Families Cheshire Issue 14 Nov-Dec 2011

Edition 14 • November/December 2011

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

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All things Christmas >Shows & Panto’s >Markets & Fairs >Where’s Santa? >How to stay sane

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

Locally speaking

Inclusion in our locally speaking section is always FREE get in touch: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk

Local Rhythm Time owner wins national award

Welcome Did someone say “Christmas”? We’d only just got the kids back into the swing of school and suddenly the shops were sneaking Yuletide goodies onto their shelves. Despite our best efforts to resist, we have to confess the odd mince pie may have been tasted and bumper tin of chocolates sneakily opened. It’s like an actor getting into character – if you’re putting together a Christmas issue, it really helps to be in the right frame of mind.

So dig in – turn to page 14 for the start of ‘Tis the season… for gift ideas, where to shop, where to find Santa and what shows are on.

But it’s not ALL about Christmas – we’ve got our usual local news as well as some interesting reads in our Health, Education and Parents’ place sections if you need a break from festivities.

We hope you’ve enjoyed Families this year – and a very big thank you to all our advertisers, creative team and photographers who helped make it happen. We couldn’t do it without you!

While not all our readers celebrate Christmas, we do hope that you all manage to have a peaceful end to 2011 and a very happy, healthy start to the New Year.

Till next time

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

In this issue 02: Locally speaking 06: Education 09: Health Next issue: January/February 2012.

Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Cheshire are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Cheshire. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Cheshire, PO Box 581, Macclesfield, SK10 9FN Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiescheshire.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, out & about: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover photograph by: teneight, Fence House, 84 Buxton Road, Macclesfield SK10 1JS. Tel: 01625 500 488 www.teneightstudios.co.uk

10: Parents’ place 14: ‘Tis the season...

23: What’s on Design: Through Creative, The Old School, Byron Street, Macclesfield SK11 7QA. Tel: 01625 500 939 www.throughcreative.com Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Cheshire is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences.

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Big congratulations to Frances Donkin (Rhythm Time Cheshire and North Staffs) who has just won the Franchisee of the Year category of the of 2011 mumandworking awards. Since starting her first class in Alsager in 2000, she now she delivers classes to almost 16,000 children every week, supported by a team of 25 staff.

Frances said: “I consider myself very lucky indeed! I have the job to die for which has fit perfectly around my family life. My classes are term time only and all my staff work on a part-time basis which compliments family life so much. Rarely have I ever missed a school event or activity that my children have taken part in, yet still managed to grow the business to the size it is now. It’s great to reach the final of the awards, but it has to be noted that I wouldn’t be there without my staff who are long-serving and the reason why I have achieved my success.”

To celebrate her success Frances is inviting children and parents/carers to come and have a free session at her classes and see what they do. You can book this by calling Frances on 01270 884583.

Rhythm Time classes are also available in Chester – call Julia on 07789 867589. www.rhythmtime.net.

International language centre opens in Knutsford Marta Paszkowska, founder of the centre and teacher, began tutoring English at the age of sixteen for pocket money and has been instructing English to foreign students in the UK since 2006.

The ethos of the school insists on complete immersion in the Englishspeaking world, as foreign students are encouraged to watch English television and read English newspapers exclusively.

Students at the International Language Centre are prepared to take the range of Cambridge University ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) exams,

recognised as a leading English language qualification at UK schools and businesses.

Beginning in November, “Holiday French” courses will be available for adult beginners and intermediate speakers on Wednesdays. For children, a speciallygeared course in Spanish, also supported by a La Jolie Ronde language instructor, will be available on Saturdays.

For more information about any of the language classes and translation services available, please contact Marta on marta@internationallanguagecentre .com or 07933 331443.

Children call on Christmas Shoppers to help their schools and charity Cheshire children are calling on their parents to help raise funds for their schools and for charity by shopping through fundraising websites.

Kettleshulme St James PTA has so far raised £135 for new playground equipment through its link-up with www.easyfundraising.org.uk. But now children want their parents to make it part of their everyday shopping and use the site’s new easyreminder tool.

Once the easyreminder tool has been downloaded, it will alert shoppers to

login through easyfundraising.org.uk every time they start to shop with a participating retailer.

Prestbury C of E Primary is using www.thegivingmachine.co.uk to raise funds for their school.

With major retailers such as M&S, eBay and Amazon being part of both the schemes there’s no reason not to help your schools and chosen charities this Christmas.

Locally speaking Baby Sensory comes to South Cheshire King’s footballers take home the trophy Parents and their babies (birth to 13 months) can now enjoy award winning Baby Sensory classes in South Cheshire thanks to Sam Anderson. Baby Sensory, written by Dr. Lin Day (PhD Dip. Ed. BSc. PGCE. M. Phil), has been specifically designed for babies and consists of hundreds of different activities for you and your baby to experience.

Activities incorporate every possible sensory experience including sign language, fibre optic light shows, amazing bouncy light balls, rainbows, bubbles, bells, holistic massage and much more. Baby Sensory is designed to encourage early development.

Babies have the ability to absorb twice the amount of information that college students do and the weight of a baby’s brain doubles in the first year of its life.

The joy and sense of awe from seeing your baby learn, communicate and develop is worth the effort of squeezing it into your schedule. Sam is confident you’ll love Baby Sensory and she offers the first fun session as a no obligation trial. Parents can join at any time and activities are suitable for all babies.

“Baby Sensory has been a fantastic bonding opportunity… the classes are always lively and lots of fun and I use many of the ideas at home… this is the best class we have been to.” - Parent from Baby Sensory class.

To register please contact Sam for more details on 07527 741530 or 01270 841361, email southcheshire@babysensory.co.uk or visit www.babysensory.com to find your nearest class.

Congratulations to King’s Junior Division footballers who recently won the Macclesfield Primary Schools seven-a-side cup with a 3 - 0 win in the final against Upton Priory. King’s had edged into the final, beating St. Gregory’s on penalties. The round robin stage

had seen a 1 - 1 draw with St. Albans and 2 - 0 wins over Park Royal and Hollinhey.

King’s Junior Division soccer coach Mike Walton said: “The team plays with great spirit and understanding and enjoy every moment on the pitch.”

Does your child love all things Creepy ‘n’ Crawly?

Well, if you’re considering an animal encounter style birthday party but would like more of an all-round entertainment package, Once Upon A Critter may just have the answer.

The Creepy Critter Gang will bring a smile to the faces of all those children who rave about reptiles and are barmy about bugs. With Tangle the Corn Snake, Zap the Scorpion, Bindi the Bearded Dragon, Slip & Slide the Giant African Land Snails, and Matilda the Tarantula to mention a few, the children will have the chance to interact and get to hold some of the gang whilst learning all about them.

With the option of just booking a ‘meet and greet’ with the animals or letting the team host a party jam packed full of craft

activities and action packed team games and a Bug Hunt, there is something for everyone. All parties are hosted by a qualified early years practitioner so a fun and attentive approach will be given to all children in attendance.

Your venue can also be transformed into the perfect party back drop and decorated with a range of themed accessories, bunting, co-ordinating balloons, decorated gazebo (for outdoor events) and bubble machine. Party bags, invites, certificates etc can also be provided.

Go to www.onceuponacritter.co.uk or call 07575 971375 to find out more.

Leading Nanny agency throughout Cheshire and North West • A range of full and part-time childcare services including, nannies, live in/out, babysitting, maternity nannies, emergency care, mothers help, housekeepers & special needs nannies.

• All candidates are thoroughly vetted, interviewed and reference checked • Home visits, to enable us to fully understand your requirements

Tel: 01925 768188 or 07766 290802 Email: support@nannyplus.co.uk www.nannyplus.co.uk

Achieving the difference...

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Locally speaking Little Kickers goes Mega Little Kickers classes ensure that invaluable social skills like listening, sharing, taking turns and teamwork are conscientiously woven into an evolving programme that places as much emphasis on simple learning concepts like colours and numbers as it does on fine-tuning a child’s basic balance, agility and co-ordination.

In addition to the popular FA Approved football classes – “Little Kicks” for children aged 18 months to 2¼; “Junior Kickers” for children aged 2 to 3½; and “Mighty Kickers” for

children aged 3½ to 5 years on Friday and Saturday mornings at Knutsford, and on Sunday mornings in Alderley Edge and Poynton, they will soon be opening their Mega Kickers classes for children aged 5 to 7 years. Mega Kickers combines a series of activities that use imaginative play, familiar games, visual skill and creative participation to engage the interest of the child and enables them to gain maximum enjoyment from participation. To find out more, call Fiona on 01625 326177 or visit www.littlekickers.co.uk.

Get Crafty in Sale French Knots Craft Studio in Sale hosts a varied program of contemporary craft workshops including Children’s Knitting and Decorate Cupcakes Together sessions.

The next Decorate Cupcakes Together workshop is on Sunday 13 November from 1 – 3pm and is a super Parent and Child workshop – bring your daughter, son, niece or nephew! Heather will guide you both through the glittertastic world of cupcake decorating and how to master a piping bag. Learn and have fun together, then take your cupcakes home to share.

If you’re looking for a little “me time”, the light and airy studio offers a warm welcome and there’s always cake to boost creativity! Classes are small (no more than 8 people) to ensure that everyone gets plenty of individual attention and takes home a unique item as well as the skills to try out at home.

Most workshops cost £20 which includes materials and refreshments.

For more info on upcoming workshops, ring Jo on 07775 780533 or visit www.frenchknots.typepad.co.uk/ craftstudio.

Free Parenting and Baby Signing in Chester

Little Friends Day Nursery in Chester is offering free Positive Parenting and Baby Signing Classes to local families with young children.

Positive Parenting is a series of interactive workshops to share practical support, advice and guidance with childcare professionals and other parents and carers. Since children’s first experiences shape their future and we don’t get a second chance at these first important years, they want to help make them fun for you and your child, creating happy memories to last a lifetime. The workshops will be tailored to suit the needs

of the parents/carers attending. Go along to the evening sessions and share the joys of parenting with others.

Before their ability to use spoken language, babies and young children understand so much of what is said to them. Signing gives pre-verbal children the opportunity to communicate with those around them allowing them to indicate their needs and much more.

If you are interested in, would like more information on or would like to register to attend the workshops please contact Nicky on 01244 346456. www.littlefriendschester.co.uk

Make it Macclesfield this Christmas

©Fiona Bailey

Image: From the Children’s opera, Hansel & Gretel, which will include a ballet performance by children from The Hammond School, Chester.

Macclesfield has Christmas all wrapped up this year, with a threeweek season of festive events planned throughout December.

Winterfest promises something for the whole family, from live comedy to pantomime, carousel rides to a dub-step dance club. With a special stage planned for FREE Market Place performances, plus a skating rink and festive Treacle Market, the town is all set to become a real destination this December. Don’t miss out: make it Macclesfield this Christmas.

Winterfest takes place in Macclesfield from Friday 2 December to Saturday 24 December. For more information, please visit www.winterfestmacclesfield.com.

Award-winning Baby Development classes for babies from birth to 13 months.

Classes across South Cheshire in Nantwich, Haslington, Middlewich, Holmes Chapel, Crewe and Madeley.

First session free – call Sam to register!

Call Sam for more details on 07527 741530 or 01270 841361 southcheshire@babysensory.co.uk www.babysensory.com facebook: BabySensory SouthCheshire

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Locally speaking Sir Alex Ferguson’s grandson launches children’s charity

THE Cheshire WAG set recently celebrated the launch of Sir Alex Ferguson’s grandson Charlie’s charity (Lovern - love real needs) to help critically ill children.

Charlie Ferguson was involved in an horrific car crash in Macclesfield in May 2009, and spent six weeks recovering at Alder Hey Children’s hospital in Liverpool.

While he was there he recognised that the children didn’t have many of the comforts they might use at home, like toys, games and DVDs. So he decided that once he’d recovered he’d like to give something back, and along with his mum Nadine, 32, set up the charity.

Charlie, now 12, said: “It was boring, lying in bed all day with nothing to do. I was lucky because people brought things in for me. But when I got better I decided I wanted to help the other children in there so they can have books, games and DVDs like I did.”

Nadine added: “Since the accident he has been in and out of hospital for 18 months and decided he wanted to help make being there easier for the other children. Some are there for months and he wanted to give something back to the place that did so much for him and the children who will stay there in the future.

All the money we raise will be spent on things like games consoles, books, DVD players and televisions that will benefit the patients and their families too. We have all been through an horrendous time, and both Charlie and I have had several operations. He is remarkably brave and never complains; you would never know what he’s been through. It has been a dream, launching his charity, because we have both come so far and it’s so rewarding to see something positive come out of such an awful experience.”

World Class Art & DT Exhibition at Terra Nova School

Jane Blood of Christies Auctioneers was the guest honour at Terra Nova School’s recent Art & Design Technology Exhibition. Jane was absolutely astounded by the exhibition, which she described as “world-class” and “truly inspirational”. Families editors Jayne and Caryl also went along to the official opening and were amazed by the standard of work, particularly in the younger age groups.

The school has an excellent reputation for its creativity and the exhibition is a wonderful celebration of that. Every single pupil’s work is on display from the age of just 3 in Nursery through to the age of 13 in Year 8. Terra Nova’s long list of Art and Design Technology scholars also had their GCSE and A-level artwork on display.

Headmaster Andrew Lewin commented, “This exhibition is as Jane says, world-class. I was taken aback when I saw it for the first time two years ago, but this time it has gone up another level.

It really is remarkable. Every child in this school should be incredibly proud of themselves. I know just how proud their parents are. I would like to thank everyone involved for the enormous amount of effort they have put in to make this a real success.”

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Education Battling with the bullying

Dyslexia Awareness

By Elisabeth Dolton

Your child is making slow progress at school and you are being told that he should try harder. But has he got dyslexia? Sal McKeown offers advice on how to spot the warning signs.

As our children grow and take part in more activities, they will come into contact with a great number of diverse people. Unfortunately, as this happens, bullying seems to be on the rise. With anti-bullying weeks approaching, we take a look at what steps we, as parents and carers, can do to stamp out bullying.

Bullying occurs when a person is picked on repeatedly by an individual or a group with more power, either in terms of physical strength or social standing. Bullies pick on the people they think don't fit in, maybe because of how they look, how they act (if they are shy or withdrawn for example), their sexual orientation, race or religion.

Bullying can take the form of physical attack, psychological control or verbal insults. For example, popular groups or cliques often bully people by excluding them or gossiping about them (psychological bullying). They may also taunt or tease their targets (verbal bullying). Unfortunately bullying like this is made easier today due to the accessibility of new technology. It is far easier to bully via email, facebook and mobile phone text messages, and do it anonymously. It even has its own name – Cyberbullying.

Whatever form it takes however, the effects are devastating. Studies have shown that being bullied increases the risk of low self-esteem, stress and depression or anxiety. Bullies themselves are also at risk. Bullies often become rejected by their friends and fail to achieve at school. Their violent behaviour often increases, and it is estimated that 1 out of 4 elementaryschool bullies have a criminal record by the time they are 30. So what can we do to help stamp out this behaviour?

Equip your child with the skills to help them avoid being bullied Get your child to identify teachers and friends that would help them if they were worried about being bullied.

Encourage them to buddy-up and avoid places where there are no other pupils or teachers - go to the bathroom with a friend, eat lunch in a group, sit at the front on the bus, etc.

Explain to your children about cyberbullying and not to respond or forward threatening emails. “Friend” your child on Facebook and set up proper filters on your computer. Limit their social media friend requests to only those people with whom they have a positive relationship offline. Make the family computer the only computer for children, and have it in a public place in the home. If you decide to give your child a mobile phone, let them know you will be monitoring their text messages, and insist that phones are also kept in a public area, by a certain time at night, to eliminate night-time bullying and inappropriate messaging.

Keep talking to your children and work with them to handle any bullying.

Tell them not to fight back, just calmly tell bullies to stop or walk away.

Practice scenarios at home where your child learns how to ignore them and/or develop assertive strategies. Tell them not to take any of it personally and remind them of their worth and value.

Spotting a bully and helping them stop Studies indicate that most bullies are motivated by the pursuit of status and affection. They gain status by dominating their victims, and choose children who are not well-liked to ‘win’ friends. One of the most effective ways to help them stop bullying therefore is

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to report their actions and tell them about it. Give them consequences and set boundaries, e.g. tell them if the behaviour doesn’t stop then you will report him or her. Encourage them to talk to an adult and help them find better ways to deal with their anger such as taking up a sport, a hobby, and developing positive friendships. Tell them to put themselves in the shoes of their targets and ask how they would feel.

Try to get them to understand the impact of their actions and to change them.

Whilst we cannot erase bullying, we can equip ourselves with the skills to spot it and tackle it, thereby preventing further damage and torment amongst our young children. Preventing and stopping bullying helps us achieve a safe environment where children can thrive without being afraid.

Common signs of bullying to watch out for: • Your child coming home from school with cuts, bruises or torn clothing.

• They are hungry or have walked home, when you know they had lunch money and bus fare.

• Their work at school starts to slide.

• They are reluctant to go to school or pretend to be unwell.

• Their eating habits change or they don’t sleep well.

National Anti-Bullying Weeks run from 14th to 25th November 2011. Visit www.antibullyingweek.co.uk for a collection of free resources helping combat bullying.

Up to 10% of the population has dyslexia and it affects 3 times as many boys as girls. Many successful people with dyslexia, such as Richard Branson and Eddie Izzard, are known for their creativity and originality and it is now thought that the brain of someone with dyslexia processes information in different ways. It is very much a difference rather than a disability. Only a specialist teacher or educational psychologist can tell if your child has dyslexia or another specific learning difficulty such as dyspraxia, but look out for these signs: 1. Does your child use one hand for writing, for using a toothbrush or a pair of scissors or is he inconsistent? Most children have become decidedly left or right handed before they go to school but children with dyslexia may take longer. They may also be right handed but left footed.

2. Does your child have problems pronouncing particular words?

Children with dyslexia can find it hard to divide a word into chunks and put the parts in the right order.

3. Does your child have a problem with sequences? Some children with dyslexia cannot get the days of the week in the right order and if you give them three things to do they might manage two.

4. Does your child take a long time to answer a question and seem hesitant? If a child has a processing difficulty, the brain takes longer to sift the information, although the answer might be exceptionally good.

5. Does anyone in your family have dyslexia? In about 70% of cases someone else in the family has similar symptoms.

Sal McKeown is the author of ‘How to Help your Dyslexic and Dyspraxic Child’ which is due to be published in January 2012. www.crimsonbooks.co.uk.

Education The gift of reading

“What’s the time Mr Wolf?”

It’s that time of year again where choosing gifts is nearing the top of the things-to-do list and as Christmas creeps closer we all seek inspiration on getting our loved ones something ‘different’ this year.

One idea for a unique Christmas gift for a friend or family is a subscription to Reading Eggs, the online literacy program.

Reading Eggs is a comprehensive, highly interactive website that teaches children to read, specifically incorporating synthetic phonics to support your child’s learning at school.

The program is successful because it makes learning phonics and basic reading skills a truly enjoyable experience by turning learning to read into a series of fun games and activities with rewards along the way.

Full of educationally sound, fun and interactive activities, Reading Eggs focuses on the most fundamental skill needed in school: reading. Children from 3 to 8 years of age or older children struggling with reading will enjoy the huge variety of reading lessons, activities and games that make up the Reading Eggs program.

Sara Leman, Blake Publishing’s literacy expert says “Parents are often keen to get involved in their child’s learning but can find it difficult to know how to help. Reading Eggs is designed to reward children for their efforts, thereby maintaining the motivation to learn. It also allows children to learn at their own pace in a safe, familiar environment. The games are great fun and children love the stickers and e-toys they collect as their learning

“28 past 65” cried Mr Wolf dejectedly, for poor Mr Wolf has realized he is never going to get what he wants until he learns to tell the time. For us mortals it’s a fiendish subject, but for a wolf?

Well, he’s not alone.

Today there are children up and down the country who have given up the struggle to learn to tell time on a clock or watch, instead they use the 24 hour digital display on their mobile for the time of day – and why not? The only ‘why not’ is the need to get to grips with those mathematically challenging ‘afternoon’ hours. Am I the only adult to have misinterpreted 17.50 as being 7.50pm and missed check-in by two hours?

Yet isn’t something missing in a child’s make up if he or she can’t tell the time using a clock or watch?

Simplifying the learning process would help, but how? Certainly, many

progresses. There’s never been anything quite like it.”

“The trick is to make the necessary repetition fun, so it’s driven by the child who wants to learn. Parental involvement is also important. Family support is a crucial factor in helping young children to become fluent readers.”

What parents and teachers think about Reading Eggs The testimonial page on the Reading Eggs website is full of parents, teachers and carers who have seen first-hand the affect the program has had on their children’s reading ability. Parents such as Kay who commented: “My daughter started your program in February this year age 4. She has just turned 5 and has completed all 12 maps in 7 months! The program is an inspiration to children who have a love for words and a wish to learn the skill of reading. A huge thank you to the creators of the program and for making it accessible to my daughter.”

Over 500,000 children across the world have already had the Reading Eggs experience. The program focuses on the importance of phonics and basic reading skills and is already being used by many teachers who incorporate the program into their daily lesson.

teachers feel it is one of the most frustrating of subjects to teach and parents will know from experience how infuriatingly illogical learning to tell the time can sometimes appear to a child.

(Why, when the long hand points to 4, does it mean 20?).

Which begs the question why in the 21st century, when teaching methods in other areas such as phonics are making giant leaps, do we remain stuck with the same method of teaching time that our great grandparents used where it can take a child six to twelve months before he or she starts to tell the time?

Long overdue, a new child friendly approach to learning the time has arrived. Using logic children understand and stories to make it fun, some are now learning in a week, some in an hour! It’s called Aramazu and when you find it, do tell your friends, and if you see him, tell Mr Wolf too. www.aramazu.com.

Visit the website www.readingeggs.co.uk for further details on the program and to purchase a gift subscription call the friendly customer services team on 0117 360 0246.

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Education Netbuddy’s new tips section Netbuddy, the online resource for parents of children with special needs has just launched a new tips section for people living with undiagnosed conditions, put together with help from SWAN UK (Syndromes Without A Name).

Estimates suggest that 30 – 40% of children with special needs do not have a specific diagnosis. As much as we may hate ‘labels’ it can be extremely difficult to access support and services without a

diagnosis. It can also be a very isolating experience for parents. They hope that their new tips section will give both family and professional carers a place to share practical tips and advice. Go to www.netbuddy.org.uk.

SWAN UK is a project run by Genetic Alliance UK, offering support and information to families of children with undiagnosed conditions. You can join their community and register for their newsletter here at www.undiagnosed.org.uk.

Checks for two-year-olds Under new Government plans to spot children who are failing to develop properly, all two-year-olds will be given a compulsory “progress check”.

Two-year-olds in England will be assessed to discover whether they can use certain basic words, respond to familiar sounds, communicate their wants and socialise with others, as part of an Early Years Foundation Stage framework setting out to identify struggling children. All parents will be given a written report of their child’s abilities in these key areas, with Ministers claiming that this will help to identify any early developmental problems.

They are concerned that too many children are starting school without the

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necessary basic social and language skills. Sarah Teather, Liberal Democrat Minister for Children, said “the importance of the early years – as a foundation for life and for future attainment and success – cannot be overestimated.

That’s why it’s vital we have the right framework to support high quality early years education.” However, Richard House, senior lecturer in psychotherapy at Roehampton University, says: “Children are so diverse that to even begin constructing some generalised view of how they should be developing at a certain age is fraught with danger.” He goes on to state that the move risked defining children as “failures” at a young age.

Health Simple test is all it takes to ease parents’ allergy anxiety

For parents who suspect their youngster may have a food allergy leaving them in the care of teachers all day and with school meals can be very worrying.

However, research shows that as many as 60 per cent of children with supposed allergies, do not actually have them – causing unnecessary anxiety and food avoidance.

Mandy East from the National Allergy Strategy Group says parents need to stop guessing and visit their GPs for a simple test: “Allergy testing as advised by the NICE guidelines introduced this year is an effective way to accurately diagnose food allergies.

“It is estimated that only 25 - 40% of self-reported food allergy is confirmed as true with food allergy often confused with food intolerance. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for long

term management and, if necessary, further referral for specialist care.”

Adjusting to an allergy often means making lifestyle changes which limits daily life, even causing social problems for children.

In a study of the impact of allergies on families, 34% reported that food allergy had an impact on school attendance, with 10% choosing to home school their children because of food allergy.

Dr Allison Worth, Senior Research Fellow/Research Manager, Allergy and Respiratory Research Group, Centre for Population Health Sciences at the University of Edinburgh said: “Proper diagnosis of food allergy is important in children, because if confirmed, it allows avoidance of the food allergen and effective management of the allergy.

“Equally important, if food allergy is not identified, it allows the child to eat a more normal diet and reduces parents’ worries about the child eating socially and at school, resulting in a better quality of life for the child and their family.”

The first guidelines for food allergy in children were this year issued by the

National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). These recommend routine use of allergy tests in GPs surgeries and schools, to confirm suspected food allergy. On average each school class has at least one child with a genuine and dangerous food allergy, for whom it is vital that schools have an understanding of the procedures needed to support them.

However it is thought that teacher awareness is low despite 20 per cent of food allergy reactions happening in schools. Blood tests play an increasingly important role to predict and effectively manage specific food allergies. Symptoms of food allergy are often present without raising any suspicion of allergy; they may be ignored or connected to other causes.

Typical symptoms that could indicate a food allergy include exzema, skin rash/itching, sneezing, swelling around the eyes, swollen lips, stomach ache and digestive problems.

Regular follow up testing to re-evaluate diagnosis is recommended because patients may grow out of and into new allergies.

Visit www.allergyeducation.co.uk for more information.

An active child is a healthy child In the fight against childhood obesity, Dr Colin MacAdam, MD of Playforce Ltd, explores creative and simple ways of getting our children to become more active.

When high street retailers set out to measure the ‘shape of the nation’ one can only speculate as to whether they had an idea of the staggering health risk to our children that they would find. The results of Shape GB demonstrated that children today have a waist measurement at least 3 inches larger than those measured in 1978. In short, our children are getting bigger and ultimately unhealthier.

From the moment they start to crawl, children naturally enjoy movement and activity. Toddlers are often described as having two speeds - on or off - due to their need to run everywhere! But when your child starts school, how do you know that they are eating everything you’ve put in their lunchboxes? How can you find out the effectiveness of their outdoor activities and PE lessons? What games do they play, and do they learn vital skills or attitudes in the process? Developing a healthy attitude towards food and play is key, but we have to hope that what we instil at home will encourage children to make the right choices even when they’re not in our care.

Encouraging our children to play outdoors has the health benefits of helping to strengthen bones, lower cancer risks, improve eyesight and lessen depression and hyperactivity, as well as the obvious benefits for fitness and general health.

Getting active with your children Parks: Climbing up slides and clambering on climbing frames are fun things that children will do without even thinking! And never mind the weather, puddle jumping can provide perfect cardiovascular exercise.

Leaf spotting: Let them learn about nature, while benefiting from physical activity and fresh air. Before you head outside, print pictures of four or five commonly found leaves. Then look at the trees around you, matching leaves to the images to identify which tree the leaf comes from.

Treasure hunt: Not only a fun and engaging physical activity, a treasure hunt also helps to improve logical thinking and enhances teamwork. Draw a simple map pointing them to the hidden treasure and rip it into pieces. You could hide each piece of the map within the garden and give clues as to where they can find each piece, or offer challenges to complete such as running around the garden twice or ten star jumps in return for a piece of the map.

Pick your own: Combine outdoor exercise with healthy food by visiting Pick Your Own farms. It’s also a great way to introduce children to new vegetables and fruits as they will be much more likely to try new foods after having worked so hard to collect them!

Fundraising for healthy play in schools and nurseries Of course an important part of any child’s day at school or nursery involves play.

Therefore, schools and nurseries also need to ensure that the children in their care have access to suitable outdoor play environments. If you think your child’s school could improve its outdoor facilities then why not talk to the PTA about holding fundraising activities to raise money to improve the grounds? Even small outdoor spaces can be developed into areas that encourage both physical activity and greater learning opportunities.

We all know that childhood obesity is not a problem that’s going to disappear overnight. However, we can all take steps to encourage our own children to become more active in order to reap the huge rewards of health and happiness… so what’s stopping you?

Keeping nits away, with a preventative spray

The Linicin® range is part of every family’s anti-nit toolkit this year, with the introduction of Linicin® Prevent Spray, which helps to avoid a head lice infestation, and Linicin® Shampoo 10 min, to quickly treat a head lice outbreak should it occur.

Introducing the clinically proven spray into a daily routine has been shown to prevent an infestation – perfect for kids in high-risk environments like playgrounds and classrooms. Furthermore, since a quarter of adults have either had head lice themselves, or know someone who has, it is also ideal for grown-ups to use to protect themselves from the discomfort and hassle of a household break out.

There are many misconceptions about catching head lice. Although nearly one third of parents believe that keeping hair short, or washing it every day is the most effective way to prevent children getting head lice, the bugs themselves can be found in all lengths and types of hair – clean or dirty. However, with clinically proven Linicin® Prevent Spray hitting the shelves, a quick squirt every morning is all parents need to keep their children head lice free for at least 7 hours – that’s a whole day at school.

Family GP Dr Sarah Jarvis said, “The thought of head lice cannot fail to cause anxiety amongst parents, so finding quick, simple and effective ways to prevent or treat infestations is vital. I am a parent myself, and time is precious, so quick solutions will always be attractive, but knowing these products are also gentle on sensitive scalps, whilst still proving effective is a real plus point.”

Linicin® offers a complete range of products not only to treat, but also to prevent head lice. All Linicin® products are clinically proven, mild and nontoxic, have good dermatological ratings, and contain no insecticides.

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 9

Parents’ place Mums in business

Julie Marshall amuse

Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m a mother and business woman in that order! I’m full of ideas and love getting involved in things: latest ventures include setting up a collaborative inter-school business opportunity; getting groups of volunteers to look after the flower beds in our local parks which are in danger of being grassed over; and being a baking & cooking volunteer for adults with learning difficulties. I love playing bridge and whenever I get the time, going to the theatre, seeing bands and watching ballet. It would be fantastic if the Macclesfield ‘Cocoon’ project gets off the ground so we could have a proper theatre right on our doorstep!

What is your business? amuse is a café & brasserie on historical Chestergate in Macclesfield. It’s a family business, which I run with my husband Andrew, and the kids too when they’re on holiday! We’ve just re-branded and introduced lots of great new British and European dishes - where possible, everything is home cooked and locally sourced, which is really important to us. The restaurant is open every day and then Thursday through Saturday in the evenings, which is a new opportunity for us.

How did you get started? With difficulty!

We found the business about 3 years ago and everything was in place, but at the last minute things very nearly fell through.

Resourcefulness won the day though - I found a funding scheme and went back to the bank with a new proposal which they agreed and hey presto!

What does the future hold for the business? Lots of new and exciting events to compliment the restaurant such as live music, poetry & art evenings. We want to broaden our menu further, with British tapas for instance and stretch ourselves to find new and interesting suppliers. Everything to encourage customers to come and try something new. I had planned to have our second or even third amuse by now, but the current economic climate means I have to hold back for a while. But we’ve identified the next location so watch this space!

What is the best bit about what you do?

Meeting people – customers, staff, the local community – and building up a relationship with them: it’s great to see people coming back again and again and saying how much they enjoy the atmosphere we’ve created.

That’s really satisfying. And the baking and cooking of course, which still makes me feel calm and happy!

Any bad bits? Only when I feel like I’m nagging at work – clear this, clean that – but sometimes it’s necessary to keep everything on track. I just try to nag in as nice a way as possible!

How do you fit work around family life?

We’ve got a great team who support what Andrew and I are doing with the business.

I’ve set up the rota so that one of us can always have breakfast with Daisy and Jake before they go to school and I cook the family meals in big batches so dinner can be ready in minutes. Forward planning is the key I think, and thankfully everything is getting easier as the children get older. They’ve started working at the café during school holidays and earning a wage, which is a great way of getting them to take responsibility as well as joining in with what we do.

What advice would you give to other mums looking to work for themselves?

Make sure it’s something you really, really enjoy and that it definitely works financially as a business, otherwise you’ll end up feeling very resentful. But if you want to do it, go for it! It’s a fantastic way to develop new skills and you’ll make lots of new friends along the way.

Try out Julie’s recipe for ‘CHRISTMAS KISSES’: This is a simple and scrummy Christmas recipe to make with the children - why not pop some in a pretty paper bag or wrap in coloured tissue paper and decorate with ribbons. A perfect homemade gift for family, friends or teacher at the end of term.

What you’ll need: Scales A big bowl 2 smaller bowls for the different coloured creams Wooden spoon or electric mixer Sieve Tablespoon Teaspoon Fish slice A fork 2 baking sheets Ingredients: For the biscuits: 200g butter or margarine (at room temperature) 100g soft brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla essence 4 tblsp cocoa powder 300g self raising flour For the cream filling: 100g butter (at room temperature) 200g icing sugar (sifted) Few drops of pink and green natural food colouring (or go natural as plain cream looks lovely too) What to do: Heat the oven to 170C/340F/Gas 4 The cookies 1. Beat the butter & sugar & vanilla essence till fluffy.

2. Sift the flour & cocoa powder & add

to the mixture.

3. Mix together – you’ll need to use your hands at the end as it’ll be quite stiff (almost a bit dry).

4. Take spoonfuls and roll them into a round shape about the size of a walnut.

5. Put them on the baking tray (leaving space between) and gently squish down with the back of a fork (it’ll leave a pretty pattern on the top).

6. Bake for 10 minutes & allow to cool.

Repeat until you’ve baked all the cookies.

The cream 1. Beat together the butter & sifted icing sugar until it’s all well blended.

2. Separate into bowls and add any colouring or flavours & mix them in.

3. If it’s soft, cool for a bit in the fridge but not for too long – it’ll be too hard to spread.

The kisses 1. Take a biscuit. Spread on a teaspoon of cream and sandwich with another biscuit.

2. Decorate with anything lovely you can find in the cupboard – sprinkles, chocolate vermicelli – whatever takes your fancy!

Tips to make it more interesting: 1. Add peppermint essence or orange zest to the cream.

2. Dip the sandwiched biscuit sides in 100’s and 1000’s or chocolate vermicelli – it’ll stick to the cream & looks great!

3. Leave the biscuits single and ice & decorate the tops.

4. Add 50g finely chopped pecan nuts to the biscuit mix.

They’ll keep for a week or so…if they last that long! Mixture makes approximately 20 Christmas kisses.

The BIG Christmas Baby Shower brought to you

by Nappytastic - Not Just Another Baby Show!

Sunday 4 December 2011, 2 – 5pm Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel Call 07855 709 034 or go to http://nappytastic.eventbrite.com to find out more and to buy your tickets.

10 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Parents’ place Ann-Maree’s a winner

The cream of the retail industry gathered at The Savoy in September to recognise and celebrate the achievements of retail’s highest flyers and to announce: Entrepreneur of the Year Winner: AnnMaree Morrison, Director of Labels4Kids Ltd. Like many great business ideas, Labels4Kids was born from personal need when Ann-Maree, the mother of 3 young boys, grew tired of her boys coming home from school with other children’s clothes. Labels4Kids produces vinyl waterproof labels, iron on, stick on and sew on labels for children’s school clothing and general items. The judges were impressed with how Ann-Maree has created a dedicated following of supporters from across the globe through an active social-media strategy and online forum for parents and families on her award winning website www.labels4kids.com/fam. Many congratulations Ann-Maree!

Are you a savvy mum?

Savvy Mummys is the exciting new communitybased daily deal site that offers mums super-sized savings on all things mummy related.

With Mum Time deals for when you have your mummy hat on and Me Time deals for when you are looking for some self indulgence; Savvy Mummys offers everything from baby clothes to childcare, toys to holidays, fitness to family activities, dining, beauty and more! With deals sourced by mums for mums, the new site aims to bring discounts of up to 90% across a range of products and services for spend-savvy mums across the country. Free to join, Savvy Mummys members receive exclusive access to daily deals - so you’ll never miss out. To become a Savvy Mummys member, sign-up at www.savvymummys.co.uk.

Flexible working LIVE event If you’re a mum looking for a flexible job, remember to visit the Workingmums.co.uk LIVE event at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester on 8 November.

The exhibition will have stands from corporate recruiters to franchisors and CV advisors. Working parents will benefit from the chance to meet employers face to face and also attend interactive seminar events on a range of subjects such as ‘Working for yourself practical steps’, ‘ Returning to Work’ and ‘Work-Life Balance’. Entry is free. www.workingmumslive.co.uk/Manchester.

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

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 11

Parents’ place Mum on a mission

Local mum Eve Bell is on a mission.

She wants to get more babies’ bums into cloth nappies. But not any cloth nappies. Fabulously-designed fashionable cloth nappies, courtesy of her business Baba + Boo. Eve’s no eco-nut, but she firmly believes that cloth nappies are the way forward for mums wanting to save on the costs of bringing up baby.

“When I looked into cloth nappies for my second child I was shocked at how much I’d have to spend to buy them. A £300 investment just seemed like too much, and,

Not just another Baby Show! being a former buyer, I knew I could source nappies that were just as good, but for a much better price. But I also wanted my nappies to be a fashion statement. As mums we all care about how our children look, so I’ve been to great lengths to source funky prints, meaning baby can look good literally from top to bottom.”

Named after her two children, Baba + Boo is now a thriving business selling a range of beautifully-designed products for babies and young children.

And Eve is so confident in the quality of her nappies she offers a trial service.

Buy any premium nappy for £8.75 plus P&P and if you don’t like it, you can return it within two months for a 70% refund.

Not sure that cloth is for you? Contact Eve for some friendly, no-obligation advice by emailing eve@babaandboo.com. www.babaandboo.com.

Nappytastic is excited to announce the premier event ‘The BIG Christmas Baby Shower’ to be held on Sunday 4 December at Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel from 2 – 5pm.

This will be a unique large-scale Baby Shower unlike any you have experienced. A number of leading companies in the baby industry will be exhibiting, allowing guests to test out, touch, feel and gain exposure to a range of great products and services for their growing families.

There will be lots of fun and games for everyone to enjoy including: • Fun Baby Shower games for the family and an estimated £25,000 worth in prizes and give-aways • A delicious buffet lunch by Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel • Crèche Facility • Live Music • Pregnancy Bump Painting • Guest Speakers • Cupcake Decorating • Maternity Fashion and much, much more.

Guests will be greeted by an unusual drinks reception of baby bottles and dummies to start the fun. This is indeed the Christmas Event of the season. Call 07855 709034 or go to nappytastic.eventbrite.com to find out more details and to buy your tickets.

WIN WIN WIN WIN A Baba + Boo starter pack worth £50 The pack contains 5 Series II nappies of your choice, a wet bag (again of your choice), a nappy bucket, and 2 mesh bags which you place over the bucket to make the transfer from bucket to washing machine a lot easier – simply place the whole bag in the drum.

The perfect starter pack - a nappy for your little one to wear, a bag to store it when you’re out and a bucket to store used nappies until wash day.

To enter the competition, simply go to our website www.familiescheshire.co.uk and enter now. Competition closes 15 December.

12 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Parents’ place Help! Where is my Off switch?

By Helena Foss (www.helenafoss.co.uk) I’m not sure mothers ever really switch off. Being a mother is, as they say, a life sentence; our care provider services can be called on at any time of the day or night and interrupt every single activity (like important phone conversations) and bodily function. But being busy mothering our children does not mean we should forget to mother ourselves too.

All very well, but where, I hear you ask, do I find the time? Life is so busy; there are emails to reply to, piles of laundry, tax forms, scraped knees, runny noses and dirty floors screaming for attention – and that urgent report to submit yesterday.

Prioritise Soul Food If, like me, you regularly find yourself arriving breathlessly at Overwhelm Central, running like fury to escape the clutches of the Things To Do monster (the one that gnaws away at you during occasional idle moments or jolts you anxiously awake at 3am), then it is time to prioritise your Soul Food. Your rational mind will not think that Soul Food is necessarily ‘important’ nor ‘productive’, but your body and heart will recognise it immediately; by feeling warm and relaxed. It could be half an hour alone under a favourite tree, lunch

with a close friend, singing, painting or writing just one paragraph of that novel inside you. These things nurture us – and nurturers need nurturing. Simple as that.

When I need to get my priorities straight, I use the ‘rocks and sand’ analogy. The really important things are a mix of pressing Things To Do and Soul Food – meeting an article deadline, a spot of tree hugging, my boy’s urgent dental appointment, a dance around the living room, dinner, regular exercise – are the rocks, the rest is gravelly stones or grains of sand. Pour sand in a metaphorical jar first and only a few rocks fit on top. But pop the rocks in first and all the itty bitty stuff will fit in around it.

My sandy items sit on a list and will easily get done once my rocks are in place.

One of my rocks is regular meditation. I actually cannot function properly without it.

Get out of your mind In the West we have become so identified with our minds, that we believe our rapid collection of thoughts is who we actually are. According to Zen Buddhism, the mind is a great servant but a terrible master. A frightened or stressed mind will hassle you endlessly with judgements, opinions, ‘what if’s’, ‘if only’s’ and ‘coulda, shoulda, wouldas’. It was the controversial

mystic and meditation master Osho who once held up his hand and said: ‘You see my five fingers? Ordinarily you will not see the gaps [between them], you will see five fingers. But the gaps are more real.

Fingers come and go. Gaps will remain.’

Woah. My whole being reeled on the spot and my mind momentarily shuddered to a halt when I first heard this statement. The gaps are more real – more real even than my thoughts? Who would have thought it?

Mind the Gap There is plenty of scientific evidence today to prove that meditation and mindfulness are effective antidotes for our epidemic levels of anxiety-fuelled binge-thinking, not to mention compulsive perfectionism, beating the clock and triumphing over the panting Things To Do beast. ‘Yes,’ my epitaph might read, ‘she got things done, but did she enjoy any of it?’ It is like using every ounce of energy to scale the world’s highest peak and then keeling over at the top, too exhausted to enjoy the view.

What, then, really is the point?

The point of meditation is to become mindful; to simply be aware of your thoughts, to notice them coming and going, moving through like clouds in the sky. This means you can actually choose whether to believe them or not (I’m too fat, my neighbour hates me, I’ll never be a good enough mother, you know the kind of thing). Like

the British weather, some days the inner landscape of the mind is overcast, but with regular practice (it is called meditation practice for a reason), you will get moments of dropping out of the mind into the vast, expansive blue sky of nothingness, which, paradoxically, is teeming with life, creativity and potential.

Inspiration is something that arrives out of nowhere, like those light bulb moments that go ‘ping!’ above our heads. The trick is being empty and receptive enough to allow them in. So, doing nothing can actually be incredibly productive. It is during meditation that much of the ‘sand’ of my life quietly settles down and sorts itself out.

Switch yourself back on In fact, once you can switch compulsive thought patterns off – or at least be aware of them enough so that they calm down – you get switched on to the present moment, which is, so the sages tell us, the only thing that actually exists. When I am really present, time itself slows right down; I am able to respond rather than knee-jerk react to situations. The lights are on. There is someone home. You are able to truly ‘be there’. You become, in the best sense of the word, a rock – both for yourself and your family.

Mummy downtime, therefore, is good for everybody. Scheduling it onto your calendar is no longer a luxury. It is a duty. Just like that darned tax form.

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 13

‘Tis the season...

The DOs and DON’Ts of a HAPPY FAMILY CHRISTMAS Sarah Butters offers advice on how to keep happy AND sane.

DON’T expect it to be perfect Like it or not, your Christmas will not be perfect. You will over cook the turkey, under cook the pudding and end up sobbing into a huge glass of Sauvignon Blanc because your mother in law has criticized your gravy. But because you’ve put so much time and effort into hosting the perfect Christmas, the disappointment at the odd hiccup is overwhelming. Start the festive period accepting you’re not Nigella and it won’t be perfect and you’ll enjoy the parts that go well.

DO try and relax By the time Christmas Day arrives, most of us are exhausted. You’ve probably spent the weeks prior to the big day panic

shopping, baking everything that Jamie suggested in his Christmas special and ferrying the family from one festive event to the next. Earmark some time for you.

It’s supposed to be a holiday!

DO make your own traditions Every family has its own way of celebrating. Now you have your own children it’s time for you to make your own traditions. Whether it’s a trip to the local crib service on Christmas Eve, or a day of Christmas baking on the Sunday before the festivities begin, it’s up to YOU to create your traditions. A great idea I’ve taken from a friend is the Christmas Eve hamper. This is a basket, left by one of Santa’s helpers filled with goodies to enjoy on the night before Christmas. In it are festive pyjamas for the children, new tooth brushes, a mug to make hot chocolate and a DVD for the family to watch. It’s the perfect kit to help kick start Christmas.

DO get out and about You are not under house arrest over the festive period. We shouldn’t be surprised that if you fill your home with relatives you rarely see and then lock the door, there will be arguments. Add some wine and the results are anything but festive.

Don’t be afraid of getting wrapped up and heading out for a bracing walk. It will clear the house and let the little ones run off some steam.

DON’T expect your children to be angels They’ve broken up from school about to burst with excitement about the arrival of Santa. You’ve been using the ‘if you’re not good, Santa won’t come’ since Easter and then the presents are opened and your little angels turn into little devils. Rules

Look out for our new ranges.

For a discount go to www.bananalane.co.uk/discount

14 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

and routine are thrown out of the window so relatives can be entertained and trips can be taken. Combine that with too many treats and lots of attention from wellmeaning visitors and the magic of Christmas can disappear pretty quickly.

Try not to let all discipline go out of the window and if you sense that there’s a tantrum on the way, remove your child from the mayhem. During your time out, remind them that Santa can take gifts back from children who don’t behave!

DO give out jobs A resentful host is not a happy host so when you do your pre-Christmas shopping list, make sure you also write a list of jobs you’ll need doing on the big day. If you know your Mother in Law has a view about your Yorkshire Puddings, set her to work making some better ones. Remember, a busy cook is often a quiet cook!

DON’T waste money Let’s face it, this is going to be a tough year for all of us. We want to give our children everything on their list, but won’t be able to. Most of us will be celebrating making it to the 25th December with a job and a roof over our heads. However, you can still enjoy the festivities while being frugal. Swap traditional cards for an email including a festive photo, organise a secret Santa for adult family members with a spending limit. Or simply suggest that you only buy for the family’s children.

Keep reminding yourself that it’s not about the money your spend on each other, it’s about the time you spend with each other.

DO enjoy the preparation If you’re not careful, baking the cake, decorating the house and dressing the tree can begin to feel like a chore. Don’t let it become hard work. Give yourself the time to enjoy it and accept that with a little help from your little ones you can create some lovely Christmas memories.

Ok, you won’t have a cake fit for Delia.

There’ll be precious few needles left on the tree and your house will resemble the aftermath of a children’s birthday party.

But despite the imperfections you’ll have happy children and you won’t have spent a penny. Now that’s a happy Christmas.

DO laugh!

Forget the stress of present buying and preparing a feast fit for a royalty and take a minute to laugh. Remember, when you strip away all the tinsel and tat this is about preparing one meal, on one day with decorations and a gift or two. And if you’re finding smiling hard, try using our favourite Christmas Cracker joke to cheer you up.

What’s Santa’s favourite pizza?

One that’s deep, and crisp and even.

DON’T stress about the presents So you haven’t been able to find the latest Transformer or bag a Buzz Lightyear doll.

Before you beat yourself up, ask yourself this. Do you remember the presents you didn’t get when you were a child? Or do you remember the experiences you had?

My Christmas memories are preparing lunch with my wonderful Nana and attempting to wake my King Charles Cavalier after he’d drink the best part of a bottle of Blue Nun. YOUR kids will remember the laughter and the love and when you wake up in January, so will you. Happy Christmas!

‘Tis the season...

Memories are made of this We asked some of our readers to share their Christmas memories.

1. Sprouts.

2. Watching dad trying to put together the toy that needs building entirely from scratch, on Christmas Eve! 3. The excitement, anticipation and sense of wonder from the children.

4. The moment the children realise that Father Christmas has been.

5. When Father Christmas has taken a bite out of the mince pie you left out for him and his reindeer ate half the carrot!

6. Mince pies with Brandy butter.

7. Having the whole family/friends sat round the table together for Christmas dinner.

8. Sitting in front of a warm open fire watching the lights flash on the tree while snuggling up with the kids, watching Mamma Mia, or thinking back over the events of the last year.

9. Dressing the tree and trying to not to mind that all the ornaments are ending up in one spot in the lower half.

10. Flaming Christmas pud.

11. I love Christmas evening when the whole family sit round the table eating chocolates, drinking (no alcohol for the kids of course!) and playing cards.

12. Chocolate coins in bed in the morning with the kids while opening their stockings.

13. Reliving your childhood on Christmas eve with sugar lumps for Rudolph.

14, The atmosphere, cold and dark evenings (that I detest in January!), sparkly lights and decorations.

15. Spending time with family, playing games over mulled wine, cooking together, watching movies and going for long walks trussed up in hats, scarves and gloves.

Whatever makes Christmas special for you – may you have a wonderful time creating your own family memories.

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

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 15

‘Tis the season...

GIFT IDEAS

Create a World of Make Believe with Kiddiewinkles Playhouses

For the older girl A Girl For All Time® is a series of beautifully crafted dolls, thrilling novels and customizable keepsake books that encourage older girls in imaginative and social play. Perfect for ages 8 to 12, they’re stylish, intelligent and stimulating.

The historical aspect of the doll’s lives is aligned with the relevant coverage in the Key Stage 2 school curriculum that the girls follow. Matilda is the first doll of six to be launched and will help bring the Tudor period to life for the girls. The 2nd doll in the series is in production and will be out after Christmas. Find out more at www.agirlforalltime.com.

Get them climbing the walls!

Manchester Climbing Centre is a unique attraction; it offers exciting and unusual activities that will keep your youngsters and their friends talking for weeks! With courses for everyone – whether new to climbing or not, a climbing session voucher is a gift with a difference. Treat yourself as well as the kids – book yourselves in for a Family Taster Session* where children climb for free! Or throw a unique Christmas / New Year party starting at just £90 for 6 people which includes 1½ hours climbing following by optional party food at the Base Camp café. *2 free children per 1 full paying adult.

Not valid with any other offers. Original voucher must be redeemed to obtain discount. Expires 31st December 2011.

0161 230 7006 / www.manchesterclimbingcentre.com.

Homemade and personal How to solve your Nothing beats a personal, homemade gift. Try out Brookside Pottery in Poynton for an extensive range of Christmas Pottery which makes a unique present for that someone special. When you’re finished painting, take a train ride to Santa’s Grotto (weekends from 26 Nov, 11am – 4pm). If you’re celebrating a birthday at this time of year, they’re the perfect venue to host it AND you can sort your gifts at the same time! The “Potters Wheel Experience” party incorporates a free children’s train ride.

They’re open every weekend and during main school holidays from 10am – 4pm, and are available for group booking during the week too. 07961 838753 / www.brooksidepottery.com.

‘Rose Cottage’ is a dual themed playhouse, made from 100% cotton, hand embroidered and appliquéd with the most delicate detailing. The front and 2 sides depict an English Rose Cottage with butterflies, flower pots, roses and a picket

Get Nostalgic with classic board games

Focussing on high manufacturing standards, the ‘Nostalgia’ titles are back in stores this year and consisting of classic board game titles Monopoly, Cluedo and Risk.

The Monopoly set comes in a beautiful wooden box to safeguard your vintage-looking components and cards and making it the ideal gift for friends or family. Original artwork is a constant theme on the box and board from one of the very first editions of the world’s most popular board game.

Website GiftList.co.uk is the new way to take the hassle out of giving and receiving presents.

Free to join, all you have to do is set up your own wish list, using the easy access to millions of gift ideas from hundreds of trusted UK retailers. In fact, with GiftList.co.uk there need never be an unwanted gift given again!

16 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Inside the wooden box you will find a built in banker’s tray and a visual history of the decades. Lovely little wooden houses and hotels give it a unique feeling of quality whilst everybody’s favourite pieces are made from brass.

Risk is also part of the collection, back in full vintage glory with real wooden armies, the classic map from 1959 and original game play; making conquering the world possible once again.

Additionally, the nation’s favourite ‘whodunit’ is back in true 1950’s form with the recreation of the 1949 version of Cluedo.

Solve the murder case using original style pieces and traditional detective work.

Age 8+. RRP: £29.99 - £34.99 Available from John Lewis and other major retailers.

A Christmas gift to treasure forever

gift problems

The lists are perfect for sharing with family and friends. They can also be swiftly and securely added to social media websites Facebook and Twitter.

Whatever the special occasion, GiftList.co.uk ensures the perfect gift is given and enjoyed every time.

fence. Turn it around and the back is a quintessential village Tea Shop complete with pink gingham appliquéd shelves, embroidered tea cups, a tea pot and cupcakes.

The original Fire Engine playhouse is the first of its kind to be launched in the UK. This bright red classic is a great Christmas present for all those aspiring Firemen.

These exceptional quality playhouses are easy to assemble and put away in an individual storage bag and will inspire hours of imaginative, pretend play.

Buy online at www.kiddiewinklesshop.co.uk or from other major online retailers.

Give someone you love a gift that will provide them with years of pleasure naturally beautiful portraits of their loved ones at home or at a favourite outdoor location. From newborns and toddlers to teens, mums and dads and the family pet, Picture-it-big will tailor a relaxed and friendly photo shoot that fits in with your specific wishes.

Specially for Christmas they are offering a gift voucher for a photo shoot and framed 8”X10” photograph for just £65 (a saving of £50 on the usual price).

Or perhaps you know someone who loves photography but would like to learn how to take better pictures? They also offer one to one classes for beginners in digital photography. Classes are tailored to individual requirements and can include classroom sessions as well as outdoor practical experience. Go along with a friend and split the cost!

As a special Christmas offer they have Gift vouchers for half days (£75) and full days £125 (25% off the usual price).

For more information contact Jane Burkinshaw.

07868 750505 / www.picture-it-big.co.uk.

‘Tis the season...

Stuck for toy ideas this year? Toys & Tales offers a few ideas for quality toys that are sure to please.

Toys & Tales is a traditional toy shop with stores in Poynton and Bramhall. They stock quality toys for all ages including dressing up outfits, role play toys and arts and crafts, as well as nursery toys, games and puzzles, books, gifts and gadgets. See their full range of toys online at www.toysandtales.com.

Wooden Discovery Space Shuttle

Propel your playtime into orbit with this ultra exciting space rocket! You can get hours of fun from this set, everything you need is there including on board equipment, surface exploration buggies, droids and astronauts!

L41cm x W36 x H74cm. £99.99

Lights and Sound Wand This is a stocking filler which could outshine a main present! Magic and wizardry are still all the rage and this is a perfect accessory for fans of you know who. Wave the wand about as the end lights up a magical blue and emits a satisfying whoosh! £5.99

Hex Bugs

Hex Bugs are going to be THE toy this Christmas and there’s a great range of these expertly engineered little robots from the Nanos, which can be raced, to the new Spider model. Each one does something different like hiding in shadows or reacting to sound and some are remote control! They look great in their special dome packaging and there are fantastic habitat sets which you can add together for the Nanos. £8.99 - £34.99

Maxi Cuisine Chic Kitchen This is a great unisex roleplay toy which includes a hob, sink, cupboard and oven. It comes complete with utensils, pots and oven glove accessories and has been thoughtfully designed with a gorgeous clock and even a pair wooden wooden doves as decoration. Just the right size for children and just the right size for your house!

60.5 x 30 x 85cm. £84.99

Gruffalo Paint Tin

Owls

Cherry Tree Hall At 92cm tall this is a magnificent 4 storey doll house.

For dolls with impeccable taste, the interior walls are decorated to define separate spaces, chimney stacks, loft space and fine staircases with banisters, fully functioning shutters and back windows to let light shine through! £164.99

There is a veritable feast of Gruffalo paraphernalia available at Toys & Tales, but we really love this tin of paints. A perfect gift for a creative child who will enjoy opening the lid to reveal 12 paint pallets embossed with the Gruffalo’s face and a Gruffalo wooden paint brush.

Just gorgeous! £9.99

For reasons unknown 2011 has been all about owls. Owls, in any form, have been selling like crazy here at Toys & Tales and we have some special owls made with exciting prints that could have been designed by Orla Kiely!

Available in two sizes, these owls could easily become life long friends to toddlers, teenagers or adults. £9.99 - £19.99

Looking locally for toys & gifts?

Bizzybods, Nantwich 01270 628014 / www.bizzybods.com Brookside Pottery, Poynton 07961 838753 / www.brooksidepottery.com Hal Whittaker’s Wonderful World of Toys, Knutsford 01565 632003 / www.toyshopscheshire.co.uk Jac In A Box, Macclesfield 01625 502221 Little Nut Tree Toys, Wilmslow 0844 800 8574 / www.littlenuttreetoys.co.uk Molly Mumbles, Holmes Chapel 01477 532234 / www.mollymumbles.co.uk Mootiful, Macclesfield 01625 500613 / www.mootiful.com Sentiments…by Sonia, Chester 01244 400354 / www.sentimentsbysonia.co.uk Spotty Pig Craft Café, Chester 01244 311318 / www.thespottypig.com The Entertainer, Chester 0844 693 1464 / www.thetoyshop.com Toycraft, Chester 01244 342706 Toys & Tales, Poynton 01625 873445 / www.toysandtales.com Wozu, at Blakemere Craft Centre, Northwich 01606 888964 / www.wozu.co.uk

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 17

‘Tis the season...

PANTOMIMES AND FAMILY SHOWS This time of year there’s an abundance of panto’s and family shows on offer – oh no there’s not… OH YES THERE IS! Take your pick of amateur or professional – either way you’re in for a treat that’ll get you into the spirit.

A Christmas Carol – The Musical Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent Tues 15 – Sat 19 Nov North Staffs Operatic Society gives Charles Dickens’ classic the full Broadway treatment.

0844 871 7649 / www.atgtickets.com/Regent-Theatre The Snowman The Lowry (Lyric Theatre) Tues 22 - Sat 26 Nov When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night time adventure full of dancing penguins and reindeer. But will the Snowman escape the clutches of Jack Frost? Presented by Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Children Half Price on 22, 23 & 24 November.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!

Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent Tue 22 - Sat 26 Nov One of the most popular dance productions ever staged in the UK, Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! returns to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from an hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland.

0844 871 7649 / www.atgtickets.com/Regent-Theatre

The Nutcracker

Manchester Opera House Tues 22 – Sat 26 Nov Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to Manchester with their most popular production. Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into a magical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the famous Sugar Plum Fairy. With Tchaikovsky’s enduring score played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, The Nutcracker has something for everyone.

0844 871 3018 / www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Win a family ticket to this wonderful show on Tuesday 22 November at 7.30pm. The family ticket consists of 4 seats, one of which must be occupied by a child. To enter, simply go to our website www.familiescheshire.co.uk.

Entries close Wednesday 16 November.

The Wind in the Willows

The Lowry (The Quays) Fri 2 Dec - Sat 14 Jan Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad in Alan Bennett’s humorous and witty adaption of this classic adventure.

Brought to you by the Manchester Library Theatre Company.

Suitable for ages 6+.

0843 208 6010 / www.librarytheatre.com WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN We’ve got a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) to this wonderful production to give away to one lucky Families Cheshire reader. To enter, simply go to our website www.familiescheshire.co.uk.

Entries close Wednesday 30 November.

18 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Snow White Lyceum Theatre, Crewe Fri 2 – Sat 31 Dec When Magic Mirror declares that Snow White is indeed the fairest girl in all the land and Prince Rupert offers her his hand in marriage, the Wicked Queen is sent into a jealous rage! A sparkling new pantomime with spectacular sets and costumes, fabulous songs and dances and bags of knockabout slapstick fun.

01270 537333 / www.lyceumtheatre.net Cinderella

Manchester Opera House Sat 3 – Sat 31 Dec Join Suzanne Shaw as Cinderella and Louie Spence as Dandini in this pantomime classic – a glittering parade of everything you could wish for this Christmas – including sensational costumes, dazzling songs, superb dance routines and wonderful comedy – this delightful show will appeal to all ages.

0844 871 3018 / www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk Dick Whittington & His Cat The Pavilion Theatre, Chester Racecourse Sun 4 – Thurs 8 Dec / Fri 6 – Sun 15 Jan A fun adaptation of this much-loved rags-to-riches tale of one boy’s quest to seek his fortune in Old London Town.

0845 241 7868 Jack and the Beanstalk Stockport Plaza Fri 9 Dec – Sun 8 Jan Fee Fi Fo Fum!... Stockport’s Giant Family Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk explodes onto the stage of great family entertainment - with sumptuous costumes, amazing scenery and classic seasonal entertainment for everyone to enjoy!

See our hero Jack, outwit the REALLY nasty Giant. Starring Claire Sweeny.

0161 477 7779 www.stockportplaza.co.uk

‘Tis the season...

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Buxton Opera House Sat 10 Dec – Sun 1 Jan “Hi ho” your way to Buxton Opera House for an unforgettable family Christmas treat.

This year’s traditional panto promises a dazzling mix of comedy, drama, great songs and stunning dance routines and stars Kate Anthony (Aunty Pam from Coronation Street) as wicked Queen Belladonna, Ben Faulks (Mr Bloom from CBeebies’ Mr Bloom’s Nursery) as Muddles and Olivia Sloyan – fresh from the popular West End musical Blood Brothers – as Snow White: not to mention seven little characters who need no introduction.

0845 127 2190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Jack & The Beanstalk The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester Sat 10 – Fri 30 Dec Tip Top Productions returns with another host of goodies in a traditional pantomime style. Join them for lashings of fun, slapstick, song and oh yes...corny jokes by the score.

01244 341296 / www.tiptopproductions.co.uk Christmas Family Concert - Winter Wonderland with the Hallé Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Sun 11 Dec The merry musicians of the Hallé and conductor Andrew Gourlay are joined by Christmas cracker Alasdair Malloy who’ll lead the way in a Winter Wonderland with sensational sing-alongs, orchestral antics and a quirky Christmas quiz. Why not get into the festive spirit by coming dressed as Santa, Rudolph or a Christmas fairy?

Even Santa never misses this show!

0161 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Scrooge The Lowry (Lyric Theatre) Mon 12 Dec - Sat 7 Jan Tommy Steele returns to the role that he has made his own, Ebenezer Scrooge, in the record-breaking London Palladium production of Scrooge. The ideal Christmas treat, Leslie Bricusse’s musical extravaganza Scrooge is a heartwarming story based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. So join Ebenezer, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and a whole host of Dickensain characters in this award-winning, international smash hit musical!

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Charlie and Lola's Best Bestest Play Tues 13 Dec – Sun 1 Jan Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Don’t miss everyone’s favourite brother and sister, Charlie and Lola, in their extremely ever so wonderful stage show! Will Lola ever tidy her messy room? Will Charlie get Lola to sleep, even though she is not sleepy and will not go to bed?

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Win an exclusive Charlie and Lola T-shirt.

Available in either pink or white, and in 3 sizes (2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5), we’ve got 3 up for grabs.

To enter, simply go to our website www.familiescheshire.co.uk.

Entries close Wednesday 30 November.

Red Riding Hood Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Wed 14 – Sat 31 Dec Horse+Bamboo present a gorgeously rendered re-telling of the classic girl-andthe-wolf tale. It’s the story that everyone knows... or do they? Wonderful visuals blend with pantomime-style silliness and spooky moments to create an enchanting piece of theatre for all ages over 4.

0161 8339833 / www.royalexchange.org.uk Jack and the Beanstalk The Grange Theatre, Hartford, Northwich Thurs 15 – Sat 31 Dec Join Jack, Daisy and the Princess - and a whole host of other favourites including the ever-eccentric Dame Trot and the utterly evil Fleshcreep - on this laugh-aminute, all-singing, all-dancing roller coaster ride through panto land! Starring Dave Benson Phllips as King of Giddy Oop. 0843 208 0500 / www.thegrangetheatre.com

Aladdin

Snow Play

Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent Thurs 15 Dec – Sun 15 Jan Hop onto your magic carpet for this year’s Christmas panto! Join Aladdin (Joe Swash), the beautiful princess, the evil sorcerer, and the ultimate dame - Widow Twankey to make Christmas 2011 one to remember for the whole family.

0844 871 7649 / www.atgtickets.com/Regent-Theatre Congleton Christmas Concert Congleton Town Hall Sat 17 Dec Congleton Choral Society’s annual Christmas Concert features carols for choir and audience. It’s a great start to Christmas for all the family.

01260 276957 / www.congletonchoralsociety.org.uk

The Lowry (The Studio) Tues 27 December - Tues 3 Jan When Mr Green comes back from his Christmas holidays he finds that Mr White has moved into his house, covering everything in snow, inside and out. Mr Green does all he can, but Mr White won’t budge.

Make a giant snowman, have a super snowball fight and help bring back the Spring in this highly interactive smashhit London production with Patrick Lynch from Cbeebies.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Christmas Carol Singalong Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Sat 24 Dec Clap your hands, stamp your feet and sing your heart out with Jonathan Cohen.

Including classics such as Frosty the Snowman, Once in Royal David’s city, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Merry Christmas Everybody, Santa Claus is coming to town, I wish it could be Christmas everyday, Hark!

The herald angels sing and many more.

0161 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Christmas Ice Show: Fantasia SilverBlades Ice Rink, Altrincham Sat 17 Dec Produced by SilverBlades Professional Coaches and local talent, Fantasia brings together 5 fantastical worlds into one amazing Ice Show. Featuring Toy Story, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Under The Sea and High School Musical, the show promises to be the most magical, the most amazing and of course the coolest ice show you and the family will see this holiday season!

08700 852929 / www.silver-blades.co.uk

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 19

‘Tis the season...

WHERE’S SANTA? Get up close and personal with the big man himself.

Anderton Boat Lift, Northwich Every weekend from Sat 3 – Sun 18 Dec and 21-24 Dec 10am – 5pm Come and join Santa and Mrs Claus for festive stories and sing-along fun! The festive cruise lasts 50 minutes and every child will get a present from Santa.

Booking strongly advised.

01606 786777 / www.andertonboatlift.co.uk Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, Northwich Santa Arrives Sat 19 Nov Santa arrives on the Santa Express at 11am to open his Grotto and the Christmas Garden Square with small fair rides and snow machine.

Breakfast with Santa Sunday 11 & Sun 18 Dec Join Santa for a hearty cooked breakfast, sing jolly festive songs and gather around the tree for storytelling. Each family meets with the big man himself and every child receives a present from Santa before they leave. 9am – 11.30am. Booking is essential – please book early to avoid disappointment.

01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk Blaze Farm, Wildboarclough Every weekend in Dec See Father Christmas walking around the farm at weekends throughout December. Buy your fresh Christmas tree while you’re there.

01260 227229 / www.blazefarm.com

Cheshire Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall Santa Arrives Thurs 8th Dec Doors open 3pm. Reindeer arrive 4.30pm 2011. £2 per child (adults free) The farm is open for the evening with Christmas Market stalls. Celebrity chef Brian Mellor performs two cookery demonstrations.

Local choir will be singing carols.

Grotto Sat 10 & 17, Sun 11 & 18 Dec Father Christmas awaits his visitors from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

01829 770446 / www.cheshirefarmicecream.co.uk Glo Family, Cheadle Meet Santa Sun 11, Sun 18 Dec 1.30 – 3pm Mon 19 – Fri 23 Dec 2.30 – 3pm Gift included Glo Ho Ho Christmas Extravaganza Fri 23 Dec 12.30 – 2.30pm Includes lunch, a visit from Santa & gift and other special guests! One not to be missed.

0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com Grosvenor Garden Centre, Chester Santa’s Arrival Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov 11am See Santa arrive on his sleigh pulled by reindeer in the Santa parade complete with stilt walking and a brass band!

Santa’s Reindeer Sat 3 & Sun 4 December 11am – 3pm Say hello to Santa’s reindeer! Join in a cartoon drawing workshop, listen to festive music and you can also hunt down a golden reindeer hidden in the garden centre to win a chocolatey treat!

Storytime with Santa Sat 3 Dec - Sat 24 Dec Join Santa for a story and enjoy a Christmas cookie and juice at the same time. You’ll also receive a very special collectible Raymond Briggs, The Snowman mug made by Portmeirion.

Booking essential.

01244 625200 / www.grosvenorgardencentre.co.uk

Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton Santa’s Grotto, From Sat 26 Nov Open every weekend until Christmas 11am – 4pm.

07961 838753 / www.brooksidepottery.com

20 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

High Legh Garden Centre, High Legh Santa’s Arrival, Sat 26 Nov Santa arrives in a horse-drawn carriage between 12 noon and 12.30 pm. Live band, train rides and lots of children’s activities all afternoon.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Sun 27 Nov, every weekend in Dec and Mon 19 - Fri 23 Dec Hop aboard the High Legh Railway to see Santa between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Tickets available from the Garden Centre or can be pre-booked on the High Legh Railway website. £6.50 per child (includes train ride, visit to Santa and gift) and £1.50 for other passengers.

01925 756991 / www.cheshirerailways.co.uk/highlegh / www.klondyke.co.uk/high-leghgarden-centre-knutsford Hatworks, Stockport Enchanted Christmas Sun 4 Dec, 11am - 4pm Festive family fun, including carol singing, Christmas workshops, face painting and lots more. Visit Father Christmas and give him a wish list. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk Legoland Discovery Centre LEGO® Christmas Sat 3 – Sat 24 Dec Here’s your chance to make sure your favourite LEGO set is on Santa’s list this year. Take part in festive LEGO builds in the model builder’s workshop.

0871 222 2662 / www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk Lyme Park, Disley Father Christmas Sun 4, Sun 11, Sun 18 Dec, 11am – 4pm £6, normal park entry charges apply 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lymepark Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), Manchester Santa’s Grotto Every weekend in Dec & Mon 19 – Fri 23 Dec 10.30am – 4.30pm. £5 to see Santa, receive a gift and enjoy craft activities.

0161 832 2244 / www.mosi.org.uk Ned Yates Garden Centre, Wilmslow Santa’s Grotto & Santa’s Donkeys Sun 4, 11, 18 Dec (book in advance for the Grotto) Tea with Santa Tues 13 – Thurs 15 and Mon 19 – Wed 21 Dec 4.30 – 5.30pm Booking essential 01625 522128 / www.nedyates.com

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal A Victorian Christmas at the Mill Sat 10 & Sun 11, Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec Live music, carols, mulled wine, mince pies and roasted chestnuts. Stories, games and lots of fun in the Christmas-trimmed Apprentice House, and visit Father Christmas in his traditional Victorian grotto!

01625 445896 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybankmill Queens Square, Wrexham Santa’s Grotto Fri 2 - Sat 24 Dec Santa arrives in town on Thursday 1 December and the grotto is open until Sat 24 December.

Tatton Park, Knutsford Christmas Lantern Parade welcomes Father Christmas, Fri 9 Dec Watch Father Christmas arrive and meet Tatton’s two adorable reindeer Prancer and Dancer. Bring along any of your unwanted toys to donate to a children’s charity, and post your Christmas wish list. Festive music and late night shopping and dining.

Father Christmas at Tatton Park’s Farm Sat 10 & Sun 11, Sat 17 & Sun 18, Sat 24 Dec Father Christmas will be at The Farm with Prancer and Dancer together with all the other Farm animals – some of which are the star attractions of the nativity scene. Visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special Christmas gift. Children’s rides (small extra charge), face painting and story telling make a great Christmas day out for the family.

Family Christmas Carols in the Stableyard, Sun 18 Dec Bring your friends and family to the outdoor Stableyard Carols and join in the singing to the accompaniment of The King Edward Musical Society. Shops open until 5pm for last minute Christmas shopping.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Woodford Park Garden Centre, Stockport Santa’s Arrival & Grotto Sun 20 Nov – Sat 24 Dec Santa arrives in a horse-drawn carriage at 11.30am on 20 November and will be in his cosy grotto right up until Christmas Eve. Pay him a visit and meet his reindeer too.

Breakfast or Tea with Santa A festive meal, storytelling and colouring with crayons. Meet Santa and receive a gift. Places are limited and booking early is advisable – call the centre for dates and times.

0161 439 0745 / www.notcutts.co.uk

‘Tis the season...

SANTA’S EXPRESS

Early booking is essential for all journeys

Churnet Valley Railway Santa and Steam Sat 3, 10 17 Dec Sun 4, 11,18 Dec Wed 7, 14, 21 Dec 01538 750755 / www.churnet-valleyrailway.co.uk

Image: Foxfield Railway

SANTA DASH

More Santas than you ever thought you’d see! Get active and raise money for charity.

Foxfield Railway, Stoke on Trent Santa Specials Sat 3, 10 17 Dec Sun 4, 11,18 Dec Sat 24 December 01782 259667 / www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk

East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials Sat 26 Nov – Sat 24 Dec 0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/ santaspecial

refreshments. Registration & more details on www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk. www.oultonpark.co.uk

abilities – children under 14 can also enter as long as they are accompanied by an adult. www.chestersantadash.com

Castle Drive, Chester Sun 11 Dec 9.30am Chester’s first ever Santa Dash – run or walk 4km whilst raising vital funds for two local charities – Hospice of the Good Shepherd & The Countess of Chester Hospital. A festive, family occasion open to all ages and

Heaton Park, Manchester Sun 11 Dec Be part of the Do It For Charity run series and take part in the Santa Run - an amazing run in aid of a charity of your choosing. www.doitforcharity.com

Rudyard Lake Steam Railway, Rudyard nr Leek Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec 01995 672280 / www.rlsr.org

Oulton Park, Little Budworth Sun 11 Dec In aid of St Luke’s Hospice – this year you can stroll 5k, dash 5k or cycle 5k! Or if you would like a challenge take part in the Bi-athlon which is cycling and dashing! Luke the Bus will be turned into Santa’s Grotto, there’ll be a fantastic food fair and lots of fun, games and competitions for the children.

Freshly cut Christmas Trees from Scotland will be on sale, as well as seasonal

Grab a good book this Christmas Reviews by Louise Turner

The Good Green Christmas

Christmas Tunes by Anthony Marks

By Christina Goodings Published by Lion Children’s Books ISBN: 0745961797 Paperback RRP £5.99 With this book, the green effect touches Christmas and helps children to understand the importance of recycling while making a selection of fun, easy-to-assemble Christmas crafts and decorations. Using natural materials, leftover materials and recyclable materials it includes simple instructions to make cards and tags, boxes, bunting, baubles, sweet treats, stockings and an eco-star.

There are 16 traditional items to make in all and each colour page is clearly illustrated with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and a photograph of the end product (always useful when trying to explain to children what they are making!).

Published by Usborne Publishing ISBN: 0746095880 Spiral Hardback RRP £12.99 If you haven’t got any Christmas music yet, then this is the perfect book for your children to start with! It includes 37 simple to play Christmas carols, songs and other seasonal music. The pieces have been arranged for voice and piano but can be played by many other melody instruments such as recorders, flutes violins and guitars. There is also a metronome mark telling you what speed to sing and play and each song comes with a short paragraph explaining its musical background.

You can listen to the pieces on the Usborne Quicklinks Website at www.usborne-quicklinks.com and type in “Christmas tunes”.

Winter Nature Activities for Children

Dear Santa

By Irmgard Kutsch and Brigitte Walden Published by Floris Books ISBN: 0945803850 Paperback RRP £12.99 This book focuses on traditional handicraft techniques using materials drawn from nature. Amongst other things, children learn how to dye and spin wool, weave willow baskets, carve wood, mold clay and press juice encouraging them to keep traditional processes alive and helping them to preserve nature. Each page has colour photographs of children taking part in the activities as well as sketches to show you what to do. The chapters are monthly so December focuses on Advent crafts, January covers wool and February includes woodworking and clay. It’s best for older children (as tools are used!) and the practical activities are designed to be done indoors and outdoors.

By Amy Husband Published by Meadowside Childrens Books ISBN: 1845395026 Paperback RRP £5.99 Designed as an envelope addressed to Santa with bright colours, fun pictures and clear text this book is perfect for 4-6 year olds. It starts with a letter from Santa asking children whether they’ve been good and what they would like for Christmas. The rest is a series of funny letters from a little boy called Michael to Santa asking for presents and trying to explain the various mishaps involving his pet dog Bruno. What Michael can’t explain is why his mother is painting the nursery pink and is feeling tired all the time; will there be a mysterious addition to Christmas?

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 21

‘Tis the season...

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Take advantage of local seasonal fairs for some great original gift ideas.

Christmas Gift Fair Tatton Park Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov An early opportunity to look for those special gifts. 50 exhibitors selected from all over the country. Normal Park Entry Charge applies.

01530 834056 / www.countrywide-events.co.uk Christmas Craft Fair Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Sat 12 & Sun 13 Nov Christmas gifts and crafts inspired by the festive season.

01625 445896 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybankmill Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester City Centre Fri 18 Nov – Wed 21 Dec A huge variety of stalls with mouth-watering delicacies from all over Europe. Follow the Christmas trail round the eight sites of the market and admire some of the historical gems of the city centre at the same time.

Map available to download online. Markets open 10am - 7.30pm (8pm in Dec) www.manchestermarkets.com

Christmas Extravaganza Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, Northwich Sat 19 & Sun 20 Nov Santa arrives on the Santa Express at 11am to open his Grotto and the Christmas Garden Square with small fair rides and snow machine.

The shops will have special offers and discounts available only over this weekend, plus there’ll be a Christmas Market with a variety of food and craft stalls, Bratwurst sausages, hot chestnuts and mulled wine plus a Christmas Festive Carvery in Coach House Bar and Restaurant. Free admission and parking.

01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk Christmas Craft Fair Eaton Primary School, Eaton by Tarporley Sun 20 Nov 11am – 3 pm Please come and enjoy all the stalls have to offer from 11am – 3pm. Children’s crafts, Tombola, Raffle, Refreshments and much more. Santa will be paying a visit on the day too! All welcome.

01829 732731 Craft, Gift & Food Fair Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield Fri 25 – Sun 27 Nov A wide selection of handmade crafts plus gifts from around the world and speciality food stalls.

01744 750606 / www.creativecrafts-online.co.uk

Christmas Fair Glo Family, Cheadle Sat 19 Nov, 1 – 4pm Beautiful & unique Christmas gifts from a variety of handpicked suppliers.

0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com

Erddig Christmas Market Wrexham Weekends only: Sat 3 – Sun 18 Dec A traditional Christmas Market and Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the beautiful National Trust property near Wrexham.

Fifty stalls and cabins selling gifts, toys, food and drink. Arrive early to get your ticket to see Santa in the ice palace grotto, and don’t miss the toy workshop with the elves making and wrapping and presents warmed by a roaring log fire.

10 am – 5 pm 01978 355314 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig The Winter Wonderland Show Nantwich Civic Hall Sun 4 Dec A new Christmas Event at the Nantwich Civic Hall, offering new, quality products and services, imaginative ideas, attractions and interests as well as free fun for the whole family from 9am to 5pm.

0161 872 8560 / www.whitechocolateevents.co.uk

www.mosaicchildrenstherapy.co.uk | mosaicctc@gmail.com 57 Church Street, Davenham, Northwich, CW9 8NF | 01606 40195

22 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Christmas Market Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, Northwich Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec A great opportunity to pick up a festive bargain in the Christmas Market Marquee open each day from 10am – 5pm. Offering local food produce and handcrafted gifts and Christmas decorations. Carol Singing & Hand Bell Ringing in the courtyard at intervals between 1pm & 4pm. Free admission and parking.

01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk

Christmas Fairy & Elf Workshops If you’re struggling to get everything done in time for Christmas and need a little help, then here’s a company that will make your wishes come true!

Yorkshire’s favourite children’s entertainment company will be running a weekend workshop for children in the run up to Christmas allowing you a few child free hours at the weekend to grab any last minute presents or attack your wrapping!

Children are invited to join a team of Christmas fairies and elves from Fantasy Kids Clubs as they prepare for Christmas

• Independent occupational therapy for children with additional needs • Detailed assessment to determine root cause of a child's difficulty • Work with families and children, providing purposeful activities to develop functional skills

Wrexham Christmas Market Church Street and St Giles’ Churchyard, Wrexham Thursday 8 Dec 70 stalls selling gifts, toys, food, crafts, Christmas decorations and trees. www.wrexham.gov.uk

at this creative workshop from 9am-3pm on Saturday 10 December in Alderley Edge. They are on the voluntary OFSTED register and accept childcare vouchers.

What more could you ask for?

Their sister company Make A Wish Entertainment also run magical Christmas parties hosted by your choice of Christmas character including Santa himself. For more information and to book a place on one of their workshops please contact Fantasy Kids Clubs on 01924 281365 or visit www.fantasykidsclubs.co.uk.

What’s on

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

Other Activities Sat 12 Nov Wilmslow United Reformed Church SK9 1PR East Cheshire NCT Nearly New Sale 11am*– 1pm (*members entry, general admission 11.15am) £1 per adult Please do not bring pushchairs or shopping bags due to lack of space.

Refreshments stall outside the venue.

Sun 20 Nov Winter Bird Boxes Jubilee Cafeteria, Queen’s Park, Crewe 2 – 4pm Children must be accompanied.

01270 537896

Sun 20 Nov Winnington Park Recreation Club CW8 4EB Northwich & District NCT Nearly New Sale 2 – 3.30pm, £1 per adult Quality, used Autumn/Winter children’s and babies’ clothes (0-11 years), toys, books, CDs, DVDs, cots, prams/pushchairs and nursery equipment.

Sun 27 Nov Wilmslow High School (A34 entrance) Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm.

Table costs £10 Entrance 50p 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Fri 2 – Sat 24 Dec Macclesfield Town Centre Winterfest A season of events and performances with a skating rink and festive Treacle market. www.winterfestmacclesfield.com

Sat 3 Dec

Sun 4 Dec

Thurs 15 Dec

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Medieval Christmas 12 noon – 4pm Free, drop-in Medieval Christmas crafts, activites, costumes and objects.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting Delamere Forest Astronomy Meet up with local astronomers to learn about the night sky. A short talk in the classroom first and then out into the forest for an opportunity to view constellations, planets, galaxies, star clusters and nebulae through telescopes on site. 7 – 9.30pm.

All children must be accompanied.

01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Festive Tree Decorating Congleton Park Booking / payment in advance essential, Adults FREE, Children £3. 10am – 3pm Children must be accompanied.

01625 383777

Saturnalia Parade Start from Grosvenor Museum, Chester 6.30pm, Free 01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk /visiting

Wed 7 Dec

Sun 18 Dec

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Music Hall Sing-a-long 7 – 8.30pm £3 (includes refreshments), Age 12+ 01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting Stockport Air Raid Shelters Explorer Tour Evening tours of Stockport Air Raid Shelters, including areas not seen on the public tour.

You will be given the opportunity to see the extent of Stockport’s Air Raid preparations.

Ages 10+, 7.00pm, Booking essential 0161 474 1940 / www.airraidshelters.org.uk

Wilmslow High School (A34 entrance) Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm.

Table costs £10 Entrance 50p 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Sat 3,10,17 Dec Sun 4, 11, 18 Dec Little Moreton Hall Yuletide celebrations Experience a Tudor Christmas with displays, entertainment, storytelling and festive fun for all ages.

01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ litttlemoretonhall

Sun 4 Dec Festival Hall, Alderley Edge, SK9 7HR East Cheshire NCT Cheeky Monkeys Christmas Tea Party 11am – 1.30pm Face painting, arts and crafts with the Creation Station, a mini raffle, Father Christmas and Jo Jingles will be joining us for some music and movement. Party tea at lunch time. £3 per child (under 1’s free) or £7 for a family ticket - places limited.

Tickets available in advance.

0844 243 6115 / chair@eastcheshire-nct.org.uk

Fri 9 – Sun 11 Dec Stockport Air Raid Shelters Wartime Christmas Stocking!

Follow the good fairy through the maze of tunnels, singing along the way, as you look for Santa during this magical family event.

Bring a sock or stocking with you for some 1940’s wartime gifts. One adult permitted free per each paying child. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fri: 4.30pm (± every 30 mins until 6.30pm) Sat & Sun: 11.00am (± every 30 mins until 2.30pm) 0161 474 1940 / www.airraidshelters.org.uk

Sun 11 & 18 Dec

Mon 19 & Wed 21 Dec Glo Family, Cheadle 10am – 12pm Christmas craft workshop 12.30 – 2.30pm Pyjama Drama Christmas Party 3 – 5pm Movie Time 0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com

Tues 20 & Wed 21 Dec Deer Feed and Trailer Ride Tatton Park Places limited, booking essential. Age 5+ 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tues 20 & Thurs 22 Dec Glo Family, Cheadle 10am – 12pm Christmas craft workshop 12.30 – 2.30pm Christmas Dance Party 3 – 5pm Movie Time (Thurs 22 only) 0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com

Fri 23 Dec Glo Family, Cheadle 10 am – 12 pm Christmas craft workshop 0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com

Glo Family, Cheadle 11.30am – 12.30pm Christmas craft workshop 12 – 2pm 3 Course Christmas Lunch 0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com

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24 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk