Author: Mama Mei (Sophie Mei Lan)

From Dance Troupes to Magic Marines to a Rock ‘n’ roll Granny… Britain’s Got Talent judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon have had a lot of acts to enjoy and some to endure this year.

Here’s a round-up of our top acts so far… (written by Dan our accessibility correspondent who is part of Yorkshire-based CoActive Arts charity and would normally be sports reporting so he is keeping entertained from Wakefield, West Yorkshire by the hit ITV show instead!)…

Episode 1:

From Dance troupe, sign language act to David Walliams pressed his Golden buzzer, here’s what happened in episode 1:

Nu Crew who were a dance troupe, I liked these as I liked the way they moved differently, they got 4 yeses, and were thorough to the next round. ( Favourite)

Sign along with Us – these were a brother and sister act and some other adults, but the brother of the sister couldn’t speak properly, so they decided to sing and do sign language to the Greatest Showman’s This is Me, they were brilliant, and they got David Walliams’ Golden Buzzer which puts them straight through to the live finals whenever they may be. (Favourite)

So in summary, I would say that some of the acts in this episode were good, whilst others were not, but in general the standard for the first episode was good, as you always want a couple of decent acts to see how the show may progress, and also you know when a decent one comes along that David, Alesha, Amanda or Simon will press their Golden Buzzer.

Episode 2:

From  a Magic marine to an entertainer and to Ant and Dec pressing their Golden Buzzer, here’s what happened in episode 2

James Stott was a Magic marine.  He had 6 tags, he asked Simon Cowell to choose 1 and not reveal to anyone which one it was. He then had a dagger knife, and asked Simon to place it under the bag that corresponded to the tag Simon chose, and using his powers as a marine, he worked out that it was under number 5 as he left that one to last, and he revealed that the knife was there.

His next part was that the 5 plungers on the stage that were connected to the boxes near the judges, Simon then had to release the plungers in order he chose, so he started with number 5, then he chose plunger 2 which let off explosives, then he chose another 1, did same, and finally he chose number 3 and James Stott revealed they were 50/50 from potential disaster, and luckily Simon chose the right one.  I enjoyed this act, as it was magic and danger at same time. He got 4 yeses and got through to the next stage.

Jon Courtenay was a pianist Entertainer, and he sang a song about the history of BGT, I personally thought it was good, and the judges were about to vote when Ant and Dec came down, and pressed the Golden Buzzer which means he’s through to the live shows.

These 2 were 2 of the ones I liked from this episode.

Episode 3 :

From a Tribute act to a singer and Simon Cowell buzzing the singer “booooo”, here’s what happened:

Elite Elton- Tribute act to Elton John, I enjoyed this one but the judges didn’t and he got 4 red buzzers and 4 no’s.

Bhim Naroula was a singer who sang a song called: I want to love you Every day dedicated to his wife, I really enjoyed this act as his song was catchy and 3 of the 4 judges liked it, so he got through to the next stage.

Episode 4:

From mother and daughter singing to the oldest ever contestant and Amanda Holden pressing her Golden Buzzer, here’s what happened

Honey and Sammy were mother and daughter singers and Sammy had been diagnosed with cancer, so they wanted to sing a song together, however Simon didn’t like the song 1^sttime, so asked if they could come back later and try again, so they did and they were better, and they got Amanda’s Golden Buzzer, which put them straight through to the live shows.

Nora was a singer who had Alzheimer’s and was the oldest auditionee ever on BGT .  I THOUGHT SHE WAS GOOD, THE JUDGES LIKED HER AND SHE GOT 4 YESES.

Episode 5:

From a dinosaur playing piano to an emotional dog act, here’s what happened

Dario the dinosaur- I liked this one as it was something different that’s never been on BGT before, even Simon liked it and it got 3 yeses.

Miracle the Dog and Amanda- This was a really emotional act, as it showed what Miracle went through which was horrific, and Amanda asked Simon if he could divide the cards into 4 roughly equal piles, and asked him to take 1, and pass 3 to Amanda and so on. Miracle told Amanda which 4 dogs he wanted to take with them to BGT, then Amanda asked the judges which dogs they had chosen, and then it turned out the 4 dogs were the exact ones the judges Miracle chose, and they got 4 yeses.

Episode 6:

From spoon playing brothers to rock n roll grandma , here’s what happened

A few acts I liked from this episode were the Lozkha Brothers as they tricked the judges because they told them they were a danger act, but it turned out they were playing the spoons, I liked it and they got 4 yeses.

Another act I found funny was the magician from Sweden as he did magic with rabbits.

Another good act was Crissy who was the rock n roll grandma and I liked Simon’s comment which was: “I though t you were going to be a really bad comedian, and I’d have to pretend to like you because of your age, but you were really good”.   She got 4 yeses.

My final act I liked was a young girl who couldn’t see properly so Ant had to help her both onto stage and to the piano, and she was really good, the judges liked her and she got 4 yeses.

What are your favourite acts so far? I’d love to know your best and worst of my favourite TV Variety show.

A competition has been launched by Royal Crown Derby to encourage young people to use their artistic skills to celebrate the NHS – and leave a lasting legacy of the vital role of healthcare professionals in these unprecedented times. 

The company has created the ‘Make a Mug, Make a Difference’ competition, which will see winning designs exhibited in the V & A, and rolled out into production. 

Royal Crown Derby Artisans aim to produce 26,299 of the winning designs, to celebrate every day since the formation of the NHS on 5 July 1948 to its 72nd anniversary in 2020.  

The competition has two entry categories, for the under 12s and 12-18- year- olds. 

Entries will be shortlisted by Royal Crown Derby’s in-house design team, before artist and children’s author Liz Million selects the winner in each category. 

Both mugs will be priced at £30, with 100 per cent of profits being donated directly to the ‘NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.’   

The mugs are immediately available to pre-order via the Royal Crown Derby website and each purchase includes a free ticket to tour the Royal Crown Derby factory and museum. Those wishing to buy the mug as a gift have the option to add a personalised gift message to their delivery.  

Managing Director, Christopher Oakes, said: “Everyone at Royal Crown Derby had a strong ambition to support the NHS, especially as many of our team have front line workers in their immediate family.  

“We explored several options, but we ultimately chose this campaign as it allows us to support the NHS by offering 100 per cent of our profits and help British families who are also facing unprecedented challenges.  

“We hope our entry packs will give children a much-needed challenge, boost creativity, and encourage them to learn about how precious the NHS is. 

“We’ve added the option to include a personalised message card as we hope many mugs will be given as gifts to loved ones or as a thank you to the frontline hero’s, who are protecting and serving us all.”      

Royal Crown Derby is the oldest surviving British pottery maker and has a long history of creating high quality commemorative pieces dating right back to the coronation of King George III in 1761.  

Today it makes luxury fine bone china for retailers, hotels and restaurants and, whilst many of its clients have temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the company is still able and willing to make the mugs and make a difference.   

Museum Director, Elizabeth Woledge added “It has been a real pleasure to work together on this campaign.  

“Our entry packs encourage young people to explore the process of design and explore their creative abilities.  

“Royal Crown Derby’s history includes the work of some extremely talented artists and designers, some of whom were working as apprentices as young as 13.  

“We are looking forward to opening the entries and seeing some of the amazing talent which we know is out there among young people today.”   

Competition entries are now open and will close at 4 pm on May 7, 2020.  The winners will be invited to Derby to meet the design team and see how the mugs are made from start to finish at the factory, in the heart of England.  

The winners will also take a tour of the Palace of Westminster with Jo Gideon MP and will be presented with the first mug off the production line together with their framed artwork.  

They’ll also visit the V&A, the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance, where their mugs will be exhibited.  

Tristram Hunt. Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, said “The V&A is delighted to be able to endorse this important and innovative response by Royal Crown Derby to the COVID-19 emergency.   

“Our front-line workers need all the help and funding possible, and it is wonderful to see a great British pottery company encouraging ceramic skills with the next generation in support of such a worthy cause.  

“We look forward to welcoming the winning young designers to the V&A in South Kensington.” 

Jo Gideon MP, commented “As an MP and Parliamentary Private Secretary to BEIS (department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy) I’m passionate about the NHS, the future of young people and business, including the ceramic industry.  

“That’s why I’m delighted to support this amazing competition, which not only celebrates our wonderful NHS but will raise much needed funds for the NHS All Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.” 
 

Royal Crown Derby are also grateful for the generous support of Global Ceramic Materials limited who are generously providing a discount on the raw materials meaning that even more money can be donated to the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.   

Top tips for schooling and educating at home:

Skill share, find community support, make friends, promote a cause, share ideas/tips and things to do in our new Yorkshire Families group #YFams. 

Yorkshire Families has set up an online community group to help everyone in Yorkshire to access support, network and most of all to help everyone to make the most out of God’s Own County. 

Here’s what we posted in the Yorkshire Families #YFams group about why we launched sooner than planned… 

SUPPORT FOR EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITIES, PLEASE ADD YOUR FRIENDS: We want to represent and support ALL families (people) in Yorkshire and beyond… we were working on a huge site revamp BUT as time is of the essence and help is needed NOW we have launched our facebook group early where we will be sharing posts on what to do with your family// reducing isolation  // food & essentials sharing (where allowed) and community support // skill sharing // fun and free activities // Keeping active as a family // Money saving tips // Local Neighbourhood communities // Support for local businesses // Campaigns // Learning for all // HELP FOR ALL IN OUR COMMUNITY AS THE SITUATION EVOLVES SO WILL WE… TOGETHER XXX

“A crisis reveals a community” and it can help to create one too…  

We are all one big Yorkshire Family that supports each other regardless of our individual backgrounds or circumstances. We want to create a place where we can enable everyone to get active in their community, support one another and find things to do and places to go/explore/discover. 

We also want to support local charities, organisations, community groups and businesses to shine a light on all of the incredible things that are happening in our area and how to access them. 

There is no judgement just assistance where possible in this peer-to-peer group. Originally it was going to be a food bank finder, community sharing as well as days out and activites hub. But at the moment it is hopefully a vital resource to help each other by lending a hand (digitally), sharing ideas of things to do in lockdown and signposting useful information. 

JOIN THE #YFAMS COMMUNITY HERE 

A care home in the Wakefield District, West Yorkshire is desperately searching for volunteers as they are “on their knees now” trying to care for the most vulnerable in unprecedented times…

“They pride themselves on providing as much support, care and love for elderly people in their final days as possible and that is what all our elderly deserve. But they can’t do that when they’re stretched to breaking and that’s breaking their hearts.”

Staff at Snydale Care Home in Pontefract have been doing a “heroic job” to keep all their elderly vulnerable residents safe during the corona virus crisis but they’re on their knees now.

Many have not had a day off work for weeks, they’re tired and short staff, 15 now in self isolating. Weeks ago the home had to stop relatives visiting which put all the strain of socialising with residents on them. Sadly some of the residents have died of Covid 19 without their relatives by the side in their last hours which is emotionally devastating for both relatives and staff.

Yes these carers deal with death as a care home for the elderly it’s part of what they do but they don’t deal with deaths like this. They pride themselves on providing as much support, care and love for elderly people in their final days as possible and that is what all our elderly deserve. But they can’t do that when they’re stretched to breaking and that’s breaking their hearts.

Cheryl Varley writes…

This is my mum, Marjorie Jones, she’s 87 years old, is much loved by her four children and eleven grandchildren, has dementia and really needs your help.

She’s a resident at Snydale Care Home.

We know this Easter will be different from normal due to Lockdown and the Coronavirus Pandemic… but we want to make sure that you still have fun whilst staying safe at home during Covid 19.

So here’s our alternative Easter ‘What’s On Guide’ of activities and things to do at home this Easter…

• Easter Crafts: Now’s a perfect time to get crafting! There are so many things to do from cutting out egg shapes and decorating them to creating bunnies out of the middle of all that toilet roll with cotton wool. Or you can easily bunny face masks or hats made out of a paper band with bunny ears. Or you could have an Easter Nail Art salon!
• Easter Egg Hunt: Whether is be with chocolate eggs or other treats or even just clues on their own or a treasure hunt. We love a good old Easter Egg Hunt (with or without the chocolate).
• Easter Baking: Depending on what you have in there’s a few simple recipes you may be able to make (or create your own!). From chocolate corn flake buns and cakes to hot cross buns and we always enjoy a Sunday Dinner so it is Yorkshire Puddings for us! Use your imagination or even create a mud kitchen in the garden! (But obviously don’t eat mud!).
  
• Hatchimals Easter Bouquet is a great alternative to chocolate and flowers for children. We were gifted it to try it out and the girls loved hiding each flower in their own hunt they created. It’s a great gift too if you have more than one child as they ‘could’ share the bouquet and open a different flower each. They’re available here: https://amzn.to/2QViqmQ

• Pay-as-you-feel world class Ballet:
  Get watching & dancing at home! Pay-as-you-feel…Ballet… such a great idea from @NorthernBallet to make their shows digital and accessible … https://northernballet.com/pay-as-you-feel-season

• Have your own Easter Dance Party! Put on some Easter songs and play party games.

• Easter Bunny Live streaming at Home:

  A new experience has been developed by the creators the Easter Bunny Live event, an annual live experience that was due to be touring the country to deliver the full Easter experience. Helen Nurse, Director of Fun for Wonder Adventures, explains; “Despite having to cancel the event, we didn’t want anyone to miss out on the magic of Easter so we’ve been working hard to take all the fun online for children to still experience at home.”

  The live-streamed event will deliver the same fun, imaginative entertainment as the live experience, all designed to get children involved and active together with their parents.

  After registering for a chosen event date and time ‘visitors’ will be directed to join a private Facebook group where the event will be securely broadcast.

  During the online event the Easter Bunny will deliver storytelling, interactive games and riddles all of which the children join in at home. He will also run an egg hunt which families can do around their space and they will learn the new ‘Easter Bunny Hop song and dance’ – a special single will be released especially for the event.

  Helen Nurse adds; “During the event we’ll be encouraging parents to send messages for personal Easter Bunny shout-outs as well.”

  The team behind the event, wonderadventures.co.uk, are a family run business include their own children as chief fun testers. They specialise in interactive experiences for under 10’s including live events and online interactive treasure hunts. Helen added; “With our experience covering live and online content – taking the Easter event online seemed the obvious thing to do.”

  
  Helen, Director continues: “We are passionate about providing imaginative play experiences, inspiring kids and encouraging children and parents to play interactively together and so it is actually more important than ever to provide this at home at what will be a challenging time for a lot of families. We want to still provide opportunities for families to experience special, fun moments together and make memories. And being able to bring this into the home as a live experience means families can mark Easter and do something together that is memorable.”

  Registration for the event is £5 per family. To register or for more information on the Easter Bunny Challenge LIVE online or the interactive treasure hunts go to http://www.wonderadventures.co.uk

Where is your favourite family day out in Yorkshire? Whilst a day out might not be on the agenda for a while… we wanted to recognise some of the best days out for families in Yorkshire so we have a list of things to do when we are allowed to explore the region again safely.

Our accessibility correspondent Dan Cross writes…

Here’s some ideas of the best activities in Yorkshire for families, when they are allowed to, and what type of things to expect:

• York Dungeon with shows and history. It’s a 75 minute tour which takes you through the city’s gory past, using actors and special effects to make history loads more exciting. This is based in York.
• Eureka Museum in Halifax with interactive exhibitions, designed to make learning fun, covering everything from the desert to human biology. This is based in Halifax in West Yorkshire.  It’s the perfect day out in Yorkshire!
• Flamingo Land, this is not just a theme park it’s a zoo too, you can even meet a Creature as the Chief Education Officer brings out a range of animals  such as snakes or frogs for you to get up close and personal with. This is based in Malton North Yorkshire.

• York Maze with different types of mazes – illusion, mineshaft and finger fortune Maze, there’s also play zones, including a jumping pillow which is a bouncy castle without walls, and there’s also a climbing Zone. This is based in York North Yorkshire, and is open from mid-July until September.

• The Deep in Hull tells the story of the world’s oceans with interactive exhibitions, and loads of sea creatures: fish, turtles, sharks. The whole tour takes 2 to 3 hours and there’s also a café if you or your kids get p=peckish. This is based in Hull, East riding of Yorkshire.

• Snozone in Xscape Castleford, where you can ski or go tobaggoning. They offer lessons as well as activities, such as: sledgling or ice slides. This is based in the Xscape, Colorado Way Castleford.

• Jorvik Viking Centre. They’ve reconstructed Viking streets so you can see what it was like 1,000 years ago , and there’s interactive displays  telling you about their 5 year- long dig on Coopergate, so it’s both fun and educational. This is based in York, North Yorkshire.

• National Coal Mining Museum.  You can venture 140 metres underground to explore one of Britain’s oldest working mines, and learn about the lives of who worked there. You can go outside and meet ponies, walk around nature reserve and even have a mini train ride. A great day out. This is based in Overton, Wakefield , Caphouse Colliery.

• Scarborough is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Britain. You can go on loads of beaches, there are arcades, you can take a boat trip out to sea, or you can visit the Scarborough Sealife sanctuary. There’s so much to do in Scarborough. This is based in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

• Yorkshire Wildlife Park.  There are loads of exotic animals for the kids to see close and personal as you walk round the park. There’s lions, polar bears, meerkats, giraffes, tigers, zebras and more. There’s also a chance to learn about them with the various talks throughout the day. It’s definitely one of Yorkshire’s best days out. It’s based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Where are you most looking forward to visiting in the future? Let’s share the love for our wonderful Yorkshire attractions who will need our support!