For Parents & Carers in Northeast Cheshire & South Manchester
HOLIDAY CLUBS SUMMER EVENTS UK FAMILY TRAVEL
15 BIG DAYS OUT
Issue 79 • Summer 2021
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WELCOME
In January I decided to take a break from Little Tigers because the content had completely evaporated – no events, no groups, no going out. I also needed some time to think about what I wanted to do when lockdown was over, and, as it turns out, what I really want to do is make magazines! So I got back in touch with the regular Little Tigers advertisers, and their enthusiasm to continue supporting this magazine (even in these troubled times) put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. I love this business, I’ve enjoyed putting together every single page and it feels good to be doing it again. Parenting has been unbelievably tough in the pandemic for so many reasons, and I hope that you and your children can get out safely and have some fun this summer. We’ve got as many events listings as we could find before going to press, a feature on big days out for families, some holiday club ideas, articles about baby and toddler groups and teaching science to pre-schoolers, and a pull-out colouring page to keep your little ones busy for a while. And welcome back to our regular contributors Catherine and Victoria, who have written about taking family holidays in the UK. I thought it was time for a new look, so I worked with a talented designer called Kelly to create a fresh and updated logo – I hope you like it. The distribution plan has changed this time too, because some of our outlets prefer to distribute the magazine digitally and others won’t be opening until September. Whether you’re reading this in print or online, please share the love and share the link to the digital edition with other parents and carers with young children in Cheshire or Manchester.
CONTENTS Page 4 Summer Events
This has been a tricky time for visitor attractions, theatres and festivals – but some are now planning holiday events.
Pages 6 – 10 15 Big Days Out From woodland parks to football stadiums, museums to cool city centres, we’ve highlighted 15 great places to take the children for a really big day out.
Page 17 Community Groups We look back at what the last 18 months has meant for local baby and toddler groups.
Page 18 Young Scientists Why we should be teaching STEM in the early years.
Pages 12 – 13 Colouring Pages Grab the coloured pencils and go for it. Alternatively, give them to the kids.
Pages 20 – 21 UK Family Travel We report on a canal holiday in Wales and exploring the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
Pages 14 – 15 Holiday Clubs If you need childcare or want to keep your little ones busy, here are 8 holiday club ideas.
Alison Stodolnic Founder and Editor
Pages 22 – 23 School News The latest happenings from some of the independent schools that support us.
LITTLE TIGERS MAGAZINE
The Team: Thank you to our writers and researchers Catherine Lawler, Victoria Pollitt, Melanie Hallam and Daisy Dorothy, everyone who contributed words and images for this magazine, and our printers Buxton Press. Email: editor@littletigers.co.uk | Phone: 07392 338586 | Website: www.littletigers.co.uk Digital Edition: www.issuu.com/littletigersmag | Facebook: www.facebook.com/littletigersmag © Little Tigers Magazine (2021) – nothing may be reproduced without permission. Established in 2001, Little Tigers provides information and ideas to parents, grandparents and carers of children aged 0 to 12 in northeast Cheshire and south Manchester. Little Tigers accepts no responsibility for consequences that may arise from the editorial content on these pages. If you have any comments or suggestions please get in touch.
SUMMER EVENTS
As we were compiling these events listings, the country was preparing to unlock and legal restrictions on social contact were just about to end. Please remember that you still often need to pre-book nowadays and some details might change – so do check before you head off. As always, stay safe. Now – 31 August Top Secret: From Ciphers to Cyber Security Interactive exhibition all about codebreaking and secret communications (see page 8). Museum of Science and Industry www.msimanchester.org.uk Now – 5 September Percy the Park Keeper A treasure hunt through the farmyard looking for gold coins along the way – inspired by the book by Nick Butterworth. Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk Now – 31 October Grayson’s Art Club A fun and engaging art exhibition to accompany the TV show (see page 7). Manchester Art Gallery www.manchesterartgallery.org 17 – 18 July Rare Breeds Weekend at the Farm Meet endangered breeds of pigs, chickens, horses and goats (for info about Tatton, see page 8). Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk 18 July & 8 August Discover Tree Climbing Various time slots available. Arley Hall and Gardens, Northwich www.arleyhallandgardens.com 24 July – 30 August Summer Holiday Activities Space Crafts: Space-themed making and drawing activities in the new outdoor tipi. Star Hunters Trail: A self-guided scavenger hunt activity learning about the night sky. Also daily 30-minute walking tours of the giant Lovell telescope. Jodrell Bank, near Macclesfield www.jodrellbank.net 24 July – 4 September Macclesfield Summer of Art Workshops led by professional artists (for all ages) where you can be creative and make things. The Silk Museum, Macclesfield www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk
28 July – 28 August Tatton Park Pop-up Festival 30 July, 7, 13 & 25 August – Princess Tea Party 31 July – Brainiac Science Show 4 & 18 August – Pop Party for Kids 11 & 27 August – The Greatest Show’s Kids Edition 14 & 20 August – Family Variety Show Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk 29 July, 10.30am & 2pm We All Wobble Two life-sized weebles in a 30-minute wobbling spectacle (for ages 4+) presented by Aca Theatre. Waterside Arts Centre www.watersidearts.org 29 – 30 July, 12pm & 3.30pm D.O.C. (Doctor on Call) A 30-minute family comedy featuring a talking ambulance. Suitable for ages 3+ and presented by Safety Catch Theatre. Waterside Arts Centre www.watersidearts.org 30 July, 11am & 2pm Groove into the Woods A 55-minute animated and live action show suitable for ages 3 to 7. Waterside Arts Centre www.watersidearts.org 7 – 8 August A Day Out With Thomas Meet Sir Topham Hat and other characters, and go for a Thomas the Tank Engine themed steam train ride on the East Lancashire Railway. Bury Bolton Station www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk 8 August, 12pm & 3.30pm Milkshake! Live Family show with songs, dancing and all the Milkshake characters. Stockport Plaza www.stockportplaza.co.uk 8 August, from 12pm Fun Dog Show at the Farm Ten novelty classes including waggiest tail and scruffiest dog. Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk
12 August, 1.30pm & 3pm Into the Woods: Babbling Vagabonds Workshop A chance to find out how shadow puppets are made (ages 6 to 11). Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk 17 August, 2.30pm & 6.30pm Horrible Histories History made fun in a live show entitled Gorgeous Georgians & Vile Victorians. Stockport Plaza www.stockportplaza.co.uk 20 – 21 August Spies and Disguise Learn about all aspects of being a spy and take on an assault course. Imperial War Museum North www.iwm.org.uk 20 – 22 August Just So Festival An outdoor family festival with dance, music, costumes, comedy and drama. Rode Hall, Cheshire www.justsofestival.org.uk 20 – 23 August Geronimo Festival A festival extravaganza for all the family with music, circus shows, zip wires, glamping and camping, fun workshops, stage shows, craft marquees, a bouncy castle, donkey rides and children’s entertainment (see ticket offer on page 6). Simon at Geronimo told Little Tigers: “Research published from the test events that took place has given us additional health and safety guidelines on how to run an outdoor event safely. Whilst there is no guarantee that there will be no new local lockdowns, we feel in a strong position to proceed. We’re desperate to deliver Geronimo – for the hundreds of dedicated artists, to the crew that build the festival and, most importantly, you the audience. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep visitors updated via email and social media. Ticket numbers have been reduced and we will be utilising more space than ever before.” Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich www.geronimofest.com
“the business of childhood is best conducted in the outdoors”
Children are practical learners, responding best to practical experiences. Doing is learning - the Montessori way. MEAB Accredited
) 01625 860660 8 www.alderleydaynursery.com Alderley Day Nursery, Congleton Road, Nether Alderley, SK10 4TD www.facebook.com/alderleydaynursery www.instagram.com/alderleydaynursery/
15 BIG DAYS OUT
We have compiled this collection of 15 family-friendly destinations in (or close to) Cheshire and Manchester, so that families and friends can get out and about and have some fun this summer if they want to. Many of the destinations mentioned require you to pre-book tickets or entry times. National or local Covid rules might change and venues may also change their opening hours or close at short notice, so please always remember to check the venues’ guidelines and visit their websites before you decide to set off for a day out.
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FORMBY COASTLINE Managed by the National Trust, Formby (pictured above) is a wild and beautiful expanse of beach, sand dunes and pinewoods close to Liverpool. It’s a haven for wildlife including red squirrels and natterjack toads, and at low tide you might catch sight of footprints of our distant ancestors and animals from 5,000 years ago. You can download maps for four different walking trails: The Red Squirrel Walk, The Asparagus Walk, The Undiscovered Formby Walk and Formby Woodland Walk. This area can get very busy on sunny days, weekends and school holidays, and the car parks can get full, so please try to travel at off-peak times if you can. Alternatively you can go by train to Freshfield or Formby Station, from where you can walk to the beach. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby
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FOOTBALL STADIUMS For football stadium tours, visit Manchester United’s Old Trafford or Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. www.manutd.com www.hospitality.mancity.com
WALKING AMONG THE BARBARY MONKEYS
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There are around 140 free-roaming Barbary monkeys at Trentham Monkey Forest in Stoke, including five young babies. There are monkey feedings at quarter past every hour from 11.15am, and a new primate themed children’s playground. www.monkey-forest.com
GRAYSON’S ART CLUB EXHIBITION AND LUNCH
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One of the best things on TV in lockdown was Grayson’s Art Club (you can watch the 2020 and 2021 series on the Channel 4 website). Artist Grayson Perry and his wife Philippa made works of art in their home and invited the public to send in photos and films of their own artistic efforts. The result was a brilliant, inspiring, fun, crazy collection of creations – collages, paintings, photography, drawings and sculptures. Seeing Grayson talk to people on videocalls about their situations and feelings during the pandemic was heart-warmingly
wonderful. The art exhibition to accompany the TV show is now showing at Manchester Art Gallery. And, while you’re there, you could grab lunch at one of the many delicious food stalls at Manchester’s Arndale Market. www.manchesterartgallery.org www.manchesterarndale.com
BEWILDERWOOD CHESHIRE
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BeWILDerwood Cheshire is a new family woodland adventure park just west of Crewe and Nantwich. Based on the children’s book series by author Tom Blofeld, you’ll find hints of the books’ characters and stories as you make your way through the 70-acre woodland and explore wonky treehouses, zip wires, slides and mazes. There are giant swings and storytelling shows where you can learn about the Boggles and Twiggles of BeWILDerwood. All activities and crafts are included in the ticket price, and there is food and drink available there too. www.cheshire.bewilderwood.co.uk
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SALFORD QUAYS Salford was once the site of Manchester Docks, before being regenerated into a landscape of green spaces and modern architecture on an iconic network of waterways. The Salford Watersports centre offers canoeing, open-water swimming, kayaking and other wet activities. The Imperial War Museum North is dedicated to exhibits and stories of wartime Britain, and there’s an immersive 360-degree Big Picture Show where film and images are projected on to the walls. The Lowry Centre has reopened with a new cultural and creative programme of shows, exhibitions and activities. In June, the BBC suspended its CBeebies interactive tour at MediaCityUK because of Covid, but hopefully they will be able to safely re-start later in the year. www.visitsalford.info
ANIMALS AND BIRDS IN KNUTSFORD
THE SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY MUSEUM
Tatton Park in Knutsford is a stunning place to relax on a summer’s day, with 1,000 acres of open parkland, gardens, a mansion to visit, a restaurant, and one of the best children’s playgrounds around. The farm at Tatton is committed to the conservation of various rare and endangered breeds of farm animals, and this is your chance to meet Tamworth pigs and redpoll cattle, as well as horses, sheep, donkeys and goats. Just down the road from Tatton Park, Gauntlet Birds of Prey is home to eagles, falcons, vultures, owls and hawks – not to mention the meercats, goats and ferrets. There are flying displays, sessions for meeting the birds, and children’s activities. www.tattonpark.org.uk www.gauntletbirdsofprey.co.uk
There is loads to see and do at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. Every day, expert Explainers are on hand to explain things at Science Stops around the museum, and there is an interactive gallery for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Step into the fascinating world of codebreaking, ciphers and secret communications at the free exhibition Top Secret: From Ciphers to Cyber Security, which runs until 31 August. Entry to the museum is free but (as was the case pretty much everywhere as we went to press), you need to pre-book timed tickets. While you’re there, why not hop on a tram at nearby Deansgate and go for a ride on the tram network that runs through Manchester.
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www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk www.tfgm.com
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THE PEAK DISTRICT Thinking about heading for the hills? Wedged between Manchester, Macclesfield, Sheffield and Derby, the Peak District was Britain’s first ever National Park. With its rolling, sheep-dotted hills and deep green dales, this beautiful area is ideal for walking, cycling and exploring tiny stone-walled villages in search of the perfect cream tea. The moorlands of Dark Peak to the north are generally bleaker and more windswept than the limestone hills of White Peak to the south, but even the shortest of hikes can be challenging anywhere here. There are some amazing caverns and cave systems to explore, such as Pooles Cavern at Buxton and Treak Cliff Cavern at Castleton (remember to take jumpers, it’s chilly down there). A little further afield, just on the other side of the Peak District, you’ll find Carsington Water (a reservoir offering water sports and fishing). And, at Matlock Bath, the Heights of Abraham (with its high cable car ride, cavern tour and children’s playground) and Gulliver’s World (a theme park and resort). www.visitpeakdistrict.com
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While Withington is a top performing school based on GCSE and A Level results, those who know us understand that what really makes us special cannot be tested or measured. As a school with no scholarships or academic prizes, our pupils are free to develop and explore their academic potential and broader interests in a productive, collaborative and happy environment. Let us show you how our exceptional school will offer your daughter all the support she needs to fulfil her potential, achieve her aspirations and shine.
0161 249 3371 admissions@wgs.org Means-tested bursaries available at key entry points from Year 5.
www.wgs.org
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LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE The World Museum on William Brown Street is a popular attraction for families, with its wide range of permanent displays including creepy crawlies in the Bug House and daily planetarium shows. On the same street, Big Art for Little Artists is a lovely free interactive art experience at the Walker Art Gallery, for groups with children aged eight and under. Go sightseeing on a 50-minute River Explorer Cruise along the waterfront with Mersey Ferries. Wild Shore is an aqua park at the heart of Liverpool’s iconic waterfront at Royal Albert Dock – offering pedalos, kayaking, paddle boarding, and a load of giant inflatable slides and trampolines on the water. www.visitliverpool.com
ALTON TOWERS THEME PARK
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A huge theme park in Staffordshire between the M1 and the M6, with 40 different rides and attractions. There is also a waterpark, crazy golf, CBeebies Land and lots of different places to eat. Day passes, short breaks, children’s parties and annual passes are available. www.altontowers.com
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CHESTER ZOO Chester Zoo is the UK’s most popular zoo, and a conservation charity that’s working to prevent the extinction of wildlife all around the world. Set within 128 acres of lovely gardens, it’s home to more than 500 species, many which are under threat in the wild. There are rhinos, flamingos, lions, elephants, lemurs, frogs, giraffes, penguins, the critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, and huge Sunda Gharial crocodiles. A team of zoo rangers educate and entertain with animal talks and interactive workshops, and there are four children’s play areas. www.chesterzoo.org
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THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM
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BLACKPOOL RESORT A popular seaside resort with amusement arcades, fish and chips, family entertainment and seven miles of sandy beach. Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park is fun for thrill seekers. There are some engaging public art installations, such as the Comedy Carpet by Blackpool Tower. Stanley Park is a more tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the seafront. Blackpool Illuminations will light up the promenade between 3 September 2021 and 3 January 2022. www.visitblackpool.com
The National Football Museum (left) in Manchester is a great day out for footie-mad families. With interactive challenges and games designed to sharpen your football skills, you can test your nerve from 12 yards in the Penalty Shootout game and score past the virtual goalkeeper. Family trails, football treasures and exhibitions. Have your photo taken with the museum’s Premier League trophy. Find out about the beginnings of football and see footballing memorabilia including the 1966 World Cup Final ball to Diego Maradona’s incredible ‘Hand of God’ Argentina shirt. www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
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CHATSWORTH HOUSE Chatsworth in Derbyshire is one of the UK’s most stunning stately homes. There is a lovely farmyard where ponies, guinea pigs, donkeys and pygmy goats are looked after, and a fantastic woodland playground and rope park. There are stunning gardens to explore, places to eat and drink, and you can buy tickets for inside the house too. www.chatsworth.org
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SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUBS If you need childcare during the school holidays, many primary schools have holiday clubs in the school grounds (which are often, but not always, sports-related). Some day nurseries also open their doors to school-aged children during the holidays. Below we’ve listed some additional ideas for activities and holiday camps for children this summer – please contact them directly to find out about availability and prices. Broadleaf Forest Adventures A forest school where kids have fun and take part in outdoor educational activities in the Congleton woods. The holiday club is for ages 5 to 11, running Tuesdays to Thursdays from 27 July – 26 August. www.facebook.com/BroadleafCIC Energize Gymnastics Energize is a gymnastics club in Cheadle Hulme. They’re running holiday courses at the Bramley Centre in Bramhall between 4 – 6 and 9 – 13 August. The courses are open to children of all abilities, aged between 4 and 16, and you can book various combinations of full days and half days. www.energizesportscoaching.co.uk Point One Tennis Tennis camps at Poynton Tennis Club run from 26 July to 27 August. There are 9am to 3.30pm sessions available for children aged 5 to 12, and shorter sessions for teenagers and tots aged 3 to 5. www.point-onetennis.org
Den in the Woods Forest school holiday clubs run by Nest in the Woods, for children aged 5 to 12 at Adlington near Macclesfield. The clubs run Tuesdays to Thursdays at the end of July and during August. An adventure playground, learning about nature, crafts and games. www.nestinthewoods.co.uk Little Superstars These popular holiday clubs for 4 to 12-year-olds are running between 22 July and 22 August, in locations across the northwest including Altrincham, Didsbury, Stockport, Chorlton and Northwich. There are lots of different programmes to choose from, including multi-sports, dance, football, tennis, Lego, trampolining and art club. www.littlesuperstars.co.uk Summerstock Practically Family offers a wide range of flexible childcare options including party entertainers, child-minders and a Family Circle
service that gives extra support to children with additional needs. There are Summerstock holiday clubs for children aged 3 to 11 in two locations in Bramhall – you can book for half, short or full days, and activities include art, cooking and den building in small groups. www.practicallyfamily.co.uk Moorland Adventure Holiday Clubs Outdoor camps run throughout the summer at Tegg’s Nose Country Park in Macclesfield. Archery, abseiling, canoeing at Rudyard Lake, orienteering and lots more besides. www.moorlandadventure.co.uk Fun Fest Holiday camps for ages 3 to 12, in 26 UK locations including Wilmslow, Altrincham and Cheadle, running between 14 July and 27 August. Fun Fest has an amazing menu of different activities to choose from, including origami, archery, cookery, animal encounters and a wide range of sports to try. www.fun-fest.co.uk 15
An Empty Lockdown Diary for Parents of Babies and Toddlers Being free to pop in to a casual community baby and toddler group, sit down with a cup of tea and a biscuit and chat to other parents while the children play seems like a distant memory.
But these brilliant support groups will be back! Some have already re-started with limited numbers, pre-booking and social distancing measures in place; others won’t re-start again until all restrictions on social contact are lifted, which is likely to be in the very week that they would normally be finishing for the summer holidays. Susie Metcalfe, the Children’s and Families Worker at Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church on Ramillies Avenue, runs drop-in baby and toddler groups, all of which came to an abrupt halt in March 2020. She told us: “Parents with babies and toddlers felt very forgotten about when all the groups stopped. There have been constant rule changes, especially with regards to under ones being or not being included in the rule of six. Those with babies have struggled with the lack of support and contact with friends and family, and not being able to share the excitement of their newborn. Many have felt totally denied of their maternity leave, having spent the whole first year of their baby’s life in lockdown of some form, and then going back to work as restrictions slowly lifted.”
WhatsApp group so that Mums could ask each other questions and arrange to meet up for walks. Eventually she was allowed to re-start the Baby Chat group for non-crawling babies, as it came under the ‘support group’ exemption. Attendees had to pre-book on Eventbrite and sit two metres apart from each other – and once their babies started crawling they were sadly no longer allowed to attend because they wouldn’t have been able to maintain social distancing.
“As I couldn’t run the Toddlers and Wobblers groups, I was able to offer Baby Chat on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning,” said Susie. “Mums chose one day to attend and only ever attended on the same day,
effectively creating three bubbles for 11 mums in each session. We closed again in January and did Zoom meetings, and we re-started in person three weeks before Easter when schools reopened.” Most community baby and toddler groups run in term-time only. There is still some uncertainty about which groups will be re-starting, and when, where and how they will meet, after the summer holidays. But hopefully Little Tigers will be able to publish a fuller, happier, busier Baby & Toddler Diary in the not too distant future. Please keep an eye on our website www.littletigers.co.uk and Facebook page @littletigersmag for updates and news when September comes around.
Susie tried to keep in touch with families in lockdown by running singing and storytelling sessions on Facebook, and setting up a
HEALTH VISITORS REPORT ON PANDEMIC PROBLEMS Parents with babies and pre-schoolers rely on health visitors for advice, reassurance and information. These specialist community public health nurses help families with feeding, teething, immunisations, potty training, developmental problems, post-natal depression and a whole range of other issues. But this work has become much more difficult over the last 18 months, and parents have found it harder to access the support they need.
The Institute of Health Visiting surveyed over 1,000 of its members during lockdown 2:0 at the end of 2020. The question it addressed was: “Are babies and their families being adequately supported in England in 2020, to get the best start in life?” The findings made worrying reading, with 75% of health visitors reporting increased levels of work stress. The report found that inequality had increased during the pandemic, with babies and young
children in disadvantaged families being disproportionately impacted. There was seen to be an increased risk of and need for safeguarding, running alongside a reduction in the capacity of the service to support families – as many health visitors were initially redeployed to work elsewhere in the NHS. The service is now trying hard to recover, with some in-person visits, groups and clinics along with ongoing telephone and online support for parents. 17
Exploring density: What happens when you put an egg in normal water or salt water?
NURTURING YOUNG SCIENTISTS We need to be teaching STEM subjects in the early years to help our children get ready for a science-led future, writes Melanie Hallam of Alderley Day Nursery. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from recent events, it’s the importance of modern science to our very survival, both as individuals and as a civilised society. In fact, pretty much every aspect of how our world works and functions relies on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. Building, communications, health services, transport and food production are just a few examples. It’s hard to conceive of any change or development in the world that has not been driven forward by STEM. The mid-21st Century, the era into which your child is growing up, will continue to be dominated by profound advancements in genetics, space exploration, robotics and artificial intelligence, photonics and quantum computing, nanotechnology and materials science, and carbonless energy generation and storage. This is their future, and the areas that many of them will work in.
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By developing STEM learning in their early years, we are creating the inquisitive and enthusiastic scientists of the future who, in turn, will create the new and changing world. STEM activities that are child-centred tap into a young child’s natural curiosity and helps them to learn. Traditionally there has been a greater focus on literacy than other subjects in the early years, and this remains evident in the government’s revised early years curriculum to be implemented in September. Of course, children need to learn to speak, read and write – but key to developing vocabulary is having something to talk about. Exploring in a hands-on way, with a supportive and engaged adult, helps to build vocabulary and helps children to make sense of their world. Many people think that children learn only STEM subjects at secondary school, but the fact is that if
children develop an interest early on in life, they are more likely to choose to study them later on. The early years are the perfect time to start developing this interest as STEM learning is based on exploration, solving problems and trying out new ideas through hands-on activities. Young children are brilliant at it! They are natural scientists and ask lots of questions. Taking the time to help them find out the answers is what STEM learning is all about. Whether your child eventually carves out a professional role in one of these high-tech fields, or decides to contribute to society in other rewarding ways, his or her wellbeing will be dependent on an understanding of, and ready access to, scientific advances. How can you prepare your child for this science-led future? The answer is to stimulate his or her natural curiosity about the physical world.
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UK FAMILY TRAVEL
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal in northeast Wales
A 21-Metre Holiday Home on the Welsh Waterways By Victoria Pollitt
yourself gently bumping the sides, glancing off low bridges or getting stuck in shallow water. There are other boats to dodge, tight turns to master and long tunnels to navigate. Plus ropes to tie, checks to make and bridges and locks to work out – but this all quickly becomes part of the fun. We take it in turns to steer so one of us can be with the children, prepare food or even relax, enjoying the scenery.
Cruising slowly along the highest aqueduct in the world – and the longest in Britain – should be a spectacular experience. But I’m struggling to take in the fabulous view and trying not to think about the 40-metre sheer drop into the River Dee on my right. For in my hand is the tiller, and it’s me – with zero experience – who is at the helm of this 18-tonne canal boat, the length of a lorry, making its way across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. I’m at the back and the front (where my husband and two children are enjoying themselves) seems a long way away. 21 metres to be precise. To be fair, my husband is helping by shouting instructions and using his hands to guide me, but he’s as new to this as I am. We’ve just been handed the keys to our boat Askrigg at Trevor Basin near Llangollen. After an hour’s instruction, we’re helped to navigate away. One minute later we are on the aqueduct and all alone.
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And so begins our waterways holiday. Our chosen route is along the Llangollen Canal, with overnight stops at the border village of Chirk and the Shropshire town of Ellesmere. Our narrowboat sleeps up to six and there is loads of space inside: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a lounge. We booked this break in search of freedom, adventure and a slower pace of life – and we found it – but for novices like us there are some challenges too. You may find
As often as possible, we moor up to explore the towpath and peaceful surroundings. We also stop at Chirk, near the famous castle, Ellesmere with its mere, playground, sculpture trail and quaint town centre, and the small village of St Martin’s. From the base at Trevor, you can also cross the famous aqueduct (a world heritage site) on foot. It’s not me at the tiller as we head back across the aqueduct four days later. And this time I make sure to fully appreciate the view. Victoria and her family were guests of Drifters Waterway Holidays
Beaches, Lochs and Rocks on the Isle of Skye
By Catherine Lawler
We saved for years to go on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to New Zealand in 2020. We were lucky, we had an amazing trip and returned to the UK just one week before lockdown. It was those memories that kept us going during the long, frustrating days of working from home coupled with relentless homeschooling, but how do you match a holiday like that when leaving the UK is not an option? Head north of course – to Scotland and the stunning Isle of Skye. Long car journeys are less challenging these days since I decided to stop stressing about the amount of time the kids spend on their iPads. And once we crossed the bridge on to the Isle of Skye, we all felt the excitement of being somewhere new and, as we arrived at our cottage, devices were cast aside and the exploring began. I have come to realise over the years that the children are happy
on holiday as long as we are near water. So our half term holiday was based around the sea, the lochs, boat tours searching for seals, and just having fun playing in the rock pools for hours at a time. The weather can be hit-and-miss on Skye so our sunniest day was spent walking up to the rather magical Fairy Pools. The walk takes less than an hour, but the moaning from the kids soon petered out once we feasted our eyes on the pretty waterfalls and bluey green waters of the fairy pools, which were all the more beautiful after a few days of rain. Take your wetsuits though – the water may look warm and inviting, but it is really, really cold. There’s no shortage of beaches to choose from on Skye, although Coral Beach is considered one of the very best. North of Dunvegan, it’s about a half hour walk from the car park, but you’re met with bright, glittering white sand and clear waters, making it appear utterly tropical.
The temperature soon reminds you that you’re not in the Caribbean though. Of course, I can’t write about Scotland without mentioning the pesky Scottish midges. You’ll be lucky if you escape them entirely, so go prepared with plenty of midge repellant, citronella candles and so on. Like so many others, restaurants and bars on Skye had adapted well to covid restrictions, and we often managed to get a table without booking. Following a delicious lunch of fish and chips in the greenhouse-style pods outside the Portree Hotel, we headed to the most well-known hike on Skye, the Old Man of Storr. Sensational views for miles around, but a bit tricky for younger children if it’s windy – only half the family managed it, it was a bit too much for our youngest and the puppy. Our last day was windier again, meaning the family paddle-boarding session was cancelled, so we headed to the Talisker whisky distillery instead. Not an obvious choice for a family day out but learning about the whisky-making process is fascinating stuff. But tastings are very much adults only! Heading home and, rather than go back along the bridge, we boarded the car ferry to Mallaig. There are plenty of great stops to break up the journey, but if you have young Harry Potter fans, a visit to the Glenfinnian Viaduct as featured in the movies is a must. Timed well, you’ll see the famous steam-powered Jacobite train.
Is this the Caribbean? No, it’s Coral Beach on the Scottish Isle of Skye
It has been a crazy 18 months for everyone, but the wilds of Scotland got us all excited about travel again. And there is so much more of it to explore.
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SCHOOL NEWS
The King’s School in Macclesfield Celebrates its First Year in New Rural Campus As the first anniversary of moving a 519-year old school on to a modern new campus approaches, staff at The King’s School are reflecting on the enormous transformation of the school as well as celebrating everything that has been achieved.
million campus: “We now have the very latest interactive whiteboards and educational software to enhance lessons. It is a joy to teach here. I love the outdoor classrooms and being able to take classes outside – it’s a beautiful setting.”
The 80-acre campus on Alderley Road (pictured below) was 10 years in the planning and took just under two years to build. Here, some of the staff and pupils share their thoughts.
Year 11 pupil, Deputy Head Boy and aspiring medical student Ben O’Donnell said: “A sense of community has always been one of King’s main assets, but now we are all on one site it is even stronger. I love the fact that we share the site with the juniors and we are all on this incredible educational journey together, from the age of three in pre-school to 18 in the sixth form. It makes us stronger.”
Head of Government & Politics, Miss Laura Christie, believes that teachers have embraced the fully co-educational structure. She said: “It is far more reflective of the outside world. Boys and girls in the classroom together offer greater diversity of thought and I hear a wider range of opinion in group discussion.” Miss Christie also appreciates the upgrade in classroom technology that came with the £60
King’s new campus has multiple outdoor teaching spaces and gardens – and its new rural setting has increased its emphasis on outdoor learning. Paul Bartle, DofE Manager, said: “The proximity of the woodland
and grassy areas gives a feeling of space and creates a relaxed atmosphere instantly. The outdoor learning spaces allow pupils and staff to connect with and appreciate the natural environment. It brings relevance to lessons and gives pupils space to learn under their own direction and in their own ways. It provides a sensory experience way beyond what we can get in a classroom.” Deputy Head Girl and hockey player Eve Carter said: “For sport, we seem to be short of nothing. We have six netball courts, tennis courts, two all-weather hockey pitches, the swimming pool and the dance studio. But, most importantly, it’s the atmosphere and the fact that we are now finally fully co-educational. It’s much more suited to the modern world and a much better preparation for life. I really don’t know anyone, girl or boy, who feels differently.”
Stockport Grammar Pupils Raise Funds for the Christie Hospital A ‘dress down day’ at Stockport Grammar Junior School has raised an impressive £1,891 to support the great work of Manchester’s Christie Hospital.
The summer term traditionally sees year six children bidding farewell to their time at Withington Girls’ Junior School through the Strawberry Serenade. Usually the show is performed in front of an audience, but this year ‘curtain up’ turned into ‘cameras rolling’, to tell the story of Peter Pan.
Four year six pupils, Neave, Anna, Sophia and Priya, wanted to raise awareness and funds for The Christie after learning about charities and the work that they do. A range of activities were held across the Junior School: year two pupils learned about the brain and the benefits of brain training, and year six pupils carried out experiments to find out how much hidden sugar is in food. The girls who organised the fundraising activities said: “We were delighted to discover that we had raised £1,891 for The Christie – a hospital dedicated to treating cancer and researching it. The day was all about physical and mental health, and also learning more about
From Stage to Screen at Withington Girls’ School
Filming took place over several days in the school’s assembly hall, the Arts Centre. The children performed in front of a blue screen, which meant that the school could be transformed into Neverland during the post-production process. healthy eating. We are really thankful for all the donations that have been made – the money will make a big difference to people’s lives.”
Year 6 pupil Lara, who played Shadow and Mermaid, said: “The creation of Peter Pan was a heartwarming experience. The effort put into the show by both the pupils and teachers made the production look so much better than any of us ever imagined. We are so grateful to even have the production filmed because of the pandemic. A smile is always found whenever Peter Pan is mentioned.” Both the Junior and Senior Schools collaborated on the project, with the Music Department at the helm and DT pupils creating the props. The show also featured younger Junior pupils in supporting roles and some special guests, including Ms Howard, the Junior School Head.
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