Families Cheshire Issue 40 March-April 2016

Edition 40 • Mar/Apr 2016

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

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In this issue > The Great Easter Egg Hunt! > Are we there yet?

Surviving long car journeys with kids

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

Welcome In this issue 02: News 04: Education 07: Parties 08: Clubs & classes 09: Parents’ place 12: Easter fun 14: What’s on

Join the Families team!

Are you good at sales and building long term relationships?

Self-motivated and target driven but passionate about parenting and your local area? Looking to earn but set your own daily hours? Then we’d love to hear from you as we’re looking for fun, friendly and professional local

mums across the region to join our team! Please get in touch with Jayne or Caryl via editor@ familiescheshire. co.uk to find out about some exciting opportunities now available.

It’s “Chocolates Etc” season Hello!

Hooray! The longer days have finally revealed the cheerful daffodils, thanks to marginally warmer temperatures and an abundance of rain. And as we emerge from our own winter layers, we’re finding that, rather distressingly, all the comfort food has left a rather large mark.

So with the imminent chocolatey arrival of Mother’s Day and Easter, it’s a bit of a scramble to find those dusty trainers and head outside for some much needed exercise.

While the custom of giving eggs at Easter celebrates new life, we’re hopeful our own “new beginning” resolve will keep us away from the kids’ stash this year. (But we’re not holding our breath.)

Wishing you all a great Easter break and safe travels if you’re venturing away from home.

Till next time,

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

Next issue: May/June 2016 Circulation: 25,000 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 Photography: Helen Rae Photography, Cheshire Tel: 07857 284498, www.helenraephotography.co.uk Editorial contributors: Liat Hughes Joshi: Parenting journalist and author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Sally J. Hall: Writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. Author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

Claire Muffett-Reece: Freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others.

We’re quite taken with the new addition to Wilmslow’s high street – Chocolates Etc. Set in a prime position on Water Lane, it offers delicious luxury

Daffodil portrait sessions for Macmillan

Radhika Holmstrom: With a strong background in health journalism, she has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines and is a visiting lecturer on feature-writing at Middlesex University. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues.

Georgina Rodgers: journalist and author of new book and journal, Peace of Mind: A Book of Calm for Busy Mums, published by Hodder & Stoughton.

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Cheshire is part of Families Magazines Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cheshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher.

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.

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chocolates that are quite unlike any other! Perfect for any occasion of course, they really are the best we’ve tasted in a long time (and we’ve tasted quite a few!). No matter how many you choose, your purchase will be beautifully presented, or you can select from a range of unusual, individually sourced containers that will last long after the chocolates are gone. They’ve also got some fantastic options for “favours” – perfect keepsakes for parties, christenings, weddings etc.

14 Water Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5AA, www.chocolatesetc.co.uk

Helen Rae Photography has teamed up with a stunning daffodil farm near Northwich to help raise much-needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, the UK’s leading source of cancer care.

Helen will hold exclusive Spring mini portrait sessions throughout the day on 8 and 11 April at Foxwist Green Farm in the heart of Vale Royal in Cheshire in acres of happy, beautiful yellow daffodils, with all profits going to the charity.

For just £125, (worth £325) you get a 25 minute photo session in the daffodils, three mounted 5x7” prints, ready for framing, digital and mobile versions of the same images and 10% off her regular product guide for this session.

Book now: 07857 284498 / enquiries@helenraephotography.co.uk / www.helenraephotography.co.uk

One Day. Your Outfit. Their Rules.

Are you brave enough to let the kids’ take control of your wardrobe? To give them complete power over your outfit selection? If you are, join in Oxfam’s exciting new fundraising event “Dressed by the Kids’ Day” on 29 April 2016!

From sequin tops paired with baseball caps and cartoon socks, to your favourite suit jacket worn over that novelty neon vest from your hey-days, it’s time to embrace the unorthodox, throw open the cupboard doors and let the little ones loose. Parents, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents nationwide will be wearing creative outfit concoctions to the office, on the school run or just loudly and proudly at home.

What a fun way to unite families and help raise vital funds for Oxfam in their fight against world poverty. Sign-up via www.oxfam.com/dressedbythekidsday

News Are you a ParentPreneur?

If you’re running your own business (or thinking about starting one), ParentPreneur Networking is a great local group that meet monthly, giving you an opportunity to showcase your business in a relaxed, welcoming and informal environment.

Different from normal networking groups, it’s as much about your “journey” as well as your business. With guest speakers offering tips and advice or just sharing their story, it’s an opportunity to meet likeminded people for inspiration and motivation.

Events are currently held in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Altrincham and Stoke-on-Trent. Go to www.parentpreneurnetworking.co.uk to find out more.

Easter Holiday Fun at Hollies

If you’re looking for some Easter holiday childcare, try Hollies Holiday Club in Poynton.

Here you’ll find a stimulating play environment where the children can follow their interests, supported by dedicated, qualified staff. Activities on offer include nature walks, crafts,

baking, games, music, construction, sport, quizzes and treasure hunts. With outdoor space, access to a secure field with a woodland area and a trim trail as well as loads of indoor and outdoor resources, the children will be spoilt for choice! Their Easter holiday club will include an Easter egg hunt, egg rolling and baking.

Open 7.30am till 6pm, Monday to Friday, Hollies Holiday Club will provide breakfast a well as a light snack morning and afternoon. For more information visit www. holliespreschool.co.uk or contact Rachel on 01625 850176.

One child goes free at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre!

Three times Winner of Cheshire’s “Visitor Attraction of the Year”, Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre is set in 50 acres in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside, and offers everything for the perfect day out.

Home of the internationally renowned Cotebrook Shire Horse Stud, Alistair King has been breeding champion Shires there for nearly 50 years and they form the centrepiece of the Centre with up to 25 horses at any time for you to meet.

This Easter weekend you can take part in the Easter Egg Hunt as well as grooming the ponies, taking part in the Wildlife Watch Trail quiz, listening to the “Meet a Shire” talks and keeping an eye on the Foal Watch! Two foals should have been born by Easter, with another two due in May. As well as the fabulous Shire horses there is a selection of British animals and birdlife both wild and domesticated including rare breeds and you’re guaranteed a warm welcome, even if it’s still a little chilly outside!

Playground dangers

Paint with up to 40 times the recommended safe levels of lead has been found on playground equipment.

The journal Science of the Total Environment studied the equipment and said that the levels might post a

significant risk to children’s health. The study was carried out by scientists from the University of Plymouth who tested paint in 50 play areas in parks across England.

European rules drawn up in 1977 say that paint used on children’s equipment should contain no more than 0.25% lead. However, the scientists found some parks with up to 10% lead in the paint.

Reader in Environmental Science Dr. Andrew Turner from Plymouth University said that the levels were avoidable.

“You’d expect the older playgrounds to be more dangerous as people have become more aware of the dangers of lead but our findings suggest this isn’t the case,” he said.

Ingestion of lead can lead to brain damage and learning difficulties.

Remove cot bumpers

Parents of babies are being advised to remove cot bumpers from their babies’ cots after a study published by the Journal of Paediatrics showed they can be a potential choking, suffocation and strangulation risk.

The study, carried out by the Washington University School of Medicine, reported that 48 deaths between 1985 and 2012 were attributed to cot bumpers, with a further 146 infants involved in incidents where they nearly choked, suffocated or were strangled.

Following publication of the study,

The Lullaby Trust (formerly the Foundation for Sudden Infant Death) sent out a clear warning to parents to remove cot bumpers.

Francine Bates, Chief Executive of The Lullaby Trust said: “This is compelling new evidence that cot bumpers do pose a serious risk to babies. We do not recommend the use of any sort of cot bumpers and urge all parents to follow our safer sleep advice to use a flat firm mattress in a cot or Moses basket with no loose bedding, pillows or bumpers.

Cot bumpers pose a threat to babies once they begin to roll and move about the cot. We know that some infants have become entangled in the ties and material, or fallen whilst pulling themselves up on the bumpers. Babies need just a few basic items for sleep: a firm flat surface and some bedding. Our advice is simple: the safest cot is a clear cot.”

And, by presenting the advert as shown on page 10 in this magazine when you arrive, one child can go free with two paying adults until 30 April.

01829 760506 / www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk

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Education How to boost your child’s literacy and numeracy

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Literacy and numeracy are central to your child’s learning in primary school and will underpin many of the subjects they’ll cover during their secondary education. They are of course crucial to later life too. Whether they’re already acing their algebra or still struggling with basic sums, here are some ideas on how to give these key skills a boost.

A little extra learning at home can work wonders…but don’t go overboard!

Realistically, it isn’t always possible for teaching staff in busy classrooms of 30 pupils to provide the one-on-one attention children benefit from – perhaps looking at improving handwriting or listening to reading daily. By sitting with your child

and working on specific areas, you can make a huge difference to their attainment.

Keep it sensible though – even just ten or fifteen minutes a day for Key Stage 1 children can have an impact, yet still leaves hours and hours for Lego building, climbing trees or playing with friends.

Find out about the methods their school uses to ensure consistency If you want to do some work at home, it will help your son or daughter greatly if the methods you use are consistent with those they’re being taught at school – otherwise you can do more harm than good by confusing them.

Reading and aspects of numeracy are both typically taught quite differently from

when most of us were children, so do attend any curriculum information evenings the school holds, or ask their teacher for more information about methods.

Employ tech to your advantage There are some brilliant educational apps and websites out there with masses of kid appeal. Try to find ones which align with the National Curriculum (or at least use British English to avoid conflict with what’s done at school).

Many of the best apps have an in-built system of rewards and some even provide parents with progress reports – for eight of the best, go to www.familiescheshire. co.uk and search for “educational apps”.

Encourage reading Reading opens the door to almost endless learning and enjoyment. Some children are naturally enthused by books, others need more nudging to get the reading bug. Firstly, encourage any reading at all – be it comics, magazines, the back of the cereal packet – without worrying much about what they are reading. Also try and home in on your child’s interests and give them books that work with these – reluctant readers might gain confidence with non-fiction relating to their hobbies, or a football-mad child might enjoy some sporty tales and then decide fiction is for them.

Bedtime stories are a crucial opportunity to snuggle up discussing books together.

They’re still beneficial even once children can read independently – parents of older kids could take on a more challenging classic together, taking it in turns to read a page before talking about what’s going on.

Incorporate ‘stealth learning’ into everyday activities Sneak some maths and literacy into their day-to-day life and you can improve their skills without it feeling like schoolwork.

Adding up the cost of the shopping, dividing the bill in a restaurant, playing Monopoly or snakes and ladders, budgeting for that much-longed for Christmas present or helping with cooking are all brilliant but subtle numeracy activities. For literacy, writing shopping lists, sending a postcard or email to the grandparents, or finding a pen pal might all help.

The Ultimate Homework Guide League table criteria change

Helping your little one with their homework needn’t be difficult if you follow these simple tips.

Incorporate homework into a routine Many children benefit from having a set homework time - they’re somewhat less likely to push back if it is just what happens at 5pm or whenever works for you both; consistency is key.

Help yes, but don’t do it for them!

As a parent your key role is to ensure that your child has somewhere comfortable and reasonably quiet to do their homework and the items required, e.g. a dictionary or ruler. You might also have to clarify what a question means or provide support if they are stuck. But do remember it is their homework not yours!

How much is too much?

Most primary age children will get 30 to 60 minutes a week plus reading and perhaps spellings and times tables. If you think your child is being set too much, it’s definitely worth having a chat with their teacher.

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From 2017, schools will not be judged and ranked on their raw GCSE results but will instead be measured by a broader range of criteria across eight subjects.

Currently, if fewer than 40% of a school’s pupils get five GCSEs at A* to C grades, the school is considered to be “underperforming.”

The number of those schools has remained stable in the UK at 312.

Head teachers have complained that basing a school’s performance on GCSE results alone was unfair and unrepresentative, as it did not take into account factors such as a school’s intake.

Disadvantaged children often achieved poorer results, with just 36% of children who receive the pupil premium attaining five good GCSEs.

The new ranking system will see schools judged on a system called Progress 8. This replaces the five or more GCSEs benchmark with a system that studies progress made by students between Key Stage 2 tests (taken at the end of primary school) and performance in eight subjects at the end of secondary school.

Malcolm Trobe of the Association of School and College Leaders said: “Measuring schools on GCSE attainment did not take into account the fact that children are at different points when they start their secondary education. Schools may be doing a fantastic job in helping struggling pupils make great progress but judging them on GCSE results did not reflect the progress made which can be damaging to the morale of school leaders, staff, pupils, parents and communities.”

Education

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Education

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Parties Ten of the best party bag fillers (because we all know mums throw away all that plastic rubbish when their little one’s not looking…)

By Claire Muffett-Reece 1. Animal Hand Temporary Tattoos £3.95 Prezzybox Sold as a box of eight, these simple to apply creations include instructions for making a number of animal characters.

2. Backyard Science Ant Hill Making Kit £4.79 www.insectlore.com Not too many kids to buy for? This mould-your-own plaster creation is designed to house real ants so kids can observe their daily activities.

3. Catch A Bubble £3.95 Prezzybox After blowing, simply wait a few seconds for these clever bubbles to set, before party guests can catch and stack them as high as they like!

4. Disney Frozen Cupcake Kit £1 Morrisons Give each guest their own cupcake making kit to take home rather than splashing out hundreds (!) of pounds on an Elsa impersonator.

5. In The Night Garden Water Squirters Bath Toys £10.19 Argos As a set of three this is a tad pricey for a party bag filler – so why not split them up and add a mini bubble bath for kids to enjoy instead?

6. Julia Donaldson Picture Book Collection £11.99 The Book People This line-up features 10 books including The Gruffalo, A Squash and a Squeeze and The Snail and the Whale – and all for under £1.20 a book!

7. Make Your Own Superhero Mask Kit £2.45 Not On The High Street This crafty role play creation features cut outs, jewel embellishments, glue dots and elastic to design their very own super-hero mask.

8. Peppa Pig The Balloon Ride DVD £3 The Works Part of a ‘four for £10 deal’, this DVD is the perfect party bag present – plus the parents will be delighted at a little peace and quiet!

9. Super Hatching Dinosaur Egg £3.95 Dotcom Gift Shop Now party guests can pretend to be a palaeontologist with this neat idea, which sees a dinosaur egg ‘hatch’ after 72 hours in water.

10. Vegetable Seed Sticks £1.50 www.ecolifegizmos.co.uk These pocket-sized treats contain vegetable seed-loaded card sticks your little one’s guests can tear off and pop in to compost to germinate.

PARTY CLASSIFIEDS

Jabberjacks Looking for a unique and special party that will keep the children and parents talking for weeks?

Playmates parties especially for 2, 3 & 4 year olds. Be amazed as the children discover the puppets, bubbles, teddies, games and activities all hidden in a treasure box. Juniors parties designed for 5, 6 & 7 year olds. Crazy dancing to the latest tracks, Wacky Games, Funky prizes and party bags! Jabberjacks provides a hassle free party package! If you would like to know more, simply visit www.jabberjacks.co.uk/chester Or contact Wendy on 07519238263.

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Clubs & classes Pre-School Rules!

By Sally J. Hall There are loads of activity classes available to keep your pre-schooler amused. For those local to you, have a look at our online directory at www.familiescheshire.co.uk.

Music From nursery rhyme sing-alongs in the local park or café to learning a simple instrument, teaching a very young child to love music will give them a lifelong gift.

Arts and Crafts There are lots of places to drop in to get involved in crafting with your kids. They can learn skills such as painting, gluing, cutting out and sticking and of course the art of adding glitter!

Football and Rugby Little ones can learn how to kick and control the ball, use gross motor skills and understand teamwork. Mini rugby is always gentle and does not involve contact and the skills and size of the pitches are suited to the kids’ ages. Look for a local club which may allow kids to go into more serious games as they grow.

Gymnastics Indoor gym activities are good for rainy days and help with flexibility and strength. Look for classes suited for very young kids that show them how to roll, jump and use gym equipment in a safe and controlled environment. As they get older, they can start to take more serious classes and enroll for certificates like those run by the British Gymnastics Association (british-gymnastics.org).

Swimming Learning to swim is a great and useful life skill and it seems that the younger you start, the less likely it is that your child will be nervous in water. Many local leisure centres and private teachers ofter mother and baby swim sessions where you can start to teach your child how to gain confidence in the water.

Theatre It’s never too early to start treading the boards and there are lots of drama and acting clubs for even quite small kids. They teach about self expression, working within a group and confidence.

Languages Children from bi-lingual families seem to cope well with two languages from a very early age. Even if you and your partner both speak English, you may want your child to learn a second language from an early age to stand them in good stead for their later education and also if you have family or a holiday home in another country. Find a small group or one-to-one sessions where your child has fun and plays games in a second language.

Dance Teaching grace, strength and movement; dancing is a great form of exercise and can be enjoyed from a young age. Look for a class that is not too formal at first so that the emphasis is on play and enjoyment.

If your child shows promise, they can go on to take Royal Academy of Dance certificates later on.

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CLUBS & CLASSES CLASSIFIEDS Jabberjacks A fun activity pre-school class which helps develop social and physical skills for children aged between 6 months* and 4 years. Using a unique combination of puppets and music, against a backdrop of drama and play we ensure all activities delivered in our classes are stimulating and interactive supporting EYFS. Whilst playing and having fun, children: Engage their senses / Explore their Imagination / Develop co-ordination skills / Socialise and communicate with confidence / learn to listen and follow direction / Experience caring and sharing! To find out more or book a place contact wendy@jabberjacks. co.uk or call 07519 238263.

Kumon Kumon’s unique programmes complement the school curriculum and provide far more than just maths or English tuition. They cater for your child’s individual needs, allowing them to study at a rate that is just right for them and eventually to take responsibility for their own learning.

Helsby & Frodshan – Karen: 01565 734478 Knutsford – Sue: 01565 621142 Nantwich – Sarah: 01270 780810 Northwich – Amanda: 01606 76468 Wilmslow – Ian: 01625 532529 www.kumon.co.uk​

Parents’ place Mindful parenting

By Georgina Rodgers

Picture the scene: You are trying to get out of the house in the morning.

One of your kids has lost their shoes, the other is asking where their PE kit is. You’re doing your best to reply, while also thinking about the day ahead and all the things you need to do. Your phone then starts ringing.

Your feel yourself start to raise your voice and are close to losing your temper… Sound familiar?

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs we will ever do, but by adopting a more mindful approach, you will not only improve your own personal health and become a happier and more settled mother, but you will help your children learn to regulate their own emotions.

Why mindfulness works Mindfulness works because it is simply a way of living and not another job on the ‘to do’ list. At its core it encourages us to be present in our own lives when we are distracted by worries or intrusive thoughts about the past or future.

Studies show that our minds wander for nearly as much time as they are actually focussed on what is in front of us and worse than this, we seem less happy in the moment our minds are drifting. The practice encourages us to focus on the moment, to observe any thoughts but to just let them go, like bubbles popping in the air. Experts say that the more we practise mindfulness, the easier it becomes.

Importantly, mindfulness allows us to regulate our own emotions and reactions more effectively, so when we are dealing with a toddler tantrum or an unhappy child, we can relate to them better. There is no doubt that our children are able to make us feel a whole range of emotions but by flying off the handle and losing control, children become more scared and do not learn how to be better behaved themselves. In those times we are modelling aggressive behaviour. Being mindful importantly helps us be present with our children. In moments of stress, it allows us to step back and give ourselves time to calm down and act in a rational manner. By staying calm, making your child feel safe and then as the emotional storm calms, you can divert their attention and any upset passes more quickly.

Help our children to be more mindful By being mindful ourselves, we help our children learn this skill, leading to structural changes in the brain. This will give them more emotional balance and leave them more resilient when it comes to dealing with difficult situations in their lives around school, their own peers and personal relationships.

Research has found that mindfulness training for children and young people increases attention, social awareness and other interpersonal skills.

Two simple exercises for the family 1. Mindful Square Breathing This exercise can be done anywhere, at any time. All you have to do is focus on your breath for 60 seconds.

• Start by breathing in and out slowly and purposefully, then there are four simple breath segments done to the count of four.

• Inhale 2 3 4 • Hold 2 3 4 • Exhale 2 3 4 • Hold 2 3 4 • Repeat • When your mind wanders, try to bring your focus back to your breath and the sensation of breathing in and expanding your lungs.

2. Rainbow Walk This is a simple exercise you can do with your child regardless of their age.

• The idea is to look for different colours of your walk, so you need to see something red, orange, green, blue, indigo and purple.

• If your child is older they might like to take pictures of the colours with the camera on a phone or they might want to write down what they have seen.

Young children will want to discuss what they can see as you walk together.

• Enjoy focusing on the present moment and the scenes around you.

A slice of Paradise Island at Cheshire Oaks

The Families team recently had a great time at the newly opened Paradise Island Adventure Golf in Cheshire Oaks.

There are two courses to choose from ‘Coral Cove’ or ‘Lazy Lagoon’. We couldn’t choose so we had a go at both!

The courses look amazing, the kids

loved the shark bursting out of the wall and the giant octopus; and the sound effects which play as you putt really add to the feel.

We played with kids aged 9, 7 and 5.

The courses were suitable and fun for all of them; some shots were trickier and challenged parents and older children but there were plenty of simple holes so the younger players didn’t feel frustrated.

There’s also a very entertaining 19th hole that gives you chance to win another game free. A fabulous family trip out and we’ll definitely go back. For more information call 0151 355 4139, or visit www.paradiseislandgolf.com.

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Parents’ place ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

Win a market fresh fruit & veg delivery to your door!

Reaching your five a day is tricky at the best of times but when it comes to persuading your little ones to eat fruit & veg then the task gets even harder!

With a recent survey showing that a staggering 64% of people don’t eat the recommended amount of fruit & veg, Creamline is making it their mission to take the hassle out of filling your fridge.

Creamline.co.uk has launched a new online service (www.creamline.co.uk/ fruit-and-veg) that connects families with their local market, delivering the fruit & veg you want, straight to your door.

Families can click and choose the items they fancy, which are then handpicked from Manchester’s Smithfield market, with the added bonus of free delivery, alongside your pint of milk and other daily Creamline essentials.

Here Rob Purvis, joint MD at Creamline and father of five, tells us his top tips for getting your children to eat their 5 a day: - Make fruity faces: Whether it is sliced up banana for the eyes and blueberries for the nose, add these to your children’s morning porridge.

- Make it fun: You’ll be amazed how quickly your children eat their spring onions if told it’ll help them jump higher, or rocket leaves if they think it’ll take them to space.

- Make it a treat: Blend a handful of berries with natural yoghurt and place a wooden lolly stick into the mix, then freeze– turning them into tasty yoghurt pops.

To win a Creamline market fresh fruit & veg box, simply head to www.familiescheshire.co.uk to enter now.

Competition closes Thursday 31 March. Good luck!

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Skincare for kids

We’ve triaged them, so you don’t have to…some of the common skin problems parents encounter

By Radhika Holmstrom

Treat at home

Dry skin: apply unperfumed, gentle moisturiser and use wash products specifically designed for kids – the more natural, the better.

Avoid: olive oil, especially for babies.

Try: oats in the bath.

Keep an eye on:

Eczema: start by using lots of gentle, un-fragranced moisturiser (see if you can get this on prescription). But if you spot cracking or other signs of infection, get to the doctor, as a topical steroid cream may be needed on prescription.

Avoid: using over-the-counter aqueous cream as a moisturiser – it’s designed for the bath.

Try: a quick body-search to check how much of your child’s body is covered.

Warts and verrucas: Treat them using child-friendly products recommended by your pharmacist. If they become painful or change appearance, see the GP. Avoid: treatments which contain salicylic acid on the face.

Try: covering it with duct tape, replaced every six days after a soak and a scrub.

Take to the doctor

Impetigo: See the GP for antibiotic creams or tablets which should clear it up quickly.

Psoriasis: There are lots of treatments available, from prescription creams to UV light therapy.

For more advice and tips on dealing with skin problems in children, visit the NHS website and search for skin problems in babies: www.nhs.uk/ conditions/skin-rash-babies

Parents’ place

Are we there yet?

Our top tips on how to survive long car journeys with the kids

By Sally J. Hall Travelling long distances with kids can be tricky. They get bored, they need entertaining, they argue and they think even a short journey is the longest ever! Here are some ways to get there without going grey in the process.

Create a magical destination If the children know where you’re going and what they’ll find when you get there, they can be more enthusiastic about the journey. Find out facts about your destination, make them a booklet they can fill in with things they spot and have a ‘prize’ when they get there for being good.

Pack Snacks Kids get bored if energy levels drop, so pack snacks they can nibble on along the way; rice cakes, crackers, crisps and mini sandwiches are ideal. However, let the front passenger control these so they don’t eat them all at once. Always save sweet treats until last and make sure drinks are in spill-proof cups.

Play Games Try the spotting game. The kids win points for every animal they notice – on pub signs, shops, etc. – and the winner gets to pick what you spot next. If you’re feeling really generous, you could offer a small prize. You can also have endless discussions about whether mythical creatures like dragons count or not. Alternatively, spot coloured cars – yellow and blue are unusual enough to be worth it.

Play Music or Films Whilst you might restrict the use of tablets at home, this is when they are worth their weight in gold. Give each child their favourite film, and of course headphones. If you only have one tablet, you can buy an inexpensive converter for two sets of headphones. Then you don’t have to hear “Let It Go” fifteen times.

If they are getting really stir crazy, classical music can calm them. Try Mozart clarinet and string concertos, ballet music, Radio 3 or Classic FM. Know where you’re going Make sure you have directions to where you’re going or invest in a Satnav. If you don’t have one, you can use a map package on your smartphone, or alternatively get a helping hand from the AA (aa.com).

Other essential tips • Travel at a time when your children would usually be sleeping or napping.

• Take plenty of loo breaks and a portable potty.

• Take exercise breaks to allow them to let off steam. Some service stations have play rooms.

• Take a change of clothing.

• If your child gets car sick, encourage them to look at the horizon and pack a few plastic bags!

• Take some colouring books and pens or pencils, sticker books and games.

• Take pillows and blankets.

• Keep a mini first aid kit in the car.

• Allow more time than you need to allow for traffic jams.

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

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 11

Easter fun The Great Easter Egg Hunt Keep up this fun tradition with your children this Easter

By Sally J. Hall

Easter means different things to different people; for some it’s a religious celebration, for others a few days off work and the chance to meet up with friends and family for meals and outings together. But for the kids it is quite simple; it means time off school and plenty of Easter eggs! So why not organise an Easter Egg Hunt with your children and their friends?

Here’s how to make this year’s Easter’s egg hunt one that will be talked about for years to come.

What is an Easter Egg Hunt?

If you’ve never done this before, you – and your kids – are in for a treat. The day or evening before Easter Sunday, the grown-ups go around the house and possibly the garden too, including any safe sheds or garages, hiding Easter eggs and other treats.

Then the kids have to find them on Easter morning. For many parents, the planning and organising beforehand is almost as much fun as watching the kids chasing around trying to find where you have hidden the eggs.

First, the shopping list: • You’ll need a few eggs per child – perhaps one large one each and then several eggs of smaller sizes and colours. Look for bumper packs that will be cheaper to buy than lots of individual eggs.

• Next, you need holders for the children to collect the eggs in. Though this could be as simple as paper bags, you could find some inexpensive baskets in a craft shop, some plastic bowls or even washed plastic flower pots.

• If you don’t want the kids to overdose on sugar, a few small gifts may be nice among all the eggs. Perhaps some small books or colouring pens.

• The final thing you’ll need is a list of where you have hidden all the eggs.

You don’t want to find melted chocolate later on where the kids have failed to notice those eggs under a sofa cushion!

Some nice ideas to do the day before, especially if it’s raining Encourage the children to decorate the bags or bowls that they and their friends will use for collecting the eggs in. If you’re using paper bags, make potato stamps and use poster paints to stamp on bold egg or bunny shape designs, then add stickers or glitter.

If you have found little wicker baskets, line them with straw or shredded paper and tie ribbons to the handles.

If you’re using plastic flower pots, tie a ribbon around each and add a paper label with the child’s name on it.

Where can you do an Easter Egg hunt?

At home, inside the house. This is particularly good if the weather is bad and as Easter is very early this year, it may be cold or wet. Make sure you lock or mark out-of-bounds rooms that you don’t want the children in – such as the kitchen and your own bedroom.

In the garden. If it’s fine, this is ideal.

Don’t put the eggs out the night before though, as animals may eat them; leave this until the morning. As an extra cute idea, why not make bunny footprints near each hidden egg? Cut the shape out of a piece of card and sprinkle flour or talcum powder through the template.

In the woods. If you live near some open space, gather the kids and their parents together and delegate one or

12 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

two members of the grown-ups to keeping them amused (perhaps with an egg themed story) until the other adults have planted the eggs and clues around.

Then let the little ones loose!

Some ground rules So that the children all feel they have been treated fairly and for safety, have some rules.

• When they have collected three eggs, they must come back to ‘base’ before going off again. This gives them all a chance to find plenty of eggs.

• Make sure you give the kids boundaries that they must not stray outside. If they go into the garden, make sure any gates or openings to the road are guarded by an adult and unsafe sheds or outhouses are locked. If you’re in the woods or a park, place small kids with grown-ups or much older children for safety.

• Children could be asked to collect different colour eggs each – you can achieve this by wrapping eggs in several different colours of tissue or wrapping paper. Alternatively, you could have different colours for very small children and make them much easier to spot but have the slightly better hidden ones nearby for older kids.

• Get older children to pair up with younger ones to help them.

• Don’t allow the kids to eat the eggs as they find them – they have to

bring them all back to base.

• Once the game is over, allow them to eat one or two and then the rest should be taken home.

Make it better If you want to increase the amount of time the hunt takes up, you could have some challenges or activities along the way. For example, when they all get to a particular place, they could sit down on a picnic blanket for an Easter themed story, or play some games like “What’s The Time, Mister Wolf?” This helps to slow down the hunt and to let off steam too.

Give us a clue If you wish, you can add an extra dimension to a hunt, especially for older children, with clues. Think about where you can hide eggs and then make up a clue about that place. For example, if you have hidden some in the washing machine (unplug for safety), you could have a clue about ‘where clothes go for a bath’ and so on. You could also make a map and have clues that they find as they follow the map around. This could be themed; they might be looking for numbered pictures of bunnies tied into the trees if you’re in the woods, they could be pirates looking for buried treasure in the garden (and could dress up too) or fairies looking for magic eggs in the house. Use your imagination!

Easter fun Dunham Massey, Altrincham Cadbury Easter Egg Trails 11am – 4pm / Free event but normal admission applies.

The Earl & the Countess are coming to Dunham for a picnic to celebrate their wedding but the food is hidden all over the garden! Can you save the day and follow the trail to find the food? It’s hungry work, so there may even be a chocolate reward at the end. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Check out these local Easter Egg hunts and activities. And don’t forget to keep an eye on our Facebook page (Facebook/ FamiliesCheshire) and website (www.familiescheshire.co.uk) as we’ll add more events as they become available.

Sat 19 Mar – Sun 10 Apr

Chatsworth House, Bakewell Easter at Chatsworth Regular opening times and normal admission charges apply. Look out for the Easter Bunny, who will be in the garden and farmyard during the bank holiday weekend. 01246 565300 / www.chatsworth.org

Thurs 24 Mar – Sun 10 Apr

Staircase House , Stockport Easter Egg Trail All ages / Free with standard admission.Follow our Easter egg trail through the House. A fun family event.

0161 218 1460 / www.stockport.gov.uk

Thurs 24 Mar – Sun 17 Apr

Tegg’s Nose Country Park, SK11 0AP Easter Hunt 9am – 5pm / All ages (accompanied) / 50p per map Ranger Martin’s Easter Eggs have been stolen!

Can you help him find the wildlife that has taken them and collect their names? Buy a map from the Tegg’s Nose Tea Room for 50p, and get searching around the top of the park. Each map purchased entitles you to 50p discount off one hot drink from Tegg’s Nose Tea Room following completion of the trail. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Fri 25 Mar

Speke Hall, Liverpool Easter Bonnet Making 11am – 4pm / £1 per child. Get crafty as a family on Good Friday and see who can create the best Easter Bonnet. Who will win the prize for the best bonnet in the parade at 4pm? www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall Blakemere Village, Northwich Good Friday at Blakemere 11am – 4pm / Free. Hold cute Easter chicks and fluffy bunnies in the fountain area and have your face painted (chargeable). 01606 883261 / www.blakemerevillage.com

Fri 25 – Sun 27 Mar

Muddy Hands Forest Adventure School, Warrington Easter Family Fun Day 10am – 12pm / £10 per child and £5 per adult (booking required). Collect your treasure map and follow the trail to find hidden Easter bunnies and maybe even a treat or two. Great family activities and loads of muddy fun. 0800 047 6646 / www.muddyhands.org.uk

Fri 25 – Mon 28 Mar

Hare Hill, Over Alderley Cadbury Easter Egg Trail 11am – 4pm / £2 per trail. Follow the self– guided Easter Egg trail to find the clues and solve the puzzle. All Eggsplorers receive a delicious chocolate Cadbury Egghead at the end of each completed trail. 01625 584412 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hare-hill

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton Cadbury Easter Egg Trails 11am – 3.30pm / £1 per trail. Explore outside the Hall with an Easter Egg trail and discover what the Tudors did at Easter. 01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall Lyme Park, Disley Easter Egg Hunt 11am – 3.30pm / £1 per hunt. Normal admission also applies. While the children search out clues to claim their chocolate Cadbury prize, parents can head to the lake to relive the moment a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennett. 01663 762023 / www.cadbury.co.uk/easter Biddulph Grange Garden, Biddulph Easter Egg Hunt 11am – 5pm / £2 per hunt. Normal admission also applies. Bunny has been busy this year roaming our garden with his eggs. Thankfully he has left some clues for you to solve to help lead you to your chocolate prize!

01782 517999 / www.cadbury.co.uk/easter Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Easter Egg Hunt 10.30am – 4pm / £2 per hunt. Normal admission also applies. Explore all around the garden for a trail of hidden clues. There’s a Cadbury chocolate treat in store, and lots more fun besides. Stay to investigate the whir and clatter of old steam engines, or run, climb and jump in the natural play area.

01625 527468 / www.cadbury.co.uk/easter Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, Nr Tarporley Easter Weekend 10am – 5pm / Adult £8.25, Child £6.25, Family £25 (2 Adults & up to 3 Children under 16), Under 4s free. One child goes free with every two paying adults until 30 Apr when you present the advert in this magazine. Follow the clues around the Shire Horse Centre to find out where the Easter eggs are hidden! Groom the ponies, take part in the Wildlife Watch Trail quiz, listen to the “Meet a Shire” talks and keep an eye on the “Foal Watch”! Two foals should be born by Easter with another two due in May. www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Charlie’s Chocolate Easter Gardens 10am–6pm (last entry 5pm); Farm 12pm –5pm (last entry 4pm); and Mansion 1pm–5pm (last entry 4pm) / Normal admission applies. The year long Magic of Roald Dahl’s Tremendous Adventures starts Good Friday when you’re invited to go on the most incredible journeys with Danny the Champion of the World, Matilda and Fantastic Mr Fox. Children (ages 15 and under) – grab your golden ticket for your very own super scrummy tummy–tickling choccie bar and you could be in for a superlicious surprise! Top off the day with spellbinding magic shows, captivating puppet theatre plus a Stableyard full of chocolatey treats to eat and buy. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Hat Works, Stockport Drop in Easter Hat Making and Trail 11am – 4pm / All ages / Free, drop in. Pick up your pack of craft materials from reception, decorate your very own Easter Bonnet and follow the Easter Trail wearing your new hat!

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk

The National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port Easter Boat Gathering & Sea Shanty Festival 2016 A gathering of boats and beer, canal craft and children’s activities, music and much more. 0151 355 5017 / www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Rudyard Lake Steam, Railway, nr Leek Easter Egg Specials 11am – 4pm / Return Trip: Adult £4.50, Child £3 / Day Rover: Adult £6, Child £3.50. Under 3s go free. Hop aboard the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway Train. The trains run whatever the weather and all are covered coaches. www.rlsr.org

Fri 25 Mar – Fri 15 Apr

Monkey Forest, Stoke-on-Trent Eggcellent Easter 10am – 5pm / Admission and face painting charges apply. The bunnies have created an egg–citing Easter Trail, but watch out for the cheeky monkeys along the way.

Face painting every weekend. www.monkey–forest.com

The Churnet Valley Railway, ST10 2HA Easter Sunday All aboard to enjoy the sights of spring whilst travelling along the Churnet Valley Railway. A lovely excursion for all the family, with Easter activities and Egg Hunt for kids of all ages. 01538 750755 / www.churnet–valley–railway.co.uk Eaton Estate, Eccleston Charity Open Day 10.30am to 5pm. / Adults £7 Children £2, Family £16 All proceeds to charity. Easter egg trail for children in the gardens. Refreshments and light bites, rides on the Eaton Railway powered by Katie the steam engine. Dogs welcome on leads. Falconry and Gun Dog displays. The Little Big Band will be performing throughout the day in the garden, various craft and charity stalls in the open and covered courtyard. 01244 684400 / www.eatonestate.co.uk

Fri 25 Mar – Sun 17 Apr

Blakemere Village, Northwich Easter celebrations 10am – 5pm / All ages / £2 per trail form. Fun trail to find bunches of carrots hidden on site. Collect the letters, work out the anagram, find the golden carrot and discover the name of the fluffy bunny. Each trail form receives a surprise gift at the end.

01606 883261 / www.blakemerevillage.com

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Malpas Family Easter Egg Hunt Egg hunt: 11am – 3pm / Adult: £7, Child: £4 (under 5’s free) / Gardens open 11am – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). Let the children run free in the gardens hunting for the hidden bunnies and earning an Easter treat. Cheshire Wildlife Trust will also be in attendance, with lots of things for the children to see and do. Dogs welcome on leads.

01829 720383 / www.cholmondeleycastle.com

Sat 26 Mar

Mon 28 Mar

Salt Line Car Park, Sandbach CW11 4XT Easter Egg Trail and Egg Hunt 10.30am – 4pm / £5. Advance booking and payment essential. Follow the Easter Egg Trail along the Salt Line to look for the colourful cut out Easter Eggs hanging in trees and bushes along the route. Each egg will display a letter or number and these must be recorded along the way and used at the end to solve a code to access a locked box containing an Easter Egg! Children must be accompanied. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 26 & Sun 27 Mar

Gulliver’s World, Warrington Easter Extravaganza Fantastic Easter themed competitions, a special appearance from the Easter Bunny and amazing entertainment from the the Gully Gang like the Easter Bunny Parade and The Big Bunny Bounce. Normal admission applies. 01925 444888 / www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Sat 26 Mar – Sun 17 Apr

Blakemere Village, Northwich Easter Fun Activities 11am – 4pm (drop in) / Ages 3 –12 (accompanied) / Crafts range from £2 – £4 each. Make great Easter Cards, embellish eggs and egg cups, decorate bird houses and make Easter badges. 01606 883261 / www.blakemerevillage.com

Sun 27 & Mon 28 Mar

Speke Hall, Liverpool Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt 11am – 4pm / £2 per trail. Normal admission applies.

Venture through the grounds to solve the clues on the Easter Egg hunt and receive your Cadbury Egghead reward. Then visit the house and see if you can track down all the escaped chicks! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall

Sun 27 Mar

The Wacky Woods (Styperson Quarry Wood) Easter Scavenger Hunts 10am – 12pm & 2 – 4pm / All ages / £12 per child and £2 per adult. Make your Easter Basket from natural materials, then follow the clues around the wood to fill it. Play on the play trail and join us round the campfire for hot chocolate and marshmallows.

01625 573086 / www.wackywoods.co.uk

Oulton Park, Tarporley Easter Funday Adult: £20 on the gate. Under 13s go free. F1 demos, fierce racing, and a massive off–track show, with activities for all ages. A Big Top show tent, with an assortment of children’s entertainers and live music, and a medieval jousting display and village games in the Show Ground. Also a FREE mega Easter Egg Hunt with a visit from the Easter Bunny, a funfair, and vehicle displays.

0843 453 9000 / www.oultonpark.co.uk

Mon 4 Apr

Teggs Nose Reservoir SK11 0NB Easter Eggsplorer 10am – 12pm or 1.30 – 3.30pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50 per session. Join Nature Stuff to learn all about nature in springtime. Make your very own bird’s nest and collect Easter eggs, to take home, on the ‘Signs of Spring Treasure Trail’. Advance booking and payment essential. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Mon 4 – Fri 15 Apr

Red House Farm, Altrincham Easter 2016 10am - 4pm (last entry 3pm) / Ages 3 – 8 / £6.95 per child (3 +), Adults free. Inflatable slide, barrel train ride, climbing wall, trampolines and much more.

Each child gets an Easter hunt form – can you find all the Easter themed signs hidden around the courtyard?

Complete the form and return it to the desk for a prize!

0161 941 3480 / www.redhousefarm.co.uk

Tues 5 Apr

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve, Congleton Easter Eggsplorer 10am – 12pm or 1.30 – 3.30pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50 per session. Join Nature Stuff to learn all about nature in springtime. Make your very own bird’s nest and collect Easter eggs, to take home, on the ‘Signs of Spring Treasure Trail’. Advance booking and payment essential. 01477 534115 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 13

What’s on ACTIVITIES Daily during Mar & Apr

The National Football Museum Pitch to Pixel: A World of Football Gaming Special Exhibition 10am – 5pm /All ages / Free. An immersive gaming experience. Play the history of football games, and get closer to the games behind a global obsession.

0161 605 8200 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Daily during Mar & Apr (Closed Mondays)

Tatton Park, Knutsford Cover to Cover: Roald Dahl around the World 1pm – 5pm (last entry 4pm) / Normal admission applies. A fascinating Mansion exhibition of Roald Dahl book jackets from around the world and throughout time.

His first book was printed in 1953 and his stories published over 200 million times and in 51 languages.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Daily until Sun 10 April (closed Mondays)

The Stockport Museum Celebration Mouse Trail 10am – 5pm / All ages / Free. Museum Mouse loves parties and celebrations. Follow his Celebration Quiz around the Museum. Can you find his favourite festivities? www.stockport.gov.uk

Every Tues in Mar (term time) The Wacky Woods (Styperson Quarry Wood) After School Club 4 – 6pm.Outdoor games, a bit of risky play, creativity in the woods and some Mission Explore quests as well as a drink and snack cooked on the campfire.

01625 573 086 / www.wackywoods.co.uk

Every Tues in Mar & Apr

The Wacky Woods (Styperson Quarry Wood) Toddler Stay and Play 10am – 12pm / £5 per child – no need to book Have fun in the woods with your pre–schooler. Even young babies can appreciate the joys of nature. Lots of sensory play activities with guided sessions.

01625 573 086 / www.wackywoods.co.uk

Every Sat & Sun in Mar Also Fri 25 & Mon 28 Mar

The Imperial War Museum, North A Closer Look Tour: Blitzed Brits 1.30pm / All ages / Free. Hear the first–hand accounts of evacuated children separated from their parents for the first time and hear stories of ordinary people who stayed in the cities under the constant threat in this tour of the exhibition Horrible Histories®: Blitzed Brits. www.iwm.org.uk

Tues 1 – Sun 6 Mar

Rode Hall, Scholar Green Snowdrop Walks 11 – 4pm / Adults £5, Children £1 01270 873237 / www.rodehall.co.uk

Wed 2 Mar

The National Football Museum Tiny Team Talk 10.30 – 11.30am / Age 2 – 5 / £2 per child – booking advised. Fun, interactive story session that will grab the attention and imagination with puppets, craft activity and a little exploring! 0161 605 8200 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Wed 2 – Sun 6 Mar

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton A Merry March 11am – 4pm / Free event, but normal admission applies Discover how the Tudors used herbs and spices, plant a seed and watch it grow at home. Make a little something for Mother’s Day. 01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall

Remember to check our What’s On Calendar on www.familiescheshire.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.

Thurs 3 Mar

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Toddler Tales 10.30 – 11.30am / Under 5s / Free – no booking required. Find a cosy corner, pull up a cushion and listen to fun stories.

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

Thurs 3 & 17 Mar, Mon 21 Mar

The National Football Museum Baby Moves 10.30am & 1.30pm / £3 per baby – booking advised A fun play and movement to help your baby’s physical, communication and language development.

0161 605 8200 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Fri 4 Mar & Fri 1 Apr

Hat Works, Stockport Bowler Hat Babies 10.30am – 11.15am & 11.30am – 12.15pm / £5 per baby plus two accompanying adults / Booking essential. A unique interactive story and sensory play experience for babies who are not yet walking.

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk

Sat 5 & Sun 6, Sat 12 & Sun 13 Mar

Reaseheath College, Nantwich Live Lambing Weekend The whole family can enjoy this unique springtime experience. Under 3s go free.

01270 613215 / www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Mar

The National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port Model Boat Show All ages / £5.50. Radio controlled boats will take over the basin and locks, demonstrating their owner’s model making and piloting skills. Exhibitions of model boats from various clubs based in the North West and trader’s stalls.

0151 355 5017 / www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Sat 5 Mar & Sat 7 May

Erddig, Wrexham Paws Walks 10 – 11.30am / Free, no booking required. Explore the beauty of Erddig with your pooch. Under 16s must be supervised by an adult. Dogs must be on leads.

01978315179, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig

Sat 5 Mar

The Lowry, Salford Quays Romeo and Juliet Family Fun Day 12 – 1.30pm / Free but booking essential. A unique opportunity to meet the company of Birmingham Royal Ballet, see the costumes, take part in creative activities and even have your face painted.

Romeo and Juliet Open Class 11.15am / £5.00 – £10.00, Includes £2 booking fee.

Ever wondered just how ballet dancers do what they do? Your chance to look behind the scenes and watch Birmingham Royal Ballet’s talented dancers in their final preparations for a performance of world class dancing.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Sun 6 Mar, Sun 3 Apr & Sun 1 May

Fri 11 Mar

Hat Works, Stockport Messy Milliners 10.30am – 11.15am & 11.30am – 12.15pm / £3 per baby plus two accompanying adults. Booking essential.

An exciting and innovative messy play session with a hatting theme. Suitable for babies and early walkers.

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk The Manchester Art Gallery Mini Art Club 10.15 – 11.15am & 11.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 1 – 4 / Free, but please book in advance. Get to know the artworks, investigate materials and make friends in our artist led workshops. 0161 235 8888 / www.manchesterartgallery.org

Fri 11 – Sun 13 Mar

Event City, Manchester The Baby & Toddler Show The UK’s biggest baby and toddler with amazing shopping and expert advice. www.babyandtoddlershow.co.uk

Sat 12 Mar

Bollington St John’s CE School, SK10 5LY Car Boot Sale 10am – 12pm / £10 per car if booked in advance / £12 on the day. Entrance fee £1 / kids are free!

Limited spaces – call Betsie Dixon to book.

07906 822140/ www.pottstjohns.co.uk The Manchester Art Gallery Family Art Club 1 – 3pm / Ages 5 – 11 (accompanied) / Free, but limited places. Enjoy art, be creative and make things together with artist Nicola Colclough.

0161 235 8888 / www.manchesterartgallery.org Tegg’s Nose Country Park, SK11 0AP Library in the Landscape Birthday Walk 2 – 4pm / All ages (accompanied children) / Free, but advance booking essential. Celebrate the 3rd Birthday of the ‘Library in the Landscape’, with a walk to the Library followed by celebratory cupcakes!

Booking in advance is essential 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Lyme Park, Disley Orienteering Challenge Event 10am – 12.30pm / Adults (211+) £10, Juniors (16+) £5 Junior Courses: Entry on the day only. Individuals £3, Family groups sharing one map £5 Test your co–ordination, balance and mental agility on this timed run for age 16+ (booking essential).

Under 16s and families can have a go at the white and yellow courses (no booking required). www.mdoc.org.uk/events Tarporley Community Centre, CW6 0AY Tarporley NCT Nearly New Sale 1 – 3pm (12.30pm for NCT members) / £1 per adult Quality, used children’s (0–11 years) and babies’ clothes, toys, books, CDs, DVDs, cots, prams/pushchairs and nursery equipment. www.nct.org.uk

Sat 12 Mar & Sat 9 Apr

The Kingsway School, Cheadle Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm / Pitch costs £15 (Cheadle). Families trade in a fun and safe environment, recycling their unwanted items in the community, grabbing themselves a bargain or selling their unwanted Toys, Games, Books and Clothes and making themselves a little extra money. www.kidscarboot.co.uk

Hat Works, Stockport Autism Early Birds Doors open 9am. Crafts: 9.15 – 10am (Ages 4 – 11), 10.15 – 11am (Age 11–18), 11.15 – 12 noon (over 18s An opportunity for families or adults with Autism to enjoy the museum when it is quiet and experience it their own way. Staff on hand to demonstrate the machinery or talk about the displays and a different craft activity each month. Booking essential.

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk

Tues 8 Mar & Fri 22 Apr

Sat 12 Mar, Sat 9 Apr & Sat 7 May

Hare Hill, Over Alderley Spring Bird Walk 1.30 – 3.30pm / Free, normal admission applies. Learn to identify birds and birdsong, and discover more about bird activity at this time of year. Children welcome accompanied by an adult. 01625 827534 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hare-hill

14 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Baby and Toddler – Storytelling and Play session 9.30 – 10.15am & 10.15 – 11am / Free but normal admission applies A special storytelling and play session for little ones. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Sat 12 & Sun 13 Mar Sat 9 & Sun 10 Apr

Lyme Park, Disley Dogs in the garden 11am – 5pm / Normal admission applies. Well behaved dogs are allowed to bring their owners attached to a lead into the garden this weekend. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Sun 13 Mar

The National Football Museum, Manchester Girls in the Game Sessions at 11am – 12.30pm, 12.30pm – 2.00pm & 2.00pm – 3.30pm / Ages 6 – 11 / Free, drop in – limited places. An introductory coding workshop for young people looking into the science of computer gaming. Taking inspiration from the success of the England Ladies in 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, girls football teams, coding clubs, Brownies and museum visitors are invited to use computer coding to put girls at the heart of football games and celebrate all that women and girls have achieved so far in computer coding.

0161 605 8200 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Mon 14 Mar

The National Football Museum, Manchester Let’s Play Toddler 10.30am & 1.30am / Walking up to Age 4 / £3 per child – booking advised. Physical activity and imaginative movement with songs.

0161 8718 145 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Fri 18 Mar & Fri 29 Apr

The Museum Of Science And Industry (MOSI) Experitots 10.30am – 12pm / Under 6s / £3 for 1 adult and 1 child, £2 for each additional adult or child. Booking strongly recommended. Creative activity sessions using puppets and storytelling to help toddlers get the most out of our hand–on science gallery Experiment. A different topic each month.

0161 833 0027 / www.msimanchester.org.uk

Fri 18 Mar

Hat Works, Stockport Top Hat Toddlers 11.30am – 12.30pm / £3 per baby plus two accompanying adults. A ‘stay and play’ drop in session with plenty of age–appropriate activities for toddlers and pre–schoolers.

0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk

Sat 19 & Sun 20 Mar

Monkey Forest, Stoke-on-Trent Become a Scientist 10am – 4pm / Adult: £8 / Child (3 – 14): £6 / Under 3s go free. It’s Science Weekend! Watch the monkeys and use your scientific skills to make note of who is grooming who, ask the guides for extra help too! www.monkey–forest.com

Sat 19 Mar

Blakemere Village, Northwich Neuromuscular Family Fun Run 12 noon start (arrive from 11am) / Standard Entry is £5 per person (under 5s go free) or £7.50 to include flashing bunny ears (£2.50 for under 5s). A fun run for all the family (not time chipped). Walk/jog/run in aid of NMC. Fancy dress encouraged! Choose (on the day) between 3km or 5km.

01606 883261 / www.blakemerevillage.com The Manchester Art Gallery Open Doors 9.15 – 10.45am / Age 5 – 16 with parent/carer / Free. A series of creative activities especially for children with autism and other social communication issues, their families and carers. 0161 235 8888 / www.manchesterartgallery.org Lion Salt Works, Northwich Super Salt Saturday 10.30am – 12.30pm & 2 – 4pm (drop in) / Ages 4 – 12 years / Free – suggested donation £1.50. Normal admission also applies. Celebrate British Science Week with all things salty. See how salt is made, make your own salt, and have a go at our salty science activities. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

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 19 & Sun 20 Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford Shakespeare Week See Shakespeare’s world and works brought to life!

Sword fighting, performances, crafts, music, storytelling and more. A fun filled weekend for all the family with lots of activities each day for all ages.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sun 20 Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford Adopt a Farm Animal Day 11am – 4pm (last entry 3pm) / Normal admission applies. Meet the rare breed animals which are up for adoption at the Farm: Prancer the Reindeer, Blossom the Clydesdale Horse, Tamzin the Tamworth Pig and Frosty the Donkey.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Tytherington High School, SK10 2ED Tythy Tidy / Spring Clean for the Queen!

1 – 3pm / Ideal for families and accompanied children Join local groups, Tytherington High School and the Bollin Valley Partnership Rangers on a mission to rid the area of litter, inking in with a national initiative to ‘Spring Clean for the Queen’ to mark her Majesty’s 90th Birthday. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sun 20 Mar

Cheshire County Sports Club, Chester CH2 1PR Baby & Children’s Market 3 – 4.30pm / Adult £1, Child Free.

Grab some bargains at our nearly new sale. An opportunity to purchase top quality pre loved baby and children’s items (birth – 8 years). Local businesses also attending showcasing their unique products and services for babies and children. Stall bookings now being taken. heather@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk / www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Fri 25 – Mon 28 Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford Easter Crafts and Country Shopping Fair Good Friday: 12 – 5pm, Sat/Sun: 10.30am – 5pm. / Normal admission applies. Free entry to Tenants Hall.

Gifts for everyone, specialist food producers plus craft, fashion and home furnishings.

01625 374400 / www.countrywide–events.co.uk

Fri 25 – Mon 28 Mar, Sat 2 – Sun 17 Apr

Blakemere Village, Northwich Ice Skating 11am – 4pm (1 hour slots) / £8 for an hour & £2 skates hire / £3 skate aid for little ones. Time slots (1 hour) allocated when you turn up. Limited availability for each session to ensure your enjoyment. Fun for all ages! Located on the top car park next to the woods.

01606 883261 / www.blakemerevillage.com

Sat 26 – Mon 28 Mar

Chester Racecourse Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival A culmination of culinary delights from around the region and beyond. Free Kids Cooking Classes and free onsite parking. Under 12s go free too.

01244 304600 / chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk

Sat 26 Mar

Tegg’s Nose Country Park SK11 0AP Wild Food with James Wood 10am – 3pm / £20 (under 16s free). Advance booking essential. A great day out for the family, for the keen forager, for the chef or foody looking for more wild flavours. A wild food walk around Tegg’s Nose Country Park, followed by making some wild and foraged foods back at the Visitor Centre. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sun 27 Mar & Sun 24 Apr

Stockport Indoor Market Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm / Pitch costs £10 Families trade in a fun and safe environment, recycling their unwanted items in the community, grabbing themselves a bargain or selling their unwanted Toys, Games, Books and Clothes and making themselves a little extra money. www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Tues 29 Mar – Fri 1 Apr

Tegg’s Nose Country Park, SK11 0AP Moorland Adventure Easter Kids Activity Club – Week One 9am – 4pm (drop off from 8.30am, collect up to 5pm) / Ages 8 – 16 / £35 per day or £120 for 4 days / Different activities each day - Archery and Bushcraft, Climb and Abseil, Cave and Scramble, Abseiling, Climbing, Orienteering and Problem Solving. / Advance booking and payment essential. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Thurs 31 Mar

Daily from Fri 25 Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Enormous Crocodile out in the Parkland 10am–7pm (last entry 6pm) / Normal admission applies.The Enormous Crocodile likes nothing more than a nice juicy child. Dare to go deep into the jungle where he’s lurking (Dairy Wood Way, signposted from the main car park).

Danny the Champion of the World in the Gardens 10am – 6pm (last entry 5pm) / Normal admission applies.

‘A stodgy parent is no fun at all’ and Danny thinks his Dad is the most wonderful and exciting one possible.

Oodles of countryside carryings–on as you join them on a thrilling adventure to trap pheasants. But beware.. the gamekeepers are out to catch you!

Fantastic Mr Fox at the Farm 12pm–5pm (last entry 4pm); Closed Mondays / Normal admission applies. Go down to the Farm and see if you can find him in his den before the cruel and dim–witted farmers do. Gazillions of fun activities as you pick your way through Farmer Boggis’ chicken house and Farmer Bean’s apple cider cellar.

Matilda in the Mansion 1pm–5pm (last entry 4pm); Closed Mondays / Normal admission applies. Follow the mischief–making trail as you explore Matilda Wormwood’s cunning plots and practical jokes. Go letter–collecting to uncover one of Matilda’s favourite books. Discover whether you’re a genius like Matilda or a nit–wit!

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Chatsworth House, Bakewell Family Wildtime 9.30am – 12.30pm / £14 per child and £15 per adult (Includes admission to the garden on the day). Using teamwork and imagination, build a den with the natural materials available in Stand wood and a bug den/ hotel to take home for your own garden. Refreshments provided. At least one adult for every three children.

01246 565300 / www.chatsworth.org

Sat 2 – Sun 10 Apr (closed Mon)

Tatton Park, Knutsford Lambing Fortnight at the Farm 12pm – 5pm (last entry 4pm) / Normal admission applies.

Will you be lucky enough to see our lambs being born? Informative talks on the imminent signs of lambing by the farm staff and a sheepy quiz.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 2 & Sun 3 Apr

The Churnet Valley Railway ST10 2HA Sci–Fi Weekend Travel by Earth Train to the planet Consall, or beam in dressed as your favourite super hero, to join forces with Dr Who as he tries to thwart the deadly Daleks from taking over Consall. Members of the Star Wars Imperial Forces will also be on hand to ensure Darth Vader’s commands are followed, as the Dark Lord himself keeps the railways volunteers in check. Children’s Activity Academy, Space Cafe and a well-stocked Souvenir Cargo Hold will also be provided in between battles.

01538 750755 / www.churnet–valley–railway.co.uk Stretton Watermill, near Farndon

Wake Up, Stretton 1 – 5pm / Adult £3, Child £1.50, Family £8. Join us for the first weekend of the season after ‘waking up the mill’ for 2016. 01606 271640 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Mon 4 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Make a Mill Wheel 12 – 4pm / Age 6+ / Free event, but entrance ticket required. Weave a mini mill wheel using willow to take home with you as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Mill. Limited availability. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Mon 4 – Fri 8 Apr

Tegg’s Nose Country Park SK11 0AP Moorland Adventure Easter Kids Activity Club – Week Two 9am – 4pm (drop off from 8.30am, collect up to 5pm) / Ages 8 – 16 / £35 per day or £150 for 5 days. Each day focuses on different activities: Archery and Orienteering, Bushcraft and Environmental Art, Climb and Abseil, Cave and Scramble, Abseiling, Climbing, Orienteering and Problem Solving. Advance booking and payment essential. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Tues 5 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford Cave Babies 10.30 – 11.3.0am / Ages 3 – 6 (accompanied) / £6 – advance booking essential. A fun, hands on, Stone Age themed experience including cave painting, corn grinding and more! 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk West Park Museum, Macclesfield Drop in Crafts – Mummy Masks 2 – 4pm (drop in) / All ages (accompanied) / £2 per child Design and make a Pharaoh mask to take home. www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk The Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Newstead Gallery) Make a Gothic City 2 – 4pm / Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / Free, drop–in (suggested donation £1.50) Our foyer display case is going to be the portal to a miniature Gothic world, so come and help us make some looming buildings, soaring spires and black–clad inhabitants. 01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Tues 5 & Wed 6 Apr

Lion Salt Works, Northwich Spring Animal Rockers 10.30am – 12.30pm & 2 – 4pm (drop in) / Ages 4 – 12 / Free but suggested donation £1.50. Normal admission also applies. Have a go at creating your own lamb and chick rockers to celebrate the arrival of spring. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Tues 5 & Wed 6 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Storytelling 12 – 4pm / All ages / Free event but normal admission applies.

Hear Victorian tales in the dairy that will take you back in time and keep the whole family entertained. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey The Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Museum Galleries) Big Weather Day 11am – 4pm / Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / Free, drop–in (suggested donation £1.50). Create a scientific storm in a bottle, use coloured fabrics to make textured sunset pictures, have a go at presenting an ‘historical weather report’, and follow our weather trail through the galleries.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Wed 6 Apr

The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Drop-in Crafts – Dinosaurs 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages (accompanied) / £2 per child.

Build 3D paper sculpture dinosaurs! www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Riverside Park Ranger Centre, Macclesfield Easter Crafts 2 – 4pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £4 per child (accompanied).

Advance booking and payment essential. Make crafts with natural materials that you find on a wander down into the valley. 01625 511086 / www.cheshireeast.gov. uk/rangers

What’s on Teggs Nose Reservoir SK11 0NB Family Birdwatch 10am – 12pm / All ages (accompanied) / Free but advance booking essential. A fun family walk in the woodland and scrub at Tegg’s Nose Country Park, looking for the some of the many bird species that make Tegg’s Nose Wood their home during Spring. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Wed 6 – Sun 10 Apr & Wed 13 – Sun 17 Apr

Speke Hall, Liverpool Alice in Wonderland 11am – 4pm / All ages / Free but Normal admission applies. Join the White Rabbit on a whirlwind adventure through Wonderland and experience Speke Hall as you’ve never done before. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall

Wed 6 & Thurs 7 Apr

The Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Whirly Wizzers and Balancing Clowns 10am – 4pm, drop in / Ages 4 – 12 / £1.50 per child.

Normal admission also applies. Create your own Victorian–inspired toy. 01606 271640 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Thurs 7 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford Most Marvellous Tea Party 10.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 7 – 11 / £15, booking essential Prepare your tasty Roald Dahl inspired recipes with the help of our Education Staff and then indulge in a delicious tea party to sample your creations!

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve, Congleton Pond Safari 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 - 10 / £6.50 per child. Join Nature Stuff to hunt for weird and wonderful creatures lurking in the pond. Wear wellies and prepare to have fun. Advance booking and payment essential.

01477 534115 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers The Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Newstead Gallery) Stained Glass Rose Windows 2 – 4pm /Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / Free, drop–in (suggested donation £1.50). Capture the glowing colours of a cathedral window using cellophane and laminated card.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk The Macclesfield Silk Museum Teenage Art Workshop – Mandala Making 12.30 – 3.30pm / Ages 11 – 16 / £6.50 per child A mixed media mandala making – in the tradition of Buddhist monks create beautifully detailed ‘mandalas’.

Booking essential. 01625 612045 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Thurs 7 & Fri 8 Apr

The Macclesfield Silk Museum Print Workshop 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 11 (unaccompanied) / £6.50 per child, booking essential. Discover the art of printing and make printed pictures to take home.

01625 612045 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk Dunham Massey, Altrincham That’s a Top Hat 12 – 4pm / All ages / Free event, but normal admission applies Discover your talent for millinery in our Victorian hat workshop. 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Fri 8 Apr

Lion Salt Works, Northwich Story Time with Northwich Library 10.30 – 11am, 11.30am – 12pm, 1.30 – 2pm & 2.30 – 3pm (drop in) / Ages 4 – 12 / Free but suggested donation £1.50. Normal admission also applies. Crafts and storytime from Cheshire West and Chester Libraries.

Seasonal crafts, and a Very Hungry Caterpillar may even make an appearance! www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 15

What’s on Teggs Nose Reservoir SK11 0NB Stream Safari 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £6.50 per child. Join Nature Stuff to hunt for weird and wonderful creatures lurking in the stream. Advance booking and payment essential. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Apr

Stretton Watermill, near Farndon A Wartime Mill 12 – 5pm / Adult £3, Child £1.50, Family £8. Discover how Stretton Watermill played an important role in the war efforts of the First and Second World Wars, as it milled night and day to keep people fed during rationing.

Try some 1940s games, work a stirrup pump and ‘Dig for Victory’. 01606 271640 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Event City, Manchester BUCK 2016 10am / All ages / From £35 A 2 day all–ages convention first held as a UK event for My Little Pony fans, but now broadening to include all sorts of fun stuff! An awesome Summer Sun Celebration music concert, special guests from the show staff, lots of vendors, cosplay competition, activities, crafts, games and loads more events.

0161 870 9800 / buckevents.co.uk/buckcon

Sun 10 Apr

Sandbach Town Hall Baby & Children’s Market 10am – 12.30pm / Adult £1, Child Free Grab some bargains at our nearly new sale. An opportunity to purchase top quality pre loved baby and children’s items (birth – 8 years). Local businesses also attending showcasing their unique products and services for babies and children. Stall bookings now being taken. heather@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk / www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Remember to check our What’s On Calendar on www.familiescheshire.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.

Sun 10 Apr

Tabley House, Knutsford Tabley Races 11am (first race 1pm) / Entry to the main car park: £25 (entry for all passengers. Single occupancy £15) A great day out for all the family in the grounds of Cheshire’s only 18th Century Palladian Country House. 6 races over fences, 2 Pony races, Trade stands, Funfair – rides, slides and amusement stalls, Licensed bar, Large variety of mobile catering units providing delicious hot food, Tote and Bookmakers, Farmers and sponsors hospitality marquee . www.tableyraces.co.uk

Mon 11 – Wed 13 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Victorian Pastimes 12 – 4pm / Free event, but normal admission applies Discover Victorian pastimes in the garden with games and entertainment.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

Tues 12 Apr

The Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Newstead Gallery) Angels’ Wings Gallery 2 – 4pm / Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / Free, drop–in (suggested donation £1.50) Make your own pair of beautiful wings to wear. 01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Cycling Boredom Busters 10am – 1.30pm / £10, advance booking essential Learn the fundamentals of off–road skills and explore farmland trails and woodland singletrack with Tatton Park’s Rangers. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tues 12 – Fri 15 Apr

The Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Norton Priory Pop–Up Museum 10am – 5pm, drop in / Ages 4 – 12 / Normal admission applies. Our friends at Norton Priory are visiting to tell tales of a medieval monastery and a lost Georgian house. Discover nine centuries of history through storytelling, ancient artefact handling, games and dressing up, in preparation for their major new museum opening in Summer 2016. 01606 271640 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Tues 12 & Wed 13 Apr

Lion Salt Works, Northwich Salt Sacks Printing 10.30am – 12.30pm & 2 – 4pm (drop in) / Ages 4 – 12 / Free but suggested donation £1.50. Normal admission also applies. Salt from the Lion Salt Works went all over the world, and special sacks were made for each country. Choose somewhere in the world and design a salt sack based on that country. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Wed 13 Apr

The Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Museum Galleries) 130 Years of Toys 11am – 4pm / Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / Free, drop–in (suggested donation £1.50). Have a look at how toys have changed over the past 130 years thanks to advances in manufacturing and technology.

Handle and play with our toy collection before making some historic toys to take home.

01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Wed 13 & Thurs 14 Apr

The Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Plague Rats 10am – 4pm, drop in / Ages 4 – 12 / £1.50 per child.

Normal admission also applies. Kill or cure? Discover old medieval remedies and adopt a fluffy rat to take home.

01606 271640 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Thurs 14 Apr

The Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Art Gallery) Creepy Tales by Candlelight 2.30 – 2.45pm, 3 – 3.15pm & 3.30 – 3.45pm / Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / Free, drop–in (suggested donation £1.50). Join our costumed interpreter and listen to family friendly extracts from spooky Gothic stories. 01244 972197 / www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford The Magical World of Roald Dahl: Weird and Whacky 10.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 7 – 11 / £10, advance booking essential A special opportunity to experience a creative writing workshop with former Cheshire poet laureate, Joy Winkler, with content inspired by Roald Dahl’s stories. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 14 & Fri 15 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Puppet Making 12 – 4pm / Free event, but normal admission applies Make a quick puppet and find out how you could make a cast of characters from simple materials at home.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Sat 16 Apr

Monkey Forest, Stoke-on-Trent PDSA Weekend 10am – 5pm / Normal admission applies. Find out all about caring for animals and pets through fun activities with the PDSA. www.monkey–forest.com

Sun 17 Apr

The Carrs, Wilmslow Carrs Working Party and Clean–up 10am – 3pm / All ages (accompanied). Help keep your local park looking good by joining the Friends of the Carrs and the Bollin Valley Rangers on some conservation tasks. This will include tree pruning, footpath work and litter picking. Feel free to join us for an hour or for the full day. Light refreshments provided. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

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Sat 23 Apr

Wrenbury Train Station, CW5 8EX Wrenbury Circular 11.45am – 1.45pm / Age 8+ (accompanied) / Free but advance booking essential. A 6.5km (4 mile) two hour ramble around the attractive village of Wrenbury. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 23 & Sun 24 Apr

Event City, Manchester Robot Wars Live Show Shows at 12pm & 4pm each day / Adult £16, Child £14, Family £54. Over 50 mechanical monsters old and new, including the 2015 current Robot Wars Champion “TR2”, previous UK champions “Ripper” and “Eruption” and of course crowd favourite “Behemoth”, plus many more robots from TV. 0161 870 9800 / www.robotwars.tv

Sun 24 Apr

The Tytherington Club Baby & Children’s Market 10am – 12.30pm / Adult £1, Child Free. Grab some bargains at our nearly new sale. An opportunity to purchase top quality pre loved baby and children’s items (birth – 8 years). Local businesses also attending showcasing their unique products and services for babies and children. Stall bookings now being taken. heather@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk / www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Thurs 28 Apr

Tegg’s Nose Country Park SK11 0AP Orienteering for All Registration from 5.30pm. Start times from 6 – 7pm / Adults £5, Children £2. Hosted by Manchester and District Orienteering Club. Courses suitable for everyone, beginners and experienced orienteers. Families and groups welcome. Instruction available. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 30 Apr – Mon 2 May

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton May Day 11am – 4pm / Free event, but normal admission applies. Another opportunity for the Tudors to celebrate.

Join us as we celebrate springtime by making and decorating a traditional Maypole and garlands and dance around the Maypole. 01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall Rudyard Lake Steam Railway, nr Leek Lollipop Specials 11am – 4pm / Return Trip: Adult £4.50, Child £3 / Day Rover: Adult £6, Child £3.50. Under 3s go free.

Jump aboard the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway Train.

The trains run whatever the weather and all are covered coaches. www.rlsr.org

Sun 1 May

Monkey Forest, Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire Day 10am – 5pm / Normal admission applies.Celebrate Staffordshire day by visiting one of the most unique attractions in the area. Find out all about how the monkeys arrived in Staffordshire and enter our 1 day only competition. www.monkey–forest.com

Sun 1 & Mon 2 May

Lion Salt Works, Northwich Steam Transport Weekend 10.30am – 5pm (drop in) / Free but suggested donation £1.50. Normal admission also applies. A collection of traction and steam engines, evoking memories from times past. Take a walk down memory lane and see how we used steam power to start to build the modern world. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Speke Hall, Liverpool Tudor May Day 11am – 4.30pm / Free event. Normal admission applies.

Tudor market stalls, the Great Hall beautifully dressed for the occasion,Tudor gentleman and ladies gliding through Elizabeth I’s favourite dance and plenty of family fun. Learn all about how stinky the Tudors really were, ride a hobby horse into battle and help our jester practice his new act! www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall