Delights on your doorstep (From Advertiser Series)

Delights on your doorstep

12:12pm Monday 29th June 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share

Stuck for something to do over the summer?

The credit crunch may have stopped many jetting off on a jaunt abroad and more people are staying closer to home, but entertaining the children can still be costly.

Theme parks and play centres are fabulous and fun, but they all come at a price and in the current economic downturn, many of us have been hit by increasing living costs.

Over the next few weeks, school will be out for summer, so rather than scratching your head for ideas for family things to do, or worrying about the cost, why not check out some of the activities and events happening close to home?

Galas and fetes are great family days out and some only charge a nominal entry fee. Generally, the proceeds raised are put towards a worthy cause.

Museums may be perceived as educational venues but, as I’ve discovered, they’re not just places to find out about the past. Many provide free workshops and fun activities. Here are just a selection: Those with a sporting interest will love Red House Museum’s latest exhibition, Our Sporting Greats. It’s a wonderful insight into the Spen Valley area’s sporting heritage from the 1950s to the 21st century. The exhibition at the Gomersal museum includes interviews with Kirklees sporting greats and original footage and historic objects from the world of sport. The exhibition runs until September 20.

Coinciding with the exhibition is the Sporting Greats Family Activity Day on July 30. Families can participate in crafts, games and activities from 1pm until 4pm. Admission is free, but access is by stairs.

On Sunday, July 5, from noon until 4pm, visitors to Red House will have the rare opportunity to meet costumed characters as part of the annual Period Garden Paradise Festival.

People dressed as previous inhabitants – the mill-owning Taylor family, whose daughter Mary was a friend of Charlotte Bronte – will stroll round the gardens regaling visitors with 19th century fads, flowers and fashions, and some gossip too.

Visitors can also try their hand at herbal crafts, creating lavender bags, and have a crack at croquet.

Summer Sounds of Brass, a performance by Slaithwaite Band from 1.30pm until 4pm on Sunday, July 12, marks the finale of the Period Garden Paradise Festival.

Admission is free, although booking is essential for talks and workshops. For more information, call (01274) 335100 or e-mail red.house@kirklees.gov.uk Oakwell Hall in Nutter Lane, Birstall, is hosting a series of children’s nature clubs. The next is on July 18 from 10am until noon, suitable for children aged 12 and over. It’s a free event, but a voluntary donation is requested to cover costs. For more information, call (01924) 326240 or e-mail oakwell.hall@kirklees.gov.uk Celebrate Yorkshire Day at Oakwell Hall on August 2. From 11am until 2pm visitors can participate in crafts and activities in the visitor centre and barn.

On August 30, the hall hosts its annual summer fair. Stalls, crafts, demonstrations, animals and children’s activities provide a perfect family day out. Entry is £2 for adults and free for children.

West Yorkshire Fire Service is hosting its popular summer gala from noon on Saturday, July 11. Entry is £1 for adults, and proceeds go to the Fire Fighters’ Benevolent Fund and local charities. There will be a variety of attractions, including some specialist emergency vehicles on display, more than 100 stalls, circus skills and other fun-packed activities.

Nunnington Hall, near York, plays host to a VIP visitor on July 11 when Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the motorised movie star flies in. Visitors can see the original car from the family film, and there will be opportunities to win a ride round the village. The event runs from 11am until 4.30pm. For more information, call (01439) 748283 or e-mail nunningtonhall@nationaltrust.org.uk East Riddlesden Hall, near Keighley, is hosting a series of Let’s Play days, themed activities, games and trails for children of all ages.

Wild With Wildlife takes place from noon until 4pm on June 28; Storyland And Fairies takes place on July 5, and Swashbuckling Swordplay takes place on August 2, from noon until 4pm. Normal admission charges apply for these events. For more information, call (01535) 607075.

Take your teddy to a picnic at Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Nostell, near Wakefield. Enjoy the fun of this teddy-themed day with trails round the house and gardens, games and competitions. Includes teddy-related fancy dress competition.

You cake your own picnic, or buy one from the tearooms. Normal admission charges apply and a small charge may be made for some activities. For more information, call (01924) 863892.

• Print
• Email
• Share