MAY JUNE 2 015
ISSUE 4 0
LEEDS’ FAVOURITE PARENTING MAGAZINE
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Baildon • Bramhope • Burley • Horsforth Featherbank • Horsforth Trinity
Our NEW setting – HORSFORTH FEATHERBANK – is NOW OPEN! Situated in the grounds of Horsforth Featherbank Primary School is the newest addition to the Cliffe House group of nurseries. Light and spacious, it offers a wealth of experience in first class care and learning for children aged 0–5 years. We are Ofsted registered and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage with four dedicated playrooms. Large, secure outdoor play areas ensure a wide range of activities, whatever the weather.
Our staff are all fully qualified, DBS checked and all hold paediatric first aid certificates. Our nursery cook is fully trained and caters for individual dietary requirements. We also run an adjacent breakfast, out of school and holiday club, open 7.30am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm. Free 15 hours childcare per week available for two, three and four-year-olds. Term time and full time bookings being taken and NO REGISTRATION FEE for a limited period.
Please contact DEBBY on 0113 345 2850 who will be delighted to show you around Email: cliffehousefeatherbank@yahoo.co.uk • www.cliffehousedaynurseries.co.uk Back Featherbank Terrace, Horsforth, LS18 4SZ
FAMILIES LEEDS 3
Many thanks to Susie Lawrence Photography for our cover image. Thanks also to Shuffles Entertainment, who set the party scene with one of their fabulous bell tents.
Hello… and welcome to my first issue as editor of Families Leeds
www.susielawrence.com www.shuffles.net
Regular readers will already recognise the vision of imperfection you see before you. I have been writing a confessional column about my parenting fails in the magazine for three years now. But cometh the hour, it was time to Woman Up and step into the shoes of my predecessor, Sarah Butters, to continue all the work she has done making Families the fantastic magazine it is. I’m delighted to say that Sarah has agreed to stick around and offer her words of wisdom in her own column on page 6, enlightening those of us with younger children on the trials of tweens – the pre-adolescent years. For me, the past few weeks probably weren’t the best time for both of my boys to get chicken pox. One, and then the other, I hasten to add, maximising time spent administering camomile, cuddles and Calpol. It is testament to the lovely people I have met and worked with on this issue that every single one of them was extremely kind about my predicament. To the advertiser whose phone call was answered,“Hewow? Grandma?” Thank you for your understanding. You know who you are. But now, thank goodness, the last spots are fading, and we’re ready to celebrate. In fact, I feel like throwing a party – especially with all the fantastic providers and entertainers we have here on our doorsteps. Check them out on pages 12 to 14. And I’m looking forward with my family to exploring some of the great events and activities on this summer in Leeds and the surrounding area. From the electrifying Light Lab at Leeds City Museum to the fantastic Follies exhibition at beautiful Fountains Abbey, there’s so much to see and do. Whatever you’ve got planned, enjoy, and don’t forget to say you read about it in Families Leeds! Claire Bottomley www.familiesleeds.co.uk
CONTACT US: 07799 667 041 editor@familiesleeds.co.uk CIRCULATION: 17,000 copies printed DESIGNED BY: JUSTIN LEEMING • 07745 038 005 www.jgl-design.co.uk PRINTED BY: CHARLESWORTH PRESS Wakefield • www.charlesworth.com Families Leeds® is distributed free of charge to schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, selected retail outlets and sports centres. Distribution is across ALL LS postcodes. Families Leeds® is part of a larger group of magazines headed by Families SW London®. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care when preparing this magazine, but publishers and distributors – which include schools – cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor any consequences.
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Contents… 7
ALL LIT UP Claire Bottomley reviews Light Lab, the shiny new exhibition at Leeds City Museum
8
SUMMER CAMPS SORTED Start planning school holiday childcare with our useful guide
9
OPEN HOUSE We peek behind the doors of the newest Cliffe House Day Nursery setting in Horsforth, and find out how it all began
10
MUMS MEAN BUSINESS Flutterbabies founder Samantha Dalton
11
MENINGITIS NOW A groundbreaking new vaccine for the devastating disease
12 – 15
PARTY TIME! In our special parties feature, Sarah Butters solves your three worst party nightmares and offers some useful does and don’ts, plus all the latest news on the party scene
17 – 19
WHAT’S ON Our essential guide to days out and activities for May and June
Book NOW for the New Term Wetherby, Selby & Kippax on 0113 210 3505 Horsforth & Morley on 01757 248 884 www.stagecoach.co.uk
Families
NEWS‌ WALK of ART Picks up Pace‌
Parents are to get a report of their child’s development at the age of two, as part of government reforms. Joined-up checks on education and health development aim to give parents a better picture of their child’s progress at an early stage. The Integrated Review, which will be implemented nationally from September 2015, will be available to children between 24 and 30 months old. “No parent should be left in the dark about their child’s development,� said childcare minister Sam Gyimah. “There should be an accessible check for all at the age of two, which is a pressure point where issues such as speech delay and behavioural problems begin to appear. Today’s announcement will mean more families can get valuable information in a more convenient way.� Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter added,“We know it’s important to check children’s health and development when they are two, so that if extra support is needed it can be identified early. Integrated reviews and a huge increase in health visitors will lead to better outcomes for children and families.� For more information, download the What To Expect When guide from the Foundation Years website www.gov.uk/dfe
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WIN‌ a £10 Voucher The lovely people at Little Alligators have a £10 gift voucher to give away to one lucky reader. Choose from a wide range of beautiful toys, clothes, party ware, bedding and nightwear, either in the shop on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate or online at www.littlealligators.com. To win, all you have to do is go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/familiesleeds. If you haven’t already, like the page and then like our Little Alligators post. Entries close at 5pm on May 31.
Stagecoach at Leeds Town Hall
NEW Development Checks
Picture by Susie Lawrence Photography
Painters, sculptors, illustrators, carpenters, authors, and musicians will be stepping out for the Horsforth Walk of Art this summer. The community-led festival will include a packed weekend of activities on July 4 and 5. There’ll be workshops and talks by various artists, with different walking routes and a timetable of creative activities advertised on a specially designed map. Organised by resident Lara Rule and local artist Ralph Bainbridge, it will incorporate highstreet exhibitions in businesses, open gardens, live events and activities hosted by residents, community groups and local companies, and professional artists will even be exhibiting their work in residents’ sheds. Lara said,“I moved to Horsforth three years ago and was struck by how talented the local people were that I was meeting day to day. I had an idea that it would be awesome if all these creative people showed off their skills and shared them with others.� Download a map of activities and find out more at www.horsforth-woa.org.
FAMILIES LEEDS 5
A SNAPPY fundraiser Calling all Young Writers Do you know a young author? Judges for The National Young Writers’ Awards are looking for the best short story, of up to 500 words, based around this year’s theme; Strange Events and Peculiar Happenings. The winner of the competition will receive £500 worth of books for their school and a trip to Disneyland Paris. The annual awards, run by tuition company Explore Learning, is now in its seventh year. This year’s judge is author of the Book of Norm series, Jonathan Meres. To enter visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters.
Snappy tags are a great way to label children’s clothes – and help your school’s Parent Teacher Association. The tags, which have the child’s name etched on, are applied to the care labels on uniforms. Now Say it Personally, which makes them, is offering PTAs a unique code for parents to enter at the checkout, giving a 10% commission towards funds. “As a busy mum of three, and a Year 1 Teacher, I highly recommend Snappy Tags,� said Tracey, a parent and teacher from East Yorkshire. “They are easy to apply, stay securely fastened and can be reused when children grow out of their school uniforms. I would have no hesitation in recommending Snappy Tags to parents at my school, and know that those who already use them are delighted. Snappy Tags offer a quick, reliable and helpful customer service.� For more information visit www.snappytags.co.uk.
TOWN HALL date for YOUNG PERFORMERS More than 500 children from Leeds and its surrounding areas will take over Leeds Town Hall for two weekends in June to present Musical Theatre Showcases. “We did this event in the Town Hall a couple of years ago and it was so successful that we had to book more dates this time to accommodate all the other Stagecoach groups who said they’d like to join in,� said producer Ken Davison. “It’s a really impressive building, with its columns, decor and architecture. When the children first walk in they are wowed by the atmosphere of the hall, and then when they are performing their pieces and the audience is really behind them, it’s just a magical occasion.� He added,“At Stagecoach we build children’s confidence through fun sessions with great teachers, and it’s really important to us to give the children significant performance opportunities.� To find out more about Stagecoach, call Ken on 01757 248 884.
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Contact Sara Hall on 0113 834 6522 or email sara@pyjamadrama.com
6 FAMILIES LEEDS
THE WORLD a cc ord in g to
DAD Mike Smith explains why he’s dismissing the scare stories and embracing Minecraft
TALES FROM THE
tweenage
YEARS
In her new column for Families Leeds, Sarah Butters confesses that she can’t resist a party I’m in the process of planning my 20th children’s birthday party. The bar has been set for my daughters – 11-year-old Isobel and soon to be nine year old Eliza. They expect a fuss. They like a fuss. So it’s my job to make a fuss. Over the years I’ve baked cakes in the shape of penguins, swimming pools and even a bright blue Iggle Piggle. I’ve employed face painters, bouncy castles and even a slightly sweaty knife juggling ‘entertainer’ who terrified the crowd of toddlers and very nearly cut the cake before the candles were lit. And I’ve had sleepless nights about unanswered invites and prepared enough untouched finger food to feed an army. But every year I’m back for more. I have a few basic party rules that I’ve developed over the years. Firstly, parties at home are only permitted when the activity is mess free and the numbers are low. Secondly, when age permits, encourage parents to leave so you don’t spend the party making small talk with people you avoid at school pick up. And finally, have a cold bottle of Sauvignon Blanc waiting for when the last party bag has been given out. This year Eliza really wanted a Popstar Party. Or maybe it was me who fancied a Popstar Party, so I presented the idea in a pretty positive way. Eliza and 10 of her pals (and me, don’t forget me!) will perform two top pop tracks and leave the party with a CD recording of the whole experience. Like the countless bouncy castle parties they’ve had, just try and stop me joining in. And I suppose that’s why us parents, year on year, repeat the agony of party planning. It’s fun. It’s fun watching people have fun. It’s even more fun when you join in with it. Fun is good. In my view, there simply isn’t enough of it in the grown up world. So spare a thought for the poor soul who will spend a Spring Saturday managing eleven nine-year-olds and one very enthusiastic 41-year-old in their ‘journey’ to be popstars for a day. I only hope he’s got ‘I will survive’ on his playlist.
I’ve just been reading a scare story on a fairly well-known news website, that was asking if parents should worry whether console games like Minecraft are undermining traditional family values. Being a typical mainstream press story, it confidently stated that Minecraft is a genuine cause for concern, unless it isn’t, or maybe not, or something. Having tried playing it with my sons, and been quickly left a long way behind, all I can say for sure is that it’s a lot more complicated than the games I used to play; I never managed to master anything more involved than running around shooting things. Both our boys are big Minecraft fans, although Big Brother takes it much more seriously. I did wonder if the gadget invasion would cause some of the problems that the article mentioned, but far from stifling the boys’ creativity and social skills, it seems to have done exactly the opposite. A few weeks ago, while playing Minecraft with some friends, they suddenly put their game controllers down and raced out into the garden, intently debating the finer points of a complicated adventure game they’d invented. Later on, I asked Big Brother about it, expecting a couple of sentences back at most. Half an hour later, he finally paused for breath. He’d lost me after about two minutes, but one of the many things the boys have taught me is that it’s important to show that I’m listening to them. Consequently, I did my best to follow what he was talking about. I recognised things from Minecraft, Skylanders and the Lego Movie game that were all gloriously jumbled up. The boys’ imaginations had been working flat out to incorporate them into something that was rich, colourful and complicated – and which was played in the real world. Naturally enough, they both want me to play the games with them, knowing full well they’re going to beat me hands-down. In the time it takes me to put a straight-ish row of Minecraft blocks together, they will have built a couple of houses with walls, roof, doors, windows, lights and furniture. Skylanders is just bewildering, and if the interactive sports games were real, I’d now have my own named hospital bed. I have tried to introduce them to some computer games I used to play, but let’s just say they’ve quickly mastered the art of humouring the old codger. But in spite of being soundly beaten every time I’ve played, I’m sticking with it, as I believe it’s essential to stay interested in the things they like. Puberty and adolescence aren’t that far away, and the real time to worry will be when they progress to more violent games, as they inevitably will. Not because of the games themselves, but if I don’t get involved now, they won’t expect me to later on, and will detect a feigned interest immediately. Maybe, just maybe, being repeatedly thrashed at Minecraft and Skylanders will help to keep the lines of communication open for when they’re really needed.
FAMILIES LEEDS 7
LIGHT FANTASTIC‌
The
Claire Bottomley went along to Leeds City Museum to be enlightened about an exciting new exhibition “IT’S ALMOST like having a shopping list, picking and choosing which objects I want all the time.� Ruth Leach clearly loves her job. She’s the exhibitions curator at Leeds City Museum, and as she shows me round the Light Lab, the current temporary exhibition, her enthusiasm for her latest selection is obvious. And who can blame her? There are beautiful paintings of gas-lit Leeds by artist John Atkinson Grimshaw. There’s a bronze age lamp from Jericho and Javanese shadow puppets. There’s also a human kaleidoscope – a mirrored pyramid you can stick your head in and count infinite images of yourself. Coloured plastic shapes on a light box allow you to explore what happens when you mix different coloured light. And there’s a shadow puppet theatre for you to try your hand at, as well as fun to be had with a mirror wall. Designed to explore the science and wonder of light through time, the show, situated on the top floor of the museum, is aglow with objects old and new, all shedding light on the nature of the element. It shows people how important a role light plays in our everyday lives, and answers a number of key questions, including: how does light travel?
“It’s the international year of light, and we hadn’t had a science-based exhibition for a while,� explains Ruth. “Plus we were looking for something that showcased a cross section of our collection, so a few things came together.� Quite a lot of the collection being used in the Light Lab has not been on display before, and they are things you might not usually see side by side. “It’s given us the chance to play around,� added Ruth. The exhibition also includes a family trail around the museum, with a number of hands-on interactives and an exciting programme of free events. “We use light for almost everything in our daily lives. It’s science, but there’s something quite magical about it too,� said Ruth. “When people first projected images it did have a massive impact on them and they thought it was magic. What’s great about the Light Lab is that it shows off the collection, explores scientific principles, captures the imagination and generates some fun.� Light Lab runs until June 21. Leeds City Museum is a free attraction in Millennium Square in Leeds city centre. For more information, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum.
LIGHT OF DAY: One of the Light Lab exhibits
Combined Childcare Pre-school • Early Years • School Club 07954 166 653
Our 3 hr classes cover the topics of; CPR / Choking / Meningitis / Burns & Scalds Poisoning / Bleeding / Minor Injuries
northleeds@bumpsandbashes.com 07899 993916 (Katie)
BRIGHT EYES: Visitors check out the Light Lab exhibition at Leeds City Museum
Come to one small group class or organise a private class in the comfort of your own home.
8 CHILDCARE
Get set for summer!
Bardsey Soccer Camp
IIIt’s never too early to get sorted for the holidays.II IISo, here’s a sneak preview of some of the best summerII
For details please call: 07841 336 675
IIholiday camps and courses around. Some are alsoII
Or email: jonny@soccerjuniors.co.uk Alternatively, more details can be found on our website: www.soccerjuniors.co.uk
IIbooking for May half term...II For the football crazy... Soccer Juniors offers fun and action-packed coaching sessions to improve soccer skills and other sports. Run by Jonathon Pawson, a fully qualified football coach with a wealth of experience coaching children’s football around the world, and working for the Leeds United Development Centre. Soccer Juniors, in conjunction with Bardsey Juniors FC, is running the following three-day courses: May Half Term: Tuesday, May 26 to Thursday, May 28. Summer Holidays: Monday, August 24, to Wednesday, August 26, and Wednesday, September 2 to Friday, September 4. For more information or to book, call 07841 336 675, email jonny@soccerjuniors.co.uk or visit www.soccerjuniors.co.uk For budding thespians... It’s curtains up for summer workshops in Horsforth with Stagecoach principle Ken Davison and his team. Pint-sized performers will be retelling the traditional pantomime story of Cinderella in morning sessions for four to seven-year-olds, while Horrible Histories has licensed Stagecoach to exclusively perform The Groovy Greeks in full day workshops for seven to 14-year-olds. So join them for some hilarious historic happenings, and remember, it’s educational! Both workshops run from Monday, August 17 to Friday, August 21 at Horsforth School. For more information, call 01757 248 884 or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/LeedsHorsforth For all-rounders... Arts and crafts, sports, swimming, golf, outdoor activities and much more is on offer at Cookridge Hall Holiday Kids Camps, where weekly, full day or half day sessions are available. So if your youngster likes to do a little bit of everything, get in touch with
Soccer Juniors will be running SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS
Children’s Activities Co-ordinator Lisa Mathie and her excellent team. Camps will run during May half term from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29, Summer holidays from Wednesday, July 22 to Friday, September 4 and October half term from Monday, October 26 to Friday, October 30. For more information, visit www.cookridgehall.co.uk/health, call 0113 2030 000 or email kids@cookridgehall.co.uk For outdoor fun... If you’re looking for that Famous Five factor then look no further than Lineham Farm Children’s Centre Summer Camp. Set in beautiful countryside between Eccup and Bramhope, Lineham Farm has been providing highly valued respite breaks and activity holidays for children since 1993. Now it’s opening its doors to host an action packed summer camp, so that children can spend summer days enjoying the fantastic facilities. They’ll be climbing, mountain biking on different courses, learning the ancient sport of archery and exploring the woodland with bush craft and survival skills experts. Other activities include high ropes, low ropes, assault courses, team games and lots, lots more. Summer camp runs from Monday, August 24 to Friday, August 28 for ages eight to 12 with breakfast and twilight club available. Lineham Farm is also available for private bookings. For more information, visit www.linehamfarm.co.uk, call 0113 3783 945 or email linehamfarmenquiries@ leeds.gov.uk For sporty types... Sports mad youngsters can hone a wide range of skills with Active Sporting Club, a multi-sports camp based at the Grammar School at Leeds. Swimming, Gym, Athletics, Cricket, Netball, Rugby and Tennis are just some of the sports on offer for children aged from five to 14. Run by highly experienced husband-and-wife team James and Angela Ponton, Active Sporting Club celebrates its 10 year anniversary this year. Active Sporting Club runs Summer Holiday camps Monday to Friday, 10am till 4pm, with a wrap around service from 8am, and in the evening until 5.30pm. These will be held from Monday, July 20 to Friday, August 21. For more information, visit www.activesportingclub.co.uk, call 0777 5850 986 or email info@activesportingclub.co.uk
Sports Camps for 5–14 year olds swimming • football • athletics • rugby • golf • cricket netball • baseball • rounders • basketball • and more
SUMMER CAMP 24TH – 28TH AUGUST Age 8 – 12 years
SUMMER DATES: WEEK 1: 20TH–24TH JULY • WEEK 2: 27TH–31ST JULY WEEK 3: 3RD–7TH AUGUST • WEEK 4: 10TH–14TH AUGUST WEEK 5: 17TH–21ST AUGUST
Climbing, Cycling, Archery, Bushcraft and lots more
The Grammar School at Leeds • OFSTED registered www.activesportingclub.co.uk • 0777 5850 986
linehamfarmenquiries@leeds.gov.uk www.linehamfarm.co.uk • 0113 378 3945
CHILDCARE 9
The view looks good from
The Latest CLIFFE HOUSE NURSERY Nursery owner Della Stocks with Archie
T WAS WHEN DELLA STOCKS was pregnant with her second child, Elliot, that the idea for Cliffe House Day Nursery was born. “My daughter, Liberty, was at a nursery in Rawdon, but they couldn’t guarantee a place for our second child, so I was starting to panic,” explains Della. “I was looking around and I didn’t like anything. I got more and more upset and worried about the whole thing and then my husband, Adrian, said “For goodness sake woman, set up your own!” The comment struck a chord with Della, who was working in recruitment at the time. “I was finding lots of women jobs and there seemed to be a gap in the market for good quality childcare,” she recalls. “The idea wouldn’t go away. It got bigger and bigger, and we ended up selling our home and renting to make it happen.” The original nursery building Della and Adrian bought, on the high street in Yeadon, was called Cliffe House. Still pregnant with Elliot, she sketched the logo – A child-like drawing of a little house – and that’s where it all began. Elliot is now 18 and doing his A levels. I meet Della in the newly opened Featherbank setting of Cliffe House, the latest addition to the group of five nurseries, which now has more than 100 staff. “We expanded quite quickly from one to three nurseries, opening new sites at Leeds Trinity University in Horsforth and in Burley in Wharfedale,” explains Della. “My children were still quite small, and we were trying to look after three nurseries in the same way we had looked after one. So we ended up selling the original nursery to give us some breathing space with just two. More recently we have expanded to five sites, including Baildon, Bramhope and here.” The light and spacious building in the grounds of Featherbank Primary School in Horsforth couldn’t be more perfect. All on ground level, there are four large rooms for children to progress through, and a big outside play area. Adrian’s background is in construction, so he has project managed the various building works over the years, in particular focusing on outdoor play areas, constructing natural, wooden equipment. Just across the playground, the nursery has an after school and holiday club, giving parents everything they need on one site. So what’s the secret to Cliffe House’s success? “At the absolute base we are still here for working parents who want good quality childcare,” says Della. “We’re still a family business, we go in all the nurseries and I have a lot of input into what’s happening.” She added,“It’s nice that we’re geographically so close together, for the staff it means they can have different posts with progression and promotion.”
I
Claire Bottomley visited the group’s latest setting in Horsforth and found out where it all began Indeed, the staff are at the very centre of what makes the nurseries such happy and caring environments. “We have almost zero staff turnover,” says Della. “That means there’s continuity of care for the children, and it’s nice for the parents too, because there’s continuity of contact.” “The good thing too is that we keep their training. We have a high proportion of staff with early years degrees. We also ensure that every single member of staff is first aid trained, way above the health and safety requirements.” There’s a dedicated cook in each nursery, furnishings and toys are regularly refreshed and renewed, parents are kept up to date with regular newsletters and area manager Debby Thackray co-ordinates the early years curriculum for the nurseries. Della says,“I think it’s all down to us being parents ourselves and what our expectations would be if we were accessing the nurseries. And I think we’re caring. We care about our staff and that is good for the children. We have such a lovely close knit team and, even though we have grown, we’re lucky that’s still the case.”
Pictures by Karen Turner Photography
10 CLASSES
mumsmean
{BUSINESS}
Flutterbabies’ Samantha Dalton teaching a baby yoga class
Business is personal for Samantha Dalton, who set up Flutterbabies when her own children arrived. The company tailors its classes to the local parents who come along to enjoy baby yoga, swimming, massage and signing.
E
XPECTANT PARENTS usually have an idea that they’re in for some kind of change in work-life balance. For Samantha Dalton, that change came sooner than she thought. “Seven years ago, I went to work on the Friday in a suit and was made redundant. On the Monday, I went off to Ireland in my tracksuit to learn baby massage.” Samantha had known that the redundancy was coming, and at the same time discovered she was pregnant with her first child. So she got to work setting up Flutterbabies, her own baby yoga and baby swimming company, which has grown and developed with her own young family. “I had six months before my baby was born to train, spending a lot of time in the pool,” said Samantha. Three months after baby Isabel was born, Samantha started teaching baby yoga. 20 months later, Isabel’s brother Alex came along, and after that, she started baby swimming lessons too. Since then Flutterbabies has taken off. Samantha has taken on other teachers and provided more and more classes, including baby massage and now baby signing. “I do love babies,” admits Samantha. “I didn’t want mine to grow up! But now I get my fix with my classes, without the sleepless nights and nappies. Isabel and Alex absolutely love it if they ever come to classes with me, blowing bubbles to amuse the babies while the parents have some relaxation time.” In particular, Samantha has a soft spot for teaching baby yoga. “I get to know the parents,” she says. “It’s like a support group. Mums burst into tears, their babies are crying, it’s quite hard to be subtle approaching them, but everyone is just really supportive, and when I get emails to say thank you for helping, it’s just so rewarding.”
“We finish each class with some relaxation time,” she said. “Sometimes the baby will lie quietly, but if that doesn’t work I will sit and play with toys with the babies while the parents have ten minutes, which is quite a valuable thing when you are sleep deprived. To just relax is something you don’t do at home.” When she’s at home, Samantha is busy planning classes, putting together welcome packs, and reading lots around babies’ reflexes. “I can be an awful bore on the subject!” she says. “I want to see how babies react to things. Parents often over stimulate and I try to bring that down, so we have peaks and troughs in the sessions.” Because it’s a small local company, Flutterbabies is able to tailor classes to the babies and parents. “Two classes can be very different as we respond to individual needs,” she said. “It can be terrifying for parents to take their little newborn baby into the pool, so it’s nice not to have to stick to a rigid lesson plan.” “I wouldn’t go back to the corporate world now, this is more meaningful,” says Samantha, and quite frankly, it would be a crying shame if she did. It’s clear she’s a natural when it comes to understanding parents and babies. Her dream for the future says it all,“One day I’d like to open my own dedicated venue, with a pool and a sensory room and a beauty salon with a cot, a coffee shop with lots of cakes and high chairs.” Watch this space. Flutterbabies runs classes across Leeds and the Yorkshire area. For more information, visit www.flutterbabies.co.uk
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HEALTH 11
MENINGITIS – a major breakthrough It’s officially the disease most feared by parents, so the news that a new vaccine to protect against the deadly meningococcal B bacteria (MenB) is to be made available free to babies on the NHS, is a major cause for celebration. Claire Bottomley asks where this leaves us in the fight against meningitis. recognition so that early supportive medical help can be given to Richard Mills’ son Harry was 11 years old when he died of group B minimise the effects of the disease. meningococal meningitis and septicaemia in 2007. She added: “Sadly there are also many deaths in those who have “My wife Judi can still remember taking Harry to our GP’s surgery not been diagnosed early enough, or who are just too weak to fight for his meningitis jab when he was just a toddler. She left off the disease even with medical intervention. If you have feeling sure Harry was safe, but unaware there were ever met or know someone who has been affected by any different strains,â€? said Richard. “Harry’s life was strain of meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia, then extinguished in a single day by MenB because it is so you would join the fight.â€? difficult to detect.â€? What about children who haven’t been vaccinated, This is why Richard, a member of the Meningitis or babies who are too young to have yet had the vaccine, Research Foundation, who together with friends and in the first couple of months of their lives? Should parents family has raised more than ÂŁ120,000 for the campaignconsider paying for their children, the ones who missed ing charity, passionately believes a vaccine is the only way out on a routine injection, to be vaccinated? to fight this strain of meningitis. He said, “We are thrilled “For babies who are too young to be vaccinated to hear that the MenB vaccine is going to be given to “Fantastic Newsâ€? (first few weeks of life), it is the same as with any illness – babies across the UK. Hopefully it will prevent countless Helen Underwood, Underwood Training if you know that someone has it then best to steer clear!â€? families in the future having to face the pain of losing a said Helen. child or seeing them badly disabled.â€? “Whether parents of children who are not vaccinated should Helen Underwood, who runs first aid courses through Underwood consider it, is a personal question I think for individual parents. Training in Leeds, agrees. Would I consider it? – Yes I would for this particular vaccination.â€? “This is fantastic news particularly as this nasty disease is so hard to spot in the early stages,â€? she said. “If we can immunise all of our Spotting the signs of meningitis: children – as they grow we will benefit from herd immunity – this occurs where a large number of people in a community are immune, â—? It is not always easy to spot in the early stages. so there are fewer people able to spread a disease, helping people â—? One common sign is a raised temperature with cold hands and who have not been vaccinated. However, this will take a number of feet, although there are many other signs including vomiting, years to achieve with the vaccine only just about to be introduced.â€? dislike of bright lights, a rash that does not fade (note: it does Successful vaccination has already been seen with the MenC fade in the early stages) – not all signs are always present, and vaccine, which was introduced in the UK in 1999, providing excellent they may vary between individuals. Check out the information protection against meningitis and septicaemia caused by group C at www.meningitisnow.org for full details of signs or download meningococcal bacteria. Before the vaccine was routinely available, their free app for both iPhone and Android. group C meningococcal disease killed about 150 people in the UK Facts about meningitis B every year. Following the introduction of the vaccine, cases of group C disease fell by over 90% in the age groups targeted and case â—? The new MenB vaccine, called BexseroÂŽ, which is licensed in numbers have continued to fall. Europe, has now been recommended for all babies in the UK, Helen does not just work with the detection of meningitis starting in September. professionally, last year her very good friend was diagnosed with â—? MenB kills 1 in 10 people affected and leaves a further third meningitis as an adult – she is still having problems with memory and with long lasting effects, some as serious as amputations, headaches months later. “It is life-changing for the individual affected brain damage and hearing loss. but also for their whole family,â€? said Helen. “The key is in early â—? Young children and adolescents are most at risk. As recommended by
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12 PARTIES
It’s MY CHILD’S PARTY
& I’ll CRY if I want to… Sarah Butters describes the three parties kids love but you hate… and how to make them stress free.
Sleepovers Let’s face it. They shouldn’t be called sleepovers. They should be called stay awake overs, because you will sleep about as well as a meerkat balanced on a branch and the kids won’t sleep at all. However if you follow a few basic rules, you may survive. Keep the numbers low. As far as sleepovers go, more is definitely not merrier but it is noisier. Keep them busy – I’ve heard tales of parents setting up night time obstable courses to exhaust their pint sized house guests. Remove electrical devices at a reasonable hour and make sure you have a note of all parental contacts. As sure as night follows day someone will get homesick at about midnight and infect everyone. For those who do survive the overnight stay, arrange for an early collection. It gives you the day to remove Haribo from your beige carpet, and you’ll only have your own sleep deprived, sugar shocked child to deal with. A bell tent hire in your garden could revolutionise your sleepover party arrangements. Shuffles Entertainment offers a vintage bell tent, bringing the full glamping experience direct to your back garden, complete with three luxury double airbeds, beautiful bedding for boys or girls, bunting, solar lights and a battery operated tea light chandelier. It’s a great way to experience sleeping under the stars with a little added luxury. “A bell tent creates a unique outdoor space for entertaining, young or old, our tents can be adapted for vintage tea parties, children’s birthday teas with child sized tables and chairs, soft play spaces for weddings and other celebrations, all under the beautiful cover of canvas,” said Hazel Ramsay, director of Shuffles Entertainment. Day, weekend and 24 hour hire is available. All bell tents are five metres and space inside is surprising. Shuffles can also arrange bouncy castles, face painters, costume hire, helium balloons, sweetie cones and party bags. For more information, visit www.shuffles.net.
Fun at Firefly Pottery
Art Don’t try this at home. No seriously. Arty parties are fab fun but frankly terrifying if you have a home that you’re proud of. The idea of a dozen Reception children attempting to find the toilet, while their hands are coated in a mixture of purple paint and glitter is enough to make you reach for a lunchtime Sauvignon Blanc. We have some super local providers who can save you the stress of a pre-school redecoration of your home. Try your local pottery café, and put off the wine till tea time! We’re very lucky in Leeds to have two pottery cafes offering parties. Firefly in Horsforth and Jack Rabbits Pottery in Roundhay. Both offer different party packages of varying prices, glazing and firing of painted items and a personalised party plate for the birthday boy or girl, as well as party invitations included. “We had three different parties going on one day and I could hear a pin drop,” said Victoria Iball from Firefly. “People say kids parties are a nightmare but they’re not a scary beast at all. The kids are lovely, it’s really, really nice. They love painting things like door tiles with their names on or ‘keep out!’ “We can also do a clay party which is better for the younger ones,” she added. “Five year olds don’t have the concentration to spend too long on one thing, so if they do pottery painting for a bit and then bring the clay out that works well.” www.fireflypottery.co.uk www.jackrabbitspottery.com
Susie Sparkles helped create every 5 year olds dream today and we will treasure the memories forever’ Fran, Ava’s mum Let the magic begin and book today.
07887 648 734 carla@amethystentertainment.co.uk amethystentertainment.co.uk facebook.com/susie.sparkles.3
Great play for the under-8s, parties and daily activities, plus yummy food and bean to cup coffee
30 TOWN STREET, HORSFORTH Phone 0113 2588856 • www.tinytoesplaycentre.co.uk
PARTIES 13
Swimming Most mums are reluctant to strip off to a swimsuit when the sun is shining and the sangria’s flowing. So the thought of doing it in front of your school gate ‘chums’ while at the local pool is unthinkable. However a swimming party is always a popular choice. Avoid hosting a swimming party for younger children – wait until your child and their friends are fairly competent swimmers, thus removing the need for parental submersion. Lisa Mathie is children’s activities co-ordinator at Cookridge Hall Health and Fitness. “We start our swimming parties from age seven,� she said. “There has to be one adult in the pool for every two weak or non-swimmers.
We supervise from poolside and there’s a qualified lifeguard on duty.â€? She added,“Swimming parties “Something a little different for are pretty popular here, I think a birthday or just to treat your child because children generally love this is the shop to have a look in.â€? Gillian, Harrogate swimming. It’s usually a free play session with floats in the water for 45 Cold Bath Road Harrogate, HG2 0NL playing on. Some people request EAT • SLEEP • DRESS • PLAY games towards the end of the sessions, for example relay races. A swimming party includes party bags and a buffet of sandwiches, pizza, crisps, jelly and ice-cream. The children are usually very hungry after a swimming party!â€? The party-goers get the use of half the pool and there is a minimum of 12 and maximum of 25 in a party. For more information, visit www.cookridgehall.co.uk/health.
Party Clinic Planning a party? Need some advice? Sarah Butters takes a look at the very latest party problems posed by parents and gives you some top tips on avoiding serving a can of worms at your child’s next celebration. CAN YOU‌ say no to siblings? Most of us wouldn’t dream of turning up to a party uninvited. Yet some parents feel it acceptable to bring along a string of siblings and presume they too are welcome. “They won’t eat. In fact you won’t even know they’re here,â€? cry the parents as they sprint out of the door, while said siblings begin pilfering from the pre prepared party bags. The point is if you’ve budgeted for 20 and catered for 20, you’re ready for 20 children – not 25. Very often entertainers insist on a maximum number and siblings can tip you over the limit, and in turn, tip you over the edge. Prevent the problem at the point of invite and make the sibling rule clear. A simple ‘Sorry, no room for siblings!’ means there’s no question. I find the addition of an exclamation mark makes you look fun and not mean. CAN YOU‌ exclude individual children? This is a tough one because as a general rule, you should stick to one of three party invite rules. 1. Invite the whole class – this is perfect for Reception age children. 2. Invite all the girls or all the boys – this becomes popular as children head into Key Stage Two and the opposite sex become toxic.
3. Invite a few close friends – this works when you’re keeping the budget down or as you head towards the end of primary school. However, there are exceptions. If there’s been a bit of an issue with another child – a falling out, or challenging behaviour, it’s best to ask the parents of said child to stick around to offer a helping hand. CAN YOU‌ fine a parent for a ‘no show’? There is little more irritating than the parent who confirms their child will be joining the party, only for them to leave an empty chair at the birthday table. The tale of the mum who billed a parent after they failed to show up to her son’s skiing party certainly made party no shows THE talk of the playground. Was she right to have sent the invoice? The reality is there will always be ill mannered individuals who choose to accept an invite, and go on to make other plans without letting you know. In a world of text messages and emails, a no warning no show is simply unacceptable. But it’s also inevitable at some point in your party throwing life. Invoicing a parent may make the headlines and also make you feel better for a while, but it’s likely to alienate your child and make YOU the subject of ridicule at the school gates. My advice is to make a point of asking what happened to said no show when you next bump into the parent. In my experience you maximize the embarrassment the more parents there are to witness it.
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UNDER COVER: A vintage bell tent can be hired from Shuffles Entertainment. www.shufflesentertainment.net
IIFAMILIES LEEDS has been on the partyII IItrail finding out what’s new and excitingII IIin the world of children’s celebrations...II
Letters We have received a letter from a very special person...
Party NEWS… Did YOU know? Here’s an interesting fact: you can have your very own birthday party at a Leeds museum. At Leeds City Museum, there are Tiny Tigers Parties for four to six-year-olds and Explorer Parties tailored for seven to 11-year-olds. Meanwhile, over at Abbey House Museum, two to six-year-olds can have Messy Monkey Parties, and those aged between seven and 14 can have an Arty Smarty Party. For more information, call Leeds City Museum on 0113 2243732 or email city.museum@leeds.gov.uk, or call Abbey House Museum on 0113 2305 492 or email: abbey.house@leeds.gov.uk
A big hello and greetings, Susie Sparkles is my name And I create beautiful parties, that’s my claim to fame With crafts, games, songs and stories too a good time is had by all And I have lots of wonderful friends you could also invite to your ball!
Susie Sparkles
Cinderella might come if she can find her shoe Rapunzel if you invite Pascale too! Elsa’s snow balls are the most magical in town And with Belle and Ariel present no one ever wears a frown If your dream is to travel up the yellow brick road we’ll give Dorothy and Toto a ring Or Jesse, Tinkerbell, Mary Poppins! Maybe that’s more your thing! But it’s not just for the girls you know I'm friends with pirates and Batman too And if you’re really lucky you might get a visit from Scooby Doo! I have so many friends that would love some invitations We can discuss all the fun at your party consultations See you soon! Lots of Love… Susie Sparkles
Henrietta Rabbit hops in for fun! Imagine the scene. A village hall with a too-quiet CD player. Balloons that keep popping and upsetting the tots. Everlasting pass-the parcel. Stressed-out parents marshalling the youngsters and serving the food. But it doesn’t have to be like this. Enlist the help of party entertainer Henrietta Rabbit, and it’s a whole different story. Henrietta is a professional actress, who can currently be seen starring in the spring Aldi TV advert. She offers a magic bubble machine, music, lights, balloonology, unique pass the parcel, gorgeous games with prizes and an optional karaoke and snow machine. She can transform your party into something magical. She even helps to serve the food! For more information visit www.henriettarabbit.party, call 0333 0004 567 or 01904 345 404 or email Mrsrabbit1070129@aol.com.
Snap up some PARTY GOODIES at Little Alligators Party planners should definitely take a trip to Little Alligators on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate, or check out www.littlealligators.com. It’s a one-stop shop for fun and funky party bag fillers, plates, cups and napkins, themed garlands, cup cakes cases and stunning centre pieces to decorate a little darling’s gathering. “Here at Little Alligators we have a lovely range of small garlands and matching cupcake kits for an elegant yet low key celebration or special play date,” said co-owner Lois Rendle.
Jolly times: one of the centre pieces from Little Alligators
For information about a Susie Sparkles party, visit www.amethystentertainment.co.uk, email carla@amethystentertainment.co.uk or call 0113 262 6525 or 07887 648 734.
PARTIES 15
FAB PARTY IDEAS for the UNDER-FIVES Get the MUSIC BUG this Birthday Music Bugs offers seriously fun birthday parties for boys and girls aged one to five. Its fantastic birthday party packages for a home or hired venue typically includes party games, silly songs and fantastic props, all tailored to the age of the party guests. Twenty Music Bugs party invitations and a birthday card and small gift for the birthday child are included. For more information, visit www.musicbugs.co.uk/leeds, call 0844 5781 043, or email leeds@musicbugs.co.uk.
The SIGN of a Good Party Babies Can Sign offer the perfect first and second birthday parties. Providing entertainment for little ones and their guests, they’ll do popular songs such as The Wheels on the Bus and Five Little Ducks along with signs, actions, puppets and music. Musical instruments and bubbles complete the fun. Signing Sam brings a card and gift for the birthday boy or girl and a balloon on a stick and stickers for all the guests. For more information or to book, call 07742 296 160 or email enquiries@tinysigners.co.uk.
Cheeky Monkeys is HIRE TO HELP “I’ve always enjoyed creating memorable parties for my children but found that entertainment for the under-fives was really lacking, especially when it came to first birthdays.” So says Rebecca Morrison, who two years ago set up Cheeky Monkeys party hire company, to fill the gap in the market. “We have been going strong ever since,” she said. “We aim to keep our packages affordable yet still have the wow factor. Our main aim is to make sure children come away smiling. Cheeky Monkeys offers a wide range of party options including bouncy castles, themed airflow systems, soft play and face painting, all of which come highly recommended.” Rebecca added,”We have created soft play areas for birthday parties, weddings, christenings, adoption parties, the list keeps growing. I would advise on early booking though to secure your party date.” For more information, visit www.cheekymonkeyshire.co.uk or call 07572 631 549.
PERFECT PARTY Setting for Tots Exclusive parties at Tiny Toes Playcentre in Horsforth are the perfect setting for toddler birthday parties. It’s just the right size for them to confidently play and explore, while parents can enjoy a delicious homemade cake and fresh bean to cup coffee. There’s no angst about marauding gangs of older children wiping the little ones out and fabulous party food and party bags are all provided. Tots can even enjoy a bubble disco as part of their celebrations. For more information, visit www.tinytoesplaycentre.co.uk, facebook.com/ tinytoesplaycentre, or call 0113 258 8856.
Jackrabbits Pottery Paint your own pottery studio A: 633a Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS8 4BA T: 0113 318 9315 W: www.jackrabbitspottery.com
PARTIES: Some Health & Safety Advice IIKatie Giles from BumpsII IIand Bashes, whichII IIprovides baby and childII IIfirst aid classes forII IIparents, shares her topII IIfive tips for staying safeII IIwith parties...II 1 Try to enlist the help of other adults for maximum supervision. 2 Make sure the children are calm and seated before eating to avoid the risk of choking. 3 Always find out if any guests have food allergies. Make sure you are aware of any medication a child carries in case of an emergency. Know the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) should it happen. These include swelling of the tongue, lips or throat, difficulty breathing and dizziness, fainting or pale skin. 4 Accidents often happen on bouncy castles including bruises. Always try to ensure that an adult is supervising and enforce a rota if there are children of different ages to avoid larger children crushing the smaller ones. 5 In case of an emergency ensure you have the names and telephone numbers of ALL the parents.
16 FAMILIES LEEDS
Will it be the same for
HR H BABY NO 2? IIAs we go to press, news of a royal new arrival is imminent.II IIWe’ve dug this out from the Families archive, compiled by editorII IIClaire Bottomley not long after the arrival of her own second child.II IIIt’s a wry comparison of the way you treat your children. It mightII IInot be quite the same for a royal baby, but you never know...II First child: You had a detailed birth plan, with extra pages attached to your notes. Sibling: The words Birth and Plan make you laugh a hollow, hollow laugh. First Child: Their bottom knew nothing but cotton wool and cool boiled water – at least for the first few weeks. Sibling: Wet wipes – where would we be without them? First Child: Anything that went anywhere near them was sterilised within an inch of its life. Sibling: After a couple of months, the dishwasher sterilises and the three second rule rules. First child: Had done baby massage, baby sign, baby swimming and baby music sessions by the age of six months. Sibling: You take them swimming when the other one’s having lessons. Unless they’re asleep, in which case coffee. You will get round to the other stuff – probably…
First child: You willed them to crawl and walk. Sibling: You make the most of them being immobile. First Child: Was sheltered from junk food with a ferocious zeal. Sibling: Loves Hula Hoops. First child: Has an inordinate number of friends the exact same age made through NCT, post natal classes and toddler groups. Sibling: Plays with any randomly-aged siblings of first child’s friends. First child: Only ever watched In The Night Garden. Sibling: Was exposed to Power Rangers from day one. First child: Is subjected to paparazzi hounding, every moment of their young life captured on camera. Sibling: An adorable smile is met with nagging guilt that you really must get the camera out more. And that you’re not sure where it is.
PARTY Wordsearch
Don’t Miss… NEXT ISSUE – win a trampoline worth £795 from Springfree Trampoline The lovely people at Springfree Trampoline have given us a trampoline worth £795 for one lucky reader to win. Don’t miss your July/August copy of Families Leeds to find out how to enter our competition. Safe, solid and spring-free, the R54 8ft Compact Round Trampoline is great for children of all ages. With no springs, the frame out of harm’s way and no metal poles to hit, children are less likely to hurt themselves than on a conventional trampoline, while the surrounding Flexi-Net stops them from falling, so you can relax while they play and have fun. For more information about Springfree Trampolines, visit www.springfree.co.uk.
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MUSIC STARS
WHAT’S ON MAY/JUNE 17
What’s on…
The Magical Outdoors IIRediscover the magic of the outdoors at threeII IIvery special locations this summer.II
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MAGINATIONS can run wild in the fantastic setting of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. At this time of year, its bluebell woods, riverside lawns and atmospheric ruins always hold huge appeal. But visitors to the World Heritage Site and National Trust property near Ripon can explore even more from this month. Beautiful eighteenth-century folly buildings in Studley Royal water garden have been transformed to places of visual trickery and untold histories by some of the country’s most inventive theatre set designers, directors and artists. Called Folly! – families can explore the exhibition, taking in the Octagon Tower, Temple of Fame, Banqueting House and Temple of Piety. A mini guide or Marvellously Magical Family Map is available to pick up. Folly! runs until Sunday, November 29.
Meanwhile, over at Lotherton Hall, May half term week (23 – 31 May) is Fairy tale fun week. Follow the traditional tales trail and get lost in your imagination in Lotherton’s own fairytale. With storytelling, storybook crafts, dressing up and a fairytale picnic on Thursday, May 28.
FROM MAY 1 TO MAY 4 TIME TRAVELLER TRAIL Temple Newsam Templenewsam Road, LS15 0AE 0113 336 7560 • www.leeds.gov.uk Explore time around the house with this fun clock trail. 10.30am – 4pm
MAY 6 LITTLE SCIENTISTS – MAGIC POTIONS Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk For all curious under-5s and their carers. Explore, create and have lots of science fun with magic potions. 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm
MAY 1 TODDLER TOUR DE YORKSHIRE Kirkstall Abbey Abbey Road, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk Take along your bike, trike or scooter for a morning of peddling in the abbey. 10am – 11am MAY 4 MAY DAY PARTY Lotherton Hall Off Collier Lane, Aberford, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 • www.leeds.gov.uk Dance round the maypole and enjoy the spring Bank Holiday with sports day races, brass band, spring planting and garden games. 11am – 3pm MAY 5 MUDDY MONKEYS Kirkstall Abbey Abbey Road, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk Messy creative fun with natural and art materials at Kirkstall Abbey. Wear suitable messy clothing. 10am – 11am. Every Tuesday to June 23.
Always a place of magical outdoor activity, Stockeld Park will have Adventure Zones within its beautiful woodland this summer. Try the outdoor roller rink, maze, go karts or explore, climb and play in the enchanted forest as you discover sculptures and themed adventure playground areas. Jump and slide in the inflatable zone. Stockeld Park’s Spring Adventure will be open from May 23 to May 31. Bluebells at Fountains Abbey (NTPL)
MAY 9 HEROES AND SHEROES Leeds City Museum Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk A celebration of the diverse people of Leeds. 11am – 3pm MAY 10 MAKE A POLLINATION STATION Lotherton Hall Off Collier Lane, Aberford, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 • www.leeds.gov.uk No matter the size of your garden, whether it's a window box, yard or an acre, find out how you can help creatures that buzz and flutter and add some colour. 11am – 4pm FROM MAY 23 TO MAY 31 FAIRY TALE FUN WEEK Lotherton Hall Off Collier Lane, Aberford, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 • www.leeds.gov.uk Follow the traditional tales trail and get lost in your imagination in Lotherton’s own fairy tale. With storytelling, storybook crafts, dressing up and a fairy tale picnic on Thursday, May 28. 11am – 3pm
18 WHAT’S ON MAY/JUNE
FROM MAY 23 TO MAY 31 HALF TERM TRAIL – HERBAL REMEDIES Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Cough, splutter, aaah’choo! Brother Mark is ill and you need to find the right herbs to help cure him. Use the map to find the clues hidden in the abbey and water garden that make up the special remedy. 10am – 4pm. FROM MAY 23 TO MAY 31 HALF TERM CRAFTS – SWEET SCENTS Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey The medieval world was a smelly place so the monks used lavender bags to mask peculiar pongs! Head to Swanley Grange to make your own and banish those whiffy smells for good. 11am – 4pm. FROM MAY 23 TO MAY 31 THE SPRING ADVENTURE Stockeld Park Harrogate Road, Wetherby, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 • www.stockeldpark.co.uk Fabulous family days out with active Adventure Zones within the beautiful woodland of Stockeld Park. Try the outdoor roller rink, maze, go karts or explore, climb and play in the Enchanted Forest as you discover sculptures and themed adventure playground areas. Jump and slide in the inflatable zone, or there's also an indoor covered area for play, games, crafts and creativity, so that adventures await whatever the weather! FROM MAY 23 TO MAY 31 TIME TRAVELLING DRESS-UP Temple Newsam Templenewsam Road, LS15 0AE 0113 336 7560 • www.leeds.gov.uk Step back in time by dressing up in replica costumes, frame yourself in a replica portrait and draw a masterpiece. 10.30am – 5pm. MAY 25 AND MAY 26 MUGGLE MAY FAMILY CRAFTS Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk Magic crafts and activities around the museum. 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm.
FROM MAY 26 TO MAY 28 PLANT IT, GROW IT, EAT IT Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk It all begins with a little seed… and some very dirty fingers. Get your gardening hands grafting this spring planting seeds in the garden with Brother Robert. Take them home to look after and, with the patience of a medieval monk, watch them grow. 11am and 1pm. FROM MAY 26 AND MAY 27 SHADOW PUPPETS AND SILHOUETTES Leeds City Museum Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk Make a puppet and help fill the museum with shadows. 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. MAY 27 BUG HOME BUILDING AND LOVE YOUR ZOO Lotherton Hall Off Collier Lane, Aberford, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 • www.leeds.gov.uk Make yourself a miniature bug home. Love your Zoo week – keeper talks, arts crafts and more. 10am – 4pm. MAY 27 FAMILY BIKE RIDE Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk Use some pedal power and enjoy a rare chance to cycle around the Water Garden at Studley Royal and the ruins of Fountains Abbey. A single circuit is approx. 2.5 miles or for little legs there’s a short cut. Enter at Studley Royal. 6pm – 8pm (last entry 7pm). MAY 27 SILLY SCIENCE – POTIONS Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk Silly science activities on the theme of potions. Expect fizzing, frothing and fun. No science knowledge necessary, just curiosity. 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm.
FROM MAY 25 TO MAY 29 OWL TRAIL Kirkstall Abbey Abbey Road, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 www.leeds.gov.uk Find the owls hiding around the ruins, big and small, fluffy and feathery. 10am – 4pm. MAY 26 MINI OWLS Kirkstall Abbey Abbey Road, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk The usual under-5s session gets a feathery make over for the half term holidays. Fancy dress is welcome but there will be lots of glue and glitter! 10am – 11am.
Get, set, grow with Mr Bloom at Stockeld Park
WHAT’S ON MAY/JUNE 19
MAY 28 LIGHT LAB ACTIVITY DAY Leeds City Museum Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk Enlightening activities to explore things that glow, reflect, shine and sparkle. Don't miss the hall of mirrors and hands-on, sensory fun in the family-friendly Light Lab exhibition. 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. MAY 28 MAGICAL MURDER AT THE MUSEUM DETECTIVE DAY Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk A detective day with a difference. Mr Marvel the Magician has been found dead in the Victorian Street but is all it seems to be? Follow the clues to crack the case. 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. MAY 29 KALEIDOSCOPE CREATIONS Leeds City Museum Millennium Square, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk Create a colourful kaleidoscope. 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. MAY 29 MAGIC IN THE MUSEUM Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk Join a fun day of magic in the museum. 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. MAY 31 GET, SET, GROW WITH MR BLOOM Stockeld Park Harrogate Road, Wetherby, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 • www.stockeldpark.co.uk Stockeld Park has a very special guest visit from CBeebies – Mr Bloom. Families can enjoy the show, with singing and teaching youngsters all about growing fruit and vegetables.
Octagon Tower at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden (Picture Chris Lacey)
JUNE 26 FAMILY BIKE RIDE Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Use some pedal power and enjoy a rare chance to cycle around the Water Garden at Studley Royal and the ruins of Fountains Abbey. A single circuit is approx 2.5 miles or for little legs there’s a short cut. Enter at Studley Royal. 6pm – 8pm (last entry 7pm). JUNE 27 GEOCACHING TASTER DAY Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey All adventurers head this way… It’s your chance to explore like never before! Learn how to use a GPS unit and travel through time on a digital treasure hunt to seek out secret stashes hidden all over the estate. Equipment is provided, so all you need to bring is a keen eye for spotting the clues. Booking essential. 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm.
JUNE 13 POND DIPPING Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Newts, water lice, water boatmen, molluscs, pea mussels... there’s an extraordinary world just waiting to be discovered hiding under the surface of the still ponds in the water garden. Nets, identification charts and the pots provided. Meet at the Studley Royal entrance. Booking essential. 2pm – 3.30pm. JUNE 14 SUMMER FAMILY NATURE WALK Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Look up, look down, look all around! It’s a busy time in the garden for bees, bugs and birds and you can enjoy the fantastic colours and scents of summer as you explore with the gardeners. Meet at the Studley Royal entrance. 2pm – 3pm. JUNE 21 WARTIME TEA PARTY Lotherton Hall Off Collier Lane, Aberford, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 • www.leeds.gov.uk Lotherton Hall will be swinging to the sights of the 1940s with live music, activities and a street party picnic. Spot prizes for the best dressed visitor. 10am – 4pm.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
playing out
This half term get planting with Brother Mark, find herbs to make your own lavender bag, stay up late to listen out for bats or go on a family bike ride. Members and under 5s go free. 01765 608888 nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey
National Trust
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