Families e42 singlepages

Edition 42 • Nov/Dec 2013

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

@FamiliesManch facebook.com/familiesmanchester

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

Covering: Altrincham, Trafford, Salford, Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Didsbury, Stockport, Cheadle, Bramhall, and surrounding areas.

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Welcome/News In this issue 02: Welcome/News 03: Christmas 12: Education 16: Parties 18: Parents’ place 23: What’s on

Hello!

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

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

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

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

Next issue: January/February 2014

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

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

Contact details: Families Manchester, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Urmston Mum of one Jacqui Stevenson has launched the Manchester franchise of Stretch-n-Grow, a leading health and fitness programme aimed at pre-school children.

The ex youth worker and fitness fanatic was captivated by the Stretch-n-Grow concept, when her daughter, a local nursery assistant, told her about the interactive movement programme that teaches children the fundamentals of a healthy active lifestyle.

Jacqui says: “I am really interested in health and fitness and passionate about teaching children about their bodies and how to look after them. Stretch-n-Grow ticked a number of boxes for me.”

Just a few weeks in and Jacqui has

already secured a number of customers including GilliTots nursery in Partington.

Jacqui will be running sessions every Wednesday afternoon at the nursery.

She continued: “Stretch-n-Grow is unique in its offering, not only do we get the youngsters moving and exercising but through intelligent and informed choreography we get them to start understanding about their bodies.”

If you’re interested in learning more about Stretch-n-Grow please contact Jacqui on 07872 038 364 or Manchesterwest@stretch-n-grow.co.uk / www.stretch-n-grow.co.uk

Rugby training for tots

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

Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Manchester are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Greater Manchester.

If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Local Mum gets Urmston youngsters moving

Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Manchester is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk We take every care preparing the magazine, but the Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible for the Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences.

Cover photograph by: @FamiliesManch Paul Moffat Photography, Bollington Tel: 01625 576 586, www.moff.co.uk www.facebook.com/familiesmanchester

Rugbytots® is the first of its kind, a specifically designed play programme, using the multiple skills of rugby, to create a fun and enjoyable environment.

Classes help develop a child’s physical, psychological and social attributes, as well as gently encouraging specific rugby skills, such as running with the ball, finding space, kicking, catching, scoring a try and more.

Classes are split into two age groups,:2 to 3 ½ years Encourages children to use core skills i.e. balance, agility and co-ordination, as well as sharing, taking turns and working together. The 30 minute session includes catching, passing, scoring tries and kicking.

3 ½ to 5 years The 45 minute class builds upon basic skills learned, and looks at more specific skills used in Rugby ie finding space, passing the ball backwards, scoring a well worked try and more.

Classes are expanding throughout the area. For more details, please call 0845 3133255, email Michele@rugbytots.co.uk, website: www.rugbytots.co.uk.

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

In celebration of the start of the ‘Winter Sun’ season, we’re offering readers the chance to win a pair of return flights (airport taxes included) with Monarch for winter 2013/14 from Manchester to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Tickets are valid until 31 March 2014, but please note, they may not be available during peak periods (school holidays), due to high demand at this time.

To be in with a chance of winning simply go to www.familiesmanchester.co.uk to enter and see the full terms and conditions. Entries close Sat 30 Nov. Monarch’s aim is to provide choice, value and superior customer care in conjunction with new low fares, which are available either through an online agent or directly at www.monarch.co.uk. Clear, transparent pricing, showing taxes and charges upfront, means you can now immediately see the price you pay to fly. Seats are allocated at check-in, but can be pre-booked if you prefer. Extra legroom seats are also available offering up to six inches of extra space.

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

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

For (big and small) kids with big personalities

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

PO.P into toasty winter warmers Reviewed by Jayne Keep

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

Through Autumn Lily (age 7) has been wearing the Quilted Jacket (RRP £46) , this is lightweight and padded, perfect for those in-between days, or can be worn with a further outer layer to become a thick Winter coat. She loves the style and the vivid pink colour.

Izzy (age 5) has the Padded Winter Coat (RRP £80). I go back to these year after year (in fact they last years for handing down if you go for the unisex colourways).

These coats are truly wind and waterproof

(we have tested this repeatedly and never been let down). The fit is lovely as despite being a thick coat, it’s cut, including pre bent sleeves, means it’s never restrictive as Izzy plays. Plus the reflective strips are fab for the dull Winter walks to and from school.

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

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

The hottest new Christmas gift for creative kids!

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

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

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

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

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

Good enough for Greenland…

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

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

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

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

Sizes: 90cm -140cm RRP £89-99 For more info visit www.kozikidz.com.

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 3

Gifts galore All they want for Christmas…

By Alison Thomas

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

Preschool boys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Cluedo Every bookcase should have one!

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

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

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

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

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come forth and multiply with this brand new board game!

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

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

Up close and personal with Ernie

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

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

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

Making a personalised story book or

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gifts galore Amanda from Giddy Goat Toys in Didsbury has given us her top four gift ideas for Christmas, and is offering Families readers 10% off all purchases either online or instore. Simply use the code ‘families’ at the online checkout, or bring your copy of this magazine instore with you.

Lego Duplo Numbers Train Ages 2-5 years, £13.99 This award winning Number Train will help young builders learn maths skills while creating and constructing their own toddler-friendly train! Rebuilds into a tunnel, building, dog house and more. With numbered bricks and 3 wagons, learning to count has never been so much fun!

Happy Hopperz Ages 1-5 years, £26.99 Another award winning toy, HappyHopperz® are like Space Hoppers but have been designed especially for toddlers and younger children. With 4 feet always firmly planted on the ground and only 12 inches off the ground, HappyHopperz® are the perfect ride on toy for encouraging early coordination and development. Different styles and sizes available.

Jayne Keep comments: We tested out the new cow addition to the range and Logan (age 3) loved it. We already own a larger version (the XL bull) but Logan’s short legs made bouncing tricky, now with a hoppy pal his size he’s away and racing his sisters on their larger version! We are real fans of Happy Hopperz, they are so cute and great fun, both in and outdoors. Plus they’re fab exercise, helping strengthen core muscles and assisting development of balance. Definitely a great idea for a Christmas gift.

Micro Scooters The Swiss design of the Micro Scooter means they are arguably the best scooter on the market.

In two sizes, the Mini is for children from ± 2 – 6 years and starts at £54.99 and the Maxi is for children aged ±5 – 12 years and starts at £99.99.

Junior Monopoly £17.99 A junior version of one of Britain’s best loved board games. Junior Monopoly is for children ages ±4 – 7 years and is a great way of helping them with their maths skills, not to mention negotiating skills!

Now That’s What I Call Disney Princess [Double CD] RRP £9.99 NOW Music and Disney Princess have collaborated to bring you the perfect, timeless album with all your little girl’s favourite Disney Princess songs; including the classics from The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, Tangled, The Princess and The Frog and many more!

Now That’s What I Call Disney Princess is 2 CDs packed full of Princess songs.

Isabella (age 5) cannot get enough of this CD, it has been playing in the car non-stop and with the help of big sister Lily (age 7), she now knows the correct words thanks to the “Sing Along Song Book” included with the CD. An ideal gift for any princess loving little girl.

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

Win a wonderful Charlie and Lola umbrella!

Charlie and Lola are bringing their Extremely New Play to Manchester for Christmas!

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

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

Micro scooters can only be purchased in store, but the other products are all also available online at www.giddygoattoys.co.uk.

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

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

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

We’ve got a Family Ticket (4 people) to this musical spectacular up for grabs!

Just enter online at www.familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Entries close Saturday 30 November.

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Gifts galore Header Gift & Craft fairs Sat 9 & Sun 10 Nov

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

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

Mon 11 & Tues 12 Nov

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

Honey Bee Creches’ qualified staff will offer free child care for up to an hour (limited spaces and availability). Mon 11: Champagne welcome and evening shopping 6 – 9.30pm. £10 in advance, £12 on the night (includes a glass of champagne and canapés.) Tues 12: 10am – 3.30pm, £5 entry. 0161 610 0170 / www.arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk

Thurs 14 – Sun 24 Nov

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

01246 565300 / www.chatsworth.org

Fri 15 Nov – Sun 22 Dec

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

Manchester European Christmas Markets – Albert Square, M2 5RT World Christmas Market – Brazennose Street, M2 5AS German Christmas Market – St Ann’s Square, M2 7JB Christmas Arts & Crafts Market – Exchange Street, M2 7DH French Market – King Street, M2 4LQ Manchester Christmas Market – New Cathedral Street, M1 1AD Manchester Christmas Market – Exchange Square, M3 1BD Manchester Christmas Market – The Corn Exchange, M4 3TR www.manchester.gov.uk/markets

Sun 17 Nov

Springhill Hospice, Rochdale Christmas Fair 10am – 3pm. A fabulously festive day out for all the family. Over 50 stalls and attractions, with something for everybody and free entry for all!

01706 649920 / www.springhill.org.uk

Thurs 21 Nov – Sun 15 Dec

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

Fri 22 – Sun 24 Nov

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

Entrance fee applies.

01625 861 221 / www.capesthorne.com

Sat 23 Nov

Market Square, Macclesfield Totally Locally Christmas Market 12 – 6pm, Free. Live music, mulled wine, fireworks, mid-winter feast, children’s activities, street entertainers and the switching on of the Christmas Lights. www.winterfestmacclesfield.co.uk Flixton House, Flixton Craft and Gift Fair 12 – 3pm, free entry. Great source of items not found on the high street. www.craftfairsuk.co.uk

Sat 23 & Sun 24 Nov

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

01625 527468 /

8 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

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

Sun 24 Nov

Stockport Guildhall Francis House Christmas Fair 10am – 3pm. Over 50 stalls offering Christmas crafts, decorations, gifts, toys, accessories, specialist food, jewellery and more; something for all the family! Refreshments and Santa’s grotto.

Free large car park at the rear of the Guildhall.

0161 443 2200 / www.francishouse.org.uk

Fri 29 Nov – Sun 1 Dec

Manchester Central The Magical Christmas Fair Hundreds of stands full of products not easily found in the high street: Stocking fillers, top-end designer gifts and fabulous speciality food and drinks to make your festive occasions extra special.

Live music, spectacular decor, surprises appearing around the venue, a chance for kids (of all ages) to meet Santa and his friends, plus licensed bars and restaurant areas to enjoy a warming Glühwein, a glass of champagne and festive food with your friends or family.

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

Sat 30 Nov

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

0161 456 1454 / www.dialstonelanemethodistchurch.co.uk

Sat 30 Nov & Sun 1Dec

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

Sun 1 Dec

Stockport Town Hall Christmas Gift fair 10am – 3pm, free entry. Over 50 stalls selling an array of handcrafted toys, jewellery and gifts. Café open throughout & live festive music by local performers.

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

Haslingden Cricket Club Craft & Gift Fair 1 – 4pm, Free entry.

Thurs 5 – Sun 8 Dec

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

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

Sat 7 Dec

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

Sun 8 Dec

The Village (Christmas marquee), Ashton-u-Lyne Five Little Ducks Children’s Market www.fivelittleducksmarket.co.uk Longfords Conference & Events Centre, Chorlton-cum-Hardy Christmas Craft & Gift Fair 12 – 3pm , free entry www.craftfairsuk.co.uk

Thurs 12 – Sun 15 Dec

Newport Street, Bolton Festive Market A great selection of quality festive crafts, gifts and decorations as well as a chance to meet real reindeer and enjoy street entertainment. www.centralbolton.com

Sat 21 – Mon 23 Dec

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

Where’s Santa?

Anderton Boat Lift, Northwich

Santa Cruise Weekends from Sun 1 – Sun 15 Dec and from Fri 20 – Tues 24 Dec On the hour – 11.30am – 2.30pm Child: £6.75 (incl gift); Adult: £5.25 A 50 minute trip along the River Weaver, including activities with Mr & Mrs Claus.

Children have a gift from Santa. Booking advisable. 01606 842868 / www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/anderton-boat-lift

Arndale Centre, Manchester

Santa’s Grotto Thurs 21 Nov – Tues 24 Dec £4.50 per child (plus booking fee). Pre-booking highly recommended. Visit the magical winter wonderland and its towering brand new Christmas tree star grotto in Halle Square. www.manchesterarndale.com

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

01942 266300 / www.bents.co.uk

Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton

Santa’s Grotto Grotto opens Sat 23 Nov 11am. Then open on selected days and times until Tues 24 Dec. £7 per child (£4 for under 2’s), includes a ride to the Grotto on the miniature Santa Special railway and a gift. £1.50 for accompanying adults. £5.50 for Grotto visit only. £1.50 for Train Ride only. 01625 872919 / www.klondyke.co.uk/brookside-gardencentre-poynton

Cheshire Reindeer Lodge & ChristmasTreeFarm,CheshireOaks

Santa Express

Santa’s Grotto Sat 30 Nov – Mon 24 Dec 9.30am – 6.30pm Mon – Fri, till 5pm Sun and 2pm Christmas Eve. £6.50 per child (incl gift). Feed the Reindeer, get your photos taken in a traditional sleighs, look through the huge range of Christmas Trees and grab yourself a festive coffee or hot chocolate.

01244 646 045 / www.cheshirereindeer.co.uk

Chester Racecourse

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

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

Booking essential. Each child gets the chance to chat with Santa & receive a special present before a sing along and photo opportunity with the other characters. Each child will also receive a balloon to take home. www.winterwonderlandchester.co.uk

Chester Zoo

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

01244 380280 / www.chesterzoo.org

The Chestnut Centre, Chapel-en-le-Frith

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

Chill Factore, Trafford Quays

Santa’s Grotto on Real Snow Weekends from Sat 9 – 30 Nov, Daily from Sun 1 – Tues 24 Dec. 10am – 7pm. This year treat the children to the most magical Christmas of all with a visit to Santa’s grotto on the real snow at Chill Factore. You’ll combine meeting Santa with a fun-filled snow activity of your choice to make your visit truly memorable; choose from playing in the SnowPlay area – perfect for littlies or, for children aged 4+, there’s Snow Tubing in huge rubber rings or Sledging. From £15 for an adult and child together. Plus, on selected weekends Peppa Pig and Tree Fu Tom are making guest appearances. Booking essential.

0843 596 22 33 / www.chillfactore.com

East Lancashire Railway, Bury

Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton

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

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Churnet Valley Railway

Embsay & Bolton Abbey, Nr Skipton, Yorks

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

Santa and Steams Specials – A Victorian Christmas Celebration Weekends from Sun 1 Dec Quality gifts for every child, mince pie and sherry for adults. Entertainment, traditional decorations and attractions at Cheddleton and Kingsley & Froghall Stations. Special offer for Sun 1 & Sat 7 Dec: one child free with every two adults.

Booking essential 01538 758491/ www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

Santa’s Specials for 2013 Sun 24 Nov, every Sat & Sun in Dec, Tues 10 Dec and evening special on Sat 21 Dec. Trains depart from Bolton Abbey Station. Santa will be on the train, giving out presents to well-behaved children who are in possession of a valid ticket. The fires will be lit at Bolton Abbey station, the Refreshment Rooms will be bulging with mince pies and other seasonal

Event City, Trafford Park

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

Greengate Square, Salford

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

Let’s Party, Bury

Tea Parties with Santa Meet the big man, have some food, drinks, play some games, sing along with Santa and get a present! £12.99 0161 797 1111 / www.letspartyvenue.co.uk

Manchester Central

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

Manchester United Museum

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

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

Market Place, Bolton

Breakfast or Tea with Santa Join Santa for Breakfast or Tea, enjoy magical entertainment and get a gift to take home. www.boltontowncentre.co.uk

Lyme Park, Disley

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

0844 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park fare, (as will the Buffet Cars) and decorations will be all around. Pre-booking essential.

01756 710614 / www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk

Kirklees Light Railway, Clayton West, nr Huddersfield Santa Specials Sat 30 Nov – Tues 24 Dec Travel by steam heated carriages to our cosy grotto at Shelley Station where Santa will be waiting with sacks full of presents for all of the children. Adults treated to mince pies and sherry in our Marquee. Wrap up warm and make use of the outdoor play area, or visit the festive BBQ or Tea Room. For an extra magical Christmas experience, travel aboard our floodlit Twilight Santa Express. Booking essential.

01484 865727 / www.kirkleeslightrailway.com

Ribble Steam Railway, Preston Santa’s Specials Six train options per day, every weekend in

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal

A Victorian Christmas at the Mill Sat 7 & Sun 8 Dec, Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec 11am – 3pm, Free, normal admission applies Tell Father Christmas what’s on your Christmas list. Enjoy Christmas carols, stories and finish your day with a warming mince pie.

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

Tatton Park, Knutsford

Christmas Lantern Parade Fri 29 Nov 6 – 8pm, normal admission applies. Father Christmas arrives at Tatton with Prancer and Dancer as part of a festive lantern parade. Light his route from the car park to the festive stableyard with your own lanterns and pop your present wish lists into the special posting box. Please bring along any unwanted toys to donate to Manchester Children’s Hospital. You can meet Father Christmas at the Farm every weekend until Sun 22 Dec 11am – 4pm. Adult £5, Child £5. Normal car entry charge applies.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Trafford Centre

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

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

Victoria Square, Bolton Santa’s Grotto From Sat 30 Nov Free Santa’s grotto. www.centralbolton.com

Woodford Park Garden Centre, Stockport

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

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

0161 4390745 / www.notcutts.co.uk Dec from Sat 7 Dec. Also Mon 23 Dec. Relax and have some fun with the mischievous elves and friendly staff. Sing along to Christmas carols, chugging along on Santa’s Special Train. Enjoy light seasonal refreshments, snug in your steam-heated carriage. Watch their eyes light up, young and old, as Father Christmas finds you in your seat bringing you your personal Christmas present. Pre-booking essential.

01772 253731 / www.ribblesteam.org.uk

Rudyard Lake SteamRailway,Leek

Santa Express Special Steam Trains Sat 7 & Sun 8, Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec Dress up warmly and come along for a unique Santa steam train experience. Good quality present for the children from Santa and sherry and mince pies for adults.

Trains depart from Rudyard Station,take you to see Santa in his Grotto by the Lake (in the warmth and dry of the lake activity centre) and then return you to Rudyard Station.

01995 672280 / www.rlsr.org

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 9

Panto’s & family shows Dragon

The Lowry Fri 8 & Sat 9 Nov Tommy can’t sleep. He hasn’t been able to since his mum died a year ago. Since then, life for Tommy has gone from bad to worse. His dad is grief-stricken, his big sister ignores him and he has become the victim of the school bully. Then one restless night, Tommy goes to the window, throws back the curtain…And a dragon is looking at him.

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

Three Little Pigs

The Met, Bury Sat 9 Nov, 11am & 1.30pm An innovative re-telling of the classic Three Little Pigs. Danny has been delivered a story telling kit in a crate. All the props for the story are contained within... or are they? Danny has to try against the odds to enact the story, without making a pig’s ear of it. He will recount the curly tale with lots of huff, puff and you’ll be blown away by his inimitable and hilarious physical comedy, circus skills and sheer pig-headedness.

0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz

ComedySportz

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sat 9 Nov & Sat 14 Dec This fast-paced improvised comedy show will have you on your knees with laughter! Two teams battle it out for the biggest laughs. With quick-witted sketches, scenes and songs from whatever suggestions are thrown at them by the audiences – this is feel good fun at its best. For ages 8+.

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Singin’ In The Rain

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

0844 871 3018/ www.manchesteroperahouse.org.uk

Bananas in Pyjamas

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

Can you help the Banana Detectives solve the case?

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk

Oldham Coliseum Sat 16 Nov – Sat 4 Jan Go high above the clouds on a magical journey!

Featuring everything you’ve come to expect from a traditional Coliseum panto - laughs galore, magnificent music and spectacular costumes.

0161 624 282 / www.coliseum.org.uk

The Elephant Bridesmaid

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sun 17 Nov A magical musical about weddings and wombats and the loveliest elephant the world has ever known. This delightful show has just the right balance of games, songs and heart warming elephant antics to make any day feel like your special day. Make your day even more special and come to the theatre wearing your own fancy clothes (or fancy dress) for the chance to take part in a fabulous fashion show live on stage with the actors! For ages 4 – 104. 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

How to catch a star

The Lowry Sun 17 Nov Once there was a boy and he loved stars very much. Every night he watched stars from his bedroom window and wished he had one of his own. One day, he decided he would try to catch a star. But first he had to think of a plan. Based on the bestselling children’s picture book by Oliver Jeffers. For ages 3 – 7.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

The Best Christmas Present

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

You’ll laugh your PANTS off! 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

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

And thus begins the quest to find “Dearest Connie”.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Robin Hood

The Night Before Christmas

Aliens love underpants

Octagon Theatre, Bolton Fri 15 Nov – Sat 11 Jan A captivating festive treat that will transport you to another world. The theatre will be transformed into a festive hideaway, home to merriment, daring deeds and unexpected delights! With original music performed live by talented actor-musicians, a cast of local young performers and a whole heap of fun and adventure, Robin Hood is not to be missed! Recommended for age 5+ 01204 529407 / www.octagonbolton.co.uk

The Lowry Tues 17 – Sat 28 Dec A mischievous elf is pretending to be hard at work in Santa’s workshop, but he is secretly hiding toys away for himself. When Father Christmas finds out he explains to the elf what Christmas is really all about through song, poems and stories – and with some audience assistance of course! This cheery and informal show is a magical storytelling adventure for children and their families, rounded off with a sing-along and the chance for every child to meet Father Christmas, receive a gift and share their wishes with him. For ages 3 – 8.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

10 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol The Palace Theatre, Manchester Tues 19 – Sat 23 Nov Ebenezer Scrooge. A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, covetous old sinner. One magical night. Three terrifying ghosts. A perfect tale for Christmas. Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol combines traditional ballet and captivating theatre in a production that has delighted audiences up and down the country for over a decade. 0844 871 3019 / www.manchesterpalace.org.uk

The Nutcracker

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

Toro! Toro!

Buxton Opera House Mon 25 Nov

By Michael Morpurgo, the author of War Horse.

Young Antonito lives an idyllic life on his parents’ cattle farm in southern Spain. But the peace is shattered when he realises that his favourite bull-calf, brave Paco, is destined to fight in the bullring. Taking both their destinies into his own hands, and risking the lives and love of his family, Antonito hatches a daring plan. But it will take enormous courage - because this is 1936, and the drums of civil war are echoing across the Spanish plains. For ages 8+. 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

BOING!

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

0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org

Snow White

Middleton Arena, Middleton Mon 2 – Tues 24 Dec A classic pantomime you won’t forget, featuring a stunning set, amazing costumes, magnificent songs, great dance routines and plenty of audience participation! With Samantha Dorrance as Snow White, Bobby Dazzler as Muddles and Laura Handley as the Wicked Queen.

0844 855 4020 / www.middletonarena.com / www.middletonpanto.co.uk

Christmas Begins with The Salvation Army

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

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

Babes in the Woods Alice in Wonderland

The Met, Bury Thurs 28 Nov Proteus Theatre Company cordially invites you follow them down the rabbit hole to Wonderland for amazing adventures - oh, and tea, of course. A fusion of music, physical theatre, circus and puppetry. No storm in a teacup, this show promises to provide all your six impossible things a day, and whatever you do – don’t be late! Suitable for ages 5+ 0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz

Wanted! Robin Hood

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

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

I’ve Seen Santa!

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

Suitable for ages 3 - 7. 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

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

A fun filled evening for the whole family.

0161 925 0111 / www.salfordartstheatre.com

The Day That We Sang

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

Dick Whittington

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

Panto’s & family shows Dick Whittington

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

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

0161 477 7779 / www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Buxton Opera House – Pavilion Arts Centre Sat 7 Dec Cracking entertainment for everyone aged 6 - 400! The best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best… but without the rude bits! 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Cinderella

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

01625 520126 / www.wgp.org.uk

The Secret Garden

The Met, Bury Wed 11 – Tues 24 Dec A sparkling seasonal treat for the whole family, grab your trowel and enter The Secret Garden.

Everyone will fall in love with this magical tale of generosity, growing up and gardening. Full of lovable characters including a mischievous robin, a down to earth maid and a good honest Lancashire lad who can talk to animals.

0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz

Cinderella

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

0161 925 0111 / www.salfordartstheatre.com

Cinderella

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

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

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Buxton Opera House – Pavilion Arts Centre Fri 13 & Sat 14 Dec Follow the delightful adventures of Alice as she journeys into an entertaining world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! Come and enjoy the 8 to 10 year olds of the Kaleidoscope Junior Theatre Company, as they give a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense. For ages 4+.0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Christmas is Coming!

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Fri 13 Dec The annual concert of Christmas music and carols with favourites for all the family to sing, including The Twelve Days Of Christmas, It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and Star Carol. All proceeds to St Ann’s Hospice. 0844 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

The Lost Present…

A Christmas Adventure

Once Upon A Christmas Day

Buxton Opera House Fri 20 & Sat 21 Dec It is Christmas, 1865, in a small remote village in rural England. Two very serious and somewhat pious sisters are about to have their worlds turned upside-down, with the arrival of their new topsy-turvy housemaid, Babette. Based on the delightful story of Babette’s Feast, watch the sisters deal with the arrival of some more ‘unusual’ guests into their house, in preparation for the big Christmas feast. Comedy, sparkle and pizzazz for the perfect Christmas treat. 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Cinderella Charlie & Lola’s Extremely New Play

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

A magical mix of puppets, live action and music. 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Heywood Civic Centre Sun 22 – Tues 24 Dec It’s time to lose yourselves in the magic and adventure of this spectacular family pantomime telling the rags to riches love story that is one of the best loved magical pantomimes of all time with some of the most well known characters.

0300 303 8399 / www.link4life.org /heywoodcivic

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

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Cinderella

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

01925 442345 / www.pyramidparrhall.com

Sleeping Beauty

The Carver Theatre, Marple Fri 10 – Sat 18 Jan At the christening of the Princess Aurora an uninvited evil fairy, Carabosse, places a wicked curse on the young Princess. On her 16th birthday she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and sleep for 100 years. Can the Prince save the day? Will the Dame get her man?

Find out all the answers in this year’s traditional family pantomime. www.carvertheatre.co.uk

The Hallé Christmas Family Concert

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

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

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

Winter Wonderland on Ice

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

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

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 11

Education What’s on the plate in your school dining hall?

The campaign for better food in Britain’s schools is getting yet another boost – but what else needs to be done, and how can parents help? Joanna Moorhead investigates.

It’s almost a decade since Jamie Oliver began his indefatigable campaign to revolutionise school lunches, taking TV cameras into schools and drafting in army cooks to teach the nation’s dinner ladies how to make good food on a large scale and to a tight budget.

There’s no doubt that Oliver shone a torch into a dark corner of the school larder and found it wanting, and there’s no doubt at all that he had all the right instincts about educating children about good food and healthy eating, and educating teachers and support staff about why good food and understanding its production and preparation should be part of every child’s education.

What, though, has the campaign achieved? Where has it left school food today – and what are the outstanding issues that still need to be tackled?

Summer 2013 saw a governmentcommissioned school food review by the founders of the Leon restaurant chain – it called for a ban on packed

lunches, which it says are almost always less nutritious than a cooked meal, and it called on heads to lower the prices of lunches to boost take-up.

Hot on the heels of that report came an announcement that all children in Key Stage One (reception, Year One and Year Two) will get free school dinners from September 2014, whatever the family’s income level.

It’s a major step towards the really big task on the menu: getting more children to actually eat school food.

Only around 38% of secondary school pupils, and 44% of primary pupils, currently take the option of school lunches, while the rest bring in their own: and that matters because a study carried out at Leeds University in 2010 found that only a paltry 1% of packed lunches meet basic dietary standards. In other words, it’s extremely challenging for parents to put together a lunchbox that’s anywhere near as healthy as the food the school provides; and though many parents believe it’s cheaper to provide their own, another study found that in fact it probably costs around £2 a lunch, a sum very similar to the cost of a school-provided lunch.

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

Backed by food-campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Fruitshare aims to get children planting fruit

12 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

But if school food wins out against packed lunches, what’s on the dining room menu still has a way to go. Only around 25% of schools provide at least one portion of fruit and veg per pupil per day, and – despite all those years of the Oliver campaign – a shocking 50% of all secondary schools continue to offer pizzas and starchy food cooked in oil on most days – although revised food-based standards are going to also be rolled out next year.

Beyond all this, though, there’s the even trickier subject of how you actually get children to make healthy choices.

Even when healthy food is offered, around a third of pupils don’t choose it.

One huge advance the Oliver campaign has brought about is the realisation among parents that they have a voice in the school dining room, and that policies on how food is sourced, how it’s prepared and what’s on offer can be shaped by their intervention.

Here are some of the more imaginative and successful changes already in operation at some schools in the UK – if you like the sound of them, why not talk to staff and governors at your child’s school to see if a similar project is possible there? *School farms are in the middle of a huge revival. In 2006, there were only 60 of them in Britain; today, there are more than 100, and at least 100 more schools have plans in operation to open one. And the big boom isn’t in rural settings, it’s in urban ones; schools in the very middle of cities now have patches of land where vegetables are grown and where chickens and other animals can be housed. Some schools even send their own animals to slaughter and put meat and homemade sausages on canteen menus or sell them through school shops.

Children learn at close quarters about how food is produced; they then go on to learn how it’s prepared and

cooked, and then they find out how it tastes.

If you’re interested in trying to get the ball rolling on a farm at your school, start by visiting farms at similar-sized and similarly-located schools; see www.farmgarden.org.uk, the website of the School Farms Network, for more ideas. *At some schools, parents and carers are invited to eat alongside children one day each term or one day each year. It’s easier to talk to your child about the food they had at school if you’ve got a sense of where they eat, what the place smells like, and what the system is for them to choose their meal. *More schools than in the past now have cooking classes and cookery clubs, and at secondary schools cooking is on the curriculum. If a school farm is too ambitious, growing some or all the ingredients for the cookery classes is usually possible – even using homegrown herbs help children make the connection between growing and eating. *Pupil visits to farms are a regular part of the school year in many areas. If your school isn’t organising trips to a farm, ask why not. Make sure the farm trip includes informative input on how animals are reared, and how crops are grown – and what happens to the meat and vegetables once they leave the farm. *In some schools, the dining hall is now known by a more exciting name (‘Le Bistro’, perhaps) and children eat from china plates and have virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dribble on their salad. To make food more attractive, you have to boost the quality of the whole eating experience. If your child’s school is still providing plastic lunch trays or grubby melamine plates, ask them to think about an overhaul.

trees across the nation to provide an edible educational legacy that will last for decades. Schools are also encouraged to reach out to their local communities and businesses to pledge to fund the trees. “I am on a mission to make the most of fruit, so what better place to start than with our kids,” says Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.“If we can get them to propagate a positive

relationship with fruit, it could be a love affair that lasts a lifetime. Gathering local communities and businesses to use Crowdfunder.co.uk to raise funds to get growing fruit trees is a brilliant way of demonstrating what can happen when a group of people get together to achieve something great.” Register your school at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/fruitshare.

Education BULLYING - How to help your child cope

© stefanolunardi - Fotolia.com

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

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

Wendy has done a lot of research into the causes and effects of bullying and delivers training to schools on the most effective ways to tackle this problem. She realised that the advice usually given by teachers didn’t

work. Pupils are often told to ignore unkind comments, but that often leads to increased attempts by bullies to upset their victim. Based on her own experiences and those of the young people she works with, Wendy has come up with a rather different approach which empowers pupils by teaching them how to stand up to a bully.

“Most children don’t want to involve a teacher, but they do want to do something.

I teach kids strategies to help them stand up for themselves by using assertive body language and practicing smart replies. If you can show a bully that you really don’t care that they’ve said something horrid and even better, say something funny back to them, it takes the wind out of their sails.”, explains Wendy.

Here are Wendy’s top five tips on how to deal with bullies: • Look confident – stand up straight and look them in the eye if they say something to you. If you look scared, a bully is much more likely to pick on you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Stand straight, look them in the eye, say it clearly with a smile and then quickly walk away.

Don’t hang around waiting for them to say something else.”

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

Based on her work with pupils, Wendy has written a self-help book for youngsters on how to beat the bullies. The Little Book Of Retorts is set out in sections, which include information on the reasons behind bullying, why people become victims and techniques for dealing with fear and anxiety.

Importantly, Wendy emphasises that children don’t have to have experienced bullying in order to benefit from the book.

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

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

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 13

Education A lively love of learning from age four

Manchester High School for Girls is a leading independent school, providing the very best in education for girls aged 4 to 18 years.

In the Preparatory Department girls thrive, both academically and personally, in a caring, friendly and learning rich environment. A holistic approach to education is taken to ensure that the needs of all girls are met and that potential is realised. Happy children achieve and high importance is placed on pastoral care with enjoyment forming an integral part of learning.

Girls benefit from outstanding teaching and learning, excellent pastoral care and recently extended accommodation which features four new classrooms.

Talented and committed staff provide

pupils with wide-ranging intellectual stimulation, and personal and social experiences to ensure firm foundations for future development.

At Manchester High School for Girls, pupils develop qualities of kindness, respect, loyalty, self-discipline and a sense of self-worth, encouraging individuals to flourish in a multicultural environment.

MHSG is very proud of its community and visitors often comment on the warm and vibrant atmosphere found in the school.

Manchester High places great value on its partnership with parents – encouraging them to take an active part in the life of the Preparatory Department, and to attend many of the enjoyable events that take place here.

Visit www.manchesterhigh.co.uk or call 0161 224 0447

14 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

New School Opens its Doors in the Heart of the City The heart of Manchester began to beat a little louder this September as New Islington Free School (NIFS) opened its doors for the first time to 95 enthusiastic pupils.

Three years in the planning, the School is set to bring an international flavour to city centre education.

Backed by the iconic Manchester Grammar School and open to all children, NIFS aims to be a beacon of excellence.

A delighted Principal, George Bulman, said: “After months of careful preparation, it was a wonderful moment to see all our children dressed in New Islington red and grey, lined up in the playground and ready for their first day at their brand new school.”

Stuart Leeming, Deputy High Master of MGS and CEO of New Islington Free School, who has led the project for the last three years, commented: All children deserve an outstanding education. With the values and ethos of The Manchester Grammar School behind it, the New Islington Free School makes that education available to the children of Manchester. The innovative International Primary Curriculum, set alongside a vibrant co-curricular programme,

will broaden horizons in a way that benefits the children of an increasingly international city.”

The vision for a local school was originally that of Urban Splash co-founder Tom Bloxham who said: “I have long believed Manchester city centre, both needs and deserves a great new Primary school. I have been working with others to achieve this for over 10 years and it gives me huge pleasure to see this vision finally open in New Islington. This will be a great new free school for all led by a fantastic Head in George Bulman, and backed by MGS, one of the country’s leading academic schools.”

Expressing his gratitude, George Bulman, finished by saying: “My thanks go to everyone involved in opening our school - they have all worked very hard with skill and dedication.

We are really looking forward to working in partnership with the families and the local community - there are exciting times ahead!”

The School, based on Jersey Street in Ancoats for the first year, will move into its purpose-built accommodation at New Islington Marina during summer 2014.

0161 205 4733 / www.newislingtonschool.com

Education

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 15

Parties ANIMALS

Animals In-Tuition Meet and handle a range of fascinating and interesting animals. Older children and adults can try a bush tucker trial.

07791 153757 / www.animalsintuition.co.uk Ranger Rob’s Animal Experience A cowboy ranger with a wide selection of wild and wonderful animals, for an exciting and educational journey.

0161 660 7730 / www.rangerrob.co.uk The Creepy Crawly Show A fun packed animal road show presented in a fun way by comical rangers. 01244 646 045 / www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk The Wild Roadshow Handle the animals and learn all about their natural habitats and diets. 0161 283 2630 / www.thewildroadshow.co.uk

BOUNCY CASTLES & PARTY TENTS

Boing Boing Bouncy Castle Hire 07772 713293 / www.boingboingbouncycastlehire.co.uk Bounce Masters 07969 631444 / www.bouncemasters.co.uk Krazy Kids Bouncy Castles 0161 336 3335 / www.krazykidzbouncycastles.co.uk Manchester Bouncy Castle Hire 0161 300 1211 / www.gobouncy.co.uk Rainbow Fun Bouncy Hire 0161 962 8564 / www.rainbowfunbouncyhire.co.uk

CLIMBING CENTRES & INDOOR ADVENTURE

Awesome Walls, Stockport www.awesomewalls.co.uk Chill Factore, Tafford 0161 749 2222 / www.chillfactore.com Manchester Climbing Centre, Manchester 0161 2307006 / www.manchesterclimbingcentre.com Rockover Climbing, Manchester 0161 288 1218 / www.rockoverclimbing.com Silver Blades Ice Rink, Altrincham Bronze, Silver or Gold party options available with optional extras like skating aids, party bags and a coaching session. 08700 85 29 29 / www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk The Skate Station, Ashton Under Lyme 07854 108 636 / www.theskatestation.co.uk Wigan Roller Rink 07968 365287 / www.wiganrollerrink.com

CAKES, PARTY BAGS AND SUPPLIES

Alice Rose Cakes & Cookies 01457 238013 / www.alice-rose.co.uk Little Treasures Party Bags Party bags, fillers and personalised chocolate bars for all occasions.

01606 77900 / www.littletreasurespartybags.co.uk Parties ‘n things Themed, Co-ordinated party supplies all in one place – direct to your door. www.partiesnthings.co.uk Party Sashes Galore Personalised sashes, banners and ribbons for every occasion.

0161 798 6245 / www.partysashesgalore.co.uk The Chocolate Lolly Company Finest Belgian Chocolate lollies in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pre-filled party bags also available.

07906 453136 / chocolatelollycompany.webplus.net Sarah T Cakes Cakes & Cupcakes for any occasion. sarahtcakes.blogspot.com

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

ENTERTAINMENT

Baby Ballet, Bury & Bolton Magical Party (ages 2 – 4) or Groovy Disco Party (ages 4 – 7) 0161 280 3686 / www.babyballet.co.uk Diddi Dance, South Manchester Fun, affordable parties for tots (2 – 4) at your choice of location - dancing games, action songs, hoops, dance ribbons, bubbles, balloons, bells and lots of fun!! 07966 542985 / www.diddidance.com Enjoy-a-Ball, South Manchester Great fun and games with plenty of action for girls and boys aged 4 – 9 years.

07973 886783 / www.enjoy-a-ball.com Fizz Kids Unique dance and cheerleading parties for children aged 5+, offering 2 hours of non stop fun, games and funky dance routines in a disco atmosphere. Your Fizz Party Co-ordinator has tons of experience and loves everything dance, fun and kids, which makes every party a fabulous party. Reviews on the website and find us on Facebook.07870 139361 / www.fizzkidsparties.co.uk Gigglepop Art, themed or traditional parties in your home or choice of venue hosted by professional party leaders.

07779 935638 / www.gigglepop.co.uk Glen Jakes Riding School, Stockport Horse Riding parties for ages 4+. No riding experience required. 0161 483 7063 / www.gjrs.co.uk Go-Kart Party Bolton & Wigan – Tahir: 07702 237523 North Cheshire – Elaine: 01925 712315 South Manchester – Keith: 07592 317762 www.go-kartparty.co.uk Go Kiddy Karts, Didsbury & Urmston Indoor parties for boys and girls aged 4 – 9.

07956 557653 / www.go-kiddy-karts.co.uk Jabberjacks Playmates parties for children aged 2 – 4, Junior parties for ages 5 – 7.

South Manchester – Clare: 07587 186284 North Manchester – Gaynor: 0161 7908080 www.jabberjacks.co.uk Jo Jingles Music, singing and movement parties for children up to 5 years.

Manchester North – Jo: 01706 212889 South Manchester – Jacqui: 01925 269136 www.jojingles.com Jittabugs, South Manchester Help your little one celebrate their big day with a Jittabugs party. We offer entertainment with lots of singing and dancing, action songs, games, activities, instruments, coloured scarves, puppets, bubbles, parachute play, favourites of the birthday boy or girl and much more. Our parties can be done either at home, or a venue of your choice. (All equipment provided). So, sit back, relax, and watch your little one and their friends have a marvellous time. Contact Karen Brownsell 0161 973 2656/ 07765 080 350 / karen@jittabugs.com / www.jittabugs.com

16 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Kerry’s Fun Faces Face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon modelling. 07813 297520 / www.kerrysfunfaces.co.uk Kiddy Cook Cooking parties exclusively designed for ages 4 – 11, with options to suit everyone. 07976 619648 / www.kiddycook.co.uk Kids Bee Happy, Salford & Bury Sand art painting for all ages. 07899 816344 / www.kidsbeehappy.co.uk Kids Rock with Chris Musical party for children aged 1 – 5. 07725168330 / www.kidsrockwithchris.com Little Superstars Multi-sports parties across West & South Manchester, Rochdale, Heywood & Ramsbottom.

07904 311552 / www.littlesuperstars.co.uk Lucia the entertainer Comedy led professional offering traditional party entertainment with a unique twist. Balloon Modelling, Ventriloquism, Face painting and magic also available. 0161 483 4363 / www.luciaparties.com Make A Wish Entertainment Make your wish for a perfect party come true.

0113 322 7988 / www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk Minikin Emporium, Sale A Party in a Box for everything you need, including brushes, pots, paints, writers, sponges, table cloth etc. When the masterpieces are finished, take them back for firing ready to collect within 1 week. Boxes for every budget.

08000 155 122 / www.minikindesigns.com Mother Hen Creative Tailor made parties for ages 4 – 8. Interactive storytelling revolving around the birthday child – a jam packed fun filled magical, personal experience. 07587 191 394 / www.motherhencreative.com Musical Monkeys Musical entertainment and more for pre-school children aged 2+ 0161 976 5176 / www.musical-monkeys.co.uk Party Friendz Character entertainment & face painting for all occasions. Costume hire also available. 07963 763862 / www.partyfriendz.co.uk Party Princess A huge range of party packages for ages 3+. Princess makeover, face painting and tattoos, cupcake decorating, arts, crafts games and loads more. Girl Glamour make over and pamper packages for ages 13+ 0845 241 7855 / www.party-princess.co.uk / www.girlglamour.co.uk Play Football Professional staff with football, party food, certificates and prizes.

0845 459 2000 / www.playfootball.net Premier FC parties The ultimate kid’s football party for children of all ages and abilities.

01625 415151 / www.premierfc.com Scalextric Children’s Parties, Cheshire, Warrington & Manchester You hire the venue, we supply the Scalextric Party experience. 01928 732717 / www.scalextricchildrensparties.co.uk Sensory Stars Sensory parties for ages 1 – 3 at a venue of your choice. Craft, Messy Play or Glow & Light parties also available.

07506789603 / www.sensorystars.co.uk Splat Creative Crafts (messy or not) and games galore parties across the North West.

01477 532119 / www.splatcreative.co.uk

Teddy Bear’s Workshop, Bolton Build-abear, pottery or jute bag parties. 01204-771013 / www.teddybearsworkshop.com Thingyblobs Parties (and classes) packed full of wonderful exciting activities for ages 2 – 4 or 5 – 7. 1 or 2 hours packed full of activities and fun. No time to get bored, all games age appropriate. Small or large groups or mixed ages for any occasion.

Party bags can be provided too. 0161 442 9700 / www.thingyblobs.co.uk Tricky the entertainer For magic, fun, music and games. 0161 408 2345 / www.cheshirechildrensentertainer.co.uk

PARTY PLANNING

Big Top Parties All you need for a party - party hosts, children’s entertainers, fun food, birthday cakes and party bags.

Bespoke theme parties or outdoor events and picnics for under 5s or 5 - 12 year olds.

Catering for every occasion also available.

0161 478 8970 / www.BigTopParties.co.uk Cheshire Cat Events Prestige children’s party planning for any age. 01625 460195 / www.cheshirecatevents.com Little Tinkers Party Planners and Entertainers Options for big or small budgets.

01244 379294 / www.littletinkers.com Kids Party Planners Specialising in planning and running children’s parties. Professional, experienced and CRB checked.

0161 448 9819 / www.kidspartyplanners.co.uk Millie Moo Parties Unique Fun for Little People aged 3 – 11. Themed party packages that include everything you need from invitations to party bags and even finding a venue if needed. Or a bespoke service tailored to suit your individual budget and taste.

07812 064167 / www.milliemooparties.co.uk Party Perfect The perfect party solution provided by an efficient, creative and organised team. Children’s parties as well as all other celebrations. 07817 627808 / www.party-perfect.org.uk Pink Spaghetti Efficient, affordable and approachable party planning services.

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

VENUES

Anchors Away, Stockport Party Kids or Private Hire parties. 0161 432 4020 / www.anchorsaway.org.uk Anchor’s Away Play, Wythenshawe Food & Play, Toddler or VIP party options available.

0161 437 0665/ www.anchorsawayplay.com Antz in your Pantz, Timperley Laser, Go-kart, Roller Skating, Craft or traditional party options.

0161 962 2266 / www.antzinyourpantz.co.uk Bean & Brush, Sale A Family Art Café offering hosted art or craft parties, including a party buffet, 7 days a week. 0161 973 2140 / www.beanandbrush.co.uk Boomerang, Bury Multi-sensory play centre with exclusive use option available.

0161 764 4842 / www.boomerangcentre.co.uk Blue Room Studios, Bury Record your favourite songs in a professional recording studio, have the performance mixed, mastered and put onto CD. 08712 453 423 / www.blueroomstudios.co.uk

Parties Brookside Pottery, Poynton The Potter’s Wheel experience offers pottery painting and a train ride on the miniature railway.

You supply the food, they supply the rest.

07946 637 499 / www.brooksidepottery.com Chill Factore, Trafford Park Can you imagine a fun-packed party surrounded by real snow? If you’re looking for something that little bit different, Chill Factore offer a truly exciting range of activity parties to make your child’s day extra special.

From £5 per child, party packages include 45 minutes of awesome fun in the snow followed by a party meal overlooking the slopes.

Snowplay parties are ideal for toddlers whereas Sledging and Tubing parties are perfect for children aged 4+. Teens love Pick & Mix parties which tend to be in the evenings and give you a range of different snow activities.

You’ll have a party host to organise the fun and all the extras too such as invitations, the all-important cake and party bags are also offered.

For more details visit www.chillfactore.com Curly Whirleez, Bolton Tots (under 5), Simply Play or Sporty Parties. Exclusive venue use available. 01204 523 620 / www.curlywhirleez.co.uk East Lancashire Railway All Aboard the Party Express! Pick and mix your party experience from a range of options – Room Hire, decorations, craft activities, lunch bag and train ride.

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Funtastic, Radcliffe, Bury Variety of party packages for all budgets, including exclusive venue use. 0161 425 8248 / www.funtastic.org.uk Go Wild, Bury Play, Pamper, Make a bear, make cupcakes/pancakes parties,with face painting, balloon modelling, exlusive venue use and other extras available.

0161 764 8268 / www.gowildbury.co.uk Head over Heels, Chorlton & Handforth Breakfast, VIP, Private or Bespoke parties.

Chorlton: 0161 881 4433 Handforth: 0161 485 2200 www.headoverheelsplay.co.uk Jungle Mayhem, Radcliffe Jungle, Glitter Girls, Football, Go Kart, Disco and Tots party options as well as exclusive venue hire.0161 724 7402 / www.junglemayhem.co.uk Land of Play, Trafford Park Toddlers (under 4s), Tradtional or Exclusive Hire party options.

0161 872 9434 / www.landofplay.co.uk Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester Full use of all activities as well as a private party room, food and cake. 0844 844 8181 / www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk Let’s Party, Bury Themed party venue that will do everything for you. All you need is a cake and party bags (although they can do these too). 3 rooms suitable for different ages (3 – 16 years). 0161 797 1111 / www.letspartyvenue.co.uk Little Big Heads, Wilmslow Fairy Tea Party, Belle of the Ball, Princess&Pirates or Disco Diva options hosted by friendly staff. Party bags and a special gift for the bitrhday girl.

01625 548326 / www.littlebigheads.co.uk

Minikin Emporium, Sale Paint a pot and Decopatch parties including pizza making and food at Oca Waterside.08000 155 122 / www.minikindesigns.com Mischief Makers, Rochdale Public or private party options, with Deluxe party bags, face painting, helium balloons and party games available for small extra charge.

01706 653 656 / www.mischiefmakersltd.co.uk Oulder Hill Leisure Complex Pool Inflatable, Small Pool or Sports Hall Party packages available.

01706 716680 / www.ohlc.co.uk Paradise Island Adventure Golf, Trafford Centre Two 18 hole courses spanning two levels of paradise themed fun. 0161 202 9544 / www.paradiseislandgolf.com Planet Play, Heywood, Rochdale Standard, Deluxe, Super Deluxe or Girl Galaxy party options.

01706 627 627 / www.planetplay.net Run of the Mill, Stockport Private hire available from 5 – 7pm, with various entertainment options. 0161 494 7137 / www.runofthemill.co.uk Playfactore, Trafford A choice of parties in ahuge indoor playcentre with a personal party host and contemporary party rooms.

0844 824 6030 / www.playfactore.com Red House Farm, Altrincham A range of managed party packages with rides, bouncy castle, trampoline, inflatable slide, laser quest or climbing wall. 0161 941 3480 / www.redhousefarm.co.uk Ringways Restaurant, Manchester Airport Cater from the main or children’s menus, or pr-order a party platter. Table decorated with balloons and party banner. Free outdoor play area and free entry on board an Avro RJX aircraft. Concord tours also available (suitable for young children).0161 489 8300 / www.ringwaysrestaurant.co.uk Smithills Open Farm, Bolton Cuddle the animals in pets corner, donkey rides, tractor and trailer rides, bouncy castles, toy tractors, sand pit and adventure playground. Party food supplied – just bring the cake and party bags.

Min 10 children. 01204 595 765 / www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk Starlight Performing Arts, Hazel Grove Popstar and Rockstar Parties with tailormade packages including food, drinks, party bags, photos and a DVD if required. 0161 439 8009 / www.starlightperformingarts.co.uk Total Fitness Studio (ages 4 – 11) and pool parties (ages 8+) www.totalfitness.co.uk Vanillis Cafe, Bowden Cupcake decorating & craft parties. 07956 185531 Wacky Woods Birthday parties and outdoor adventures for children. 01625 573 086 / www.wackywoods.co.uk Wobbly Bobs Playcentre, Farnworth With cold or hot party food, and optional extras like party bags, face painting and balloons. Sumo wrestling party option andexclusive venue hire available.

01204 576719 / www.wobblybobs.net Zoom Play Centre, Stockport Toddler, midweek, weekend and exclusive options available. Party prices include party bags, food, squash, party host, party games, reserved table for grown ups, crowning and parade plus one free pass for an admission to Zoom on a subsequent visit. A range of extras to make your party even more special also available.

0161 477 2225 / www.zoomplaycentre.co.uk

Party, Party, Party

Enjoy-a-Ball parties are action-packed from start to finish, with all their games keeping the children active and involved with smiles on their faces throughout. The parties are suitable for both girls and boys from 4 to 8 years.

“We had an Enjoy-a-Ball party for our 6-year-old son. He and 20 of his friends

loved it. The games were endless and Sam had the children so engaged. Apart from bringing along party food we didn’t have to do a thing on the day – it was the best party we’ve had for our children by a long shot!”

If you would like an Enjoy-a-Ball party for your child, call Sam: 07973 886 783 or email southmanchester@enjoy-a-ball.com www.enjoy-a-ball.com

It’s party time for Mother Hen!

Children’s party & theatre company Mother Hen has been crowned one of the UK’s best, in a leading parenting awards competition.

Chorlton local Alice Penny, who many kids and parents know better as Mop-Top, was voted the North-West’s ‘Favourite Children’s Party Entertainer’ in the national party awards from Netmums.com. Mother Hen beat hundreds of rivals from right across the North West with their innovative Magical Tale Trail Parties. These parties bring to life an incredible story about the birthday child, incorporating all their favourite things into amazing interactive adventures – activities where the fun is

focused around imagination and where the birthday child is made to feel truly special for the day!

Delighted Alice said: “Winning this award is just absolutely brilliant! I’ve worked so hard to create something completely original, personal and unique. This award really helps recognise that and I’m so excited that more parents will now get to know what we offer.” Find out more at www.motherhencreative.com”

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 17

Parents’ place Planning a little “ski-time”?

It won’t be long before we’re all shivering in our boots again, and if you’re starting to plan a family skiing trip, then bear in mind these helpful tips from Paul and Francesca Ayres of ski company Chilly Powder.

1. Don’t rush to high altitude resorts because children can sometimes get altitude sickness. It’s also unsafe for babies under the age of 1 to go up in high cable cars because of the air pressure.

2. Finding a resort with an easy, short airport transfer will be a blessing!

Also check that your airport transfer company is properly licensed and has the child car seats you’ll need.

18 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

3. While you’re on your transfer vehicle from the airport to your holiday accommodation, try to sit as near to the front of the bus as possible – then there’s less chance of the windy roads making your children sick.

4. It’s pointless wasting money on expensive ski clothes for your children – they’ll only outgrow them by next year! Borrow what you can from friends or try TK Maxx.

5. If your children are attending ski school or childcare, make sure you sew their names into their clothes so they don’t get mixed up with others.

6. If you’re taking a pushchair to use during your holiday, take one with large wheels. Standard chairs will be impossible to push in the snow but it might be that your holiday company has a stash of them for you to borrow.

7. Don’t forget that sun block is just as important on a winter holiday as it is in the summer. Take sun block rather than spray so that you don’t have to take your gloves off to rub it in!

For more details about Chilly Powder see www.chillypowder.com

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

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

One of my daughters is disgruntled. I am, she says, a bad mother.

“Other mums support their children,” she says. “When they have a problem, the mums go into school to talk to the teachers.

You never do that.”

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

I hope I’m not a bad mother; and I know there are some problems – and bullying is foremost among them – when a meeting with a teacher has to be arranged, and fast. But bullying apart, I believe that my daughters are better helped if I hang back from making appointments, and arm them instead to negotiate their own issues, and fight their own battles, at school.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talking to your child about what’s going on will also help her process her own feelings; and again, this is an important learning curve. Help your child see that it’s not the case that someone has got it in for her, but maybe just that the teacher or the other child has issues in their own life. And instead of encouraging your child into negative feelings (“that teacher/ child has always been a total pain, I’ve been saying it for years”) turn things round into something positive (“everyone has bad days; what could you do tomorrow that could start to improve this relationship?”).

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

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

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

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Parents’ place Are you haunted?

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

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

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

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

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

20 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Parents’ place Childhood Constipation

By Dr Adam Simon, Primus Healthcare

What is normal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Pain on pooing.

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

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

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

Types of constipation There are 2 main types.

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

Secondary: This is quite uncommon.

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

Check with your GP if you are unsure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common symptoms • Tummy ache and feeling sick.

• Feeling generally off colour.

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

• Poor appetite.

• Restlessness.

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

• Being sick.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are worried – come and see a GP.

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 21

Parents’ place Header Adrenaline rush guaranteed

Warrington’s Speedkarting, the largest indoor go-kart track in the UK, has been bought by TeamSport, Europe’s biggest and most successful indoor go-kart operator. It has upgraded and revamped the venue to offer state-ofthe-art thrills for adrenaline junkies of all ages.

Full size 200cc adult petrol karts can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, but TeamSport is not just for fearless grown-ups. On the Standard Track, little Lewis Hamilton’s aged eight years and over can also show off their racing skills.

New, specially designed top-of-the-range ‘cadet’ petrol karts have been introduced

here – and kids can even celebrate with pals in the hireable trackside party room.

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

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

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

National Adoption Week

© DNF-Style - Fotolia.com

Making a space for a child in your life is an amazing thing to do, but it’s also a big decision and there’s a lot to think about and learn.

Since its launch in 1997, National Adoption Week (from 4 – 11 November this year) has gone from strength to strength.

22 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Rhyme with your tot

Fight for Every Heartbeat

An exciting new initiative launches this November with Nursery Rhyme Week. Nursery rhymes play an important role in early childhood development by helping children to master key skills such as language and communication as well as social, physical and emotional skills.

Taking place 11 – 15 November, this is a national event aimed at promoting and celebrating the importance of nursery rhymes. It’is free for anyone who has a child under the age of 5 or who works with the under 5s – all you have to do is register online and you can download a free resource pack containing nursery rhyme themed activities, free songs, activity sheets and participation certificates for everyone who completes the ‘rhyme a day’ challenge. The initiative is sponsored

by Music Bugs. www.musicbugs.co.uk/ national-nursery-rhyme-week

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

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

It’s important in reminding people about the backgrounds of the children waiting for adoption and the difference adoption can make to a child’s life. It also attracts people wanting to find out about their own adoption or about a child they put up for adoption. The National Adoption Week website is packed with advice and support for people thinking of adopting a child, as

well as help for adopted children, birth parents and adoptive parents. Discover some fascinating real life stories and find out more about the steps you should take if you are thinking seriously about adoption. Check out the myths and facts of adoption, how to go about it and all the support you’ll need at www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk

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

Sat 2 Nov – Sat 11 Jan

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

Tues 5, 12 & 19 Nov

Touchstones, Rochdale Baby Play Baby Do 11 – 11.45am, Ages 0 – 2yrs, Free, drop in Creative discovery and sensory play sessions in the Art Gallery.

01706 924492 / www.link4life.org/touchstones

Thurs 7 Nov

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

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

Thurs 15 Nov – Sun 5 Jan

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

0161 629 1306 / www.selfridges.com/icerink

Sat 16 Nov

Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church, Ramilies Avenue, Cheadle Hulme SK8 7AL Stockport NCT Nearly New Sale Great quality baby and kids clothes, toys, books, nursery goods, maternity wear.

Parking and refreshments available. No pushchairs or shopping bags. Admission £1. Chip and pin available. Sellers registration until 16 Nov. 0844 243 6282 / stockportnctnearlynewsale@gmail.com Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Ancient Faces & Places 11am – 4pm, Free, Drop in, all ages Discover, explore and get hands-on. Find out more about the people of ancient times through objects; how they used and made them.

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

Fri 8 Nov

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

Sat 9 Nov

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

0844 243 6115 / events@eastcheshirenct.org.uk or call

Thurs 21 Nov, Mon 25 Nov – Mon 6 Jan

Chester Racecource Winter Wonderland at Chester Racecourse The Racecourse will be transformed into a magical ‘Winter Wonderland’ complete with real ice rink, food and drink stalls, traditional rides, real reindeer, Santa letter writing workshop , and a 4D screen showing festive films. Open for Free to all on the 21 Nov to coincide with the city lights switch on event then open to the public from Fri 22 November. Open weekdays 3 – 9pm, weekends 11am – 9pm. www.winterwonderlandchester.co.uk

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

0843 596 22 33 / www.chillfactore.com

Thurs 14 & Mon 25 Nov, Thurs 12 Dec

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

0161 871 8145 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Thurs 28 Nov

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

0161 871 8145 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Fri 29 Nov – Sun 5 Jan

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

Fri 29 Nov – Sun 1 Dec

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

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

Sat 30 Nov – Sun 5 Jan

Bolton Town Centre Bolton Winter Wonderland Enjoy the town centre packed with festive family fun, including a Giant Ferris Wheel (from 12 Dec), the return of the popular outdoor ice rink, Santa’s Grotto and festive markets (12 – 15 Dec).

Fantastic street entertainment each weekend throughout December, every day of the Festive Market as well as during late night shopping on Thursday evenings. www.centralbolton.com

Sat 30 Nov – Tues 24 Dec

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

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

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

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

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

Wed 4 Dec

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Festive Makes 11am – 4pm, Free, drop in. Choose from a range of activities to make something Christmassy to take away - a gift for a loved one, or for yourself. 0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk/library/rylands

Fri 6 Dec

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Pagan Winterfest 4 – 9.30pm, Free, drop in. An alternative seasonal celebration! Explore our building and collections, take part in creative workshops, come along and revel in our alternative Christmas.

The Cafe will be open offering seasonal treats throughout the evening. 0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk/library/rylands

Sat 7 Dec

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

by Tues 26 Nov essential for limited places.

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

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

Sat 7 & 14, Sun 8 & 15 Dec

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

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

Sat 8 & Sun 14 Dec

Wed 27 Nov – Sun 1 Dec

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

What’s on

Sun 1 Dec

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

Let’s Party, Bury Elves Toy making Workshop. £14.99. Come and be an Elf and make your own toy, lots of fun and take your toy home!

0161 797 1111 / www.letspartyvenue.co.uk

Tues 10 Dec – Sun 5 Jan

Hatworks, Stockport Christmas Hat Trail.

10am – 4pm, (Sundays from 11am), Free, drop in, all ages. Take part in the Seasonal Hat Trail and you might win a prize. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 23

Header

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

Thurs 12 – Tues 31 Dec

Victoria Square, Bolton Giant Wheel and Ice Rink 100ft Ferris wheel capable of seating 144 people, offering a bird’s eye view of the rolling Pennine countryside when you reach the top of the wheel.

Each open-sided gondola can seat six people. www.centralbolton.com

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec

Hatworks, Stockport Christmas Craft Session 10.30am – 12 noon & 1 – 2.30pm, Ages 5 – 11, £3.50, Booking essential Make yourself a fantastic decoration.

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

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Dec

Wed 18 – Tues 24 Dec

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

Sat 21 Dec

Let’s Party, Bury Christmas Cupcake decorating £10 for 4 cupcakes, toppings and refreshments 0161 797 1111 / www.letspartyvenue.co.uk

Sat 21 Dec – Sat 4 Jan Thurs 12 – Sun 23 Dec

Chester Zoo Lantern Magic An unforgettable night time journey through the zoo. Journey through the magical gardens, try out your lantern making skills (every half an hour between 4 and 8pm), visit the Elephant House and Fruit Bat Forest, meet the friendly festive characters and sample some of the deliciously tasty treats. See the beautiful animal lanterns - with some ‘new arrivals’ created especially for this year’s event. Make your Christmas wish at the Giant Wishing Tree and keep the lanterns glowing and help Santa to light the way this Christmas.

Booking essential.

01244 380280 / www.chesterzoo.org

Sat 14 Dec

Holiday Quiz Touchstones, Rochdale Drop in during normal opening hours – no booking required. Complete the quiz and get your chance to be entered into the free prize draw.

01706 924492 / www.link4life.org/ touchstones

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

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

Sun 22 Dec

Tatton Park, Knutsford Family Christmas Carols Outdoor Stableyard Carols to the accompaniment of The King Edward Musical Society and choir. Shops will be open until 5pm for last minute Christmas gifts.

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

Tues 24 Dec

Bramall Hall Christmas Carol Services 1.30 & 3pm, £3.25 (proceeds to Christian Aid), all ages. Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Booking essential.

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

Let’s Party, Bury Party with the Elves 11.30am-1pm and 1.30pm-3pm. Only £10 each includes food and drinks, fun and games and lots more. 0161 797 1111 / www.letspartyvenue.co.uk

Thurs 26 Dec – Sun 3 Jan

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Seasons Greetings 12 – 3pm, 50p per trail, normal admission applies Design your own ‘thank you’ card inspired by the Victorian era and complete the family trail through the Mill. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Mon 30 Dec

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

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New What’s On Calendar on the Website!

We’re thrilled to finally be able to launch our new What’s On Calendar on our website – www.familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Search for a great family day out, museum activity, a show or a holiday workshop. Filter by age group, exact date or category. It should save you HOURS when you’re searching for a family day out! Because a lot of event information isn’t available when we go to print, it’s a great way for us to keep you regularly up to date with what’s on in the area, so remember to keep checking back, as we’ll be continually adding more event details as they become available to us. If you’ve got an event you’re keen to promote, don’t wait – email the info to events@familiesmanchester.co.uk and we’ll get you online. And remember to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/familiesmanchester) and Twitter (@FamiliesManch) too.

Z-arts, Hulme Duck! – Family Fun Day 10am – 1pm, Free but book in advance A free ‘Duck’ themed day of transformation!

Listen to the original story by Hans Christian Anderson and then turn a ducking into a dazzling swan with sock puppets, origami and mask making.

Then stay and see our new show Duck! at 1.30pm. Leave your origami duck or swan on our pond for 50p off your ticket.

0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org

Sun 15 Dec

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Hark!

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

Singing will be lead by the Salford Royal Choir: raise your voice and help raise funds for the Wood Street Mission. 0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk/library/rylands

24 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk