Families Cheshire March-April 2018 Issue 52

Cheshire

In this issue: Easter fun!

Is Shared Parental Leave for you?

Finding the right childcare provider

Issue 52 Mar/Apr 2018

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News Swimathon returns to Wilmslow

The Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club will once again stage their fundraising Swimathon event at the Wilmslow Leisure Centre pool in March.

Last year 120 swimmers and 22 teams raised over £4,000 and the Club members are hoping to attract even more participants this year to increase

funds in support of local charities and worthy community groups.

The Entry Fee is set at just £15 per team of swimmers and all sponsorship money raised by each team will be retained by them to support their own chosen good cause/s. Weekend sessions are on 24/25 March and Midweek School sessions will take place on Wednesday & Thursday 21/22 March.

For further information and an Entry Form, email wilmslowswimathon@gmail. com or call Paul on 07771 636727.

Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk is back!

Between 23 and 29 April, nurseries, early years groups, families and children up and down the country are being encouraged to take part in a Muddy Puddle Walk to raise money for international children’s charity, Save the Children.

Whether you splash in puddles along a trail at the park or get creative and

make your own puddles indoors from paper and foil – your Muddy Puddle Walk will be a fun day to spend together that littles ones won’t forget. Raise funds in any way that suits you – all money you raise will help Save the Children’s work to transform the lives of vulnerable children in the UK and around the world.

Sign up now at MuddyPuddleWalk.org for your free Muddy Puddle Walk Fundraising Pack full of fun Peppa Pig inspired activities to help you get started.

Little Miss Inventor at Manchester Museum of Science & Industry Little Miss Inventor is a female engineer. Her brain is full of ideas, which she turns into extraordinary inventions in a shed at the bottom of her garden.

As well as inventing things for herself, she also invents things for her friends, whether it’s a chatter-natter hat for Little Miss Chatterbox or a back-pack-snack-attack fridge for Mr. Greedy.

The launch is an interactive event, featuring great inventions from throughout history, storytelling and inspiring talks from the world of invention, science and technology, guaranteed to inspire children to get inventing!

It takes place on Saturday 24 March (10am – 5pm) at Manchester Museum of Science and Industry and admission is free.

Next issue: May/June 2018

Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk

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.familiesonline.co.uk Editors: Jayne Keep & Caryl Hall Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk 2 Families Cheshire

Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover Photography: www.depositphotos.com Design: WITH Creative, Congleton. www.withcreative.co.uk Print: Warwick Printers, Caswell Road Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 1QD Tel: 01926 883355 www.warwickprinting.co.uk

Spring portraits in the daffodils

For the third year running, Cheshire children’s photographer, Helen Rae will be photographing kids in the daffodils this Spring to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Exclusive mini portrait sessions will be held throughout the day on 3 and 5 April at Foxwist Green daffodil farm near Northwich. Each 20-minute photo session includes a package of prints and digital images, with all profits going to the charity.

Pre-booking is essential and you need to book soon as these slots fill up really quickly! A daffodil session is suitable for children from 7 months (sitting baby) to 12 years. Details are available by emailing enquiries@ helenraephotography.co.uk or on the website at www. helenraephotography.co.uk and click on SPRING DAFFODIL SESSIONS. www.daffodilwalks.com

UA Club & Holiday Club

Get up...and then get on down at UA Trampoline Park in Winsford. The UA Crew will provide the ultimate cool experience, combining monumental basketball moves and trampoline trickery, all with a big fat chunk of UA vibe chucked in!

A club session will typically include a group warm up, followed by smaller group activities such as trampoline

moves, bouldering skills, a slam dunk master class, freestyle jump and cool down. All activities are in age appropriate groups.

Families Cheshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB 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 Families Cheshire. Every care is taken in

the preparation of this magazine, but but Families Cheshire, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Easter Holiday Club Tuesday (4th & 11 th) Wednesday (5th & 12th) & Thursday (6th & 13th) Half Day £16. Full Day £32. www.uacheshire.co.uk

@FamiliesChesMag facebook.com/FamiliesCheshire

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News Give it a go at Chill Factore!

As the ultimate competition on snow spreads snowsports fever across the nation, are you feeling inspired to give skiing or snowboarding a go?

Chill Factore’s fun-filled taster sessions promise 50 minutes of laughter and exhilaration as you learn the ropes with their talented instructors. Perfect for beginners, their taster sessions are a fantastic way to spend a family day out, giving skiing or snowboarding a go together, whatever your age or ability. If you find your snow feet, why not take it to the next level with lessons designed to develop your skills and improve your confidence.

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Fun is Chill Factore’s middle name, and no family day out is complete without a trip to the Snow Park. You can enjoy the thrill of the Downhill Donuts, Luge Slip ‘N’ Slide and Sledge ‘O’ Mania and if your little one isn’t old enough for the Snow Park, then Mini Moose Land will keep toddlers entertained for hours.

Because they’re passionate about sharing their love for snow, from 1 March they’re launching their Give It A Go Challenge, with taster sessions available for under £20 and an extra hour in the Snow Park for just £5! www.chillfactore.com

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Education The Hammond School Open Evening

An established performing arts provider in the North West of England, The Hammond began as a dance class in 1917 under the direction of Miss Irene Hammond in the Ballroom at The Grosvenor Hotel in Chester, and since then has provided a supportive and nurturing environment for talented young performers.

The Hammond is based on the edge of Chester and is recognised and funded as a centre of excellence by the

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Department for Education (DfE) under the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS). The school caters for pupils in its Preparatory School from the age of 6 – 11. The main part of the school takes Seniorstudents from 11 to 19 years, providing Post -16 Vocational Training leading to the Diplomas in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre.

The Sixth Form Drama Course combines a BTEC Diploma Level 3 in Performing Arts (Acting) with the study of two ‘A’ Levels. The school has a strong commitment to Performance Education – both on the stage and in the classroom.

With carefully structured artistic training in Dance, Musical Theatre, Music and Drama, The Hammond aims to help prepare students for a career in the world of the theatre.

Diarise the Whole School Open Evening – Wednesday 9 May, 5 – 8pm – and go along to see it for yourself. www.thehammondschool.co.uk

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Education Life with a child with Special Educational Needs Claire Winter talks to a parent about the challenges life with a child who has SEN brings.

Caroline is mum to seven-yearold Alfie, who has autism and is in a mainstream school.

“Life with autism is like being on a constant rollercoaster.

Some days we’re on a level, and then the next day we’re hurtling down an enormous drop! Autism is a spectrum disorder, so affects people in completely different ways. Alfie’s main challenges include social and communication issues, anxiety, dyspraxia (problems with coordination and motor-functions), sensory issues, emotional underdevelopment and short-term memory problems. So even asking him to put his shoes on or find his water bottle can be fraught with difficulties. A good day is if we manage to get through it without any major tantrums or without him hitting out at anyone, and he goes to sleep feeling loved and protected.”

Getting education and support for your child at school

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is a huge sticking point for many SEN parents.

“The problem with the current mainstream school system is that it’s a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

For us, because Alfie keeps up academically with his peers and appears to ‘cope’ in school, he only gets a basic level of support with things like social skills and confidence building. I think he could thrive at school if he had access to further support and if the school could fund a helper to sit with him. He’s a bright and intelligent boy, but because his specific needs aren’t addressed, he’ll only perform at a mediocre level. Alfie just gets on with it out of sheer determination and a huge amount of self-control, so he continually slips through the net. He’s exhausted when he comes home from school from trying to ‘fit in,’ and that’s when he’s most likely to meltdown.

But unfortunately, the school doesn’t get to see this behaviour.

This is a major issue for many SEN parents, and a lot of us feel very let down by the system.

“Autism is often referred to as a ‘hidden disability, but it does depend on the child and their specific needs.

People often don’t realise Alfie has a condition, and then if we explain, we get comments like “well, he doesn’t look autistic.”

I have to continually explain to people that because he is classed as ‘high-functioning,’ i.e. he keeps up with his peers academically and has average verbal skills, it doesn’t mean that his life is any easier. In fact, in some ways it’s harder, because society expects him to be a certain way because he doesn’t have the indicators of what people perceive to be ‘disabled,’ such as a wheelchair or a full-time carer.

I am always happy to talk about Alfie and his condition as part of a positive conversation around disability.”

What should you do if you suspect your child may have SEN or additional needs?

“If your child is school age, your first port of call should always be their school, particularly if they haven’t flagged anything up to you already. If your child is younger, talk to your health visitor or doctor.

Give clear examples of how the issue is affecting your child and their ability to learn or function in a classroom setting, and how it may be affecting them at home. Keep notes if necessary. Issues at school can often manifest themselves at home through bad behaviour, withdrawing, general grumpiness, and not wanting to talk about school. Obviously, it depends on the challenges involved and the individual child, but if you suspect the issue is related to mental health, then they ought to be seen by a GP who can refer them on to the relevant services, although access to this varies depending on area and hospital trust.

But don’t give up! If we all keep shouting about it, eventually we will get heard!”

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Parents’ place Five early signs of autism can be observed in children as young as 12 to 24 months of age.

Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder can mean parents don’t have to wait for their child to start school to implement intervention programs.

Early autism intervention programmes can address the primary behavioural symptoms of autism in children from as young as 18 months of age and can have long term positive effects.

Many children with autism appear to be developing typically until they start pre-school or kindergarten, when language and social delays stand out in contrast to the development of their peers.

These five signs of autism

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1. Your child doesn’t look when you point at something A child with autism may not look when you point at an object across the room and may not follow your gaze when you look at something.

2. Your child doesn’t point with one finger to request items or get help A child with autism may not use gestures like pointing with one finger to ask for things or to direct your attention.

3. Your child doesn’t respond to his or her name Children with autism may not understand the response you expect when you say their name, or they may not be motivated to respond in the same way as a typically developing child.

‘Spring’ into fun at Brio this holiday!

4. Your child avoids looking you in the eye A child with autism may find eye contact challenging or painful and may avoid looking you in the eye when you are talking to, playing with, or dressing him or her.

5. Your child ignores you or doesn’t seem to understand directions A child with autism may have trouble understanding spoken language.

If you have concerns about your child, contact your GP or healthcare provider. For more information on early intervention visit www.autism. org.uk or www.gemiini.org, which is a web based learning programme offering online video modelling to parents without a formal diagnosis or access to regular services.

From junior gym and racquet sports to free swims and topsy tumbles, Brio’s got anything and everything on offer.

What better way to spend the half term than not only keeping the kids super busy, but active too! Why not start the year as they mean to go on with a Junior Membership from only £12.00 per month, you can even get 2 months FREE with an annual membership – don’t miss out! www.brioleisure.org/fun

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Parents’ place Finding the right childcare provider

Our step by step guide to the things to look out for and questions to ask Make a list Draw up a shortlist of providers using information from your local Family Information Service which should be available from your local authority.

Remember to check: • The hours that childcare can be provided • The hourly, daily, and/or weekly cost • If they have places available for your child • Whether they are offering the 30 hours of government funded childcare (if you are eligible).

Visit providers on your shortlist It’s a good idea to visit several settings and to ask questions in person. It might help to take a friend or your partner to give you a second opinion.

Things to look for: • Trained and experienced staff, ready to learn and respond to your child’s individual needs • Busy but relaxed children who seem happy and purposeful • Safe, clean, welcoming premises • Outside play space • Cultural sensitivity and responsiveness to children’s home life • A staff team and group of children who reflect local ethnic and cultural groups • Fun activities planned each day – childcare providers all need to plan their days with children’s interests and enthusiasms in mind • Planned exercise and quiet times to relax are important • A big welcome for you and your child familiesonline.co.uk

What to ask: • What is the ratio of staff to children? How many children do they care for?

• What qualifications and/or experience do the staff have?

• What are the daily routines and how can they incorporate my child’s and other children’s routines?

• Do they operate a key worker scheme (whereby one member of staff has main responsibility for your child)?

• What are their policies on discipline and how do you manage children’s behaviour?

• Do they provide meals, snacks, nappies, etc. or will you need to provide them?

What will your child enjoy?

Here’s a list of the things children said were most important when asked for their views: • Friends - check that a stable group of children attend so your children can make and maintain friendships • Food - check mealtimes are relaxed and fun and ask if children can help themselves to drinks and snacks • Fun outside - check the outside area is well planned, spacious and safe as children love playing outside • Discovery - make sure there is plenty of opportunity for children to learn new things with varied, carefully planned, structured things to do • Feeling safe and loved - check that the staff are able to respond to individual children’s needs, to comfort and encourage them and to keep them safe Remember to also think about the things that matter to you and your child, and make sure you ask about them.

Take up references Other parents’ experiences of a childcare provider can be very useful. It is advisable to take up at least two references.

Childcare providers should be happy to give you names of other parents to speak to about the service they provide.

Book a place Book your child’s place and arrange details like hours, start date, and who is allowed to pick up your child. You may need to pay a retainer fee to keep the place open until your child starts.

Settling in Your child may take some time to settle into any new childcare setting, so allow them time to adjust to their new surroundings, especially if this is their first time in childcare. Most settings will offer a ‘settling in

period,’ during which you have an agreed length of time to assess whether the setting is the right one for your child and that they are happy there.

Funding support Some two year olds and all three and four year olds in England can get 570 hours of ‘free’ childcare, the equivalent of 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year, but check whether will be charges for ‘adds on’ such as materials and snacks.

You might also be able to get an additional 15 hours of free childcare if you are in work and meet certain requirements.

The Family and Childcare Trust provides a useful ‘Childcare Finder Tool’ and ‘Help with Childcare Costs Guide’ which can be found at www. familyandchildcaretrust.org

Check the quality Most childcare providers looking after children under the age of eight years usually have to be registered with Ofsted. You can check Ofsted’s grade and report for the providers you are considering at www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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Parents’ place Volunteers needed

There are 168 hours in a week…can you spare two?

Home-Start volunteers are parents who offer friendly support to other parents with children under 5 years old by visiting them once a week in their own homes.

Homestart has families needing friendship, practical and emotional support from parents just like you. It’s not only the families that benefit: volunteering builds confidence and self-esteem, gives a sense

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of purpose, enables you to meet new people and looks great on your CV. So do something amazing in 2018…volunteer for Home-Start!

They cover Alderley Edge, Alsager, Congleton, Crewe, Handforth, Holmes Chapel, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Middlewich, Nantwich, Northwich, Poynton, Prestbury, Sandbach, Wilmslow, Winsford and surrounding areas.

Volunteer training courses start on Friday 20 April in Crewe and Friday 8 June in Macclesfield, 9.30am – 2.30pm and run for 6 weeks.

For further information please contact Joy on 01606 606 441. www.homestartcentralandwestcheshire. org.uk

Howzat!

All Stars Cricket is a new initiative from the England and Wales Cricket Board aimed at providing children aged five to eight with a great first experience in cricket.

The national curriculum of fun cricket activities and games provides children with the basic movement skills to begin a lifelong love of physical activity.

The programme includes the 8 week All Stars Cricket programme (1 x hour session per week) and a pack containing a bat, ball, rucksack, cap and t-shirt (personalised with their name). The pack also includes an Activity book with weekly challenges.

The programme is delivered by trained volunteers who deliver game-based activities that teach cricket skills like catching, throwing and hitting a moving ball plus social skills.

Held at accredited cricket clubs these courses are a perfect way for children to learn about cricket and make friends in safe environment.

The course costs RRP £40 (price may vary) and clubs will be encouraged to deliver their programmes from 11 May through to July.

For more information or to register for a summer of #BigMoments please visit www.allstarscricket.co.uk

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Parents’ place Could shared parental leave work for you?

By Mandy Garner

Shared Parental Leave (SPL) allows parents to share time off work during the first year after their child is born, with dads and mums both taking some of the leave, whilst being paid at a statutory rate.

When Craig Curran and Sarah Farquharson looked into sharing the time off after their baby was born they couldn’t believe their luck.

They both worked for Virgin Money which offered enhanced shared parental pay for parents on SPL – meaning they would receive a higher level of pay than the statutory rate. Sarah also earned more than Craig so it made better financial sense for Craig to share the leave with her. Even better, the couple were able to take a month of leave together – Sarah took the first five months of leave alone, the couple shared the sixth month and Craig took the last two months.

The result for Craig and Sarah has been a closer family relationship and a greater sharing of parental responsibilities – with neither parent’s career suffering as a result. Sarah was promoted just after she found out she was pregnant whilst Craig returned from his leave to a promotion. “If anyone asks me about it, I say just do it.

You never get that time again” says Craig. “I would familiesonline.co.uk

100% do it again.”

Both Craig and Sarah report that their managers and colleagues were very supportive of their leave plans. However, that is not always the case.

In its annual survey Workingmums.co.uk found that only 37% of respondents said they would consider taking SPL. The majority would not. Some of the reasons given were the negative impact on household finances, fears that the dad’s career would suffer and a lack of knowledge about SPL. Some 43% of respondents said they wouldn’t take SPL because it would not make sense financially but the majority of these said that even enhanced SPL pay wouldn’t make a difference to their decision. Clearly, the suggestion is that other non-financial factors are at play, such as the desire many women have to spend as much time as possible with their baby. 17% of mums said they didn’t want to share their leave.

What SPL does is give parents greater choice over how they manage the care of their new born child and it can be an important building block in facilitating change in discriminatory working environments. However, take up remains very low

nationally, possibly because the legislation is complex and dry. HR managers are recommending that the language is simplified and that managers are given tools they need to implement SPL, as well as being able to give concrete case studies which show the many different ways in which SPL can be taken: in one chunk or in separate blocks over a period of time; overlapping with the mother for all or part of the leave and so forth.

Being able to read about other parents’ experiences brings the whole process to life.

One of the benefits of SPL is that dads who have taken it feel much more confident about being in sole charge of their children. They also have a greater sense of empathy about what looking after a baby involves, and there can also be a positive impact on mental wellbeing. One dad who took SPL is John Birrell from the law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner. His wife went through a traumatic emergency C-section followed by hospitalisation for an infection. Having her husband to share the months after the birth meant she was

not left on her own to recover from major surgery while doing the physically exhausting work of looking after a young child. “Mental health is too often ignored and post-natal depression must be one of the most common forms,” says John.

Workingmums.co.uk collaborated recently with dads website www.daddilife. com on a series of videos highlighting the need for parents to have open conversations around Shared Parental Leave. One couple who took part are Eulalia Pereira and Martin Stopher from London. Eulalia said: “As a mother there is a sense you should be doing everything. I know (as a result of taking SPL) that Martin on a day to day basis is there, that he is involved with the kids. I could not have hoped for more.”

Mandy Garner is editor of www.workingmums.co.uk, a platform dedicated to finding flexible, challenging work for mums. To view videos in which three couples discuss their choice to take Shared Parental Leave, take a look at the Workingmums.co.uk Youtube Channel.

All the gear and no idea? Help is here!

Have you got a posh DSLR camera but have never got to grips with it? You are not alone ..

Helen Rae’s informal photography workshop is aimed at the complete beginner and is designed to help you get the most out of your DSLR or mirrorless camera and to get you creating the images you want. It’s a perfect mix of theory and practical training

explained in a simple way.

So, if you’d love to capture action shots of your kids or pets, get that lovely blurry background in your portraits, get sharp and in-focus pictures every time, and move off AUTO mode once and for all, join Helen for her Beginners’ Photography Workshop.

The workshops, held at her studio near Northwich in Cheshire, run from 10am to 3pm and include plenty of refreshments, plus lunch.

Spaces are limited to 8 people.

Gift vouchers are available for workshops in 2018. Cost for the day is £95.

Details are available at www.helenraephotography. co.uk and click on WORKSHOPS. Families Cheshire 9

Parents’ place New “Family Mile” for kids at the Greater Manchester Marathon A fun run for kids aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles has been launched for the first time at the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in April – and registration is now open.

The fun-filled Family Mile gives five to 11-year-olds the chance to take part in the annual event, which will include a finishers medal for each young participant.

The course starts and finishes at the same places

as the official marathon does which makes it really exciting, especially at the finish line.

Young runners taking part between the ages of five and eight must be accompanied by an adult during the race, while nine to 11-year-olds can take part on their own – although parental consent will be required.

The official mascot, Manny the Bee, will be visiting schools across the North West region later this month to discuss the benefits of fitness.

Sign up at www.greatermanchester marathon.com/race-info/family-m

73 questions a day!

So what’s the problem?

British children aged 1 to 6 ask an average 73 questions every day ... half of which parents struggle to answer, according to a recent study conducted by One Poll.

Children are at their most inquisitive at 4 years old and boys and girls tend to be just as curious as each other.

Almost a third of parents in the study find this constant barrage of questions exhausting, lasting as it often does from the time children wake until they drop off to sleep at night. Almost half of

the parents interviewed admit that they struggle to find an answer 50% of the time, turning to Google for help, whilst nearly one third confessed to making up answers on the spot.

Fathers field the most questions but mothers still deal with an average of 413 per week.

To help parents deal with some of their children’s more challenging questions, Tots Town at Argos has teamed up with child psychologist Dr. Sam Wass and created a series of videos which can be found on YouTube.

Research confirms new dads’ mental health concerns A new poll reveals almost 40% of men experience anxieties after having children.

The research released by the Priory Group of Harley Street, London also claims to show that thousands of men experience anxiety – and in some cases depression - as they enter

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fatherhood.

One in five men believed they were actually suffering from Paternal Post Natal Depression, although only 2% were officially diagnosed.

This accords with earlier research by the parenting charity the NCT, which showed around 1

in 3 new fathers are concerned about their mental health.

The increased pressures of fatherhood, more financial responsibility, changes in relationships and lifestyle, combined with a lack of sleep and an increased workload at home, may all affect a new dad’s

mental wellbeing.

Concern about their partner is another worry for new fathers.

The NCT found that almost three quarters (73%) ofdads were worried about their partner’s mental health.

For more information visit www.nct.org.uk/dads-PND or www.priorygroup.com

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Easter Easter Craft Ideas

Easter Egg and Basket: For Older Kids 7+ What you’ll need: • 0.8mm craft wire • 0.4mm craft wire • 1 wooden egg • Craft paint – various colours • Lengths of ribbon • Cylindrical shape (2 different sizes) • Round nosed pliers • Wire cutters What to do: 1. Cut 2 lengths (approx. 15cm) of the 0.8mm wire. Create two different sized circles of wire, using your cylindrical shapes leaving a long tail at one end of each piece.

2. On each piece, wrap one end of the wire around the circular shape to secure. Bend the long tail, 90 degrees.

3. Secure the circular frames, one above the other, using the long tail wires to secure around the top of one and the base of the other.

4. Cut another 6 straight lengths of 0.8mm wire, long enough to secure at the top and base of the circles, to stabilize the basket structure.

5. Cut a 90cm length of 0.4mm wire and wrap this up and around the top and base of the basket shell, until it is totally wrapped around all sides.

6. Once you’ve covered the side surfaces, weave more 0.4mm wire to create a base for the bottom of the basket.

Cut approximately 20cm of 0.8mm wire and fold in half.

7. Hold the double end in your round nosed pliers and with your hand, twist the 2 extending wires together.

8. Shape the twisted cable around a circular shape to form a curve, to the same size as the diameter of the top of your basket. Secure the ends around the basket to make a handle.

9. Using your ribbons, tie around the secured areas of the handle creating a bow.

10.Paint the wooden egg with a coloured design. Your egg in basket is ready to treasure or give to someone special as an Easter present.

Easter Chicks in a Basket: For Younger Kids (3-6yrs) What you’ll need: • A polystyrene egg/s • Different shades of yellow

• • • • •

paper / tissue paper cut into small squares Small piece of brown or black card for beak Gloopy glue & spreader Googly eyes Match sticks for legs Feathers for plumage

What to do: 1. Spread glue all over your egg and layer with your different colour yellow squares to create “fluffy feathers”. Tip - pop the egg onto a matchstick to make it easier to hold whilst adding the feathers 2. Add your googly eyes & beak 3. Pop in your match sticks for legs 4. Finish off with your real feather plumage and your new friend is complete!

5. Why not give your chicks a home & decorate with some lovely Easter stickers too?

You can do this using the base on a small box (cereal box would be ideal) and creating an easy handle from a strip of light card.

With thanks to Blooming Crafts (www.facebook.com/bloomingcraftsredhill) and Creation Station (www.thecreationstation.co.uk)

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Easter Header Alternative Easter Gift Guide Compiled by Claire Winter Bored of chocolate? Do you want to give your loved ones a special Easter gift this year that isn’t edible? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s our alternative guide for 2018.

Row of Speckled Eggs cushion, £26.99, welovecushions.com This range of fabulous cushions has a variety of stylish designs featuring eggs, bunnies, hares and cockerels. They’d make a lovely addition to any sofa.

Personalised Egg & Solider Board, £25, hugosworkshop.co.uk This fun personalised Egg & Solider board is made from upcycled oak kitchen worktops and is personalised with the name of your choice. It’s a beautiful, unusual gift that will last for years.

Personalised Bunny Dining Set, £39, ellieellie.co.uk This cute, personalised bunny plate set is a great way to add a touch of fun to any table this Easter. Each set includes a dinner plate, side plate and mug and every item includes a bunny silhouette with your chosen name.

Kooshi Backpack, £34.99, kooshi.co.uk We love this Kooshi Bunny backpack. It was designed by a mum who was fed up of using valuable space in her kids’ bags transporting things for them to nap on during journeys.

The pillow can be detached and used on a plane, car or bus, so your child can sleep in peace. The perfect bag to take on holiday!

Egg-citing Easter Fun at Tatton Park

Join in egg-citing fun at Tatton Park between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Search out the giant Easter eggs decorating Dairy Wood Way and gain your chocolate treat when you successfully solve the anagram. In the Mansion Chef Joubert is creating an egg-traordinary pudding – but will he find all 12 Families Cheshire

the ingredients in time and can you help him add the finishing touches to this magnificent dessert? Challenge friends and family to an egg and spoon race and an egg rolling competition in the Gardens see who emerges victorious!

Meet the newly hatched chicks and spot the Easter eggs hidden around the Farm. You can also watch Berry, the Jersey Cow, being milked and see how Aunt Mary transforms the milk into butter. The Easter Gift Fair is open from Saturday to Monday – a great place to pick up unique Easter gifts, and there’s plenty of magic and fun for all in the Stableyard.

Please see www.tattonpark. org.uk for opening times and admission prices.

Colour-In Easter Top, £14, selfieclothing.co.uk This really cool company does a range of colour-in clothes. You can get a colour-in Easter top, in different sizes for children aged two to ten.

Each top is printed with a design ready for your child to colour in with Selfie pens to make it their own. Once they have been coloured in and ironed, the designs will stay permanently, so your child has a unique piece of clothing they can keep. The company offers a huge variety of designs, including capes and PJs too!

Oskar & Ellen Doll’s House with Bunnies £24.99, borngifted.com This gorgeous, handmade Swedish designed toy looks lovely and is great fun to play with too. It’s a cloth house that has a cute bunny family inside.

It also has a carry handle so it’s easy to transport too. Suitable for children aged three and above.

Greatest Egg Hunt Ever Jumper, £23, ellieellie.co.uk Perfect to wear on an Easter hunt and an ideal gift for the little adventurers and the all-round mini-sleuths in your life. Made from a cotton blend these unisex sweatshirts have a soft feel with a fleecy lining and are designed for a ‘relaxed’ fit. Available in fuchsia and pastel blue.

Snazaroo, Mini Theme Pack, £2.99, snazaroo.com Snazaroo has launched these pocket-friendly face paint packs. They’re just £2.99 per pack, with instructions and face paints included.

They have ten designs to choose from including an Easter bunny and chick. It’s a really fun, budget friendly present for boys and girls.

Backford Belles – for a great Easter outing!

Enjoy award winning ice cream this Easter at Backford Belles, with over 20 flavours as well as a small range of dairy free sorbets and ice creams.

Let the kids play on the climbing frame, swings and toy tractors and say hello to the calves, chickens, ducks and lambs – and then head into their family friendly shop for a sweet treat or a hot drink.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with all the flavours, cone types and toppings – or try out a milkshake using any of the flavours on display!

Later on in the summer the maize will be tall enough for their annual “maze” which is fun and free for all to wander or

run around.

Easily reachable If you’re local, out for a drive, visiting Cheshire Oaks or Chester Zoo, you’ve got to stop in to Backford Belles for guaranteed happy faces and some of the best ice cream around!! www.backfordbelles.com

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Easter Eggceptionally good fun on the farm

Celebrate all things Spring this Easter holiday (30 March - 15 April) at Stockley Farm with lambs a-plenty, bunnies a-bouncing and goats galore!

Plus they have the opening meets of the ever popular Stockley Stakes Sheep Racing season

with one of their main events, the Ewetree Leap, on 14 & 15 April.

Over the Easter Weekend they also have some eggstra special activities for you… Easter egg hunts, meet the Easter Bunny herself and scrumptious chocolates for all! It’ll be cracking fun for everyone!

And you can meet their superbly scaly and splendidly slimy friends in the brand-new Reptile Room - including tortoises, a bearded dragon, giant snail and more! www.stockleyfarm.co.uk

Experience adventure

Zip World Fforest in Betws y Coed, North Wales is an idyllic woodland setting for all your Easter adventures.

Kids aged 3 and above can enjoy a variety of adventures including the Fforest Coaster, the only alpine adventure of its kind in the UK, or Treetop Nets, a net playground

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where you can bounce and slide at your heart’s content. Tree Hoppers is an amazing zip line and adventure course for ages 5-12.

Older children can experience the thrill of Skyride, the highest swing in Europe and Zip Safari, a zip line and obstacle course set up high in the canopy of the trees. After a fun day out with the family, sit back and relax at the Fforest Caffi or Fforest Coffi with a homemade cake, fresh roasted coffee or a range of yummy lunch options.www.zipworld.co.uk

Families Cheshire 13

What’s on Every Fri – Tues in Mar & Apr

Lyme Park, Disley ‘Gifts for the Gods’ - Animal Mummies Revealed 11am – 5pm / Free (normal admission applies).

In association with the Manchester Museum and their Egyptology specialists, this exhibition will present and explore ancient Egyptian animal mummies, prepared in their millions as offerings to the gods. The display will include mummified specimens such as jackals, crocodiles, cats and birds.

Family activities included. Exhibition starts Fri 10 Mar – and is situated in the Long Gallery (up a flight of stairs). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme

Sat 3 & Sun 4 Mar, Sat 10 & Sun 11 Mar

Reaseheath College, Nantwich Live Lambing Weekends 10am – 4pm (last entry 3pm) / Adult £8, Child £6, under 3s free. A unique springtime experience for the whole family. Not suitable for expectant mothers. Lots of fun children’s activities including farm competitions and colouring, and the Reaseheath Zoo will also be open (ticket price includes entrance to both). www.reaseheath.ac.uk/lambing

Tues 6 Mar

National Trust Alderley Edge Car Park Down the Mines! – March 7 – 9.30pm / Age 6+ (accompanied) / £7.50, booking essential. Join Derbyshire Caving Club for a trip down the old copper mines of Alderley Edge. 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Wed 7, Sat 10 & Sun 11 Mar

Lyme Park, Disley Dogs in the garden 10.30am – 5pm / Normal admission applies Bring your four legged friends (on a lead) for a walk in the garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme

Sat 10 Mar

Astbury Mere Country Park, Congleton Introduction to Map Reading.

10am – 1pm / Age 8+ (accompanied) / £10, booking essential. A simple introduction to the use of maps for exploring the English countryside. 01260 297237 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Macclesfield Library in the Landscape Birthday Walk 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / Free, booking essential. Celebrate the fifth Birthday of the ‘Library in the Landscape’ with a walk to the Library followed by celebratory cupcakes! 01625 374833 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Baby and Toddler - Storytelling and Play session 9.30am, 10.15am & 11am / Free, booking essential. A special storytelling and play session for your little ones. Please book your free tickets in advance. 0344 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Sat 10 & Sun 11 Mar, Sat 17 & Sun 18 Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford Science Explorer Challenge 11am – 4pm / Normal admission applies Become a science explorer and solve a perplexing challenge at the Farm! www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 16 – Sun 18 Mar

Event City, Manchester Baby & Toddler Show The UK’s biggest baby and toddler show with all the amazing shopping and expert advice new and expectant parents need to give their baby the best start! www.babyandtoddlershow.co.uk 14 Families Cheshire

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 17 Mar

Manchester Museum Big Saturday: The Body Experience 10am – 4pm / Free. Creative activities for all ages. www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Lion Salt Works, Northwich Where’s My Igloo Gone?

2 – 3pm / Age 5+ / Adult £6.50, Under 17s £4.50. Journey into a dazzling, icy world of soaring snow geese, pet husky dogs, starry nights, and the kind of cold that makes your skin tingle. With enchanting live music, it’s a fun, magical experience for all the family. 01606 275066 / www.ticketsource.co.uk/ cheshireruraltouringarts

Sat 17 – Sun 25 Mar

Across Cheshire Cheshire Residents’ Festival 2018 To mark English Tourism Week, residents of Cheshire can explore what’s on their doorstop for FREE for one week only! Over 15 fantastic attractions will be offering free and discounted entry, free tours and other exciting opportunities for local residents to discover more about the county we live in and the fantastic ‘hidden gems’ in the area. Vouchers are limited and available on a first come first served basis. www. visitcheshire.com/cheshireresidentsfestival

Sun 18 Mar

Tatton Park, Knutsford Adopt A Farm Animal Day Meet the rare breed animals which are up for adoption. Choose from Prancer the Reindeer, Blossom the Clydesdale Horse, Tamzin the Tamworth Pig and Frosty the Donkey. Normal opening times & entrance applies. www.tattonpark.org.uk Tytherington High School Tythy Tidy 1 – 3pm. Join local groups, Tytherington High School and the Bollin Valley Partnership Rangers on a mission to rid the area of litter. 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 24 – Thurs 29 Mar Tues 3 – Sun 15 Apr

Speke Hall, Liverpool Vibrant Victorians 10.30am – 4pm / Normal admission applies Be a Victorian nature detective for the day and explore the grounds and gardens for signs of spring. Can you track down the dinosaur tree? www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hallgarden-and-estate

Sun 25 Mar

Cheshire County Sports Club, CH2 1PR 3 – 4.30pm / Adult £1, children free Lots of stalls bursting with top quality LIKE NEW and NEW baby & children’s items from birth to 8 years, plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby & children’s industry showcasing and selling their products & services. Great brands at up to 90% off the full retail price!

Plenty of free parking, refreshments available, cash sales only.

07868697494 / beverley@ babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk / www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Thurs 29 Mar – Sun 15 Apr

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts - Super Senses 10.30am – 4pm / £2 per trail, normal admission applies. Discover the garden in a way that appeals to all your super senses.

Imagine you have the eyes of an owl and the ears of a rabbit on a sensory nature trail and earn your Cadbury chocolate reward. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Fri 30 Mar – Mon 2 Apr Blakemere Village Easter Face Painting & Chick Handling 11am – 4pm / Free www.blakemerevillage.com

Biddulph Grange Garden Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 10am – 5pm / £2 per hunt, normal admission applies. Run around the garden, hunting high and low, under rocks and in trees for the hidden eggs and bunnies! Once you’ve completed the hunt around the garden, find your way back for a tasty Cadbury’s chocolate reward. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/biddulphgrange-garden Little Moreton Hall, Congleton Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 11am – 4pm / £2 per hunt map, normal admission applies. Follow the outdoor trail clues to discover more about nature at Little Moreton Hall and to get your chocolate reward! www.nationaltrust.org. uk/little-moreton-hall Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 10.30am – 4pm / All ages / £2 per trail. Normal admission applies.

Follow the Springtime Easter trail around Quarry Bank to get your chocolate treat. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Speke Hall, Liverpool Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 10.30am – 4pm / £2 per child Have a family outdoor adventure in the ancient woodland and grounds of Speke Hall. Discover hidden mysteries on the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt and receive your delicious Cadbury chocolate treat reward. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ speke-hall-garden-and-estate Tatton Park, Knutsford Easter Fun Egg-citing family friendly activities in the Mansion, on the Farm and in the Gardens. Normal opening times & entrance applies. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 30 Mar – Sun 15 Apr

Blakemere Village Easter Bunny Trail 10am – 4pm (10.30pm on weekends / Ages 3 – 11 / £3 per trail. Help the Easter Bunny find his friends and their eggs that have been hidden around the village. Collect your prize at the end for all your help. A great fun trail for 3-11 year olds! www.blakemerevillage.com Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Easter Hunt 9am – 4pm / All ages / Free Ranger Mark’s Easter Eggs have been stolen! Can you help him find the wildlife that has taken them and collect their names? Pick up a map from the visitor centre and get searching around the park. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Hare Hill, Over Alderley Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 2018 10.30am – 4pm / £2 per hunt map, normal admission applies. A self-guided nature-themed Easter Hunt to find the clues, solve the puzzle, and claim your chocolate prize. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hare-hill Lyme Park, Disley Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 11am – 4.30pm / £2 per trail (normal admission applies). Follow the trail in in the garden in search of the Easter Bunny and discover the best that nature has to offer at Lyme along the way. You may even get a special chocolate treat! The rangers will be also be doing engagement activities over the bank holiday. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme

Tegg’s Nose Country Park Easter Hunt 9am – 5pm / All ages / 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 and get searching around the top of the park. Each map purchased entitles you to 50p discount off one hot drink from the Tea Room following completion of the trail. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 31 Mar & Sun 1 Apr

Churnet Valley Railway EasterWeekend&Children’sEasterEggHunt Ride on the train along the valley, and make sure to search high and low, looking out for the clues at all the stops. Family fun for children of all ages. www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk

Sat 31 Mar – Mon 2 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Easter Shopping Fair 10.30am – 5pm / normal park admission applies. Free admission to the Tenants Hall where you’ll find gifts for everyone, specialist food producers plus craft, fashion and home furnishings. www.countrywide-events.co.uk Chester Racecourse Chester Food & Drink Festival 10am – 6pm (5pm on Mon) / Adult £6, under 12s free. Over 150 exhibitors and loads of events. www.chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk

Sat 31 Mar

The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn Easter Bunny’s Eggs Factor 11am, 1pm & 3pm From the team behind Marty MacDonald’s Farm and Santa’s Christmas Wish comes the most chocolatey Easter show ever. www.thebrindley.org.uk Weaver Hall Museum, Northwich Fabergé Eggs 2 – 4pm / £1.80 per child, drop in Make your own Easter egg masterpeice based on Fabergé eggs. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Sat 31 Mar & Thurs 5, Tues 10 & Sat 14 Apr

Grosvenor Museum, Chester – Lecture Theatre Hop (Film) 11am / Free but booking essential.

Blending state of the art animation with live action, Hop is a comedy about E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny.

01244 972197 / www.experiencechester.co.uk/events

Sun 1 Apr

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Strips and Stripes 12.30 – 2.30pm / Suggestion donation £1.50, drop in. Create your own abstract masterpiece, influenced by the Right Here, Right Now exhibition of 21st-century art. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Eaton Hall Gardens, Eccleston Open Day Raising funds for local charities. www.eatonestate.co.uk Cholmondeley Castle Gardens Family Easter Egg Hunt 11am – 3pm / Normal entrance applies. Let the children run free in the gardens hunting for the hidden bunnies and collect an Easter Treat. Dogs welcome on leads. www.cholmondeleycastle.com

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What’s on

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Mon 2 Apr

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Doggylympics 11am – 2pm / £1 per activity or £6 for six activities. A ‘turn up and go’ dog event.

Have a go at dog agility, easy obedience, sausage snaffle, temptation alley, retrieve and bonio challenge. Proceeds to Support Dogs. 01260 290466 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Mon 2 & Tues 3 Apr

Norton Priory Museum, Runcorn The Easter Bunny Hunt!

10am – 4pm / Normal admission applies. Help hunt for the Easter Bunny before he munches all the carrots!

Family fun crafts, trails and story hunt. www.nortonpriory.org

Tues 3 Apr

West Park Museum, Macclesfield Cartouche Creations 1.30 – 3.30pm / £3, drop in. Make a ‘carved’ tablet with your name in hieroglyphs out of air-hardening clay. www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk Waterside Arts Centre, Sale The Sagas Of Noggin The Nog In the lands of the North where the black rocks stand guard against the cold sea, in the dark night that is very long, the Men of the Northlands sit around their great log fires and they tell a tale... of Noggin the Nog! www.watersidearts.org

Tues 3 – Fri 6 Apr

Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre Moorland Adventure Easter Kids Activity Club 9am – 4pm with early drop off/late pick up (8.30 – 5pm) available / Ages 8 – 16 / £35 per day or £120 for four days. Booking essential. A great way to experience some varied exciting activities in the countryside with local experts Moorland Adventure!

Different activities each day. Suitable for anyone between the ages of 8 and 16.

Day 1 – Archery and Bushcraft Day 2 – Climb and Abseil Day 3 – Caving Day 4 – Orienteering and Problem Solving 01625 573615 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Tues 3 – Fri 6 Apr & Mon 9 – Fri 13 Apr

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Spring Holidays - bluebells and butterflies 11am – 4pm / All ages / Normal admission applies. Take in the colours, smells and buzzing sounds of spring as Quarry Bank comes to life. Enjoy outdoor activities and wild adventures this Easter. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Tues 3 & Wed 4 Apr

Lion Salt Works, Northwich Watching Spring 10.30am – 4pm / All ages / Suggested donation £2. Celebrate the start of spring, and learn how to help wildlife thrive in your garden with lots of fun activities. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Manchester Arena Torvill And Dean’s Dancing On Ice Sensation routines and breathtaking stunts. www.manchestertheatres.com

Tues 3, Sat 7 & Thurs 12 Apr

Grosvenor Museum, Chester The Jungle Book (Film) 11am / All ages / Free, but booking essential. This 2016 version of The Jungle Book is a great live-action epic adventure about Mowgli, a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. 01244 972197 / www.experiencechester.co.uk/events

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Tues 3 – Fri 13 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford Lambing Week At The Farm 12 – 5pm / Normal entry applies. Will you be lucky enough to see the lambs being born? www.tattonpark.org.uk Little Moreton Hall, Congleton Spring Holiday Sensory Gardens 11am – 4.30pm / Normal admission applies.

Discover the smells of a Tudor garden and plan your own floral journey filled with scent memories. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ little-moreton-hall

Wed 4 Apr

Tatton Park, Knutsford Crime and Punishment 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30 – 3.30pm / Ages 7 – 11 / £12 (includes park entry), booking essential. Become part of the jury in the trial of some fearsome historical criminals. www.tattonpark.org.uk The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Egyptian Crocodiles 1.30 – 3.30pm / £3, drop in. Victorian explorers often tried to bring back crocodiles as souvenirs of their adventures. Make the figure of Sobek, the Egyptian God of the Nile, who was depicted as a Nile crocodile and then make a climbing crocodile snapping at the explorers’ heels! www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk Riverside Park Ranger Centre, Macclesfield Easter Eggstravaganza!

2 – 4pm / Ages 5 – 10 / £4, booking essential An afternoon of Eastery fun making crafts with natural materials that you’ll find whilst on a wander down into the valley.

01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Grosvenor Museum, Chester Roman Springtime 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm / Suggested donation £1.50, drop in. Learn how the Romans grew crops to feed their vast army, make a voltive offering to Flora the goddess of Flowers and Spring, and explore the Roman handling collection of objects and costume. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

The Silk Museum, Macclesfield Under The Microscope 1.30 – 3.30pm / £5, drop in. Take a look at some small objects under the microscope, make them big to see their detail, then think of one of your favourite things and create it in miniature to fit into a matchbox. Decorate the matchbox and you have a tiny artwork to take away! www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk

Sun 8 Apr

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Easter Icons 12.30 – 4pm / Suggested donation £1.50, drop in. Make your own dazzling gold-covered icon featuring those favourite seasonal characters, a chick and the Easter Bunny. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Mon 9 Apr

Fri 6 Apr

Tegg’s Nose Country Park / Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve, Congleton Easter Eggsplorer 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 (accompanied) / £6.50 per child, booking essential. Join Nature Stuff to learn all about nature in springtime. Make your own bird’s nest and collect Easter eggs, to take home, on the ‘Signs of Spring Treasure Trail’.

Mon 9: Tegg’s Nose Tues 10: Brereton Heath 07870 804413 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

The Lowry – The Lyric Theatre Justin’s Band Join Justin and his friends on a musical journey singing lots of songs and learning about musical instruments along the way! www.thelowry.com

Fri 6 Apr & Fri 4 May

Grosvenor Museum, Chester ‘Quiet’ Afternoon 3 – 4.30pm / Suggested donation £1.50, drop in. Aimed at those who enjoy a ‘quieter’ visit to the museum, including people living with autism and their families and carers. Hands-on activities to engage all ages and abilities. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Sat 7 & Sun 8 Apr

Storyhouse, Chester Dinosaur World Live Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World in this interactive new show for all the family. www.storyhouse.com

Astbury Mere Country Park, Congleton The Birdlife of Astbury Mere 7 – 9am / Age 8+ / Adult £4, Under 16s free, booking essential. Join local birder Steve Seal for an early morning walk around Astbury Mere to see the extensive birdlife that thrives in the park.

01260 297237 / www.cheshireeast.gov. uk/rangers Bollington Arts Centre Make, Do and Bop 2pm / Ages 4 – 10 (accompanied) / £6 Fabulous crafting followed by a silent disco. www.bollingtonartscentre.co.uk

Mon 9 Apr & Tues 10 Apr

Tues 10 Apr

West Park Museum, Macclesfield Professor Mace And His Amazing Panda Medals 1.30 – 3.30pm / £3, drop in. Meet Professor Mace, explore some of his amazing discoveries and work with his assistant David to cast your own panda medal in tribute to our Macc Panda. www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk

Wed 4 & Thurs 5 Apr

Weaver Hall Museum, Northwich Clay Baby Dinosaurs.

10am – 4pm / £1.80 per child, drop in.

Come and hatch a cute baby dinosaur from a handmade egg. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Wed 4 & Wed 11 Apr

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Have a go at Canoeing 11am – 4pm / Accompanied children / £3.50, booking essential. Come and have a go at canoeing, kayaking, nature trails and more with the Oakhanger Project.

0799 993 2963 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Thurs 5 Apr

Astbury Mere Country Park, Congleton Outdoor Experience Disability Day 11am – 2pm / All ages / Free, booking essential. For families of children with disabilities to try some new activities out in the fresh air. Children and parents/ carers can cycle using adapted bikes and try out other activities such as orienteering, archery, pond dipping and more. 07506 317055 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Tatton Park, Knutsford Preparing for the Ball 10.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 7 – 11 / £12 (includes park entry), booking essential It’s 1897 and the Egerton’s of Tatton have recruited you to their prestigious housekeeping team to prepare for a fabulous costumed ball. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Families Cheshire 15

What’s on

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Cityscapes 12.30 – 2.30pm / Suggested donation £1.50, drop in. Design a section of cityscape based on Chester’s world-famous landmarks and contribute to a communal display in the foyer case. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford Here Come the Vikings 10.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 7 – 11 / £12 (includes park entry), booking essential Meet the brave Viking explorers and experience life in their settlement through a range of exciting hands on activities. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tues 10 – Sat 14 Apr

Wed 11 & Thurs 12 Apr

The Lowry – Quays Theatre Little Mermaid This much loved fable is reimagined for the whole family through spectacular circus and spellbinding original folk songs. www.thelowry.com

Wed 11 Apr

The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield The Knight’s Quest 1.30 – 3.30pm / £3, drop in. Celebrate St George’s Day by taking on the Knight’s Quest, making your own helmet and shield before going in search of the dragon. www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve, Congleton Wellies in the Wild – Spring Pond Safari 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 (accompanied) / £6.50, booking essential. A special all new springtime Pond Safari – hunt out signs of spring and learn all about life in the pond. 07870 804413 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Grosvenor Museum, Chester Live Art – A Youth Panel Event 11am – 4pm / Suggested donation £1.50, drop in. Using costume, props and drama sketches, the museum’s Youth Panel will bring to life some of the people, animals and places depicted in the artworks. Have a go at making your own piece of art to take home and dress up as characters from famous paintings in the ‘pop up’ portrait gallery. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

16 Families Cheshire

Weaver Hall Museum, Northwich Endless Landscapes 10am – 4pm / £1.80 per child Create a perpetual panoramic picture using paints, pastels and collage. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Wed 11 – Sat 14 Apr

Storyhouse, Chester Gangsta Granny David Walliams’ fabulous tale live on stage. www.storyhouse.com

Thurs 12 Apr

The Silk Museum, Macclesfield Storybook Finger Puppets 1.30 – 3.30pm / £5, drop in. Macclesfield’s Charles Tunnicliffe illustrated lots of story books, particularly featuring animals and birds. Make a family of finger puppets to illustrate your own story. www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk Grosvenor Museum, Chester Spyglass Colour Wheel 12.30 – 2.30pm / Suggested donation £1.50, drop in. Make your very own coloured spyglass and then go and explore the art exhibitions to see them in a whole new way. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Green Fingers 10.30am – 12pm & 1 – 2.30pm / Ages 7 – 11 / £12 (includes park entry), booking essential Become a gardener and learn all about plants and flowers in the beautiful surroundings of

Tatton Park’s award winning Gardens.

Preparing for the Teddy Picnic 10.30am – 12pm / Ages 3 – 5 / £12 (one free accompanying adult), booking essential Grab your favourite bear and join us for a tremendous teddy picnic down at Tatton Farm. A fantastic educational opportunity that brings to life the journey of food ‘from field to fork’ in a fun, interactive way. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 13 Apr

Tegg’s Nose Country Park Wellies in the Wild – Spring Stream Safari 10am – 12pm / Ages 5 – 10 (accompanied) / £6.50, booking essential. A special all new springtime Pond Safari – hunt out signs of spring and learn all about life in the stream. 07870 804413 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Apr

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Slow Art Day / Suggested donation £1.50, drop in A global event with a simple mission – to help more people discover for themselves the joy of looking at and loving art. Take the time to experience the art and explore your thoughts on each piece. Facilities for discussion will be available. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Sun 15 Apr

Tabley House, Knutsford Tabley Races First race 12.30pm. A great day out for all the family. 6 races over fences. 2 Pony races, Trade stands, funfair – rides, slides and amusement stalls. Licensed bar and hot food. www.tableyraces.co.uk

Tues 17 Apr

Delamere Forest Home Ed Forest school Tots 1.30am – 12.30pm / Ages 2 – 5 / £9.20, booking essential. Spend the morning

experiencing a typical Forest school session.

Plenty of time to play and explore.

07808 506308 /www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Wed 18 Apr

Delamere Forest Home Ed Stay and Play Forest day 10am – 2pm / All ages / £4.20, booking essential. A secure, safe environment for your child to play and explore in the forest.

The site is fenced off from the public forest and is large enough for children to play freely. No set activities, but staff will be on site and you can help them with their jobs. 07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Apr

Crewe Lyceum Theatre Dear Zoo The classic and timeless children’s book Dear Zoo makes its stage premiere!

Perfect for children aged 2+ and their families. www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Thurs 26 Apr

Tegg’s Nose Country Park Orienteering for All 5.30 – 7pm / All ages (accompanied children) / Adult £5, Child £2. Courses suitable for everyone, beginners and experienced orienteers. Families and groups welcome.

Instruction available. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sun 29 Apr

The Carr’s, Wilmslow Carrs Working Party and Clean-up 10am – 3pm / All ages (accompanied children).

Help keep your local park looking good by helping with some conservation tasks like tree pruning, footpath work and litter picking.

Join in for an hour or for the full day. Light refreshments provided. 01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

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