Tim Peake’s spacecraft to land in Bradford

The spacecraft which transported Tim Peake, the UK’s first European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, to and from the International Space Station, will be landing at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford for public viewing from Wednesday, 27 September 2017.

The Soyuz TMA-19M capsule, complete with equipped interior and char marks on its outer body from its re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere, will displayed along with its 25m diameter parachute.

The display of the iconic craft will be accompanied by an inspiring and immersive range of activities, including the Space Descent VR experience, narrated by Tim Peake himself.  Space Descent VR uses Samsung Gear VR headsets to recreate the experience of travelling over the International Space Station (ISS) and the incredible 250-mile journey back down to earth inside the Soyuz TMA-19M.

The VR imagery has been created by the award-winning Alchemy VR studio for the Science Museum Group, and is experienced with the latest Samsung Gear VR headsets in a bespoke VR lounge inside the museum.

The museum’s October half-term activities (21 – 29 October) will also be dedicated to Tim Peake’s Principia mission, featuring out-of-this-world experiences such as astronaut-training, taking the helm at mission control and launching self-designed rockets. And the museum’s popular series of Lates events for adults returns on 28 September with an evening of interactive space-themed entertainment.

Museum director, Jo Quinton-Tulloch, said: “The Science Museum Group acquired the Soyuz TMA-19M capsule last year, and we’re the first venue to display it outside the capital. It’s hard to express how excited we are to be bringing it to Bradford. The Soyuz capsule represents one of history’s most incredible technological feats, and this is an unmissable opportunity for visitors young and old to see the craft that took Tim Peake all the way to the Space Station and back.”

Soyuz TMA-19M carried Peake and crewmates Yuri Malenchenko and Tim Kopra in ESA Expedition 46/47 to the ISS on 15 December 2015, returning on 18 June 2016. It was acquired last year by the Science Museum Group.

Commenting on the acquisition, ESA astronaut Tim Peake said: “You do become very attached to your spacecraft because it definitely does save your life. I’m absolutely delighted that my Soyuz spacecraft, the TMA-19M, is going to be returning here to the UK and may serve, hopefully, as inspiration for our next generation of scientists and engineers.”

Details of visiting arrangements and special events, including the Space Descent VR experience and half-term activities at the National Science and Media Museum will be announced at a later date.

Space Descent VR with Tim Peake and the presentation of Tim Peake’s spacecraft have been made possible with support from Samsung and the generous co-operation of Tim Peake and the European Space Agency.

Spring Bank Holidays Minecraft Meet

Are you looking for a fun activity to keep your primary age pupils entertained during the Spring Bank holidays?

The Curriculum Innovation team are running 4 Minecraft meets on Wed 31 May & Thu 1 June at The Innovation Centre, in Bradford

The sessions are aimed at 6 to 11 year olds and are £9.50 per child.

We will be delivering two exciting activities….

The first is a treasure hunt – will you be the first to find all 10 hidden quest objects and win the game?

In the second we will teach you how to program a robot in Minecraft and then use it to compete in a mega obstacle course race!

As a memento of the day you will be given a free photo of you in a Minecraft world to take away with you and a special souvenir. You do not need to bring any equipment along – all resources and laptops will be provided.

There is no need for parents/guardians to stay – all our staff are DBS registered and the sessions are led by experienced classroom practitioners, but if you feel more comfortable remaining on the premises we have a space where you can wait.

 

The meets are being held on Wednesday 31st May and Thursday 1st June and are repeated four times with the same session on Wednesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday morning and Thursday afternoon.

Please use the ‘Select a different date’ option on the right hand menu to select the date and time you would like to attend.

If your child is a Minecraft enthusiast then this will represent the ideal activity for the half term.

To book your place please click here.

Young people receive awards to mark travel training success

Four young people who have special needs were presented with travel training awards by Coun Cath Bacon, at Beechcliffe School before half term.

Kieron Negri (aged 18) and Harris Roberts (aged 17) were awarded their ‘twelve months safe’ awards.

Lucy Hargreaves, (aged 18) received her ‘six months safe’ award, while Hasnain Raza (aged18) received his 3 month safe certificate.

Travel training is a structured and planned way in which children and young people can learn about travel so they can make their first step towards independence. It includes learning about walking routes and all forms of public transport including buses and trains.

Bradford Council’s Travel Training Unit works with disabled and non-disabled children and young people who require support, assistance, mentoring and training to plan and use public transport.

The unit supports children and young people on a one-to-one basis or in small groups planning and practising journeys. They also help with learning associated tasks and skills to enable students to travel independently to and from school.

Nasreen Parveen, Hasnain’s mum, said: “Travel training has really helped with Hasnain confidence. We are proud of him with the way he travels to and from school. We would like to thank you everyone who has helped Hasnain, he’s had great support.”

Coun Cath Bacon said: “I’m delighted to be presenting these awards to these amazing young people. It’s a brilliant way for them to gain independence and confidence.”

Coun Val Slater, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council and portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s good to see that more young people are benefiting from travel training. It’s a great way in which we can help young people gain skills that that will help improve their lives.”

Picture shows left to right back row:  Hasnain, Keiron, Steve (trainer).  Left to row front row: Joy (Trainer), Lucy, Glenys (Trainer) and Harris.

Fantastic family February half-term holiday swim offer

Families can take advantage of a fantastic swim offer from Bradford Council and swim from just £8 during the half term holidays next week.

The family swim offer will be available between 20 and 26 February at all Bradford Council pools.

The £8 offer is available for one adult and up to three children for swimming at all council-run pools in the district. Families of two adults and up to two children will be able to swim for £10. The offer is available at Richard Dunn Sport Centre, The Leisure Centre Keighley and Bingley, Bowling, Eccleshill, Ilkley (indoor pool), Queensbury and Shipley pools.

Richard Dunn Sports Centre also has a special offer of £15 for families wanting to both swim and slide.

Coun Sarah Ferriby Bradford Council Executive Member for Environment, Sport said: “It can be hard to find inexpensive things to do as a family during the half term holidays and this offer really cuts down the cost of a trip to the swimming pool.”

Children are classed as under 16. Please check exact times as they may vary slightly at different pools.

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BCFC Community Foundation Spring Bank Football Camps

Bradford City FC Community Foundation are pleased to be hosting their ever-popular football camps this Spring Bank Holiday.

Children will need a packed lunch, drinks and to be dressed ready for football and appropriate to whatever the weather is like on the day!

All our camps are for girls and goys aged 5-13 years of all abilities, and run from 10am-3pm daily, and are being held at the following venues and can be found on the below:

Children will need a packed lunch, drinks and be dressed ready for football and appropriate to whatever weather we are having on the day!

All our staff are minimum FA Level 2 qualified, trained in emergency aid and hold an enhanced DBS check.

The 3-day courses are £36 and the 2 day courses are £24 and can be prebooked. Turn up and pay on the day for £13 per day.

To book a place please visit www.bradfordcityfitc.org.uk or telephone 01274 706850.

Bradford City FC Community Foundation October Half Term Football Camps

Bradford City FC Community Foundation are pleased to be hosting their ever-popular football camps this October half term.

Children will need a packed lunch, drinks and to be dressed ready for football and appropriate to whatever the weather is like on the day!  All staff are minimum FA Level 2 qualified, trained in emergency aid and hold an advanced CRB check.

For more information or to book a place, visit the Bradford City FC Community Foundation website or call 01274 706850.