The welcome days of floor-to-ceiling sunshine have also come with its downfalls. The soaring temperatures brought families outdoors, and who could blame them? But there were consequences with the dangers of sunburn and the temptations of the refreshing cold waters of lakes and other waterways.

I am a great advocate of prising children away from computers, tablets and other electronic devices, but as adults we need to warn the younger generation about hot weather dangers. Let's give them more alternatives to have fun.

I remember all too well as a teenager, not wanting to follow boring rules. To be honest I have reached my late seventies and still find some rules hard to swallow.

I admit young children are easier to entertain, although my seven-year-old granddaughter takes some persuading to leave the constant flow of fashion games on her tablet.

At the weekend I purchased a £5 paddling pool, and my two grandchildren spent short fifteen-minute sessions out in the garden covered in factor 50 and wearing sunhats, having simple fun splashing about in the cool water. Screen time was soon forgotten, and the time spent indoors was occupied by her joining her dad to do crafting or persuading me to let her paint a canvas in my studio upstairs. Maybe the tablet and computer had become more of a habit, and once the routine was broken, it changed her whole mindset.

What, you may ask, has all this 'preaching' to do with art?

Surely art can be yet another form of entertainment. With the summer holidays looming, many families will be seeking out ways to occupy their children. Not everyone can afford to jet off abroad or even want to in the present world situation. A holiday in the UK may still not be an option to some people.

Many events, both locally and a little further afield, can be found on the World Wide Web or via Mr Google. Lots of places to visit are free of charge, such as museums and galleries. I hear you groan, as my memories of these establishments in the 50s and 60s were dull, dark buildings smelling musty and unwelcoming. Nowadays they couldn't be more different, offering free workshops and fun events geared towards families and children of all ages. New hobbies, interests or even careers may evolve from these visits. All it needs is to be inspired by a magnificent sculpture, emotionally moved by a wonderful painting or intrigued by a new craft or skill such as weaving or pottery.

The Open Gallery, on Broad St Plaza, Halifax, where I have recently become a director, has exciting art workshops on Saturdays throughout June and through to August. A small donation is requested to cover materials, but how much you pay is your choice. Places are going fast, so please contact the gallery to book a date.

I am also running a competition for the chance to have artwork printed on either cards, a tote bag, or a mug.

Young artists aged 4 to 18 years are asked to submit their art which they think would be suitable to print on these items.

The categories are as follows.
4 yrs to 8 yrs

9 yrs to 12 yrs

13 yrs to 18 yrs

ONE winner from each group will receive a pack of greeting cards featuring their artwork.

There will be one outright winner (4 yrs-18 yrs) to receive a pack of greeting cards plus either a tote bag or a mug

Deadline for submissions…5pm Friday, June 12th

Please send clear JPEG entries to my email with the name, age and contact information.

Any topic but WITHOUT LETTERING

All artwork will be saved and have the opportunity to be included in future articles.

Please send as many entries as you wish for me to pass to the three judges, and good luck.

Email: purplegrandma48@gmail.com