS With our National Young Mathematicians’ Award returning soon, we want more children than ever to be confident and excited about maths! Here are a couple of top tips for inspiring maths at home: Bring maths to life with fun and engaging ways to learn new skills. Baking, measuring objects and budgeting at the shops are great ways for your child to be hands on with maths. Ask questions during homework time: Why? How do you know? Are you sure? The more you can challenge your child to convince you of their reasoning, the more you will build skills such as problem solving from an early age. Be sure to praise them for their efforts afterwards, too! www.explorelearning.co.uk/blog/category/maths/

Brighouse Dyslexia Centre SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND ADULTS Building confidence, self-esteem and achievement Assessment of dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia. For diagnosis, support and specialist dyslexia & dyscalculia private tuition contact Francine Garnier. Services are offered to children, adults, schools, FE and HE institutions, employers and employees

07971 105743 www.brighousedyslexia.co.uk

YOUR CHILDREN ARE AMAZING ALREADY. WE JUST HELP THEM PROVE IT.

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PARALYMPICS

WHEN THE ED MET...

local Paralympian Hannah Cockroft Lilypad Baby • Baby, Pre-School & KS1 swimming lessons • Baby Massage • Baby Yoga • Baby Sign classes

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Families Pennines Editor met local Paralympian ‘Hurricane’ Hannah Cockroft as she returned home following her success at Rio 2016. Hannah surpassed her amazing medal total from the London 2012 games, winning three gold medals in the 100 metres T34, the 400 metres T34, and the 800 metres T34. They discussed lively Rio, fresh food and how the Paralympics has transformed disability sport. What was the atmosphere like when you were in Rio? It was amazing. They were so passionate and friendly, and so lively! After my first event, I went to meet my mum and dad in the stands and loads of people came up to me. They knew my name, what I’d just won. Everyone wanted a picture, a kiss and a cuddle. Everyone was so supportive and welcoming. You’ve trained for so long in the run up to Rio – how does it feel to know that all that hard work has paid off winning all those medals? Just relief when I crossed that line. There was so much pressure going into it, so much expectation. I was sharing a podium with a 15 and 16-year-old for every event, so a lot of people were saying she’s too old now, so I felt I needed to show that I was still around and was right where I wanted to be. As part of that training I imagine you had to be strict with your diet. What was the first thing you ate after Rio that you had to give up during training? Diet is something that I have full control over, so I never ban myself or stop myself from having anything. Everything in moderation is a lot healthier than cutting things out. Although I do try to stick to a high protein, low carb diet. However, coming home all I craved was fresh fruit and vegetables, because everything in the village was mass produced, and every day was the same.

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What inspired you to get into wheelchair racing? I started playing basketball when I was 12 and through the club started to play a bit of wheelchair rugby, then wheelchair tennis. School realised that I didn’t need to be segregated anymore, so I got more involved in school sports, representing Yorkshire in the discus. Off the back of it, I got to try out wheelchair racing and I just loved it, I was hooked. It gave me a sense of speed, freedom and independence that I’d never had before. What advice would you give to children looking to take up a sport? No-one is judging you on your ability, what you can and can’t do. Just take every single opportunity you get given. I had my doubts, but I tried it and that’s what got me to where I am. 99% of the time people are not thinking about you, they’re having the same worries about themselves. Just try everything and eventually you’ll find something that you absolutely love. Do you think the hype around the Paralympics has made sporting facilities for disabled people more accessible? Definitely. The biggest barrier in disability sport is the funding, and if they can support that then they might find the next me who’s sat at home thinking I can’t do sport because school says I can’t. I think the Paralympics sends that message out, and encourages people to get active, despite having a disability or lack of confidence – it’s about having that encouragement and knowing what’s out there to help you. And what’s next for Hannah? I go into Winter training now, then we have our domestic season, which is just around Britain, and then the next big one is the World Championship in July in London. I’m looking forward to being back in front of a home crowd and back in the Olympic Stadium.

PARALYMPICS

AND... TANDEM PARA-CYCLISTS Steve Bate and Adam Duggleby Steve Bate, originally from New Zealand, but now living in Mytholmroyd, has Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition that has left him almost blind. He became a para-cyclist in 2013 and cycles in tandem with his pilot Adam Duggleby – or as Adam’s passenger as Steve puts it! Despite the friendly banter off the bike, it’s obvious that these two make great team mates on the bike, winning two golds and a bronze at Rio 2016, as well as numerous other accolades in para-cycling over the years. You’ve trained for so long in the run up to Rio – how does it feel to know that all that hard work has paid off winning all those medals? Steve: I think for me the pursuit and winning a gold medal on the first day of the competition with two races still to go was amazing – it was the perfect start. We said before we went out that we wanted to qualify the fastest or be in the gold/ silver ride-off, so we knew even if it went wrong in the final, we’d still have a silver medal. As part of that training I imagine you had to be quite strict with your diet. What was the first thing you ate after Rio that you had to give up during training? Steve: We’d literally just finished our final road race and were really happy to get a bronze. The last five miles of that was absolutely horrific because we were chasing the Spanish bike. I think your sister threw a couple of beers over the fence. Adam: Yeah, I asked for a beer! I didn’t really eat any chocolate or cakes or biscuits in the run up to Rio. We did have a few ice-creams though when we were out there. Steve: Yeah it was pretty hot. You have to when the sun’s out. What inspired you to get into cycling? Steve: I was told in 2011 that I had this eye condition that I could potentially go blind in three years which was quite a shock. I was devastated. A month or two later I spoke to Karen Darke, who won a gold medal in Rio and silver in London. The first thing she said to me was you can ride on the back of a tandem and come and train with me in Majorca, ride for GB. So I went to a talent ID day and I was pretty rubbish, but they obviously saw something in me. I remember the first time I rode with Adam he turned around and said ‘well you’re better than my Dad on the tandem anyway!’. It’s quite a short period of time you’ve actually being cycling? Steve: I guess I didn’t think that when I first started with the talent ID day three years ago. Becoming a Paralympian was laughable – like Steve you’re going to fly to the moon. I was like it’s just not going to happen. We’ve both worked extremely hard. Adam: Only two years ago I wasn’t getting picked for the World Championships, but we started getting some results in World Cups then eventually we ended up winning a World Cup time trial. I don’t think either of us expected to win it, but we did.

area for road riding is amazing just with all the climbing. I love riding my bike around the hills, which has been a massive part of my development. Do you have any advice for somebody wanting to make a career out of cycling? Adam: Join a club with older people that have been doing it all their life and learn from them. I’ve been riding my bike 20 years and improved massively over the last two years since doing it full time and concentrating on that one goal – Rio. I didn’t think it was possible to get as good as I actually got within that time period and it shows that training for that one goal can actually achieve what you want to achieve. Steve: I’m a bit of a unique enigma in that sense, but I think riding with friends that are experienced then that’s the way to learn. Glean as much information as you can from them and dream big. Set your goals high, that’s what I did and if I can do it anyone can. So what’s next for you both? Steve: Well we’ve pretty much got until January before we’re back on the tandem. Adam’s got some solo racing to do before Christmas and I’m just enjoying some time off. I think I’ve had one week off in the last two and half years, so it’s kind of nice to get a break. We’ll sit down in January and plot out what we need to do to try and win a World Championships jersey, which is in South Africa at the end of August.

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What do you think about the cycling facilities in the local area? Steve: I moved down from Scotland to be closer to Adam and the Velodrome in Manchester. I don’t think my progression would have been as steep if I stayed where I was in Scotland. I think the local

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CHRISTMAS Book Review and Reader

Giveaway

Dinosaurs in 30 Seconds By Sean Callery. Illustrations by Sam Hubbard £7.99 ISBN: 9781782403999

r ristopher Futche iStock.com/Ch

Thirty topics and active missions designed to keep dinosaur detectives and archaeological adventurers on their feet! When I first heard about this book, I thought my 5-year-old son would just love it. He loves dinosaurs and is a sponge when it comes to facts about them. Although aimed at children 8+, we read it to him and he just loved learning more facts about dinosaurs, asking lots of questions. In his own words, ‘It’s a really good fact book and I learnt lots of interesting things about dinosaurs. I liked all the pictures and it had really good dinosaurs in it. My best bit of the book was learning about the Gigantosaurus and the T-Rex.’ No matter what age your child is, if they’re really into dinosaurs it’s certainly worth a read.

Once upon a Christmas Books don’t require batteries, they don’t need to be assembled, and they don’t mean you have to build a loft extension to accommodate them. They don’t even cause you excruciating pain when you step on them in the middle of the night! Books – what’s not to like?

Families Pennines is giving away 5 of these books just in time for Christmas. For your chance to win one, answer this simple question below and send your answer to editor@familiespennines.co.uk, with your name and number, putting ‘Dinosaurs in 30 Seconds’ in the subject box, by Friday 9th December.

Good luck!

They may not deliver the biggest instant wow factor when ripped from gaudy wrapping, but books are what children will return to, and lose themselves in, time after time. Watch how a person’s face lights up when they tell you about their favourite children’s book, and then decide if books are the most magical present in the world!

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What does the word Dinosaur mean? a) Giant Dragon b) Terrible Lizard c) Big Monster

But it’s not just us grown-ups who appreciate the advantages of literary gifts for the wee ones.

Older children don’t have to be keen independent readers to appreciate the right book as a gift. If it’s well-chosen with them in mind, about something that enthuses them or captures their imagination, you’re on to a winner. So, if you’re thinking about buying books as gifts for your own children or others this Christmas, here’s a few dos and don’ts: Don’t worry about duplicating. Chances are, they may already have a popular, well-known book, but it is actually quite useful to have more than one copy. One for upstairs by their bed and another for downstairs in the daytime, or one to keep at a grandparent’s home. Do write in them. It’s a lovely, personal touch to write in the inside sleeve or cover of a book. “Happy Christmas 2016, with love from Aunty Emma,” is something they will look back on with fondness in years to come. Do buy them books about something they’re interested in, especially as they get older. Books about sports, dance, Minecraft or pets are great for junior enthusiasts. Remember they don’t have to be fiction books, factual books often go down really well. Don’t worry if they don’t seem to like it. It might be that they will come back to it and discover it another day. Or maybe it’s just not for them. The thought was there and we are all individuals with our own tastes and preferences – children are no different. Getting the opportunity to try a wide range of reading material is the main thing, and books can easily be passed on to another friend or relative who might like it more.

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CHRISTMAS No Sew Sock Snowman Here’s how to create your very own snowman using socks, from Neela Jackson from The Star Tree Studio in Littleborough – little ones will love it! Materials: • white sock • a small coloured sock • rice • cotton wool or stuffing • elastic bands • googly eyes • buttons • orange felt or pen

1. Pour rice into the bottom of the sock then fill with stuffing, about the size of a large potato to make the body. Tie with an elastic band. Shape round using your hands.

2. Fill the next part of the sock with some rice, then stuffing, making a smaller ball for the snowman’s head. Tie another elastic band around to secure. Trim off any excess sock at the top.

3. Stick the googly eyes, buttons and orange felt nose on with a glue gun or fabric glue. (Or draw with pen)

4. Finish off by cutting a small child’s sock in half to create a little hat for your snowman! You could even use the spare piece to create a scarf to keep him warm!!

Could you sell Christmas cards on our behalf?

We have a fresh range of cards to choose from for Christmas 2016! Giving or sending cards is the perfect way to show you are thinking of someone during the festive season. Christmas is so often a time to reflect on the significant connections in our lives and a personal card or note is a thoughtful touch that will always be appreciated. Our cards are priced at £4 per pack and at least 50% of the proceeds will go towards funding our charitable aims.

Visit our website to find out more about buying or selling cards and to view our full-range of designs www. braintumourresearch.org/christmascards. When you’re ready to order, please contact the office on 01908 867200 or email supportercare@ braintumourresearch.org.

Hide and disguise is the order of the day, if you want your kids to eat veg around the Christmas table. Totties’ Head Chef Nick has a few tips to get some goodness into your little ones, without them even realising.

Joe Gough/Shutterstock.com

Send a message that makes a difference this Christmas

We’d love to send you a box of cards to sell at your school, club, workplace or local Christmas fair. We’ll send these to you on a sale or return basis so anything you don’t sell, simply return to us along with any money raised.

How to get kids to eat Christmas dinner

After cooking and draining your carrots, add a knob of butter and a squirt of honey to the pan, stir in and hey presto sticky snowmen noses. Most kids will eat mash, but sneak in some added vitamins by mixing in tiny bits of swede and call it rainbow mash. Add the water you’ve cooked your vegetables in to your gravy, it’ll not only taste better but turns up the healthy factor – ‘cos we all need something to balance out the chocolate intake!

Alternatively, purchase online via our eBay page www.ebay.co.uk/usr/ braintumourresearch.

Hoppers

pre-school and out-of-school-club for 2-11 year olds Bolster Moor Chapel, Golcar Well-establised Highly experienced Outstanding care Drop offs and pick up from local schools.

Contact Alison on 07838 389702

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CHRISTMAS Edible Gifts

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Christmas gifts don’t have to be expensive and you can have lots of fun making foodie gifts for your friends and family. Here are a few easy and delicious ideas for you to make with your children. DARK CHOCOLATE WATER-BASED TRUFFLES These chocolate truffles use water instead of cream, making healthier truffles that don’t need to be refrigerated. Ingredients (makes 12-14 truffles): 200g dark chocolate* About 80ml recently boiled hot water Pinch of salt Cocoa powder or icing sugar for coating (ready in a bowl) or any other coating e.g. oats, rice crispies, nuts, desiccated coconut Dash or two of rum, whisky or brandy (optional) * dairy free dark chocolate for lactose free Method: 1. Melt chocolate being careful not to overheat or burn it – this should take a couple of minutes max.

CHRISTMAS COOKIES IN A JAR This is a lovely gift as the jar can be used again and it’s full of yummy, Christmassy biscuits too. You will need: 250g soft butter or margarine 140g caster sugar 1 egg 2 tsp vanilla extract 300g plain flour Quarter tsp ground cinnamon Tiny pinch of ground star anise Quarter tsp nutmeg Large Kilner jar Ribbon and decorations such as mini bells

2. Pour the hot water into a bowl and slowly add the melted chocolate, stirring continuously until combined – at first it will look terrible and then go beautifully glossy and start to pull away slightly from the sides of the bowl (if the Ganache suddenly stiffens up just add a little more hot water). Optional: Add your chosen tipple now. Just reduce the amount of water added by roughly the same amount. 3. Pour onto a work surface lined with plastic wrap, spread until 1cm thick and leave to set – this should take about 1½ hours max. 4. When set, cut into 1.5cm square pieces. 5. With clean hands, quickly roll individual Ganache pieces into balls and place in cocoa powder or icing sugar and coat. This recipe is from the Ministry of Chocolate, a leading provider of experiential chocolate events – www.ministryofchocolate.com

Indoor & Outdoor Play Disco and Play Parties Ideal for under 7’s

3. Once cool, mix the icing sugar with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a little water, until it is easy to pour but still thick. Use a piping bag to make decorations on each and leave to dry in a cool place. 4. Finally, place a selection of the cookies into a Kilner jar and decorate with a Christmas ribbon, bells and a label.

Open 7 days a week Home cooked food Toddler sessions

6 months to 1 year £1 £3.50 entry £5 Play & Eat

2. Next, roll the dough out of a floured surface and use a variety of Christmas cookie cutters to make the shapes – stars, diamonds and hearts are all good. Bake for 12-15 minutes (gas 4, 190 C 375 F).

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Method: 1. Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the yolk from the egg and the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and keep mixing until it forms a ball of dough. Kids can do this with their hands.

Holme Mills, West Slaithwaite Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6LS Tel: 01484 844137 www.chez-play.co.uk info@chez-play.co.uk

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To decorate: Icing sugar Water Lemon juice

CHRISTMAS Gift Ideas When it comes to choosing gifts for the kids at Christmas, we all want to make sure we give them something they will absolutely love. Here’s what’s on the best lists this Christmas… For baby and toddler

Orange monster hand puppet

Personalised music box £17 Not On The High Street This is a gift that your little one can use and enjoy for years to come. Inside the wooden box is a musical mechanism that plays You Are My Sunshine and can be operated by turning the handle. Personalise it with your little one’s name and a message on the top.

Wheelybug ride-on toy £69.95 Hippychick Your toddler will love zooming around on a Wheelybug. Sturdy and comfortable, with a big handle to grasp, these can zip around in any direction and there are so many loveable characters to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite. Ours is the pig. Or maybe the bee. Or the ladybird… But if you buy the mouse this Christmas, the company will donate money to help the endangered dormouse.

VTech light up night light soft toy

£19.99 Puppets By Post A favourite of our childhoods; hand puppets are making a massive comeback and this bright orange monster will be a great friend for your child to play with. He can be a friendly monster or a naughty monster, depending on what your child decides and it can help your child learn the art of drama and role play.

BeatBo £29.99 Tesco This large and friendly toy will get your little one moving and grooving. Children can press his tummy or the buttons on his feet to activate tunes and songs. He will help kids get to learn their colours, numbers and letter and they can even sing along.

9-12 Chip the robot dog £199.99 Amazon He’s not cheap, but Chip is the toy they’re all talking about this Christmas. He’s smart and does his own thing, or your child can train him using voice commands and a remote control, giving him a unique personality – and he’s just like a real dog. Roll his ball and he’ll bring it back to you, pick up his front legs and he dances. You can also use an app on your smart phone or tablet.

£10.99 John Lewis This sweet little character is suitable for a boy or a girl from birth and as well as being a little friend to play with, it’s a night light too. It has soft glowing lights that help your baby drift off to sleep, plus there is a white noise setting and nature sounds too.

Frugi soft toy £25 Frugi Organic kids’ clothing brand Frugi has extended its range to include soft, cuddly toys. Choose from Doodle the Crocodile, Dash the Leopard or Giggles the Giraffe. They have been lovingly made from velour and corduroy and this gives them lots of textures for little hands to feel.

5-8

Minions Pie Face £19.99 Toys R Us The toy that everyone wanted last year is back – and it makes you into a Minion! Pop some whipped cream or a wet sponge on the arm (cold mashed potato’s good too), then a player puts their chin on the chin rest. Spin the dial to see how many clicks you must turn the handles by – then watch out! Unlucky players get a face full of goo!

Who Tooted

SmartMax From £8.99 Amazon SmartMax is an amazing range of magnetic construction toys that kids will love. Featuring magnets that can hold 60 times their own weight, your little one can have endless fun constructing different toys from this set. It allows your child to explore their creativity whilst learning about magnetism and as the sets are made from safe and high quality materials, they will last for years too.

£19.99 Toys R Us This is a hilarious board game for all the family to play together. With integral sounds and whoopee cushions that – um – toot for you, everyone has to guess who tooted!

Mickey Mouse Boot Toppers £7.95 Disney Store

Cosmo teepee £149 MyWeeTeePee

A bit pricey, but this will be the ideal location for games, dreams and dramas for years to come. Use it in the house or in the garden, take it to the park for some shade and put it in the bedroom for a quiet story corner, this teepee is made from strong wooden poles and thick, quality canvas.

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Even too kool for skool teenagers still love their soft toys, and these boot toppers are a fun way for them to embrace their love for all things Disney when out and about in autumn leaves and winter snow. Pop these knitted toppers on a pair of boots and the friendly face with pom pom ears will make everyone smile.

THEATRE & CINEMA

XMAS MARKETS

12 Nov - 7 Jan 2017

10 Nov - 20 Dec

SLEEPING BEAUTY

MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Fairbottom Street, Oldham, OL1 3SW, 0161 624 2829 coliseum.org.uk

With glitz and glamour, silliness and slapstick and hit songs to sing along to, this traditional pantomime will appeal to the whole family. £17.50/ £15.50/ £13.50 20 Nov THE TINDERBOX Square Chapel, 10 Square Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 1QG, 01422 349422 squarechapel.co.uk

Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of magic, bravery and love with puppetry, animation and music. Perfect for young children. 2:30pm Age: 4+ £8 24 Nov - 31 Dec SLEEPING BEAUTY Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF1 2TE, 01924 211311, theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk

Wakefield’s very own panto returns for another year with a timeless tale of the power of true love’s kiss – Sleeping Beauty. 1 - 4 Dec SANTA’S POLKA DOT PIRATE The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP, 01422 351158 victoriatheatre.co.uk

Santa’s Polka Dot Pirate is a fun-packed festive experience for children with the chance to meet Santa and receive a gift. 2-6pm. Adults £7.50 Children £10.50 including gift. 9 - 31 Dec CINDERELLA The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP, 01484 430528 thelbt.org

Come along for a show that’s suitable for all ages – you’ll have a ball! Performance times vary. £17-£10 / Children under 16 £2 off

www.manchestermarkets.com

Manchester’s world famous Christmas Markets spread across the city centre with 300 traders offering international food, drinks and Yuletide gifts. 11 Nov - 18 Dec 16

13 December THE SNOWMAN & OTHER TALES Huddersfield Town Hall, Corporation St, Huddersfield, HD1 2TA, 01484 225755 kirkleestownhalls.co.uk

Join the Orchestra of Opera North as it celebrates the festive season with stories accompanied by music to enchant the whole family. Joined by narrator John Savournin, the evening begins with two adaptations of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes before the orchestra perform the soundtrack to the classic The Snowman. Time: 6pm Tickets: Adults from £10, under 16s £1

Traditional wooden stalls providing a range of gift ideas and speciality foods, festive greenery and a Christmas carousel ride. 19 & 20 Nov KIRKWOOD CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

10 Dec

11 Dec

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (U)

THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE

Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL1 1AL, 0161 770 4742 galleryoldham.org.uk/small-cinema

Square Chapel, 10 Square Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 1QG, 01422 349422 squarechapel.co.uk

A festive classic for all the family starring Richard Attenborough. £3.50 each – includes a goodie bag with drink and popcorn! 2pm (12pm-2pm – art and craft activities)

Introduce your little ones to the magic of theatre with this enchanting adventure in the land of Narnia. 3pm & 6pm Age: 4 + £12 (£10 Concs & £40 Family ticket) 110 mins

10 Dec

OPERA NORTH CHRISTMAS CONCERT

UNCANNY THEATRE PRESENTS: THE LITTLE PRINCE Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG, 01924 832631 ysp.co.uk

An interactive, participatory performance inspired by the Not Vital exhibition at YSP and The Little Prince. Fun for all ages! 1.30 & 3.30pm. £5. 4+

15 Dec

Dewsbury Town Hall, Wakefield Old Rd, Dewsbury WF12 8DG, 01484 225755 kirkleestownhalls.co.uk

The Orchestra of Opera North is joined by the combined voices of Opera North’s Chorus, Youth and Children’s Choruses for an evening designed to thaw the winter chill. 7pm £16/£8 17 Dec - 29 Jan 2017

10 Dec - 2 Jan 2017 PETER PAN The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP, 01422 351158 victoriatheatre.co.uk

A swashbuckling adventure panto, with spectacular song and dance routines, traditional panto slapstick and a ticking crocodile! £15/ £18.95

PETER PAN The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ, 01274 432000 bradford-theatres.co.uk

King of Bradford pantomime, Billy Pearce, boards the Jolly Roger and heads to Neverland to star alongside Darren Day, Charlie Hardwick and Jon Lee in this year’s swashbuckling panto.

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

CHRISTKINDELMARKT LEEDS Millennium Square, whatson.leeds.gov.uk

National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, Yorkshire, WF4 4RH, 01924 848846 ncm.org.uk

35 Christmas stalls, hog roast & mulled wine in the courtyard plus a visit to Santa. £2 per adult (includes a raffle ticket). Free for children. 11am – 4pm 20 Nov VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, Huddersfield HD5 8DJ, 01484 223240 kirklees.gov.uk/museums

Victorian Christmas Fair with stalls, refreshments and music. 11am-4pm. Free. 24 Nov LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Huddersfield Art Gallery, Princess Alexandra Walk, Kirklees, West Yorkshire, HD1 2SU, 01484 221964 kirklees.gov.uk/museumsGalleries

A evening of Christmas shopping with unique gift ideas from jewellery, prints, ceramics and glass to quirky stocking fillers and cards. Free. 5pm-7pm 26 & 27 Nov YORKSHIRE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET Brighouse yorkshirechristmasmarket.co.uk

Over 100 stalls of local foods and crafts plus Christmas carols, mulled wine, roast chestnuts and street entertainers with a Victorian theme.

26 & 27th Nov SADDLEWORTH XMAS HANDMADE FESTIVAL Uppermill Civic Hall, Lee Street, Uppermill, Uppermill Civic Hall, Oldham, OL3 6AE, 01457 765632 creativenetwork-saddleworth.co.uk

Over 55 handmade and creative stalls from decorations, goodies and gifts. Father Christmas is visiting from 12pm. £2.50 including visit and gift. 11-4pm. 3 Dec ALL WRAPPED UP: AN EXCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG, 01924 832631 ysp.co.uk

Meet the designers and makers behind the fantastic products in YSP Shop, plus music, canapés and mulled wine. £10/ £8 6-8pm 3 & 4 Dec KELHAM ISLAND MUSEUM 24TH VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust, Kelham Island Museum, Alma Street, S3 8RY www.simt.co.uk

The Dickensian themed event attracts over 16,000 visitors to its cobbled streets and ambient market quarters home to over 120 stalls. 3 & 4 Dec ETSY MADE LOCAL CHRISTMAS MARKET Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH, 0113 224 3732 leeds.gov.uk

Etsy Made Local is a great opportunity to meet local makers in the area and find handmade, unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list! 11am – 4pm. 10 & 11 Dec STANDEDGE TUNNEL CHRISTMAS MARKET Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre, Tunnel End, Waters Road, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6NQ, 01484 844 298 canalrivertrust.org.uk

Browse the festive stalls at the 200-year-old transhipment warehouse at Standedge Tunnel, with unique gifts created by local artisans, refreshments and seasonal music. 11am-4pm

CHRISTMAS 27 Nov, 4 & 11 Dec CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIRS Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG, 01924 324761 kirklees.gov.uk/museums

Enjoy the festive season with Christmas crafts and goods for sale in the Visitor Centre Barn. Free. 1 – 24 Dec VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Leeds Industrial Museum, Canal Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QF, 0113 378 3173 leeds.gov.uk

Make yourself some Victorian Christmas decorations and cards. Drop-in throughout Dec during opening times. 1 – 30 Dec WINTER WONDERLAND AFTERNOON TEA Totties Garden Centre and The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, Downshutts Lane, Totties, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 tottiesgardencentre.co.uk

Enjoy a Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea throughout December. £11.50pp 10 Dec CAROLS IN THE STREET Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, 0113 230 5492 leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse

Carol singing in the museum’s Victorian streets at 2.30pm. 10 & 11 Dec 500 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam Park, Leeds, LS15 0AE, 0113 336 7460 leeds.gov.uk/

Storytelling, music, games and craft activities at the festive farm. £17 for families/ £7.40 for adults, plus £4 charge to visit Father Christmas. Call to book. 11am-4pm

11 Dec RED HOUSE CHRISTMAS Red House & Gardens, Oxford Road, Gomersal, Cleckheaton BD19 4JP, 01274 335056 kirklees.gov.uk/museums

An 1830’s Christmas with seasonal music, food, demonstrations and complimentary mulled wine. Admission charges apply. 12-4pm

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20 – 23 Dec

17 Dec CINDERELLA MAGIC WAND Shibden Hall, Lister’s Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 6XG, 01422 352246 ticketsource.co.uk/Calderdale

Meet Cinderella and Buttons in this magical costumed workshop. Age:3-8. £3.50/ £7. 11.15am-1pm & 1.30-3.15pm 19, 20 & 21 Dec

SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, 0113 230 5492 leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse

Crafts, music and fun in the museum’s Victorian Streets as everyone gets excited for the big day! 21 Dec

SAND ART WORKSHOPS Totties Garden Centre and The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, Downshutts Lane, Totties, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 tottiesgardencentre.co.uk

Make a Christmas picture or decorate a Christmas tree bauble. £3 per child. 9.30-11am

WINTER STORIES Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB, 0113 378 2100

Explore the Winter Stories linked to its collections and make your own artwork and cards. 10am–12pm. Call to book.

Make this Christmas an unforgettable one at Leeds Museums and Galleries Take a spellbinding visit to Santa in his enchanted grotto, pick up some hand-crafted local treasures in our Christmas market, or capture the spirit of the festive season with cheerful crafts, fun and games.

10 & 11 Dec EDWARDIAN WEEKEND Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB, 0113 378 2959 thechristmasexperience.co.uk

The annual Edwardian Christmas in the house, with carols, magic shows, arts and crafts, dressing up and wreath making.

www.leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays leedsmuseumsandgalleries

@leedsmuseums #magicalleeds

12 Nov – 24 Dec SANTA’S GROTTO AT STOCKELD PARK The Adventure Park, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, Yorkshire, LS22 4AN, 01937 586333 stockeldpark.co.uk

Entry to Santa’s Grotto includes a gift suitable for all ages. Tickets to be purchased on the day. £10.50 per child. 25 Nov–23 Dec THE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB, 0113 378 2959 thechristmasexperience.co.uk

The ultimate festive day out with a 12 days of Christmas walk, fairy hideaway, Elf Village, plus the chance to meet Santa. Prices vary. See website for details and to book. 26 Nov – 23 Dec SANTA UNDERGROUND National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, Yorkshire, WF4 4RH, 01924 848846 ncm.org.uk

Meet Santa in his festive underground grotto. Check website for dates and times. Child £6.50 (inc gift and certificate). Adults £5. 26 Nov - 24 Dec SANTA SPECIALS Kirklees Light Railway, Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 9XJ, 01484 865 727 kirkleeslightrailway.com

Climb aboard the Santa Express and travel in steam heated carriages to Shelley Station. Santa will be waiting in his cosy grotto with presents for children. 26 Nov – 24 Dec SANTA SPECIALS The East Lancashire Railway, Bolton Street Station, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0EY, 0161 764 7790 eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Kick off your festive celebrations with a visit to the East Lancashire Railway’s popular Santa Specials, with festive music, Christmas characters and the main man himself.

3/4, 10/11, 17/18 Dec SANTA’S GROTTO Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, 0113 230 5492 leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse

Visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto. Grotto price not included in admission: £4.50 (includes a present).

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WHERE’S SANTA?

3, 10,11 & 17 Dec MEET SANTA IN HIS GROTTO Totties Garden Centre and The Olive Tree Bistro Cafe, Downshutts Lane, Totties, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 1AU, 01484 680227 tottiesgardencentre.co.uk

Gift for each child. Book your place. £5 3 – 23 Dec SANTA SPECIALS – BREAKFAST OR LUNCH WITH SANTA! Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 4AT, 01226 790427 cannonhallfarm.co.uk

Meet Santa and his reindeer; take a tractor and trailer ride and enjoy a Christmas singalong with Rudolph and the elves. 9.30am and 11.30am/2.00pm and 4.00pm. £15.95

only. Ticket only. £9.50 per child. 1.30pm to 3.15pm (10th) and 11am – 1pm (24th). 11 Dec SANTA’S CRAFTY CHRISTMAS RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, Old Moor Lane, Dearne Valley Nature Reserve, Wombwell, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 0YF, 01226 751593 rspb.org.uk/oldmoor

Santa is back at Old Moor with gifts for girls and boys, plus a range of Christmas crafts. Booking essential. £3 per child (includes reserve entry, craft materials and gift). 18 December DISCO WITH SANTA

4 Dec A CHRISTMAS CAROL Bagshaw Museum, Wilton Park, Batley WF17 0AS, 01924 324765 kirklees.gov.uk/museums

Chez-Play, Holme Mills, West Slaithwaite Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6LS, 01484 844137 chez-play.co.uk

Visit Santa in his magical grotto. Make a special Christmas cracker and enjoy festive carols. Charges apply. 12-4pm

Includes: entry, games, food, visit and gifts from Santa. Payment required on booking only. Ticket only. £9.50 per child. 4pm to 6pm

10 Dec

17 & 18 Dec

SANTA COMES TO OGDEN WATER! Ogden Water Local Nature Reserve, Ogden Lane, Keighley Road, HX2 8XZ calderdalecountryside. ticketsource.co.uk

Come along to Ogden Water to visit Father Christmas in his woodland grotto. Select time when booking online. £7.50 charge (includes present)

SANTA AT THE TOWER Castle Hill & Victoria Tower, Castle Hill, Almondbury, Huddersfield HD4 6TA, 07968 426312 kirklees.gov.uk/museums

Come and meet Santa at Victoria Tower before he flies around the world to spread joy to all! 11am-3pm 17 - 31 Dec CHRISTMAS AT EUREKA!

10 & 24 December LUNCH WITH SANTA Chez-Play, Holme Mills, West Slaithwaite Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6LS, 01484 844137 chez-play.co.uk

Includes: entry, games, food, visit and gifts from Santa. Payment required on booking

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE, 01422 330069 eureka.org.uk

Weekends throughout December, visit the enchanted grotto and meet Santa and his elves, plus an interactive festive show ‘Snow Day’ for ages 3-6.