Families 26 singlepages

Edition 26 • Nov/Dec 2013

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

@FamCheshMag facebook.com/familiescheshire

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In this issue > Jingle those bells and get into the Christmas spirit > Beat the bullies > Party directory

Covering: Poynton, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Sandbach, Northwich, Winsford, Crewe, Nantwich, Tarporley, Waverton, Chester and surrounding areas

Welcome/News In this issue 02: Welcome/News 04: Parties 08: Christmas 18: Parents’ place 22: Education 26: What’s on

© DNF-Style - Fotolia.com

Hello!

Well, here we are, bracing ourselves for the Christmas madness (and merriment).

And we’re counting down to the New Year, with 10 wishes (not resolutions – let’s be realistic about what’s achievable!) for 2014.

10 pounds of Christmas weight lost 9 months free from Christmas debt 8 doting grandparents 7 healthy pets 6 fabulous issues of Families 5 cheerful children 4 clean, rubbish-free cars 3 successful school terms 2 supportive husbands 1 good night’s sleep (at least – each!)

Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful end to the year and a happy, healthy, prosperous 2014!

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

Next issue: January/February 2014

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk

Circulation: 26,000 copies of Families Cheshire are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Cheshire. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Cheshire, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiescheshire.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover photograph by: Paul Moffat Photography, Bollington Tel: 01625 576 586, www.moff.co.uk

Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Cheshire 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. @FamCheshMag facebook.com/familiescheshire

Walk on Fire or Glass for East Cheshire Hospice

Help raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice and join Samia Ghadie in walking either over 15ft of red-hot wood embers or over shards of broken wine bottles!

Run by Time4Change Firewalk Transformations, the event takes place on

National Adoption Week

Friday 8 November at the Macclesfield Academy. Willing participants will receive an hour’s training for the Glass walk and two hours’ training for the Firewalk.

Spectators are more than welcome too!

Refreshments and merchandise will be on sale, as well as a raffle with the top prize being use of a mini for the weekend courtesy of the Blue Bell Group. There are two registration options; pay a £20 entry fee and pledge to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship or pay a £50 entry fee and there is no minimum sponsorship required. Register online now at www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/ fireandglasswalk2013, or call / email the fundraising team on 01625 433477 / events@echospice.org.uk. Registrations are taken right up until 4pm on the day.

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Making a space for a child in your life is an amazing thing to do, but it’s also a big decision and there’s a lot to think about and learn. Since its launch in 1997, National Adoption Week (from 4 – 11 November this year) has gone from strength to strength.

It’s important in reminding people about the backgrounds of the children waiting for adoption and the difference

adoption can make to a child’s life.

It also attracts people wanting to find out about their own adoption or about a child they put up for adoption. The National Adoption Week website is packed with advice and support for people thinking of adopting a child, as well as help for adopted children, birth parents and adoptive parents. Discover some fascinating real life stories and find out more about the steps you should take if you are thinking seriously about adoption. Check out the myths and facts of adoption, how to go about it and all the support you’ll need at www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk

News Toycraft Chester: Good Rhyme with your tot new initiative launches this November Toy Guide’s first Retailer Anwithexciting Nursery Rhyme Week. Nursery rhymes play an of the month! important role in early childhood development by

Good Toy Guide (www.goodtoyguide.com) has celebrated its first birthday by launching the Retailer of the Month feature on the site and is delighted to announce that the first retailer to be named is Toycraft Traditional Toyshop in Chester.

With their knowledgeable staff and a commitment to stocking well-made, well-designed toys, Toycraft is a great example of a toyshop that represents the values of the Good Toy Guide.

Bev Lucas of Toycraft said: “We’re thrilled to have been chosen.

Toycraft is a family run business established in 1965 so we have many years’ experience in providing good quality, traditional toys that are educational and stimulating as well as brilliant fun.” Toycraft is situated at 35 Watergate Street, Chester.

01244 342706 / www.toycraft.co.uk

Fight for Every Heartbeat As part of their new campaign Fight for Every Heartbeat, the British Heart Foundation is launching a DVD and a series of booklets to support parents coming to terms with their child being born with a heart defect.

Finding out that your child has a heart defect can be an extremely distressing and traumatic time, and it is often difficult to know where to turn. 12 babies are born every day with a congenital heart condition, making it the most common defect at birth. While the number of children dying from these defects has fallen more than 80 per cent in the last three decades, heart problems account for more anomalies than combined figures for limb defects, facial problems such as cleft palate and respiratory problems. Through these booklets entitled ‘Understanding Your Child’s Heart’, the nation’s heart charity wants to raise awareness of the UK’s 70,000 children living with heart defects. Support is available for parents and children affected by congenital heart conditions at www.bhf.org.uk/congenital.

helping children to master key skills such as language and communication as well as social, physical and emotional skills.

Taking place 11 – 15 November, this is a national event aimed at promoting and celebrating the importance of nursery rhymes. It’is free for anyone who has a child under the age of 5 or who works with the under 5s – all you have to do is register online and you can download

a free resource pack containing nursery rhyme themed activities, free songs, activity sheets and participation certificates for everyone who completes the ‘rhyme a day’ challenge. The initiative is sponsored by Music Bugs. www.musicbugs.co.uk/national-nursery-rhymeweek

Adrenaline rush guaranteed

Warrington’s Speedkarting, the largest indoor go-kart track in the UK, has been bought by TeamSport, Europe’s biggest and most successful indoor go-kart operator.

It has upgraded and revamped the venue to offer stateof-the-art thrills for adrenaline junkies of all ages.

Full size 200cc adult petrol karts can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, but TeamSport is not just for fearless grown-ups. On the Standard Track, little Lewis Hamilton’s aged eight years and over can also show off their racing skills. New, specially designed top-of-the-range ‘cadet’ petrol karts have been introduced here – and kids can even celebrate with pals in the hireable trackside party room.

Precision electronic timing systems, fire-retardant racing suits and helmets are also part of the deal. Friends and family can take in the action from the viewing galleries.

Memberships to TeamSport’s club, The Grid, priced at £19.95, offer members discounted karting, free sessions and the opportunity to take part in exclusive member-only events. These – and driving experience vouchers – could be great gifts for Christmas!

0844 998 0844 / www.team-sport.co.uk/warrington

Lights, camera, action!

School Christmas show preparation can give children an exciting new-found enthusiasm for the performing arts.

Stagecoach has been running performing arts classes in Congleton & Macclesfield for ten years, offering youngsters the chance to learn how to act, sing and dance. The current term’s focus is on learning new skills which are then put to use next term in an annual presentation to parents. Because the emphasis is on classwork rather than spending a lot of time rehearsing for productions, every child has their chance to shine.

Older students find that Stagecoach compliments the work they may be doing at school in GCSE, and this term there’s the opportunity to take LAMDA Speech & Drama exams. For younger students, the Early Stages class led by an early year’s specialist teacher, offers an introduction to the performing arts.

There are still a few places available in most age groups.

Call 01782 777345 or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/ congleton for more details.

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 3

Parties ANIMALS Animal Magic An affordable children’s animal party, event or show with a difference! Over 30 species of exotic and domestic animals provide educational entertainment for children and adults. Enjoy animal displays, talks, handling, feeding and photo opportunities. Two presenters means twice as much supervised handling time for you, providing a unique, memorable and fascinating experience for all. 01298 77412 / www.animalmagic-parties.co.uk Blaze Farm, Wildboarclough Feed the chickens, watch the cows being milked, go on the slide, wander the nature trails and enjoy your birthday tea with ice cream.

01260 227229 / www.blazefarm.com Cheshire Pony Parties Stress free, enchanting parties for ages 2 – 12 in a beautiful orchard setting and decorated party stable near Chester or at your home.

01829 741919 / www.cheshireponyparties.co.uk My Little Pony Parties American miniature horses with the perfect temperament for children’s parties. Indoor and outdoor options available. 01625 820431 / 07832 127433 / www.mylittleponyparties.com The Creepy Crawly Show A wild and exciting animal road show presented in a fun way by comical rangers. 01244 646 045 / www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk

BOUNCY CASTLES & PARTY TENTS

Bounceabout 01978 810730 / www.bounceaboutcastlehire.co.uk Bouncetastic 0151 353 7475 / www.bouncetasticuk.co.uk Funstuff for parties Bouncy castle, obstacle course and party tents, party bags and pre-made pass the parcel. 01625 614803 / 07958 429478 / www.funstuff-for-parties.co.uk The Little Tent Company 01925 487511 / www.thelittletentcompany.co.uk The Spotty Pig, Chester 01244 311318 / www.thespottypig.com

CLIMBING CENTRES & INDOOR ADVENTURE

Audley Climbing Centre, Audley 01782 722226 / www.peakpursuits.co.uk Awesome Walls, Stockport, Stoke on Trent & Liverpool. 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

To be included in our party directory, please call 01625 801801 or email editor@familiescheshire.co.uk

Rope Race, Stockport 0161 426 0226 / www.roperace.co.uk Silver Blades Ice Rink, Altrincham 08700 85 29 29 / www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk

FOOD, CAKES, PARTY BAGS AND SUPPLIES

Alice Rose Cakes & Cookies 01457 238013 / www.alice-rose.co.uk Cheshire Cupcakes 0161 264 7074 / www.cheshirecupcakes.co.uk Cupcake Boutique of Prestbury Beautifully designed cupcakes & celebration cakes, and outside catering for any occasion.

Private party room for cupcake decorating parties also available. 01625 827641 / www.cupcake-boutique.co.uk Little Gastronomes Good, healthy, home made party food.

01244 336 808 / www.littlegastronomes.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 Scrumptious Party Food Healthy, homemade, imaginative party food - set menu or create your own. Party bags too. 01829 759287 / 07785393094 / www.scrumptiouspartyfood.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

A-Star Sports Sporty party entertainment in Chester & surrounds including ‘playground games’ for younger children,other sports for ages 7+.

01352 770668 / www.a-starsports.co.uk Battlefield Live, Knutsford Do you want an action packed party with a difference?

Become a Marine for the day and challenge your friends to the ultimate battle. Playing in exclusive woodland and using the very latest infra-red gaming guns as used by the Military for Combat Training. You will fight alongside your team in defeating the enemy and winning the Battle. Will you be the hottest Sniper in your Squadron? Ideal for Birthday Parties of all ages from 7 upwards. www.battlefieldliveknutsford.co.uk Brookside Pottery 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 637499 / www.brooksidepottery.com

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Caterpillar Music A combination of simple birthday party games, action songs, instruments and amazing puppets.

01925 860459 / www.caterpillarmusic.com Cheshire Cats Face Painting Co 01606 333184 / www.cheshire-cats.co.uk The Cheshire Balloon Lady 01477 535163 / www.cheshireentertainer.com Diddy Dance 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!!

Chester & Surrounds – Danielle: 07870 664734 South Cheshire & Surrounds – Emma: 07792 500981 www.diddidance.com Faktory Studios, Great Barrow, Chester A professional recording studio with a twist. Parties for all ages: Birthday, Hen, Stag, Christmas etc. A unique party experience includes full Disco with karaoke, professional group recordings including mixing and mastering, a CD of your recordings for everybody and full use of the dining area.

07581 117884 / www.faktorystudios.co.uk Fizz Kids Dance and cheerleading parties for ages 5+ in Cheshire and Manchester.

07870 139361 / www.fizzkidsparties.co.uk Forest Skills Bushcraft and Forest School parties educational and fun.

07702 343248 / www.forestskillsltd.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 Go Kiddy Karts, Didsbury & Urmston Indoor parties for boys and girls aged 4 – 9.

07956 557653 / www.go-kiddy-karts.co.uk Hullabaloo Kids Face painting for children and adults.

07973 479471 / www.hullabalookids.net Jabberjacks Playmates parties for children aged 2 – 4, Junior parties for ages 5 – 7.

Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Knutsford – Sue: 01625 540999 Chester, Northwich & Winsford – Wendy: 07519 238263 Nantwich, Crewe & Sandbach – Rachel: 07501 365537 South Manchester – Clare: 07587 186284 www.jabberjacks.co.uk Jo Jingles, Music, singing and movement parties for children up to 5 years.

North East Cheshire: Laura: 0161 4310674 Mid Cheshire – Eve: 01928 739966 South Manchester – Jacqui: 01925 269136 www.jojingles.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 Little Superstars, Multi-sports parties across Cheshire. 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 MAD Academy, High energy music, singing and dance parties for young children (3 months – 5 years) using pom poms, parachutes, ribbons and instruments. 01270 876628 / www.madacademy.com Make A Wish Entertainment, Make your wish for a perfect party come true. 0113 322 7988 / www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk 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 191394 / www.motherhencreative.com My Babytime, Parties for babies with music, movement and dancing, percussion, parachute games and puppets. 07590 025253 / www.mybabytime.co.uk Oliver’s Chocolate Parties A unique ‘chocolatey’ experience in your home or venue of choice. For ages 2+.

07540 615966 / www.olichocparty.co.uk Orchard Studios, Crewe Pop Star Parties in professional studios for ages 10-16.

01270 877208 / www.orchard-studios.co.uk Party Dance Party dancing, party games, with special prizes and invitations – for ages 2 – 4, and 5+. Available across Cheshire. 01244 400238 / 07580 247105 / www.funforlittlefeet.com Premier FC parties, The ultimate kid’s football party for children of all ages and abilities.

01625 415151 / www.premierfc.com Petite Pamper Parties Truly magical fairy & princess parties for age 4+. Party bags included. 07980 284411 / amy@petitiepamperparties.co.uk Ranger Dan Woodland birthday parties with Cheshire’s favourite ranger. A range of fun outdoor activities and games, with food cooked over an open fire.

07765 890385 / www.rangerdan.co.uk Rollers Club, Rollerskating /rollerblading party for any occasion, for up to 100 children/adults.

07904 341348 / www.rollersclub.co.uk Scalextric Children’s Parties. 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

Parties Speckled Hen Children’s Parties, Holmes Chapel. Baking or sewing parties including a traditional party tea or lunch. 01477 537583 / www.speckledhenparties.co.uk Splat Creative Crafts (messy or not) and games galore parties across the North West.

01477 532119 / www.splatcreative.co.uk Totally intoart Creative art workshops and parties for children aged from 2 – 11 years in Chester and the Cheshire area. 07774 060405 / www.totallyintoart.co.uk Tricky the entertainer For magic, fun, music and games. 0800 135 7911 / 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 Party Rockin, Chester & North West Offering a huge variety of themed children’s parties for ages 4 – 8 years. Parties designed by kids, approved by adults! Each party has the personal touch, catered to the specific needs of you and your children.Steph: 07837362095 Karen: 07540462949 www.partyrockin.co.uk Pink Spaghetti Efficient, affordable and approachable party planning services.

0844 504 7465 / www.pink-spaghetti.co.uk

VENUES Barnaby’s Playbarn, Northwich A stimulating environment where children can burn off all that energy! A range of party options available.

01606 301321 / www.barnabys-playbarn.com Bollington Health & Leisure Soft play parties for under 3s, Swimming parties for all ages.

01625 574 774 / www.bollingtonleisure.co.uk Brio Leisure, West Cheshire, Swimming, bouncy castle, football, multi-sports and dance mat parties at various venues. www.brioleisure.org Cheshire Craft Workshops, Northwich Paint-a-pot, candle dipping and badge making.

01606 301269 / www.cheshirecraftworkshop.com Fun4All, Chester & Macclesfield A variety of party options in a spacious indoor venue. Laser, Bear making, Sports, Karaoke, Dance, Themed and VIP parties available.

Chester: 01244 379458 Macclesfield: 01625 440044 www.fun4all.co.uk

Funky Monkey Café, Nantwich Great craft or cupcake decorating parties with lots of play and fabulous food. Homemade food also available for parties in your home/venue of choice. 07846 296882 Funkytown, Chester Indoor Adventure Play & Party Centre with a Sensory Room based right in the heart of Chester. Various party options available to suit all budgets. 01244 377229 / www.funkytownplay.co.uk Funsters, Crewe. Indoor play centre for children up to age 12 with standard or Gokart parties available 7 days a week. A variety of balloons also available for sale.

01270 500525 / www.funstersplaycentres.co.uk The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall. The Ice Cave, private party rooms, outdoor activities (week days only) and playbarn. The Loft - state of the art games room for older children. Party food available or bring your own. 07570 774 491 / www.cheshirefarmicecream.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 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 birthday girl.

01625 548326 / www.littlebigheads.co.uk Manchester Museum Celebrate your birthday with Stan, the T-Rex & friends. Birthday parties for ages 0 - 6 and 7 - 11 that are full of hands-on activities. Max 15 children & 15 adults. Available Sat & Sun 10am or 2pm.

Bookings must be made at least one month in advance. 0161 306 1779 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum‎ Playfactore, Trafford. A choice of parties in a huge indoor playcentre with a personal party host and contemporary party rooms.

0844 824 6030 / www.playfactore.com Playworld, Shavington.

01270 665669 / www.playworldlimited.co.uk Pirates Paradise, Holmes Chapel. Indoor pirate-themed play centre with lazer quest and themed parties avaible.

01477 549008 / www.piratesplaycentre.co.uk Polar Palace, Winsford. 5 party options that can be themed, with an additional option of a visit from your child’s favourite Character.

01606 863623 / www.polarpalace.co.uk The 2 Gyms, Winsford. Indoor adventure playground offering parties with a party host, food and party bags. 01606 558600 / www.the2gyms-cheshire.co.uk The Mulberry Bush Cafe, Wilmslow Private party room hire, party food, fresh juice and water for the children, traditional party games, decorations and a mini disco. Cookie decorating, pizza-making and parties for Grown-ups available too! 01625 400122 / www.themulberrybushcafe.co.uk The Spotty Pig Craft Café, Chester. Ceramic painting, cupcake decorating, decopatch or Wild Wood parties. Exclusive party room for 10+ guests.

01244 311318 / www.thespottypig.com Total Fitness Altrincham, Chester, Crewe and Wilmslow. Studio (ages 4 – 11) and pool parties (ages 8+) www.totalfitness.co.uk Wacky Warehouse, Congleton, Crewe and Northwich. 2 hour party packages with optional helium balloons, character visits or exclusive venue hire. 01260 217 859 / www.wackywarehouse.co.uk

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Parties A Party For A Princess

Get your Party Rockin

For Isabella’s 5th birthday party I booked Amy from Petite Pamper Parties as I was looking for something girly and pink for our little princess. Amy provided pink, glitter, frills, and general girliness in abundance.

I was so impressed with the thought and attention to detail behind the party. Amy arrived with her car crammed full of room decorations and equipment that transformed a village hall into a beauty parlour for little girls.

We had a bubble foot spa, nail bar, hair and make-up station, dressing up rail filled with outfits and a mirror to check out the looks.

There was a juice fountain with little cocktail glasses (plastic of course), pretty jars of sweets, cupcakes to decorate, beads and

It’s exciting times for Party Rockin party planners! They’ve added new members to the team, are coming up with fresh new party ideas and are looking forward to entertaining your little ones over the festive season!

While already offering a huge variety of themed children’s parties, they’re constantly on the lookout for new, exciting ideas to make your party one remember!

Their personal touch ensures each party is

By Jayne Keep

thread to make bracelets….. I would love to attend an adult version of this pamper party!

Isabella was beaming all the way through from first taking a seat for her gorgeous glittery make up and sweet hair up-do, right through the crafts and party games, to the finale (my favourite part) as she and her eight friends strutted their stuff down the pink catwalk to show off their fab new looks.

Amy is offering Families readers a 15% discount on all parties booked before 1 Jan 2014. Just quote FAMILIES when you book.

For more details on all the party options available call Amy on 07980 284 411, email amy@petitepamperparties.co.uk or check out facebook.com/ petitepamperparties.

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

6 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

unique and catered to your specific needs.

The Christmas period at Partyrockin’ is going to be one not to be missed! With plans for a Christmas extravaganza afoot and they’re hoping you’ll join them on the ride, get involved and have tonnes of fun along the way!

To BOOK NOW or ask any questions: Call Steph: 07837362095 or Karen: 07540462949 / www.partyrockin.co.uk

Faktory Studios A professional recording studio with a twist, situated in Great Barrow, Chester. You can now enjoy the same experience as the popstars if you choose a party with Faktory Studios. They offer parties for all ages and occasions: Birthday, Hen, Stag, Christmas etc. and will have you singing, dancing and laughing more than ever before.

This unique party experience includes a full Disco with karaoke, professional group recordings for you and up to 19 of your

best friends including mixing and mastering, a CD of your recordings for everybody and full use of the dining area.

They also offer great experience days, band practice and recording along with team building and enrichment days.

07581 117884 / www.faktorystudios.co.uk

Parties Scrumptious Party Food

Scrumptious specialises in producing party food that both you and your child will love. It’s healthy.

It’s homemade. It’s tasty and looks good too! So, bin the cocktail sausages and forget the soggy sandwiches – let Scrumptious provide you with an original, imaginative spread of delicious food that you’ll want your child to eat.

Whether choosing from one of the set menus, the ‘create your own’ menu or bespoke menu to suit your party theme, you’ll receive a professional service with a personal touch. There’s even a nibbles menu for the adults who accompany their children to the party – ensuring that the children get to eat the food that you have ordered for them without their parents picking at it over their shoulder! Christmas cake pops are now available to order – a delicious, bite-size morsel of cake on a stick decorated with a Christmas theme – Christmas trees, Santa hats and Christmas puddings! Call Niki at Scrumptious on 01829 759287 or 07785 393094 to find out about the sort of food your child could be eating at their next party!

Let the party adventure begin!

Are you looking for something a little different as a party option?

Forest Skills offer bespoke bushcraft birthday parties for ages 5-14 years old. Activities available include (some age dependent): • Friction fire lighting – The quintessential art of yesteryear.

• Knives, saws, billhooks & axes – Their use, safety, maintenance & the Law. • Shelters – How to build a traditional shelter using only natural materials.

• Navigation skills.

• Tracking skills.

• Hunting and trapping.

• Net making.

• Game preparation.

• Traditional cooking techniques.

• Natural cordage – How to make it & the knots and lashings to use it.

• Camp furniture & other camp gadgets.

• Water – Sourcing, collecting treating and keeping.

• Foraging – For food and resources.

Also available for groups such as Brownies, Scouts, Cadets etc. Or even for adults – from corporate bookings to stag and hen parties.

To discuss a party package to suit you call 07702 343848. info@forestskillsltd.co.uk / www.forestskillsltd.co.uk

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Festive Fashion The hottest new Christmas gift for creative kids!

Who needs felt pens and a sketch book in their stocking when kids can get creative scribbling on their shoes?

Skribbies customisable footwear can be drawn on over and over again thanks to their unique wipe clean surface.

These trendy high tops have a shiny white surface that enables children to alter the look of their shoes as often as they like. Simply draw-wipe-draw to create a different pair of shoes every day!

Skribbies are available in a selection of colourways to suit boys and girls: Hot Pink and Red, Neon Yellow and Black and Bright Blue and Navy, in sizes ranging from UK Junior Size 10 to UK 3.

Available for £35.95 online via www.skribbies.com or call 020 3287 2944.

PO.P into toasty winter warmers Reviewed by Jayne Keep

Snug as a bug We love this bright scarf and hat from Oilily to keep out the chill! Unisex and great quality – they’ll last for years.

Koter Hat £69 Krul Scarf £60 www.oililyshop.com/en

When the weather turns chilly there is always one brand I go for to kit out the kids – Polarn O. Pyret. I have never yet found another brand that does all weather clothing so well whilst looking so fun and stylish. I love the bright vibrant colours; I can spot my kids a mile off in the school yard in a PO.P coat!

Plus I know they will be cosy and dry however grim it gets.

Through Autumn Lily (age 7) has been wearing the Quilted Jacket (RRP £46) , this is lightweight and padded, perfect for those in-between days, or can

be worn with a further outer layer to become a thick Winter coat. She loves the style and the vivid pink colour.

Izzy (age 5) has the Padded Winter Coat (RRP £80). I go back to these year after year (in fact they last years for handing down if you go for the unisex colourways). These coats are truly wind and waterproof (we have tested this repeatedly and never been let down). The fit is lovely as despite being a thick coat, it’s cut, including pre bent sleeves, means it’s never restrictive as Izzy plays. Plus the reflective strips are fab for the dull Winter walks to and from school.

For Logan (age 3) I have the Padded Winter Snow Suit Overall (RRP £106). This has many of the design features of the Winter coats with the thick padding, waterproof outer, clever shaping for comfort and reflectors for safety. There is no way Logan is getting cold or wet as we walk the dogs, or play out in the snow this Winter.

For details of the full range visit www.polarnopyret.co.uk

For (big and small) kids with big personalities

Cheshire’s very own funky, ethical clothing brand brings you T-shirts, Hoodies, Playsuits, Bibs and Gift sets with a variety of wonderfully cool designs. With personalised 100% cotton T-shirts for £18, or Adult and Child T-shirt gift sets for £28, all clothes are sourced from a certified, fair and sustainable partner and then handpressed and finished at Banana Lane. www.bananalane.co.uk

Good enough for Greenland…

Keeping warm never looked so cool; the new Alaska Parka by Kozi Kidz stylishly combines high-quality fabrics with advanced features to provide 100% protection from the worst winter conditions. Designed in Sweden, where the natives know a thing or two about combating cold weather, the Parka’s cosy design protects kids from cold, wind and rain, so they can forget about the weather and concentrate on having fun outdoors.

We put one to the test on Logan (age 3). He loved the bright blue colour and the huge fake fur trimmed hood

8 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

(detachable). He also really liked that the coat has several pockets in which he can keep little treasures, as boys do!

There are even perfectly placed hand warmer pockets. From a mum’s point of view I love the longer length to keep him really snug & stop chills up his back as he plays, and the way the cuffs and waist can be cinched in for the perfect fit. The safety reflectors are also great. This coat is so cosy (200g polyester fill) but still lightweight which is great for Logan as he hates anything bulky.

Sizes: 90cm – 140cm RRP £89.99 For more info visit www.kozikidz.com.

Gifts galore All they want for Christmas…

By Alison Thomas

books, DVDs and much more. The Disney Princesses are also sure to be a hit – dolls, dressing-up sets, playsets or stationery (www.disneystore.co.uk). My Little Pony has also stood the test of time.

Preschool boys

Ever wondered what to get a one-year-old boy now you’ve got teenagers, or your pre-teen god-daughter when your kids are still happy with Stickle Bricks?

Here at Families we’ve over 50 children between us, so we’ve come up with a list of the toys that our children have really loved and played with over the years to help you choose that winning present!

Babies You’ve heard it before, but it’s not worth spending a lot. How about a donation to a savings account and something small like stacking cups, soft toys (Jellycat have some gorgeous ones), fabric books or a new rattle? If you want to spend a bit more, try a play gym or door bouncer, musical toys or something from VTech with lots of flashing lights and noises!

Toddlers By now toys are getting more exciting, and sometimes quite large. One of the favourite toys for this age group is a Little Tikes Cosy Coupe – played with for years, even when they’re almost too big to get out of it! You can often get these in quite good condition second hand, too. Just as big, and as popular, is a toy kitchen complete with plastic fruit and veg that they can cut up and serve to mum and dad for tea. The HappyLand range from ELC (www.elc.co.uk) is great for this age group – choose from a rocket set, train set, pirate ship, fairy treehouse or the very sweet Rose Cottage. And again anything musical is also sure to be popular. Or try colouring (mess free with Aqua Draw) and sticker books (Usborne First Sticker Books series, www.usbornebooksathome.co.uk for lots and lots of stickers).

Preschool girls At this age a lot of little girls are crazy about dolls – try a soft rag doll like Bigjigs or the Manhattan range, where you can also buy outfits and accessories. Or how about a dolls’ pram or buggy? ELC has a good selection. Peppa Pig is perennially popular – choose from playsets, puzzles,

Favourites that seem to be played with for a long time are dressing-up outfits (doctor, fireman, cowboy and pirate) and role-play kits like a doctor’s case or a workbench with lots of nails to hammer down. Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio trainsets are loved by some little boys, and it’s often easy to find them in good condition on ebay. Dinosaurs are loved by all – ELC have some plastic models of all sizes, or try www.nhmshop.co. uk/dinosaurs. Or how about some pop-up tents and tunnels for getting rid of energy? Duplo is also a good bet, choose from basic bricks or themed sets like a fire station, zoo or farm.

Girls 5–8 By now, imaginative play has really kicked off – forever popular and loved by many are Sylvanians: choose from families, playsets or a vast array of houses to put them in. Lego Friends is also a good bet. Playmobil has a big range to choose from – farms, fairies, hospitals and more – you might just want to consider constructing it beforehand to avoid lots of time spent fiddling around with small bits on Christmas Day. Craft kits are also popular with this age group; try Hama Beads, ELC for complete, easy-tofollow kits for decorating mermaids, jewellery boxes etc. and Yellow Moon (www.yellowmoon.org.uk). And don’t forget Barbie and Build-a-Bear.

Boys 5–8 Lego, lego and more lego, in all its various forms – bricks and wheels, Lego City, Harry Potter, The Hobbit and Star Wars – is always popular and played with for years. And Playmobil again – pirates, knights, vehicles and more to appeal to every interest. Or how about a wooden fort, garage, fire station or workbench – Pintoy make some lovely ones. Construction toys of all shapes and sizes – Geomags panels and magnets, wooden bricks and blocks – are also popular. Or try Hot Wheels, Transformers, a marble run or Scalextric.

Girls 9–11 While still happy to play with toys, by now girls often love something which

10 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

makes them feel grown-up – try pretty slippers, little bags, jewellery, scarves, picture frames or a gift card from Claire’s Accessories. DIY baking sets made up of fairy-cake cases, sprinkles, icing tubes, cutters, apron and a book all put in a pretty tin make a lovely gift.

Crafts are still popular – the Klutz range is easily available and a bit more unusual.

Or how about Harumika (www.harumika.eu); you dress mannequins in different outfits using bits of material and can upload the creations online. Scrap-booking is often also popular, you could include a voucher for a local class. And of course no matter how many pens, pencils and notepads they have, stationery is always a winner!

Boys 9–11 If they’re into sports, it’s easy – kit, clothes, books, DVDs on their favourite team or a moment in sporting history are all likely to go down well. Or how about a football goal, kite, skateboards, or cool clothes to protect elbows etc. Also worth a look are Ripstyle waveboards, which come in a variety of styles and colours www.waveboardsale.com/ collections/ripstyle-boards). If they’re musical, a drum kit or guitar (do check with the parents first!). Or how about kits to make something (Letterbox have a good selection, or try www.sciencemuseum.org.uk). And if they’re into the current obsession of computer game Minecraft, Amazon has a good range of toys to complement it like a torch, collectable figures and a Lego game.

Older kids It might be a case of clubbing together for a high-ticket item like a new bike, but no matter how old you are you still need something to play with on Christmas Day. What about something fun like a hula hoop – you can’t be a grumpy teenager when you’re hooping and there are lots of tutorials on You Tube to learn some cool tricks. Or how about an e-reader, you could always add some of their favourite ebooks – for reluctant readers the novelty factor might just work. And if all else fails, there’s always an iTunes voucher; which leads us to Apple. There’s no denying it: an iPod, iTouch or iPad often feature on most kids’ Christmas lists. Maybe they should come with a warning from Santa – to prevent self-destruction, only use for a x hours a day when your parents say it’s ok.

Perennial favourite Everyone who has one says that a trampoline really is the best thing they’ve ever bought. Buy the biggest your garden can accommodate and make sure you’ve got a safety net.

Games we all love • Orchard Toys board games like Tell the Time, Bus Stop, and Tummy Ache.

• Snakes and Ladders • Tiddlywinks • Guess Who? • Junior or adult Monopoly • Connect 4 • Uno • For children of about 7 or 8 and over, why not try Rummikub – a little bit like Scrabble but with numbers, it’s for dyslexic children but not a specific SEN game.

• For 10+ yrs, how about Balderdash; you get obscure words and if you guess the real definition you get points.

• Cluedo Every bookcase should have one!

Our top books for every age • Babies and toddlers: The Usborne That’s Not My… series; The Hungry Caterpillar; Dear Zoo; The Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business; & Spot and Maisy flap books.

• Preschool: Anything by Julia Donaldson; The Tiger Who Came To Tea; I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato; Each Peach Pear Plum; That Rabbit Belongs To Emily Brown; & Harry And His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs.

• 5 to 8 years: Anything by Roald Dahl & Michael Morpurgo; The Faraway Tree; Daisy And The Trouble With Christmas; Ratburger; Dr Proctor’s Fart Powder; & the Spy Dog series.

• 9 to 11 years: Harry Potter (all of them); Northern Lights; Skulduggery Pleasant; The Ingo Chronicles; Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief; Alex Rider series; The Secret of Platform 13; The Hobbit.

Gifts galore Bizzy Bitz! The toy that was created for the 21st century!

With a simple ball and socket system and a phenomenal patented internal socket, Bizzy Bitz is set to capture the world with its infinite possibilities.

Brightly coloured pieces and a wide variety of shapes mean that children of all ages and stages can create absolutely anything. It’s cool, addictive, educational and fun, and guaranteed to keep your children busy!

Bizzy Bitz is the only toy in the world which, with only its basic shapes (no custom made pieces), can create accurate models of absolutely anything and everything. This has the additional advantage that if a piece goes missing you can always build hundreds of things from your remaining pieces.

Children as young as three make cars,

necklaces and little people, whilst especially enjoying the Bizzy Bitz baseboard, and kids as old as 13 have created detailed worker lorries, aeroplanes, clocks and exquisite candelabras.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION AND WIN! Email Bizzy Bitz your original or beautiful Bizzy Bitz creation for a chance to win a £15 Bizzy Bitz voucher. One winner in each age group (3 – 6 years, 6 – 9 years and 9 – 12 years). Pictures must be submitted by 30 January 2014. Email to bizzybitzgb@gmail. com with your name, age and postal address.

The Cream of the Cattle!

Happy Hopperz, the masters of bounce, have introduced a new cute cow to their range for younger children (12 months +).

This new moo has been completely revamped for the smaller family members with a much thinner body making it easier for smaller toddlers to the reach the ground. Also, the new positioning of the head has helped balance to ensure the cow is incredibly stable no matter where your little one sits. There

is even a brand new feature – chewable bobbles on the ears and horns. This addition cleverly turns this fun cow into a truly unique teether!

We tested out the new addition and Logan (age 3) loved it. We already own a larger version (the XL bull) but Logan’s short legs made bouncing tricky, now with a hoppy pal his size he’s away and racing his sisters on their larger version!

We are real fans of Happy Hopperz, they are so cute and great fun, both in and outdoors. Plus they’re fab exercise, helping strengthen core muscles and assisting development of balance. Definitely a great idea for a Christmas gift.

RRP: £21.99 For more info visit www.happyhopperz.co.uk.

Make a child a ‘star’ this Christmas Itsyourstory is a magical world of personalised gifts and keepsakes where little ones can star in their very own story book or appear on their own water bottle, poster or clothing range and they can even receive a personalised letter from Father Christmas.

Imagine the surprise and delight on the face of your child as they unwrap a book on Christmas morning to discover that they are the ‘star’ of the story and that their face appears on every page! Or the look of joy when they appear as a superhero, princess or elf on a personalised t-shirt!

Fuelling a child’s imagination is at the heart of this exciting publishing concept developed by Itsyourstory.

Making a personalised story book or other gift with Itsyourstory couldn’t be easier - simply upload a digital photo to their website, fill out some information about your child and Itsyourstory will do the rest using the latest digital print technology.

So if you are searching for that special one-of-a-kind Christmas present for a little one then you can be sure that a personalised gift from Itsyourstory will be treasured for years to come.

Prices start from £5.50. www.itsyourstory.co.uk

Unique art to touch your heart and mind Heart & Sold is a very special and innovative initiative, providing a professional platform to promote, sell and exhibit works by artists with Down syndrome. Inspired by her five year old son Max, who has the condition, local mum Suzie Moffat decided to combine her interest and experience in the arts with meeting talented individuals with the condition and their families and carers.

The more she discovered creative talent amongst people with Down syndrome around the globe, the more convinced she became that their work should be more widely celebrated. In fact, a painting by one of the initiative’s artists has recently been ‘graciously received’ by The Duke & Duchess of Cambridgeshire. This was highly publicised by the media, featured on TV and in various articles around the world and the team is now fully intent on pushing the Heart & Sold message further.

Heart & Sold is planning to launch the initiative in March 2014, during Down Syndrome Awareness Week at a prestigious gallery in London. This exhibition will help to promote, showcase and more importantly, create jobs for these artists. It will improve their self-esteem, create a much greater awareness of their individual skills and personalities, and make their families proud.

Heart & Sold will continue to grow, go on tour and actively work to find other talented artists with Down syndrome. It will allow them to develop, grow, create, sell, educate, encourage and inspire.

They want to show that art is from the heart, and that a condition such as Down syndrome actually creates exciting new perspectives and often strikingly original insights.

Art prints are for sale through their website (www.heartandsold.org.uk) – a perfect gift from the heart for Christmas.

Come forth and multiply with this brand new board game!

PLYT is a new board game that’s sweeping the nation’s homes and schools, making multiplication fun and exciting, whilst improving every players’ numeracy levels!

This original, fast paced and exciting game challenges players to multiply a number of dice together, racing along the board to reach the winner square before their opposition. It

sounds simple, but beware the chance cards, which can boost you up a level or cast you back down again!

Players must throw the master die plus any number of the other dice, dependent on their level, and multiply each of the numbers shown together. On answering the multiplication correctly, the player moves forward the number of squares on the black master die.

The game can be played by everyone at any level, from aged four, by changing the number of dice that each player uses according to their numeracy level... and confidence! It takes anything from 15 minutes to 1 hour to play and can be played by 2 to 6 players at any one time. Plyt is available for £19.99 at www.plyt.co.uk.

Up close and personal with Ernie

Have you visited SEA LIFE Manchester yet? How about a giving someone a unique SEA TREK experience this Christmas! This thrilling sea bed walk through the largest tank in the Manchester aquarium gives you the chance to explore the underwater world without time consuming, specialised training.

Sea trekkers are kitted out in a special dive suit, complete with a fully waterproof helmet (100% safe for a full face of make up!), before

they are lowered into the ocean tank which is filled with 480,000 litres of water and is home to 1,092 creatures of 35 different species. They are then walked through the tank, stopping to take closer looks at some of the creatures, such as the black tip reef sharks, the super inquisitive groupers and the king of the tank, giant sea turtle Ernie.

The SEA TREK experience costs £60 per person (including admission to the attraction) and is available to guests aged 8 and over. The experience lasts for approximately one hour with 10 minutes under the water.

For more information about SEA LIFE visit www.visitsealife.com or call 0871 221 2483.

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 11

Gifts galore Gift & Craft fairs Thurs 7 Nov

Duddon St Peter’s Primary School Duddon Christmas Market 7 – 9pm. Come and join us for some mulled wine and relaxing retail therapy. We have everything for the perfect Christmas including: local homemade produce, stocking fillers, bespoke gifts for all the family, Christmas hampers and festive beverages. For lovers of all things unique and handcrafted, to suit all tastes and purses!

01829 781366 / www.dstp.cheshire.sch.uk

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Gift Fair 10.30am – 5pm, Free entry (normal admission applies). An early chance to look for those special Christmas gifts for all the family and ideas for presents not usually found in High Street shops.

01530 834056 / www.countrywide-events.co.uk

Mon 11 & Tues 12 Nov

Arley Hall, Northwich Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular 2013 Around 60 handpicked stalls offering a wide variety of stunning gifts and ideas for Christmas.

Honey Bee Creches’ qualified staff will offer free child care for up to an hour (limited spaces and availability) Mon 11: Champagne welcome and evening shopping 6 – 9.30pm. £10 in advance, £12 on the night (includes a glass of champagne and canapés.)

Tues 12: 10am – 3.30pm, £5 entry 0161 610 0170 / www.arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk

Thurs 14 Nov

Cheshire Oaks Christmas comes to Cheshire Oaks Official lighting of the centre’s 90ft Christmas tree, Britain’s tallest artificial Christmas tree, a continental Christmas market and a spectacular festive fireworks display. www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/cheshireoaks-designer-outlet

Thurs 14 – Sun 24 Nov

Chatsworth House, Bakewell Christmas Markets Mon – Fri 10.30am – 5pm Sat & Sun 10am - 5pm Live seasonal musical entertainment, mulled cider and German Beers, delicious food and perfect presents for all the family.

01246 565300 / www.chatsworth.org

Fri 15 Nov – Sun 22 Dec

Manchester Christmas Markets Follow the market trail and soak up the festive atmosphere as it winds through the city centre, passing through some of Manchester’s most picturesque streets and squares.

Manchester European Christmas Markets – Albert Square, M2 5RT World Christmas Market Brazennose Street, M2 5AS German Christmas Market St Ann’s Square, M2 7JB Christmas Arts & Crafts Market Exchange Street, M2 7DH

French Market King Street, M2 4LQ Manchester Christmas Market New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD Manchester Christmas Market Exchange Square, M3 1BD Manchester Christmas Market The Corn Exchange, M4 3TR www.manchester.gov.uk/markets

Sat 16 Nov

Tarporley Christmas Gift Fair Annual Charity Christmas Gift There will be around 10 hand-picked stalls offering a wide variety of stunning gifts and ideas for Christmas, which caters for both adults and children.

Free parking & entrance. www.chester360.co.uk

Thurs 21 Nov – Sun 15 Dec

Chester Christmas Market Located on Northgate Street in front of the historic Town Hall. , Brand new bespoke wooden chalet style stalls set the scene for a festive shopping experience with a wide range of traders from quality giftware, clothing and food and drink. www.visitchester.com/christmas

Fri 22 – Sun 24 Nov

Capesthorne Hall Christmas at Capesthorne with Large Craft & Gift marquee Take a tour around this stately home with live musical entertainment and a special visit from Santa. Then head out to the marquee for the Craft and Gift fair. Various opening times.

Entrance fee applies.

01625 861 221 / www.capesthorne.com

Sat 23 Nov

Market Square, Macclesfield Totally Locally Christmas Market 12 – 6pm, Free. Live music, mulled wine, fireworks, mid-winter feast, children’s activities, street entertainers and the switching on of the Christmas Lights. www.winterfestmacclesfield.co.uk

Sat 23 & Sun 24 Nov

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal 11am – 4pm A range of Christmas gifts and crafts to inspire the festive period. Normal admission applies.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Wed 27 Nov – Sun 1 Dec

Broughton Shopping Park, Broughton nr Chester Broughton Celtic Christmas Fayre Celtic Christmas Fayre, Broughton, Chester.

A Large event undercover in marquees and cabins with a wide range of food and craft stalls plus festive music, entertainment & Santa’s Grotto.

Fri 29 Nov – Sun 1 Dec

Manchester Central The Magical Christmas Fair Hundreds of stands full of products not easily found in the high street: Stocking fillers, top-end designer gifts and fabulous speciality food and drinks to make your festive occasions extra special. Live music, spectacular decor, surprises appearing around the venue, a chance for kids (of all ages) to meet Santa and his friends, plus licensed bars and restaurant areas to enjoy a warming Glühwein, a glass of champagne and festive food with your friends or family.

0161 440 7200 / www.magical-christmas.co.uk

Sat 30 Nov

Sun 1 Dec

Stockport Town Hall Christmas Gift fair 10am – 3pm, free entry. Over 50 stalls selling an array of handcrafted toys, jewellery and gifts.

Café open throughout & live festive music by local performers.

0161 474 3451 / www.stockport.gov.uk/townhall

Thurs 5 – Sun 8 Dec

Lowry Outlet , Salford Victorian Christmas Market 100 festive stalls, Dickensian characters, brass bands, traditional carousel and more at this festive feast plus outlet shopping. Free entry.

Thurs & Fri: 11am – 8pm Sat: 11am – 7.30pm Sun: 11am – 5pm www.lowryoutlet.co.uk

Sat 7 Dec

Bollington St John’s C of E School Christmas Fair 2 – 4pm. £1 adult entry, kids free! Father Christmas, music, raffle, tombola, craft stalls, cakes, mulled wine, minced pies, craft activities and games.

01625 572025 / www.fcsfed.com

Sat 7 Dec

Handforth Paddock Handforth Paddock Fair 11am – 4pm, Free admission. See Peppa Pig and Iggle Piggle, ride the miniature train (only 50p). Children’s activities such as sand art, huck a duck & face painting. Gift and amazing handmade stalls, eastern cuisine food, entertainment and free goodie bags.

Dialstone Lane Methodist Church, Stockport Christmas Fair 10am. A selection of stalls, Father Christmas, crafts, music and refreshments.

0161 456 1454 / www.dialstonelanemethodistchurch.co.uk

Sun 8 Dec

Sat 30 Nov & Sun 1Dec

Sat 21 – Mon 23 Dec

Princess Street, Knutsford Knutsford Christmas Market Sat 12 – 7pm, Sun 11am – 5pm. A fantastic selection of stalls selling a range of fine foods and gifts. Street entertainment and a giant snow globe. www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Eaton Primary School, nr Tarporley CW6 9AN Annual Christmas Fair 11am to 3pm. Father Christmas’ Grotto, Christmas Stalls, Crafts, Refreshments and much more.

01829 732731 / www.eaton.cheshire.sch.uk Greengate Square, Salford Christmas Family Market Open air Christmas Family Market with festive street performers, warming winter food and festive treats from the market traders. Children will also have a chance to meet Santa at Greengate Square, just before he drops down their chimneys.

Santa Express Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton Santa Specials Ride on the miniature railway to see Santa in his grotto. See “Where’s Santa?” for prices 01625 872919 / www.klondyke.co.uk/ brookside-garden-centre-poynton

Churnet Valley Railway

Santa and Steams Specials – A Victorian Christmas Celebration Weekends from Sun 1 Dec Quality gifts for every child, mince pie and sherry for adults. Entertainment, traditional decorations and attractions at Cheddleton and Kingsley & Froghall Stations. Special offer for Sun 1 & Sat 7 Dec: one child free with every two adults. Booking essential. 01538 758491/ www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

12 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

East Lancashire Railway, Bury

Santa Specials Every weekend from Sat 30 Nov and daily From Fri 20 Dec – Tues 24 Dec Meet the jolly man himself and his helpers as they hand out presents for the kids and a mince pie and festive drink for the adults. See the beautiful decorations on both the carriages and in the station, enjoy Christmas carols and live brass bands. Pre-booking essential.

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Foxfield Railway, Stoke on Trent Wind through the scenic Staffordshire countryside for a 5½ mile round festive train ride! Chocolate, a drink and a quality drink from Santa for children, mince pie and sherry for adults. 07806 468970 / www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk

Rudyard Lake Steam Railway, Leek Santa Express Special Steam Trains Sat 7 & Sun 8, Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec Dress up warmly and come along for a unique Santa steam train experience. Good quality present for the children from Santa and sherry and mince pies for adults. Trains depart from Rudyard Station,take you to see Santa in his Grotto by the Lake (in the warmth and dry of the lake activity centre) and then return you to Rudyard Station. 01995 672280 / www.rlsr.org

Panto’s & family shows Annie

The Brindley, Runcorn Tues 12 – Sat 16 Nov The Centenary Theatre Company bring you this huge audience favourite of stage and screen - a show which needs no introduction.

With hits like Tomorrow, Maybe and Little Girls.

0151 907 8360 / www.thebrindley.org.uk

Dragon

The Lowry Fri 8 & Sat 9 Nov Tommy can’t sleep. He hasn’t been able to since his mum died a year ago. Since then, life for Tommy has gone from bad to worse.

His dad is grief-stricken, his big sister ignores him and he has become the victim of the school bully. Then one restless night, Tommy goes to the window, throws back the curtain…And a dragon is looking at him. Straight in the eye.

A show for adults, teenagers and children with vivid imaginations. For ages 9+ 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Beyond The Barricade

Crewe Lyceum Theatre Sat 9 Nov A cast of past principal performers from the West End production of Les Miserables, and the 25th Anniversary Concert at the 02 Arena brings you songs from Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Phantom Of The Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, Blood Brothers, The Jersey Boys and many more hit musical productions, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Miserables!

01270 368 242 / www.crewelyceum.co.uk

ComedySportz

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sat 9 Nov & Sat 14 Dec This fast-paced improvised comedy show will have you on your knees with laughter!

Two teams battle it out for the biggest laughs. With quick-witted sketches, scenes and songs from whatever suggestions are thrown at them by the audiences – this is feel good fun at its best. For ages 8+.

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Singin’ In The Rain

Manchester Opera House Sat 9 – Sat 30 Nov High-energy choreography and a sumptuous set design (including over 14,000 litres of water), Singin’ in the Rain showers you with everything you could wish for in a hit West End musical and leaves you singin’ and dancin’ all the way home. 0844 871 3018/ www.manchesteroperahouse.org.uk

Aliens love underpants

Buxton Opera House Sun 10 Nov This zany and hilarious tale based on the best-selling children’s book is delightfully brought to life on stage for the very first time. With stunning effects, madcap action, original music (and lots of aliens of course!) this fantastically fresh and funny production will delight the whole family.You’ll laugh your PANTS off! 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Daneside Theatre, Congleton Tues 12 – Sat 16 Nov Presented by Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre, the Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colours comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. 01260 277502 / www.congletonyouththeatre.com

West Side Story

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Tues 12 – Sat 16 Nov Palace Theatre, Manchester Tues 10 Dec – Sat 21 Dec Romeo and Juliet is updated to the tenements of New York City. With ground breaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, an unforgettable score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story changed the face of musical theatre for ever.

0844 871 7649 / www.atgtickets.com/stoke 0844 871 3019 / www.manchesterpalace.org.uk

The Sound of Music

The Grange Theatre, Hartford Wed 13 – Sat 16 Nov The heart warming story of Maria and the von Trapp family. Brought to you by the Mid Cheshire Musical Theatre Company.

0844 8700 887 / www.thegrangetheatre.com

Bananas in Pyjamas

Buxton Opera House Sat 16 Nov It’s Partytime in Cuddlestown Park. But wait... the guest of honour’s gone missing? It’s a Banana emergency! Join B1, B2, Amy, Lulu and Morgan in this brand new, all singing, all dancing show. With plenty of audience participation, and slapstick fun... Can you help the Banana Detectives solve the case?

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

The Elephant Bridesmaid

Crewe Lyceum Theatre Sat 16 Nov Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sun 17 Nov A magical musical about weddings and wombats and the loveliest elephant the world has ever known. This delightful show has just the right balance of games, songs and heart warming elephant antics to make any day feel like your special day. Make your day even more special and come to the theatre wearing your own fancy clothes (or fancy dress) for the chance to take part in a fabulous fashion show live on stage with the actors! For ages 4 – 104.

01270 368 242 / www.crewelyceum.co.uk 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

How to catch a star

The Lowry Sun 17 Nov Once there was a boy and he loved stars very much.

Every night he watched stars from his bedroom window and wished he had one of his own. One day, he decided he would try to catch a star.

But first he had to think of a plan. Based on the bestselling children’s picture book by Oliver Jeffers. For ages 3 – 7.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

The Best Christmas Present

The Lowry Sun 17 Nov A reading by Michael Morpurgo of his Christmas book, The Best Christmas Present in The World, with Virginia McKenna and accompanied by the acapella Voices at the Door singing Christmas carols from Britain, France and Flanders. Almost a century after the famous Christmas Truce of 1914 and the football match in No-Man’s Land between the British and the Germans, a soldier’s letter is found by chance in an antique desk - “Jim’s Last Letter: to be buried with me when the time comes.” And thus begins the quest to find “Dearest Connie”.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

The Night Before Christmas

The Lowry Tues 17 – Sat 28 Dec A mischievous elf is pretending to be hard at work in Santa’s workshop, but he is secretly hiding toys away for himself.

When Father Christmas finds out he explains to the elf what Christmas is really all about through song, poems and stories – and with some audience assistance of course!

This cheery and informal show is a magical storytelling adventure for children and their families, rounded off with a sing-along and the chance for every child to meet Father Christmas, receive a gift and share their wishes with him. For ages 3 – 8. 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol

The Palace Theatre, Manchester Tues 19 – Sat 23 Nov Ebenezer Scrooge. A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, covetous old sinner. One magical night. Three terrifying ghosts. A perfect tale for Christmas. Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol combines traditional ballet and captivating theatre in a production that has delighted audiences up and down the country for over a decade.

0844 871 3019 / www.manchesterpalace.org.uk

Thriller Live

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Wed 20 Nov Experience over two hours of non-stop hits from pop to rock, soul to disco in a show that pays homage to Michael Jackson’s legendary live performances and innovative dance moves executed with flair, precision and passion in a show that you will never forget.

0844 871 7649 / www.atgtickets.com/stoke

Dancing Queen – Christmas Party Special

Crewe Lyceum Theatre Fri 22 Nov An action packed show featuring all the greatest hits from ABBA, Grease and the biggest hits from the 70s. With a fantastic cast of singers and musicians, Dancing Queen is the ultimate party show and will have the whole family dancing in the aisles.

01270 368 242 / www.crewelyceum.co.uk

The Lost Present…A Christmas Adventure

The Brindley, Runcorn Fri 22 Nov The Lowry Sun 29 & Mon 30 Dec It’s Christmas Eve, and having tumbled to earth through the night sky, Elva sets out on a journey to find her best friend – a little girl she hasn’t even met yet. Has the lost present got what it takes to find her way through the cold winter night? Will she arrive in time for Christmas morning? Written especially for children and brought to life using handmade puppets, original music and delightful storytelling, The Lost Present is an enchanting tale about true friendship.

0151 907 8360 / www.thebrindley.org.uk 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

The Nutcracker

Sun 24 Nov Stockport Plaza Brought to you by Russian State Ballet and Opera House. A must-see performance in the run-up to Christmas set to the timeless Tchaikovsky score. 0161 477 7779 / www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Toro! Toro!

Buxton Opera House Mon 25 Nov

By Michael Morpurgo, the author of War Horse.

Young Antonito lives an idyllic life on his parents’ cattle farm in southern Spain. But the peace is shattered when he realises that his favourite bull-calf, brave Paco, is destined to fight in the bullring. Taking both their destinies into his own hands, and risking the lives and love of his family, Antonito hatches a daring plan. But it will take enormous courage - because this is 1936, and the drums of civil war are echoing across the Spanish plains. For ages 8+.

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Our Gang 2013

Daneside Theatre, Congleton Mon 25 – Sat 30 Nov Presented by The Scouts and Guides of Congleton.

The cast of 120 young people present a unique action packed production full of colour, music, singing, dancing and comedy with something sure to appeal to all ages.

01260 299264 / www.congletongangshow.co.uk

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Panto’s & family shows Moscow City Ballet’s Swan Lake

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Tues 26 & Wed 27 Nov The world’s most frequently performed ballet which tells the tragic tale of Prince Seigfried and Odette, the Swan Queen.

0844 871 7649 / www.atgtickets.com/stoke

I’ve Seen Santa!

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sat 30 Nov It’s Christmas Eve and Little Bear can’t wait to see what Santa brings! A heartwarming tale with an irresistible blend of music and puppetry. Suitable for ages 3 - 7.

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

Moscow City Ballet’s Nutcracker

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Thurs 28 Nov The classic ballet set on Christmas Eve in the house of two young children, Clara and Fritz.

The story encompasses waltzing snowflakes, a handsome prince and some warring mice, as toys come to life and give Clara and Fritz a Christmas they will never forget.

0844 871 7649 / www.atgtickets.com/stoke

Hansel & Gretel’s Super Sweet Adventure

The Brindley, Runcorn Fri 29 Nov A brand new family adventure! Hansel & Gretel are two poor and destitute children, who embark on a journey to seek their fame and fortune across the forest. Split Ends Theatre presents a quirky and colourful show, filled with more twists then a twirly stick. A real family treat for the very young and young at heart to get into the panto spirit!

0151 907 8360 / www.thebrindley.org.uk

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Tues 3 Dec – Sun 5 Jan Hi-ho, Hi-ho – it’s off for fun we go! Packed with brilliant slapstick, hilarious comedy, stunning sets and sensational songs. Will the Wicked Queen woo the Prince away from the beautiful Snow White, or will the loveable Seven Dwarfs help to save the day? With Jonathan Wilkes as the charming Muddles and Christian Patterson as Herman the Henchman. 0844 871 7649 / www.atgtickets.com/stoke

Christmas Begins with The Salvation Army

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Wed 4 Dec The Salvation Army’s annual Carol Concert will once again feature the music of the Central North Divisional Brass Band. Another highlight for this year’s concert is the Children’s Nativity made up of children from across the Greater Manchester area and also performances from saxophonist Tony Daniels and The Manchester Airport Choir and the audience are invited to join in and sing along to some classic Christmas carols.

0844 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Babes in the Woods

Salford Arts Theatre Thurs 5 – Sun 8 Dec The joys and laughter of Christmas pantomime.

A fun filled evening for the whole family.

0161 925 0111 / www.salfordartstheatre.com

Aladdin

Forum Theatre, Romiley Thurs 12 – Sat 21 Dec A magical carpet ride to delight all ages.

07979 788760 / www.nktheatrearts.org.uk

Jack And The Beanstalk Dick Whittington

Manchester Opera House Fri 6 Dec – Sun 5 Jan Dick Whittington tells the rags to riches tale of a man & his cat on an exciting quest for fame & fortune. Featuring all the traditional pantomime ingredients; sensational songs, a live band, magic, dazzling dance routines, magnificent slapstick comedy & bags of audience participation! Starring as Alice Fitzwarren and her dog will be... Ashleigh and Pudsey – last year’s popular winners of Britain’s Got Talent. With Jodie Prenger as Fairy Bowbells, Ben Faulks (aka Mr Bloom from CBeebies) as Dick Whittington, Tam Ryan as Idle Jack and Eric Potts as Sarah the Cook. 0844 871 3018/ www.manchesteroperahouse.org.uk

Dick Whittington

Stockport Plaza Fri 6 Dec – Sun 5 Jan London’s streets of gold are calling out for a hero and there’s only one boy that can fit the bill….Dick Whittington and his trusty cat Tommy.

Find out if our hero will triumph over the evil King Rat….will Dick find his fortune and does he win the heart of his one true love Alice? Starring John Challis, Gary Damer and Jayne Tunnicliffe.

0161 477 7779 / www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Buxton Opera House – Pavilion Arts Centre Sat 7 Dec Cracking entertainment for everyone aged 6 - 400! The best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best… but without the rude bits!

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester Sat 7 – Mon 30 Dec Mirror, mirror on the wall….which is the fairest panto of them all? Join Snow White and her seven new friends in this classic fairy tale.

01244 341296 / www.chesterpanto.co.uk

Wanted! Robin Hood

The Lowry Fri 29 Nov – Sat 11 Jan A thrilling combination of adventure, comedy, music and daredevil fighting, this brand new bold adaptation of the classic tale promises to be a magical adventure for everyone aged 6+.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Z-arts, Hulme

BOING! Sat 30 Nov 11am & 1pm (50 min shows). Set on Christmas Eve, BOING! is an energetic and enchanting piece of dance theatre, which captures the delirious excitement of waiting for Santa to arrive on the most magical night of the year. Adored by audiences of all ages, BOING! Combines comedy, acrobatics and breakdance to dazzling effect. Too excited to sleep, Wilkie and Joel are drawn into ever more exciting games that turn their bed into a giant trampoline. The ensuing chaos guarantees to leave children bursting with Christmas spirit!

0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org

Cinderella The Snow Queen

St Mary’s Centre, Chester Thurs 5 Dec – Sat 11 Jan A brand new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s much loved story. 01244 500959 / www.theatreinthequarter.co.uk

The Day That We Sang

Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Thurs 5 Dec – Sat 18 Jan A big-hearted and nostalgic Manchester love story for all the family, written by Victoria Wood, one of the country’s most distinctive and well-loved comedic voices. A humorous, warm and uplifting story of two people who are trying to reconnect with who they were forty years ago and who they could be now. For ages 10+ 0161 833 983 / www.royalexchange.co.uk

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Stiwt Theatre, Wrexham Thurs 12 – Sun 29 Dec A firm family favourite, with magic beans in abundance, a beanstalk reaching the heavens, golden geese and hungry giants, this show really is too big to miss this festive season, so be sure to trade your gold coins in for tickets and bring the whole family to join in the adventure.

With Margi Clarke from Making Out, Coronation Street and Benidorm and X Factor heart-throb and resident Welshman Lloyd Daniels.

01978 841 300 / www.stiwt.com

Wilmslow Guild, SK9 5HD Wed 11 – Sat 14 Dec This year sees the return to the Guild stage of the traditional favourite Cinderella - perhaps best-known and most-loved pantomime of them all! The Baron brings home his new wife and her two horrific daughters to make Cinderella’s life miserable... but with faithful Buttons and a Fairy Godmother, everything comes to a happy ending, even for the Ugly Sisters who carry off the two Broker’s Men. Get ready for plenty of audience participation in this Christmas treat for the whole family.

01625 520126 / www.wgp.org.uk

Cinderella

Salford Arts Theatre Thurs 12 – Tues 24 Dec The most traditional pantomime brings you the rags to riches tale of Cinderella complete with audience participation.

0161 925 0111 / www.salfordartstheatre.com

Cinderella

Buxton Opera House Thurs 12 Dec – Wed 1 Jan Make your family’s dreams come true this Christmas with a special invitation to Cinderella, the hottest ticket of the panto season. Starring Sarah Thomas (Last of the Summer Wine) as a magical Fairy Godmother and Jonny Freeman (Frank London from CBBC’s M.I. High) as the loveable Buttons. Olivia Sloyan (fresh from the acclaimed musical Blood Brothers) also makes an welcome return to Buxton Opera House in the title role.

With hilarious comedy, catchy songs and colourful dance routines, this classic rags-to-riches story has everything you’ve come to expect from a Buxton Opera House pantomime - and more.

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Buxton Opera House – Pavilion Arts Centre Fri 13 & Sat 14 Dec Follow the delightful adventures of Alice as she journeys into an entertaining world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! Come and enjoy the 8 to 10 year olds of the Kaleidoscope Junior Theatre Company, as they give a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense. For ages 4+.

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Christmas is Coming!

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Fri 13 Dec The annual concert of Christmas music and carols with favourites for all the family to sing, including The Twelve Days Of Christmas, It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and Star Carol. All proceeds to St Ann’s Hospice.

0844 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Panto’s & family shows Aladdin

The Grange Theatre, Hartford Fri 13 – Tues 31 Dec The most magical panto comes to Northwich! With Arthur Bostrom as Abanazar, Ryan Greaves as Aladdin and Steve Moorewood as Widow Twankey.

0844 8700 887 / www.thegrangetheatre.com

The Hallé Christmas Family Concert

Peter Pan

Crewe Lyceum Theatre Sat 14 Dec – Sun 5 Jan Hook your seats for Cheshire’s biggest pantomime Peter Pan, with TV soap-star Adam Woodyatt as Captain Hook and The Grumbleweeds as Smee and Starkey. With spectacular special effects, stunning costumes, comedy in abundance and all the audience participation you’d want from a family-pantomime this is a theatre visit you’ll definitely treasure!

01270 368 242 / www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Charlie & Lola’s Extremely New Play

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sat 14 Dec – Sat 4 Jan Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be back on stage with their Extremely New Play – and this time they’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog! If you liked Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play, you will love this extra special, brand new show. Playful, funny and full of surprises, this extremely new play about friendship and adventures is a treat for everyone.

A magical mix of puppets, live action and music.

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Beauty and the Beast

The Brindley, Runcorn Sat 14 Dec – Sun 12 Jan A fun filled family pantomime starring Andy Moss from Hollyoaks. Also starring Sarah White as Countess De Beaumont, Joe Standerline as The Dame, Callum Arnott as Ben and Josh Mumby as The Beast.

0151 907 8360 / www.thebrindley.org.uk

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Sun 15 Dec Calling all children, parents and grandparents.

Join Jamie Phillips, Alasdair Malloy and Santa’s little helpers, the Hallé, for this annual fun-filled festive family concert, full of sing-alongs, jingle-alongs, seasonal surprises, orchestral antics and audience amazement. The perfect way to start a family Christmas. This cracker of a concert is so popular, even Father Christmas takes time out to attend. Why not get into the spirit and dress up as a snowman or Rudolph?

If you have any sleigh bells – homemade or even real – then bring them along and join in.

0844 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Winter Wonderland on Ice

more ‘unusual’ guests into their house, in preparation for the big Christmas feast.

Comedy, sparkle and pizzazz for the perfect Christmas treat.

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Cinderella

Parr Hall, Warrington Fri 3 – Sun 12 Jan Join Cinderella on her quest to escape her stepmother and two ugly sisters who treat her like a servant. She’ll meet her fairy godmother, fall madly in love with Prince Charming and lose a crystal slipper along the way too!

01925 442345 / www.pyramidparrhall.com

Sleeping Beauty

Parr Hall, Warrington Thurs 19 Dec A variety of acrobatic and artistic skating routines combined with comedy, glamour and festive fun! Featuring spectacular variety acts who have performed in some of the world’s top Variety & Circus Shows, including the prestigious Cirque Du Soleil. Guaranteed to leave you feeling full of Christmas Cheer!

01925 442345 / www.pyramidparrhall.com / www.winterwonderlandonice.com

The Carver Theatre, Marple Fri 10 – Sat 18 Jan At the christening of the Princess Aurora an uninvited evil fairy, Carabosse, places a wicked curse on the young Princess.

On her 16th birthday she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and sleep for 100 years. Can the Prince save the day?

Will the Dame get her man? Find out all the answers in this year’s traditional family pantomime. www.carvertheatre.co.uk

Once Upon A Christmas Day

Puss In Boots

Buxton Opera House Fri 20 & Sat 21 Dec It is Christmas, 1865, in a small remote village in rural England. Two very serious and somewhat pious sisters are about to have their worlds turned upside-down, with the arrival of their new topsy-turvy housemaid, Babette. Based on the delightful story of Babette’s Feast, watch the sisters deal with the arrival of some

Daneside Theatre, Congleton Sat 11 – Sat 18 Jan Join everyone’s favourite feline in this classic panto, presented by Congleton Pantomime.

01260 271095 / www.danesidetheatre.co.uk

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

Following a series of hugely successfully and popular performances at the Royal Albert Hall, Apollo Digital Entertainment by arrangement with the Royal Albert Hall is proud to announce Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert with live underscore by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will play one of only three exclusive tour dates at the phones4u arena in Manchester on Saturday 28 December.

Described as ‘a magical treat for the eyes and the ears’, Disney shares one of its crown jewels of feature animation showcasing selections from Walt Disney’s original Fantasia and Disney’s Fantasia 2000, featuring a selection of the magnificent repertoire from both films and accompanied by Disney’s stunning footage in high definition. Don’t miss the chance to relive this timeless classic in a unique cinematic experience – the PERFECT Christmas treat for all the family!

We’ve got a Family Ticket (4 people) to this musical spectacular up for grabs! Just enter online at www.familiescheshire.co.uk.

Entries close Saturday 30 November.

Win a wonderful Charlie and Lola umbrella!

Charlie and Lola are bringing their Extremely New Play to Manchester for Christmas! This magical mix of puppets, live action and music will be at the Waterside Arts Centre, Sale (just 5 minutes from the M60) from 12 December to 4 January. You can book tickets (£10 to £15 plus booking fees) on 0161 912 5616 or www.watersideartscentre.co.uk.

And in case it’s raining when you’re off to the theatre, we have 3 wonderful Charlie and Lola umbrellas to give away as prizes – all you have to do is head to www.familiescheshire.co.uk to enter now! Entries close Saturday 30 November.

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Where’s Santa?

Bramall Hall

Christmas Cracker with Santa Sun 15 Dec 11am – 5pm, Adult £7.50, Child £5.50, All ages Magicians, musicians and lots more festive entertainment including a private visit to Santa (extra £1). Booking essential. 0161 474 2020 / www.stockport.gov.uk/bramallhall

All-In-One Garden Centre, Knutsford

Santa Express and Santa’s Grotto Every weekend from Sat 1 Nov 11am – 4pm, £6.99 for a ride on the train, a chat with Santa, and a gift. Supper or Breakfast With Santa. Max 2 adults per child. Booking essential. See website for details.

01565 722567 / www.allinone.co.uk

Broughton Shopping Park, Broughton nr Chester

Broughton Celtic Christmas Fayre Wed 27 Nov – Sun 1 Dec Celtic Christmas Fayre, Broughton, Chester.

A Large event undercover in marquees and cabins with a wide range of food and craft stalls plus festive music, entertainment & Santa’s Grotto.

Anderton Boat Lift, Northwich

Santa Cruise Weekends from Sun 1 – Sun 15 Dec and from Fri 20 – Tues 24 Dec On the hour – 11.30am – 2.30pm. Child: £6.75 (incl gift); Adult: £5.25. A 50 minute trip along the River Weaver, including activities with Mr & Mrs Claus. Children have a gift from Santa. Booking advisable. 01606 842868 / www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ anderton-boat-lift

Arndale Centre, Manchester

Santa’s Grotto Thurs 21 Nov – Tues 24 Dec £4.50 per child (plus booking fee).

Pre-booking highly recommended. Visit the magical winter wonderland and its towering brand new Christmas tree star grotto in Halle Square. www.manchesterarndale.com

Bents Garden Centre, Warrington Santa’s Tea Parties Every weekday evening 4.15 – 6.15pm from 2 Dec Children aged 3 – 10 years can join in a festive meal with balloons, party games & a special gift for each child. Early booking essential.

01942 266300 / www.bents.co.uk

Biddulph Grange Garden

Santa’s Grotto Sun 8 & Sun 15 Dec, Sat 21 – Mon 23 Dec 12 – 3pm, Free but normal admission applies Santa in his Christmas Cottage. Tell Santa what you really want for Christmas.

01782 517999 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ biddulph-grange-garden

The Black Swan. Lower Withington

Santa Breakfast Sat 7, 14 & 21 Dec 10.30am, booking essential. Breakfast followed by a story read by Santa. 01477 571770 / www.blackswancheshire.com

Blakemere Village, Northwich

Santa’s Grotto opens Sat 16 Nov 11.30 – 4pm. Santa arrives on our Santa Express with his head elf, Jolly Twinkle Toes, to open his grotto and festive garden square. Join Santa each weekend until Christmas Eve. Each child will receive a small gift along with a free tea or coffee for parents and guardians.

01606 883261 / www.blakemerevillage.com

Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton

Santa’s Grotto Grotto opens Sat 23 Nov 11am. Then open on selected days and times until Tues 24 Dec. £7 per child (£4 for under 2’s), includes a ride to the Grotto on the miniature Santa Special railway and a gift. £1.50 for accompanying adults. £5.50 for Grotto visit only. £1.50 for Train Ride only.

01625 872919 / www.klondyke.co.uk/ brookside-garden-centre-poynton

Cheshire Reindeer Lodge & Christmas Tree Farm, Cheshire Oaks

Santa’s Grotto Wed 27 Nov – Mon 24 Dec 9.30am – 6.30pm Mon – Fri, till 5pm Sun and 2pm Christmas Eve. £6.50 per child (incl gift) Feed the Reindeer, get your photos taken in a traditional sleighs, look through the huge range of Christmas Trees and grab yourself a festive coffee or hot chocolate.

01244 646 045 / www.cheshirereindeer.co.uk

Chester Racecourse

Santa’s Grotto Thurs 21 Nov - Mon 6 Jan £6 (includes toy and one accompanying adult per child). Fast track entry £10 per child and includes toy. Open until 7pm weekdays and 8pm on weekends. No need to book. Visit the reindeer too.

Brunch or Afternoon Tea with Santa Sat 21 – Tues 25 Dec Adult £15, Child £10, Family £40 (2 adults/2 children). Various time slots – see website.

Booking essential. Join the toy soldier, Ice Queen, Santa and his Elves for brunch or afternoon tea in the themed toy workshop. Each child gets the chance to chat with Santa & receive a special present before a sing along and photo opportunity with the other characters.

Each child will also receive a balloon to take home. www.winterwonderlandchester.co.uk

Chester Zoo

Lantern Magic Thurs 12 – Sun 15 and Thurs 19 – Mon 23 Dec Meet Santa at this unforgettable, magical night time journey through the zoo. Adult £9.99, Child (3 – 15) £8.99 Pre-booking essential.

01244 380280 / www.chesterzoo.org

The Chestnut Centre, Chapel-en-le-Frith

Christmas Grotto Every weekend from Sun 1 Dec, Daily from Sat 21 – Tues 24. £7 per child (includes entry to the park). Booking essential 01298 814099 / www.chestnutcentre.co.uk

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Chill Factore, Trafford Quays

Snow Grotto Weekends from Sat 9 – 30 Nov, Daily from Sun 1 – Tues 24 Dec 10am – 7pm. Enjoy a variety of snow activities as well as meeting Santa and getting a gift.

0843 596 22 33 / www.chillfactore.com

Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre

Breakfast with Santa Sat 7 & Sun 8, Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec Free entry to the centre on these two weekends to meet Santa and the Shires, Pony grooming, Christmas Quiz and games, Christmas Shopping, a winter walk around the Nature Trail.

01829 760506 / www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk

Event City, Trafford Park

Santa Meet and Greet Wed 18 - Tues 24 Dec Meet and greet Santa at this indoor winter wonderland of fun and entertainment. Not a full grotto experience, but it will be an efficient meet and greet system. www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com

Greengate Square, Salford

Christmas Family Market Sat 21 – Mon 23 Dec Santa will be waiting to meet you this newest Family Market where you can enjoy a truly festive day out. www.visitmanchester.com

Grosvenor Garden Centre, Chester

Santa’s Arrival Sat 23 & Sun 24 Nov Watch Santa arrive at Grosvenor in his sleigh pulled by reindeer and accompanied by his elves.

Chester band will be playing festive tunes to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Story time with Santa!

Various dates throughout Dec £7.95 per child. Children must be accompanied (max 2 adults per child). Meet Father Christmas in his living room. He’ll read them a story whilst they enjoy a drink and a cookie, then they can talk to him and get a gift. Booking essential.

Breakfast with Santa!

Sat 14 & Sun 15, Sat 21 & Sun 22, Mon 23 & Tues 24 Dec Enjoy breakfast in the cafe and have a visit from the man himself! £8.95 per person, adult or child. Waitress served breakfast and children get a gift to take home. Maximum 8 per table.

Booking essential. 01244 625200 / www.grosvenorgardencentre.co.uk

The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall Santa’s Grotto Every weekend in December from Sun 1 Dec – Sun 22 Dec. Reindeer parade on Sun 1 & Sat 7 Dec at 11am with the Grotto open 1 – 4.30pm. Grotto open 10.30am – 4.30pm all other days (closed 12 – 1pm) 01829 770446 / www.cheshirefarmicecream.co.uk

Manchester Central

Magical Christmas Fair Fri 29 Nov – Sun 1 Dec Meet Santa and his friends while you shop till you drop for every type of Christmas gift you can imagine. www.magical-christmas.co.uk

Manchester United Museum

Meet Santa Sat 30 Nov, Sun 1, 8 & 14 Dec, Tues 24 Dec Christmas visitors can buy a special £15 ticket that includes the museum visit, a tour and then the chance to meet Santa and get a gift from him in his special Museum Grotto.

0161 868 8000 (option 3) / www.manutd.com/museum

Lyme Park, Disley

An Audience with Father Christmas Sun 1 & Sun 8 Dec 11am – 4pm, £6 (normal admission applies) Visit Father Christmas and receive a special gift, includes storytelling and a mince pie.

Booking essential. 0844 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port Santa Cruises Sat 7 & Sun 8 Dec 11am, 12.45pm 2.30pm. Take a boat trip on the canal with Santa, then follow him to his workshop where you will be told a tale and get a present (refreshments included).

0151 355 5017 / www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal

A Victorian Christmas at the Mill Sat 7 & Sun 8 Dec, Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec 11am – 3pm, Free, normal admission applies Find out more about customs from the past.

Tell Father Christmas what’s on your Christmas list. Enjoy Christmas carols, stories and finish your day with a warming mince pie.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank-mill

Tatton Park, Knutsford

Christmas Lantern Parade Fri 29 Nov 6 – 8pm, normal admission applies. Father Christmas arrives at Tatton with Prancer and Dancer as part of a festive lantern parade. Light his route from the car park to the festive stableyard with your own lanterns and pop your present wish lists into the special posting box. Please bring along any unwanted toys to donate to Manchester Children’s Hospital. You can meet Father Christmas at the Farm every weekend until Sun 22 Dec 11am – 4pm.

Adult £5, Child £5. Normal car entry charge applies.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Trafford Centre

Santa’s Grotto at Barton Square Sat 9 Nov – Tues 24 Dec Book ahead online to avoid the queues.

0161 749 1717 / www.intu.co.uk/traffordcentre

Woodford Park Garden Centre, Stockport

Santa’s Arrival & Grotto Sun 17 Nov, 11.30am Santa arrives in a horse-drawn carriage. Warming food and drink on sale. You can also meet Santa’s farmyard friends. Bookings for the grotto essential – see website for details. Post your letter to Santa in the special post box and come back in a week for a reply.

Tea & Breakfast with Santa A fun, interactive experience, combining yummy food, with storytelling and a small gift from the special man himself! Booking essential.

0161 4390745 / www.notcutts.co.uk

Crafts

Christmas Crafts Get creative this Christmas and explore your child’s artistic skills.

Remember, it’s not about the end product, but the excitement and absorbing journey that the children go on to create their own masterpieces.

Here’s a super simple festive craft idea from Alison & Susie, the team behind Marvellous Craft Clubs.

What you’ll need: • Wool in your choice of colours • White embroidery or crochet thread • Scissors • Needle • Pom pom maker (or you can kick it old school and use two circular pieces of cardboard with a hole through the centre of them.)

Wrap your pom pom maker with the wool of your choice (we like a combination of solid festive colours and multicoloured pom poms). Play with different colour combinations and sizes, to make the perfect garland.

Once your pom pom maker is all wrapped up, cut between the grooves and tie with thread, make sure you pull them tight so all the wool doesn’t slide out!

Pop the pom pom out of the maker, fluff, and set aside.

Once you’ve made all the pom poms you need, it’s time to string them together. This part is super simple. Use a needle and thread in the length you want your garland to be and then just string the pom poms on. We find it easier to tie knots under the last pom pom on each side of the garland, that way they don’t slide off the string but you can still adjust the rest of the pom poms on the strand.

Then hang your garland up and admire its glory! Perfect to decorate the house or hang above the fireplace.

You could even make pretty individual pom pom decorations to hang on the tree, add a couple of shiny bells and a festive tag to complete the magical look. Voilà! Gorgeous inexpensive decorations, made by your very own family.

Find out more about Marvellous craft clubs here at www.facebook.com/itsmarvellous

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Parents’ place Memo to self: let them fight their own battles

© Zlatan Durakovic - Fotolia.com Are you forever rushing into school to talk to your child’s teacher, or phoning other parents to talk about playground squabbles? Think again, says Joanna Moorhead, a mother of four daughters.

One of my daughters is disgruntled. I am, she says, a bad mother. “Other mums support their children,” she says. “When they have a problem, the mums go into school to talk to the teachers. You never do that.”

She’s not entirely correct; I’ve had children at school for the last 15 years or so, and there might have been one or two occasions when I’ve gone in to talk to a teacher or a head outside of parent-teacher meetings. But I could certainly count those times on the fingers of one hand; and, thinking about it, probably even on one finger.

I hope I’m not a bad mother; and I know

there are some problems – and bullying is foremost among them – when a meeting with a teacher has to be arranged, and fast.

But bullying apart, I believe that my daughters are better helped if I hang back from making appointments, and arm them instead to negotiate their own issues, and fight their own battles, at school.

Why so? Well, the raison d’etre of parenting is to make your child independent: and it seems to me that if I wade in at every opportunity to smooth my child’s path in life, I’m not helping her to learn to do it for herself. And what message does it give if, when she tells me about a problem she’s experiencing, my response is to say ‘I’ll come in to talk to your teacher about that’?

What it says is: you can’t sort this out for yourself; you’re not smart enough or capable enough or eloquent enough. You can’t do it, but I can. And that doesn’t help my daughter develop those skills, and it doesn’t help her become experienced and confident at learning to problem-solve for herself.

Sometimes, over the years, my daughters’ problems have been significant ones – and certainly many of them have seemed significant to my daughters, even if they didn’t seem all that important to me. On at

least one occasion, the problem has been a clash between them and a teacher, and listening to the story it’s been difficult not to agree that, yes, it sounded as though the teacher was in the wrong.

But this is what I tell my daughters: teachers are only human. Teachers, like everyone else in the world, have some people they like better than others. So of course it’s possible that a teacher might not favour you, might even pick on you, because he or she doesn’t like you. And, yes, of course it’s a terrible shame if you end up with an unfriendlyseeming teacher in a subject you really love.

But rather than race in to school to have it out with the teacher, I tell my daughter to find a way of dealing with it; and if possible, I help her work out what that might be.

Could she start the ball rolling on building a better relationship with the teacher in question by being nicer to her, or by working harder in the subject, or by making more contributions in class? Because the truth is that, all through life, there will be individuals who will seem to stand in the way of what we want – and learning to work with these people, or round them, is a hugely important life skill.

Talking to your child about what’s going on will also help her process her own feelings; and again, this is an important learning curve. Help your child see that it’s not the case that someone has got it in for her, but maybe just that the teacher or the other child has issues in their own life. And instead

of encouraging your child into negative feelings (“that teacher/child has always been a total pain, I’ve been saying it for years”) turn things round into something positive (“everyone has bad days; what could you do tomorrow that could start to improve this relationship?”).

Similarly problems with other children: I long ago made a resolution never, ever to get involved at parental level over my daughters’ squabbles. Not only is life far too short, but more importantly, learning to get on with their peers is what childhood and adolescence is for.

None of this means, by the way, that I’m abdicating responsibility for how my girls behave. It’s just that talking to other adults isn’t how I believe my offspring will learn to treat others well; that comes, I think, from modelling what I hope are good relationships in my own life, and in listening to the issues they have in their lives (when they want to talk about them) and helping them find a way of dealing with them.

So it’s really important to make time to listen when they’re experiencing problems at school; and it’s crucial to validate how they’re feeling, to reflect back that I understand their worries and can see that it’s a genuine issue. But what should happen next is far more about equipping them to go back into school and work out how to put the problematic relationship on track, than it is about grabbing your coat and racing in to try to solve the difficulties yourself.

Kidsunlimited – fuelling imagination

Storytelling is an essential part of child development. A love of stories is common to all young children, and by telling stories, rather than reading them, a storyteller can really bring the tale to life and make it a more interactive experience for the children. Stories help children learn about the wider world and the people and animals we share it with.

Kidsunlimited staff offer children the opportunity to both tell and hear stories to develop their active speaking and

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listening skills. Storytelling also helps fuel children’s imagination and enables them to develop their own mental images of the story.

To further engage the children, kidsunlimited staff are also taught about the importance of tone and actions and are encouraged to act as the particular characters when reading a story. In a recent training session, staff were taught about the importance of setting a scene during story time. They were encouraged to participate in building a den using bed sheets, pegs, cushions and torches and had the opportunity to remember what it was like to be a child by telling each other stories inside the den. After the exercise, the words used to describe the experience and how it made them feel were: safe secure, exciting, magical and amazing!

At kidsunlimited, the aim is to inspire children to love learning, and storytelling is a natural part of this journey. www.kidsunlimited.co.uk

Parents’ place Turn it around: How to help your child overcome stress, anxiety and depression

© fasphotographic - Fotolia.com

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that stress, anxiety and depression in children is worryingly getting more prevalent.

The Office of National Statistics has found that one in ten children now suffer from mental health problems, with children as young as five being treated for depression.

With these shocking statistics, experts say it is going to become a major health problem in the future unless something is done now to tackle stress in children.

Although stress is not the same as depression, prolonged periods of stress can lead to depression, and about half of people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

The earlier we can reach the children showing signs of stress the better we can help them.

Stressful lives?

Considering our own increasingly stressful lives, it’s no surprise to learn that our children are suffering from rising stress.

Parents under pressure and overwhelmed with their jobs, affects the way they parent.

Rising unemployment and financial problems associated with the economic downturn increases tension that children pick up on. Heavily orchestrated schedules of extra activities can also leave little free time for children to be children, and to relax.

School and social life also create pressures that can feel overwhelming for children. NSPCC research recently

bothering them and name it, “Do you feel angry with what happened?” or “You must have felt worried about that.”

Erika explains this as “Notice, it, own it, tame it. Once you can identify the emotion you can then manage it.

Without this, things are significantly more difficult.”

Explore and empower. Once they understand the feeling they have, explore together what to do. Simple techniques can make a world of difference and have a profound effect on the way they feel.

When they start to feel stressed, encourage them to ask for help for example.

Be you! Look at your own moods, behaviours and energy levels. “We can all put a smile on our face at the end of a bad day but when the energy isn’t there your child will notice.” says Erika, “Parents need to learn to manage their moods too!” This is backed up by statistics that show 60-90% of what we learn is through non-verbal communication. If we want our children to manage their emotions effectively, we must model the behaviour we want them to embrace.

Building stress-free kids found that academic worries were the biggest cause of stress for nearly 50% of children. With an increase in the number of tests, and the pressure on schools to perform in league tables, is it any surprise that studying comes top of the stress list? Other common sources of childhood stress such as bullying, sibling rivalry and peer pressure are all fairly normal parts of growing up, but because children now have less free time to relax these ordinary problems can become magnified and less easy for them to deal with.

Spotting the signs Stress or anxiety in children can be difficult to spot. Signs to look out for would include a low mood, unhappiness, tearfulness or irritability not related to anything specific. Sleeping problems, clingy behaviour, stomach aches and headaches are also signals. The main thing to look for is a change in behaviour.

Trust your instinct. Erika Brodnock, one of the UK’s leading experts on the subject of raising happy, successful children says, “Don’t mistake your child’s behaviour for being naughty, when they may be feeling stressed and anxious.”

As a parent, you can’t protect your kids from the stresses of our modern world, but you can help them develop healthy ways to cope.

Notice out loud. Tell your child when you notice that something’s

Exercise, a nature walk, or dancing to music will all naturally release those ‘feel-good’ endorphins that help reduce stress. Eating well, drinking lots of water, a bedtime routine and set schedules so your child can rely on daily patterns, are all ways in which you can help. Erika recommends a 15 minute ‘Golden Moment’ every day with your child. This is an opportunity for the child to speak privately and confidentially with their parent, knowing they can say anything without criticism or complaint, which builds trust and strengthens bonds.

This goes a long way towards protecting a young person against developing depression.

As a parent, it hurts to see your child unhappy or stressed, but resist the urge to fix every problem for them and instead, focus on helping your child grow into a problem-solver – who knows how to roll with life’s ups and downs, put feelings into words, calm down when needed, and bounce back to try again. By teaching healthy coping strategies, you’ll prepare your kids to manage the stresses that come in the future.

parents looking for useful and practical information and techniques. Erika will also be launching some highly innovative new toys later in the year, which can help children develop their self-esteem and confidence through play.

For more information go to www.karismakidz.co.uk

Building emotional intelligence How do you feel? How do we improve our feelings? Explore the Gratitude Gardens, Love Lane and Angry Alley at www.karismakidz.co.uk, a unique online site for families full of tips, tools and news on helping children manage their emotions.

Help reduce stress and anxiety for children with special needs • Schedule exercise to get rid of some of the stress • Get to know your child’s likes and dislikes - cater to them, not what the book says • Encourage friendships, then ensure a good night’s sleep • Lever their independence - give them the chance to do more themselves, let them participate and make decisions • Prepare for gatherings, then plan in some downtime • Don’t rush, and use relaxation techniques • Last, but certainly not least...take care of yourself

Additional information can be obtained from: www.karismakidz.co.uk www.kidshealth.org www.nhs.uk/Conditions/ stress-anxiety-depression www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/ children/anxiety-and-depression www.empoweringparents.com

Many thanks go to Erika Brodnock who offered many insights and information in compiling this article. Erika is one of the UK’s leading experts on the subject of raising happy, confident children.

She offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice and has even produced an eBook which she is happy to offer free of charge for

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 19

Parents’ place Childhood Constipation

By Dr Adam Simon, Primus Healthcare

What is normal?

There is no normal. Every child is very different. It’s only when there is a change in the normal routine for your child that there is a problem.

For babies up to 3 months of age the average number of poos per day is three in a breast fed baby and two per day in a formula fed baby.

Formula fed babies tend to do a poo every day as the stools are bulkier, However, it is not uncommon for a breast fed baby to go up to a week without a poo.

As babies are weaned, the poo will change in frequency, colour and smell.

They will also vary depending on what they have eaten. Some high fibre foods (sweetcorn and raisins) may pass through virtually unaltered, appearing in the next dirty nappy.

The average number of daily bowel movements get less frequent until by age 3 the child will have an average of one poo per day.

What is constipation • Difficulty or seeming to push very hard when passing a poo.

• Pain on pooing.

• A small amount of blood in the nappy or on the paper due to a cut in the skin of the anus.

• Passing fewer poos than normal (it is not a strict number, but doing fewer than 3 proper poos per week is not normal).

• Small pellet like poos (like rabbit droppings) or very large hard poos.

Types of constipation There are 2 main types.

Functional or Idiopathic: This is very common. Idiopathic means where no cause can be found. It can either be short lived, for up to 2 or 3 days and then settles with no need for any treatment. Or, in 1 in 3 children, the problem lasts a lot longer and these children are said to have chronic idiopathic constipation.

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Secondary: This is quite uncommon.

The constipation is caused by another condition such as an underactive thyroid, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, anal tears or cows milk intolerance. Or it can be caused by medication such as anti-epilepsy medication, some antihistamines that cause drowsiness, strong pain killers that contain codeine or morphine and certain medications for overactive bladders can also cause constipation.

Check with your GP if you are unsure.

Causes of functional or idiopathic constipation Whilst often no single cause can be found there are often various factors that combine to make constipation likely: • insufficient fibre in the diet • dehydration either due to an acute illness or to poor fluid intake • lack of physical exercise or immobility Stool holding This is where the child has the feeling of needing to poo but resists it. They try their hardest to hold on to the poo and not let it come out. This may seem strange to adults but it is quite common. Children who are affected can be seen clenching their bottom trying to prevent the poo coming. They can seem very restless and fidgety. They will often have stains of poo on their underwear.

Reasons why they do this: • a previous poo might have been painful to pass • they may have a cut in the skin around their anus from a previous very large poo. It is very painful child instinctively tries to stop the poo coming out any further.

• they may dislike the toilets at school and so try and hold their poo until they get home But the build up means the next poo is big and harder to pass and the child is even more reluctant to poo.

Parents’ place Impaction This is where hard poo gets stuck (impacted) in the rectum (the last part of the colon).

More poo builds up behind this large poo and can cause pain as the colon tries to push it forward but the blockage holds fast.

Some of this new poo can become runny and may bypass the hard stool and leak out.

The lower part of the hard stool also becomes runny and may leak out.

The child soils their underwear almost constantly and parents may mistake this for diarrhoea.

The child will often be irritable, have tummy ache and feel nauseous.

Unfortunately even when this hard poo is passed, the rectum fills up with more hard poo from the logjam (no pun intended) behind.

Common symptoms • Tummy ache and feeling sick.

• Feeling generally off colour.

• Behaviour problems (especially where children seem quite unhappy or irritable.

• Poor appetite.

• Restlessness.

Worrying symptoms If your child has these symptoms they need to be seen by the GP. • Severe tummy pain or a distended tummy.

• Being sick.

• Losing weight or a baby who is struggling to gain weight.

Treatment Infants Treatments differ depending on the infant’s age and if they have been weaned. If bottle fed, give extra water in between feeds but do NOT dilute the formula any more than is advised on the instructions. Consider the possibility of cow’s milk intolerance – your GP will be able to check for that. If breast fed, then constipation is more unusual and the GP will examine to find a cause. If weaned, then encourage extra fluid such as water or diluted fruit juice, especially fruit with a high sorbitol content (apples, pears, grapes and prunes). If this fails, then the GP will prescribe laxatives.

Over 1 year Laxatives Parents often do not bring their children to the GP until the constipation has been present for at least 4-5 days. At that time it is likely the GP will prescribe a laxative to assist.

Laxatives for children form 2 main types: 1. Osmotic laxatives. These draw fluid into the bowel and make the poo softer.

The 2 main examples are lactulose and macrogol. They come as a syrup or as a sachet of powder that needs to be mixed with water.

2. Stimulant Laxatives. These stimulate the muscles of the bowel to help push the poo out. These are usually used in addition to the osmotic laxative when it has not worked on its own.

It is important not to stop the laxatives abruptly, unless advised by your GP as this may cause the constipation to recur.

Your GP may advise continuing the laxatives for a few weeks after the symptoms have got better. In some patients the laxative is required for a lot longer especially if there is impacted constipation.

Diet It is my experience that diet alone is rarely successful in managing childhood constipation. However it is important to ensure that the child has a high fibre diet and plenty of water. This will help prevent the constipation recurring after it has been treated.

Prevention (this applies to children older than 1 year) Fibre • Check the breakfast cereal and encourage the child to have one that is high in fibre. If they are unhappy then try mixing 2 breakfast cereals together.

• Ensure they child eats sufficient fruit, vegetables cereals and wholemeal bread.

• Fussy eaters can be rewarded for eating more fibre or the higher fibre foods can be mixed in with other foods.

• Powdered bran, which is tasteless, can be sprinkled on food or added to yoghurt • Offer fruit and vegetables with every meal – perhaps try cutting them into chunks or arranging them into faces or as letter shapes • Rather than sweets and crisps as snacks, try raisins or apricots Fluid Encourage older children to drink plenty of water. Squash, fizzy drinks and milk can make them feel full up so they do not eat their meals and do not take in enough fibre. Rather offer squash or fizzy drinks at the end of the meal as a reward for finishing their meal.

Toileting • Encourage children to have regular visits to the toilet. Allow them plenty of time so they do not feel rushed.

• Star charts or rewards are often helpful for children who are stool holding.

• Keep calm and don’t worry about the problem in front of your child. They will quickly pick up on your concern around this issue and this will often make the problem worse.

• Praise your child for using the potty or toilet but please do not punish accidents as this can make the child more nervous and more prone to have an accident.

If you are worried – come and see a GP.

Are you haunted?

By Amanda Butterworth, www.inspiredlivingandpsychotherapy.com Are you always looking backwards, being haunted by the past? Does it impact on your today and your tomorrow?

When we become aware of our past we are often surprised at how much it affects our present and our future. Mostly we don’t think about it and so we miss vital clues that, if we had been able to read, would have helped us construct a much healthier life.

Most of us have “baggage” which we carry from our past. Often it is painful and so we tend to avoid opening up those heavy cases. Too many Jack in the Boxes stored, waiting to bounce out and bop us one!

Could we consciously examine some of our ways of being and relate them to our past?

If we could consciously relate ourselves with our past, we could finally work out why, for instance we are nervous about handing in our work assignments, which impacts on our self-esteem, which makes our boss not value our work, which would mean we didn’t get a raise, which would make us feel unappreciated, which would add to our lack of self-esteem, which means that we also might let our partners also

not treat us with respect… And all that because we had a particularly virulent teacher when we were a child who used to make us feel small when we handed in our homework!

See? The effects can really be way more pervasive than you might imagine and can extend throughout many areas of your life. However, it is only when we take stock that we can trace it back and work it out. It is important when something in our lives keeps popping up that we take the time and BE WITH IT. Look at it from all angles, sense the feelings, acknowledge what is going on for you. Running away can only keep us going for a certain amount of time and obviously does nothing to resolve the situation.

So, however painful it may be, when you know that something is causing you discomfort try and remember that it is a useful reminder of an issue that hasn’t been dealt with.

Do yourself a favour and lighten your load, lay those ghouls to rest by revisiting them with your adult eyes. With a little bit of mature understanding you will be able to exorcise them and change your life.

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 21

Education BULLYING

How to help your child cope

language and practicing smart replies. If you can show a bully that you really don’t care that they’ve said something horrid and even better, say something funny back to them, it takes the wind out of their sails.”, explains Wendy.

Here are Wendy’s top five tips on how to deal with bullies:

© stefanolunardi - Fotolia.com

Sadly, in spite of lots of publicity and much greater awareness of the problem, (especially in schools), bullying is on the increase. Wendy Bollen has worked as a counselling psychologist in schools with many hundreds of children and young people and by far the most common problem is being bullied. She has written an e-book with advice on how to deal with the problem in a different way.

This November, anti-bullying week is being held from 19 – 23 and whilst it is great to raise awareness about the problem, what children really need is practical help and advice on how to deal with bullies.

Wendy has done a lot of research into

the causes and effects of bullying and delivers training to schools on the most effective ways to tackle this problem. She realised that the advice usually given by teachers didn’t work. Pupils are often told to ignore unkind comments, but that often leads to increased attempts by bullies to upset their victim. Based on her own experiences and those of the young people she works with, Wendy has come up with a rather different approach which empowers pupils by teaching them how to stand up to a bully.

“Most children don’t want to involve a teacher, but they do want to do something. I teach kids strategies to help them stand up for themselves by using assertive body

Anti-bullying videos

the Zebra’s Tale of Arthur the Engine” can facilitate the prevention of bullying behaviours in children from approximately 2 ½ – 8 years of age, by creating a repertoire of practical strategies that children can use when they are being bullied, see others being bullied or if/when they might begin to engage in bullying behaviours due to anger management, self-regulation issues themselves.

Through practice (watching the videos with adults and imitating the actions/words in each video) the skills can become part of a child’s own skill base, called upon if any bullying experiences occur in the future.

Even young children can begin to learn strategies to teach selfregulation, anger management and advocacy skills to facilitate anti-bullying behaviours.

Building foundation skills such as: self-regulation, cooperative play, anger management and a sense of team, using practical activities, woven into books, songs and animated videos can help children develop abilities to decrease bullying behaviours. Children as young as two-three years of age can imitate basic yoga poses, use calming techniques (roll shoulders, deep breath, count to five on their fingers, etc.) and learn language to stop bullying through song, story and video.

The animated anti-bullying videos on YouTube by Jennifer Anzin, including: “Leona the Llama: Managing My Mad”, Zany the Zebra: No More Hurting Others” and “Zany

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• Look confident – stand up straight and look them in the eye if they say something to you. If you look scared, a bully is much more likely to pick on you.

• Stay calm and practice slow breathing. If you feel less anxious you’ll look more confident.

• Even if you feel upset, don’t show it until you are out of sight. Bullies enjoy seeing their victims upset, so by letting them see you upset, you’re rewarding them and they’re likely to continue.

• Likewise, don’t let them see you’re angry – the aim is to show bullies that you’re really not bothered by what they say.

• Use humour – a witty retort is unexpected and shows bullies that you’re confident and don’t care what they say to you. In fact, you think it’s funny.

Standing up to bullies is important says Wendy, especially with a smart retort. An example would be to say, ‘I’m flattered that you spend so much of your time thinking about me!’ or ‘I’m sorry, I’m busy right now, can I ignore you later?’

Wendy stresses that how you say it is just as important as what you say.

“Stand straight, look them in the eye,

The animated videos can be paired with the anti-bullying book series (“The Incredible Shrinking Bully”, “The Terrible Tantrums of Timmy the Truck” and “Devon the Digger’s Difficult Day”), “The Anger Train” and “Goodbye Anger Monster” available on

say it clearly with a smile and then quickly walk away. Don’t hang around waiting for them to say something else.”

She also emphasises that there are some things to avoid saying. “Never say anything about someone’s Mum! This is likely to escalate the situation.”

Based on her work with pupils, Wendy has written a self-help book for youngsters on how to beat the bullies. The Little Book Of Retorts is set out in sections, which include information on the reasons behind bullying, why people become victims and techniques for dealing with fear and anxiety. Importantly, Wendy emphasises that children don’t have to have experienced bullying in order to benefit from the book.

“Prevention is far better than cure and if children appear confident and untroubled by insults they are unlikely to become a victim.”

The book is suitable for children aged 10 – 16. Costing only £1.91 it’s available as an ebook from Amazon Kindle, ibookstores, Sony and Apple, but can also be purchased in PDF format from the website. www.thelittlebookofretorts.com www.facebook.com/ TheLittleBookOfRetorts Follow Wendy on Twitter: @WendyBollen Other useful websites: www.bullying.co.uk www.beatbullying.org www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/bullying/ www.antibullyingweek.co.uk

Amazon for £4.60 each (77p for the Kindle version) for additional practical strategies.

There are also two free books: “Arthur The Angry Engine” and “Frederick the Fire Truck” available in word through www.thewhisperersaga.com.

Education

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 23

Education The importance of after school clubs

From astronomy club to equestrian squad, the independent school sector has long been praised for its unrivalled range of extracurricular offerings. But why is such value placed on these activities and will it really help your child in the long-run?

A study of 508 private schools in the 2009 ISC Report found a correlation between the number of extracurricular activities offered and the proportion of pupils getting top grades at GCSE. Schools that offered 30 or more activities were most likely to have nearly 100% of pupils getting B or above compared with around 30% of pupils at schools with 20 activities.

At The King’s School, a recent count

has shown that more than 80 clubs, societies or activities are offered to pupils, ranging from philosophy, crafts and cooking clubs in the Infants to astronomy, taekwondo, fencing, Japanese, film club and equestrian society in the seniors.

Headmaster, Dr Simon Hyde, himself once a King’s pupil, says: “King’s has a reputation for academic success alongside national achievements in sport and music.

We believe that education is about what happens in the classroom and more. Our dedication to music, sports and the arts comes from a desire to equip young people with the character and skills necessary to meet the challenges of later life. Confidence, self-belief and mutual respect are so often learnt outside the classroom whether that is on the sports field, in an orchestra, on a mountain top or on stage.”

“Extracurricular interests help young people to develop skills in teamwork, leadership and communications, as well as an understanding of the importance of commitment and time management.

These are higher level skills more often associated with adults.”

“Our clubs allow pupils to make choices for themselves very early on, to decide

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for themselves how to manage multiple commitments, and importantly to develop a sense of responsibility for their own learning and development.”

Many King’s pupils have developed interests that have become lifelong passions and lead to careers. “Just in terms of sports, several former pupils are playing professional rugby and cricket, are sports journalists for national newspapers or have gone on to coach or manage professional teams,” explains Simon.

A rich array of activities can undoubtedly add to the range of experiences of young people and help them to develop essential life skills at a young age.

01625 260000 / www.kingsmac.co.uk

The Queen’s school open events The Queen’s school in Chester has a number of open events during November, offering prospective pupils and their parents an opportunity to get a real sense of how the school works.

Sat 9 Nov Lower School Open Morning 9.30am – 12.30pm Sat 16 Nov Senior School – Sweet Science A free morning event for girls in Year 6 spent in the labs learning a variety of fun science experiments involving sweets i.e. cola canons.

Sat 30 Nov Lower School – Christmas Cracker A free morning event for pre-school girls ages 3 and 4, where they and their parents take part in Christmas-themed music, drama, craft, fun and games.

For the Sweet Science and Christmas Cracker events, apply online or call the Admissions Officer. 01244 312078 / www.queens.cheshire.sch.uk

Education Terra Nova u11’s first to National Football Finals

Art Competition for Local Gifted Children

Pictured is Michael Dimsey with (l-r) SGS Headmaster Andrew Chicken, Bill Thomson from Brewin Dolphin, artist Mark Demsteader and Head of Art and Design Richard Davies.

Congratulations to the U11 footballers at Terra Nova School who recently qualified for the National ISFA (Independent Schools Football Association) finals to be held in April next year.

With some exciting entertainment and a high standard of football, Terra Nova held Nottingham High School at bay to be crowned the champions during the qualifying stage.

Photo courtesy of ISF Top (left to right): Thomas Sheil, Gabriel Thorpe, Oliver Barlow Bottom (left to right): Sam Rosser, Oscar Barry, Joseph Bradbury, Aidin Bastin, Dan Fosbrook

Fruit for thought

Year 5 pupils from local Primary schools were invited to submit their Portrait works to Stockport Grammar School for a recent competition sponsored by Brewin Dolphin.

Children and their families were then invited to an exhibition and presentation evening where first prize was awarded to Michael Dimsey from Torkington Primary, with the runners-up prizes going to Jessica Barnsley from Forest Park

Preparatory School and Annalena Freise from The Ryleys.

SGS Head of Art and Design Richard Davies was really impressed by the standard and variety in the submitted work. Each child took home a goodie bag filled with art supplies and the winners were treated to professional artists’ sets as well as vouchers for their school art departments.

This autumn Crowdfunder UK teams up with River Cottage to launch Fruitshare, a fruit-tastic national campaign to get schools planting fruit trees.

Backed by food-campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Fruitshare aims to get children planting fruit trees across the nation to provide an edible educational legacy that will last for decades. Schools are also encouraged to reach out to their local communities and businesses to pledge to fund the trees. “I am on a mission to

make the most of fruit, so what better place to start than with our kids,” says Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.“If we can get them to propagate a positive relationship with fruit, it could be a love affair that lasts a lifetime. Gathering local communities and businesses to use Crowdfunder.co.uk to raise funds to get growing fruit trees is a brilliant way of demonstrating what can happen when a group of people get together to achieve something great.” Register your school at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/fruitshare.

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 25

What’s on Sat 2 Nov – Sat 11 Jan

Macclesfield Winterfest A feast of music, film & comedy plus one or two surprises over the winter months. www.winterfestmacclesfield.com

Thurs 7 Nov

The Trafford Centre Christmas Lights Switch On 5 – 8pm. The annual lights switch on with a collection for Walking With Giants Foundation - based at the Bandstand in the Orient.

0161 749 1717 / www.intu.co.uk/traffordcentre

Fri 8 Nov

Albert Square, Manchester Christmas lights switch-on 7pm, free. An evening of high-energy entertainment and a fireworks display in front of an audience of thousands. www.manchester.gov.uk

Sat 9 Nov

Wilmslow United Reformed Church, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 1PR East Cheshire NCT Nearly New Sale 11.15 am – 1 pm (11 am entry for members) Admission £1. Good quality, lightly used children’s and baby’s toys, books, equipment and clothes at bargain prices. Refreshments available, no pushchairs or bags. 0844 243 6115 / events@eastcheshire-nct.org.uk

Sat 9 & 16 & Sun10 & 17 Nov Chill Factore, Trafford Quays Peppa Pig Peppa Pig will be appearing at intervals during these two weekends in November.

0843 596 22 33 / www.chillfactore.com

Tues 12 Nov

Cranage Village Hall Fizz Fashion Show - Fundraiser for Goostrey Pre School 7.30pm. A fashionable, affordable range of clothing, handbags, and accessories and a great chance to get some Christmas shopping done and update your wardrobe. Tickets £5 (including a glass of wine and nibbles).

Contact Emma on 07837 548259.

Thurs 14 & Mon 25 Nov, Thurs 12 Dec

National Football Museum, Manchester Baby Moves 10.30am & 1.30pm, £2 per baby, booking advised. A chance for our very youngest visitors (0-12 months) to get into training! A play and movement session to help your baby’s physical, communication and language development.

0161 871 8145 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Thurs 15 Nov – Sun 5 Jan

Selfridges, Trafford Centre Ice Rink Age 3+ (younger at parent’s discretion), Under 16s to be accompanied. An all-new covered ice rink complete with Christmas lights, music and trained ice marshals who will be on hand with skating tips, making it an unabashedly festive day out for all the family. Located at the main fountain entrance to Selfridges, Trafford off Barton Dock Road. 0161 629 1306 / www.selfridges.com/icerink

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

Sat 16 Nov

Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church, Ramilies Avenue, Cheadle Hulme SK8 7AL Stockport NCT Nearly New Sale Great quality baby and kids clothes, toys, books, nursery goods, maternity wear. Parking and refreshments available. No pushchairs or shopping bags. Admission £1. Chip and pin available. Sellers registration until 16 Nov. 0844 243 6282 / stockportnctnearlynewsale@gmail.com Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Ancient Faces & Places 11am – 4pm, Free, Drop in, all ages. Discover, explore and get hands-on. Find out more about the people of ancient times through objects; how they used and made them.

0161 275 2648/ www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Sun 17 Nov

Northwich and District NCT Nearly New Sale Winnington Park Recreation Club, Park Road, Winnington, CW8 4EB 1.30 – 3pm (1pm entry for members) Admission £1. Quality, used Autumn/Winter children’s (0-11 years) and babies’ clothes, toys, books, CDs, DVDs, cots, prams/ pushchairs and nursery equipment. Grab a bargain for Christmas! 100 sellers, selling thousands of items! No prams or pushchairs. northwichNCT@yahoo.co.uk / www.facebook.com/northwichnctnns

Thurs 21 Nov – Mon 6 Jan

Chester Racecource Winter Wonderland at Chester Racecourse The Racecourse will be transformed into a magical ‘Winter Wonderland’ complete with real ice rink, food and drink stalls, traditional rides, real reindeer, Santa letter writing workshop , and a 4D screen showing festive films. Open for Free to all on the 21 Nov to coincide with the city lights switch on event then open to the public from Fri 22 November.

Open weekdays 3 – 9pm, weekends 11am – 9pm. www.winterwonderlandchester.co.uk

Fri 22 Nov

Congleton Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On www.congleton-tc.gov.uk

Sat 23 Nov

Market Square, Macclesfield The Big Light Switch On 12pm – 6pm, Free. Live music, mulled wine, the Totally Locally Christmas Market, fireworks, the mid-winter feast, children’s activities, street entertainers, more fun and the switching on of the Macclesfield Christmas Lights. There will also be Victorian melodramas courtesy of MADS Theatre Company popping up in the street and courtyard throughout the day. www.winterfestmacclesfield.co.uk

Wed 27 Nov – Sun 1 Dec

St George’s Church, Stockport St George’s Christmas Tree Festival Adults £2, Children free. More than 70 trees on display from individuals, clubs, schools and businesses. Refreshments on sale, performances from schools and local groups and Father Christmas will receive young visitors on Sat 30 Nov. www.stgeorgestockport.org.uk

26 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Thurs 28 Nov

National Football Museum, Manchester Under 5’s story time 10.30 – 11.30am, booking advised. Join us in the storytelling corner of the Discovery Zone for a fun interactive story session combined with puppetry developed especially for under-5s and their grown-ups.

0161 871 8145 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com Audlem – The Square and The Wharf The Big Switch On 5.45pm. With a special visit from Santa. www.audlem.org

Fri 29 Nov – Sun 5 Jan

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, Manchester Christmas Bricktacular Enjoy a festive LEGO Factory Tour, sing Christmas karaoke with the LEGO Friends in Olivia’s House and create a merry masterpiece at the LEGO Master Model Builder workshop, where imaginations will be inspired by Christmas theming and décor. www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/ manchester

Fri 29 Nov – Sun 1 Dec

Manchester Central Magical Christmas Fri 10am – 8pm, Sat 9.30am – 6pm, Sun 10am – 5pm. Live music, spectacular decor, surprises appearing around the venue, a chance for kids (of all ages) to meet Santa and his friends, plus licensed bars and restaurant areas to enjoy a warming Glühwein, a glass of champagne and festive food with your friends or family.

Hundreds of product stalls too.

0161 440 7200 / www.magical-christmas.co.uk

Sat 30 Nov

Grosvenor Museum (Newstead Gallery) Winter Watch Banners 2 – 4pm, Free, drop in. Make a spectacular banner and join the fun on the on the Winter Watch parades on Thurs 5 & 12 Dec. 01244 972197 / www.cheshirewestmuseums.org Canute Place, Knutsford Christmas Light Switch On www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Sat 30 Nov – Tues 24 Dec

Gulliver’s World, Warrington Christmas 2013 Christmas rides and attractions, Gully’s magical snow show, get creative in Mrs Christmas’ kitchen and enrol at Elf School to become an honorary elf! www.gulliversfun.co.uk/warrington

Sun 1 Dec

Fog Lane Park, Manchester South Manchester Santa Dash 12pm. Hundreds of runners will be given Santa suits before pulling on a white moustache and beard and running, walking, toddling or crawling for two laps of Fog Lane Park, while raising funds for charity. www.redcross.org.uk/santadash

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Winter Fun Day 11am – 4pm, Free, drop in. Things to do for the whole family this December. Explore the celebration of winter from different cultures, times and countries through fun activities for all the family.

0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk/library/rylands Oakwood Farm Styal Meet the Bollin Valley Longhorn Cattle A unique event with a chance to come and see the Bollin Valley Partnership’s longhorn cattle.

You will meet all the bulls, cows and calves at close quarters in their winter housing at Styal and find out how and why we use the longhorns to manage our country parks. Booking essential.

01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Wed 4 Dec

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Festive Makes 11am – 4pm, Free, drop in. Choose from a range of activities to make something Christmassy to take away - a gift for a loved one, or for yourself.

0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk/library/rylands

Thurs 5 Dec

Chester (starts from Forum Shopping Centre) Winter Watch Parade 7pm. This historical event takes place in the city centre and winds its way through the main streets, with street performances and dance incorporated into the parade. Celebrate Christmas with the Lord of Misrule, devils and dragons, dancing and sword fights, and a spectacular fire breathing finale.

Fri 6 Dec

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Pagan Winterfest 4 – 9.30pm, Free, drop in An alternative seasonal celebration! Explore our building and collections, take part in creative workshops, come along and revel in our alternative Christmas. The Cafe will be open offering seasonal treats throughout the evening.

0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk/library/rylands

Sat 7 Dec

Manchester Cathedral Be a Chorister for a Day 2.15 – 5.30pm. Age 7 – 10, free but booking

by Tues 26 Nov essential for limited places.

Find out what singing in the Cathedral Choir is all about. Start with a visit to Chetham’s School of Music, then sing with the cathedral choristers, take part in activities and a short service at 5pm. All children must be accompanied.

0161 833 2220 ext. 238 / www.manchestercathedral.org

Sat 7 & 14, Sun 8 & 15 Dec

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Carols by the Tree Age 7+, £9, Booking Essential. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie followed by carols in the elegant Edwardian dining room.

0844 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Remember to check online regularly for more listings – as not all event information is available at the time of going to print. www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Sun 8 Dec

Chester Santa Dash Thousands of participants dressed in Santa costumes, taking part in a 4km run or walk around Chester, in aid of local charities.

Trentabank Ranger Centre, Macclesfield Forest Bodge it at Trentabank A chance to see and try the ancient craft of woodturning. A joint event with the Peak District 01625 383700 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Tues 10 Dec – Sun 5 Jan

Hatworks, Stockport Christmas Hat Trail 10am – 4pm, (Sundays from 11am), Free, drop in, all ages. Take part in the Seasonal Hat Trail and you might win a prize.

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec

Hatworks, Stockport Christmas Craft Session 10.30am – 12 noon & 1 – 2.30pm, Ages 5 – 11, £3.50, Booking essential. Make yourself a fantastic decoration. 0161 474 2399/ www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Wed 11 Dec

Grosvenor Museum (Lecture Theatre) Victorian Christmas Music with ‘Blast from the Past’ 7.30 – 9.30pm, £8. Explore the origins of our Christmas traditions and join musicians and actors ‘Blast from the Past’ for some carols and festive songs, mummers’play and Yuletide tales.

The evening includes a complimentary glass of wine and a mince pie.

01244 972197 / www.cheshirewestmuseums.org

Thurs 12 – Sun 23 Dec

Chester Zoo Lantern Magic An unforgettable night time journey through the zoo.

Journey through the magical gardens, try out your lantern making skills (every half an hour between 4 and 8pm), visit the Elephant House and Fruit Bat Forest, meet the friendly festive characters and sample some of the deliciously tasty treats.

See the beautiful animal lanterns - with some ‘new arrivals’ created especially for this year’s event.

Make your Christmas wish at the Giant Wishing Tree and keep the lanterns glowing and help Santa to light the way this Christmas. Booking essential.

01244 380280 / www.chesterzoo.org

Fri 13 – Sun 22 Dec Congleton Skating in Town www.congleton-tc.gov.uk

Sat 14 Dec

Z-arts, Hulme Duck! – Family Fun Day 10am – 1pm, Free but book in advance. A free ‘Duck’ themed day of transformation! Listen to the original story by Hans Christian Anderson and then turn a ducking into a dazzling swan with sock puppets, origami and mask making. Then stay and see our new show Duck! at 1.30pm.

Leave your origami duck or swan on our pond for 50p off your ticket.

0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org

Sun 15 Dec

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Hark!

2 – 3pm, Free, drop in. An annual afternoon of Christmas songs and carols, in the beautiful surroundings of the Historic Reading Room.

Singing will be lead by the Salford Royal Choir: raise your voice and help raise funds for the Wood Street Mission.

0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk/library/rylands

Wed 18 – Tues 24 Dec

Event City, Trafford Park Winter Wonderland Manchester An indoor wonderland of run and entertainment for children up to age 12, with a chance to meet and greet Santa. All rides and attractions free with entrance ticket. www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com

Tues 24 Dec

Bramall Hall Christmas Carol Services 1.30 & 3pm, £3.25 (proceeds to Christian Aid), all ages.

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Booking essential.

0161 474 4444 / www.stockport.gov.uk/bramallhall

Thurs 26 Dec – Sun 3 Jan

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Seasons Greetings 12 – 3pm, 50p per trail, normal admission applies. Design your own ‘thank you’ card

What’s on inspired by the Victorian era and complete the family trail through the Mill.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Mon 30 Dec

Haydock Park Winter Wonderland Family Fun Day Under 17s free A fantastic day out featuring loads of free entertainment for the children including bouncy castles, funfair rides, face painters, winter wonderland fun and more ... plus first-class racing for the adults too! www.haydock-park.co.uk

Thurs 19 Dec

Grosvenor Museum (Newstead Gallery) Saturnalia Parade Lantern Making 5.45 – 6.30pm, Free (parade starts from the museum at 6.30pm). Saturnalia is an ancient Roman celebration which consisted of feasting, visiting friends and giving gifts. It was also traditional for masters and slaves to swap places, making Saturnalia very popular in Roman times. Make your own lantern and join Roman Tours/Deva Victrix legion in a parade around the city to celebrate this festival.

01244 972197 / www.cheshirewestmuseums.org

Sat 21 Dec

The Heritage Centre, Macclesfield Traditional Victorian Christmas 10am – 2pm. Visit the Victorian Classroom for a Christmas themed lesson with Ma’am! Learn to write with a pen and ink and write your loved ones a traditional Victorian Christmas card! Father Christmas will also be making a stop at Macclesfield Heritage Centre to meet children and give them an early present.

2 hour Christmas Craft Sessions at 10am and 12.30pm for ages 6 – 11 years to make rocking Reindeers complete with box sleighs, robins and mini christmas trees! £6 per child – adults to accompany children.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

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New What’s On Calendar on the Website!

We’re thrilled to finally be able to launch our new What’s On Calendar on our website – www.familiescheshire. co.uk. Search for a great family day out, museum activity, a show or a holiday workshop. Filter by age group, exact date or category. It should save you HOURS when you’re searching for a family day out! Because a lot of event information isn’t available when we go to print, it’s a great way for us to keep you regularly up to date with

what’s on in the area, so remember to keep checking back, as we’ll be continually adding more event details as they become available to us.

If you’ve got an event you’re keen to promote, don’t wait – email the info to events@familiescheshire.co.uk and we’ll get you online. And remember to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/familiescheshire) and Twitter (@FamCheshMag) too.

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Dec

Hatworks, Stockport Christmas Hat Making 10am – 4pm, (Sundays from 11am), Free, drop in, all ages. Make yourselves a lovely Christmas paper hat, just in time for the holidays.

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Sun 22 Dec

Tatton Park, Knutsford Family Christmas Carols Outdoor Stableyard Carols to the accompaniment of The King Edward Musical Society and choir.

Shops will be open until 5pm for last minute Christmas gifts.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

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Wishing you all a peaceful festive season and a very happy New Year!

28 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk