Families Leeds May-June 2013 Issue

� Leeds’ Favourite Parenting Magazine // MAY/JUNE 2013 // ISSUE 28

beautiful handmade cake pops

baked to order

fun themed party pops

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the new way to eat cake

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I like a birthday party – the cake, the games, the sound of laughter and did I mention the cake?

In fact I’m in the midst of organising a big Butters’ bash at the moment. The entertainment is booked – not Mr Shuffles on this occasion. The themed cake pops are on order – Popalicious, of course.And the birthday girl is counting down the days on her Michael Bublecalendar. I never thought I’d be so excited to turn 40!

I didn’t enjoy turning 30. There was too much change going onin my life. My first daughter was about to arrive. I’d just left my muchloved career as a TV journalist to become a mum and to be honest,I wasn’t sure I’d be much good at it. Also, I felt old. It’s come as some-thing of a surprise to me that I’m looking forward to 40.

Motherhood has changed me for the better. I’m still not sureI’m that good at it, but we all seem to be surviving and smiling afair amount along the way. And I no longer feel old, despite mydaughters’ best efforts.

“Mum, were you born when the world was black and white? Didyou used to wear bloomers to the beach? When you were at school,did you write with a feather?” For the avoidance of doubt, the answerto all those questions is no.

Parties are great fun, even for the elderly. But organising a partycan be stressful – especially in a year when we’re all watching thepurse strings. That’s why we’ve put together a money saving guide toplanning your child’s next party. We’ve also reviewed some of the bestbashes in town to give you some great ideas for your next do. Andwe’ve even got some tips for party food and gifts.

Whatever party you’re planning over the next few months try to remember what it’s all about. It’s not about who has the biggest cakeor the most guests. It’s not about having One Direction sing to thebirthday girl or handing out iPads in your party bags. Parties are aboutbringing friends and family together to smile, laugh and celebrate.Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to put up the bunting, blow up theballoons and blow out all 40 candles before they create a fire hazard.

PS I hope you’ve noticed my new Editor’s picture. I met Paralympicdouble gold medalist Hannah Cockroft during a recent visit to Eureka! Read all about it on page 10.

Sarah Butters

Welcome Back…

What’s inside…

7 Mums Mean BUSINESS meetsThe Little Lunch Company

9 Families Review BABY BALLET

10 Families Leeds meets HANNAH COCKROFT

12 Ask the DOCTOR? WHOOPING COUGH

14 SATS – A Parents’ Guide

20 Top 10 Party Planning Money Saving Tips

26 What’s On MAY HALF TERM

CIRCULATION: 18,000 copies printed

NEXT DEADLINE: Thursday 13th June. If you wantto advertise contact [email protected]

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

DESIGNED BY: www.jgl-design.co.uk

COVER PHOTO: Elliott Leeming zorbing at Xscape.

PRINTED BY: Warners, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH

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 largergroup of magazines headed by Families SW London®. All franchisedmagazines in the group are independently owned and operatedunder 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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Families NEWS…STOCKELD opens for Summer Get your skates on and head for Stockeld Park this Summer. The home of The Christmas Adventure is nowopening its doors in July and August. Ice skates have beenswopped for roller skates and there’s go karting, a giantjumping pillow and the chance to picnic in the parkland.

“The real star of the Summer Adventure is the Enchanted Forest,” explains Holly Dannhauser from Stockeld. “Visitors can climb, scramble and play as theyexplore the Enchanted Forest and discover new sculpturesand installations at every turn. Let your imagination beyour guide!”

The Summer Adventure opens on the 20th July until1st September. Summer season cards are available.www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Families NEWS…

FIT FOR A ROYAL BABYStuck for a gift for Kate and Wills when the new royal babyarrives? Look no further. We found this furry friend at Armadillo Toys and think it needs a home fit for aKing. Meet the Great British Teddy Bear Company’sQueen Bear. At £35 it’s a special gift but howoften do we celebrate a royal baby?www.armadillotoys.co.uk

New MUSICBUGS classes launched Popular pre-school music class Music Bugs is launching some new sessions in Horsforth and Headingley. Baby Bugs is for children from 4 weeks to 12 months. The new sessions will take placeon a Friday morning and are already up and running.

“We’re offering a free trial at the session,” says Vicky Bannister whoruns Music Bugs across Leeds. “Bring your baby along and see if theycatch the bug!”www.musicbugs.co.uk

Barn dance forDIDDI DANCE

You’re invited to a barn dance in Yeadon this May! Diddi Dance is hosting a FREE sessionat The Barn next to Emsley’s Farm on Monday 6th May. Meet the animals before headinginside to have a boogie!

“We will be doing all our usual fun dancing with pom poms, ribbons and hoops all toour own funky music,” explains Cath Hale from Diddi Dance Leeds. “We will also be doing

a spot of morris dancing with sticks and bells!” For details of Diddi Dance’s other sessions across

Leeds look at www.diddidance.com

Ballet Honours forRICHMOND HOUSE PUPILA 10 year old boy from Richmond House has beenawarded a prestigious scholarship with the EnglishYouth Ballet. Lorcan Justice-Mills auditioned for thecompany’s production of Coppelia to be performedin York in June. He was one of three children under12 to be awarded a scholarship place.

“I’m so excited about performing with the English Youth Ballet,” says Lorcan who has beendancing since he was seven. “I’ve seen them perform and they’re amazing. Now I’m going tobe up there with them!”

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FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June 5

LORD MAYOR opens City Centre NurseryThe Lord Mayor of Leeds has officially opened Twinkles new city centrenursery. Councillor Ann Castle joined Twinkles’ owner Jill Johnson andsome of the children at the 60 place facility on Church Walk in Leedsfor the ceremony.

“We are taking children from birth to 5 years old,” says Jill Johnsonfrom Twinkles Nurseries. “Places are going quickly because it’s topquality childcare in a convenient location.”

To find out more go to www.twinklesnurseries.com

NETWORKING GROUP for home working mumsDo you work at home and need some support? Would you like to make contacts, getadvice and share ideas? Leeds mum and local businesswoman Rachel Swann has launcheda networking group aimed at people like you.

“Working at home can feel quite lonely so I felt Leeds needed a group that broughtthose home workers together every other month to support each other.”

To find out more about the next meeting and register your interest [email protected]

Win the costof your toys fromARMADILLO

Armadillo Toys in Leeds is 10 years old and to celebrate they’d like to give you a gift. If youpop into their store in Chapel Allerton or Horsforth and make a purchase, owner Lisa Claywould like you to go to their Facebook page to review it.

“We’re looking for people to post photos, videos and written reviews,” says Lisa. “The best reviews will win back the cost of theirpurchase. It’s that simple!”www.armadillotoys.co.uk

Family day at MOORFIELD SCHOOLRoll up, roll up, roll up for a Family Open Day at Moorfield School atBen Rhydding, Ilkley on Saturday 11th May. There’ll be an afternoon offun packed activities including circus skills, football sessions, arts andcrafts and chemistry workshops. It’s a fun, family way to see this leadingco-educational prep school. The afternoon begins at 2.30pm and runsuntil 4pm.www.moorfieldschool.co.uk • 01943 607 285

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

littlefidgets.co.uk Tel 0113 3470350

French & Spanish for Children

Families Leeds columnist Claire Bottomleydiagnoses a case of acute hypochondria.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident.” Not the words you want to hearat school pick-up. My son’s doleful eyes met mine, and he shuffledslowly towards me, his outstretched arm proffered for me to examine.He, his teacher and I looked down. I squinted, then moved closer. Either my eyesight was seriously failing or there was nothing morethan the faintest fleck on his porcelain skin.

“We’ve put a bit of cream on, not quite sure how it happened,”said his kindly, sympathetic teacher.

Of course, she was erring on the side of caution, not accustomedto just how regular these phantom symptoms presented themselvesto the boy.

All the way home he ruminated on the nature of his injury.“Daisy said it was a splinter but Mrs Jackson thinks it’s a scratch.I agree with Mrs Jackson,” and other such insights.

At bedtime when I told him to get his pyjamas on he looked atme incredulous, eyes bulging with disbelief. “Mummy, have you forgotten about my arm?” Clearly, he would need assistance whilehis health was compromised.

Such acute hypochondria has not been helped by CBeebies,which has launched a new programme, Get Well Soon, with frontman Dr Ranj explaining all about illness and minor injury. After exposure to this, my little boy is prone to anxious bouts of self diagnosis, like an obsessive compulsive let loose on Google.

“Mummy, you know when I had an itchy eye the other day?”he exclaimed excitedly after viewing a recent episode. “It wascon-junct-iv-it-is. ”Trust me, it was an itchy eye.

Not wanting to encourage this behaviour, I have remained very low-key in my response. After all, how would he cope with a genuinepain or injury if he was so lily livered in the face of imaginary ones?

So, we have rubbed along together thus, him giving me constantupdates on the ever changing status of his perfect health, me tryingto make it clear that if it’s not hanging off, I’m not interested.

That was until the other day, however, when he presented symptoms that certainly did pique my interest.

“Mummy my throat’s sore,” he croaked. “Oh dear my darling, how awful!” I exclaimed. “It sounds to me

like you might be losing your voice. Best rest it just in case… try notto talk and hopefully it will feel better soon.”

Well, can you blame me?

Our Dad Columnist Jim Cardwell shareshis formula for a happy summer holiday.

With the onset of the spring-like weather, our collective family mindhas turned to the forthcoming summer holidays. I have a simple three-part formula for happy family holidays: avoid travel hold ups, get lotsof sleep and avoid crowds. Get these right, everything else will takecare of itself and a wonderful time will be had by all. However, thissummer, we’re off to Disneyland Paris. And unlike Aladdin I fear I willnot get my three wishes.

Our summer holidays generally consist of driving to France sincethat is where we find my Mum. We have a pretty tried and tested holiday travel plan that consists of driving through the daytime non-peak periods to minimise the chances of getting snarled in jams.And it tends to work OK. The whole car loading routine has also become easier as we exited the baby stage and left behind the bulkynecessities of travel cots and pushchairs. We also have reasonably welltrained bladders so regular loo stops are generally avoided. And a longday’s drive is not actually that bad as long as the kids are armed withplenty to keep them entertained, and fed. A snack every half hour orso at allotted times on the dashboard clock seems to keep everyone inreasonable spirits. Good fun or glamorous? No. But get from A to Bwithout us falling out completely? Yes, normally. So far, so good.

And so to the sleeping. On a recent short stay at my Dad’s house,the kids and I shared a bedroom. This was OK until the first nightwhen Little Miss Fidget reminded me of her ability to talk in her sleep,by talking in her sleep, rather a lot, at 3am. Thankfully, I am able tosleep fairly readily. By contrast, the Short Suffering Wife tends towards insomnia such that sleep is even more valued by her. When we’re ontour, one bedroom for them and one for us is the norm and generallydoes the trick. This summer, we will meet this criterion on all butone night.

Which brings me finally, with a sense of foreboding, to the crowdavoidance objective. ‘Doing it for the kids’ this year means that wewill be in Disneyland Paris in the height of summer. And I am a littleworried about how I will cope having only ever done shorter-durationvisits to less popular attractions in the past. However, I have passedthrough the denial stage and I am now reconciled to my fate. On amuch more positive note, I think the kids will have a whale of a time –they’d better. In which case I may even enjoy it myself. Could thisprompt a review of the ‘happy holidays winning formula’? We’ll see,watch this space.

The Diary of aIMPERFECT MUM…�

THE WORLD

DAD…

6 FAMILIES LEEDS | May/June

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HIS MUM, Karen Goodwin, is waiting for feedback on thepopcorn cups he’s just polished off and the homemade gingerbread man he’s about to destroy. Karen, along with

her sister Sarah Earnshaw launched the company earlier this monthwith the aim of making mums’ lives easier when it comes to partyplanning. They’re taking the stress out of catering at a children’sbirthday party.

“The idea for The Little Lunch Company came to me when I waspreparing the food for my daughter Phoebe’s party,” says Karen.“I thought, 20 lunchboxes. How hard can it be? Three hours laterand I’m knee deep in Dairylea sandwiches and yoghurt tubes andI’ve missed the morning of my daughter’s birthday.”

From there, sisters Karen and Sarah decided to launch a businesscreating competitively priced party food for busy mums. Parentscan choose from simple lunchboxes packed with homemade cakesand biscuits or there’s a sit down menu. The food can be themedand there’s more than a nod to healthy eating. These mums knowtheir stuff and are making sure their menus are packed with foodkids want, at a price that parents can afford.

“Our lunchboxes start at £3 each,” explains Karen. “When Ilook at similar boxes on offer at local attractions, I think that’sgreat value. All our food is homemade and while we know partyfood needs to be fun, we also want to sneak in some fruit andvegetables to keep things healthy. The fruit kebabs are really popular!”

Karen Goodwin will be a familiar face to many readers of Families Leeds. She spent time running Baby Ballet classes in NorthLeeds before working at the popular soft play centre Little Bees.Karen has been looking for a challenge to fit around her childrenPhoebe who’s 7 and 1 year old Harry. With the support of sisterSarah, she believes she’s found it with The Little Lunch Company.

“We’re both really excited,” says Karen. “It feels great to knowwe’ve designed the logo, we’ve planned the menus, we’re fittingthis around our kids. It’s a real family business.”

For Sarah, it’s about a return to work after 10 years as a stay athome mum to her three children. A keen baker, Sarah is ready toturn her hobby into her new career and says her children, 18 yearold Joe, 10 year old Daniel and Freya who is 6 are supporting herall the way.

“I’m ready for the challenge. I’m ready to be more independentand to earn my own money again after 10 years at home. I lovespending time in the kitchen so this is the perfect job for me!”

As well as bespoke party food, The Little Lunch Company islooking to provide child friendly catering at local festivals and family fun days. They’re in talks with various Yorkshire basedevents to launch that part of the business this Summer. But fornow, the focus is on parties and that popcorn has finally got thethumbs up from Harry.

“The best thing about The Little Lunch Company is you don’thave to tell anyone you’ve used us,” says Sarah. “We’re happyfor you to pass it all off as your own work! We just want tomake mums’ lives a little easier so we won’t tell if you don’t!”

To find out more about the The Little Lunch Companymenu, go to www.thelittlelunchcompany.com or contactKaren and Sarah on [email protected]…10 party lunchboxes on page Page 18

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Dear

KAT E


IIWe’re expecting a Royal Baby overII

IIthe summer so we thought we’d callII

IIon Families Leeds’ columnist ClaireII

IIBottomley, who recently became aII

IImum for the second time, to pass onII

IIsome advice to the Royal mum-to-be.II

Congratulations! How exciting to be expecting your first baby –a future heir to the throne no less. Good on you for shunning the tradition of a full-time royal nanny. You want to be hands-on parentsand that’s great. Since I’ve just been through the newborn phasemyself, I thought I’d drop you a line with some words to the wiseabout those first few weeks and months…

It’s the most precious thing in the world and you just can’t getenough. I’m talking about sleep. Even though it’s very tempting tostare continuously at your gorgeous, amazing baby as he or she liessnoozing beside you in their cot – and of course you will indulge thistemptation, it’s only natural – you are playing a game of survival, andyou need to get banking those zeds at every opportunity. Before youknow it you’ll be pushing your pram and staring zombie-like down atthe cold hard pavement thinking how comfy and appealing it looks.

Books. As in parenting manuals. I would take these with a verylarge pinch of salt. Manuals are for microwaves, not babies, who famously come without them. I’ve always found real people muchmore helpful than super-gurus. Midwives, health visitors, other parents. Trying to memorise a complicated routine and then follow itwhile responding to your baby, who has other ideas, is enough to sendanyone, let alone someone who is very sleep deprived, slightly doolally.You’re the future queen for goodness sake – don’t let self-appointedexperts tell you when you can and can’t go to the toilet.

Breastfeeding, if it works out, has the advantage of being veryconvenient, with no bottles to sterilise and pack, etc. However, gettingstarted is time consuming, to put it mildly. The best thing you can do ismake yourself as comfortable and entertained as possible, everythingwithin easy reach around your most comfortable chair. In toddlerspeak, I tell my family “I feedin’” – and what I mean by that, is:iFeeding. When iFeeding, I need every information/communication/entertainment smart appliance to hand – get your favourite films,music, TV downloaded – Twitter and Facebook Apps installed,and a Kindle loaded up with a few good books.

I’m assuming you’ve got plenty of space at your house, and that’sgood, because believe me, you’re going to need it. Thought variousregal residences were ostentatious and excessive? Think again.If anyone can fill a county estate with all their gear, a baby can.You have no idea how much colourful plastic is heading your way.It’s bye-bye minimalist chic.

You’ve just got used to the title of Duchess of Cambridge. Nowyou have a new one. You will henceforth be known as so-and-so’smummy. In fact, don’t be surprised if you feel like you don’t recogniseyourself anymore. Here are just a few of the things you will be surprised to hear yourself saying/doing in the coming months:• describing the contents of a nappy in forensic detail.• uttering the words ‘my baby isn’t rolling yet, what does this

MEAN?!’ – or similar.• crying at adverts (if you didn’t already).

Remember, we all have bad days. I don’t think any new parenthas ever got away without at least once crying into a bowl of mashed banana while still in their pyjamas at 4pm, their hair caked with babysick. This is after all the most demanding and important job there is.OK, so I know you’re no stranger to taking on a big role, and fine,fair enough, a few members of you close family will be head of stateor whatever. But now, for the first time, in anyone’s currency, you aretruly a VIP.

One thing no-one really talks about is The Fear. The sheer terror atbeing entirely responsible for a totally vulnerable, perfectly preciousbaby – is terrifying. The only thing I can say about this is that you getused to it. In the face of the various crises that will become your dailylife, there is actually only one thing to do. Of course, we all do it, we allhave to. You, my dear, will be a natural. Just Keep Calm and Carry On.

Best wishes, Claire (Imperfect Mum)

BABY BALLETWHAT: Tiny Toes WHEN: Thursday 10am WHERE: The Grove Community Centre, Horsforth

||The trainee dancing princesses at the Horsforth Tiny||||Toes class are preparing for a starring role in the summer||||production. In a few weeks time they’ll take to the stage||||with Baby Ballet stars from across Leeds to help their||||friend Twinkle Bear. Preparing them for their date with||||centre stage is Miss Louise.||

This class of 10 children is aged between 18 months old and 3 years. All are top to toe inpink and full to the brim with fun. I can only imagine that smiles are part of the uniformbecause everyone is wearing one as the group begins the session with the warm up dance.Then it’s time to unleash all the good and naughty toes in the room.

“Most children love to dance,” says Louise from Baby Ballet LeedsCentral. “They love to dance and they love movement. These sessionsare a great bonding experience between the children and their parentsand they love it.”

And they do. When these mini movers hear the unique BabyBallet songs, they can’t wait to begin jumping, skipping and dancing.At these sessions there’s much for parents to do and the mums andgrandmas at today’s class are more than happy to be part of the fun.

“We do want parents to join in for the Tiny Toes session,” saysLouise. “They can help their children learn to bend, stretch, hop anddance. They can help their children to have as much fun as possible.I love seeing that interaction and seeing how the children progress.”

Baby Ballet has a clear progression for the children who join fromas young as 6 months. From Tiny Toes, they can move to Mini Moverswhere children spend the session without their parents promoting independent learning and preparing them for the school environmentaround the corner. Once the Baby Ballerinas are 3 years old, they’re invited to be part of the annual summer show these dancers are nowpreparing for. From the first week they pull on their pink pumps, tothe day they graduate as a Baby Ballerina, there’s fun in every session.It’s also a class that gets children active. The sparkles and smiles hidea 45 minute workout for both the baby ballerinas and the grown ups.

“I think I’m a fit person but when I’ve taken 4 classes, I physicallyache,” admits Louise. “Skipping, galloping, jumping – it’s great exercise and I want to encourage our children to get fit doing some-thing they love.”

The 10 pairs of tiny toes grab a Twinkle Bear each as the classcomes to an end. It’s time to help Miss Louise put the bears into theirpyjamas and then to bed. Looking around the room, it looks like someof these baby ballerinas and their grown ups could do with a nap too.

Where’s my nearest Baby Ballet class?Tuesday: Activ-Zone, MorleyWednesday: Pudsey Leisure CentreThursday: The Grove Community Centre, HorsforthFriday: AM: Parish Centre, Beeston

PM: Pudsey Leisure CentreSaturday: Morley Leisure Centre • The Grove Community

Centre, HorsforthSunday: Activ-Zone, Morley

For more information on class availabilitycontact Jane 07702 965 932 or Louise 07702 965958www.babyballet.co.uk

kumon.co.uk

FreeAssessment

kumon.co.uk

NOWOPEN

IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME before robots took over and at the NationalChildren’s Museum Eureka! it’s already

happened. Standing at the entrance of thenew £2.9 million gallery welcoming guests,is Zoom. He’s a friendly addition to the Eureka! staff directing us all to grab a passport and prepare to enter All AboutMe. This is a health and body themedgallery that’s been 3 years in the planningand is the largest and most ambitious redevelopment in the museum’s 21 yearhistory. Judging by the reaction of the firstvisitors, it’s been worth the wait.

“Using play, All About Me will help hundreds of thousands of children acrossthe UK to build their knowledge, confidence and ability to make healthychoices about what they eat, drink and dowith their free time,” explains Leigh AnneStradeski, the museum’s Chief Executive.“It’s a gallery that reflects the interests, issues and concerns of families todayand will help solve the social and healthproblems of tomorrow.”

With some direction from Zoom andyour passport, you’re invited to explore 4areas. The first takes a look at how youcan measure your stride, reach and height.There’s also a deeply unpleasant ageingmirror that allows you to see yourself asyou’ll be in few decades time. For the littlegirl in front of me, that was fun. As a middle aged mum staring 40 squarely inthe eyes, it was not! From there you moveto the Health Centre which encourageschildren and their parents to take the roleof Dentist, Doctor or Midwife.

“The Health Centre is the centerpiece ofthe gallery,” says Tom Warman, Eureka’sHead of Marketing. “It’s been designed by

kids, for kids and encourages dads to gettheir teeth checked by their daughters, andmums to get scanned by their sons. It’sgreat fun.”

For Liz Smallman, the museums Head ofLearning the role play in the Health Centreis also about inspiring the health care professionals of the future.

“We want this to be aspirational.We want to sow the seeds in the littleminds that come through here, seeds thatmay inspire future Doctors, Dentists andMidwives. We want some of these childrento go onto a career in caring.”

The philosophy of Eureka! is learningthrough play and looking around thegallery on opening day, that’s exactlywhat’s going on. There are children in thescanning machine, inside a giant mouthand hiding up a huge nose. You can witness an ultrasound, take a look at ajar of fat and measure your pulse afterclimbing up a wall. Some of the most popular exhibits from the Me and My Bodygallery have found a new home here, butthe light bright gallery gives them a newlease of life. The aim here is to provokefamily discussion, inform children and parents alike about their choices and inspirethis generation to live long healthy lives.

“Tackling obesity is a family issue,” saysTom Warman. “All About Me gets familiesto look at the issues collectively through arange of exhibits. It gets families playingand then talking.”

The gallery is filled with children askingquestions connected with each of the100 exhibits. The Brain and Senses area is attracting attention from a group of schoolchildren keen to take a look at the snottanks near the giant nose. There’s also a

big blinking eye to explore and an ear inviting you to find out more about yourhearing. Children big and small are invitedto interact and enjoy everything the newgallery has to offer. It’s the hands on experience that makes Eureka! specialand means children really are absorbing information as they poke, prod and play.

“This gallery replaces the popular Meand My Body gallery which was enjoyedby 6 million people,” says Leigh-AnneStradeski. “When I say enjoyed, I meanpushed, pinched, pummeled and all theother things kids do. I’m amazed it lasted21 years!”

The final area looks at keeping fit andencourages children to look at the changesin their body when they Get Active. There’sa climbing wall and an interactive pondas well as the popular skeleton bike fromMe and My Body. This gallery promotesdiscussion about healthy lifestyles, encour-ages a debate about how to make healthychoices and does it all with that vital element of fun. Whether it’s role play inthe Health Centre or a race with a skeletonon a bike, there’s so much to do and seehere and the adults seem to be having asmuch fun as the children they’ve broughtalong. However, if I can pass on one pieceof advice – avoid the ‘magic’ ageing mirror.Seeing into the future with Zoom was fun.Seeing into my own future was not.I’ll leave that exhibit to the children!

Eureka! is open from 10am daily.Pay once and come back as many timesas you want for a year. Entry is £9.95for adults and children over 3 yearsold. Babies under 1 go free.www.eureka.org.uk

Recent research has revealed that by 2030, half theUK population will be obese. Today, one in three ofour children is considered to be overweight.A new multi-million pound gallery at Eureka!is hoping to inspire children and their parentsto look at how they are living and under-stand how they can make healthier choices.Sarah Butters went along to the openingof All About Me.

How EUREKA! is helping parents tackle

CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Recent research has revealed that by 2030, half theUK population will be obese. Today, one in three ofour children is considered to be overweight.A new multi-million pound gallery at Eureka!is hoping to inspire children and their parentsto look at how they are living and under-stand how they can make healthier choices.Sarah Butters went along to the openingof All About Me.

How EUREKA! is helping parents tackle

CHILDHOOD OBESITY


Paralympic double gold medalist HannahCockroft told Families Leeds the LondonOlympics is still inspiring children to getinvolved in sport. As she prepared to lookround the museum’s new gallery, theHalifax athlete told us that it’s up toparents to give children the opportunitiesto get involved in sport.

LONDON 2012IS STILL INSPIRINGOUR CHILDREN

Why have you come along today?I’m a Eureka! Ambassador and the whole idea of the All About Megallery is looking after your body and how best to do that. As anathlete, that’s my job! It’s cool to come along here and see how Eureka! is teaching kids how to look after themselves, how to keepfit and how to find the best way to live. I might learn a bit myself!

We have a problem in this country with childhood obesity andyet we have great role models like you. What’s going wrong?I think 2012 has changed that. People across the country seemmore motivated. Kids want to be the next Jess Ennis, the nextMo Farah and I think families are making those changes now.I went back to the South Leeds Stadium where I used to do mywheelchair racing before London 2012 and since last summerthey’ve had 20 new members to the club. When I was therebefore the games there were 6 or 7 of us. Now there’s a biggroup. So I think people have been inspired.

How can we best motivate our children to get involved?Take them to a club. Let them see and experience a sport. If theydon’t try it they’ll never know. It’s important children are allowedto change their mind and keep trying new things. Only by tryinglots of different sports will you find something you have a passionfor. Once a child finds that sport and discovers that passion,they’ll work at it and they may turn out like me!

You inspired us last summer. Are you inspired by the public’sreaction to you since the games?Seeing the number of people who want to get involved in sportbecause they’ve seen people like me do it, is fantastic. I met a childwho told me he was going to win 10 gold medals. That’s dreamingbig and that’s come from London 2012. I didn’t have those sort ofdreams when I was a child so it’s great to think we’ve given today’schildren the chance to dream.

It must be an honour to come back here and be part ofthis gallery opening.It’s great. Eureka! opened the year I was born so we’ve got a lot incommon! It’s close to my home and it’s a place I came to when Iwas a child. I’ve spent very many cold days here but coming backand seeing how much it’s developed and moved on, it’s brilliant tobe part of it.

Classes in North LeedsTo try a class or for more information please contact Sara on

0844 504 0964 or email [email protected]


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ASK theDOCTOR?Whooping Cough

Families Leeds welcomes a new contributor to the team.Dr Georgina Hudson is a Children’s Hospital Doctor herein West Yorkshire. She’s also an Early Years Professional.

WHOOPING COUGHis an infection causedby a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.It is spread from

droplets when we cough or sneeze. It isvery infectious. Whooping cough can affectall age groups but is the most serious inyoung babies.

What symptoms should youlook out for?Whooping cough as suggested by its’ nameusually begins with a dry cough. It’s usuallyaccompanied by feeling generally unwellwith a temperature and runny nose. Following this, sometimes up to fourteendays later intense ‘bouts’ of coughing begin,followed by a characteristic ‘whoop’ noise.Interestingly, the ‘whoop’ noise only occursin about half of cases and rarely in babies,which is why it is sometimes difficult torecognise the disease in this age group. Children can often vomit following one ofthese episodes.

These bouts of coughing can last fortwo weeks or more with the child usuallywell in between. The cough can last up tothree months.

What’s the best treatment? Antibiotics if given early, may decrease thelength of the illness and can reduce howeasily it is passed on to others. In older children and adults whooping cough is usually less serious than in young childrenand babies. During the illness it is importantto get lots of rest and drink lots of fluid.

How dangerous is it? Whooping cough can be very serious, especially in babies under six months of age.This age group is most at risk of seriouscomplications. In the UK deaths fromwhooping cough are very rare, but therewere more deaths in babies under 2 monthslast year. Young babies are usually admittedto hospital as they are at risk of dehydrationfrom persistent vomiting, pneumonia andin the very worst cases permanent braindamage and even death.

Children are routinely immunised at two,three and four months of age, with a preschool booster. Interestingly, this doesnot provide lifelong protection and infectioncan subsequently occur in adolescents andadults, but it does tend to be much milder.Vaccination is the best way to protect yourchild, and to prevent spread of the disease.

Is whooping cough on the rise? The routine childhood immunisation programme against whooping cough wasintroduced in the 1950s and has been incredibly effective in reducing the numbersof cases.

Since 2011, there’s been a considerablerise in cases – the largest outbreak of reported cases by the Health ProtectionAgency in ten years. It is expected that cases of whooping cough will rise everythree to four years, as it is a cyclical disease.However, there was a dramatic increasein the number of cases in 2012. Therewere eight times as many cases as 2011.This number was largely made up of

babies under three months of age, with thirteen reported deaths.

To try and tackle this problem, a temporaryvaccination programme has been set up.Pregnant women are now offered vaccina-tion against whooping cough betweentwenty eight and thirty eight weeks of pregnancy. This is to passively protectthrough the mother the vulnerable newborninfant, till they can be vaccinated themselvesat two months. Having the vaccinationwhilst you are pregnant is the best wayto protect your unborn baby from gettingwhooping cough in the first few weeks afterbirth. It is important if you are pregnant todiscuss this with your GP or midwife toarrange an appointment for the vaccination.

It is also important to remember, that ifyou are vaccinated in pregnancy, your babystill requires their routine vaccinations attwo months.

Can you prevent it spreading? If you think you or your child might havewhooping cough then you should seekhealth advice as early as possible, especiallyif you have regular contact with a youngbaby or a pregnant woman. It is a very infectious disease that is easily spread fromone person to another by sneezing andcoughing. Spread of infection can be reduced if diagnosed and treated early. Youwill be advised to stay off school for 21 daysfrom the onset of symptoms or after youhave had at least five days of antibiotics.

For more information visit your GP orNHS Choices online www.nhs.uk


Now celebrating 10 years in Leeds!

Fun, educational music classes for babies, toddlers & pre-schoolersFREE trial session!

Call Elizabeth on 0113 232 8131

www.rhythmtime.net/eh2

Singing Dancing Skipping Hopping Music InstrumentsColours Numbers Balance Confidence Coordination

Interaction Fun Certificates

Our dance and movement classes are a great introduction to physical exercise for kids aged 6 months to 4 years

Contact Katie to find out where your local classes are...T: 0113 287 6252 M: 07834 266350 www.kids2dance.co.uk

NAME: HANNAH WALKER AGE: 12RHYTHM TIME CLASS 2003Hannah was two years old when shestarted the classes. She showed a feelfor music from a very young age andRhythm Time was a special time everyweek when we both were able to shareour love of music with like-minded

mums. We listened to all the fabulous CDs every car journey andwhilst doing all our house jobs together! The classes taught herthe early rudiments of music theory – clapping rhythms, playingpercussion instruments, and most importantly for Hannah movingin time and feeling the pulse and beat of a variety of musical styles.I have no doubt that this early grounding in music was the key toHannah’s love and musical abilities.

10 years on… Hannah has continued her love of music throughdance and when she was 10 she was selected by Northern BalletAcademy to study classical ballet on their Centre for AdvancedTraining programme. Hannah now dances on average 13 hours aweek at the wonderful new home of Northern Ballet in Leeds.The course offers the chance for young classical ballet dancers totrain whilst remaining at home. She is shortly coming to the end ofher second year and hopefully will continue on the course until sheis 16 when her dream is to become a classical ballet dancer. So farHannah has performed with the Northern Ballet company at theChristmas performances of The Nutcracker. She also plays thepiano and delights her music teacher at Tadcaster GrammarSchool – another legacy from her Rhythm Time days.

NAME: ROWAN LIGHTFOOT AGE: 8RHYTHM TIME CLASS 2005When Rowan started Rhythm Time,I was a primary school teacher and Iliked the way classes were clearly structured, varied and stimulating whilstalso being lots of fun. I saw how well heresponded to the activities and gained

confidence as he went. He particularly loved going up to the frontto do his rhythm patterns and also enjoyed dancing and playinginstruments.

8 years on… Rowan now attends ballet and recently auditionedand was chosen for a role in the English Youth Ballet’s productionof Coppelia in York. He’s in the Tingley Brass Band where he playscornet. He also plays trumpet at school and has recently startedpiano lessons. All in all he loves music, singing and performing.

I really believe that Rhythm Time helped to nurture his love ofmusic. I’m sure his understanding of pitch, pulse, rhythm and dynamics all started at Elizabeth’s classes. I also loved the classes,so much so that I left teaching and bought my own franchise running classes in the Wakefield area!

NAME: LUKE FLEAR AGE: 11RHYTHM TIME CLASS 2003

Luke enjoyed music – especially banging sticks/wooden spoons onanything he could get hold of from the moment he could sit up.Rhythm Time gave him the opportunity to explore and play withdifferent instruments. It also gave him the chance to enjoy music ina fun environment with other children. He absolutely loved thedrums. We didn’t have any at home when he first started atRhythm Time so he was able to play on something other thanQuality Street tins, pans and boxes!

10 years on… Music features very heavily in Luke’s life – he hasa passion for it. He now has a 3/4 size drum kit at home and he’svery talented. He played the drums in his school Christmas concertand he performs in a ‘Big Band’ group at school. In addition,he goes to Rothwell Music Centre on a Saturday Morning andplays drums in an ensemble. He is also learning to play the keyboard and acoustic guitar.

I think Rhythm Time gave him a good grounding. It helped todevelop his love for music and encouraged him to explore differentinstruments. It gave him an outlet to ‘play’ the drums and it wasthe enthusiasm he showed there which encouraged us to buy himhis first ever drum kit. And from there, his love of playing musicblossomed.

He has already formed a band with some of his best friends andhe is looking forward to developing his music skills further whenhe starts high school in September.

0113 232 8131www.rhythmtime.net

Thank You…FOR THE MUSIC!||10 years ago Elizabeth Hawkshead held her first Rhythm||||Time class in Leeds. A decade on, Families Leeds finds out||||whether music still plays a part in the lives of some of her||||first students, all in the words of their mums.||


A Parents’ Guide to SATS…||Are you sharing your house with a child preparing to take their SATS this month?||||We’ve called on Bill Moody from Kip McGrath in Adel to explain what your Year 6||||will face and to give you some advice on how to best help them.||

IIWhat are SATS?IIStandard Assessment Tests are designed to find out how wella child is doing when compared to averages and expectations nationally. They are held towards the end of Year 6 in May.The results come out in July.

Results are called levels and have numbers: level 3 is lowerand level 5 is higher. Each level is divided into 3 sub levels thatare given letters: C is lower, B is middle and A is higher.

IIWhat tests will my child sit?IISAT tests are held for English and Mathematics. There are sub categories of test too; Reading, Writing, and the new Grammarpaper. There are level 6 papers for children working above level 5.

In maths, there is a Non Calculator (Paper A) and Calculator(Paper B) test and a timed mental maths test.

IIDo they really matter?IISATs do not involve a pass or fail; they simply reflect a student’scurrent understanding of the topics.

Much of what SATs do is determine whether a school is ‘addingvalue’ to a child’s education. Children are expected to improve inschool. Research into average abilities shows students should beworking between a level 3 and level 5 by the end of Year 6.The average level for a Year 6 child is a 4B

IIHow can I help them?IIStart by finding out what level your child is working at. A reportmight say “Working at level 3A” but you will need to get specificideas which you can use. Your child’s teacher will probably knowexactly what it is that needs to be revised by your child in orderto strengthen their position or to improve, so ask them for adviceon the three or four key areas your child needs help with.

Once you have found out what level of work your child is working towards, then practise the skills needed to improve.Try 20 minutes three times a week. Smaller more frequent chunksof revision like this work far better than, say, an hour once aweek. Repetition is vital.

IIWhat preparation shouldIIIImy child be doing?IISchools will probably run extra classes for some children and itwould be a good idea to find out about these. Teaching in schoolsis usually fantastic and your child’s teacher will know exactly whatyour child needs to do to prepare. If you feel your child needsextra help, find a qualified tutor.

Bill Moody runs after school study centre Kip McGrathin Adel. www.kipmcgrath.co.uk • 0113 266 0965

Bill’s Top FIVE forBEATING SAT STRESS…

1. Stay fit! Eat well and go for walks or trips out.

2. Leave off working when you feel good about it. You will come back to it with that samefeeling and achieve more than if you slog until you hate it.

3. Try not to reward good grades. All kinds of research shows that rewards can actually bedetrimental to success. Establishing good work habits, knowing that a job has been donewell and fostering relationships should be the goals here.

4. Remind your child that this is a stepping-stone to another level and not an end in itself.The SATs really are as much about determining whether a school is adding value than‘judging’ children.

5. Enjoy them! Honestly! About a week before the Year 6 2012 SATs, a student said to methat she was really looking forward to the exams and couldn’t wait to show how muchshe knew. Stay positive!

And FINALLYremind your child

that they should beexcited to show off whatthey’ve learnt. These testsare important, and children

want to do their best but tryto take the pressure off. Many parents are comforted by the

thought that High Schoolsare given teacher

assessments ratherthan test results.

DRINK, DRINK,DRINK. Your brain can’t

think without a drink. Makesure they take on plenty of

water in the build up tothe tests and have a

bottle in schoolon test days.

SLEEP. If your childhas stocked up on sleepthey’ll be sharper and

better prepared totackle the

tests.

EAT. Make sure you givethem plenty of brain food.Bananas are a great brainboosting snack and oilyfish is the perfect SAT

week tea.

Keep revision SHORTand SWEET. Use a rangeof revision tools to help.Mix website games with revision guides. Home-

made posters and revision cards are

also useful.

TAKE A BREAK. Mixshort bursts of revision with

regular exercise and lotsof other breaks. Ithelps recharge the

brain batteries.

FIND A FRIEND. Revisingwith friends can give yourchild a fresh approach andrenew their enthusiasm.

How to Preparefor your SATS||We’ve asked Karine Hendley, Deputy||||Headteacher at Talbot Primary School in||||Leeds for her advice on how to prepare||||your child for SAT week.||

What is it?This workout is based on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)on a 45 seconds work and 15 seconds rest pattern. These strong dynamic exercises change your body externally and internally.HIIT training involves weight bearing exercises that have enormousbenefits, especially for women. Do HIIT regularly and you willimprove your fitness, strength and stamina.

This workout is explosive and highly effective; if completedtwice a day in combination with the right diet you will see a difference in a short space of time.

1. Reaching Jump Squats Jump squats touching opposite hand to the outside of the foot,reach and jump up in between and repeat on the other side.

Safety Tip: sit the weight in the heels, keep the knees at90º, strong arms, powerful legs as you jump up, try to land softly.

Benefit: tightens bottom, tones the legs, increases cardio vascular fitness.

2. Hill ClimbersStart in a full arm plank position; line up the joints – shoulders, elbows and wrists. Bring alternate knees in towards the chest thendiagonally in towards the chest.

Safety Tip: suck the stomach muscles up in towards the back,keep shoulders strong, stay over your arms, keep your backstrong, no dipping.

Benefit: tightens your abdominals, sculpts your shoulders andarms. Weight bearing exercise is a must for women especially forthe prevention of osteoporosis.

3. Shoulder Press& Bicep Curls

Lifting weights in both hands (4kg dumbbells or full water bottles)and shoulder press (punch) alternate arms forward in a diagonalposition across your chest. Keep the arms high. Bicep curl theweights from down by your waist to the top of your shoulder.

Safety Tip: soften the knees, suck your abs in tight to supportyour back. Roll your shoulders back, pull your shoulder bladesback and down. For bicep curls keep the elbow close and tuckedinto the waist, squeeze the weight in your hand at the top.

Benefit: tone and sculpt shoulders, arms, corrects your posture,works your abdominals.

4. Walk Out Press up Roll down tucking your chin into your chest, soften the knees,reach your feet then walk out on the arms, take the arms wideand as you do your press up the elbows are positioned out to theside. Then walk yourself back in and up.

Safety Tip: bend the knees as you walk out on your hands,keep your wrists strong, you can do press ups from your kneesto perfect your technique if full leg is too tough to start with.Keep the abdominals pulled in tight.

Benefit: weight baring exercises naturally strengthen yourjoints, increases your own strength, increases muscle definition inyour arms and chest. Also works on your flexibility.

Get READY for the Beach...

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5. Split Lunge Jump into a split lunge position with one leg forward and oneleg back. You can always step back into a lunge and continue alternate legs. The jump increases the intensity.

Safety Tip: both legs forward and backwards need to have theknee at a 90º angle. Torso is up tall, strong arms to help drive youup from your down position. The back foot needs to be on theball of the foot.

Benefit: tones the legs, the bottom, the inner and outerthighs, burns body fat, increases fitness, strengthens the kneeand ankle joints.

6. Transverse Plank Full body weight exercise; do not be surprised if you start to shakeafter 5 seconds, this static exercise is hard and effective.

Safety Tip: drop to knees if this full position is too much tostart with. Your body needs to be in line, parallel to the floor.Pull the shoulder blades down your back, relax the neck.

Benefit: tightens your abs plus your whole body, completelyweight bearing, and strengthens your joints.

7. Hamstring Curls Using a stability ball, place your heels and calves on top off theball whilst lying on the floor, lift your hips, suck your abs in and balance. Place the arms out to the side, palms facing the ceilingfor additional balance. Draw your heels in towards your bottomskeeping your hips lifted as you roll back out too. A strong, hardmove.

Safety Tip: keep the hips high during the whole move; pull theabs in tight towards your back to control your balance.

Benefit: lifts and tones your whole leg and bottom. This worksthe abs and entire core, whilst strengthening the lower back.

8. Ab Roll down Slowly lie down, place the hands over the head and the ball thenslowly come back up and stretch forward over your legs with theball. This whole movement is slow and controlled. Holding the ballmakes it harder to control your move.

Safety Tip: suck the abdominals in towards the back, gently rolldown, placing the spine vertebrae by vertebrae into the mat, andthen peel the back up and out of the mat. Relax the neck andarms. Relax the legs.

Benefit: tightens the stomach area, strengthen the lower backand corrects posture.

9. Dorsal raise Squeeze the elbows back into the waist as you lift your chest offthe floor, feel the muscles in your back working.

Safety Tip: no tension in the legs or glutes (bottom), keep thehead in line with the neck, eyes down.

Benefit: strengths the back, increases flexibility in the back,stretches the abdominal wall.

10. Jack squatNarrow squat both hands touch down to the feet then jumpup into a jump jack, then repeat. An explosive movement, very dynamic. To make it low impact simply take the jump out.

Safety Tip: sit the weight in the heels, pull the shoulders bladesdown your back, soften the knees as you squat, powerin the legs.

Benefit: tones and strengthen the whole body, increases cardiovascular fitness.

Mission Clean & Lean is a unique detox programme run byJo Parry and Fern Whittaker • www.missioncleanlean.com.

MISSION CLEAN & LEAN

Easy nutritious meal plans

Effective daily workouts

Support to keep you focused

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Dreading baring your body this Summer? You don’t needto. We’ve called on international fitness expert Jo Parryfrom Mission Clean & Lean to give us a 20 minute dailyworkout that anyone can fit into their day. No excuses,but make sure you consult your GP before your start.

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Popalicious Bakery. “I’m enjoying the challenge of creating fun,funky cakes. The 3D ones are going down a storm!”

The Popalicious Bakery can provide a 6" cake from £35 anda fabulous 3D creation from £45. www.popaliciouscakepops.co.uk

WWIINN……WWIINN……WWIINN……PARTY FOOD FROM THE LITTLE LUNCH COMPANY We’ve teamed up with the newly launched Little LunchCompany who provide top quality party food to help busy mums.They’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win 10 bespokeparty boxes.

“In the branded lunch boxes each guest will receive a nonfizzy drink, a handmade sandwich and a choice of 3 items fromour homemade menu. You can have fruit kebabs, chocolate

crispy cakes or gingerbreadmen. Whatever you’d like wecan do it.”

To be in with a chanceof winning this super prize,simply send your name, addressand party date to [email protected] by Thursday 6th June. We’ll letthe winner know by email.

HAPPYBIRTHDAY FROM TREASURES Save while you shop at Treasures of Wetherby when you jointhe store’s Birthday Club. Simply log on to the Treasures websiteand register your child’s birthday. You’ll then receive a voucherentitling you to a 12.5% discount on any purchases you make.

“We’ve sent out more than 50 vouchers already and have received some lovely feedback from parents and children,” saysZhara Armstrong from Treasures. “The voucher is sent beforethe birthday date so parents can enjoy the discount on birthdaypresents.” Treasures is also making lives easier by offering a freegift wrapping service and a free toy assembly service so the giftsare ready to play with as soon as you get them home!www.treasurestoys.co.uk

CALLING BRAVEPRINCESSES!Would you like Merida and her friends tojoin you for your birthday celebrations?The wonderful Make a Wish Entertainmenthave created a fabulous party themedaround the characters in the hit film Brave.

“Join Merida and her friends at their veryown Highland Games,” says Suzanne Kaye Vaughan from Make aWish. “There will be dancing, games and even an archery lessonfrom Cullen the Celt. The Woodcarver may make an appearancebut we promise, no one will get turned into a bear!”www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk

ENTERTAINERS CELEBRATESMALLER PARTIESParents are opting to throw smaller parties to help limit the moneythey spend on their celebrations. Top children’s entertainer HenriettaRabbit says she welcomes the return to more manageable numbersas they make for a more enjoyable party for everyone.

“Party sizes are reducing and we’re grateful for that. The averageparty size went from 15 up to a rather hard-work 40+, but most arenow a sensible 25. My smallest party was for 4 children outside atent in a camping site, for a family on holiday in Yorkshire so nogroup is too small for us!”www.henriettarabbit.com

Families PARTY NEWS…


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PARTY SPECIALFAMILIES’ TOP FIVE

TOP FIVE…PARTY FOOD TIPS

From Karen Goodwin at The Little Lunch Company

1. Keep it simple! Birthday parties aren’t the time to be experimenting with new foods.Stick to familiar foods and you’ll have clean plates.

2. Don’t over cater. Children get excited at a party so don’t expect them to eat a threecourse meal. Party food boxes are a great way to distribute the food quickly and whatthe children don't eat at the party they can take home with them!

3. Keep meal times in mind when planning your party.11am – 1pm is good for younger children. 4pm – 6pm is perfectfor older children so you can serve the food as tea.

4. Delegate! Don’t try and be Nigella. You’ll end up covered indairylea and crying into a batch of burnt cup cakes. Many parents,grandparents and friends are more than happy to lend a handwith the party food – just ask! And if you can’t find anyone,ask The Little Lunch Company!

5. Enjoy! Children grow up so very fast. Plan so that you aren’t lockedin the kitchen and you can enjoy their special day with them. Then,after all of the sandwiches have been eaten and the cupcakes aregone, you'll still have the best bits – those amazing memories.

www.thelittlelunchcompany.com

From Zhara Armstrong from Treasures of Wetherby

II1. LEGO City Fire Car – £7.99IIAll the LEGO ranges are bestsellers – Friends,Star Wars and City. This is one of my favouritetoys because it’s great value. One car, 2 figuresand a cat for £7.99! Perfect for boys from5 years old.

II2. TOP MODELIIII T-Shirt Designer –IIII £7.25IIHugely popular range that’s constantlybeing updated so our customers neverget tired of it. The current bestseller isthe T-Shirt Designer. It’s a great gift on its own but very oftencustomers team it up with colouring pencils (£3.25)

II3. FAIRYTALE/ANIMAL LETTERS – £1IIThese are really popular. They’re affordable and a great gift fornewborns. They come with sticky pads for easy application.

II4. BIGJIGS Railway Station – £13.99IIEvery boy loves a train set and this is ourcustomers’ favourite. This station is compatible

with Brio and Thomas wooden trains so it’sa popular option.

II5. ORCHARD PUZZLESIIAffordable gifts for school friendswith lots of educational value. We loveShopping List and Pop to the Shops.

Find all these toys atTreasures, High Street, Wetherby.www.treasurestoys.co.uk

TOP FIVE… BEST PARTY GIFTS

DO YOU WANT A PARTY?It’s the first question every parent shouldask first themselves and then their child.Not every birthday boy and girl wants a big celebration. As parents we presume theydo but birthday celebrations should be as different as the children they’re for. If theidea of inviting 30 children to a balloon filledvillage hall fills your little one with horror,you can start your own celebrations now!You’ve just saved yourself a lot of hassle andexpense. Now you can start looking at morecost effective options. Taking a best friend tothe cinema or having a couple of pals overfor a party tea are options that will be kinderon the pocket while giving your child the celebration they want.

SET A BUDGETIf the answer to the first question is ‘yes’ it’stime to set a budget. This allows YOU totake charge of the party, and makes surethe party doesn’t take charge of you. Onceyou’ve decided how much you’re preparedto spend, stick to it. Write a list of the elements you’ll need and break the budgetdown. Do you want an entertainer? Do youneed a venue? Talk to your child aboutthe choices they have. If they want a more expensive party, they may have to limit theirguests. Conversely if they opt for a less priceyoption, they can invite more people. It’s agentle way to introduce your child the life-long reality of budgeting. That’s somethingyou’re never too young to learn!

SHARING IS SAVINGMore and more parents are teaming upwith another parent and sharing the cost

of a party. It’s a great way of giving yourchild the party they want, while halving the financial burden. If you share with a child inthe same class, chances are you’d be invitingthe same people. As well as halving thecosts, you also halve the workload andthe stress.

“The first question that parents ask me onany joint party enquiry – particularly whenthe celebration is shared between a boy anda girl is – how can we make the party suitboth birthday children?” explains Suzannefrom Make a Wish Entertainment. “We saychoose a theme or character for each birthday child and let us do the rest. In thepast we have had twins celebrating withcheer leading and Jedi training all in one celebration. We’ve had lots of Princess &Hero, Fairy & Pirate combination parties andeven a Grease & Hogwarts party!”

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD We’ve got into the habit of thinking youhave to provide a lavish feast at a children’sparty, catering for every dietary requirement.But so often parents end up filling black binliners with untouched sandwiches and carrotbatons that never found a home. Take someadvice from parents in France and the USA.Forget creating a bin bound buffet banquetand offer cake and juice to guests at the endof the party. It’s a great money saving tip ifyour party falls outside of traditional mealtimes and as long as you let parents knowprior to party time, they’ll make sure theirchildren are fed before they arrive, or whenthey get home. Our top party entertainersare noticing a change in how parents arecatering.

“It's no longer weird to offer water todrink at parties!” says Henrietta Rabbit.“I’ve noticed biscuits served instead ofthe more elaborate cupcakes, and they disappeared withoutcomment at thesame rate.

A word of warningthough. I still requireat least 3 mugs of teathroughout!”

HOME SWEET HOMEIf you’ve managed tolimit numbers, congrat-ulations. You can nowconsider a party tea at

home as an option. Your child can decideon their favourite foods and you can take absolute charge of the budget. It’s a greatway to involve the birthday boy or girl inthe preparations – something they enjoyas much as the celebrations themselves.Let them help make decorations, createplace cards and set the table. Allow themto create a menu and even decorate thecake. Remember, it’s not always about the destination. Sometimes it’s about enjoyingthe journey.

STEP OUTSIDEAs the mum of a summer baby, I was toldI’d enjoy many a party in the great outdoors,thus preserving my house from sticky fingers.The Great British weather hasn’t always beenkind to us, but each year we have enjoyedor endured an outdoor party. If you fancya gamble on the weather, why not plan a picnic in your local park. Everyone can bringtheir own food, you provide the cake andsome high energy party games or a treasurehunt. You’ll save on the cost of a venue andthe expense of catering but you won’tscrimp on the fun.

YOU’RE INVITEDChildren love handing out a party invite,but that doesn’t mean you have to invest inexpensive cards. A simple creation printedout on your computer works just as well.There are websites offering templates –www.invitationland.com or www.catchmyparty.com – or use your child’s imagination to create something yourself.The ultimate money saving invite is a textor email, but while your child still enjoys delivering their party invite by hand, there’splenty of ways to cut costs.

TOP 10 Money Saving Party TipsIIA recent report revealed that nearly half of parents can’t afford to give theirIIIIchildren a birthday party this year. With many of us feeling the pinch we’ve calledIIIIon some Families’ friends and asked them to share their money saving tips with us.II

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A PIECE OF CAKEUse your cake wisely. So often parents slaveinto the early hours crafting a favourite character out of a heap of Victoria Spongeand buttercream, only to have it rammedinto party bags and sat on during the journeyhome. If you’ve made a cake or bought acake, bare witness to your guests eating it.Either serve it as pudding or use our tipabove and serve it as a sweet snack in placeof a party tea.

LUCKY DIPReaders of Families Leeds know my thoughtson party bags. I think parents feel pressureto spend hard earned cash on a collection ofplastic tat that will get no further than the

back of the car. Individual items seem inexpensive, but buy 30 of them and thecosts add up. Ditch party bags in favour of alucky dip as guests leave. You can make thisas simple or as complex as you want. Wrapthe girls’ gifts in pink and the boys’ in blueor simply buy a gift or pack of sweets thatsuits them all. Our party experts at Treasuresof Wetherby like the Blind Bag options(Lego/Moshi Monsters/Playmobil). These startfrom £1.99 and there are offers if you buymore than 8. Mix them with some shreddedpaper into a large box or bucket and get theguests to dig in as they leave. By doing thisby the door, you won’t hear the complaintsabout the lack of a party bag!

START SAVINGYour child’s birthday is not a surprise so it’ssomething you can plan and save for andmany of us are. Set your own budget andwork out a saving plan. Other ways to saveinclude signing up to the Treasures BirthdayClub. The Wetherby based toy shop will thensend you a 12.5% discount voucher to helpyou out when buying birthday gifts.

“It’s been very popular,” says Zhara Armstrong from Treasures. “The voucher issent before the birthday date so parents canenjoy the discount on birthday presents. Customers who have joined our Treasuresloyalty scheme will earn their loyalty pointson all purchases too.”

CLASS PARTIES

BABIES CAN [email protected] • 07742 296 160Celebrate with Signing Sam and the team at Babies Can Sign.Musical instruments, bubbles, stories and pass the parcel. There’s aballoon on stick for each children and a card and gift for the birthdaychild. Suitable up to 5 years old. Optional extras – party bags,cake, invitations.www.babiescansign.co.uk

DIDDI DANCE07917 757 566Get your guests dancing form the minute they walk in the door.A Diddi Dance party is a great mix of traditional party games andtheir trademark funky dancing. There’s lots of props and lots of fun.Suitable for children from 2 – 7 years old. No maximum number.www.diddidance.com

FLEXDANCE 07921 222 710Choreograph a dance routine with your party guests and wow thewatching parents! Up to 25 children. Suitable for 5 –11 year olds. www.flexdance.com

[email protected] • 0844 578 1043 Catch the bug and celebrate with Vicky Bannister and her team.Hour long musical parties tailored to suit your child which includesinging, dancing, puppets, pom poms, bubbles, hobby horses andparty games. Card and gift for the party child. Invites also provided.www.musicbugs.co.uk

PYJAMA DRAMA • 0844 5040 964Themed parties for children up to 7 years old. Invite your guests tohunt for a dragon or take a trip to the jungle. Anything is possiblewith Pyjama Drama! 1 – 2 hour parties available. CD for birthday child.www.pyjamadrama.com

TENNIS [email protected] • 07753 800 723Active, fun packed party for children between 3 and 6 years old.Parties usually held at the weekend during term time. Special gift forthe birthday girl or boy. www.tennis-tots.co.uk

TENNIS [email protected] • 07843 342 662Tennis parties for 3 – 8 year old children. An hour of tennis activities including lots of games and prizes. Present for the birthday child. www.tennistykes.co.uk


Finding a party that entertains boysand girls alike is always a challenge,but Caroline Buncall from Tennis Tykessays her parties are a ball!

“It’s an hour of tennis combined withlots and lots of fun!”

The children receive top notch tenniscoaching with Caroline and her team.There’s plenty of prizes to be won andthe birthday boy or girl also gets amedal. To add to the fun, Tennis Tykescharacters Tommy and Tessa are on handto join in the games and help with thecelebrations.

“Very often parents will bring theirchildren to a Tennis Tykes party and seethem having fun and sign them up for aclass,” says Caroline. “I think there’s aperception that tennis is something olderchildren do. But when parents see theirchildren having fun with a sponge balland a small net they’re convinced!”

Tennis Tykes parties are for childrenfrom 3 up to 8 years old. To bookyour party call 07843 342 662 or [email protected] www.tennistykes.co.uk

YOGABUGS • [email protected] • 0113 250 6972Take a magical adventure with the YogaBugs team. Your guests will go on a storytelling journey inspired

by yoga, followed by some great yoga party games. After a relaxation exercise, everyone will leave calm andchilled after the coolest party in town. Popular themes include pirates, mermaids or space adventures.

www.yogabugs.com

ENTERTAINERSHENRIETTA RABBIT • 0333 000 4567

The home of some of Yorkshire’s favourite children’s entertainers. Henrietta looks after Fairy Ellie,Rosie Rainbow, Wonderphil and Pink Pollie. Party themes include Circus, Disco, Cinderella, Magic, Witches & Wizards

and many more. Top quality entertainers that are recommended by readers time and again.www.henriettarabbit.co.uk

FANTASTIC ADVENTURE PARTIES – NEW FOR 201307921 222710

A NEW bespoke party company providing character parties. From Willie Wonka and the Candy Kingdom to a Tea Party with Aliceand the Mad Hatter there is something for everyone. Angelina Ballerina and the Toy Story characters are bound to be popular.

www.fantasticadventureparties.co.uk

MAKE A WISH ENTERTAINMENT – CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW [email protected] • 01924 281 365

Call on a bit of magic for your next party. Suzanne Kaye Vaughan and her teamwill create a party to suit your budget and your child. Characters lead children

on an adventure. Popular themes include Army Parties, Toy Story, Rapunzel,Fairies, Barbie, Ben 10, Star Wars and Spies. NEW Brave parties now available.

Highly recommended by readers.www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk

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

Bring your party to one of our indoor venues.

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CREATIVE PARTIESPOTS 2 GO • 01423 524 797Popular parties with crafty kids held either in the Harrogate caféor at a venue of your choice. Each child gets to choose a pieceto paint, with the birthday girl or boy receiving a plate signedby all the guests. Parties run daily from 5pm and on a Sundayby appointment. Suitable from 4 years old and for a minimimof 8 children. This is the quietest party you’ll ever host!www.pots2go.co.uk

STIR KRAZY • 07725 083 959You choose the venue and Cooking Cathie from Stir Krazywill create the perfect party. Pick your party tea from the greatonline menus and then tell your guests to come prepared tocook it! Minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 children. www.stirkrazykids.co.uk

THE CREATION STATION • 0844 8549 130Arty Parties are themed to the birthday child and every guestleaves with two original creations. Choose from painting, modeling, sculpting and there’s games galore too.www.thecreationstations.co.uk

MAKE A WISHARMY PARTY…Attttennntion! Fancy being put through your paces by theMake A Wish Drill Sergeants? These Military Survival Action parties are not for the faint hearted but they are for those l ooking for teamwork and fun. Your mini Majors will set towork building their own den, find the men missing in action,get emergency supplies and transport the ammunition.This is all under the watchful eyes and loud voices of SgtWhistle, Sgt Tea and Q.

“It’s very strict and very serious because we are nearenemy lines so we could be attacked at any time,” explainsSgt Whistle. “There is no messing.”

That’s what attracted Lisa Lee and Bianca Gray to book thisparty for their sons joint 7th birthday celebrations. Zach andJake wanted something different after going to weekend afterweekend of football parties so they opted to join up with theMake a Wish Army.

“We wanted a party that could cater for wild boys!,” saysJake’s Mum Bianca. “They believe they are joining the army,”adds Lisa. “The way the three Sergeants have spoken to themhas made them believe they have a job to do this afternoon!”

The team building tasks keep the boys busy and if they complete them successfully they’ll get to go to battle.That battle is a water bomb fight that brings the party toan end. It’s great fun and perfect for boys who love to getmessy in the great outdoors.

“The children love the challenge of the tasks, they love beingactive, working as a team and they love the competitive natureof it all,” says Suzanne Kay Vaughan (aka Sgt Whistle) fromMake a Wish Entertainment. “These children don’t thinkthey’ve dressed up and pretended to be in the army. Theythink, ‘I’ve spent the afternoon doing army training andlook what I’ve achieved.’ These children end the party feelingempowered.”

And that’s exactly how this team of new recruits feel asthe party comes to an end. It’s been everything Zach andJake hoped for and their mums are delighted.

“The boys aren’t going to have parties like this for muchlonger,” says Lisa. “In a few years time it will be a few friendsgoing bowling so while they are young enough to enjoy it andbelieve, these parties are worth doing.”

www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk 0113 322 7988 / 01423 734417


Would you like to invite Cinderella to bethe belle of your ball? How about askingAngelina Ballerina to perform at yourparty? The magical team behind thenewly launched Fantastic Adventure Parties would be happy to make allyour party dreams come true and bringthe best characters along to join yourcelebrations.

It may be a new business, but it’s acouple of old Families Leeds’ friendsthat are behind this venture. Sam andStephanie from FlexDance are now offering a range of amazing yet afford-able character parties to make yourchild’s party extra special.

“For a long time we have been providing top quality parties withFlexDance,” says Sam. “Parents comeback to us every year, but no child wantsthe same party twice, however good itis! We decided to use our strengths asperforming arts specialists and create aselection of adventure parties which arealready proving popular.”

Fantastic is already living up to itsname with some amazing parties onoffer. The girls can create Willie Wonka’sCandy Kingdom, a tea party with theMad Hatter and Alice and even a funpacked afternoon with Buzz and Woodyfrom Toy Story. The sky really is the limit!

“We have always been proud ofthe quality of parties we producedwith FlexDance,” explains Sam. “WithFantastic we are taking that same highquality, that same value for money andmaking the parties… Fantastic!”

www.fantasticadventureparties.co.uk

FANTASTIC ADVENTURE PARTIES

NEW FOR2013FAMILIES LEEDS’DISCOUNT10% OFF FIRSTBOOKING

ADVENTURE PARTIESAERIAL XTREME0845 6521 736Do you fancy celebrating 13 metres in the air? Head to this treetopadventure in Bedale that’s been recommended by our readers.With a minimum of 5 friends, you’ll take the mega walk, climbthrough the forest canopy and be floating in the air for most ofyour celebrations. Children need to be at least 1.1metres to takepart. Adults may also be required for some on the ropes support.Not for the faint hearted!www.aerialextreme.co.uk

FLOWHOUSE0845 200 2928 The ultimate surf experience without all the sand of the beach.Catch the waves inside Xscape, Castleford. Bring your swimsuitand your guests and they’ll provide wetsuits and boards. www.flowhouse.co.uk

GO KART PARTY01422 351 981Give your child their first real driving experience. Geoff Holmes provides the go karts and a purpose built track and you bring alongyour little Lewis Hamiltons. This is go karting in a safe, controlledenvironment. The speed is amended depending on the age of theracers. Fully staffed with lots of indoor venues across Leeds.Certificates and awards for all drivers and a trophy for the safest.www.go-kartpartyleeds.co.uk

LASERZONE01977 559 911Strap on your laser gun and get ready to do battle with yourguests. Based at Xscape in Castleford this is another popularvenue for boys from 7 years old. Choose from a silver or gold package depending on the number of games you want to play.www.laserzone.co.uk

LION LEARNERS0113 250 9612Share your party with rabbits, snails, snakes and a host of othercreepy crawlies. The children learn all about the animals and thenthey get to hold them. There’s always the threat of the tarantulafor those who refuse to behave! Themed party bags available.www.lionlearners.co.uk

SNOZONE0871 222 5671The coolest party in town this summer. Choose from sledging, skiing, snowboarding or ice sliding. Great fun and the party hostsget great feedback from Families’ readers. And if the real snow isn’tenough, you can add a trip to the indoor climbing wall or a visit tothe bowling alley.www.snozoneuk.com

STOCKELD PARK01937 586 101Come along to the Summer Adventure and enjoy reserved spacein the Woodland Café and enjoy go karting, roller skating and exploring the Enchanted Forest. Themed parties with Make a WishEntertainment also available at this venue.www.stockeldpark.co.uk

SOFT PLAY PARTIESKIDS CLUBHOUSE0113 393 3340A selection of 2 hour parties available at this Horsforth Soft Playfor children from 1 – 11 years old. Themes include SuperHero,Disco Diva, Football, Laser, Pirate and Princess. Parties startat £8.95 a head.www.kids-clubhouse.co.uk

LITTLE BEES 0113 232 9822A great venue for a toddler party. Little Bees offers a two hourparty for a minimum of 10 children. You’ll get to use the soft playcentre for 90 minutes and then head to a private room for yourparty tea, Little Bees provides invites and party bags – all you needto organise is the cake! Parties can be booked any day, at any time.www.littlebeesplay.co.uk

TUMBLE TOWN07887 923 460EXCLUSIVE use available. Tumble Town offers a great Venue Onlyparty allowing you to hire out the soft play and bring your ownfood. If you are looking for some support from the Tumble Townteam, you might look at the signature Tumble Town party. Again,you’ll get exclusive use of the venue, but they’ll provide food, partybags and a host to run some games. You just bring the cake.www.tumbletownadventureplay.co.uk


looking for expert legal advice?we can help.There comes a time when everyone needs advice from an expert.It might be when you are buying or selling a property or perhapsyou need a will to plan for the future and protect your assets.

Whatever your situation, whether you need help following the breakdown of arelationship, have an employment-related legal matter, are in dispute with somone,or seeking compensation for an injury of some kind, we are here to help.

“Very professional,capable andeffective service.I would definitelyuse again andrecommend toothers.”

Speak to our legal experts on 0113 232 1030or visit www.emsleys.co.uk

Family Law - Wills & Probate - Conveyancing - Dispute Resolution - Employment Law - Personal Injury - Commercial Property

FAMILY MEDIATION for YOU

&YOUR CHILDRENIIA breakdown in a relationship is widely thought to be as traumatic asIIIIbereavement. Andrew Smith, Family Mediator and Family Law expert at Emsleys,IIIIexplains how mediation may be the answer.II

WHEN A RELATIONSHIP FAILS, it places untold stress onthe lives of your family and friends. You may experienceeven more stress and hardship when

the practical issues need to be resolved. Who keeps the house? Who pays

the bills? Where do the childrenlive? When do the children seethe other parent?

The vast majority of peoplewould hope for an amicableseparation. Experience unfortunately tells us that thecircumstances surrounding thebreakdown of the relationshipoften make this very difficult toachieve. Although you may feel whatyou want is fair, personal emotions willsometimes make it difficult to agree practical solutions.

No matter how much we love our children,our feelings can cause us to put their emotionsaside: “They’ll be fine”…”They won’t understand”…”They’re too young to notice”.

This will undoubtedly be a very confusing and upsettingtime for your children. It is important that their emotional well-being is at the forefront of any discussions and arrangementsyou have together. It may be that you feel your partner is beingunreasonable, and there is no prospect of reaching agreements,but it is worth taking a step back to consider the long term effectson your children of an acrimonious separation.

Family Mediation benefits you as a family, helping you to reachagreements about practical issues relating to your children, money

and home when you separate. It provides an alternative to solicitors negotiating on your behalf. Family Mediation is not

counselling and is not conciliation. It does however allow youto take control of your discussions and

reach agreements together. It is non-confrontational and is conducted in

an atmosphere of trust and under-standing, rather than conflict.

There are also significant costbenefits to mediation. Family Mediation is a much cheaper alternative to paying for solicitors to

negotiate on your behalf. You willgenerally be able to reach agreements

quicker as you are able to deal withmany issues in one session, rather than

letters and phone calls going backwardsand forwards. This means that your costs will

be focussed on reaching a settlement, ratherthan on more routine costs.

Since 1st April 2013, legal aid has generally notbeen available to help cover the legal costs associated

with divorce and disputes relating to children and finances.You can however still obtain legal aid for family mediation,if you are financially eligible.

Emsleys Family Mediation has an experienced team of qualifiedsolicitor and non-solicitor mediators who can assist you from anyof our offices throughout Leeds.

For more information contact Emsleyson 0113 201 4908.

What’s OnMay Half TermIIWith April showers just a distant memory,IIIIit’s time to pack away the pac-a-mac and dig outIIIIthe sun-tan lotion.II

Mark the start of Summer with a few family days out – none of usknow how long the sunshine will last! Wherever you go, make sureyou tell them you read all about them in Families Leeds!

Sunday 5th & Monday 6th MayA Festival of PlayHAREWOOD HOUSE

www.harewood.org/playWe don’t stop playing because we get old, we get

old because we stop playing! LEGOLAND® DiscoveryCentre Manchester are back for the second year runningwith a multitude of activities including a soft play area,

LEGO building area, a swap shop and a showing ofthe LEGO Star Wars film! With zorbing, high ropes,

spider mountain, face painting, circus skills, graffiti wall,go karts, fairground, donkey rides and more to enjoy

over the two days there’s hours of fun to behad for the whole family.

Wednesday 8th May

Little ScientistsABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukScience fun for under 5s. Flying and floating themes

this week. Sessions at 10am and 2pm.

Sunday 12th May

Pond DippingFOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.nationaltrust.org.ukWhat lurks beneath the water in the ponds of

Fountains’ water garden? Pick up your nets andcharts and get exploring. 2 – 3.30pm.

Book on 01765 643 176.

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th MayKite Festival & Teddy Bears’ Picnic

HAREWOOD HOUSEwww.harewood.org/kite

Bring your teddy along to take part in the annual picnic.They’ll get to parachute, head out on a teddy trail and take

part in a Best Dressed competition. We’ll be praying for windas the professional kite fliers get ready to entertain. Entry

for children is FREE as long as they bring their teddy!

Friday 24th May

Crown HuntTEMPLE NEWSAM HOUSE

www.leeds.gov.ukFollow the trail to spot the crowns around

Temple Newsam. 10.30am – 5pm.

Silly StreetsABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukGrab a baskets and go shopping. Fun for under 5s

and their carers. 10am start.

Saturday 25th May

Kirkstall Abbey Deli MarketKIRKSTALL ABBEYwww.leeds.gov.uk

Come along to try some of the best Yorkshire producearound. It’s all local at this popular monthly market.

12noon – 3pm.


Rediscover Yourself. Rediscover Eureka!

Have you discovered All About Me? It’s Eureka!’s amazing new £2.9m gallery with over 100 interactive exhibits designed to get the whole family exploring how their bodies work and how to look after them.

We’re open from 10am Tuesday to Sunday during term times and 7 days a week in school holidays.

Also, convert your ticket to a free annual pass and come back as many times as you want in a year.

For more informationwww.allaboutme.org.uk.

www.allaboutme.org.uk

Eureka! is an educational charity, No 292758

Why not visit…IINatural BeautyIIIILeeds City MuseumIIIIUntil 30th June 2013II

Get up close and personal with agorilla skull. Enjoy the beauty ofthe common butterfly. With the helpof photographer Sara Porter thenatural beauty that’s hidden behindthe doors of a Leeds based store hascome to life. Sara walked among the800,000 objects that are in the city’snatural history store at the LeedsDiscovery Centre has come up witha series of 60 beautiful images thatwill make you see the collection ofeggs, creepy crawlies and skulls in adifferent light.“These items – the gorilla skull, the crow, the trays of insects – are stored in a controlled enviroment to preservethem,” explains Sara who is Curator of the exhibition.“Quite a lot of the objects have been removed fromour displays to prevent them from being damaged, so preserving them for future generations.”

Sara’s photographs mean that without leaving thedimly lit, cool storage facility, these objects are now ondisplay. Favourites include this magnificent image of abutterfly and the image of the crow feathers.

“Children love this butterfly image – it’s the brightcolours. It’s punchy. I think it’s my favourite,” says Sara.“What I love about all the images is that photography allows you to direct people’s focus on specific items.You decide where the eye is drawn and that’s powerful.”

www.leeds.gov.uk/naturalbeauty

Loves

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EUREKA!

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th MayRaft Building Workshops

FOUNTAINS ABBEYwww.nationaltrust.org.uk

Create a mini raft from the natural material atFountains Abbey. Then you can test it on the water.

Book on 01765 643 176.

Sunday 26th & Monday 27th May

Harewood Medieval FaireHAREWOOD HOUSE

www.harewood.org/medieval Bigger and better than last year! Shout for your favouriteknight at the joust, gasp at re-enactments, walk throughthe authentic medieval village and see craftsmen at work.

The faire is packed with children’s entertainment and activities so make the most of it and buy a weekend ticket!

Saturday 25th – Friday 31st May

Sticks and StonesFOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.nationaltrust.org.ukCrack the code and decipher the trail of sticks through the

estate. Craft activities at Swanley Grange. 11am – 4pm.

Saturday 25th May – Sunday 2nd June

Teddy Bear TrailLOTHERTON HALLwww.leeds.gov.uk

If you go down to the hall today, you’re sure of a bigsurprise! Follow the trail to get a prize.

Daily activities.

Magical MayTHACKRAY MUSEUM

www.thackray.orgDrop in activities each afternoon throughout the halfterm week. May is juggling and street magic month.

Come along and make your own juggling balls.

NeverlandEUREKA!

www.eureka.org.ukJoin Peter Pan and the Lost Boys as the National Childrens’Museum explores Neverland. Fun and games throughout

the museum bringing JM Barrie’s story to life.

Where’s William?BOLTON ABBEY

www.boltonabbey.comBecome a detective this half term. Follow the mystery trail

through Strid Wood to find William and his dog.

Budding GardenersRHS HARLOW CARR

www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarrFollow the bugs and beasties trail. Get involved in

the creative workshops. Local schools have designedgardens and you can vote for your favourite.

Tuesday 28th May

Kings and Queen Dress UpTEMPLE NEWSAM HOUSE

www.leeds.gov.ukDress up in royal costumes and make your own crown.

Half term fun fit for a queen, or king! Sessions at10.30am and 2pm.

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The North’s most spectacular Medieval Festival! 26 & 27 May

Visit Harewood for fantastic family days out this Spring & Summer…

Find out about these and other events www.harewood.org/whats-on

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Why not visit…IIThe Magic of MedicineIIIIThackray MuseumIIIILeedsIIAnyone who has seen the power ofAmoxicillin on a child’s ear infection willknow the magic of medicine. However theThackray Museum’s latest exhibition looksat the magic behind the medicine datingback centuries.

Loves

“Before medicine became scientific during the 1800s there were many overlaps between magical practice andmedicine, and people could not easilywork out the difference between thetwo,” explains Joanne Bartholomewfrom the Thackray Museum. “Even in thelast 200 years, there are many examplesof people performing magic and usingtechniques or equipment that have become part of medicine.”

The exhibition has been designed toprovide fascinating stories for grown-upsalongside plenty of interactive play forchildren. It includes displays, dressing-up,magical stories and puppets for actingout your magical, medical stories.

The centerpiece is a magical, mirroredstar with a night-time sky, which youcan walk through, to test out its magicaleffects.

From there you can follow a trailaround the museum. The magical linksbetween medicine and magic are highlighted as well as a look at herbalcures, lucky charms and some regalremedies.

Come along to join in the weekendactivities in May & June including magiccard tricks and juggling.

www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk

Harewood House Kite Festival

Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th MayAnimal Masks

LEEDS CITY MUSEUMwww.leeds.gov.uk

Come along and make yourself a mask.Sessions at 10am and 2pm.

Tuesday 28th - Thursday 30th May

Victorian Jobs ARMLEY MILLS

www.leeds.gov.ukCome along and try the jobs people would havedone in Victorian times. For families with children

6 years+. 1 – 3pm.

Seed SowingFOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.nationaltrust.org.ukCome along and plant some seeds to take home.

11am – 1pm.

Wednesday 29th May

Rocket ManABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukSpace themed craft sessions at 10am and 2pm.

Geocaching Taster DayFOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.nationaltrust.org.ukJoin the digital treasure hunt. Find out how to hide andseek the geocaches and borrow the GPS to have a go.

Book on 01765 643 176.

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd JuneSticks and StonesFOUNTAINS ABBEY

www.nationaltrust.org.ukCrack the code and decipher the trail of sticks through

the estate. Craft activities at Swanley Grange. 11am – 4pm.

Sunday 9th June

World War II Re-enactment DayTHWAITE MILLS

www.leeds.gov.ukSee the Dig for Victory garden and join in with a day

of rationing. Starts at 11.30am.

Sunday 16th June

Father’s Day Classic Motor ShowHAREWOOD HOUSE

www.harewood.org/fathersdayDad + Cars = the perfect venue for Fathers’ Day. But every-one will enjoy this day out. As well as classic cars there’s afun fair, vintage stalls and the Breitling wing walking team.

Dads Get In Free!THWAITE MILLS

www.leeds.gov.ukCelebrate Fathers’ Day and bring your Dad along for free.

Sunday 23rd June

Wartime Tea PartyLOTHERTON HALLwww.leeds.gov.uk

Join the sounds of the 1940s at this day of celebrations.There’ll be a swing band, children’s entertainment

and a street party picnic. Starts at 11am.

Night at theMUSEUM…This May, museums across Leeds willopen their doors as night falls togive you a different view of yourfavourite attractions. Pack up yourtorch and make a date of it…if you dare!

IIYORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARKIIII6pm and 7.30pmIIII17th MayIIIIwww.ysp.co.ukIIYou’re invited to the Underground Gallery to become anafter hours Art Explorer. This family friendly story tellingsession takes you through the popular Yinka ShoniboreExhibition and Make a Wish Entertainment will be yourguide! Booking essential on 01924 832 631.

IINIGHT AT THE MEDICAL MUSEUMIIII6 – 9pmIIII18th MayIIIIwww.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.ukIIWander the corridors of the Victorian workhouse at theThackray Museum and watch as re-enactors bring historyto life in front of your eyes. Meet the creepy and colourfulcharacters from days gone by. Learn about amputationsand the ailments of people in 1842 Leeds. Bookingessential on 0113 244 4343.

IILEEDS MUSEUM DISCOVERY CENTREIIII4.30 – 6.30pmIIII18th MayIIIIwww.leeds.gov.ukIIJoin a torchlight tour through the museum. What secretsdoes it hold? Booking essential on 0113 378 2100.

Loves


RHS Harlow Carr

Saturday 29th JuneKirkstall Abbey Deli Market

KIRKSTALL ABBEYwww.leeds.gov.uk

Come along to try some of the best Yorkshire producearound. It’s all local at this popular monthly market.

12noon – 3pm.

Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th June

Summer Garden PartyRHS HARLOW CARR

www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarrCelebrate the best of British at Harlow Carr. Enjoy work -shops, face painters, giant garden games and music late

into the evening as the event goes on until 8pm.

We Love Leeds Fun DayLEEDS CITY MUSEUM

www.leeds.co.ukFun activity day for all the family from 11am.Sponsored by The Grammar School at Leeds.

EVERY WEEK…

Tuesday

Muddy MonkeysKIRKSTALL ABBEYwww.leeds.gov.uk

Messy fun with natural materials. 10 – 11am. Term time.

Friday

Messy MonkeysABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukMessy creative fun with art materials and you leave

all the mess behind! 2 – 4pm. Term time only.

Saturday

Rory’s Saturday ClubLEEDS CITY MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukFamily art and craft session related to the

museum displays. 11am – 12.15pm.

Sunday

Arty SmartiesABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM

www.leeds.gov.ukCraft fun on the Victorian Streets. 2 – 4pm.

for Boys and Girls

at

M I L Y D A YAF

Saturday May 11th 20132.00pm - 4.30pm

7 2 8 506

11 Ben Rhydding Road Ilkley LS29 8RL

Telephone Ilkley

on

MOORFIELD SCHOOL

• Circus Skills • Football Coaching • Plant Stall •

• Cake Stall & Decorate a Biscuit • Creative Arts & Crafts •

• Fantastic Plastic - Chemistry Workshop - Make your own Plastic •

• Make Friendship Bracelets • Band Playing •

• Cream Teas will be Served •

www.moorfieldschool.co.ukWWW.THACKRAYMEDICALMUSEUM.CO.UKBeckett Street, Leeds LS9 7LNEnquiries: 0113 244 4343 / [email protected]

WHERE MEDICINE BECOMES

MAGICThis year we are

turning history into magical mystery with

a spellbinding new exhibition ‘The Magic of

Medicine’. Discover an ever-changing calendar of all new family events, trails

and activities.

Award winning museum, open daily from 10am-5pm

Tickets last all year

On-site parking only £1

Learning Café - serving hot food and tasty treats

Unique birthday party venue

MAGICAL MAY/JUNEJoin us in May for Juggling and Street Magic and in June for Scan, Scopes and Scams! All activities free with usual admission charges.

Book now for our popular NIGHT AT THE MEDICAL MUSEUM 3

18th May. Adults £8, Children £5

o@thackr44 4343 / inf113 2Enquiries: 0eeds LS9 7LNeet, Ltrett SBeck

YMEDICALCKRAAYTHA.WWW

gorymuseum.ao@thackr

UKYMEDICALMUSEUM.CO.

www.kidsunlimited.co.uk

Did you know...Keep offering new tastes and foods to children. It may take ten separate occasions before they will try them.

For more tips follow us on Look for www.twitter.com/kidsunlimited01

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Families Leeds May-June 2013 Issue

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