Families Manchester Issue 39 May-June 2013

Edition 39 • May/June 2013

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

@FamiliesManch facebook.com/familiesmanchester

® MANCHESTER In this issue > Let’s get the party started > Rock a bye baby > Raising Girls - getting girls back on track

Covering: Altrincham, Trafford, Salford, Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Didsbury, Stockport, Cheadle, Bramhall, and surrounding areas.

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Welcome In this issue 02: Welcome 03: Babies 05: Parties 10: Education 12: Parents place 19: What’s on

Hello!

Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! Such was the desperate cry emanating from our homes as the winter gloom dragged on and on and the kids drove us up the wall during the Easter break. But with the FINAL onset of spring and the odd glimpse of blue sky, we’re slowly starting to feel a bit more human and a bit less grumpy old bear. There’s a new puppy in the Families fold, the grass is starting to grow, and it seemed like the perfect time to look at all things babies and birthday parties. Here’s hoping that spring really is here, and that all our Mayday calls turn into May Day celebrations instead. See you soon with the Summer issue!

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

Next issue: July/August 2013

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton. Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk

Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Manchester are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Greater Manchester. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know. Contact details: Families Manchester, PO Box 581, Macclesfield, SK10 9FN Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesmanchester.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk Cover photograph by: Paul Moffat Photography, Bollington Tel: 01625 576 586, www.moff.co.uk

Time for a holiday?

As we head into summer, our attention turns towards holidays – where to go, what to take and how to get it there. For many people with very young children, taking a holiday can be stressful. Not only do you have to remember to take half a supermarket’s worth of nappies, wipes, formula etc., but there are also the added questions of do we need a travel cot, what about a baby monitor, and for those with toddlers, do we need a stair gate? Then there is the issue of how you get all this stuff to the chosen location!

Will your baby/child reach their full potential?

Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Manchester is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. @FamiliesManch www.facebook.com/familiesmanchester

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That’s where hiring comes into its own. Hire companies such as Baby Rentals specialise in short term hire of the essentials you need for travel; they even deliver and collect from any chosen location in the UK (mainland only). Items such as travel cots, stair gates and monitors can be hired, and for those who like walking holidays, the rucksack style baby carrier is a must. Car seat hire is also becoming more and more popular as an alternative to taking a car seat from a car hire company, mainly due to the high charges many of the car hire companies charge and the availability of any chosen size. For more information about this great service, contact rental@babyrentals.co.uk or go to www.babyrentals.co.uk.

The Old Hall Clinic is a multi-disciplinary clinic based in Gatley, South Manchester, providing a range of treatments, including paediatric osteopathy. It combines traditional healthcare with complementary medicine. The Children’s Clinic attracts patients from as far afield as London, and is dedicated to providing specialist paediatric treatment for everyday problems experienced in children.

The clinic is run by highly respected paediatric cranial osteopath Philip Owen, who explains the theory behind the medicine. ‘The process of being born is one of the most stressful events of our lives. As the baby is pushed by the contracting uterus of the mother down the birth canal, enormous forces are imposed on the baby’s head and body. This may result in areas of unresolved tension, which forms the basis of the treatment. We work with the body’s natural healing processes, so that each of our children is able to reach their full potential in both the classroom and the playground.’ By gently palpating the baby’s body, Mr Owen can feel for areas of resistance. Where there is a blockage to natural flexibility there may be problems from a previously unresolved injury from birth or any other trauma. Cranial osteopathy allows the body to correct itself and to return it to a happy state of balance and function. Allowing the baby’s body to suddenly start working properly means the baby/child often relaxes for the first time in their life. Sleeping is often improved along with problems arising from a compromised immune system e.g. recurrent infections, as well as asthma and tension/behavioural problems in the baby/child. For more information about the clinic, call 0161 428 4222 or go to www.oldhallclinic.co.uk.

Babies Beyond the Bump – getting your tummy back!

Working out in the water Watching your precious newborn, probably the last thing you’re thinking is that pretty soon they’ll need to start exercising. But it’s true! The first year of a baby’s life is one of the most important in terms of their long term development. It’s a time when their brain will grow more rapidly than at any other, and every movement your baby makes helps strengthen this growth. Swimming is one of the few things you can do from birth, and it’s also one of the healthiest activities for parents too! Babies are able to exercise every single muscle in their body – including some they would never even find on land. David Oldfield, who runs Water

Babies’ baby swimming classes across South Manchester, explains, ‘Whilst the emphasis in our sessions is on strengthening your bond with your baby, having fun and increasing both yours and your baby’s confidence, swimming from birth is also excellent for a baby’s development. Despite looking gentle, it provides a complete physical workout, strengthening the heart, lungs and respiratory system which, in turn, aids the development of the brain. What’s more, regular swimming can enhance baby awareness and improve eating and sleeping patterns – a definite bonus!’ For more information, call David on 0161 312 0048, or email him on 123swim@waterbabies.co.uk.

Pregnancy is an amazing time when your body changes rapidly to provide for your growing baby. But as you look at your growing bump you may wonder if you are ever going to have a flat tummy again. The key to getting your tummy back is not doing hundreds of sit ups a day. Instead mums need to understand what has happened to their body and how to rebuild it safely and effectively. The 4 week FitBack & Bumps Postnatal Programme is designed to give you all the information you need to regain your flat tummy and fitness after pregnancy and birth. It specifically looks at how to regain a flat stomach, the importance of posture

and developing your pelvic floor muscles to reduce the incidence of stress incontinence. To regain a flat tummy, you need to imagine that you are building a house and the most important part is the foundations. Your foundations are the deepest of your abdominal muscles which are part of your core stability muscles. It is important to exercise these deeper muscles back to full fitness before progressing onto sit ups again! The FitBack and Bumps Programme will teach you how to do this. Simone Grove (Chartered Physiotherapist) delivers the FitBack and Bumps Antenatal and Postnatal Programmes across South Manchester & Cheshire. As well as delivering group sessions at various locations across Cheshire, Simone also offers private FitBack and Bumps sessions in the comfort of your own home For more information contact Simone on 0161 439 1631 or 07736 453597. www.physioholistics.co.uk

Cloth nappies... make a difference by using just one a day By Eve Bell, Baba+Boo

If you hear the words ‘cloth nappies’ being uttered when you are at a baby group or soft play, there’s no need to run a mile, honest. And if the thoughts of washing, scrubbing and drying inconvenience come into your

mind, banish them. Using modern cloth nappies is not that bad, we promise. We believe cloth nappies should be viewed like bibs; they are just as simple to use and care for. And like bibs, you don’t need to use them all the time. We are all for mixing and matching nappies to suit your day/lifestyle/childcare situation – even those moments when whatever is nearest will do. There are some mums who believe that only cloth will do, but we believe the best way to get started is to just have five or so – even one makes a difference. Here are some tips to get you started: • Don’t think that you have to change your lifestyle for them; they fit in with you. You can even put them in your normal wash. Even if you use them full time, it’s usually only an extra wash a week and I don’t know a mum that would notice that – when is a mum’s washing machine ever off? • Don’t be put off if they leak at first, this is normal while you get the fit right on your baba. Babies come in all shapes and sizes so it takes some trial and error to get the fit spot on. • Do mix and match between

disposables and cloth until you get used to them. A good way to start is use cloth at home until you get your confidence up (that won’t take long). • Do holler if you get stuck. There are so many cloth nappy forums, and mums who use cloth nappies are more than willing to share their experience and offer advice. • Don’t be overcome by the amount of information about nappies if you start looking into them. It can be daunting. Think of them as a disposable that you put in the washing machine rather than the bin. It really is as simple as that. • Do a little online research to see if your local council have any trial schemes or

offer any incentives such as cashback. We offer a trial scheme, where you can try one and if you don’t get on with it, we will refund you 70% of the purchase price within two months. We like you to give it a really good try as we are so confident you will like them. Once you’ve decided to give cloth nappies a try you’ll have another major decision to make – which of the cool and funky designs to try first! Long gone are plain white nappies, there are designs to match every outfit! Do drop us a line if you’re could be convinced to try cloth nappies… we love to talk about cloth nappies – info@babaandboo.com. www.babaandboo.com

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Babies

Teach your child to eat If your child suffers from feeding issues, NoTube is here to help. A unique new programme founded to help children around the world overcome the severe condition of tube feeding, NoTube offers specialist counselling for children with a variety of feeding problems. Many babies and children suffer from problems surrounding eating and drinking – for some it is no more than a power struggle with their parents, for

others a premature birth might have led to a number of sensory issues. Some children will drink from bottles but refuse the transition to solids, others will only eat crackers and cookies. In the worst case, some toddlers have never even learned how to swallow because of prior medical conditions, where they have been fed artificially by a tube and now remain tube dependent. Since these problems demand a highly experienced and intensive interdisciplinary approach,

I’ll have what she’s having By Helena Foss

The bible told us it is women’s lot to suffer pain in childbirth. Midwives in ante-natal classes talk about ‘labour’ and pain relief. In the movies, birthing women scream for drugs. The belief that childbirth is agony is not only firmly imprinted in our collective psyche, it’s a fact, right? My idea of a pleasurable childbirth was lounging in the hospital birthing pool getting high on the gas and air. (The reality was an emergency caesarean section. Oh, well.) But for some women, childbirth goes way beyond pleasure. For some women – and

come closer because I’m going to tell you a secret here – actually have an orgasm. Are you choking on your coffee? I know. Outrageous, isn’t it? How on earth does that happen? It seems that being a professional dancer, practicing yoga, having few expectations, a loving husband and a hot tub under a tree in a home in Hawaii to give birth in, most certainly help. According to an American news feature on the documentary ‘Orgasmic Birth’, it was a simple kiss from her husband, which helped turn Amber Hartnell’s labour into unexpected rolling waves of ecstasy.

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many children remain unsupported, their quality of life impaired and their families desperate. This is where NoTube can help. Based on more than 20 years of clinical experience, the online medical coaching platform NETcoaching has been specifically developed for parents of tube dependent children, with the ultimate goal of teaching the child how to eat while simultaneously removing the feeding tube. The programme is original and non-invasive, and includes a 4-week tube weaning programme and 24/7 support from medical experts, while the child stays at home in a familiar environment. Most importantly, NoTube is achieving success rates of over 92%. A team of highly specialised paediatricians, therapists and developmental psychologists offers a modern and effective solution, with intensive online coaching and guidance for parents as well as any professional wishing to be part of the process. Register at www.notube.com and you will receive a professional assessment and recommendation about what can or should be done. Then decide which “product” your child needs and might profit from: whilst

NETcoaching is the program designed especially for medically fragile infants and young children with feeding tubes, the LTE (Learn to Eat) program will help all parents solve the feeding or eating problem of their child gently, effectively and at home. There is no magic or tricks, just a highly individualised approach by which parents and the Notube-team identify the exact nature of the problem and, with daily contacts via “cyber rounds”, behavioural and nutritional advice is given and parents report their observation of changes. With the help of video clips and intake protocols, the specialists are able to trace the exact nature of each problem very specifically and develop an individually tailored coaching plan for each child. If you’re in the area, you can find out more at NoTube’s London Play Picnics, where NoTube’s experts will help your child learn to eat or prepare them for tube weaning. The Play Picnic is a 60-minute group therapy specific to children who suffer from early eating behaviour disorders, picky eaters and tube dependent children, where parents can ask questions regarding the feeding situation of their child.

(See: www.youtube.com/watch?v= h5bm9-B6Ec4 or search ‘Birth as we know it’.) The producer of Orgasmic Birth, childbirth educator Debra Pascali Bonaro, says that the same organs involved in orgasm get stimulated during childbirth. According to Dr Christine Northrup, author of ‘Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom’, it is the expectation of pain that causes women to tense up and release stress hormones, disrupting the surging hormonal changes that accompany labour. The mix of prolactin, oxytocin and beta-endorphins are nature’s painkillers. Or, as Northrup describes them, “the molecules of ecstasy”. Not that Amber Hartnell didn’t feel any pain in her hot tub. She did. But she was relaxed enough to be able to transform it into what she called “sensations” by squatting and moving her hips in a spiralling motion, leading to an orgasmic birth experience that overwhelmed her with both tears and laughter. Rather than having contractions, she felt like she was being expanded. When the documentary aired in America in 2009 it caused a mixture of fascination, shock and horror, not least at the perceived ‘indecency’ of equating birth with sex. But hang on, wasn’t that how conception happened a mere nine months previously? The British birthing guru Sheila Kitzinger, who had three orgasmic births

herself and says she has met hundreds of women during her career who have too, wrote her book ‘Birth and Sex’ to illustrate the connection hardwired deep in our biology. When a woman is free to follow her instincts and give birth naturally she says, “birth and sex mingle to become one in the thrilling, sweet, intense and overwhelming experience of creation.” Nature really is extraordinary, isn’t it? And we forget that our bodies are nature itself. “The genius of [a woman’s] body is designed to give birth with ease and grace,” says birth educator Elena Vladimirova in the film ‘Birth as We Know It’, which has become an international word-of-mouth phenomenon. It shows footage of women giving birth in the sea. Their faces appear trancelike; their bodies relaxed, not a trace of agony in sight. There are so many factors in having a pleasurable birth; feeling safe, supported, being able to trust one’s own body – and even with the best will in the world, it doesn’t happen for every women. But isn’t it great to know it actually exists? We might not have been so lucky, but at least we can educate our daughters about the awesome power lying dormant right inside of them. FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.orgasmicbirth.com www.sheilakitzinger.com http://birthintobeing.com

Parties The restaurant party What is it? A meal-based party in e.g. a pizza restaurant, where the kids are allowed to help or watch in the food preparation Who’s it suitable for? Older kids of eight-12; children who enjoy the chance to meet and chat more than the chance to run around The pros: At its best, it’s very civilised; you can even have a second table in the restaurant and invite some other parents along, so it’s a meal out for you as well. Children enjoy sense of being ‘grown up’ and eating out with friends. The cons: It’s expensive; raucous behaviour will upset other diners

It’s party time! By Joanna Moorhead

A birthday party is the highpoint of the year for most kids – so the pressure is on to get it right. The secret, as ever, is in the planning. But how do you find out which party is right for your child? We guide you through the options.

The traditional party

The action party

The church hall party

What is it? An at-home for the birthday child and friends, with traditional games like pass the parcel (always a winner), pin the tail on the donkey, and musical bumps. Who’s it suitable for? Great for nursery and reception age children, but don’t neglect its values for older kids, especially girls of eight or nine who often enjoy nothing more than inviting their friends back to their house and having a girly time The pros: It’s cheap (or at least, it certainly can be); other parents often stay to help you out, keep you company, especially if you promise a glass of prosecco to help everyone through The cons: You may need to redecorate afterwards; you’ll certainly need to do a major tidy up. It can be difficult to keep your birthday child’s siblings out of the way, which could lead to conflict.

What is it? Paintballing, go-karting, swimming, Go Ape etc Who’s it suitable for? Older children (seven plus); kids with lots of energy who enjoy racing around The pros: Your house remains intact; the kids have something to focus on, and lots of opportunities to let off steam; many children end up covered in bruises from paintballing (though they don’t seem to mind!) The cons: It can be very expensive; although some options, eg a swimming pool party, trip to an adventure playground, can be good value

What is it? An indoor party in a hired venue Who’s it suitable for? Children of five plus, who are confident about being left somewhere they don’t know The pros: A lot more space than they’d have if you were at home The cons: You’ll have to leave the place spotless afterwards, and pay for any damage

Top tips to make it work: 1. Agree ground rules with the birthday child beforehand about which rooms are in and out of bounds. 2. Have a timetable for what’s happening when. 3. Think about a project, e.g. build a bear kits, jewellery-making, pirate games. 4. Give them chance to let off steam in the garden. 5. For tea, spread a huge paper tablecloth on the floor and get them to sit around the edges of it. At the end, simply fold it up with all the rubbish inside and bin.

Top tips to make it work: 1. If the activity is long and energetic it might be best to postpone a winter birthday party to the spring (the kids might get wet and cold as they’ll be outside for ages). 2. Take plenty of water, squash, snacks including fruit – they’ll need plenty of energy for all that running around. 3. Make ABSOLUTELY sure you’ve checked all restrictions, e.g. height restrictions, beforehand – there’s nothing worse than finding out on the day that one of your guests is too small to participate. 4. Make sure you get parental consent forms signed well in advance – the venue will require you to do this before they allow you in. 5. Ensure the kids wear any safety equipment at all times.

Top tips to make it work: 1. Try to find somewhere with outdoor space as well in case it’s a lovely day. 2. Ask if you can borrow/use playgroup play equipment. 3. Have lots of help, and have tea reasonably early in the afternoon so you can get it tidied away before the end. 4. If you’ve got the budget, consider hiring an entertainer – the extra space will make it a lot more fun. 5. Musical games, dancing, discos etc. are great fun in church halls.

Top tips to make it work : 1. Make sure you’re booked for a time when the restaurant won’t be busy. 2. A restaurant near a park, where kids can run off a bit of energy afterwards, is a good idea. 3. Don’t rely on the pizza-making/ chef-watching for absolutely all the entertainment. Bring e.g. colouring packs or check the restaurant will provide them, and think of some easy games to play round the table, e.g. I-Spy, in case things flag. 4. Make sure you sort out the cake arrangements beforehand; most restaurants allow you to bring your own (don’t forget the candles and matches). 5. Don’t limit yourself to chain restaurants – your local eaterie may well be prepared to accommodate your party, and may be more flexible than bigger establishments. And finally...whatever sort of party you’re having don’t neglect the party bags! Every kid, at every party, is secretly (or not so secretly!) longing for a party bag – and part of the excitement for your child is helping to put the bags together. Have a budget and stick to it – party bags can add hugely to the cost of a party – but try and limit the wasteful plastic toys that get thrown away immediately.

8 low cost party bags ideas: 1. Brown paper bags with the child’s name in big writing and decorated with stickers are very effective. 2. Bake cookies or other treats and package them in cellophane tied with ribbon. 3. Let the birthday person create their own toys using clay, paint, beads and buttons. 4. Get cardboard picture frames and slip in a note about where the party pictures have been uploaded online. 5. Do something arty during the party and let the guests take their handiwork home cheap plates or bowls can be decorated with ceramic paint, a strip of wood decorated with their initial, etc. 6. Give out seeds to plant in the garden or a cookie cutter that’s related to the party theme. 7. Buy enough bouncy balls for each guest, scatter them about your lawn before the party. The balls are a great decoration and each guest gets to take one home. 8. Print off free colouring sheets of favourite characters from the internet, and burn a CD of the birthday person’s favourite songs.

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Parties Little Big Heads Disco Diva

The plans for Lily’s 7th birthday party started with a request for no party at all. This soon changed when I proposed a ‘Disco Diva’ party at children’s salon Little Big Heads in Wilmslow. Just a small, intimate affair with her closest friends, being made to look gorgeous and have a giggle, perfect! We took along 8 girls with ages ranging from 4 – 9 years old. Each was treated to a fabulous up-do, complete with glitter spray and clip in beads. Nails were painted; funky face art and temporary tattoos applied and the girls were ready to disco! Little Big Heads has a fab party set up, with the main salon for glamming up the girls, and housing a craft table for them to make bracelets and necklaces at between

treatments; then they have a funky back room complete with disco lights and dressing up kit. The girls had an amazing time in there learning dance routines and playing party games before heading back to the table in the salon for a traditional party tea of sandwiches, nibbles and cupcakes. What really made the party extra special was the staff; a group of lovely, bubbly young girls worked away to make the birthday girl and her guests feel special and look amazing. They all chatted away and had the girls laughing. The party hosts even joined in with the singing and dancing for the disco! As the party drew to a close everyone was given a marvellous party bag filled with sweets and hair accessories. As the birthday girl, Lily got a special gift, a set of pampering treats, plus a framed photo of her and her friends posing with their glam new styles. All the girls had a wonderful time and quite a few commented that they would like to go back for their own parties. For more information on party options from princesses to divas please call the salon on 01625 548326 / www.littlebigheads.co.uk

Fizz Kids – truly Something Special

Lorrayne Siddall of Fizz Kids Parties, and a children’s dance and cheerleading coach, recently took part in a CBeebies programme ‘Something Special, We’re all Friends’ with the amazing Justin Fletcher a.k.a. Mr Tumble. Researchers from CBeebies loved Lorrayne’s fun and enthusiastic approach to teaching dance in mainstream and

special schools and invited her to be filmed for an episode with one of her special schools’ cheerleading team ‘The Birches Bears’, based in Manchester. The programme aired recently showing Lorrayne and her school team preparing for a cheerleading competition, displaying their routine and having lots of fun. Cbeebies wrote to Lorrayne saying: ‘You were so fantastic in the build-up to the day and helped make our filming run like clockwork. The Birches Bears had such a fantastic day to and the film will look fantastic.’ Lorrayne said: ‘It was good fun and a great experience. The CBeebies team were very friendly and Justin Fletcher is an inspiration to someone like me who works with children and strives to deliver fun and creative sessions both in my dance company and party business. I was a very proud coach...the children were fantastic.’ To enquire about a Fizz Kids Dance party or school dance club contact 07870 139361 or visit www.fizzkidsparties.co.uk.

Enjoy-a-party? Enjoy-a-ball! If your child is full of beans, then let them run off their energy with an Enjoy-a-Ball party! Enjoy-a-Ball parties are packed with fun and games with plenty of action in a warm, positive and fun-filled environment. A happy customer said, “My six year old had an Enjoy-a-Ball party with over 20 energetic friends. They had a great time and loved the exciting games. Party food was quickly eaten as they wanted to go and play again. Would definitely recommend an Enjoy-a-Ball party –

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we’ll be booking another one next year!’ Another parent said. “You could see from the smiles and the laughter that the children had a fabulous time!’’ The team go out of their way to ensure that your child’s special day is happy and memorable. Their expertise in children’s sports coaching, together with our fun-loving nature, make them the ideal party choice. Call or email Sam on 07973 886 783 / southmanchester@enjoy-a-ball.com. www.enjoy-a-ball.com

Parties Picking a theme for a Great Party By Samantha Eisen, Party Perfect

Picking a theme can feel daunting to begin with. Often it can help if you jot down a list of what your child is in to. Summer is a great excuse to hold a party outside – for example, Walton Park in Sale has a miniature railway that makes for a great party, coupled with a teddy bear’s tea party, or maybe you could host a school sports day party in your garden. “Going on a Bear Hunt” party in the woods or a “Gruffalo” theme also work well for Pre-Schoolers!

If your child enjoys arts and crafts, then it is fairly easy (and budget friendly) to do a decopatch party at home, or maybe even a cooking party. Party Perfect can help you plan a great party. We will co-ordinate as much or as little as you want. Together we will send out invites (and even chase the RSVP’s!), make the party tea boxes, (and nibbles for the adults!) organise the decorations/ bunting, the cake and the games. We also work with lots of local entertainers for adults and kids. We can even clean up at the end! We’re available for Kids Parties, Christenings, Baby Showers, Adult parties, Hen Parties and more! 07817 627 808 / www.party-perfect.org.uk

Advertise in Families Manchester Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email advertising@ familiesmanchester.co.uk

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Party Directory

To be included in this directory, call 01625 801801 or email editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk ANIMALS

Animals In-Tuition Meet and handle a range of fascinating and interesting animals. Older children and adults can try a bush tucker trial. 07791 153757 / www.animalsintuition.co.uk Ranger Rob’s Animal Experience A cowboy ranger with a wide selection of wild and wonderful animals, for an exciting and educational journey. 0161 660 7730 / www.rangerrob.co.uk The Creepy Crawly Show A fun packed animal road show presented in a fun way by comical rangers. 01244 646 045 / www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk The Wild Roadshow Handle the animals and learn all about their natural habitats and diets. 0161 283 2630 / www.thewildroadshow.co.uk

BOUNCY CASTLES & PARTY TENTS

Boing Boing Bouncy Castle Hire 07772 713293 / www.boingboingbouncycastlehire.co.uk Bounce Masters 07969 631444 / www.bouncemasters.co.uk Krazy Kids Bouncy Castles 0161 336 3335 / www.krazykidzbouncycastles.co.uk Manchester Bouncy Castle Hire 0161 300 1211 / www.gobouncy.co.uk Rainbow Fun Bouncy Hire 0161 962 8564 / www.rainbowfunbouncyhire.co.uk

CLIMBING CENTRES & INDOOR ADVENTURE

Awesome Walls, Stockport www.awesomewalls.co.uk Chill Factore, Urmston 0161 749 2222 / www.chillfactore.com Manchester Climbing Centre, Manchester 0161 2307006 / www.manchesterclimbingcentre.com Rockover Climbing, Manchester 0161 288 1218 / www.rockoverclimbing.com Silver Blades Ice Rink, Altrincham Bronze, Silver or Gold party options available with optional extras like skating aids, party bags and a coaching session. 08700 85 29 29 / www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk The Skate Station, Ashton Under Lyme 07854 108 636 / www.theskatestation.co.uk Wigan Roller Rink 07968 365287 / www.wiganrollerrink.com

CAKES, PARTY BAGS AND SUPPLIES

Alice Rose Cakes & Cookies 01457 238013 / www.alice-rose.co.uk Little Treasures Party Bags Party bags, fillers and personalised chocolate bars for all occasions. 01606 77900 / www.littletreasurespartybags.co.uk Parties ‘n things Themed, Co-ordinated party supplies all in one place – direct to your door. www.partiesnthings.co.uk Party Sashes Galore Personalised sashes, banners and ribbons for every occasion. 0161 798 6245 / www.partysashesgalore.co.uk

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The Chocolate Lolly Company Finest Belgian Chocolate lollies in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pre-filled party bags also available. 07906 453136 / chocolatelollycompany.webplus.net Sarah T Cakes Cakes & Cupcakes for any occasion. sarahtcakes.blogspot.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Baby Ballet, Bury & Bolton Magical Party (ages 2 – 4) or Groovy Disco Party (ages 4 – 7) 0161 280 3686 / www.babyballet.co.uk Diddi Dance, South Manchester Fun, affordable parties for tots (2 – 4) at your choice of location - dancing games, action songs, hoops, dance ribbons, bubbles, balloons, bells and lots of fun!! 07966 542985 / www.diddidance.com Enjoy-a-Ball, South Manchester Great fun and games with plenty of action for girls and boys aged 4 – 9 years. 07973 886783 / www.enjoy-a-ball.com Fizz Kids Unique dance and cheerleading parties for children aged 5+, offering 2 hours of non stop fun, games and funky dance routines in a disco atmosphere. Your Fizz Party Co-ordinator has tons of experience and loves everything dance, fun and kids, which makes every party a fabulous party. Reviews on the website and find us on Facebook.07870 139361 / www.fizzkidsparties.co.uk Gigglepop Art, themed or traditional parties in your home or choice of venue hosted by professional party leaders. 07779 935638 / www.gigglepop.co.uk Glen Jakes Riding School, Stockport Horse Riding parties for ages 4+. No riding experience required. 0161 483 7063 / www.gjrs.co.uk Go-Kart Party Bolton & Wigan – Tahir: 07702 237523 North Cheshire – Elaine: 01925 712315 South Manchester – Keith: 07592 317762 www.go-kartparty.co.uk Go Kiddy Karts, Didsbury & Urmston Indoor parties for boys and girls aged 4 – 9. 07956 557653 / www.go-kiddy-karts.co.uk Jabberjacks Playmates parties for children aged 2 – 4, Junior parties for ages 5 – 7. South Manchester – Clare: 07587 186284 North Manchester – Gaynor: 0161 7908080 www.jabberjacks.co.uk Jo Jingles Music, singing and movement parties for children up to 5 years. Manchester North – Jo: 01706 212889 South Manchester – Jacqui: 01925 269136 www.jojingles.com

Parties Jittabugs, South Manchester Help your little one celebrate their big day with a Jittabugs party. We offer entertainment with lots of singing and dancing, action songs, games, activities, instruments, coloured scarves, puppets, bubbles, parachute play, favourites of the birthday boy or girl and much more. Our parties can be done either at home, or a venue of your choice. (All equipment provided). So, sit back, relax, and watch your little one and their friends have a marvellous time. Contact Karen Brownsell 0161 973 2656/ 07765 080 350 / karen@jittabugs.com / www.jittabugs.com Kerry’s Fun Faces Face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon modelling. 07813 297520 / www.kerrysfunfaces.co.uk Kiddy Cook Cooking parties exclusively designed for ages 4 – 11, with options to suit everyone. 07976 619648 / www.kiddycook.co.uk Kids Bee Happy, Salford & Bury Sand art painting for all ages. 07899 816344 / www.kidsbeehappy.co.uk Kids Rock with Chris Musical party for children aged 1 – 5. 07725168330 / www.kidsrockwithchris.com Little Superstars Multi-sports parties across West & South Manchester, Rochdale, Heywood & Ramsbottom. 07904 311552 / www.littlesuperstars.co.uk Lucia the entertainer Comedy led professional offering traditional party entertainment with a unique twist. Balloon Modelling, Ventriloquism, Face painting and magic also available. 0161 483 4363 / www.luciaparties.com Make A Wish Entertainment Make your wish for a perfect party come true. 0113 322 7988 / www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk Minikin Emporium, Sale A Party in a Box for everything you need, including brushes, pots, paints, writers, sponges, table cloth etc. When the masterpieces are finished, take them back for firing ready to collect within 1 week. Boxes for every budget. 08000 155 122 / www.minikindesigns.com Mother Hen Creative Tailor made parties for ages 4 – 8. Interactive storytelling revolving around the birthday child – a jam packed fun filled magical, personal experience. 07587 191 394 / www.motherhencreative.com Musical Monkeys Musical entertainment and more for pre-school children aged 2+ 0161 976 5176 / www.musical-monkeys.co.uk Party Friendz Character entertainment & face painting for all occasions. Costume hire also available. 07963 763862 / www.partyfriendz.co.uk Party Princess A huge range of party packages for ages 3+. Princess makeover, face painting and tattoos, cupcake decorating, arts, crafts games and loads more. Girl Glamour make over and pamper packages for ages 13+ 0845 241 7855 / www.party-princess.co.uk / www.girlglamour.co.uk

Play Football Professional staff with football, party food, certificates and prizes. 0845 459 2000 / www.playfootball.net Premier FC parties The ultimate kid’s football party for children of all ages and abilities. 01625 415151 / www.premierfc.com Scalextric Children’s Parties, Cheshire, Warrington & Manchester You hire the venue, we supply the Scalextric Party experience. 01928 732717 / www.scalextricchildrensparties.co.uk Sensory Stars Sensory parties for ages 1 – 3 at a venue of your choice. Craft, Messy Play or Glow & Light parties also available. 07506789603 / www.sensorystars.co.uk Splat Creative Crafts (messy or not) and games galore parties across the North West. 01477 532119 / www.splatcreative.co.uk Teddy Bear’s Workshop, Bolton Build-abear, pottery or jute bag parties. 01204-771013 / www.teddybearsworkshop.com Thingyblobs Parties (and classes) packed full of wonderful exciting activities for ages 2 – 4 or 5 – 7. 1 or 2 hours packed full of activities and fun. No time to get bored, all games age appropriate. Small or large groups or mixed ages for any occasion. Party bags can be provided too. 0161 442 9700 / www.thingyblobs.co.uk Tricky the entertainer For magic, fun, music and games. 0161 408 2345 / www.cheshirechildrensentertainer.co.uk

PARTY PLANNING

Cheshire Cat Events Prestige children’s party planning for any age. 01625 460195 / www.cheshirecatevents.com Little Tinkers Party Planners and Entertainers Options for big or small budgets. 01244 379294 / www.littletinkers.com Kids Party Planners Specialising in planning and running children’s parties. Professional, experienced and CRB checked. 0161 448 9819 / www.kidspartyplanners.co.uk Millie Moo Parties Unique Fun for Little People aged 3 – 11. Themed party packages that include everything you need from invitations to party bags and even finding a venue if needed. Or a bespoke service tailored to suit your individual budget and taste. 07812 064167 / www.milliemooparties.co.uk Party Perfect The perfect party solution provided by an efficient, creative and organised team. Children’s parties as well as all other celebrations. 07817 627808 / www.party-perfect.org.uk Pink Spaghetti Efficient, affordable and approachable party planning services. 0844 504 7465 / www.pink-spaghetti.co.uk

VENUES

Anchors Away, Stockport Party Kids or Private Hire parties. 0161 432 4020 / www.anchorsaway.org.uk Anchor’s Away Play, Wythenshawe Food & Play, Toddler or VIP party options available. 0161 437 0665/ www.anchorsawayplay.com

Antz in your Pantz, Timperley Laser, Go-kart, Roller Skating, Craft or traditional party options. 0161 962 2266 / www.antzinyourpantz.co.uk Bean & Brush, Sale A Family Art Café offering hosted art or craft parties, including a party buffet, 7 days a week. 0161 973 2140 / www.beanandbrush.co.uk Boomerang, Bury Multi-sensory play centre with exclusive use option available. 0161 764 4842 / www.boomerangcentre.co.uk Blue Room Studios, Bury Record your favourite songs in a professional recording studio, have the performance mixed, mastered and put onto CD. 08712 453 423 / www.blueroomstudios.co.uk Brookside Pottery, Poynton The Potter’s Wheel experience offers pottery painting and a train ride on the miniature railway. You supply the food, they supply the rest. 07946 637 499 / www.brooksidepottery.com Curly Whirleez, Bolton Tots (under 5), Simply Play or Sporty Parties. Exclusive venue use available. 01204 523 620 / www.curlywhirleez.co.uk East Lancashire Railway All Aboard the Party Express! Pick and mix your party experience from a range of options – Room Hire, decorations, craft activities, lunch bag and train ride. 0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Funtastic, Radcliffe, Bury Variety of party packages for all budgets, including exclusive venue use. 0161 425 8248 / www.funtastic.org.uk Go Wild, Bury Play, Pamper, Make a bear, make cupcakes/pancakes parties,with face painting, balloon modelling, exlusive venue use and other extras available. 0161 764 8268 / www.gowildbury.co.uk Head over Heels, Chorlton & Handforth Breakfast, VIP, Private or Bespoke parties. Chorlton: 0161 881 4433 Handforth: 0161 485 2200 www.headoverheelsplay.co.uk Jungle Mayhem, Radcliffe Jungle, Glitter Girls, Football, Go Kart, Disco and Tots party options as well as exclusive venue hire.0161 724 7402 / www.junglemayhem.co.uk Land of Play, Trafford Park Toddlers (under 4s), Tradtional or Exclusive Hire party options. 0161 872 9434 / www.landofplay.co.uk Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester Full use of all activities as well as a private party room, food and cake. 0844 844 8181 / www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk Let’s Party, Bury Themed party venue that will do everything for you. All you need is a cake and party bags (although they can do these too). 3 rooms suitable for different ages (3 – 16 years). 0161 797 1111 / www.letspartyvenue.co.uk Little Big Heads, Wilmslow Fairy Tea Party, Belle of the Ball, Princess&Pirates or Disco Diva options hosted by friendly staff. Party bags and a special gift for the bitrhday girl. 01625 548326 / www.littlebigheads.co.uk

Minikin Emporium, Sale Paint a pot and Decopatch parties including pizza making and food at Oca Waterside.08000 155 122 / www.minikindesigns.com Mischief Makers, Rochdale Public or private party options, with Deluxe party bags, face painting, helium balloons and party games available for small extra charge. 01706 653 656 / www.mischiefmakersltd.co.uk Oulder Hill Leisure Complex Pool Inflatable, Small Pool or Sports Hall Party packages available. 01706 716680 / www.ohlc.co.uk Paradise Island Adventure Golf, Trafford Centre Two 18 hole courses spanning two levels of paradise themed fun. 0161 202 9544 / www.paradiseislandgolf.com Planet Play, Heywood, Rochdale Standard, Deluxe, Super Deluxe or Girl Galaxy party options. 01706 627 627 / www.planetplay.net Run of the Mill, Stockport Private hire available from 5 – 7pm, with various entertainment options. 0161 494 7137 / www.runofthemill.co.uk Playfactore, Trafford A choice of parties in ahuge indoor playcentre with a personal party host and contemporary party rooms. 0844 824 6030 / www.playfactore.com Red House Farm, Altrincham A range of managed party packages with rides, bouncy castle, trampoline, inflatable slide, laser quest or climbing wall. 0161 941 3480 / www.redhousefarm.co.uk Ringways Restaurant, Manchester Airport Cater from the main or children’s menus, or pr-order a party platter. Table decorated with balloons and party banner. Free outdoor play area and free entry on board an Avro RJX aircraft. Concord tours also available (suitable for young children).0161 489 8300 / www.ringwaysrestaurant.co.uk Smithills Open Farm, Bolton Cuddle the animals in pets corner, donkey rides, tractor and trailer rides, bouncy castles, toy tractors, sand pit and adventure playground. Party food supplied – just bring the cake and party bags. Min 10 children. 01204 595 765 / www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk Starlight Performing Arts, Hazel Grove Popstar and Rockstar Parties with tailormade packages including food, drinks, party bags, photos and a DVD if required. 0161 439 8009 / www.starlightperformingarts.co.uk Total Fitness Studio (ages 4 – 11) and pool parties (ages 8+) www.totalfitness.co.uk Vanillis Cafe, Bowden Cupcake decorating & craft parties. 07956 185531 Wacky Woods Birthday parties and outdoor adventures for children. 01625 573 086 / www.wackywoods.co.uk Wobbly Bobs Playcentre, Farnworth With cold or hot party food, and optional extras like party bags, face painting and balloons. Sumo wrestling party option and exclusive venue hire available. 01204 576719 / www.wobblybobs.net Zoom Play Centre, Stockport Toddler, midweek, weekend and exclusive options available. 0161 477 2225 / www.zoomplaycentre.co.uk

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 9

Education

Helping your child cope with the stress of exams By Dr Lucy Russell, Everlief Child Psychology

Dear parents of year 5 and 6 children, This article has been written for you to share with your child as they approach their exams. I am sure they will be looking to do their best, not only for themselves but also for you. There’s always a considerable amount of playground ‘chat’ about these exams, especially the 11-plus, and this tends to make children more anxious than might have been the case. This article explains that getting ‘stressed’ is normal and provides some ideas to help. So, I guess by now you have heard lots about the 11-plus exam and maybe you have discussed with your parents whether or not you will take this exam. Or if you are taking SATs this summer, you might have been practising at school or have heard people saying it’s important to do well so you are in the right streams at secondary school. Some children can be worried about these exams. This might be for lots of reasons. Maybe you’re worried about messing it up, or worried that you won’t understand the questions. This is fine and quite natural. In fact getting ‘stressed’ or anxious

when you’re faced with exams, is very common. Leading up to an exam, your body gets pumped with two substances called adrenalin and cortisol, which can actually help you focus. This ‘stress response’ was helpful when we were cavemen and needed to run away from wild animals… But too much stress is not healthy and has a negative impact on your body and mind. See how you react when stressed by completing the checklist opposite. Now that you understand stress and the impact it has on you, we can look at what you can do to help yourself cope with it.

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1. Look after yourself • Make sure you get lots of sleep. Stop homework or playing on computer games at least one hour before going to bed. • Exercise helps release tension in your body and boosts your mood. Build it into your timetable each day – perhaps walking around the block, or bouncing on a trampoline. • Your brain needs a steady stream of energy, and the right vitamins and minerals to work properly. Try and eat lots of healthy food. A good breakfast on the day of any exams is important too. 2. Use coping techniques • Talk to your parents or someone else you know well. It’s really important that you don’t suffer alone. Sharing a problem can sometimes make you feel that a burden has been lifted. Others may have experienced the same sorts of feelings. • When you’re stressed, do some relaxing and enjoyable things. This calms your nervous system, stops the release of adrenalin and gives your body a rest. It creates ‘feel good’ chemicals in your body which help you relax. It’s especially important to do this in the evenings as this will help you sleep well. 3. Keep things in perspective • Try to challenge any panicky thoughts like ‘If I don’t pass, my world is over.’ Of course it means a lot to you and your family to do well, however, many people don’t pass exams and life will go on. • Challenge any ‘negative’ thoughts you’re having which seem to make you stressed. Thoughts are not always true. Work out what your worrying thoughts are and then check out whether they are true or not by chatting to your parents or a friend. Thanks for reading this article, we hope you found it useful.

How do I feel when I am stressed? Jumpy Can’t sit still Fast breathing Shaky hands Cold hands Heart pounding and beating fast Tight feelings in chest Getting angry easily Worried or afraid over little things Feeling like crying Dry mouth Muscles feel tense Upset stomach Sweating Hard time falling asleep Other...

Education Educational Psychologist Service now available from Fleet Tutors

Currently 10% of the British population is dyslexic, but too often this is not identified at school. Many dyslexic children are very bright, but struggle to fulfil their potential in the classroom if dyslexia or other learning difficulties are not properly identified.

Many children, however, despite the best efforts of our over-burdened schools, are unable to achieve their full potential due to a lack of resources, or more worryingly, through a lack of understanding. A growing number of parents do not trust our schools when it comes to recommending strategies to help a child progress with their education once learning difficulties are identified. Due to a rising demand from parents, Fleet Tutors, a supplementary education service provider, has now extended its range of services beyond tutoring to include independent educational psychologist

assessments to identify dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning difficulties. These assessments will help parents and pupils address their difficulties within the school environment and before the child loses confidence. Assessments are conducted by a fully qualified member of the British Psychological Society, with over twenty-five years’ experience and a comprehensive understanding of various learning difficulties. Appointments are available now at Fleet Tutor’s West London and Farnborough offices. With thirty-five years’ experience helping students of all ages achieve their

goals, Fleet Tutors operates a network of over 5000 qualified, experienced tutors across the country. For more information on Fleet Tutors’ services, visit www.fleet-tutors.co.uk or call 0845 644 5452.

Get walking Yes, it’s that time of year again. 2013’s Walk To School Week runs from 20 – 24 May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teachers and parents and promising to be the biggest and best yet! As part of National Walking Month, the campaign aims to teach children about the benefits of walking, with each day focussing on a different aspect of walking including safety, discovery, healthy, eco-friendly and social time. Take part in Strider’s 5-Day Walking Challenge and reinforce the benefits of walking, plus download puzzles, pledges and challenges at www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walk-to-school/walk-to-school-week.

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 11

Parents’ place Header

Getting girls back on track A few years ago, psychologist Steve Biddulph was advising parents of boys on how to raise them to avoid a battery of difficulties. Now he’s back with a formula for how to raise girls. Joanna Moorhead, a mother of four daughters, asked him what matters most. The day after I gave birth to our fourth daughter, my husband was involved in a puzzling exchange with our neighbour. The baby had been born at home overnight, so the neighbour was keen to hear the news over the garden fence. “It’s another girl,” announced my husband excitedly. “Oh,” said the neighbour, looking downcast. “And are you very disappointed?” Gary and I enjoyed telling the story, and we enjoy telling it to this day, because disappointment was truly the very last emotion we felt when our lovely little Catriona arrived to join her big sisters Rosie, Elinor and Miranda. Raising boys may, for all I know, be every bit as exciting and fun-filled as raising girls; but the truth is, I know nothing about it. I’m sure it’s similar, but I’m sure there

are also ways in which it’s different: and the point is that, by the time Catriona was born, I was already quite certain that bringing up girls was a fabulous task to be taking centre-stage in my life. So, from the moment the line went blue on my pregnancy test, I was secretly hoping for another daughter. And when she finally landed, Gary and I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Fast-forward ten years, and it’s still every bit as wonderful now as it was back then. But the last few years have brought a few scary moments – and, explains psychologist Steve Biddulph, I’m certainly not the only parent of daughters to have discovered that. Fifteen years ago, Biddulph leapt to fame when his ground-breaking book ‘Raising Boys’ tackled the difficulties that were making life tough for parents of boys – rising rates of ADHD, aggressive behaviour, teenage drinking. Back then, he says, “girls were doing just fine”. But no longer. “It all started to change about five years ago. We began to see a sudden and marked plunge in girls’ mental

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It’s a unique store as they know how to use and wear each and every one of their products, ensuring they provide you with the best customer service. What makes the jellyegg brand even more special is that they are the perfect store to choose if you lead an energetic lifestyle outdoors with friends and family. This is because each of the brands featured on their site use the highest quality materials for the purpose of being used on a regular basis. Use the code on the ad alongside for a 10% discount. www.jellyegg.com

12 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

health. Problems such as eating disorders and self-harm, which once had been extremely rare, were now happening in every classroom and every street. And more than this, the average girl was stressed and depressed in a way she hadn’t been before.”
 So now Biddulph is back with a new book aimed at parents with girls. And the message he wants to give us is that, from their earliest times, we need to bomb-proof them from what he calls “a world that seems bent on poisoning their confidence and trashing their lives”. What the onslaught is all about, says Biddulph, is the fact that advertisers have fixed their beady eyes on our pre-teen daughters: they’ve realised that little girls are extremely malleable from a marketing point of view, and they’ve gone all-out to sell them not only pink-clad dolls and sex-typed toys, but also sexualised clothes (long, long before any little girl should be thinking about looking attractive to the opposite sex) and pre-adolescent make-up. Biddulph’s advice is simple. Avoid all sex-stereotyped toys and products like the plague. From her

earliest days, think not about what material possessions you are giving your daughter: instead, concentrate on how you’re making her feel. From birth to two, he explains, all that really matters to a baby girl is that she feels safe and loved. In a world where the arrival of a little girl is often seen as an invitation to start showering her with possessions – cute outfits, a pretty bedroom – he advocates forgetting all about what she has (especially if it’s of the ‘girly’ variety) and concentrating entirely on how welcome, and wanted, and loved she is in your life. The deep-rooted confidence that brings will, he promises, be something she carries with her right through her life. From two to five, a little girl starts feeling interested in the world around her: now, she needs to be introduced to the world as an exciting and fascinating place, a place full of adventures. From five to ten it’s all about people skills – what she most needs to discover, says Biddulph, is that while her feelings are very important indeed, other people’s feelings matter too. With the coming of puberty, a girl’s thoughts shift towards what Biddulph calls ‘finding her soul’: if she is helped and encouraged to find what he calls her ‘spark’, some passion or interest that she cares deeply about and is willing to invest her time in, that will help her to find fulfilment through her entire life. It’s an empowering message: best of all, for parents like me, is Biddulph’s conviction that the family and the adults surrounding a girl are the most important elements in helping light the fire that will burn through all her days. If girlhood has sometimes seemed scary, Biddulph reminds us that it’s exciting and enriching – and guides us through the skills that will help us help our daughters, time after time. Steve Biddulph’s Raising Girls is published by HarperCollins, £12.99

Parents’Header place

Prepare now for Universal Credit with the online planner Universal Credit is a new type of financial support for people in work and out of work, which is being introduced gradually from April 2013. It replaces a number of current benefits and credits including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and Tax Credits. You’ll claim Universal Credit online and it’s paid monthly to a household. Start planning for it now using the Personal Planner (https://secureonline.dwp.gov.uk/ universal-credit-preparation), which takes 5-10 minutes to complete. By answering

a few simple questions you can find out how prepared you are for the changes Universal Credit will bring and what you can do now to get ready for them. People who are newly unemployed will be the first to claim Universal Credit. Other people, such as those on existing benefits, will gradually move onto the new benefit over the following four years. Universal Credit will make it easier for you to start a new job or work more hours – it reduces gradually as you start to earn more in work. More information is available at www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Be a Safety Hero in 2013! Child Safety Week (24 – 30 June) is the flagship community education campaign run by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), raising awareness of the accidents that seriously injure or kill children and how to prevent them. You don’t have to be superhuman to be a safety hero. The small things that you do, day in and day out, are the

things that can prevent your child suffering serious harm. Think of a few simple changes that you can make, like moving your cleaning products to prevent poisoning or moving your hot drink to prevent serious burns, and see how quickly they become everyday habits that take no time at all. For more information, go to www.childsafetyweek.org.uk.

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 13

Parents’ place Header

The personality shines through

Plenty of beach for everyone

A novel use for the board games pieces

A typical family room

Sun, sand, sea – and a great place to stay By Caryl Hall

We don’t often holiday “at home” – as we originally hail from warmer, southern climes, the hankering for blue skies is too strong! But we do like to take short local breaks to discover parts of this green and pleasant land that we now call home. So we jumped at the chance during the Easter break to head for the bright lights surrounding Blackpool – more accurately, Lytham St Annes, a classic seaside resort – and try out Best Western’s promise of a family friendly hotel option. The Best Western Glendower Promenade Hotel is situated overlooking a vast expanse of sandy beach, just two minutes’ walk from St Anne’s Pier. A major selling point for us was that the hotel promoted itself as pet friendly. Our newest addition to the family – a 5 month old black lab called Diesel – is firmly entrenched in our hearts, and we were keen to include him in our trip. We were a little nervous that he may find many chewable items in the hotel and end up costing us a fortune, but the hotel appeared unfazed by this and he was duly booked in. Fortunately he was on his best behaviour, and the room escaped unscathed. We were lucky enough to stay in a Prestige Room, which was more like a suite – with a small entrance hall, main bedroom/lounge, separate room with

single beds for the boys, and a bathroom. It also had an iron/ironing board (these remained firmly unused), tea/coffee making facilities (well used), a safe, hairdryer, radio and complimentary mineral water. They’d even provided food and water bowls for Diesel, and a fleecy blanket for him to lie on! With plenty of space for the his travel crate, a lounge area with a large flat screen TV (53 channels), bathrobes (not to be slipped into suitcases at the end of the trip) and slippers (welcome to take home) for the grown-ups, as well as a small balcony from which we could wave at the passing pedestrians, we really did feel like royalty. The hotel boasts a full sized snooker table, table tennis, a Nintendo Wii and a fully equipped gym. All of these remained unused by us as we were keen to get onto the beach, but we did make use of the board games and a giant Connect-4 that were on offer in the public area next to a warm fire with comfy sofas – a cosy haven from the still wintery conditions outside. The free high-speed wi-fi meant that Declan (13) could get his daily fix of web-surfing, and if we’d wanted it, we could have made use of the 20 metre swimming pool at St Anne’s Leisure Club free of charge too. The meals in the in-house hotel restaurant were excellent – tasty and a

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great variety to choose from. My choice of a vegetable frittata caused much hilarity when Ben (7) thought I’d asked for a “fafarter”. Boys will be boys. He was also given a free activity pack which kept him entertained while waiting for his meal. While we couldn’t go onto the famous St Anne’s Pier with Diesel, we did shiver our way through an obligatory ice cream at the Pier Café who were kind enough to let us all in out of the wind, and the boys rode their newly acquired electric scooters up and down the promenade. We spent loads of time playing with the dog on the beach, and made the short drive through to Blackpool where both boys were enamoured by the tacky excitement of it all! What impressed us most about the hotel was the genuine friendliness of staff. From the bubbly girls on the reception desk, to the overly attentive, professional restaurant staff and porter – they really went out of their way to make us feel welcome and at home. They certainly lived up to the Best Western strapline – “Hotels with personality” and we’ll definitely be making use of Best Western’s other family friendly options across the UK.

Best Western Glendower Promenade Hotel St Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire, FY8 2NQ To book call 08457 76 76 76 Rooms cost from £120 per night for a family room (including breakfast) For more info please go to www.bestwestern.co.uk Best Western is a collection of over 270 independent hotels across Great Britain. Every hotel welcomes kids with a free welcome pack and all under 12’s sleep and breakfast for free when they share a family room. There are over 25 hotels in the new Family Favourites collection, featuring everything from children’s check in desks, golf lessons, free ice cream refills, DVD and book libraries. To find out more go to www.bestwestern.co.uk or to book call their award-winning reservations team on 0845 33 00 120. To find out more about Lytham St Annes, go to www.visitlythamstannes.co.uk.

Parents’Header place Kids’ fashion update

Survival Tactics for Stress

By Jayne Keep

By Sheila Bayliss, Lollipop Coaching

As the days grow a little brighter and the evenings are less chilly, it’s time for an update to the kids’ wardrobes. My first stop is always Polarn O. Pyret. I just love their simple but funky designs and use of bold colours. I am frequently stopped and asked where we have bought items from as they are so eye-catching and that bit different from what you will find on the high street. My latest items have been a couple of gorgeous print dresses for Lily (7) and Isabella (4) and some short

all-in-one PJs for Logan (2). Once again I am pleased with the thoughtful design details, just the simple things like soft, non-chafing seams and quality fabrics that can withstand play, a dose of mud (or maybe split milk in the case of the PJs!) and still come out as good as new from the wash. Check out www.polaropyret.co.uk for the full fabulous range. And don’t forget to sign up to their offers for regular news and discounts.

Love music? Love Jacappella!

If you’re looking for a fun way to give your little one a great educational start in life, go and try the outstanding Jacappella music classes for children. Jacappella Teacher Nicolette Hilton, a musician herself, delivers lively, fun sessions in Altrincham, Bowdon and Sale. Full of fun, songs you’ll love, puppets and instruments, Nicolette aims to start your child on their musical journey.

For babies, toddlers and children 0 – 5 years, mixed age and ability classes ensure every child is able to develop at their own pace. Older children love sharing with the younger children who copy and learn from their classmates. With the emphasis on praise, enthusiasm and fun, the structured activities develop your child’s natural musical ability. It’s never too early to begin! Scientists now know that all children are born with musical ability, and with Jacappella you can nurture that innate talent. Watch your child become a budding musician. Book now! If you love music, you’ll love Jacappella! For more information and to book online, visit www.jacappella.co.uk or email nicolette @jacappella.co.uk

Work, being a mum, life in general – all of it put together brings challenging moments for many of us at times. During coaching sessions, I help clients find creative ways to respond to the pressures in their lives. Try out some of these questions for yourself: Separate the facts from your interpretation – what is reality, and what is a story you’re telling yourself? What are you finding particularly difficult? Try supporting yourself – what would you say to a friend who was struggling? What can you find to be grateful for, or to appreciate, in your experience right now? What if you let things unfold in their own time? Which parts of your experience would you choose to keep, and which would

you choose to respond to differently? Working through these can give you a starting point to reduce stress. For more info about how coaching can support you, follow me on Twitter @sheilabayliss – for tips, inspiration and offers. www.lollipopcoaching.com

Parenting a Teen Girl:

A Crash Course on Conflict, Communication and Connection with your Teenage Daughter By Lucie Hemmen PhD Published by New Harbinger Publications RRP £17.99 Paperback ISBN 9781608822133 This practical, thoughtful and comprehensive book contains straightforward good advice to help your parenting of teenage girls. “Did you know that driving you nuts is part of your daughter’s healthy development?” asks the author, a psychologist and mother. How we respond has an enormous impact so the specific steps suggested, for example towards productive conversations, are invaluable.

In addition to sex, drugs and alcohol experimentation, girls today have the pressures of social media, websites and mobile phones. Knowing how to support our girls with appreciation and love will have a lasting value. Essential reading. Reviewed by Jan Deykin

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Parents’ place Savings accounts for children Information supplied by MoneyVista

Most banks and building societies offer special savings accounts for children. These often pay better rates of interest than standard savings accounts and are designed specifically for children with free gifts, magazines and birthday cards. The one that’s right for your child will depend on whether: • you want to save on a regular basis or have a lump sum to put away • you can afford to tie-up your money for a set period of time • you want your child to have access to the cash

Savings Accounts Regular savings accounts often pay higher rates of interest. For example, Halifax is offering an impressive 6% on its regular savings account. But if you don’t want to save on a regular basis then opt for the best paying account you can find. For example, Virgin Money’s Young Saver account pays 3%. It’s also worth looking at standard savings accounts and if they offer better rates, you may want to opt for one of them. Some children’s accounts, such as Lloyds TSB’s children account which pays 3%, are only available if a parent has an account with the savings institution. Other things to watch out for are minimum investment levels, how many withdrawals you can make each year and if you need to give notice before withdrawing your money. As with any account, you need to regularly check the interest rates being

paid to make sure you’re getting a good deal. You can do this at MoneyVista’s Savings Watch (www.moneyvista. com/savings-watch).

Tax and savings Interest earned on savings is taxable. But as you need to earn more than the personal tax allowance (£8,105 in 2012/2013) to be a taxpayer, few children pay tax. To ensure they get interest tax-free fill in form R85. If they’ve already paid tax you can reclaim this by completing form R40. There are special rules if a parent gives savings to their child. If these savings earn gross interest of £100 or more a year (£200 if both parents contribute), then all the interest is taxed as if it belongs to the parent. If you don’t want your child to be able to withdraw the cash you’ve saved for them, look for an account where you can name yourself as trustee. You can still register for tax-free interest by completing form R85.

Junior ISAs There are two types of Junior ISAs (JISAs) - cash JISAs and stocks and shares JISAs. Cash JISAs are just like savings accounts except all the interest earned is tax-free. Parents can invest up to £3,600 in the current tax year in JISAs and this money is then locked away until the child reaches 18. Cash JISAs are offered by a number of banks and building societies and rates of interest are typically 2% to 3% at present.

The advantage of a JISA is that once a child reaches 18 this money is automatically tipped into an adult ISA which means the money remains in a tax-free savings account. The potential disadvantage with JISAs is that you cannot get at the money before your child is 18 and when the account matures, it’s your child and not you who has access to the cash. Any child under 18 is eligible for a JISA providing they don’t have a Child Trust Fund which was the predecessor to JISAs.

solicitor on the phone or in a local branch. Simply get in touch and quote the Macmillan Cancer Support code to receive a discount on the cost of writing your will. “Everyone should have an up to date, professionally written will, to ensure their loved ones and favourite causes are taken care of when they’re gone,” said Helen Eddleston of Macmillan Cancer Support. “Our Discounted Will-Writing Service provides access to trustworthy, professional will writing services at a reduced cost, meaning it has never been easier to write your will.” www.macmillan.org.uk/willwriting

16 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

These are 5-year lump-sum investments for children under 16. You can invest between £25 and £3,000 in each issue of the bonds. They earn a guaranteed rate of interest (2.5% for the latest issue) and interest is tax-free. MoneyVista is a free personal finance website. Full of guides, budgeting tips and expert help, they aim to help you take control of your money and plan for your family’s future. To find out more visit www.moneyvista.com/families

Learning disability charity Netbuddy founder wins Everywoman in Technology award

Have you written your will? Research by Macmillan Cancer Support reveals that the single biggest trigger for people to first write their will is having children, yet despite this over half of adults in the UK today have yet to put pen to paper. The research marks the launch of Macmillan Cancer Support’s new Discounted Will-Writing Service which helps people find a legal professional they can trust to write their will at a discounted cost. The service is available online with telephone support, meeting a trained financial professional face-to-face or liaising directly with a

NS&I Children’s Bonds

Netbuddy founder Deborah Gundle recently won the ‘Inspiration of the Year’ category in the 2013 Everywoman in Technology Awards, the UK’s flagship programme celebrating the successes of women leading the way in IT. Praising her ‘can-do’ attitude in setting up Netbuddy, a social networking site for the special needs community, the judges said they were particularly impressed by how Deborah had used technology to reach out to a group of

people who would otherwise be largely isolated. They praised her achievement in developing Netbuddy without any prior IT experience, and for using tools such as social media and crowd-sourcing to create what has become a ‘life-line’ for many parents and carers. Deborah, whose son Zach has profound learning disabilities, launched www.netbuddy.org.uk in 2010 with the aim of creating an interactive platform for people to exchange practical tips and information on all aspects of supporting people with learning disabilities. Deborah said: “When my son was little, the thing I most struggled with was the amount of time and energy I’d spend solving day-to-day problems. The idea behind Netbuddy was to capture the huge wealth of experience parents and carers have and make it easily accessible for other people to tap in to.”

Parents’Header place Good to Grow Inspirational ideas that will make gardeners out of kids: • Sunflowers – tiny seed with a big impact. See who grows the tallest? • Potatoes in a bucket – eat your own hard work • Cress egg heads – damp cotton wool with cress seeds, in an eggshell • Quick, edible lettuce – Let kids plant their own small lettuce garden. Let them choose which types and plant them in different shapes • Fun with Peas – they don’t need a lot of space, and once they start growing, grow voraciously. Kids can lead the peas to grow up the netting. • Create a theme – grow a tomato, courgette, basil and oregano plant, everything to top your pizza!

How to get the kids to grow things As we reach for the back door, or open a window for the first time in several months, we may spot a daffodil emerging through the cold hard ground, and just maybe the first sight of blue sky overhead – what better time to encourage your children to explore their environment and discover the world of gardening. Involving children in gardening can be a great and fun experience for everyone regardless of age. Children can really get engrossed in planting and caring for flowers – even those with shorter attention spans! Most kids can’t get enough of the anticipation and excitement of waiting for a seed to sprout or a plant to grow, even making mud pies, as all children find pleasure in a patch of soil they can call their own. Imagine sparking the green fingers of little children, as you point out the wonder of the natural environment around them. And what better way to learn about photosynthesis, by watching it happen in front of your eyes! Show your child the magic of Mother Nature.

start with a small, manageable project. It needn’t cost a lot of money either – you don’t need to buy anything special or fancy, and if you grow your own fruit and veg then you’ll ultimately be making a saving! Start with margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, and any other small containers you might find lying around the house. Instead of fancy trays with separate sections, you’ll find just as much use in empty egg cartons. A lollypop stick can make a great plant label and can be used when dipping out seedlings. And what about a water pistol instead of a watering can. Who would have thought watering the plants could be so much fun.

Getting Started

There is so much for children to learn. Explain to younger children that the seeds have popped underground and covered up to sleep, helping them understand that they need to be gentle with them and treat them with care. Make sure they know to water regularly

Gardening doesn’t require a huge garden or allotment; in fact, it can actually be beneficial to start out with smaller spaces such as a window box or a restricted area. Just ensure that the allocated area gets enough sunlight and

Opportunity to learn

and then sit back and watch it grow. You don’t have to be green fingered yourself, gardening opens up a whole host of great experiments and different ways of looking at things, almost like having your own laboratory in your kitchen. A good idea to show how plants need time to grow, lots of sunshine and water is to grow three separate pots of cress. Place one in sunlight with plenty of water, one in a dark cupboard with plenty of water, and one in sunlight with no water. The difference will be there to see.

Inspire their senses We all have a particular fondness for plants which stimulate our senses and children are no different; point out plants with soft leaves and bright flowers, aromatic herbs, scented flowers, grasses and leaves that rustle when blown, etc. These can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs and requirements. Plants attract wildlife, which can be hugely exciting. Wildflowers attract bees and butterflies, and watch out for

the insects. All of them have a purpose in the garden, for example hedgehogs and toads eat the slugs and snails, and worms create holes in the soil. Kids will eat anything they have grown themselves, just try with peas, cabbage and lettuce. Sheer pride will lend a flavour never to be forgotten. They will realise that whenever they eat yummy fruit and vegetables that someone had to grow them and that we can all grow our own fresh foods. Prepare for mess! Gardening isn’t a clean business but its lots of fun and easy enough for children to get to grips with. So peel your children away from the TV and explore the garden - touch the flowers, feel the leaves, and look for bugs. Once they get in the garden and explore, in time they will want to take care of the plants they have learned to love and really gain pleasure along the way. Enjoy!

We recommend: The Family Kitchen Garden by Karen Liebreich, Jutta Wagner and Annette Wendland (published May 2009)

Families Families Manchester Cheshire | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 17

Parents’ place

Header

What is autism? Dr Lucy Russell takes a looks at how autism can affect children and what a diagnosis will entail. Autism is a developmental disability that affects children and how they communicate and relate to others around them. Autism can’t be cured, but there is lots of support that can help children learn to cope with their difficulties. Autism is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The spectrum part of ASD means that, while all people with autism share certain areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in different ways.

Autism brings strengths If your child has autism, it’s important to remember that it also brings strengths. Many people with autism like to focus in on very small details of things in great depth. Channelled in the right way this could make them brilliant artists, mathematicians or computer programmers.

Autism brings difficulties There are difficulties with autism, generally they are in three main areas. Communication: Development of language is often delayed in children with an ASD. Both verbal and non-verbal (i.e. gestures) communication can appear unusual. Children may make fewer gestures than ‘normal’ children, such as pointing. They often struggle to make eye contact with others. Conversation with a child on the autistic spectrum may feel disjointed and not synchronised with the person they are talking to or with. Such children may struggle with the ‘to and fro’ nature of a two-way conversation, and may dominate or avoid conversations. People on the autistic spectrum tend to be ‘black and white thinkers’, and struggle to understand phrases that are not concrete, or where the meaning is not obvious. Social interaction: Every environment has social rules, such as turn-taking and

good manners. People with ASD can struggle to see others’ perspectives, so rules like turn-taking are often difficult to grasp. Some rules may seem illogical and confusing to a child with ASD. Why would you use different words when you’re talking to a child as opposed to an adult? Why are there rules about who you can play with in the playground and who you can’t? Why do I have to wait my turn? Obsessions and rituals: Because they often find the world unpredictable and scary, and are good at focusing on fine detail, people with ASD often develop intense and specialist interests. These interests may become obsessions. Common ones are trains/ Thomas the Tank Engine, and science fiction, but they can be almost anything. An obsession can be positive as it gives a child a ‘specialist subject’ which they can be expert on. They can help build a child’s self-esteem as well as being enjoyable. If an obsession begins to take over a child’s life in a negative way, however, and other things get pushed out, it’s important to seek help.

Asperger’s syndrome One autism spectrum disorder is Asperger’s syndrome. Children with this syndrome can have significant difficulties in social interaction, and sometimes repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. Children with Asperger’s can have highly functioning speech and ability. Physical clumsiness and peculiar use of language are also frequently seen.

Are there any quick tests? Unfortunately not. Every child with autism is different and so diagnosing takes input from different professionals and different assessments. There are a couple of useful tools which you may wish to try. The national autistic society website (www.autism.org.uk) provides information on The Checklist for

Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) and The Australian Scale for Asperger’s Syndrome (Garnett and Attwood 1998). By no means should these tools ever be considered as a diagnosis.

Will a diagnosis help my child? This is understandably a big step for parents. On one hand, having a formal diagnosis can enable the family to move forward and plan how best to support the child’s strengths and weaknesses. On the other hand, parents are often worried that having a ‘label’ will be a negative thing for their child. There is no easy answer to this dilemma, however, a diagnosis is often a positive thing for the family.

How is a diagnosis made? Assessments are conducted with input from a multi-disciplinary team. There are usually multiple parts to the assessment including a structured parent interview with a psychologist, a cognitive assessment, occupational therapist assessment and school/nursery observation. The range of assessments is designed to ensure accuracy of diagnosis.

Can healthcare professionals help after diagnosis? Absolutely. There are lots of things that can be done to help your child with their difficulties. For instance an occupational therapist can support your child with any sensory issues (such as dislike of noisy or bright places). A clinical psychologist can support the child therapeutically in areas such as social skills, anxiety or obsessions. The aim of therapy will be to reduce the impact of your child’s difficulties. With help your child should be able to learn how to cope and adapt to minimise the difficulties. This can have a very positive knock-on effect on how they build friendships and their general happiness.

What getting a diagnosis can mean ‘A few months ago our daughter was assessed and diagnosed with mild Asperger’s. Having the assessments conducted privately meant the process took about a month. It was, however, a difficult time, worrying if we had done the right thing and what would a diagnosis mean. How would being labelled affect the way she was treated? I realise now that she would have been labelled anyway as being different. ‘Now we know and understand more about the condition life is easier, so many battles have just disappeared. The fact she will eat cheese and bread but not a cheese sandwich is no longer an issue. We have found a social skills programme to follow, and are able to explain to friends that she is not being rude when she makes factual, honest comments. We have been able to find great resources that will help her learn the rules that she cannot pick up naturally. School reinforces these rules and teachers can now make allowances for the long detailed explanations she likes to give. ‘We have been able to see some of the positive aspects of her condition and build on these and access systems to help manage the negatives. We feel that the more she is understood by those around her, the more able she will be to cope with the demands of growing up.’ Dr Lucy Russell is a Clinical Psychologist and leads the autism service at Everlief Child Psychology. For more information, visit www.everlief.co.uk.

Pyjama Drama holiday workshops These unique one day drama holiday workshops for primary school children are designed for creative and energetic children between the ages of five and seven years. Workshops are themed based and are packed full of drama games and activities designed to develop children’s key skills whilst having lots and lots of fun. A different Pyjama Drama story rhyme is the starting point for each school workshop which children

18 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

explore through song, music, dance and play and use simple drama techniques to create an original drama to share with friends and family! So what’s going on this summer? Magic and Mystery for the Summer Holidays – these one day workshops will be held in venues in Altrincham throughout August. Please contact Emma on 0161 820 2209 or emma@pyjamadrama.com for more information and book early!

What’s on Summer workshops at Withington Girls’ School Sign up early for some great workshops and camps at Withington Girls’ School in Fallowfield.

Week commencing 22 July

Week commencing 29th July

Drama Workshops With actor, theatre maker and director Fiona Paul. The workshops will be held in the School’s purpose-built Drama Studio.

Art Workshops Led by Mrs Samantha Joice, Acting Head of Art. The workshops will be in the School’s recently refurbished Art Studios.

Weeks commencing 22 July and 29 July Sports Camps Led by qualified tennis coach Matthew Nichols. These activities will take place on the School’s superb indoor and outdoor Sports facilities.

For more information or to book your place, please call 0161 249 3457 or email willisp@withington.manchester.sch.uk. withington.manchester.sch.uk

Fish & bricks

Millions of lego® bricks and thousands of sea creatures take over manchester this summer! Families of Manchester should flock to the Intu Trafford Centre this summer as the brand new SEA LIFE Manchester opens right next door to the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre in the shopping centre’s Barton Square. For a great day out, families will be able to enjoy both attractions for £22.68 for an individual or £19.74 per person for a family. Plus for those who plan to visit regularly they offer an annual pass for unlimited visits for £65 for individuals or £230 for a family of four. Set to open in June, the aquarium will contain over 1 million litres of water and feature over 5,000 amazing sea creatures, 30 spectacular marine displays, an incredible underwater ocean tunnel alongside some exciting, yet to be announced, new features. Guests will be treated to a fully interactive experience where they can hold a crab or touch a starfish in touchpools whilst also being wowed by a range of creatures unseen in the region before, including sharks, rays, seahorses and jellyfish. The attraction will be a celebration of the sea from start to finish, providing an excellent focal point for education and marine conservation in the region. With over thirty years’ experience in looking after creatures, the brand has a three-pronged approach to conservation - breed, rescue and protect – which is at the heart of everything that SEA LIFE does. New for 2013 at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is the LEGO® Legends of Chima™ 4D Movie Xperience, the newest 4D film to screen in the attraction’s movie theatre. The all new 12 minute animated 4D film, complete with high impact special effects, will immerse audiences in the fantastical LEGO world of Chima where tribes of animal warriors compete in epic battles for CHI, a mystical energy source of limitless power and destruction. For more information visit www.visitsealife.com or www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk.

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 19

What’s on Until Sun 1 Sept

Tatton Park, Knutsford Mansion Exhibition: Beatrix Potter’s life Normal mansion opening times and charges apply. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Daily during May & June

Bramall Hall and Park Geocaching Free, Suitable for all ages, takes place during daylight hours. Go to www.geocaching.com to find the co-ordinates and clues, then come and find the caches which contain information about the park, as devised by our Youth Forum. 0161 474 2020 / www.stockport.gov.uk/bramallhall

Daily until 30 June

Piccadilly Gardens Manchester Starflyer – the Tower of Thrills! 10am – 10pm, £6pp or £20 per family (2 adults, 2 children). Described as the UK’s highest ride attraction, the Manchester Starflyer can transport up to 24 thrill-seekers at a time 70 metres into the air, offering a truly unique view of Manchester and the surrounding area. www.manchester.gov.uk/starflyer

Sat 4 May

Glossop Central Methodist Church SK13 8AT NCT Nearly New Sale 11am – 12.30pm, Entrance £1.50 08442436137 / nctglossop@gmail.com

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester.co.uk

Sun 5 May

Bolton Steam Museum May Day Steamings 10am – 4pm, Free (donations welcome!) 27 old stationary steam engines have been rescued and restored - some of the engines which once powered the cotton mills of Lancashire. Most will be running in steam on these days. 01204 846490 / www.nmes.org Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum, Rochdale Open Day 10am – 4pm, Free. Home-made refreshments, souvenirs, free admission and parking. Access to the Museum is via Richard Street, rear of Rochdale Fire Station. Explore the collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day. 01706 901227 / www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/museum Honford Hall, Handforth Handforth Craft Fair Amazing stalls and fun activities, bouncy castle, tombola’s, flower pot/finger ring decorating plus a chance to win a car or £10,000! www.facebook.com/handforthcraftfair Ordsall Hall Museum, Salford Tudor’s Live! 1pm, Free, no booking required Meet some of the characters of Ordsall Hall at our regular Tudor’s Live! Have a go at some Tudor activities with hands-on fun for all the family. 0161 872 0251 / www.salford.gov.uk/ordsallhall.htm

Sun 5 & Mon 6 May

Sat 4 – Mon 6 May

East Lancashire Railway Day Out With Thomas™ Join Thomas the Tank Engine and Sir Topham Hatt for family fun! Your one-time entry fee allows unlimited access to all of the day’s events and attractions including rides with Thomas, free gifts, entrance to the Imagination Station with Thomas games and activities, magic, puppet and circus shows in the Show Tent, live Thomas scenarios, free entry into Bury Transport Museum and your chance to get hands-on at our pottery workshop! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford The Spring Gift Fair 10.30am - 5pm, Free entry to fair, but normal park entry charge applies. Quality and value gifts, crafts, art, home décor and food. 01530 834056 / www.countrywide-events.co.uk

Hollingworth Lake Country Park Visitor Centre, Rochdale Meet a Hedgehog 11am – 4pm, Free, no need to book Drop in and say hello to some hedgehogs and owls at the Visitor Centre. Find out about them and their life stories. Have a go on the tombola and support Rochdale Hedgehog Rescue Centre. 01706 373421 / www.rochdaleonline.co.uk

Mon 6 May

Bolton Museum African Bead Workshop 1pm, Ages 5 – 11, Free, no need to book. Use Bolton’s global collections as inspiration to make your own African jewellery. 01204 332209 / www.boltonmuseums.org.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Adopt A Farm Animal Day Meet the rare breed animals at the Farm which are up for adoption. Normal park and farm entry charges apply. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

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Gawsworth Hall Classic Car Show 10.30am – 4pm. Adults £6, Under 16s £3. Veteran, vintage and classic cars together with more exotic modern vehicles, mtorcycles, military vehicles and historic tractors. 01260 223456 / www.gawsworthhall.com Quarry Bank Mill, Styal A Victorian May Day 11am – 4pm. Celebrate May Day at the Mill with entertainment and music including a Punch and Judy and traditional games. Normal admission applies. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Sun 12 May

St Mary’s Flower Park, Bury Prestwich Clough Day 12am – 5pm. Country crafts, children’s activities, brass bands, falconry displays, circus skills and refreshments. Something for all the family. www.prestwichclough.co.uk Tatton Park Cycletta Bike ride for women of all ages and abilities, starting from Tatton Park and taking in the quiet and beautiful roads around East Cheshire. Great fun and a good way to raise money for charity. www.humanrace.co.uk/events/cycletta

Bramall Hall Bramall Activity Day 11am – 4pm, All ages, Adults £5.50, Children £4.25 Step back in time and join in lots of hands on activities. Dancing, toys and games. Make your own wattle and daub, learn to write with a quill pen. A great family day out! 0161 474 2020 / www.stockport.gov.uk/ bramallhall Delamere Forest Barmy Army Assault Course & Den Building and fire toasting marshmallows 10.30am-12.30pm (5-7 year olds) & 2 – 4pm (8-12 year olds). In partnership with Delamere Outdoor Fitness. Booking essential. 07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Mon 6 & Mon 27 May

Sun 12 & Sun 19 May

Imperial War Museum North Hotspots 2.30pm, Free. Creative sessions using a range of art and craft materials to help you make your own unique souvenir to take home and keep. www.iwm.org.uk

Tues 14 May

Falinge Park High School & Performing Arts College, Rochdale Musical Recycling! 2 – 3.15pm, Ages 9 & 10, limited to 30 places, so booking essential. See how recycling items can make all the difference in a special info-session and then make musical instruments using recycled materials. 01706 631246 / www.rochdaleonline.co.uk

Hat Works, Stockport Paper Hat Making 11am – 4pm, all ages, Free, drop in. Get the chance to decorate your very own hat. Pick up your pack of craft materials from reception, then make and decorate your paper hat on the gallery floor! 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Manchester Museum Baby Explorers Free, booking essential (1 week before). Sensory play and interactive story sessions for babies who aren’t walking yet. 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Sat 11 May

Wed 15 May

Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre, Littleborough Go Wild Foraging Fun 2 – 4pm, Age 7 – 11 (must be accompanied), £1, Booking essential. Join Rangers on this walk looking for nuts and berries and enjoy a tasty treat!! 01706 373421 / www.rochdaleonline.co.uk

Church of St Peter, Swinton, Manchester M27 0WA Farnworth and Walkden Band Concert 7.30 – 9.30pm, Adults £5, Children free. An evening’s entertainment by a favourite local band. All profits for the Church’s Restoration Fund. A family friendly event, refreshments available and free parking on site. 0161 727 8175

What’s on Thurs 16 May

Bolton Museum Torchlight Tours 5.30pm & 6.30pm, Age 6+, Book in advance. See Bolton Museum in a new light! Celebrate Museums at Night and take a torch lit tour of the Museum in darkness and take part in a fun interactive quiz with Don Stenhouse, Collections Access Officer. 01204 332209 / www.boltonmuseums.org.uk

Fri 17 May

Staircase House, Stockport Museums at Night – Supper at Staircase House Travel through Staircase House and discover what people ate and drank in the past. There will be opportunities to sample some unusual dishes from a variety of historical recipes. Booking essential. 7.30pm & 8.30pm, Age 12+, Adults £5.95 0161 474 4444 / www.stockport.gov.uk/staircasehouse

Dunham Massey Village Hall 45th Rose Queen Festival 12.15pm, Adults £1, children free. Procession starts at Dunham Massey Hall. Crowning Ceremony, Maypole Dancing, Morris Dancers, Band, Traditional Games, Refreshments, Local Produce, Fancy Dress and more. The Life Centre, Washway Road, Sale NCT Baby First Aid in Association with the British Red Cross 10am – 12 noon and 2 – 4pm, £25 per person, Pre booking essential. 2 hour course, teaching you all the basic elements of baby and toddler first aid www.nct.org.uk/branches/manchestertrafford/baby-first-aid-courses The Park, Alderley Edge Alderley Edge May Fair 11am – 5pm, free. Fun Dog Show, parade, fairground ride, fancy dress, birds of prey and loads more. www.alderleyedgefair.com

Thurs 23 May

Z-Arts, Manchester The Waving Cat of Japan (Maneki Neko) Age 3 – 7. This fantastical far Eastern adventure is the second instalment in Krazy Kat Theatre Company’s ‘Sign me up a Story’ project. Each show is accessible not only to deaf children and young people but also to their hearing peers and is performed and taught by an integrated company of deaf and deaf aware practitioners. 0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org

Fri 24 May

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) Experitots - Things That Fly £3 for 1 adult & 1 child, each additional child/adult £2. Fun, creative activities, puppets and storytelling for under 5s. Booking recommended. 0161 833 0027 / www.mosi.org.uk

Sat 25 May

Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Warriors of the Plains 11am – 4pm, Free, drop-in, all ages. Explore the newly opened Warriors of the Plains: 200 years of Native North American honour and ritual exhibition. Discover more about dress, customs and ceremonial life. 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Sat 25 & Sun 26 May Fri 17 – Sun 19 May

Tatton Park, Knutsford Foodies Festival 11am – 7pm. £12 Adults, children under 12 free. Normal park entry charge applies. The UK’s largest celebration of food and drink, and a great family day out. Spectacular Bake and Cake Theatre incorporating a ‘bake-along’ with members of the audience invited to participate. 0844 995 1111 / www.foodiesfestival.com

Daily from Sat 18 May

Imperial War Museum North Horrible Histories®: Rotten Rationing - Big Picture Show 11am weekdays. 11am and 2pm at weekends and during the school holidays. Meet Rattus Rattus as he takes you on a journey back to the Woeful Second World War where you can discover foul food, dig for victory, and make do and mend. This new 360-degree Big Picture Show brings Horrible Histories Rotten Rationing to life for all ages. www.iwm.org.uk.

Sat 18 May

Clifton Country Park Kingfisher Kids 2 – 4pm, Free. Activities for families with children aged 5 – 12. Meet at the Visitor Centre. 0161 793 4219 / www.salford.gov.uk/cliftoncountry.htm

The Village Hall, Mottram St Andrew Cheshire Tortoise Day Adults £2, Children free. Live species of chelonia and other species on display. For children there are competitions, plus the tombola, raffle and new features for 2013 including a Galapagos/Darwin display. Light refreshments will be available. 01260 270 307 / www.slowcoach.org.uk Wilmslow United Reformed Church SK9 1PR East Cheshire NCT Nearly New Sale 11am – 1pm, Entrance £1. Clothes, toys, books and nursery equipment, refreshments with hot and cold drinks and homemade cakes. No shopping bags, prams or buggies. 0844 2436115 / events@eastcheshire-nct.org.uk

Wed 22 May

Falinge Park High School & Performing Arts College, Rochdale Amazing Egyptian Art 11.15am – 12.30pm, Ages 9 & 10, limited to 30 places, so booking essential. Travel into the past to discover how the Ancient Egyptians used art in their everyday lives and make Egyptian headdresses and neckwear. 01706 631246 / www.rochdaleonline.co.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford Sheep Shearing at the Farm 12 noon – 5pm. The farm staff will be shearing daily from 1.30pm, so don’t miss this opportunity to see them shed their woolly coats. Normal park and farm entry charges apply. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Etihad Stadium, Manchester Rugby League Magic Weekend 2013 All 14 Super League clubs will again be in action, entertainment on the pitch and outside the stadium with lots of fun activities for families to enjoy between matches. 0844 856 1113 / www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk Hat Works, Stockport Children’s Tours 2.30 – 3.30pm, Age 5 – 11, Adult £1.50, Child £2.50. Step back in time to learn how hats were made and experience what it was like to be a hatter’s apprentice! Booking essential. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Sat 25 May – Sun 2 June

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Scarecrow Festival 11am – 4pm, 50p per trail. Get set for some super scarecrows taking over the estate! Follow the scarecrow trail through the gardens, grounds and village. Normal admission applies. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) May Half term programme A packed programme of free activities, workshops and storytelling sessions for a family audience. Find out more about the Museum in the Revolution Manchester Show, then head to the Power Hall to compete in teh Rainhill Trials Railway Race Game, enjoy hte stories at Pable Fanque’s Circus of Dreams, or just relax on the steam train. 0161 832 2244 / www.mosi.org.uk

Sat 25 – Mon 27 May

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Sing as we go – 1940s weekend A Spitfire fly past, ENSA entertainers, live music and dance and more. 0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sat 25 May – Sat 1 June

Touchstones, Rochdale Holiday Quizzes Drop in during normal opening hours – Free, no booking required. Complete the quiz and get your chance to be entered into the free prize draw. 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org/ touchstones

Sun 26 & Mon 27 May

Bolton Steam Museum Spring Steamings 10am – 4pm, Free (donations welcome!) 27 old stationary steam engines have been rescued and restored - some of the engines which once powered the cotton mills of Lancashire. Most will be running in steam on these days. 01204 846490 / www.nmes.org

Mon 27 May

Etihad Stadium, Manchester Bupa Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run Join over 2,000 children for the North West’s biggest and most popular junior running event. A 1.5km Mini event suitable for ages 3-8 years and a 2.3km Junior event for age 9-15. More than twenty ‘Come and Try It’ activities on offer throughout the day giving children the chance to sample new sports. www.greatrun.org Tabley Park, Knutsford Warrington Horse Show 9am, £20 per car. A celebration of all things equestrian, with fun entertainment for a great family day out. www.warringtonhorseshow.co.uk

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What’s on Mon 27 – Fri 31 May

Manchester Museum May half term: Nature’s Library 11am – 4pm, Free, drop in, all ages. Make marvellous mobiles inspired by the gallery. 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Tues 28 May

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester.co.uk

Wed 29 May

East Lancashire Railway Children’s Craft Workshop – Jumping Guards Make a Train Guard puppet who jumps and jives at the pull of a cord. Note – do not try this on actual Train Guards. 0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Magic of Beatrix Potter Morning 10.30am – 12pm, Ages 4 – 8, £7.50. Explore the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter’s stories out in Tatton’s stunning gardens. An interactive journey of discovery with tales of some of Beatrix’s best loved characters. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Bramall Hall Who Ate All the Porridge? 10.30 – 11.30am, Age 3 – 6, £3 per child (one accompanying adult free per child). Help us tell the story of Goldilocks and the three bears as we look for all the characters around the Hall – but be quiet in case you wake up Goldilocks! Booking essential. 0161 474 2020 / www.stockport.gov.uk/bramallhall Salford Museum & Art Gallery National Family Week Event 11am – 3pm, Free, No booking required Meet some of the characters of Lark Hill Place and have a go at some Victorian chores. Try your hand at our family quiz and create a picture of yourself as a Victorian! 0161 778 0800 / www.salford.gov.uk/salfordmuseum Whitworth Art Gallery Arty Picnics 11.30am – 1pm, Free. Bring your lunch and get creative whilst having a very special picnic at the Gallery. Don’t worry, if it’s wet outside we will have the picnic inside the Gallery. 0161 275 7450 / www.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth

Tues 28 & Thurs 30 May

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Mini Scarecrow workshops 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, £3 (booking essential) Make your own mini scarecrow at one of our popular workshops. Normal admission applies. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank-mill

Tues 28 – Thurs 30 May

Hat Works, Stockport Make a Monster! 10.30am – 12 noon and 1 – 2.30pm, Age 5 – 11, £3.50. Let your little monsters design and make a monster of their very own. Booking essential. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Tues 28 – Fri 31 May

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Recycling machines 12 – 4pm. Inspired by the ‘Beastly Machines’ exhibition, why not see what you can recycle and turn into a knitting nancy ‘machine’? Normal admission applies. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Thurs 30 & Fri 31 May

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Plant it, grow it, eat it. 12 – 4pm, Free, but normal admission applies. Join us in the garden and tick off one of your ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4’ - plant some delicious veg to take home. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org. uk/dunham-massey Delamere Forest Den Building 10.30am – 12pm or 1.30 – 3pm. Booking essential. 07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Thurs 30 May – Thurs 6 June

Ordsall Hall Museum National Family Week Event 11am – 5pm, Free. We are planning a bug-themed exhibition for summer and we need your help. Come to our event and make flowers, bugs and plants for a fantastic indoor garden which will be part of the exhibition. You can also try your hand at our family quiz. Bring a picnic to eat in our grounds! 0161 872 0251 / www.salford.gov.uk/ordsallhall Tatton Park, Knutsford Viking Morning 10am – 12.30pm, Ages 8 – 12, £9. Beware all who enter the Old Hall, for who will you discover at the Viking settlement? Includes outdoor cooking, storytelling, shelter building and animal tracking. Booking essential. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Wed 29 – Fri 31 May

Imperial War Museum North Bumpty Bear 10.30am, All ages, Free. A new family friendly storytelling session about Bumpty Bear and his adventures around The Quays. Learn how friendship and first aid keep this clumsy character smiling. www.iwm.org.uk Whitworth Art Gallery Printing in the Park 1 – 3pm, Free Join an artist and create your own screen prints. Dress ready for the spring weather. 0161 275 7450 / www.manchester.ac.uk/ whitworth

Thurs 30 May

Delamere Forest Mini beast hunting 10 – 11am, 12 – 1pm, 2 – 3pm. Booking essential. 07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk Touchstones, Rochdale Mini Sailing Ships 1 – 2.30pm, Ages 5 – 12 (must be accompanied), Free but booking required (2 weeks in advance). Inspired by our Sea exhibition, make your own small-scale boat, captain of your ship and seascape scenery to take home. 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org/ touchstones

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Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall Bolesworth Classic In addition to the fantastic equestrian competition there are numerous other attractions for all of the family to enjoy including: a vintage funfair, vintage car displays, climbing calls, mini quad biking, a bunjee trampoline, zorbing of all varieties as well as a number of displays including The Pony Club, Lancashire rescue bears and the ever popular birds of prey. 01829 782210 / www.bolesworthclassic.co.uk

Fri 31 May

Tatton Park, Knutsford Beatrix Potter Dance, Drama and Song Workshop 10am – 2.15pm, £23. Using the magical tales of Beatrix Potter as inspiration, professional drama and dance tutors will lead a fun and creative day of dance, drama and singing. Adults are invited to a performance to finish the day. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Manchester Museum Magic Carpet: Warriors of the Plains 10.30 – 11.30am, 11.30am – 12.30pm, Free, booking essential (1 week before) Storytelling and activity session for under 5s and their families/carers. 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum Delamere Forest Bushcraft 10am – 12pm or 1.30 – 3.30pm. Booking essential. 07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Sat 1 June

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) The Wonderful World of Worms Come and see the good, the bad and the downright ugliness of these parasites up close and personal. 0161 832 2244 / www.mosi.org.uk

Sat 1 & Sun 2 June

Tatton Park, Knutsford Pigling Bland Weekend at the Farm Join us in celebrating the 100 year anniversary of The Tale of Pigling Bland. Meet the new piglets, listen to piggy tales and follow the Pigland Bland quiz. Normal park and farm entry charges apply. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Classic and Performance Car Spectacular 9am – 4pm. Adults £7.50, Children (10 – 15) £5, Under 10 Free. Around 2,000 classic, vintage and performance cars are on show. General trade stands, children’s rides and refreshments. Normal park entry charges apply. 01565 723 863 / www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Teddy Bears’ Picnic 12 – 4pm, Free, but garden ticket required. Bring your teddy bear and a picnic to the garden today and enjoy games, a brass band and Punch & Judy. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Sun 2 June

Kingsway School (lower site), Cheadle SK8 1NP & Saddleworth School, Uppermill OL3 6BU Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm, Pitch costs £15 www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk Worsley Green Worsley Green Village Fair 10am – 3pm. Traditional Village Fair with variety of stalls selling homemade jams, cakes, jewellery and beautiful craft and gift items. Light refreshments available. 0161 794 1574 Victoria Park, Swinton Victoria Park Band Concert 2 – 4pm A fabulous outdoor live band concert performed on a Victorian band stand with light refreshments served by Friends of Victoria Park. 0161 793 4219 / www.salford.gov.uk/countryparks

Tues 4 June

Alderley Edge Down the Mines! 7 – 9.30pm, Age 6+, £7, booking and payment in advance essential. Join Derbyshire Caving Club for a trip down the old copper mines of Alderley Edge. 01625 383777 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Tues 4 – Thurs 6 June

Hat Works, Stockport Bee Creative 10.30am – 12 noon and 1 – 2.30pm, Age 5 – 11, £3.50. Use all your creative juices to make a summer insect at this fun crafts workshop. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Wed 5 June

Stockport Air Raid Shelters Explorer Tours 7pm Age 8+ (must be accompanied) £6.10 (under 16s £5.10). Take an evening tour around the shelters including areas not seen on the standard tour. You will be given the opportunity to see the full extent of Stockport’s air raid preparations. Booking essential. 0161 474 1940 / www.stockport.gov.uk/airraidshelters

Thurs 6 June

Stockport Air Raid Shelters Children’s Explorer Tours 6.45 – 8pm, Age 7+, Adult £2, Child £3.95. Exciting children’s version of the ever popular explorer tours. Brave the darkened tunnels as you go back in time and experience the life of a child during the war. Booking essential. 0161 474 1940 / www.stockport.gov.uk/airraidshelters

What’s on Sat 8 June

Together Trust Centre, Cheadle Cheadle Festival Family Fun Day 11am – 4.30pm. Stalls, arts and crafts, face painting, live music, funfair, food, licenced bar and Graham Fisher’s International It’s a Knockout. 0161 283 4822 / www.togethertrust.org.uk

Sat 8 & Sun 9 June

Bakewell The Bakewell Baking Festival Festival Village with demonstrations, Vintage Market. A weekend celebration of baking with a dash of British eccentricity and family fun mixed in. www.bakewellbakingfestival.co.uk Hat Works, Stockport Children’s Tours 2.30 – 3.30pm, Age 5 – 11, Adult £1.50, Child £2.50. Step back in time to learn how hats were made and experience what it was like to be a hatter’s apprentice! Booking essential. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Poynton Park Party in the Park Musical charity event for the whole family. www.poyntonrotary.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Peter’s Tea Party 10am – 12pm, Max age 12, £20. Join our guide in the Mansion kitchens for baking activities and storytelling inspired by Beatrix Potter’s tales. Adults are invited to a tea party from 11.30am to sample the morning’s creations. Maximum age 12. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Touchstones, Rochdale Family Fun Day 11am – 2pm, All Ages, Free, Drop-in – no booking required. An exciting day of free arts and craft activities for the whole family to enjoy together to highlight Refugee Week. 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org/ touchstones

Sun 9 June

Bury Town Centre Bury Lions Carnival 2013 10am – 5pm, parade 1.30 – 2.30pm Displays, dancing, music and a Carnival Queen competition. www.burylionsclub.org.uk

Sat 15 & Sun 16 June

River Dee, Chester Dragon Boat Race 10am. A fun race on the River Dee. www.chesterdragonboatfestival.co.uk

Mon 10 June

Daily from Sun 16 June

Fri 14 – Sun 16 June

Cholmondeley SY14 8AH The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 8am – 6.30pm daily. Motorsport Event including racing cards and bikes, F2 Power Boats, air displays, Miitary combat power, food and drink, shopping and children’s entertainment. 01829 772433 / www.cpop.co.uk

Sat 15 June

Norden School Norden Carnival 1 – 4.30pm, Free. The procession leaves Caldershaw School at 1pm and goes up Edenfield Road through the village to the Bus Terminus and then returns turning down Shawfield Lane to finish at Norden School. A selection of food and refreshments, fairground attractions, bouncy castles, craft stalls and other entertainment and activities 07971 817184 www.nordencarnival.com

Cheshire Showground, Knutsford Cheshire County Show The largest 2-day county show in the Northwest. Large equestrian section, farm livestock classes, dog shows, flowers, a superb food hall, cheese, crafts, shoppers mews and country pursuits. 01565 650200 / www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk

Thurs 20 – Sun 30 June

Lymm Lymm Festival Around 50 events taking place in the village of Lymm including dance, drama, music, comedy and literature, Open Gardens, FoodFest (20 June) and Lymm Fest (22 June). www.lymmfestival.org.uk

Sat 22 & Sun 23 June

Astle Park, Chelford 1000 Engine Rally 10am – 5pm Adults £6, Children under 12 free. The largest stationary engine rally in Europe. www.1000engines.co.uk

Sun 30 June

Burrs Country Park, Bury Bury Agricultural Show 9am – 5pm. A wonderful day out for the entire family, with attractions, competitions and exhibitions for both children and adults, including a fun dog show (£1 entry per class), and birds of prey demonstration. www.buryagricultural.co.uk Manchester City Centre Great Manchester Cycle A multi-distance urban bike ride taking place on completely closed roads, including a stretch of Manchester’s busiest motorway - the iconic Mancunian Way. The course goes through the districts of Manchester, Trafford and Salford. You will cycle around the impressive setting of The Quays. Free event. www.greatcycle.org

Sun 23 June

St Mary’s Flower Park, Bury Prestwich Carnival Food stalls, re-enactment, dancing, music – fun for all the family. www.prestwichcarnival.co.uk

The Hub, Pownall Road, Altrincham NCT Baby First Aid in Association with the British Red Cross 7 – 9pm, £25 per person, Pre booking essential. 2 hour courses, teaching you all the basic elements of baby and toddler first aid. www.nct.org.uk/branches/manchestertrafford/baby-first-aid-courses

Tues 18 & Wed 19 June

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Creepy Crawly, what’s their story? Explore the hall and the gardens from a bugs’ point of view. This free, family friendly exhibition looks at some of the creepy crawlies that live here. From woodlice to bees, woolly bears to snails, some of them are friends of the hall and some are foes - which are which? You decide! 0161 778 0800 / www.salford.gov.uk/ salfordmuseum

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Friends Matinee Theatre Performance 3pm, Adult £11, Child £7, Family £32 (2 adults, 2 children). A unique production perfect for the outdoor setting of Tatton Park’s Old Hall. Live music. Booking essential. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Mon 24 June – Sun 7 July

Wimbledon Fortnight MediaCityUK Piazza, Salford Quays Free event. Head down to MediaCityUK and grab your spot to watch Wimbledon on the big screens. There will be food, drink and much more to make you feel like you are courtside. Pop down on 30 June to enjoy Werneth Concert Band 30th Anniversary Open Air Concert, complete with big screen entertainment. www.mediacityuk.co.uk

Fri 28 June

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) Experitots – Materials £3 for 1 adult & 1 child, each additional child/adult £2. Fun, creative activities, puppets and storytelling for under 5s. Booking recommended. 0161 833 0027 / www.mosi.org.uk

Sun 16 June

Dock 9, Huron Basin, Salford Quays 2013 UK Chinese Dragon Boat Festival Celebration 11am – 5pm, Free. Catch over 30 Dragon Boat teams from communities, universities, businesses and charity fund raisers in action on the water, all competing for the winning trophy. Plus the chance to enjoy traditional Chinese cultural attractions, such as lion dances, music, Chinese calligraphy and sample traditional food such as Zongzi. 07917 792784 / www.xca.org.uk

Sat 29 June

Touchstones, Rochdale There Be Treasure 11am – 3pm, Ages 5 – 12, Free, Drop-in – no booking required. Part of Link4Life’s Big Games, come to a pirate drop-in workshop inspired by the Sea exhibition and continue on to a ‘treasure hunt’ in Broadfield Park. 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org/touchstones

Z-Arts Manchester Shiny 1 & 3pm, Suitable for babies sitting independently to children aged 4 years. Join dancers from Turned on its Head for their new interactive show for children. Set in the 1940’s their journey takes us from a dusty cinema storeroom to the dazzling world of the movie stars… to a place where everything shines and sparkles. Watch with amazement as all that glitters unfolds before your very eyes. 0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org

Sat 6 July

Tatton Park, Knutsford Pick your own for Peter 10am – 12pm, £20, Max age 12. Join our guide in the gardens for storytelling and pick your own fruit, vegetables and salad to create dishes inspired by Beatrix Potter’s tales to take home. Then cook your harvest in the Victorian Mansion. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Mon 8 July

The Hub, Pownall Road, Altrincham NCT Baby First Aid in Association with the British Red Cross 7 – 9pm, £25 per person, Pre booking essential. 2 hour course, teaching you all the basic elements of baby and toddler first aid. www.nct.org.uk/branches/manchestertrafford/baby-first-aid-courses

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What’s on In The Night Garden LIVE The Waving Cat of Japan returns to Manchester (Maneki Neko) The world’s only live production of the CBeebies top-rated show, In The Night Garden LIVE is an amazing musical theatre experience for all the family. Children’s favourite CBeebies’ stars – Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends – are all brought beautifully to life on stage using full-size costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breath-taking projections. The show takes place in its own all-weather, purpose-built inflatable showdome with many family-friendly facilities. This site-specific structure is a huge hit with children and parents and its immersive theatrical experience makes audiences feel they are actually entering the magical world of the TV show In the Night Garden.

Booking is now open for the performance which will run at The Trafford Centre from Thurs 15 August – Sun 1 September – get your tickets now! Box office 0333 300 0023 / www.NightGardenLive.com

The fantastical far Eastern adventure The Waving Cat of Japan (Maneki Neko is the second instalment in Krazy Kat Theatre Company’s‘ Sign me up a Story’ project. This Japanese style bunraku fantasy for deaf and hearing children aged 3-7 will be visiting Manchester’s Z Arts on Thurs 23rd May.

Krazy Kat Theatre Company is one of the few UK based companies providing artistic opportunities for, and platforming the creative work of, deaf artists. The Waving Cat, in this visually exciting new show, is the curious Japanese figurine of folk tales and legends which is said to bring good luck. A tropical storm, a wicked Sorceress, a not so smart Prince and three tricky tasks to perform before midnight? Yikes! Luckily, Maneki Neko the Waving Cat is on hand, or paw, to try to help. Join the Kats in this fast moving and funny show, lasting 55 minutes. To book tickets, go to www.z-arts.org. www.krazykattheatre.co.uk

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY? ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY? Here’s your chance to win a family ticket to see Mickey Mouse live on stage!! Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and your favourite Disney friends for an hilarious talent search in the all-new Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show! at The Lowry, Salford Quays. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy set out on a zany road trip where audiences join in and help find the coolest acts around. Along the way, hit a high note with Cinderella; get your bounce on with Tigger; and shout out your loudest “yee-haw” at a hoedown with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story! Grab your family for a fun-filled getaway at this live, show-stopping adventure jam-packed with unexpected twists, turns and hijinks! The show runs from Thurs 25 – Sat 27 July, and we’ve got a family ticket for 4 people for the performance on Thurs 25 July at 4.30pm to give away. To enter, go to www.familiesmanchester.co.uk and answer the following question: What is the name of Buzz Lightyear and Woody’s owner in Toy Story? Entries close Sun 30 June.

24 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Win a Family Ticket to Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom Live ‘Somewhere, hidden amongst the thorny brambles is a little kingdom where everyone is very very small...’ From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation for the first time ever live on stage! Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan. Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird. They live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass rise high above them and every day is an adventure. Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter on an enchanting journey through the Magical Kingdom. With actors, masks and colourful costumes this beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family. The show runs at The Palace Theatre, Manchester from Sat 27 July – Sun 28 July (2 performances each day). Ticket prices range from £12.50 – £16.50 (booking fee applies). 0844 871 3019 / www.atgtickets/manchester We’ve got a Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children) to give away for the performance on Sat 27 July at 1pm. To enter, just go to www.familiesmanchester.co.uk. Closing date for entries: Sun 30 June.