Little Tigers Magazine Issue 83 — Autumn / Winter 2022

WELCOME TO LITTLE TIGERS THE AUTUMN / WINTER ISSUE

Dear Reader,

Little Tigers Magazine has evolved steadily over the years. It has meant different things to me, and everyone else who has been involved along the way. The one thing that has stayed constant, however, is its sense of community. Its intention to support people doing their best to raise their children well and keep them entertained. Parenting is a challenging job, extremely important, ultimately rewarding but rarely easy.

This is the last issue to be published in 2022, and it covers the autumn and winter seasons combined. As usual we have focused on family-friendly places to go and things to do, including Halloween and Christmas events, pantomimes and theatre shows, and groups that meet up every week. With the cost of living crisis upon us, we shine a light on food banks – how you can help them and how you can get help if you need it.

If you have any comments, feedback or suggestions, please do get in touch.

With very best wishes, Alison Stodolnic

Founder and Editor

CONTENTS

Pages 4

Pages 7

Pages 11

5

Halloween Special Events

9 Days Out and Events

14 Kids’ Colourings & Puzzles

Page 15 How to Use / Help Food Banks

Pages 16

Page

Pages

Pantomimes

Family

Independent School Open

Baby & Toddler

Would you like to run your own business?

I am looking for someone new to run Little Tigers Magazine. This is a fantastic opportunity if you dream of working for yourself. Do you have the vision to take on an established independent publishing business, and either keep it running as a print publication or drive it forward into the digital age? The Little Tigers brand has been loved and respected since it was created 21 years ago, and its new owner will ideally be based in Cheshire or Manchester. You don’t need any particular experience, although a background in marketing or journalism would be useful. Starting Little Tigers when I was at home with young children enabled me to set my own flexible working hours and earn some money, and I’ve really enjoyed being able to support the local parenting community. To arrange an informal chat about options, please email Alison at editor@littletigers.co.uk.

The Team: A big thank you to writers / researchers Daisy Dorothy and Bea Jones, Iwan our driver, our printers Buxton Press, Simon our website guy, all our advertisers, and everyone else who contributed words, information and images for this magazine.

Email: editor@littletigers.co.uk

Phone: 07392 338586

Website: www.littletigers.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/littletigersmag

Digital Edition: www.issuu.com/littletigersmag © Little Tigers Magazine (2022). Nothing may be reproduced without permission (copyrighted material).

Established in 2001, Little Tigers provides ideas and information to parents, grandparents and carers of children aged 0 to 12 in northeast Cheshire and south Manchester. We accept no responsibility for any consequences that may arise from the content on these pages. Please email us with any comments.

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL EVENTS

Soon the clocks will change and Halloween will be upon us, so we have searched for some of the most fun and the spookiest family-friendly half term events we could find. Please check beforehand whether you need to pre-book tickets.

22 – 30 October

10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm

The Sorcerer Returns for a Wizards’ Gathering at Tatton Park Come and gather for a fun and immersive performative experience, with a Halloween trail, some spooky stories in the Old Hall, spellcasting and broomstick lessons. Discounts are available for groups of 6 or more. You can also meet some of the animals in the farmyard and head down to the pumpkin patch to pick your (pre-ordered) pumpkins. Dress warmly for outdoor activities. Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk

1 – 31 October, 10am – 4pm

Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail Learn about poisons and venoms in nature along this trail through some of the zoo’s indoor habitats. Chester Zoo, Chester www.chesterzoo.org

23 – 28 October

Aliens, Zombies & Monsters Hunt

An immersive and interactive journey into the world of children’s author and illustrator Aaron Blecha.

With friendly life-sized aliens, zombies and monsters. Z-Arts, Manchester www.z-arts.org

27 – 29 October

5.30pm, 7pm & 8.30pm

Halloween Ghost Trains

Halloween-themed steam train rides through the countryside starting at Bury Bolton Station. Tricks, treats, songs and fun with Count Brian the Vampire, Bob the Zombie, Veronica the Witch and other characters. Pre-book your tickets in advance and wear fancy dress if you like. East Lancs Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

21 – 30 October

Gandey’s Halloween Circus

A big top show with circus performers, vampires, skeletons and jack o’ lanterns. There is also a maize maze and pumpkin picking at the castle between 8 and 30 October.

It all ends with a bonfire night and fireworks at 7pm on 30 October.

Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall www.bolesworth.com

Pumpkins at Bolesworth Castle

28 – 30 October

Carnival of Monster

A family-friendly Halloween event in central Manchester. With a children’s carousel, helter-skelter, roaming circus monsters and sideshows. New Cathedral Street www.visitmanchester.com

30 October

Half Term Halloween

A madcap tour of the grounds on the hunt for the supernatural and the ghostly – with characters such as Doctor Shockerberg, Werewolf Wulfric and Hecate Hex the witch. Presented by Sneaky Experience, pre-booking is required.

Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk /quarry-bank

30 October

Half Term Halloween

An expedition around the grounds as you help to investigate ghostly sightings. Presented by Sneaky Experience, there will be magic, dancing, spooky stories and games. Pre-booking required.

Li le Tigers 1/2 Page

Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich www.arleyhallandgardens.com

THIS HALLOWEEN the Old Hall 22-30 October *

* Selected dates

Wizards come and gather at The Old Hall. Take centre stage in this Halloween quest and help us defeat the evil sorcerer. Spellcasting and broomstick training are a must!

Book online to enjoy free car entry! Special discounted prices for groups of 6 wizards or witches. tattonpark.org.uk/events

The pumpkin patch at Tatton Park

OUR PATHWAY TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

The unique Wilmslow Prep Pathway allows us to prepare your child to move on to the secondary school that is right for them.

The Pathway has been designed by our expert team to structure our educational provision throughout your child’s school career, enabling them to fulfil their potential by the time they leave us at 11.

Small class sizes, specialist teachers, dedicated and tailored teaching allows us to incorporate key elements of the national curriculum but takes learning well beyond these boundaries.

Wednesday 16th November, 10am - 12pm Wilmslow Preparatory School, Grove Avenue, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5EG

If your child would benefit from our focused approach, please get in touch by calling 01625 524246 or email admissions@wilmslowprep.co.uk

Tours available throughout the week. www.wilmslowprep.co.uk

DAYS OUT & EVENTS

This Autumn / Winter issue is being published a little early for some Christmas events, because they don’t show up online until after half term. But we’ve still listed a good number of family-friendly places to go and things to do between October and December. For Halloween special events, see pages 4 – 5. For pantomimes and theatre shows, head to pages 16 – 19. Please remember to check all the details given here before you go, and also find out whether you need to pre-book or just turn up.

Now until February 2023

Fairy Tales

An interactive world of play and storytelling for families with children aged 0 to 8. An interactive exhibition that takes about 50 minutes to experience.

Z-Arts, Hulme, Manchester www.z-arts.org

7 – 31 October

Magical Woodland

A themed woodland trail with fairy lights, interactive light features, lanterns and lasers.

Blakemere Village, Northwich www.magicalwoodland.com

15 October – 4 December

Harry Potter – A Forbidden Forest Experience

A woodland trail of lights, sounds and special effects that bring to life the characters and scenes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.

Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich www.hpforbiddenforestexperience.com

21 October – 21 May

Turn It Up: The Power of Music

Headlining the Manchester Science Festival, this exhibition reveals how music affects our lives and triggers feelings and memories. Make music, discover instruments and play in the musical playground. Age 5+.

Museum of Science and Industry www.msimanchester.org.uk

22 October, 10.30am & 11.30am

Dandelion and the Sad Stem

A workshop for pre-schoolers aged 3 to 5, with live music inspired by Soweto’s gospel choir. Part of the Elements of Nature series.

The Stoller Hall, Manchester www.stollerhall.com

22 – 30 October

We Are Stars

An animated show about space and the universe – suitable for children aged 5 and up. You can also meet an expert and ask them questions, and go on a walking tour of the amazing giant Lovell Telescope.

Jodrell Bank, near Macclesfield www.jodrellbank.net

22 – 30 October

Camouflage and Disguise

As part of the Story Seekers programme, go on a special mission through the museum to find out about disguise, secrets and tricks. There is also an immersive 360-degree Big Picture Show about children and war, daily at 1pm. Imperial War Museum North www.iwm.org.uk

27 October, 10am & 1pm

Family Watercolour Workshop Inspired by the ancient Egyptians, learn watercolour techniques and produce your own art. Suitable for families with children aged 6+. Silk Museum, Macclesfield www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk

5 November, 1pm

Professor Lightbulb’s Marvellous Inventions

Suitable for ages 3 – 12, meet orchestra members and discover some amazing inventions. Pay what you decide. The Stoller Hall, Manchester www.stollerhall.com

11 November – 23 December

Lanterns at Chester Zoo An illuminated woodland trail. Chester Zoo www.chesterzoo.org

18 November – 23 December

Polar Express Steam Train Ride

Starting at Froghall station, take a Polar Express themed train ride through the countryside. Pre-book. Churnet Valley Railway www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

18 November – 2 January

Christmas at Dunham Massey Trees draped in lights, giant baubles, illuminations, street food vendors, and Father Christmas. Dunham Massey, Altrincham www.nationaltrust.org.uk /dunham-massey

22 November – 1 January

The Christmas Mansion

Once Upon a Pantomime is a Christmas event inspired by the panto season. See sets and meet characters in the beautifully decorated state rooms of the grand mansion. Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk

Christmas Lights at Dunham Massey National Trust

DAYS OUT & EVENTS

26 November – 20 December

Meet Father Christmas

Visit Santa and his elves in the farmyard grotto at Tatton – with live entertainment and music. This usually sells out early, so book your tickets as soon as you can. Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk

26 November – 24 December

Steam Train Santa Specials

A festive steam train ride from Bury Bolton Street Station through the Irwell Valley just north of Manchester. With a cast of characters, Father Christmas, a gift for each child, and a brass band on board. East Lancs Railway www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

26 November – 24 December

North Pole Express rides at Foxfield Railway near Stoke-on-Trent. With Santa, entertainment and refreshments.

Foxfield Railway www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk

2 – 16 December

Baby & Toddler Meet Father Christmas Christmas activity and play session, including a visit to Santa’s grotto and a gift. Please pre-book well in advance as this event is always popular. Suitable for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk /quarry-bank

3 – 22 December

Meet Father Christmas Festive songs and crafts, including a visit to Santa’s grotto and a gift. Please pre-book well in advance as this event is always popular. Suitable for children up to age 10.

Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk /quarry-bank

4 December, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm

The Little Green Dragon Stoller Story Sounds – a musical workshop for children aged 3 to 5. This event forms part of the Stoller Hall Elements of Nature series. The Stoller Hall, Manchester www.stollerhall.com

10 December, 10am – 4pm

Christmas Light Trail

A festive trail of Christmas lights with refreshments and activities, mainly for primary school aged children. The event is free but please pre-book on the website. St Andrew’s Church, Cheadle www.standrewscheadlehulme.org.uk

10 – 24 December

A Timeless Christmas

A quest through Lyme Hall to find the missing parts of a clock to make sure Christmas happens on time, and you get to meet Santa and other Christmas characters. Lyme Park, Disley www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme

POYNTON, HEALD GREEN & BRAMHALL

Starting from age 2(as a guide) up to age 4. All sessions develop the fundamentals of football and movement, they’re co-operative in structure, character building, friendship forming and limitless in goal scoring.

www.kickstartersfootball.co.uk

17 – 20 December

Once Upon a Christmas

Presented by Sneaky Experience, take part in an immersive kids’ quest through a fairytale kingdom and meet Father Christmas.

Arley Hall & Gardens www.arleyhallandgardens.com

18 December, 3pm

Carols in the Stableyard

Pick up a song sheet and sing along to Christmas classics with the King Edward Musical Society band and choir. A free event with no booking required, although you need to pay to park.

Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk

18 December, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm

The Chocolate Wolf at Christmas

A story workshop for children aged 3 to 5, with drawings and song. The last in the Elements of Nature series.

The Stoller Hall, Manchester www.stollerhall.com

NURSERIES IN YOUR AREA

My child has a set routine, how will this fit into nursery life? When children start at Kids Planet, we follow their routines to ensure there is a smooth transition from home life to nursery. We work with families to ensure there is a continuity of care.

Is the food cooked freshly on the nursery premises on a daily basis?

All our nurseries have a Nursery Chef, who prepares all the food on the nursery premises with fresh ingredients, with no added salt or sugar. Our Nursery Chef is qualified in food preparation and food safety. We cater for dietary needs.

Do you offer funded places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds?

Yes, we offer FREE funded places for eligible 2 year olds, and 3-4 year olds are eligible for 15 and 30 hours of free childcare.

Spaces available - Contact us today!

Scan below to find your nearest nursery:

Racoon Fox Bear Hare Squirrel Deer Hedgehog Bird Snake

Count how many animals you can see

Sudoku

Colour by number

The Cost of Living Crisis: How to Use or Help Food Banks

For many of us, the cost of living crisis is making it harder to look after ourselves and our families, with rising food and fuel costs and a potentially expensive winter ahead, writes Daisy Dorothy.

It is hard to believe that there is such widespread poverty and food insecurity in the UK, but this is the situation we find ourselves in. The Trussell Trust is a non-profit organ isation that supports a nationwide network of more than 1,300 food banks to provide emergency food supplies to people in crisis. To find your nearest food bank, go to www.trusselltrust.org and enter your town or postcode. This will give you a selection of food banks near you, and their opening hours.

The way it works is that members of the public and businesses donate non-perishable foods through pickup points in supermarkets, schools, workplaces and churches.

Items are sorted into food parcels and distributed to people who need them. The problem is that demand for food banks is increasing, while donations are declining as nearly everybody is feeling the squeeze.

If you would like to support the work of food banks, there are several ways you can help. The easiest and most direct way is to donate money to the Trussell Trust, or donate food to a local pickup point. You could also volunteer your time to sort out donations or deliver food parcels.

To get help from a food bank, you need a referral voucher to exchange for a parcel containing three days’ worth of emergency food. Vouchers are issued by professionals working to support people in communities, including health visitors, schools, doctors, social workers and Citizens Advice. Just go ahead and ask. If you are not sure how to get a voucher, contact your local food

Day Nurseries Make Mental Health Commitment

Day nursery group Kids Planet has signed the Mental Health at Work Commitment pledge. This shows that the company intends to prioritise the mental and emotional wellbeing of its employees, and to encourage its staff to listen to and support each other. This in turn will help make all of its nurseries and offices across the country healthy and enjoyable places to work together as a team.

Kids Planet has 132 day nursery settings, many of which are in the local area, and there are free places available for 2 to 4 year olds. To find childcare near you, go to www.kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk

bank and they will steer you in the right direction.

A typical food parcel contains tinned meat or fish, tinned vegetables and fruit, cereal, biscuits, long-life milk, juice, soup, rice and pasta. As well as non-perishable food items, food banks also need non-food products like sanitary towels and tampons, nappies and wipes, toilet paper, shampoo and toothpaste.

www.trusselltrust.org

Boost for Speech Therapists

All About Speech Therapy has been given a boost by the entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, who retweeted the company’s tweet during his weekly Small Business Sunday event. To enquire about speech therapy call Karen Massey on 07857 855916.

Inspired by the Greenpeace campaign films There’s a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom and There’s a Monster in My Kitchen written by James Sellick, and featuring voiceovers by Emma Thompson, Doc Brown & Rag’n’Bone Man.

There’s a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom & Other Stories is aimed at ages 5-11.

THEATRE SHOWS & PANTOMIMES

It is amazing how much live theatre there is around here – all types of shows for all ages, and at a variety of prices. From dinosaurs to orangutans and pantomime to puppets, there is plenty to choose from. Most performances require that you pre-book tickets, and please remember to check the details before you go.

16 October, 12pm & 3.30pm

Fireman Sam Saves the Circus Join Fireman Sam and all his friends in this action-packed stage show. 60 minutes long with no interval. Stockport Plaza www.stockportplaza.co.uk

27 October – 19 February

The Lion King

Disney’s inspiring musical set on the Serengeti plains of Africa, telling the story of Simba the lion cub who is destined to be King of the pridelands. Palace Theatre Manchester www.atgtickets.com

28 October

Jurassic Earth

An interactive storytelling show fea turing roaming animatronic dinosaurs. VIP meet-and-greet before the show also available. Buxton Opera House www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

28 October, 2pm

Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

Especially for children aged 5 and up, this 60-minute show is an interactive performance featuring characters from some of Roald Dahl’s children’s books.

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale www.watersidearts.org

30 October, 2pm

I Spy with my Little Eye Molly (and Bingo the puppy) is having a birthday party. A 55-minute show for ages 2 and up, with songs and games. Presented by the People’s Theatre Company. Waterside Arts Centre, Sale www.watersidearts.org

1 November – 11 December Cinderella

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella The Musical comes to Manchester. Suitable for all ages. Pre-show

afternoon tea is also on offer before the matinee performances. Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

5 November Beauty and the Beast

Ballet Theatre UK performs an enchanting ballet suitable for children of all ages. Waterside Arts Centre, Sale www.watersidearts.org

30 November – 31 December

The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin

A puppet show telling the story of an explorer on an Antarctic adventure.

By Stuff & Nonsense Theatre Company, the show lasts for 60 minutes with no interval. Suitable for kids aged 3 and over. Low income tickets available and there are some BSL and relaxed performances.

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale www.watersidearts.org

THEATRE SHOWS & PANTOMIMES

4 December, 11am

Hallé Family Christmas Concert

Annual family-friendly concert in this inspiring setting, with singing, danc ing and a full symphony orchestra.

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester www.halle.co.uk

7 December – 8 January

Room on the Broom Tall Stories presents this stage adaptation of the much-loved children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. With some accessible performances.

The Lowry, Salford www.thelowry.com

8 December – 8 January

Cinderella

Join Cinderella, Buttons and the Fairy Godmother in this rags-to-riches fairy tale. BSL interpreted perfor mances on 8 and 10 December.

Stockport Plaza www.stockportplaza.co.uk

9 – 23 December

There’s a Rang-Tang in my Bedroom & Other Stories. Imagine waking up to find a turtle bathing in your bathtub, an orangutan bouncing on your bed and a jaguar creeping through your kitchen. This is an inspiring and entertaining 45-minute show about animals, with music and puppetry, for children aged 5 to 11. Presented by Little Angel Theatre.

HOME Manchester www.homemcr.org

9 December – 2 January

Dick Whittington

Traditional Christmas pantomime telling the story of Dick Whittington and his trusty cat as they travel to London to seek their fortune.

Garrick Theatre, Altrincham www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk

10 December, 10am, 1pm & 4pm

Micky & Minnie’s Magical Christmas Interactive sing-a-long performance and a chance for the audience to meet the characters after the show. The Forum, Romiley www.theforumtheatre.co.uk

10 December, 12.30pm

A Christmas Carol Quantum Theatre’s fast-paced production of the Charles Dickens Christmas tale. Suitable for all the family, 65 minutes with no interval.

Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow www.nationaltrust.org.uk /quarry-bank

10 December – 1 January

Sleeping Beauty

Family Christmas pantomime with everything from dancing, comedy, music and a retelling of the classic story of Sleeping Beauty. Includes relaxed and BSL interpreted performances at 5.30pm on 14 and 28 December respectively. Buxton Opera House www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

10 – 31 December

The Adventures of Peter Pan

Traditional Christmas pantomime starring Jason Manford as Captain Hook and Ben Nickless as Smee. Opera House, Manchester www.atgtickets.com

11 – 31 December

Rapunzel

Twirly Productions present a fun family pantomime, full of costumes, music and dancing. There will be a relaxed performance on 28 December – a more welcoming environment for people with learning disabilities, autism, dementia or other sensory conditions. The Forum, Romiley www.theforumtheatre.co.uk

16 – 29 December

Snow Mouse

An enchanting winter’s tale for young children aged 0 to 4. Z-Arts, Hulme, Manchester www.z-arts.org

22 December, 4pm

& 23 December, 11am & 1.30pm

The Snowman

A special Christmas screening of the classic animated film, accompanied by the Hallé orchestra playing the music live. Also featuring Mr Bear’s Christmas and Dinosaurumpus in the first half.

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester www.halle.co.uk

4 – 8 January

Beauty and the Beast

A pantomime by the talented 11 to 19-year-olds of Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society (CHYPS), at the Evans Theatre in Wilmslow Leisure Centre. Tickets from £12. Wilmslow Leisure Centre www.chypspanto.com

A Show to Help Animals

A show entitled There’s a Rang-Tan In my Bedroom & Other Stories is coming to HOME Manchester in December. The jungle-themed book and stage production were created to help teach children and young people about animals and what we can do to help them and save the planet. This is an engaging family show with a beautiful message.

Presented by Little Angels Theatre, the show was inspired by Greenpeace campaign films and combines music and puppetry. It was written by James Sellick and features voicework by Emma Thompson, Doc Brown and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man. There’s a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom & Other Stories is mainly for children aged 5 to 11 and runs from 9 to 23 December at HOME Manchester. www.homemcr.org

Panto Returns to Buxton

The annual Christmas pantomime is returning to Buxton Opera House this year, with a glittering production of the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty. The princess is about to celebrate her 18th birthday and the king has banned all spinning wheels from the land – but will this save her from the evil curse? Sleeping Beauty will be packed full of comedy, music and dancing, and stars James Holmes (pictured below). It runs from 10 December to 1 January.

www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Open Day Season at Independent Schools

If you are thinking about sending your child to one of the independent schools in the area, October and November is the best time to be looking around. Most open their doors at this time of year for open days and tours, giving you an opportunity to see all the facilities, ask any questions you have, soak up the atmosphere and find out about fees and dates. The schools featured here are supporting this issue of Little Tigers, and have open events coming up soon.

Wilmslow Preparatory School is hosting an open day on Wednesday 16 November between 10am and 12pm. Visitors will be able to tour the school and meet the Headteacher, teaching staff and pupils. Wilmslow Prep is a nurturing environment that encourages inquisitive minds and produces confident, enthusiastic, responsible and caring individuals.

Primary school teaching is delivered through the Wilmslow Prep Pathway the school’s unique approach to learning. Divided into four key phases (discovery, strong core, extending boundaries and senior transition), the pathway clearly sets out how pupils are enabled to fulfil their own potential. Each child is treated as an individual, so they can develop their own personality and strengths. Small class sizes allow teachers to adapt their lessons to suit their pupils’ learning styles, and ensure every child is engaged.

Please register for the open day on Wednesday 16 November at www.wilmslowprep.co.uk

Manchester High School for Girls is holding a whole school open morning on Saturday 12 November between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

MHSG has been educating girls and young women aged 4 to 18 since 1874. The school’s vision is to deliver a pioneering, innovative and dynamic learning experience, within a compassionate and caring environment for a diverse community. Every pupil is encouraged to develop their individual character and build resilience and self-confidence, so that they can flourish as individuals and leave as ambitious, principled young women. MHSG is proud of its reputation for academic excellence, but recognises that extra-curricular opportunities are just as important. Alumnae include the Pankhurst sisters, Dr Kotska Wallace (principal engineer at the European Space Agency) and Emma Barnett (host of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour).

To register for the open morning on 12 November, go to www.manchesterhigh.co.uk

The King’s School will be throwing open its doors on Saturday 8 October for prospective families considering joining in 2023 or 2024. Visitors will be able to visit all areas of the school, learn about the curriculum, meet key staff, hear from the Head, Mr Jason Slack, chat to pupils about their experiences of school life, and see for themselves the fantastic new campus on Alderley Road in Prestbury, near Macclesfield. Pupils will act as expert tour guides. There will be live sports matches and teaching demonstrations, along with Q&A sessions with staff and pupils.

The open day on Saturday 8 October is for the infant and junior school (9am to 1pm) and seniors and sixth form (10am to 2pm). Please book your place at www.kingsmac.co.uk

BABY & TODDLER DIARY

Listed below are all the community parent and toddler groups that we know about. Most meet weekly, usually in term-time only. They cost very little or nothing to attend, and are often run by volunteers. These groups form a lifeline to parents and carers with babies and very young children to look after – a welcome opportunity to get out and talk to people in a similar situation while the children play. Some groups have limited numbers and some prefer you to pre-book, so please try and check before you go. Thank you to Kickstarters, Tumble Tots and Rugbytots for supporting these pages.

MONDAY

9.30am – 10.45am & 11am 12.15pm

Trinity Toddlers, Trinity Church, Massie St, CHEADLE SK8 1BB www.trinity-cheadle.org

9.30am – 11.30am

Playaway Toddler Group, Poyn ton Baptist Church, 22 Park Lane, POYNTON SK12 1RD www.pbc.org.uk

9.15am – 10.40am

Marlborough Minis, Marlborough Primary School, Tytherington Drive, MACCLESFIELD SK10 2HJ www.marlborough.cheshire.sch.uk

10am – 11.30am

Seedlings Parents & Toddlers, Hazel Grove Baptist Church, Station Street, HAZEL GROVE SK7 4EX (also Tuesdays) www.hgbc.org.uk

10.30am – 12pm

Parent & Toddler Group (ages 0 5) ALTRINCHAM Methodist Church, Barrington Road WA14 1HF (also Thursdays) www.altrincham-methodist.org.uk

9.15 – 11am

Prestbury Mums & Tots, Prestbury Village Hall, Macclesfield Road SK10 4BW www.prestburyvillagehall.co.uk

TUESDAY

1.15pm – 2.45pm

Parents and Tots, Saint Albans Church, Parish Centre, Hall Street, MACCLESFIELD SK10 3AA www.stalbanmacc.org.uk

10am – 11.30am

Seedlings Parents & Toddlers, Hazel Grove Baptist Church, Station Street, HAZEL GROVE SK7 4EX (also Mondays) www.hgbc.org.uk

10am – 12pm

Active Angels Toddler Group, Bram hall St. Michael’s Church, St Mi chaels Ave, BRAMHALL SK7 2PG

www.bramhall.church

10.30am

Tiddlywinks, Wilmslow Methodist Church, Kings Close, Water Lane, WILMSLOW wilmslowmethodists.org.uk

9.30am – 11.15am

Jolly Tots, Knutsford Methodist Church, Princess Street, KNUTSFORD WA16 6BY www.kmc.org.uk

10am – 11am

Rhyme Time (songs, play and chat), Poynton Methodist Church, POYN TON SK12 1RB www.poyntonmethodist.org

10am – 11.30am

Woodlands Baby & Toddlers, ALTRINCHAM United Reformed Church, Woodlands Parkway, Timperley WA15 7QT (also Fridays) www.altrinchamurc.org.uk

10am – 12pm

Tuesday Tots, The Marquee, St Phil lips and St James Church, ALDER LEY EDGE SK9 7UZ www.stphilipandstjames.co.uk

10.30am – 11am

Storytime, Olive ROC Centre & Café, 88-90 Castle Street, Edgeley, STOCKPORT SK3 9AL www.oliveroccentre.org.uk

1pm – 3pm

Little Treasures Baby & Toddler Group, Elim Christian Life Centre, Parsonage Street, MACCLESFIELD SK11 7GY www.elimclcmacc.org.uk

WEDNESDAY

10.30am – 11.45am

Toddlers (pre-schoolers): Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church, Ramilies Ave, CHEADLE HULME SK8 7AL www.chmc.org.uk

10am – 12pm

ABC Toddler Group (ages 0 – 3), The Hub Community Centre, ALTRINCHAM Baptist Church, Pownall Road WA14 2SZ – please check availability (0161) 941 2018 (also Thursday) www.ourhub.org

12.45pm – 2.15pm

Just for Dads (for Dads, Grandads & male carers with children aged 0 – 4), Guywood Centre, Guywood Lane, St Chad’s Church Romiley, STOCKPORT SK6 4AN. Call Vicky on 07745 862557 www.stchadsromiley.co.uk

9.30 10.30am & 11am 12pm

Prampushers, Guywood Centre, Guywood Lane, St Chad’s Church Romiley, STOCKPORT SK6 4AN. Call Vicky on 07745 862557 stchadsromiley.co.uk

THURSDAY

9.30am – 11.30am

Toddler Group (please bring a mat and some toys). Poynton Methodist Church Hall, POYNTON SK12 1RB www.poyntonmethodist.org

9.30am – 10.45am & 11am 12.15pm

Baby Chat (up to 12 months / before walking), Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church, Ramilies Ave, CHEADLE HULME SK8 7AL www.chmc.org.uk

9.30am – 11.30am

Butterflies, Chelford Primary School, Oak Rd, CHELFORD SK11 9AY www.chelford.cheshire.sch.uk

10.30am – 12pm

Parent & Toddler Group (ages 0 5) ALTRINCHAM Methodist Church, Barrington Road WA14 1HF (also Mondays)

www.altrincham-methodist.org.uk

10am – 11.30am

Oasis Baby & Toddler Group, St. John’s Baptist Church, KNUTSFORD WA16 6DH www.stjohnsknutsford.org.uk

9.30am – 11.30am

Little Fishes Toddler Group, St. Paul’s Church, St. Paul’s Road, Heaton Moor, STOCKPORT SK4 4RY, book on (0161) 432 3431 www.stpaulsheatonmoor.org.uk

10am – 12pm

ABC Toddler Group (ages 0 – 3), The Hub Community Centre, ALTRINCHAM Baptist Church, Pownall Road WA14 2SZ – please check availability (0161) 941 2018 (also Wednesday). www.ourhub.org

FRIDAY

10.30am – 11.45am

Wobblers (crawling to 24 months), CHEADLE HULME Methodist Church, Ramilies Ave, SK8 7AL www.chmc.org.uk

10am – 11.30am

Woodlands Baby & Toddlers (from birth to school age), Altrincham United Reformed Church, Woodlands Parkway, TIMPERLEY WA15 7QT (also Tuesdays) www.altrinchamurc.org.uk

9.30am – 11.30am

Fun 4 Tots Group, Benchill Community Centre, Benchill Road, WYTHENSHAWE, Manchester M22 8EJ www.benchillcommunitycentre.co.uk

10am – 12pm

Tiny Hands (babies to preschool), St Mary’s Methodist Church, Wilmslow Road, HANDFORTH SK9 3LF www.stmaryshandforth.weebly.com

9.30am – 11am

Toddle Time, St Matthews Church, Grenville St, Edgeley, STOCKPORT SK3 9EE www.edgeleyandcheadleheath.org.uk

PRE-SCHOOL FOOTBALL CLASSES

SATURDAY

10.30am – 12pm

Just for Dads (for Dads, Grandads & male carers with children aged 0 – 4), Guywood Centre, Guywood Lane, St Chad’s Church Romiley, STOCKPORT SK6 4AN. Call Vicky on 07745 862557. www.stchadsromiley.co.uk

Rugbytots is the world’s favourite Rugby play programme. Dynamic, structured and fun play sessions for toddlers and young children are held at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, Bollington Civic Hall, Poynton Civic Hall and Congleton Mossley Village Hall. Classes are tailored for children aged 2—3.5, 3.5—5 and 5—7 years old.

www.rugbytots.co.uk

Call Alick on 07961 045330

Email alick@rugbytots.co.uk

Facebook: rugbytotssecheshire

Kickstarters have been creating football enthusiasts since 2017. Their aim is to give kids the most exciting introduction to football imaginable. They enter a world of goal scoring, starting with warming up the body like the professionals, and ending with a goal tally that only Christiano Ronaldo could rival.

The development of the programme and games is based on 16 years of pre-school coaching experience, and is delivered by ex-footballers and professional pre-school coaches. Some players have progressed on

to the highest level, but Kickstarters are just as proud of how many players have just continued to play the game.

Since Kickstarters began, about 1,000 pre-school children have attended sessions, and about 90% of them are still involved in football. They welcome all players to attend, and offer a free trial at all weekday venues. Pre-school football classes run in Poynton, Heald Green and Bramhall, and are suitable for boys and girls aged 2 to 4.

www.kickstartersfootball.co.uk

Tumble Tots is the UK’s leading physical play programme for children aged 6 months to 7 years. Come along and see your child build their ‘skills for life’, developing co-ordination, balance, climbing, and everything in between. Classes run between Monday and Friday at Wilmslow and Macclesfield Leisure Centres.

www.tumbletots.com/macclesfield

Call Megan on 07814 020 095

Facebook: tumbletotsmacclesfield

ORRIED?

YOU

Call

or visit

TO

on

Whatever your worry, you can talk to us. It’s free, you don’t have to tell us your name, and you can chat about anything.