Smalltalk Issue 62 - Autumn 2019

Issue sixty two | AUTUMN 2019 Free

What’s On

October Half-Term Fun
Halloween

Yorkshire’s Attractions

Half-Term at the Theatre
Panto & Christmas Showtime

Sound Sleep Advice
Thriving Kids

Family Life Covered Since 2005

22 Nov 2019–5 Jan 2020

thechristmasexperience.co.uk

FAMILYtalk 5 Contents

Tips for thriving kids 8

OUT&ABOUTtalk 9 9

What’s on
October Half-term
Yorkshire’s Attractions
Indoor and outdoor fun

THEATREtalk 20

Brief history of Panto
October Half-term Family Shows
Panto & Christmas showtime

2DOtalk 24

Front Cover Picture By Irena Carpaccio-unsplash Weekly Story Times
Baby Shows/Events
Contacts What’s on Where and When

Editorial – Nigel Howson BABYtalk 26
E: [email protected] 27
T: 0113 3226330 Baby classes

Advertising - Corinne Howson SWIMtalk
E: corinne@smalltalk–magazine.com
T: 0113 322 6330 Spashathon

Distribution/general enquiries HEALTHtalk 28
E: [email protected]
W: www.smalltalkmag.co.uk Autumn sleeping tips

Design - Nigel Howson EDUCATIONtalk 30
Talk Publishing - Leeds
T: 0113 3226330 Pre-School, Nursery & School
News
Print
The MANSON Group Limited 9
01727 848440 30
www.mansongroup.co.uk
20
Smalltalk has been a combination and 30
contribution of many people’s efforts, time and
most of all encouragement, so a huge THANK 28
YOU once again to you all

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

Find us on Facebook
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/Smalltalkmag

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@SmalltalkMag

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©2019 Smalltalk Magazine is independently owned by
Talk Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system
or transmitted in any form by means electronic,
photographic, recording or otherwise, without prior
permission of the publishers. Views expressed by
contributors are not necessarily those of the editor
or publisher. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to
ensure that the information within this magazine is
correct at the time of going to press, readers are
advised to check details before visiting. The Publisher
cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies
or omissions.

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 3

Welcome

AUTUMN is a time for change in more ways than one. This season is prime time for
seeking comfort and creating a serene
For me it brings to mind pleasant thoughts about layering and snug space, one of the nicer aspects of the
up against the first chills of the season and scents of delicious season.
home cooked autumnal food. I am personally looking forward
to diving into my long list of seasonal recipe ideas. The slow So why not go and make yourself a nice hot mug
cooker will be brought to life once again! of tea or coffee and cosy up with this edition of Smalltalk
before the kids get home!
I love to see my boys leaving the house on their first day
back after the summer holidays. Looking sharp and squeaky Enjoy and thanks for reading.
clean in their shiny shoes, new school bags and pristine
uniforms. All set to take on the challenges of the new school If you love the bi-monthly contents of Smalltalk then why
year and ready for the much needed routine to recommence. not subscribe to become a “Smalltalker” at our new Smalltalk
Probably we parents need it more though to be honest. webzine. All the usual stuff but much more frequently. Check
it out at www.smalltalkmag.co.uk
I know there are lots of parents facing the extra challenges
of their children changing schools/colleges/universities. A You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
mixture of pride and anxiety, will they be OK out there? I am for daily updates, articles and great competitions & giveaways
sure that you will know where I am coming from with this. ahead of the October half term.

It is also the time when animals prepare for the winter @SmalltalkMag
by storing food and creating cosy hibernation spaces and I
think we tend to do this too. We retreat indoors and focus on @SmalltalkMag
cultivating a safe and comforting home for our family.
@smalltalkmagandwebzine
In a way, the autumn season offers us a chance to
reconnect with ourselves as we preserve our safe havens.

CINEMA and GOLF PARTIES

Film screening with Golf games with
Bento Box including our Pros including
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4 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

Tax-Free FAMILYtalk
Childcare
or after-school clubs – can sign up online
WORKING parents could be entitled to How Tax-Free Childcare works now to receive parents’ payments through
Working parents can apply, through Tax-Free Childcare.
Tax-Free Childcare worth up to £2,000 per
child per year to pay towards regulated the childcare service, to open an online Parents need to sign back in every
holiday clubs during the school holidays. childcare account. The scheme is available three months and confirm their details are
for children under the age of 12, or under up-to-date, to keep getting government
Parents can choose from more than the age of 17 for children with disabilities. top-ups.
68,000 childcare providers that have
signed up, including school and summer If you or your partner have an ‘adjusted You can use the childcare calculator to
camps across the country. net income’ over £100,000 in the current work out what your entitlements are here:
tax year, you will not be eligible. This www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator
If parents pay into their Tax-Free includes any bonuses you expect to get.
Childcare account regularly, they can ‘save
up’ their money and use it for childcare For every £8 that families pay in, the
during school holidays. For every £8 that government will make a top-up payment
families pay in, the government will make of an additional £2, up to a maximum
a top-up payment of an additional £2. The of £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000
money saved can be put towards a whole for disabled children). This top-up is
range of other childcare options, including added instantly and parents can then
before and after school care in term time. send payments directly to their childcare
providers. The maximum government top-
The scheme is open to working up is £500 per quarter for each child, or
parents, including the self-employed, who £1,000 if the child is disabled.
earn between the minimum wage and
£100,000 per year and have children aged All registered childcare providers –
0-11 years old. whether nannies, nurseries, childminders

CHROISCTTMOABSER20&19 HEAR
US

ROAR

FOR ADVENTURERS AGED 3-16 LITTLELIONS-RUGBY

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BOOK NOW AND LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN chhiillddrerennthtrhoruoguhgFhUNFUaNndapnldayp. lay.
www.campxplode.co.uk GGeettttininggchcihldirldenreinvionlvveodlvinedaniny sapnoyrtscpaonrtbecaangboeodawgaoyoodf kweaeyping
tohfekmebeupsiny gantdheamctivbeu. sByyainntdroadcutciivneg.tBhyeminttoroLditutlecLiniognst-hReumgbtyo, we
www.smalltalkmag.co.uk aLiimttlteoLiinocnres-aRsuegthbeyi,r wcoenfaiidmentcoeianncdresaeslfeesttheeeimr .coThnifis dcaenncleeadantod self-
bleboesettthtoeeafervFmciUoo.NmrTsfhm,obirusuntchitaceaantcbihlooeinlvadeadrenantdol!lliebstleestent,ienirgt’csboeamhlaomvtiuoornsfi,cFbaUutNtioanfbooarvnetdhaellliscethlesienld,inriteg’sna!
mSRmSeeUoossFrssrnCiinooinionnngnsssgc,SscauY,anananrdnbnbaedbyeufaomrftyuoonLRurdenUnoianFddtCgaisMeS.tonaMotsuriotarodnowaryRntoUaRwfFUteCnFrCnoRongUornFSosCuu,nngaddnraoodnyuanmSt adLoteuorornnddiianeSygnastsiu.arnday
FFoorrmmoorereinifnofromramtioantiovinsitvoisuitr owuebr switee.bsite.

w w w. l i t t l e l i o n s - r u g by. c o . u k

ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 5

FAMILYtalk

Bus and train travel for kids

BACK to school can be a daunting time for both parents and children,

especially if your child is starting a new school. Apart from making new
friends, your child has a new journey and routine to get used to and it
might even be the first time that they will travel on a bus by themselves.

MCard make this transition easier with some great travel ticket
options. Under 19s can get great value bus and rail travel with an Under
16 or 16-18 PhotoCard.

You can apply for a free Under 16 PhotoCard online from m-card.
co.uk- it only takes a few minutes.
All you need is:

A digital passport-style photo of your child (phone photos are fine)
Passport number to show proof of age.
If your child doesn’t have a valid passport, you can pop down to your
nearest Bus Station Travel Centre with your child and apply in person.
You can also add some great value bus or bus and train travel to a
PhotoCard from only £10.30 per week (bus only) or £24.50 (bus and
train).
And for great value days out with friends and family why not get the
MyDay bus ticket which can be loaded onto the Under 16 and 16-18
PhotoCard. MyDay offers under 19s unlimited bus* travel for the whole
day. Prices start at just £2.50 per ticket when buying 10 and multiples
of 1, 3, 5 or 10 can be loaded at any one time. The ticket can also be
bought on the bus for £2.75.
Find out more at m-card.co.uk

*Excludes special services

LittleLions shortlisted for
national award

LITTLELIONS-RUGBY based in Though they build rugby related skills
into many of their games, there is no need
North Leeds, was recently nominated for to be interested in rugby. The games they
one of this year’s Guinness National Rugby play are based around the FUNdamentals
Awards. These awards are the biggest of physical literacy where they look to
celebration of grassroots rugby in the develop basic core motor and social skills
country and, according to Chris Robshaw within a team environment.
(former England Captain), “…this year has
seen a record number of nominations and Getting your child involved in any
the quality has been outstanding…” sport can be a good way of keeping them
busy and active. By introducing them
To be selected as a finalist has to LittleLions-Rugby the coaches aim
delighted Principal Coach, Mike Roberts. to increase your child’s confidence and
self-esteem which often leads to better
Mike said “We were delighted to be communication and listening behaviours;
shortlisted for a National Rugby Award this not to mention them having fun in the
summer and to go to Twickenham and process!
receive national recognition for our work More info at
with children in Leeds.” www.littlelions-rugby.co.uk
or drop an email to
LittleLions-Rugby are an organisation [email protected]
where the emphasis is about fun
and respect in an enjoyable and safe Two LittleLions with England’s mascot at Twickenham for the awards ceremony
environment where they gently encourage
children to exercise and live a healthier life. www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

6 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019

Backpack.
Books.
Blue MCard.

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you mean to go on with an under
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just £10.30 per week (bus only).
What's stopping you?

m-card.co.uk

Prices correct at time of printing and subject to change.

*Excludes special services

FAMILYtalk

3 tips to help your kids to thrive

By Anisa Lewis - Positive Parenting Coach

As parents through our trials and tribulations, our elation, happiness and
despair all we ultimately want for our kids is for them to thrive, for them
to stand on their own two feet and be happy. The biggest question is
HOW do we do this when we are dealing with not only our own ‘stuff’
but also their emotions, schedules, personalities and loving them.

Here are my top 3 C’s to help want the latest toy, magazine, gadget or Where emotions are concerned,
your kids to thrive: experience and they probably do but in communication gets trickier but it is at
years to come what they will remember these emotional points in our day or week
Tip 1 – Control is how you made them feel and what you where we have to be very mindful of how
So much conflict, emotion and raised did together. This is certainly not intended we are communicating with our children.
voices arise in a home as a result of to make those amongst us who are time We are their first role models and they are
control. Control usually comes from poor to feel guilty far from it; promoting watching so no pressure!
a place of love and a necessity to get parent guilt is not my thing. A way to navigate these impulse reactions
stuff done! However, your child (and is to adopt the counting down from 5 rule
possibly partner!) thinks it is a way of How can you consciously be more in your head, this allows you time either in
them not getting what they want or for present with your kids? a split second if you count quickly or over
not being fully in control of their growing a deliberate 5 second count to potentially
independence. • Can you switch the TV off as consider another way to respond to your
At the end of the day you can control your children and them with you. The purpose
words, behaviour, mind-set and how you background noise and sit and watch here is to steer away from our knee
choose to have fun. Your child can do the your kids play or join in? jerk response or default behaviour and
same. Neither of you should be controlling consider another choice.
the other. • Are you able to prioritize spending 10 A family meeting or weekly chat is a lovely
You can certainly influence your children in way to get your kids ideas, thoughts and
a way that they feel empowered to make minutes with them before the day starts share things that are going on for you. The
a choice, to pick a way to do something. It or perhaps once you all walk in from end success here comes in the regularity of
might not be how you would have done it of day activities, work, school etc. these communication times. Can you put
and that is ok! aside a time in your week where you come
Watch over the next 24 hours to see • Are you able to sit in the car and chat to together to communicate?
where your control or your child’s kicks in How do you feel you and your family fair
and what is the outcome? Once you can them without the radio on as you take with the 3C’s? You may want to do a
see the trigger areas or times of the day them to their clubs? family audit of how control, connection
you can put systems in place to help deal or communication is going in your family.
with these. • If your kids are still young enough for Above all though don’t forget in the fog of
back to school routines and the lead up to
Tip 2 – Connection you to do bath time with them, can you Halloween and Christmas sitting their on
Our kids want our attention and the best be more present? Play a game? Sing the horizon to have fun with your kids.
way to give them said attention is through songs? Play something with them in To read more from Anisa visit
spending time with them. They may put their room post bath? anisalewis.com
on a very good show to appear like they
• Perhaps you can share a book together www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

one that is just for the two of you
that you work through together over
a number of weeks, a novel even for
younger children this works well.

Tip 3 – Communication
Communication in any family is key. How
do you communicate with yours?

8 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019

OUT&ABOUTtalk

Bursting with adventure

REMEMBER when we were children and

we’d spend hours playing outdoors?
These days it’s harder than ever to distract our

children from a screen, so is it time to switch off
from the modern day madness, get out there and
see what adventure is waiting!

Every day is bursting with adventure.
Camp Xplode are committed to providing
children and young adults from 3 – 17 with the
very best multi-activity day camp experience
possible. Children have over 40 activities to
choose from as well as theme days, visiting
attractions and excursions, all guaranteed to
maximise fun.
Each camp is tailored to your child’s interests
and with a wide variety of energetic pursuits
lined up each day, there’s definitely never a dull
moment.
Children take part in activities such as sports,
drama, crafts, games, bushcraft; picking up life-
long skills without even realising.
You won’t find any screens or tech here.
Instead, it’s all about fresh air, fun and friendship.
www.campxplode.co.uk

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 9

OUT&ABOUTtalk

#DrawTheDragon

Leeds Kirkgate Market
are inviting people to
take part in their Big
Draw Festival AND …
#DrawTheDragon !!!

THE Market has invited experienced onto a giant dragon outline by ArtJohn
using an old skool over-head projector.
artist and artist educator John Mayson The drawings will be layered within the
(ArtJohn) to create a fantastic mural of dragon outline to create a vibrant and
the Leeds Kirkgate Market dragon in the detailed collaborative piece of permanent
Market Kitchen area. artwork for everyone to enjoy.
This is a FREE event and takes place
Visiting families will work with ArtJohn 10am to 3pm in the event space.
to create drawings inspired by the sights, Monday 28 October to Saturday 2
sounds, smells and characters of the November 2019.
market. TWITTER: @LeedsMarkets
FACEBOOK: @Leeds markets
It might be a drawing of a crab from INSTAGRAM: @LeedsMarkets
the famous fish and game row or a flower,
colourful carpet or unusual piece of fruit.
These drawings will then be transferred

10am–5.30pm HALLOWEEN
Weekends Ghost Trains
Thursday 31st October to
from 5th Oct Saturday 2nd November 2019
& Daily from
26 Oct – 3 Nov Drag yourself ...it’s time for
aboard... fright night!
DOiTsincBcolkoiunoenektsted
To book visit
PUMPKIN
FESTIVAL www.kirkleeslightrailway.com
or call 01484 865727
FREE
PUMPKIN YORKSHIRE’S GREAdvance booking isATessential. LTheIGhTostTLETrain is NOT STEAM TRAsuitable for children under 3 years old INS
FOR EVERY
E: [email protected] Kirklees Light Railway, Park Mill Way, Clayton West, HD8 9XJ
CHILD
T: 01484 865727 @kirkleeslightrly @KLRailway kirkleeslightrailway
10,000 home grown pumpkins to
choose from / Mysterious Maize W: www.kirkleeslightrailway.com
Maze / Wizardry Magic / Mischief
Manor / Laser Disco / Pumpkin www.smalltalkmag.co.uk
Patch / NEW Skeleton Stilt Walkers
/ Pumpkin Carving and more

PIGLETS, NR YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183
PIGLETSADVENTUREFARM.COM

10 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019

OUT&ABOUTtalk

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk Attention all aspiring artists, disastrous drawers,
doodling dreamers & everyone else…

WE ARE PART OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DRAWING FESTIVAL!

+25 COUNTRIES | +1000 EVENTS | +500,000 PEOPLE

JOIN US!

#DrawTheDragon

FREE October Half-Term activities
at Leeds Kirkgate Market

Mon 28 Oct to Sat 2 Nov 2019

10 to 3pm in the event space
Leeds Kirkgate Market | Vicar Lane

Leeds City Centre | LS2 7HY

@LeedsMarkets
@Leeds markets
@LeedsMarkets

ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 11

OUT&ABOUTtalk

Scarecrow skeletowns!

HEAD to Leeds Museums & Galleries for a spooky perfect for younger visitors and a great opportunity
to wander through the autumn leaves of the abbey.
half term with your tiny terrors! There’s a whole load During your visit pop into Abbey House Musuem for
of fun filled family activities across their nine sites from ghoulish goings on in the Victorian streets. There’s
silly science experiments to haunted house tours and spooky science with gory goo, ghosts, bugs and
scarecrow skeletowns! bubbles and a Monster Mash Up using craft materials
to create curious creatures on 1 November. 
Leeds Industrial Museum will be joined by
21st century witches from the Leodis Pagan Temple Newsams Spooky Spooktacular returns
Circle from 29 October. Discover the true stories on All Hallows Eve with fun filled tours through the
behind Halloween and take part in natural themed haunted house where you can come-face-face with
workshops including willow wand making, past residents who creep through the corridors at
dreamcatcher crafting and making oat milk bath- night. There’s creepy critter crafting throughout the
bombs using herbs from the autumn harvest of the whole week of half term too and pumpkin carving in
colour garden. the Walled Garden on 30 October from 1-3pm.
More info at: 
There’s a not so scary Scarecrow Trail at Lotherton museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
with creepy crafts and wicked woodland walks.
Head to Kirkstall Abbey for their scarecrow hunt too,

Haunted houses and tiny terrors!

SCARE yourselves silly with a visit to the haunted Halloween mansion house

and frightening farm at Temple Newsam on 31 October.
Take a tour of the house complete with tales of past residents who creep

through the corridors at night.
Head to Home Farm for some fiendish family fun and try your hand at creepy

crafts in the Joiners Shop. Make sure to get dressed up the occasion (the scarier
the better!) and collect plenty of Halloween themed treats along the way.

If you fancy taking an eerie evening trip to the Spooky Spooktacular then
snap up your tickets from Eventbrite.

For some free pre-Halloween fun join in with pumpkin carving on 30 October
from 1-3pm. Head to the Walled Garden to collect the one you planted earlier in
the year or bring your own to create something magical, mythical or monstrous
this Halloween!
More info at museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/temple-newsam/

Worth exploring www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

KEIGHLEY and Worth Valley Railway, home of magnificent

Steam Locomotives, The Railway Children, accredited
museums, one of the last preserved Midland Railway Stations
plus the smallest station in the country.

Open every weekend throughout the winter.
During half term open every day to transport you back in time
along the line; plus we have the Wizards Express on selected
days. Enjoy spooky stories, scary carriages, magic and more on
our Halloween trains.
We have recently received confirmation that Santa will
be riding the train and meeting children on selected dates in
December, explore the winter wonderland and enjoy festive
stations. Book early to avoid missing out.
More info at: www.kwvr.co.uk

12 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019

Have a Hcluolsl’es espneccotuanctuelarr aquarium!

at

Play on interactive stations See amazing marine life Watch penguin feeds!
! Spot colourful fish!
!

With over 5,000 animals and a packed programme of
presentations, there has never been a better time to visit!

magic & saw-cery Date
for your
diary!

19 October -3 November Magic show
Sawfish trail
Join us this October half term for a Family crafts
celebration of sawfish and the myths
and legends that surround them.

www.thedeep.co.uk thedeephull
[email protected]

OUT&ABOUTtalk

Magic & saw-cery

MAGNIFICENT sharks, stingrays, a pm there will be magical interactive by taking a walk through the viewing
presentations for you to enjoy. There will tunnel and then finish your visit with a
colony of Gentoo penguins, Loggerhead also be fabulous family activities in Craft ride in the glass lift through the 10 metre
sea turtles and hundreds of tropical fish Corner between 11 am and 4 pm. There Endless Ocean tank.
are just a few examples of over 3,500 will be plenty of special seasonal ‘saw-
awesome animals that you can see at The cery’ on offer too! If after all that you feeling peckish or in
Deep Aquarium in Hull need of a cup of something hot, you can
Don’t forget to catch the daily dive grab a drink and a spot of lunch in the
The aquarium is also home to the UK’s show at 2 pm, penguin feeds at 11:30 am Castaways café which enjoys fantastic
only pair of Green sawfish, and it’s these and 3:30 pm. views over the River Humber and Hull’s
two beautiful creatures that are being Old Town.
celebrated over the October half term. Get hands-on in the regular touch pool The Deep offers FREE return visits for 12
sessions with lots of amazing animals that months with the Day Plus Pass.
The myths and legends surrounding are native to the British shores. October half-term - October 19 to
one of the world’s most endangered November 3
species will be explored. Little nippers can also enjoy the More info at thedeep.co.uk
interactive magic floor, fossil brushing
Take part in the fun-filled activity trail station and soft play area.
and be prepared to be amazed.
Immerse yourself into the watery world
Every day at 11 am, 1 pm and 3

A good

old-fashioned

scare

THIS Halloween visit England’s Oldest Tourist Attraction for a good old-fashioned

scare, suitable for all ages. Follow the haunted trail through the historic woodland to find
monsters, ghosts and skeletons hiding around every corner. We encourage you to do
your best monster impression and join in our costume competition every day at 2pm.

The attraction will be transformed into a ghoulish event for all the family. Saturday
26th October to Sunday 3rd November, 10am to 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm).

See the Petrifying Well and Mother Shipton’s Cave. The park has scenic picnic areas
alongside the popular River Nidd, an adventure playground, gift shop and museum.
For discounted tickets book online www.mothershipton.co.uk

Free pumpkin for
every child

GET ready for stacks of Halloween family fun at Piglets Adventure Farm’s Pumpkin

Festival this October. Pick your own FREE homegrown pumpkin for every child and
NEW Skeleton Stilt Walkers it’s packed full of spooky family fun.

NEW for 2019. See spooky Skeleton Stilt Walkers and take part in the
fang-tastic Halloween fancy dress competition- will you be crowned the Pumpkin King
or Queen? From the Monster Mash to the Witchy Wiggle show off your best moves at
end of day Laser Disco. Don’t forget to explore spooooky Mischief Manor, take on the
Mysterious Maize Maze Challenge and walk to the Pumpkin Patch where you can take
your pick from over 10,000 home grown pumpkins. There’s even a chance to get stuck
in with Pumpkin Carving!

There will of course be all the usual adventure farm fun too.
More info at pigletsadventurefarm.com

14 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

With over 1.3million
fascinating objects across
our nine attractions, there’s
plenty to keep all the family
entertained this holiday.

1.3million
ways to
inspire.

#349,012
Coffin of Nesyamun
at Leeds City
Museum

museumsandgalleries.
leeds.gov.uk

Underground Fangtastic
adventure trains

POP on a hard hat, a lamp and go an adventure 140 m underground WHO’S brave enough to take a ride on the Kirklees Light Railway’s

into England’s last deep coalmine. Ghost Trains this Halloween?  These fangtastic trains are not for the
Chat to charismatic former-miners as they tell the tales of their mining weak at heart! Try them, if you dare…

careers and the men, women, children, animals and equipment that It’s getting to that time of year for fright night at Kirklees Light
worked the coal mines for centuries before them. Railway where you can climb aboard the special Halloween Ghost Train!

Hear how mining lingo, hardships and dangers shape how we live our Perfect for those that like to scare themselves on Halloween. Pin
lives today. your ears back, is that the clickety clack of the train on the track or
something spookier?
Visitors can strike up a conversation with the blacksmiths restoring
metalwork and creating new works of art then let off steam in the Booking is essential and fancy dress is fiendishly encouraged!
Adventure Playground. These services can be SCARY (and funny in equal measure)!
NOT suitable for children under the age of 3 and KLR advise you
Meet the ponies and find out from their keepers what jobs they would to exercise caution when booking for younger children or those of a
have done and what makes them so special. nervous disposition…
More info and tickets at www.kirkleeslightrailway.com
If there is any time left in the day then explore acres of woodland
spotting plants and wildlife and see how bright orange mine water is
cleaned.
More info and events at: www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on

Daily Halloween quiz 12th October - 3rd November 2019

Prizes for finding the lost bones!
Fancy dress competition on 31st October

with prizes for best costumes! FThoe SrtbraindgedstTPehlaneceCintoherWnoerldr

Admission by pre-booked tickets only | To reserve please call 01969 640638

www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk

16 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

OUT&ABOUTtalk

OPEN EVERY DAY

IN THE HOLIDAYS!

Toil and trouble TRAIN

BUBBLE, bubble, there’s toil and trouble at Eureka! this October half COME ABOARD IF YOU DARE!

term, as a coven of witches and a convocation of wizards have flown in to Steam Trains | Café | Museums
use the children’s museum for their official Halloween recruitment drive. On Train Bar | & More!

Bring your budding Harry Potters and Mildred Hubbles to Eureka! from
Saturday 19th October to Sunday 3rd November to discover whether
they belong on #TeamWitch or #TeamWizard!

The Eureka! Witches and Wizards will be putting apprentice magicians
aged 0-11 years through a series of tasks and tests before they pledge
allegiance, while mystical characters from Black Knight Historical will be
conjuring up some truly magical classes in the Eureka! Theatre.

Grab your capes and hats, broomsticks and wands, chant your
favourite transportation spell (or, you know, belt up in the back of the
family car) and fly over to Eureka! for an enchanting Halloween half-term
day out!

Spooky fancy dress encouraged! The museum will be opening its
doors early at 9.30am on weekdays throughout half-term for eager
visitors wanting to get their magic on before lunchtime. 

All activities are included in the price of admission or free to Eureka!
annual pass holders.
www.eureka.org.uk

KWVR.CO.UK SPECIAL EVENT
DAYS, 27 & 31 OCT

HALLOWEEN TRAIN

Standard fares apply.

WIZARDS EXPRESS

Pre booking essential.

(See website for
full details)

KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY
01535 645214 [email protected]

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 17

OUT&ABOUTtalk

The
Christmas
Experience

Steeped in Christmas
magic and excitement.
This fabulous Christmas
event returns for its fourth
year at the popular venue
of Lotherton, Aberford in
Leeds

THE event embeds itself within the Along the woodland walk, as well as Finally visit a tiny Elf Village where you
the lights, art installations are situated can find the elves in their cabins busy
countryside estate and within the in the theme of The Twelve Days of making Christmas decorations, join them
Edwardian house, taking inspiration from Christmas, make the turtle doves fly, walk to create crafts and take-home goodies or
traditional Christmas story-telling and through the five gold rings and be one of listen to their stories.
themes. our drummers drumming!
Added extras to the attraction include
Explore the estate and as you Uncover a secret fairy hideaway in our Christmas markets, a vintage funfair, an
approach the woodland walk they will rock garden in ‘The Dell’ rock garden, Edwardian Photo Studio in the house,
encounter magical interpretations of the a mini fairy village, comprising of fairy photo memorabilia and Christmas choirs.
traditional 12 days of Christmas song. homes, listen to the fairies whispers and
The Twelve Days of Christmas Walk takes cheeky giggles as you walk through. New for 2019 visit the open air ice rink
you into a land of Christmas storytelling, alongside the Elf Village.
through the wooded walk around the back At the heart of the estate you can visit More info at:
of the bird garden leading through to the The North Pole, which houses the main thechristmasexperience.co.uk
formal gardens and round the front of the man in red himself! Book your tickets for
house. Santa early to avoid disappointment.

Family celebration lunch

AUTUMN is upon us, which means we have

Halloween and Bonfire Night to look forward to,
however it also means it’s time to start arranging
your Christmas celebrations.

Rudding Park in Harrogate is a magical place
to celebrate and if you are looking for a family
celebration lunch, the ever popular Family Festive
Lunch is back by popular demand on Sunday 15
and Sunday 22 December.

Experience a relaxed afternoon with buffet lunch,
activities to entertain the children, Santa’s Grotto and
a prize for the best Christmas jumper!

To find out more about the Family Christmas
Lunch and our other events during the festive
season visit
ruddingpark.co.uk

18 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

playworld

skate play dance eat drink

TRACTORS
ANE TRIKDS
halloween party
Thursday 24th October

9.30am - 3pm // £4 Entry // £5.95 Meal Deals

Free Cordial, Party Games & Craft Activities

KIDZ SPOOKY Halloween party
All Day Event Regular admission

Wednesday 30th October

PRIZES FOR THE BEST DRESSED BOY, GIRL AND PARENTS!
spooky dISCO sweets and treats

Join Us This Half Term: 28th October - 3rd November
Monday - Saturday 10am - 7pm & Sunday 10am - 6pm

www.playworld.uk.com

THEATREtalk

A (very) brief history of
pantomime

Pantomimes at City Varieties date back at least to the early 1940s and one famous tale
exists of a woman giving birth during a performance of Babes in the Wood in 1941…
legend has it that the child was gifted free admission to the Varieties for Life

viCki michelle TOWARDS the end of the 1940s, pantomimes fell from

Mark little Martin daniels favour and it was not until 1968 that they made a return
with variety stars such as The Patton Brothers, Leeds’ own
jonny muir steve wickenden Wendy King and the hugely popular clown Charlie Cairoli.
Productions of Cinderella during this period were famed for a
louise henry coach pulled on stage by real (but very small!) horses and the
poster for Snow White boasted “real dwarves”.
GRAND Thu 12 Dec 2019 - Sat 4 Jan 2020
OPERA In the early 1980s, a partnership with writer-director Robin
HOUSE 0844 871 3024 Fees Apply Davies (Catweazle, Shakespeare in Love), created hugely
successful shows, which ran for over 20 years and began the
YORK atgtickets.com/york Fees Apply Leeds tradition of an anarchic “rock fight” with sponges! After
Jack & the Beanstalk completed its run in January 2009, the
Calls cost 7p per minute plus your venue closed its doors for a major restoration.
phone company’s access charge
When City Varieties re-opened in 2011 they hosted
Aladdin - the first of the Rock’n’Roll Pantos – a very different
format using a talented troupe of actor-musicians who
performed classic hit songs live on stage. The “rock fight”
was also given a 21st Century make-over to become a
“boulder battle” with giant inflatable bouncing balls creating
bedlam around the auditorium.

Over the past few years, Cinderella, Jack & the Beanstalk,
Dick Whittington, Robin Hood and Sleeping Beauty have all
been given the Rock’n’Roll Panto treatment with increasing
success and a whole new Leeds tradition has been born.
This year the Varieties presents writer Peter Rowe’s all-new
production of Red Riding Hood: The Rock’n’Roll Panto
featuring hit songs from the likes of Metallica and Chris de
Burgh!
More info at cityvarieties.co.uk

20 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

Wakefield’s Very Own Pantomime!

Sponsored by Thu 21 Nov 2019
- Sun 5 Jan 2020
Box Office: 01924 211311
theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk

THEATREtalk

City Varieties Music Hall

presents

Friday 29 November 2019 – Fantastic
Sunday 12 January 2020
This October half-term Carriageworks
Recommended for ages 4+ Theatre have a fantastic line up of shows
for all the family to enjoy
22 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019
On Friday 25 October at 2:30pm, The People’s Theatre
Company present “There was an Old Lady who swallowed a
Fly”.
This magical show relives the delights of this charming tale complete with
songs, & animal characters. For ages 2+.
Then on Tuesday 29 October at 1:30pm & 4pm Tall Stories
presents The Snow Dragon.
On New Year’s Eve, Billy the goat is looking forward to the annual visit of
the legendary Snow Dragon. But when Billy bumps into some hungry
wolves in the forest, New Year’s Day seems a long way off. For ages 3+.
Monday 28th October at 11am & 2pm welcomes Mark
Thompson with his Spectacular Science Show.
If you think science is boring, think again. Explore the magical properties
of exploding elephant’s toothpaste, and even howling jelly babies! For
ages 5+.

Best
panto yet

THREE Bears Productions are bringing Snow White and The Seven

Dwarfs to the Grand Opera House York this year.
There are terrific sets, outrageous costumes and wondrous special

effects, all this and much more.  
Snow White stars Vicki Michelle (Allo Allo legend), Mark Little

(Neighbours), the best baddie in Yorkshire, and man of comedy and
magic Martin Daniels.

The show tells us the story of a beautiful Princess, an evil step
mother and a poisoned apple.  Will Snow White escape the Queen’s
evil magic? Will the wicked Queen get hooked up with the handsome
Prince? Will Muddles ever get his magic tricks to work? And will the
Seven Dwarfs ever manage to get back home?  People will have to
come along to find out the answers to all those questions.

This year’s pantomime promises to be the best panto yet with many,
many more surprises to keep audiences enthralled.
Tickets at atgtickets.com/york

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

THEATREtalk

October Half Term
Family Events

line up

On Wednesday 30th October at 11am and 2pm, M6 Theatre | Fri 25 Oct • 2:30pm • Ages 2+
will present their new show: Mission...Save the World!
Captain Clever is good at code breaking, whilst Captain Conker is super- Spectacular
fast. But the superheroes have a BIG problem. As they race against the Science
clock, can they save the world?! For ages 5+. Show
Tickets for all our October half term theatre shows are: Adults £10.50,
Concessions: £9.50, groups (4+): £9 each. | Mon 28 Oct • 11am & 2pm • Ages 5+
Finally on Wednesday 30th & Friday 31st October at 10am & 1pm
Boomchikkaboom presents: Baby Rave Monsters Ball! Mission....
Expect singing, dancing, and of course good music! For 0-8yrs. Tickets: Save the
£8 for one adult and one child, £3 for each additional adult & additional World!
child.
For more information on all our activities or to book tickets please visit our
website carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
or call our box office on 0113 376 0318

| Wed 30 Oct • 11am & 2pm • Ages 5+

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 23

2DOtalk
What’s On
for their official Halloween recruitment drive. Santa Specials - 30th Nov – 24th
WEEKLY STORY TIMES All sales start @ 1pm unless stated The Eureka! Witches and Wizards will December
be putting apprentice magicians aged
Story Times and Rhyme Times OCT 5 Rothwell - Rothwell Leisure Centre, 0-11 years through a series of tasks and THE DEEP
Various libraries citywide Leeds, 3 PM tests before they pledge allegiance, while
No need to book; contact your local library mystical characters from Black Knight Hull, HU1 4DP, 01482 381000
OCT 6 Horsforth - Leeds Trinity University Historical will be conjuring up some truly
for further details. Leeds, 1 PM magical classes in the Eureka! Theatre. www.thedeep.co.uk
All activities are included in the price of
Every week libraries across the city OCT 19 YORK - Energise Leisure Centre admission or free to Eureka! Annual pass All Things Jelly - Sep 28 & 29
present story and rhyme times for York, holders. I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly… well
children. we sure are, as we gear up to celebrate all
OCT 26 Shipley - Titus Salt School City of NCM MUSEUM things jelly this September.
Armley Thurs 10.30 -11.00 Bradford Learn all about the species of jellyfish
Wakefield, WF4 4RH housed here at The Deep, as well as the
Beeston Tues 10.45 - 11.15 OCT 27 Wakefield - QEGS Wakefield threats they face in the wild. Take part in
Wakefield 01924 848806 the fun-packed interactive presentation at
(Rhyme Time) 10.30- 11am, 1pm and 3pm and get your face
NOV 2 Selby - Barlby High School Selby, www.ncm.org.uk painted at Craft Corner between 11am
11am and 4pm.
NOV 9 Hull - Wyke 6th Form College Digging Deep: Miners of African
Calverley Thurs 2.45-3.15pm Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom Magic and Saw-cery
Caribbean Heritage
Central Thurs 11:00 – 11:45am MOTHERCARE Oct 19 to Nov 3
(includes activities) LEEDS 21 Sep 2019 - 05 Jan 2020 Join us this October half term and be
In the first ever exhibition looking at the role amazed as we explore the myths and
Chapel Allerton Thurs 10.30-11am LS10 1EW - 01132 440555 of immigrants in the coal industry, Digging legends around one of the world’s most
Contact store for details of classes Deep: Miners of African Caribbean Heritage endangered species, the sawfish.
Compton Rd Weds 2.15 - 2.45 and events. explores black miners’ migration memories Take part in the very special magical
adjusting to life in the UK. interactive presentation at 11am, 1pm and
Dewsbury Rd Wed 10:30 – 11:00 PIGLET ADVENTURE 3pm daily, complete the fun-filled activity
PARK Blacksmith Demonstrations - Wed to trail as you make your way around the
Farsley Tues-Rhymtime, 2pm Sun Open 9am - 4pm demonstrations at building as well as family activities in Craft
YO32 9ST - 01904 499183 11.30am & 2pm. Corner between 11am and 4pm.
(term time) Drop in to the Blacksmith’s Forge at Hope We’ll make sure we bring our own special
www.thefarmerscart.co.uk Pit Workshop & see the Museum’s resident ‘saw-cery’ to the occasion too!
Fri-storytime Blacksmiths Jayne & Martin demonstrating
Pumpkin Festival their skills. Not On Your Nurdle! Nov 16 &17
2.15 - 2.45 Would you know your nurdles from your
From 5th Oct every weekend Mining Memories - 5 July 28 Sept noodles? Don’t let nurdles become a
Garforth Fri 10.30 - 11.00 Community Art Space hurdle!
then daily from 26 Oct – 3 Nov - Explore the world of mines and mining Nurdles are tiny pieces of plastic about the
Gildersome Weds - pre-school 2.30 through a series of linocut prints created size of a lentil that are increasingly being
After school 3.45 10am–5.30pm by John Scott Martin who was inspired washed up on the UK’s shores. They’re the
Pick your own FREE homegrown pumpkin by memories of mining in Nottingham and bits that nearly all of our plastic goods are
Guiseley Tues 10.30-11am for every child Derbyshire during the 1960s. made from … and our seas are full of them.
(Term Time Only) Spooky Skeleton Stilt Walkers, Halloween In fact, in one survey 95% of seabirds
fancy dress competition, Laser Disco. Heritage Crafts Experiences tested in the North Sea had nurdles in their
Halton Fri 10.30-11.30 Explore spooooky Mischief Manor, stomach.
Mysterious Maize Maze Challenge and walk 24 Aug - 01 Nov 2019 Visit us this weekend and you’ll become a
Harrogate Fri 2.15-2.45 to the Pumpkin Patch & Pumpkin Carving! Young people aged 14-19 (or up to 25 true nurdles expert – and find out what you
Children’s Library (term with SEND) are invited to discover more can do to stop the nurdles nuisance.
time only) MOTHER SHIPTON’S about heritage by taking part in exclusive
CAVE blacksmithing workshops! PIECE HALL HALIFAX

Headingley Mon 2.00-2.30pm Knaresborough, HG5 8DD Technical Tours @ Pit HX1 1RE - 01422 525200
(Rhyme Time)Fri 9.30-
01423 864600 05 Sep 2019 - 02 Jul 2020 www.thepiecehall.co.uk
10.00am Get all the nitty-gritty details about mining in
www.mothershipton.co.uk our monthly Technical Tour. Museums at night: spooky family
Holt Park Wed 9:30 – 10:00
Halloween: 26th October to 3rd Seasonal Circular Walk tour - Sat 2 Nov
Horsforth Tuesday 10:30 11:00 Join our storytellers for a spine-tingling tour
November, 10am to 4.30pm Autumn - 24 Oct 2019 around the Piece Hall at night. Find out
Hunmanby Fri 2.15-3pm This Halloween visit England’s Oldest Tourist Enjoy the shades, sights and sounds of about the spooky happenings around the
Attraction for a good old-fashioned scare, Autumn as we discover shadows of our Events and Spectacles of The Piece Hall’s
Ilkley Weds 2.15 Under 5’s suitable for all ages. Follow the haunted trail mining past in a landscape reclaimed by 250-year history before finishing off the tour
to find monsters, ghosts and skeletons in nature in this two hour circular walk from with a warming hot chocolate and tasty
Kippax Friday 2.00-2.30pm the historic woodland. Ghoulish fun for all the the museum. treat! Tickets include a hot chocolate.
family every day from 26th October to 3rd
Middleton Thurs10.15-10.45am November, 10am to 4.30pm (last admission Halloween @ Pit - 29 - 30 Oct 2019 Make a superhero mask/cuff/glider -
3.30pm). Book online Join us on a spooky adventure in the pit Thurs 3 Oct - 4pm - 5pm - £7.50
Moor Allerton Weds 11.15-11.45am where it’s your job to help solve a mining Make a superhero mask and matching
KIRKLEES LIGHT mystery, make spooky crafts and hear cuff/superhero glider with our children’s
Morley Tues 11.00-11.30am RAILWAY spine-tingling stories in the Victorian Gallery. workshop teacher Jackie. All materials
supplied.
Oakwood Thurs 2:00 – 2:30pm Huddersfield HD8 9XJ Wacky Wednesdays Welly Walk
Make a wooden pirate ship - Tues 8
Otley Mon 2-2.30pm www.kirkleeslightrailway.com 30 Oct 2019 Oct - 1.30pm - 2.30pm - £7.50
In folklore, gnomes have watched over Make a wooden pirate ship with our
Pudsey Friday 11.00-11.30am Day Out With Thomas – 9th – 10th woodlands and mines but, alas, The children’s workshop teacher Jackie. All
Wednesday Rhymetime November 2019 Caphouse Gnome has gone missing! Can materials supplied.
9.30 - 10.00 you help us find him?
Christmas Craft Fair – 24th November Make a jungle biff & glider - Thurs 10
2019 Wacky Wednesdays Oct - 4pm - 5pm - £7.50
Rothwell Sat 11:00 to 11:30am Make a wooden pirate ship with our
EUREKA! 11 Sep 2019 - 15 Jul 2020 children’s workshop teacher Jackie. All
Selby Wed 10.30-11am (term Join Maurice the Miner and Motty the Mole materials supplied.
time only) The National Children’s Museum for our weekly (term time only) activity
session for the under 5’s. Make a wooden seagull / bird puppet
Sherburn every Tues 10.30-11.00 HX1 2NE - 01422 330069 - Sat 12 Oct - 10.30am - 11.30am -£8
www.eureka.org.uk KEIGHLEY & WORTH Make a wooden seagull/bird puppet that
Wakefield Baby Bookworms VALLEY RAILWAY moves when you pull its strings with our
Drury Lane Fri 10-11am October half term - Saturday 19th children’s workshop teacher Jackie - all
BD22 8NJ - 01535 645214 materials supplied.
Wetherby Weds 10.45-11.15am October to Sunday 3rd November
Bubble, bubble, there’s toil and trouble at www.kwvr.co.uk Make a jellyfish plate & seaside glider
Yeadon Mon 2-2.20pm (term Eureka! this October half term, as a coven - Tues 15 Oct - 1.30pm - 2.30pm - £7.50
time only) of witches and a convocation of wizards Open Every weekend - Half term
have flown in to use the children’s museum
BABY & CHILDREN’S Open everyday
INDOOR MARKETS
Table Tots Baby and children’s indoor Wizards Express - 27th & 31st October
markets; Pre Loved, Nearly new sales
Halloween Train - 27th & 31st October
Maternity to age ten. So clear out the
grown out of and those surplus toys..
New, business stall enquiries welcome

for promotional stalls
All Table Tots events are indoor with
Tables provided for you.
Booking us easy via
www.tabletots.co.uk/events

24 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

2DOtalk

Make a Jellyfish plate & seaside glider with outside too. Drop in, no need to book. and willow wand making. There’s also the Spooky Spooktacular - 31/10/2019 - 5:00
our children’s workshop teacher Jackie. All chance to make your own luxury oat milk pm - 8:00 pm
materials supplied. October Half Term – Mini Owls bath bombs, using herbs from the autumn Scare yourselves silly with a visit to the
29/10/2019 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am harvest of our colour garden. darkened haunted house and fiendish
Make a fish wand and weave a fish - This October half term our session gets a farm. Take a tour of the house complete
Thurs 17 Oct - 4pm - 5pm -£7.50 feathery make over, come along to take October Half Term Mystery Matinee with tales of spooky past residents who
Make a fish wand and then weave a fish part in our Mini Owls event! 29/10/2019 - 03/11/2019 -2:00 pm - 4:30 creep through the corridors at night. Try
with our children’s workshop teacher jackie. A friendly free session for under 5s and Did you know that we’re home to one of your hand at spooky crafts, collect some
All materials supplied. their carers. Each week we have a range the UK’s smallest cinemas, just 24 seats to terrifying treats along the way and don’t
of crafts, toys, books and instruments and be exact?! Join us in the beautiful 1920’s forget to dress up for the occasion, the
Flower windmill making - Thurs 24 if the weather is nice we like to put games Palace Picture House for family favourites and scarier the better!
Oct - 4pm - 5pm - £7.50 outside too. Drop in, no need to book. vintage classics during the school holidays. Advance booking required via Eventbrite.
Make a traditional flower windmill with our Film screenings are included in the museum £25 family, £10 adult, £5 children.
children’s workshop teacher Jackie. All October Half Term – Not so scary admission charge. Where else can a family of
materials supplied. five go to the cinema for just £9?! THWAITE MILLS
Scarecrow Trail WATERMILL
Make your own animal headband - Sat 29/10/2019 - 03/11/2019 - 10:00 am - DISCOVERY CENTRE
26 Oct - 10.30am - 11.30am - £7.50 3:00 pm LS10 1RP - 0113 3782983
Make you own animal headband with our Visit Kirkstall Abbey this October and follow LS10 1LB - 0113 214 1548
children’s workshop teacher Jackie. All our not so scary Scarecrow Trail! See how www.leeds.gov.uk/thwaitemills
materials supplied. many scarecrows you can spot and take in www.leeds.gov.uk/discoverycentre
the atmospheric setting of Kirkstall Abbey Creative Tuesdays
Halloween crafts - Tues 29 & Thurs 31 this Halloween. Spooky Tour 29/10/2019 -1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Oct 10.30am - 11.30am & 12.30pm & Our Halloween event is suitable for 0/10/2019 -10:00 am - 12:00 pm Come along to Thwaite House for creative
1.30pm - £7.50 everyone from toddlers to tweens, and is a Bring your battery powered candles for craft filled Tuesdays. Come rain or shine
Various spooktastic Halloween craft making great free family day out in Leeds. our Halloween spook-fest. Discover the there’s plenty to see and do with lots of
with our children’s workshop teacher Jackie weird and wonderful world of the museum lovely craft materials to keep your young
- all materials supplied. LEEDS CITY MUSEUM monsters hidden behind closed doors. Spot ones entertained during the October Half
creepy critters by torchlight and take a tour Term holidays.
LEEDS MUSEUMS & LS2 8BH - 0113 224 3732 of our amazing stores!
GALLERIES Orchard Explorers
www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum LEEDS ART GALLERY 30/10/2019 -1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. Join us in the historic orchard for some
Tiny Tigers LS1 3AA - 0113 247 8256 apple related family fun! Taste the fruit from
gov.uk 10:00 am - 11:45 am – Every Friday the trees that the old mill owner planted,
For opening times and admission prices Looking for something creative to do with www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery make freshly pressed apple juice and as it
please visit the individual attraction kids in the city? Come down to Leeds City is almost Halloween, enjoy making some
information. Museum for our messy sessions for under 5’s Artspace: Culture Experiences spooky fruity art!
and their carers. 21 Jun – 29 September
ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM Join us for creative crafts every Friday. Experimental Thursdays
Sessions are free, and there is no need to Playground 31/10/2019 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
LS5 3EH - 0113 378 4083 book. 4 Oct / 8 Nov / 6 Dec - 10:00am - 12:00pm Conduct spooky science experiments with
Playful sensory events for under 5s and our resident expert and answer some of the
www.leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse Rory’s Tiger Club their carers take inspiration from a different most puzzling scientific questions.
11:00 am - 12:15 pm - Every Saturday artwork each month. We look to build Experimental Thursdays are free with
Under 5s: Little Shoppers Looking for something creative to do with childrens confidence in themselves as normal admission into and all materials are
10:00 am - 4:00 pm kids in the city? Come down to Leeds City learners. explorers and creative thinkers. provided. No experience is necessary.
Join us every Friday morning 10am-12pm Museum for our messy sessions for under 5’s Please wear suitable clothing as it can get
or afternoon 2-4pm (term time only) for and their carers. quite messy! LOTHERTON HALL
fun and games set amongst our beautifully Join us for creative crafts every Saturday To book email [email protected]
recreated Victorian streets. At these events morning. Sessions are free, and there is no LS25 3EB - 0113 2813259
there are range of play shops, fake food need to book. TEMPLE NEWSAM
and a trail or craft every week. HOUSE leeds.gov.uk/yorkshirestyle
Our under 5s events are drop-in and free October Half Term: Under the Sea
with normal admission into Abbey House 29/10/2019 - 01/11/2019 -11:00 am - 4:00 LS15 0AE - 0113 264 7321 Little Lotherton - Tues 8 Oct, Tues 12 Nov,
Museum. pm Tues 10 Dec - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Have a whale of a time this October half www.leeds.gov.uk/templenewsam Join us for monthly Little Lotherton arts,
Haunted Halloween Crafts term with our underwater-themed family craft Through the Ages for All Ages Tour - 2:30 crafts and play sessions for under 5s and
Oct 29 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm activities. Create a mini whale, junk jellyfish pm - 3:00 pm their carers.
Get ready for Halloween with a day of and other under sea creatures to take home. Come along for an all ages tour of Temple Drop in to the hall each morning from 10am –
creepy crafts in our spookily decorated Make a splash with our Whale Trail. Newsam House. 12pm and take part in relaxed arts and crafts.
Victorian Streets. A great activity for families Younger visitors will get the chance to There are plenty of toys and areas to play with
to get involved with this October half term. Whale Weekend handle some historic items from our your little ones.
Dressing up encouraged! 26/10/2019 - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm collection, and hear stories of some of the Sessions take place on the second Tuesday
Come and join us as we celebrate the return people who lived in the house. of every month (term-time only).
Spooky Silly Science of our Pilot Whale skeleton. After decades This tour is free with normal admission into
Oct 30 - 10am-12noon & Oct 30 2pm-4pm in store, we’re putting this awesome animal Temple Newsam, and there is no need to Spooky Scarecrow Trail - 26/10/2019 -
Come along to the museum and take part back on display. With family crafts, hands-on book. 03/11/2019 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
in a day of spooky science activities. We activities and whale talks. Thanks to the Beastly Creepy Crawlies & Halloween Half It’s back and beware we aim to scare! The
will have lots to get involved with, including National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Leeds Term - 26/10/2019 - 03/11/2019 - 10:00 ever popular Spooky Scarecrow Trial takes
petrifying potions, bugs, goo and bubble Philosophical and Literary Society and the am - 4:00 pm visitors through the haunted woods of
snakes. Friends of Leeds City Museum for allowing us Spiders, bed bugs, carpet beetles and Lotherton and promises to be frightening fun
No scientific knowledge necessary only to resurrect this amazing animal. moths all want to set up home in Temple for everyone.
curiosity. Newsam house but we have other ideas! Spot the scarecrows as you tiptoe around the
Sensory Room for families with This half term we will be showing you how estate, just make sure you don’t wake them
Happy Halloween to spot them and what we do to stop them up! Look out for spooky spiders, ghoulish
Oct 31st - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm additional needs in our bug busting holiday activities. ghosts and wicked witches, hidden all over
Drop in to Abbey House Museum this 31/10/2019 - 10:30 am - 11:30 am Join us in spotting creepy critters and craft the house and grounds of Lotherton.
Halloween for a day of spooky fun in our Come along to our relaxing sensory room your own spooky spider or bed bug to take Visit ‘Skeletown’ to see the scary side of the
Victorian streets! with dark tents, bubble tubes, cushions and home. Wild West and get involved with creepy craft
Our Halloween themed crafts and trail will toys. Don’t forget to take a trip to Home Farm activities every day of the holidays. Dressing
keep the kids entertained, and there will be Free, no need to book, just drop in. during your Halloween half term too! The up encouraged for all of the family.
plenty of coffee and cake in the Gatehouse farm will be dressed to impress for the Don’t forget to say ‘boo’ to the animals at
Cafe for the adults! LEEDS INDUSTRIAL scary season and there’s daily Halloween Wildlife World and see if you can spot them
MUSEUM themed crafts in the Joiners Shop. munching on a famous Halloween treat,
KIRKSTALL ABBEY Pumpkin Carving - 30/10/2019 - 1:00 pumpkin! The Stables Café will be open until
LS12 2QF - 0113 378 3173 pm - 3:00 pm 5pm and serving treats to keep your little
LS5 3EH - 0113 230 5492 www.leeds.gov.uk/ Join us in the Walled Garden for some ones fuelled throughout the day.
museumsandgalleries/armleymills traditional Halloween pumpkin carving! Last entry to the estate is 5.30pm
www.leeds.gov.uk/kirkstallabbey Bring your own along or collect the one you
Halloween Half Term planted with us earlier in the year. All ghouls Please check the organisations website for
Muddy Monkeys 29/10/2019 - 31/10/2019 - 12:30 pm - 3:00 and ghosts are welcome! up to date information on dates, times and
03/09/2019 – 17/12/2019 - 10:00 am - Come and discover the real stories behind Please note that this activity is free for venues
11:00 am Halloween with our 21st-century witches from everyone to attend.
A friendly free session for under 5s and the Leodis Pagan Circle. Family craft sessions
their carers. Each week we have a range will include the old favourite jack-o’-lanterns
of crafts, toys, books and instruments and
if the weather is nice we like to put games

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 25

Tommy’s Splashathon

Local Water Babies raised over £21,000 for Tommy’s charity this year

PAUL STRIDE DURING one week in June, swimmers across the West Yorkshire area

Supplying Quality Nursery Equipment Since 1982 took part in this year’s Tommy’s Splashathon in their Water Babies classes.
Little ones from as young as 6 weeks and up to 5 years old, along
20 Kathryn Avenue
Monks Cross with their carers, dressed up as pirates and princesses and took on a
York, YO32 9JS “swim a width” challenge as part of their weekly lesson to raise money for
01904 674800 Tommy’s, the baby charity.

www.paulstride.co.uk Brilliant fun for all involved and a chance to support a charity close to
many local families hearts. Their fantastic efforts raised £21,580 as part of
a Water Babies national total of £930,111 this year.

This amount of money will save thousands of babies’ lives and could
help fund the new Tommy’s research centre, dedicated to improving
maternity care, for nearly 2 years.
For more info at: tommys.org and waterbabies.co.uk

SensoryBtsro&eicnnlogiisfnmioensmrgpytiurhsniptrnicloogaaruyitgeihosn SSthaorerboyokts ime Signing classes & drop-in sessions
throughout North and West Yorkshire
Sing songs
all gone Trained teachers and signers
Play games bird
Multi-sensory play listen Musical activities, stories and puppets

Held in Garforth for ages 6-36 months Relaxed, fun & friendly atmosphere

Booking required Comprehensive supporting material:
handouts, certificates & much more
[email protected] • 07923402604
For more information, contact us…
www.findyourvoiceslt.co.uk t 07742 296160
e [email protected]
w tinysigners.co.uk

Check the website for details of our regular classes & drop-in sessions

26 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 TS_SmallTalk_Ad_58x91.5.indd 1 www.smalltalkma11g/1.2c/1o3.u1k4:32:22

Massive

thanks

BABY Swimmers & Swimmers Academy offer swimming

classes for babies from 6 weeks to teens in Leeds,
Bradford, Harrogate, York, Pocklington and Stamford
Bridge.  

A chance for you and your little one to spend quality
bonding time together as well as learn water safety skills
or for the older ones to learn or improve their swimming
technique.

Here is what one mum had to say “We began lessons
when Adam was just 3 months old. Adam has progressed
brilliantly and I find myself beaming with pride after every
lesson. He can now hold onto the side by himself and is
even attempting to climb out which is pretty amazing to say
he is only 11 months old and can’t even walk yet! Massive
thanks to Baby Swimmers.”
More info at: www.babyswimmers.co.uk or call Tracie
on 0333 8008 345 (Mobile Friendly).

01943 862802 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 27

waterbabies.co.uk

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

HEALTHtalk

Autumn sleep tips

As nights draw in and days turn cool, Autumn brings its own set of sleep
challenges for those who struggle to snooze

ACCORDING to The Sleep Council, track. consistent – even at weekends. Getting
as much natural daylight as possible
while the end of long, light nights and • While crisp, chill air can make it is key too, as it suppresses melatonin
hot stuffy bedrooms ends one set of levels and boosts serotonin production.
problems, it can mean the start of others tempting to light the fire and crank up
for some people. the heating, it’s actually best to keep • Colder weather can also tempt us to
the home – or at least the bedroom
Says The Sleep Council’s sleep –between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. eat more than we should. While it’s
chief, Lisa Artis: “While Autumn’s cool Letting the bedroom get too warm can easy to stick to salads and lighter foods
nights provide a nice bedtime break mess with sleep: too hot and the body during warm Summer months, avoid
from Summer’s hot and humid evenings, a struggles to bring its temperature back the temptation to ‘comfort eat’ heavier
host of other sleep issues can crop up at down, causing wakefulness. Too cold meals as the temperatures drop –
this time of year and disrupt shuteye.” and the body will eventually wake you particularly close to bedtime. Overload
up – demanding extra layers of warmth the tum at your peril! Too much food,
Here’s The Sleep Council’s and insulation! too close to bedtime is a sure-fire
advice to make sure Autumn recipe for wake-up level heartburn and
doesn’t leave you fatigued and • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a indigestion.
frustrated:
type of depression that can set in when • Make sure your bed is comfortable and
• Shorter days can mean less exposure daylight hours grow shorter, is thought
to affect one in 15 people between still supportive. Indoor furniture can be
to sunlight. This means lower levels the months of September and April forgotten about during the lazy, hazy,
of vitamin D and increased feelings in the UK each year. While the cause outdoor furniture days of summer. With
of fatigue – and also disruption of the of SAD is still unknown, the disorder the focus firmly back on interiors, it
circadian rhythm, which regulates can alter melatonin levels, which might be time to re-appraise the piece
feelings of wakefulness and sleepiness. play a role in the sleep/wake cycle you use more than any other in the
Getting plenty of sun on your face in the and cause daytime sleepiness and home – and if your bed is seven years
morning can help, so be sure to open oversleeping. To re-establish a normal old or more, then a new one could
the curtains as soon as you wake up sleep schedule, exercise regularly, definitely be on the cards.
and, if possible, go for a morning walk. ensure the bedroom is conducive to More info at:
After sunset, do the opposite and dim sleep (strictly no gadgets and gizmos) www.sleepcouncil.org.uk
indoor lights to get your body back on and keep bedtime/waking times

28 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

FamiClyovLeirfeed

New Smalltalk Webzine

Articles, blogs and news from all
around the parenting world

Subscribe
and become a Smalltalker and receive useful

parenting news, articles, special offers,
competitions and giveaways

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

EDUCATIONtalk

Always a

Grovian

Every July, our Prize Day weekend is always
a magical event when we say farewell to our
Year 13 leavers

WHILST they are ready to experience exciting changes since Charlotte was families a complete child care solution.
there, the most recent being that children A fantastic, new all-weather canopy
their next chapter, we know that wherever can now start their Grovian journey aged
they go, they will always be Grovian. two. was formally opened in June by Honourary
Life President, Mr Brian Greenwood and
This year was particularly poignant as In addition, a new range of childcare has transformed the front of the building
Head Prefect, Charlotte Proctor, who first options launched in September, offering and the playground.
joined the school aged just three years old your family a greater degree of flexibility,
said, “Ashdown Lodge, Brontë House and depending on your requirements. This combination of outstanding
The Grove have been part of my life for as facilities and highly qualified staff, positions
long as I can remember. The Grove has You can choose from; Brontë House as a leading childcare
taught me to be ambitious and to believe Term time only, perfect for parents who specialist in the area.
in myself, it has taught me to be inquisitive, don’t need additional childcare during
embrace change and be resilient and to school holidays. The transition through school from
accept, respect and tolerate others.” Term time care plus an additional 8 Nursery, to Brontë House and on to
weeks during the school holidays. Woodhouse Grove is seamless.
Ashdown Lodge has undergone many All year round childcare, offering busy More info at: woodhousegrove.co.uk

learn play grow More
Taking the first steps of learning together responsibility

New 50 week nursery for 2-5 year olds launched WITH busy school timetables and overstretched teachers, it is up to

Finalist in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2019 parents to take more responsibility for helping children learn to read.
Why not encourage your child to read more at home with a
Open daily 7.30am-6.00pm
membership to Reading Chest. Reading Chest is a through-the-post
Highly qualified, caring staff with small room numbers book rental service for children, specialising in reading scheme books for
4 to 9 year olds. For a monthly fee, members receive regular deliveries
Outdoor ethos of learning and development of books at their reading level from Reading Chest’s extensive selection
of reading schemes including Bug Club, Treetops, Oxford Reading Tree,
Fresh homecooked meals daily Project X, Rigby Star and Collins Big Cat. These include both fiction and
non-fiction titles.
Competitive nursery rates
Establish a good routine by reading together each day and help
A warm welcome awaits you! your child record his or her progress with the reward chart and stickers
included. Membership starts from £9.95 per month.
e [email protected] More info at: www.readingchest.co.uk
t 01943 865575
w www.ghyllroydschool.co.uk Open Week
11th-15th
November
2019

Ghyll Royd School and Pre-School, Greystone Manor, Ilkley Road,
Burley-in-Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, LS29 7HW

30 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

Be part of A nurturing
something special! approach

GHYLL Royd School and Pre-School pupils are celebrating the news WE are all aware of the pace of modern life, since we were all

that their school is now a FINALIST in the Independent Schools of the children the world has certainly sped up! Everyone, including children,
Year awards. have very busy agendas.

Surpassing their shortlisting in 2018, Ghyll Royd is now in the top 3 At Silcoates Junior School, we realise the value of an all-round
schools in the country in the Small School category. approach, ensuring children receive the correct balance of nurture and
academic rigour, giving them the space to achieve their full potential.
The award recognises schools which allow children to grow and
develop through access to meaningful and innovative programmes. Our outstanding extra-curricular programme, which includes
everything from Judo to Samba, encourages our Junior School pupils to
Headteacher David Martin shares the news: “This news has everyone explore current areas of interest and engage in new activities to broaden
talking and we are buzzing with excitement. The celebrations align their perspective. Backed by superb pastoral support, a challenging
with our 130th anniversary, our fifth consecutive year of success in the curriculum and enthusiastic teaching, the aim is for every Silcoates Junior
SATs, our newly-launched 50 week nursery and the many accolades School pupil to fulfil their potential in all areas.
we received in 2019. We are a leading school and we invite you to see
why! Come along to our Open Week from Monday 11th – Friday 15th Discover how your child could fulfil their potential at Silcoates Junior
November. A warm welcome awaits you!” School.
To arrange a personal visit, contact our Admissions Team on 01924 885
The award winners will be announced on Monday 7th October. 245 or e mail [email protected]
01943 865575
[email protected]

Nurture, Learn, Develop, Grow…

It is never too soon to start their learning journey.

AND NEWBR
EW
Now taking registrations for September 2020 ANCDNLAURSRESCSREEORPOYTIMOSNB

RAND N

An independent preparatory school for children aged 3-11
Richmond House School, 170 Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 5LG 0113 275 2670 [email protected] www.rhschool.org

www.smalltalkmag.co.uk ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 31

EDUCATIONtalk

A significant
investment

RICHMOND House School is delighted to announce a significant

investment into the buildings and facilities for its youngest pupils.
Over the Summer Holidays the school demolished and rebuilt their Early
Years building, replacing it with a new, purpose-built Nursery School and
two Reception classrooms. The building is designed to create the optimal
learning environment for the younger children. This includes areas for
quieter learning, space for messy play, and a cosy, age-appropriate library
to encourage a love of reading.

This building is the first of 3 phases of building development planned
for the school.

Richmond House School is an independent primary school, situated
in Far Headingley, North Leeds, only 3 miles from the city centre. The
school boasts small class sizes, of a maximum of 18, with a 2- form entry,
making it the optimum size to offer pupils a vast array of opportunities
and friendships whilst small enough for each child to be known and
valued as an individual. The school accepts children into the Nursery
School from the term in which they turn 3.
Limited Nursery and Reception places are still available for September
2019, and the school is now taking applications for 2020.
Visit www.rhschool.org for further details.

The OPEN DAY The secret to
success is…
Mount School Saturday 12th October
York 10am - 1pm sharing your child’s
reading journey
We
know Regular deliveries of books at your
girls child’s reading level.
can
www.readingchest.co.uk
“Pupils in lessons were
exuberantly confident.*” Book Rental for Children Learning to Read

Girls at The Mount are exuberantly www.smalltalkmag.co.uk
confident because they know
they can be. We are leaders
in educating girls and
understanding their needs,
inspiring and empowering
confident young women,
enabling them to believe
nothing is beyond their reach.

mountschoolyork.co.uk An exceptional education for girls age 2-18

*The Mount School York judged excellent in ISI Inspection.

32 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019

EDUCATIONtalk

Whole learning culture

WHEN teachers at The Mount

asked Junior School girls to draw a
firefighter and give them a name, they
were delighted to see that over 80% of
the pictures drawn were of a woman
firefighter. So why are girls at The Mount
so apt to see women in those roles?

“The girls are part of a whole learning
culture where whatever they do, in or out
of the classroom, their leaders and role
models are older girls. They know that
girls can do anything because they see
it around them in their environment every
day,” says Rachel Capper, Head of The
Mount Junior School. 

As they develop socially and
academically, the girls are nurtured by a
team of primary-specialist professionals
who understand the mind-set of girls.
“The staff encourage the girls to feel that
they can take risks, that it’s okay for them
to stand up and articulate what they
want to say without the fear of getting it
wrong,” says Rachel.
mountschoolyork.co.uk 

The whole place feels loved…
they care and it shows

Good Schools Guide

Ben Rhydding Road, Ilkley LS29 8RL
tel: 01943 607 285

www.moorfieldschool.co.uk

Whole School Open Week ISSUE 62 - AUTU1M8/0N9/22001199 103:030

Monday 4th – Friday 8th November 2019

• Bushcraft Bonfire – Monday 4th November
• Nursery Pumpkin Party – Wednesday 6th November 10.00am -12 noon
• Nursery and Reception Coffee Morning – Saturday 9th November 10.30 -11.30 am

Preparing your child for the adventures and opportunities life has to offer.

wwMowor.fiseldm_OaDl_lAtad_lSkempt 2a01g9._cv2o.in.dudk1

EDUCATIONtalk

New flexible childcare

BRONTË House School, based in Apperley Bridge, Leeds,

has launched a flexible new childcare offer which recognises that
parents requirements can change at different times of the year.
 From September 2019, Ashdown Lodge, which is home to
Brontë’s Nursery provision, will offer 3 options for parents of
nursery age children:
1. Term Time – perfect for parents who don’t need additional
childcare during school holidays.
2. Term Time Plus 8 - based on the normal school term time
calendar plus an additional 8 weeks during school holidays. This
option gives parents the convenience of some child care during
the longer holiday periods.
3. All Year Round - based on 51 weeks of childcare a year.
This option offers parents complete peace of mind for non-stop
childcare.
In addition, Ashdown Lodge now welcomes children from the
age of 2 years old.
Combined with outstanding facilities, an exciting, re-furbished
outdoor play area, beautiful grounds and highly experienced
and qualified staff, these innovations position Brontë House as a
leading childcare specialist in the area, offering parents a “one-
stop shop” for all their childcare needs.
More info at:  woodhousegrove.co.uk/admissions

An exceptional beginning

MOORLANDS School, based in Weetwood, Leeds, has transformed

its Early Years space to offer children aged 3 to 5 an exceptional
beginning to their educational journey.

The newly refurbished Moorlands Nursery now spans two large rooms
on the ground floor of the school building, with the children grouped into
Squirrels (aged 2-3) and Foxes (aged 3-4).

The spaced is divided into flexible areas where the children can
engage in a variety of activities including structured literacy and numeracy
sessions alongside ‘in-the-moment’ planning, in which staff follow an
individual child’s thoughts and interests.

Moorlands Reception has moved upstairs to the first floor, where
the children can enjoy learning and play alongside their older peers,
making the transition to the more formal teaching of Year 1 as smooth as
possible.

All Moorlands Nursery and Reception pupils enjoy outdoor Forest
Schools activities in the extensive grounds, swimming lessons in the
school pool and participate in music, drama and French sessions, all
wrapped up in the highest quality pastoral care.

Jacqueline Atkinson, Head Teacher said:
Moorlanders are encouraged to be independent and critical thinkers,
with a love of learning - and this begins in Nursery and Reception.
Needless to say, I am delighted with the developments that have taken
place in these key areas of school. Whilst some of our children are only
with us for Nursery, most choose to stay on all the way to Year 6 and with
the foundations laid in the Early Years, go on to do exceptionally well. All
of last year’s Year 6 pupils gained places in their first choice secondary
school, many with Awards and Scholarships.
To book a visit and more info: moorlands-school.co.uk

34 ISSUE 62 - AUTUMN 2019 www.smalltalkmag.co.uk

Start your educational
journey at Silcoates

Silcoates offers a truly co-educational experience,
instilling children with a love of learning, a willingness
to seize opportunities and to fulfil their potential.
Set in a stunning 52 acre site in Wakefield, Silcoates offers
a broad curriculum, fantastic enrichment opportunities,
all backed by outstanding pastoral support.

Contact our Admissions Team to find out more | 01924 885245 | [email protected]

silcoates.org.uk

ievery choir rehearsal, science lesson,
sports tour and friendship that has
Grovian.made me

Open Morning

Saturday 16 November

9.30am — 12.00noon

Register online to attend. WOODHOUSE
GROVE SCHOOL

woodhousegrove.co.uk