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A-Maize-Ing Adventure: Lichfield's Space-themed Pumpkin Maze Launches Family Fun Into Orbit
Spread over 10 acres and home to more than a million maize plants, Lichfield Maize Maze has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s finest outdoor family attractions. This year’s Pumpkin Special took things to another level — with space-themed mazes, pumpkins galore, and plenty of out-of-this-world fun for all ages.
Skye, Calum and Arthur
Kidz Bop On Tour
Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
Kidz Bop
Kidz Bop is a global phenomenon. Having started a quarter of a century ago, their list of notable alumni includes Zendaya, Ross Lynch, Becky G, Olivia Holt and Fin Argus. Their success is so huge that they have generated over 4.5 billion streams and have grown from just the American group to boasting numerous international offshoots.
10:51 AM 29th October 2025
Catch The Bus To The Bonfire In Cumbria
Image courtesy of Stagecoach
There are some spectacular bonfires and firework displays across Cumbria around November 5, the anniversary of Guy Fawkes’s attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. An organised display is safer, cheaper and much more fun than doing fireworks at home. And the best way to get to the display is by Stagecoach bus.
12:00 AM 25th October 2025
5 Ways To Support Your Family’s Mental Health This Half Term
Image by Charles McArthur from Pixabay
School can be a stressful environment for many children and the Autumn half term is the perfect opportunity to rest, reset and re-connect. We can support our family’s mental health all year round, but half term is the ideal time to reconnect as a family, boost our mood together and make deeper connections.
12:00 AM 25th October 2025
Freedom And Creativity
Lynne Dobson
Children's Art Writer
Nusaybah (7yrs) The Red Forest
I decided to have yet another attempt at tidying my studio. There`s usually a reasoning or prompt behind these bouts of `cleansing` and last week was no exception. This time there was a double incentive. Firstly, after months recovering from an op I saw my studio in a different light.
12:00 AM 25th October 2025
Only 1 In 10 Say It Feels Neighbourly Nowadays, But Two-Thirds Would Use An Extra Hour To Help Others
New research from Neighbourly found that 71% say being neighbourly is still a core national value 84% believe we should be doing more as a society to encourage neighbourliness #TheExtraHour campaign encourages people to use an hour to do something good Community spirit may be part of the UK’s national identity, but new research suggests it’s not what it once was.
12:00 AM 25th October 2025
Visit A Canal In The North West For A Low-Cost Family Day Out This October Half Term
The UK’s largest canal charity Canal & River Trust offers a free guide to ‘Places to Visit in the North West’, with maps, information about visitor facilities and free activities, and ways to get the most out of visiting the region’s canals and rivers.
12:00 AM 25th October 2025
Hydes Brewery And Helsby High School Inspire Future Hospitality Talent Through Unique Educational Partnership
Salford-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes Brewery is helping inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals through a hands-on educational initiative with Helsby High School, now in its third year.
5:48 PM 21st October 2025
Jones Myers Comes Out On Top In Chambers 2026 Rankings
Jones Myers niche family law firm continues to be an acknowledged leader in its field following another Band 1 ranking in Chambers 2026 legal guide.
12:00 AM 20th October 2025
A Bewitching Halloween Adventure At BeWILDerwood
Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
Our second trip to BeWILDerwood was even more magical than the first. This time, we returned to the woods for their Halloween festivities, and once again, it did not disappoint.
12:00 AM 18th October 2025
Haydock Finance Supports Charity Ball for The Wish Centre
(L-R)Gillian Clarke Wish Centre trustee, Nicola Strahan, Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen Lillian Salton, Lizzie Moorby Haydock Finance, Mayor of Blackburn and Darwen Jacqueline Slater, Shigufta Khan CEO Wish Centre and Pauline Geraghty MBE
Haydock Finance, specialists in supportive business finance, once again partnered with The Wish Centre as headline sponsor for this year’s Gala Ball, held last weekend at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Blackburn.
4:05 PM 13th October 2025
Ambitions And Opportunities
Lynne Dobson
Children's Art Writer
Apple Collage by Kiswa 6yrs
My recent call out for children's and young people’s art has given me new hope for the future of our next generation of talented and enthusiastic artists. Working in education for many years I despaired at the lack of interest schools and other establishments showed the importance of creativity amongst children.
12:00 AM 11th October 2025
World Mental Health Day: Why Dogs Are The Ultimate Boost For Your Wellbeing According To Vet
Today is World Mental Health Day and it’s the perfect reminder that mental health support can come in all shapes and sizes - sometimes with four legs and a wagging tail. Veterinary surgeon Dr Linda Simon, resident expert at Pooch & Mutt, explains how dogs can play a vital role in supporting both our physical and mental health.
12:00 AM 10th October 2025
Halloween Comes With A Bang At Kynren
Halloween comes with a bang this year as the North East’s biggest pyromusical fireworks spectacular returns to Bishop Auckland. On Saturday 1st November, Pyromusical will light up the skies above Kynren with a dazzling display set to a spooky-spirited soundtrack and the walkway will be lit by hundreds of glowing pumpkins.
12:00 AM 9th October 2025
Kendal Farmers Market Autumn Food School & Halloween Shenanigans
Kendal’s Award-Winning Farmers Market will host the final Food School of 2025 on Friday, 10th October, before the team takes a well-earned pause to plot and plan next year’s programme. The series will be rounded off in style with three sessions at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm – each one blending inspiration, local flavour, and plenty of tasters along the way.
12:00 AM 6th October 2025
Fright Delight: Why Alton Towers' Scarefest Is Perfect For Families
Halloween's popularity in the UK has been rapidly rising in recent years. Though as a child, I recall Halloween being a slight thing; it was really just a case of putting on a costume and knocking on my closest neighbours' doors. If we had three or four other children knock on our doors, then that was something major. Nowadays, it is massive.
12:00 AM 4th October 2025
Chester Zoo’s Spectacular Christmas Light Trail Is Returning This Winter - Featuring Brand New Installations For 2025
Chester Zoo has revealed a raft of new additions will join its Christmas lights festival - and organisers are promising this year’s trail will be its “brightest ever.” The national conservation zoo has again teamed up with entertainment giants Sony Music to deliver this year’s Lanterns and Light spectacle - which has developed into one of the North West’s biggest and longest running festive lig…
12:00 AM 4th October 2025
Jones Myers’ 'Fantastic Team' Retain Top Legal 500 Ranking
Top ranking: left to right Elizabeth Bell, Andrew Fox, Nicki Mitchell, Richard Peaker, Kate Banerjee, Anthony Parrish
Niche family law firm Jones Myers has retained its top position as an outstanding family law firm in the Legal 500 2026 rankings which are based on client interviews and recommendations.
8:33 AM 3rd October 2025
All Aboard For Elf Express
Liz Coggins
Features Editor
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is preparing to celebrate a very special milestone as it marks its Santa Diamond Jubilee. For 59 years families have enjoyed the wonder of meeting Father Christmas while travelling on board the historic branch line, making it one of the longest running traditions of its kind in the country.
3:29 PM 30th September 2025
Art For Arts Sake
Lynne Dobson
Children's Art Writer
Collage by Anayah 7yrs
When I heard this expression recently, I immediately thought of the 10cc band. Singing it in my head, I couldn't quite recall the lyrics, so I asked Mr Google and found they were very appropriate as to what I had in mind for this next article. I have always believed that art should be just that.
12:00 AM 27th September 2025
Sir Ian Mckellen, Dame Joanna Lumley, Sir Ben Kingsley Among Celebrities Auctioning Drawings For Leeds-Based Charity
Sir Ian McKellen Photo: Epilepsy Action
Hundreds of celebrities are selling their artworks for national charity Epilepsy Action. Award-winning actress Dame Joanna Lumley, decorated actor Sir Ian McKellen and Paddington author R.W Alley, are just some of the famous faces getting involved. Others include Sir Ben Kingsley (actor), Jade Thirlwall (singer), Freema Agyeman (actress), Axel Scheffler (illustrator) and David Bradley (actor).
12:00 AM 27th September 2025
Expert Tips On How To Navigate Probate Delays And Bank Hurdles With Confidence
Losing a loved one is deeply distressing, and dealing with the legal and financial aftermath adds another layer of complexity. But one area where many executors increasingly struggle is the probate process - particularly when banks seem slow or difficult to deal with. If you are stepping into the role of executor amidst such challenges, you are far from alone.
12:00 AM 20th September 2025
Learn Some Lifesaving Techniques In September
The St John Save a Life September campaign is back again in 2025 and this year St Johns are aiming to teach at least 300,000 people vital lifesaving skills through public demos, online videos and first aid advice like this column.
11:00 PM 19th September 2025
Family Law Firm In Awards Final For Outstanding Client Service
Niche family law firm Jones Myers has been shortlisted for a major family law award based on its outstanding level of client service and strong teamwork. The practice is a finalist in the Family Law Firm of the Year Regional category - which covers the North of England - in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.
7:57 PM 15th September 2025
Jones Myers In Awards Final For Outstanding Client Service
Niche family law firm Jones Myers has been shortlisted for a major family law award based on its outstanding level of client service and strong teamwork. The practice is a finalist in the Family Law Firm of the Year Regional category - which covers the North of England - in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.
4:12 PM 15th September 2025
Learning And Adventures
Lynne Dobson
Children's Art Writer
Zenia: Garden
At the ripe old age of 77 and having the luxury of a certain amount of time on my hands I find I am continuously learning new skills. These can be as simple as a new approach to mixing paint mediums to viewing something from an angle I`d never considered before. The world is my oyster and a constant source of wonderment. This is how I`d love children to see life.
12:00 AM 13th September 2025
Golf Day Raises Over £11k For Yorkshire Children’s Cancer Charity Candlelighters
Participants at the Candlelighters Golf Day.
Yorkshire children’s cancer charity Candlelighters held their first corporate Golf Day, raising over £11k in support of children and families affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire. The event, held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, brought together 20 teams from businesses across the region for a day of golfing competitions, generosity, and business collaboration.
12:36 PM 11th September 2025
Yorkshire Charity Chief To Run 270 Miles For Blood Cancer Research
James McLaughlin on the right
Cure Leukaemia’s chief executive, James McLaughlin, is preparing to take on his toughest fundraising challenge yet: running 270 miles across 14 consecutive days with no rest days, in a bid to raise £100,000 for the charity, during Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
3:00 PM 8th September 2025
Free Festival Set To Connect People With Nature
Chester Zoo to host free Nature Fest event this September All photos: ©Chester Cathedral
Two days of music, games, crafts and community-based conservation will take place at Nature Fest on September 13 and 14. Set in the zoo’s nature reserve, there will be hands-on activities, workshops, talks and performances, including the interactive Hedgehog Hideaway adventure which teaches participants how to make their gardens more hedgehog friendly.
12:00 AM 6th September 2025
Yorkshire Cancer Charity Candlelighters Gets Behind Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Candlelighters, the Yorkshire children’s cancer charity, has issued a call to action for the public to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, during September. Candlelighters CEO Emily Wragg explains: “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) is an international campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer throughout September.
1:29 PM 3rd September 2025
Celebrating Hard Work And Commitment : Jones Myers Masters Performance Prize
Jones Myers family law firm has presented an annual award for exceptional performance to a Masters law student for the sixth consecutive year. The 2025 Jones Myers Prize for the Best Overall Performance on Master of Laws of England and Wales at Leeds Beckett University goes to Eloise Smith.
5:53 AM 2nd September 2025
Space Adventures, Science, And Storytelling: Why Creativity And STEM Belong Together
In a lively classroom, a group of eager third graders huddle around their teacher, who sets a challenge: "How can we make this balloon float without using helium?" A hand shoots up. "Could we use air pressure and a fan?" says one child. Another suggests, "Or maybe we could invent something to make the air lighter?" In moments like these, creativity sparks, and STEM comes alive.
12:00 AM 30th August 2025
What’s Next After Results Day? Local Careers Expert Shares Advice For Teens And Parents
With exam results season now behind us and the new school year approaching, thousands of young people will be out there thinking, what next? Whether you’re celebrating the results you hoped for, or feeling unsure after some disappointments, it’s important to remember there are many different routes to success.
9:39 AM 27th August 2025
Mental Health Expert Offers Back To School Transition Tips
Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay
Going back to school is an important emotional transition and does require some thought and planning for the psychological consequences. Here mental health expert Noel McDermott looks at changes parents can make to ease this, depending on the child’s age and school experience.
12:00 AM 23rd August 2025
All Aboard For Cheaper Days Out – The Attractions You Can Reach With £3 Buses
Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS: Pexels
Families can travel to top UK attractions for just £3 a journey, thanks to the Government’s extended bus fare cap. The fare cap is part of the Government’s mission to improve bus services, committing over £1 billion to improve bus reliability, frequency and access in towns, cities and rural areas.
12:00 AM 23rd August 2025
Raby Castle, Park And Gardens Introduces Celebratory Bank Holiday Ticket Offer
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has created a special ticket offer for the August bank holiday weekend.
12:00 AM 23rd August 2025
A New And Improved Greenside Festival Returns This September
Courtesy of Greenside Festival
Greenside Festival, a locally-run family friendly festival set in Ravenstonedale, Cumbria, is back again from the 12th – 13th September 2025. Since its launch in 2017, Greenside Festival has grown into a beloved celebration of live music, traditional games, and a sense of community.
12:00 AM 23rd August 2025
10 Things Every Parent Or Guardian Needs To Know Ahead Of GCSE Results Day
With GCSE results out this Thursday, an education expert has told parents to “keep their own emotions in check” and focus on supporting their child. Drew Povey says parents should remember that exam results “are not the final verdict” and how they react may have a bigger impact on their child than they realise.
12:00 AM 20th August 2025
Candlelighters Hosts Joyful Family Fun Day For Children With Cancer.
Candlelighters, the Yorkshire-based children's cancer charity, recently hosted its annual Family Fun Day at Bramhope Scout Campsite and Activity Centre. This event provided a much-needed day of fun and relaxation for children from across Yorkshire, diagnosed with cancer, and their families.
12:00 AM 20th August 2025
Down The Rabbit Hole: A Wonderland Adventure At Raby Castle
Group Editor Andrew Palmer stepped through the looking glass to discover County Durham's best-kept family secret. Like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole into an extraordinary world, a family day out at Raby Castle proves that the most magical adventures often lie just off the beaten track.
8:11 AM 13th August 2025
How To Stay On The Right Financial Track During Divorce
When undergoing a divorce, the financial worry can be particularly acute for those who have not had to deal with financial practicalities such as tax, standing orders and direct debits during their relationship. If you are going through divorce or contemplating it and are concerned about future finances, these insights will help to keep you on the right financial track.
12:01 AM 12th August 2025
High Force Waterfall Welcomes Extended Summer Opening Hours For First Time In History
High Force Waterfall Photo: Simon Saunders
Raby Estate’s High Force Waterfall route is extending its opening times for the first time in its history, giving visitors more opportunities to discover the full force of nature at sunset.
12:00 AM 9th August 2025
From School Runs To Westminster Abbey: Reflections Of A Ripon Chorister Parent
Photo: Courtesy Ripon Cathedral
Following their remarkable summer tour, Ripon Cathedral Choir has returned home after a prestigious four-day residency at Westminster Abbey. The 60-strong ensemble of boy and girl choristers and choral scholars, accompanied by ten lay clerks, stepped in to maintain the Abbey's sacred musical tradition during the regular choir's summer break.
12:00 AM 2nd August 2025
Cheap Days Out By Bus With The Kids This Summer
Ulverston
Stagecoach, the UK bus operator has come up with 10 of their favourite activities to do by bus in Cumbria this summer that won’t break the bank. Cumbria has so much to offer for day trips you can take the kids on.
12:00 AM 26th July 2025
Another New Appointment For Jones Myers Harrogate Office
(L-R) Ross Arthur, Sarah Barr-Young, Anthony Parrish, Elizabeth Bell, Emma Weatherill and Kate Banerjee
The Harrogate town centre office of niche family law firm, Jones Myers, is marking further expansion with the appointment of Paralegal, Ross Arthur. Ross is a member of Jones Myers’ award-winning Children’s Department which is renowned regionally, nationally, and internationally - and covers every area of public and private children’s law.
12:00 AM 26th July 2025
Why A Landmark Ruling Strengthens The Case For Pre-Nups
The importance of Pre-nups has resurfaced after a Supreme Court ruling on whether substantial assets transferred between spouses during marriage should be divided equally on divorce.
12:01 AM 19th July 2025
The Missing Piece In Prison Rehabilitation: Families Must Be Part Of The Conversation
The recent article, "The Future of Prison Rehabilitation Programmes," that appeared in the p.ublished group of northern online newpapers, offered a timely and insightful look at the evolving challenges of rehabilitation within our criminal justice system.
12:00 AM 19th July 2025
Jones Myers Highly Commended For Outstanding Client Care In Nationwide Awards
Multi award-winning family law firm, Jones Myers, has received a Highly Commended accolade for Outstanding Client Care. The practice’s commitment to consistently delivering excellence in family law has been acknowledged by judges at The Modern Law Private Client Awards 2025 held in Liverpool.
11:24 AM 10th July 2025
Kickstart Summer With Free Open Weekend At Better Leisure Centres In Preston
Better leisure centres in Preston are gearing up to stage two free open days for local residents, promising a weekend of fun and fitness. On 19th and 20th July, members and non-members alike are invited to attend centres across the region for an ‘exercise extravaganza’ that has been designed to encourage people to move more and explore different activities.
3:11 PM 9th July 2025
Healthy Heart Tip: Guide To Children’s Nutrition
Photo: Heart Research UK
Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Heart Research UK, explores how good nutrition is one of the most important building blocks for a child’s health and offers advice on how to support your child’s heart health. In today’s world, where convenience foods are often within arm’s reach, it can be challenging for parents to ensure their children are eating nutritious, balanced meals.
12:00 AM 5th July 2025
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