Families Cheshire Issue 20 Nov-Dec 2012

Edition 20 • Nov/Dec 2012

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years

@FamCheshMag facebook.com/familiescheshire

www.familiescheshire.co.uk

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® In this issue >Ho ho ho! ‘Tis the season for all things Christmas >The power of play >Party directory

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

Welcome

Hello!

After a gloomy summer and a wet start as the kids went back to school, it was without much enthusiasm that we started to look ahead to Christmas. But after a few hours of researching all things festive, we found ourselves getting into the mood and yearning for some mulled wine, mince pies and chocolate. OK, ok, the chocolate yearning is really an all-year-round thing, but at least over Christmas it’s almost acceptable! So now we're feeling completely inspired to hit the shops and rediscover the twinkly magic that is the Festive season.

We’ve put together what we hope will be a really useful guide for you – with gift ideas, local shopping fairs, panto and family show information and most crucially of all…where to find Santa.

Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful end to 2012, and a very big thank you to all our advertisers, contributors, distributors and distribution venues – and of course, our readers – for helping to make this another fantastic year for us.

Caryl Hall

Next issue: January/February 2013 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: Paul Moffat Photography, Bollington Tel: 01625 576 586, www.moff.co.uk

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Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Cheshire is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

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

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Jayne Keep

News East Cheshire NCT Cheeky Monkeys Christmas Tea Party Head along to Wilmslow Methodist Church (SK9 5AR) for face painting, music and movement and loads of fun on Saturday 1st December, 11am – 1pm.

Entrance is £3 per child or £5 per

family, and the price includes lunch for all children up to 5 years old (adults and under 1’s free). Contact whatson@eastcheshire-nct.org.uk or call 0844 243 6115 for more information.

The Manchester Strider UK World Cup returns Over 150 of the UK’s best toddling balance bike riders are set to return to Manchester’s world class BMX track at the National Cycling Centre for the second Strider UK World Cup balance bike race.

To be held on Sunday 18 November, it’s designed to inspire the next generation of British cyclists to get out and explore the world on two wheels in an exciting, fun and safe environment.

There will be a nominal £3 charge for riders (18 months – 5 years) at the event and £2 for spectators payable on the day. Places are limited, so parents are encouraged to register to avoid disappointment. To book a place, simply fill in the registration form on www.stridercup.org or email register@stridercup.org with your child’s name and date of birth.

Entertainment boost for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Macclesfield based “cash for” website musicMagpie.co.uk has donated 120 CDs, DVDs and games to help entertain patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Top chart hits and family favourites including Kylie Minogue, Shrek and Harry

Potter will help put a smile on the faces of young patients who are spending time away from home. The hospital sees 185,000 patient visits each year across a range of specialties, and with 371 beds it is the largest single-site children's hospital in the UK. www.cmft.nhs.uk

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Party directory Cupcake Boutique of Prestbury

ANIMALS Animal Magic Over 30 species of exotic and domestic animals into your chosen venue.

01298 77412 / www.animalmagic-parties.co.uk Blaze Farm, Wildboarclough Feed the chickens, watch the cows being milked, go on the slide, wander the nature trails and enjoy your birthday tea with ice cream.

01260 227229 / www.blazefarm.com Cheshire Pony Parties Stress free, enchanting parties for ages 2 – 14 in a beautiful orchard setting and decorated party stable near Chester or at your home.

01829 741919 / www.cheshireponyparties.co.uk My Little Pony Parties American miniature horses with the perfect temperament for children’s parties. Indoor and outdoor options available. 01625 820431 / 07832 127433 / www.mylittleponyparties.com

Beautifully designed cupcakes & celebration cakes, and outside catering for any occasion. Private party room for cupcake decorating parties also available.

01625 827641 / www.cupcake-boutique.co.uk Little Gastronomes Good, healthy, home made party food.

01244 336 808 / littlegastronomes.co.uk Little Treasures Party Bags Party bags, fillers and personalised chocolate bars for all occasions. 01606 77900 / www.littletreasurespartybags.co.uk Parties ‘n things Themed, Co-ordinated party supplies all in one place – direct to your door. www.partiesnthings.co.uk Party Sashes Galore Personalised sashes, banners and ribbons for every occasion. 0161 798 6245 / www.partysashesgalore.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

A-Star Sports Sporty party entertainment in Chester & surrounds Once Upon a Critter & Once Upon A Pony including ‘playground games' for younger children, Delux animal encounter and pony party entertainment other sports for ages 7+. 01352 770668 / packages. 07575 971375 / www.onceuponacritter.co.uk www.a-starsports.co.uk www.onceuponapony.co.uk Battlefield Live, Knutsford An Authentic combat entertainment experience using The Creepy Crawly Show sophisticated gaming guns. www.battlefieldlive.com A wild and exciting animal road show presented in a fun Brookside Pottery way by comical rangers.

The Potter’s Wheel experience 01244 646 045 / offers pottery painting and a www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk train ride on the miniature railway. You supply the food, they supply the rest.

07946 637499 / www.brooksidepottery.com

BOUNCY CASTLES & PARTY TENTS

Bounceabout 01978 810730 / www.bounceaboutcastlehire.co.uk Funstuff for parties Bouncy castle, obstacle course and party tents, party bags and pre-made pass the parcel. 01625 614803 / 07958 429478 / www.funstuff-for-parties.co.uk

Chocofrolics

A unique 'chocolatey' experience in your home or venue of choice.

The Little Tent Company 01625 521940 / www.chocofrolics.com 01925 487511 / www.thelittletentcompany.co.uk Diddy Dance The Spotty Pig, Chester Fun, affordable parties for tots (2 – 4) at your 01244 311318 / www.thespottypig.com choice of location – dancing games, action songs, hoops, dance ribbons, bubbles, balloons, bells and lots of fun!!

Chester & Surrounds – Danielle: 07870 664734 South Cheshire & Surrounds – Emma: 07792 500981 Audley Climbing Centre, Audley www.diddidance.com 01782 722226 / www.peakpursuits.co.uk Fizz Kids Awesome Walls, Stockport, Stoke on Trent & Dance and cheerleading parties for ages 6+ in Liverpool. www.awesomewalls.co.uk Cheshire and Manchester.

Chill Factore, Urmston 07870 139361 / www.fizzkidsparties.co.uk 0161 749 2222 / www.chillfactore.com Manchester Climbing Centre, Manchester Gigglepop 0161 2307006 / www.manchesterclimbingcentre.com Art, themed or traditional parties in Rockover Climbing, Manchester your home or choice of venue 0161 288 1218 / www.rockoverclimbing.com hosted by professional party leaders.

Rope Race, Stockport 07779 935638 / www.gigglepop.co.uk 0161 426 0226 / www.roperace.co.uk Silver Blades Ice Rink, Altrincham Go Kiddy Karts, Didsbury & Urmston 08700 85 29 29 / www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk Indoor parties for boys and girls aged 4 – 9.

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

07973 479471 / www.hullabalookids.net Alice Rose Cakes & Cookies Jabberjacks 01457 238013 / www.alice-rose.co.uk Playmates parties for children aged 2 – 4, Junior Cheshire Cupcakes parties for ages 5 – 7.

0161 264 7074 / www.cheshirecupcakes.co.uk Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Knutsford – Sue: 01625 540999

CLIMBING CENTRES & INDOOR ADVENTURE

FOOD, CAKES, PARTY BAGS AND SUPPLIES

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

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

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

North East Cheshire: Laura: 0161 4310674 Mid Cheshire – Eve: 01928 739966 South Manchester – Jacqui: 01925 269136 www.jojingles.com Kerry’s Fun Faces Face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon modelling.

07813 297520 / www.kerrysfunfaces.co.uk Kiddy Cook Cooking parties exclusively designed for ages 4 – 11, with options to suit everyone.

07976 619648 / www.kiddycook.co.uk Little Superstars Multi-sports parties across Cheshire.

07904 311552 / www.littlesuperstars.co.uk Lucia the entertainer Comedy led professional offering traditional party entertainment with a unique twist. Balloon Modelling, Ventriloquism, Face painting and magic also available.

0161 483 4363 / www.luciaparties.com MAD Academy High energy music, singing and dance parties for young children (3 months – 5 years) using pom poms, parachutes, ribbons and instruments.

01270 876628 / www.madacademy.com

Rollers Club Rollerskating /rollerblading party for any occasion, for up to 100 children/adults.

07904 341348 / www.rollersclub.co.uk Scalextric Children’s Parties You hire the venue, we supply the Scalextric Party experience.

01928 732717 / www.scalextricchildrensparties.co.uk Sensory Stars Sensory parties for ages 1 – 3 at a venue of your choice. Craft, Messy Play or Glow & Light parties also available.

07506789603 / www.sensorystars.co.uk Speckled Hen Children’s Parties, Holmes Chapel. Baking or sewing parties including a traditional party tea or lunch.

01477 537583 / www.speckledhenparties.co.uk Splat Creative Crafts (messy or not) and games galore parties across the North West.

01477 532119 / www.splatcreative.co.uk Sweetie Pie Bakery, Macclesfield For ages 5+. Decorate a chef’s hat and container for your baked goodies, decorate cupcakes and cut out cookies to bake. Traditional party lunch/tea and cake, as well as goodie bags for all and a birthday gift for the birthday child. 07789 072015 / www.thesweetiepiebakery.net Totally intoart Creative art workshops and parties for children aged from 2 – 11 years in Chester and the Cheshire area.

07774 060405 / www.totallyintoart.co.uk

Make A Wish Entertainment Make your wish for a perfect party come true.

0113 322 7988 / www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk

Tricky the entertainer For magic, fun, music and games.

0800 135 7911 / www.cheshirechildrensentertainer.co.uk

Mother Hen Creative Tailor made parties for ages 4 – 8. Interactive storytelling revolving around the birthday child – a jam packed fun filled magical, personal experience.

07587 191394 / www.motherhencreative.com

PARTY PLANNING

My Babytime Parties for babies with music, movement and dancing, percussion, parachute games and puppets.

07590 025253 / www.mybabytime.co.uk Orchard Studios, Crewe Pop Star Parties in professional studios for ages 10-16.

01270 877208 / www.orchard-studios.co.uk

Cheshire Cat Events Prestige children’s party planning for any age.

01625 460195 / www.cheshirecatevents.com

Little Tinkers Party Planners and Entertainers Options for big or small budgets.

01244 379294 / www.littletinkers.com

Pink Spaghetti Efficient, affordable and approachable party planning services.

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

VENUES

Party Dance Barnaby’s Playbarn, Party dancing, party games, Northwich with special prizes and A stimulating environment invitations – for ages 2 – 4, where children can burn off all and 5+. Available across Cheshire. that energy! A range of party options available.

01244 400238 / 07580 247105 / 01606 301321 / www.barnabys-playbarn.com www.funforlittlefeet.com Premier FC parties The ultimate kid’s football party for children of all ages and abilities.

01625 415151 / www.premierfc.com Ranger Dan Woodland birthday parties with Cheshire’s favourite ranger. A range of fun outdoor activities and games, with food cooked over an open fire.

07765 890385 / www.rangerdan.co.uk

Bollington Health & Leisure Soft play parties for under 3s, Swimming parties for all ages.

01625 574 774 / www.bollingtonleisure.co.uk Brio Leisure, West Cheshire Swimming, bouncy castle, football, multi-sports and dance mat parties at various venues. www.brioleisure.org Fun4All, Chester & Macclesfield A variety of party options in a spacious indoor venue. Laser, Bear making, Sports, Karaoke, Themed and VIP parties available.Chester: 01244 379458 Macclesfield: 01625 440044 www.fun4all.co.uk

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Parties VENUES CONTINUED Funky Monkey Café, Nantwich Great craft or cupcake decorating parties with lots of play and fabulous food.

Homemade food also available for parties in your home/venue of choice.

07846 296882 / www.funkymonkeycafe.co.uk Funkytown, Chester Indoor Adventure Play & Party Centre with a Sensory Room based right in the heart of Chester. Various party options available to suit all budgets.

01244 377229 / www.funkytownplay.co.uk Funsters, Crewe. Indoor play centre for children up to age 12 with standard or Gokart parties available 7 days a week. A variety of balloons also available for sale.

01270 500525 / www.funstersplaycentres.co.uk Glo Family, Cheadle. A unique venue offering a wide variety of parties – All inclusive, Dancing Days, Babywinks/Kiddiewinks, Footytotz, Rhythm Time, Theatre Tots, Blooming Kids and Groovy Hooves.

0844 8007380 / www.glofamily.com The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall. The Ice Cave, private party rooms, outdoor activities (week days only) and playbarn. Party food available or bring your own. 07570 774 491 / www.cheshirefarmicecream.co.uk Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester Full use of all activities as well as a private party room, food and cake. 0844 844 8181 / www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk Playfactore, Trafford A choice of parties in a huge indoor playcentre with a personal party host and contemporary party rooms.

0844 824 6030 / www.playfactore.com

Playworld, Shavington 01270 665669 / www.playworldlimited.co.uk

Pirates Paradise, Holmes Chapel Indoor pirate-themed play centre with lazer quest and themed parties avaible.

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

01606 863623 / www.polarpalace.co.uk The 2 Gyms, Winsford. Indoor adventure playground offering parties with a party host, food and party bags.

01606 558600 / www.the2gyms-cheshire.co.uk The Spotty Pig Craft Café, Chester Ceramic painting, cupcake decorating, decopatch or Wild Wood parties. Exclusive party room for 10+ guests.

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

01260 217 859 / www.wackywarehouse.co.uk / www.fayre-square.com

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

My Little Pony Parties

Totally Intoart

Dandy Farm in Adlington is home to some gorgeous and very cute American miniature horses of varying ages. They range from foals no more than 26 inches high, up to full grown adults at 33/34 inches high. You’ll be amazed how friendly and well behaved they are.

They’ve all been very carefully selected for their breeding and temperament.

With indoor facilities available, My Little Pony Parties can take place throughout the year no matter what the weather. Children of all ages can have a hands-on experience with these miniature horses, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for

Looking for a creative and fun party?

Totally Intoart could be the solution, offering art & craft parties for children from 2 – 11 years old.

Totally Intoart provide all of the materials, aprons, cloths etc., plus a bag for each child to take their finished art home in. They set it all up and tidy up all the mess at the end so parents can simply enjoy watching the fun. Totally Intoart can work around a theme selected by you and the birthday child, maybe around a book or television character, or perhaps fairies, princesses, monsters, pirates ….whatever your child loves the most to make it a really personal party. The types of activities can be tailored too, perhaps painting, clay modelling, mask making, spoon puppets, printing, collages, door signs… or lots of other crafty fun.

Parties are for between 8 and 25 children.

Prices from just £7 per child (depending on the activity chosen), plus face painting can be added for just an extra £1 per child.

Invitations can be provided at no extra cost.

For more information visit www.totallyintoart.co.uk or call Wynne Roberts on 07774 060405.

little ones to get involved and gain confidence around them. They learn how to groom, lead, be creative (dressing them up with bows and ribbons, painting their hooves with glitter) and how to complete an obstacle course.

Private lessons and pony trekking are also available. For more information call Sarah-Jane Slater on 07832 127433 / www.mylittleponyparties.com

Take a trip along Mother Hen’s Magical Tale Trail I’m sure my children have a better social life than I did at their age (or possibly even do now??!); there is a constant stream of party invitations which is lovely, but does make it tricky when you come to picking a party for your own child.

For Isabella’s fourth birthday I chose something very different... a Mother Hen Magical Tale Trail Party – a really unique party concept that takes the children on their own storybook adventure.

The party is led by the lovely Mop Top, a member of the Barmy Banana Army, who takes the children to the land of RumTum-Tush. The adventures are tailored to suit the birthday child; for our party, everyone went in search of Princess Isabella’s missing crown. Along the way they met wizards and dragons, learnt to speak banana language, witnessed magic and much, much more. The story is so interactive from start to finish; the children were completely wowed when Mop Top entered the room and explained what had happened to Princess Isabella’s crown. Alice Penny, who runs the Manchester side of Mother Hen and plays Mop Top, is a fabulous actress and has a real way with the children. I was impressed at how she got them involved in the story every step of the way even though we had a mix of ages. I even noticed how hooked the mums were on the story; at most parties the mums either slope off,

or chat amongst themselves, but at this one they all gathered round to watch and listen! The party involved a good mix of time sitting, watching and listening and time getting up and active. There was a dance to learn, parachute to shake, things to hunt for… they really had to get involved and help to find the missing crown for Princess Isabella (she did love being called that!!). Mop Top’s costume and all of the props used were fantastic, there was the giant storybook the children needed to open (after a quick wash with some magic bubbles!), a little dragon puppet to meet, a butterfly to follow. The attention to detail and the care put into making the story so magical was amazing. Isabella and all her friends had a fantastic time. Highly recommended!

Mother Hen parties are great for any special occasion, or even for school or nursery events. The ideal age range is 4-8 years old. As the parties are multisensory and interactive, they are also ideal for children with special needs.

For more information visit www.motherhencreative.com or call Alice on 07587 191394.

The Creepy Crawly Show The Creepy Crawly Show is a fun packed animal road show that’s great for Kids’ Birthdays, Home Parties, Christenings, Communions and other celebrations.

Everyone can join in: from Toddlers to Teens to Adults. With party games, music, challenges and of course, the animals! Snakes, Spiders, Scorpions, Lizards, Giant African Snails, Hissing Cockroaches, Frogs, Turtles and many more offer great hands on photo opportunities. All presented by their comical Rangers who’ll ensure your occasion is an exciting and memorable one! Available throughout Cheshire and the North West. Book your adventure now.

01244 646 045 / www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk

Let the kids go MAD at the party Organising children’s parties can be a daunting prospect. A room full of energetic, excited, expectant children all waiting to be entertained – it’s enough to make the most proficient parent nervous!

But now you can take the stress out of party time. Why not allow MAD Academy to bring their enthusiasm, energy and expertise to your party, leaving you free to enjoy the

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special day with your child?

Parties are all about singing, dancing and having fun, and that’s what they do best! MAD Academy, who specialise in providing high energy music and movement classes for preschool children, can also bring their MAD magic to your party. Catering for all ages from 3 months upwards, your party leader comes equipped with everything needed to ensure a fun packed party,

including sound system, music, prizes and games, as well as tons of MAD Academy energy! All they need is a room big enough to allow lots of movement. There will be music and dancing, games and prizes, instruments and loads more!

To discover more about MAD Academy parties, visit www.madacademy.com.

Alternatively, contact Kathryn Lindblad on 07930 405631 or Kathryn.lindblad@madacademy.com

Parties Celebrate your Party with Party dance Party songs have provided the • THEMES TAILORED FOR YOUR soundtrack for some of the best CHILD'S INDIVIDUAL TASTE moments of our lives, and for our • STORY ADVENTURE children, it will create the memories • PARTY INVITATIONS INCLUDED that will stay with them forever. £7 per head, minimum 10 children A Party with Party dance is sure Please bear in mind space is required to be a Party to remember. for the children to dance and play games.

• PARTY DANCING Please see the website for further • GAMES AND PRIZES details www.funforlittlefeet.com • BALLOON MODELLING • BUBBLE MACHINE AND DISCO LIGHTING

Parties at Fun4All Customers at Fun4All have high expectations for their parties – broadly speaking, the children want to have fun and parents want a hassle free experience – and thorough party preparation is key. With an appropriate party room assigned, each party hostess is fully briefed on activities, dietary requirements and special requests.

Customers can choose from Toddler games, frame based play, disco and sports activities as well as the recently introduced and very popular Bear Building & Laser parties.

Also very popular are the VIP and Exclusive hire options which provide for a more private or shared party experience.

Each party parent is asked to complete a customer satisfaction survey to help Fun4All identify any improvement opportunities as well as monitor individual hostess performance. They are very proud of the fact that over 99% of all their surveys report that the overall experience is “Excellent” and they would “Definitely recommend Fun4All to a friend”.

Fun4All was also recently announced as a finalist in the prestigious ASPIRE national awards competition organised by the PPA, which rewards the best indoor play centres in the UK. Fun4All has centres in Chester and Macclesfield.

For more information, go to www.fun4all.co.uk.

Contact: Ranger Dan Coates | 07765 890385 info@rangerdan.co.uk | www.rangerdan.co.uk

Bring out the animals Do you want a more exciting, unusual as well as affordable party? Something a bit different from the usual magician, clown or bouncy castle? A party that neither children nor adults will forget? Then invite over 30 species of exotic animal into your chosen venue for a fun, exciting experience like no other.

All participants will be given the chance to handle and feed the animals. The birthday boy or girl will also be presented with a certificate and medal for being the star of the show. Stickers are given out to all as a memento of their experience.

With prices starting from £79, Animal Magic provides affordable yet exciting entertainment. Contact them today and they’ll bring the zoo to you!

01298 77412 / www.animalmagic-parties.co.uk

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School news New free school in Chester

Queen’s girls enjoy a day out to see Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ at Crosby Beach as part of the school’s Art Week.

Give your daughter the best start We all want to give our children the best start in life; to make sure they reach their potential and lead happy and fulfilling lives.

We want to make sure that the school they attend is allowing them to flourish, to find their voice and teaching them in a way they find enjoyable, engaging and inspiring.

At The Queen’s School in Chester, the teaching staff are experts at doing just that. With more than 100 years of experience of teaching girls, they have developed a culture that supports and nurtures talent and treats girls as the individuals they are, so that they can achieve their dreams.

The school achieved the rare feat of top marks in the latest ISI inspection and girls perform exceptionally well academically, helped by the small class sizes and caring atmosphere of the school community.

But in attending Queen’s, girls get much more than that. SAT results are

one thing, but having your daughter leave school friendly, confident and articulate takes so much more than books and tests.

There are dozens of clubs to take part in at Queen’s Lower School, from traditional sports like athletics and hockey to clubs like golf and horse riding. Everything from choir, dance and zumba to science club, journalism and chess is on offer.

It’s this focus on the whole person that enables Queen’s School girls to stand out in a crowd and gives them the best chance imaginable in life.

To find out more about enrolling your daughter to start in Key Stage 1 (Reception) or Key Stage 2 (Year 3), go along to the Lower School Open Morning on Saturday 10 November 9.30am to 12.30pm.

01244 382843 / www.queens.cheshire.sch.uk

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A FREE school due to open its doors in Chester next year is celebrating the enrolment of its first ever pupil.

St Martin's Academy Chester, which pledges to provide outstanding education for the modern family at the heart of the city, has been inundated with enquiries after unveiling plans to welcome its first Reception class in September 2013.

The Head Teacher of nearby Delamere Primary Academy – recently rated as 'outstanding' by Ofsted – Steve Docking and Ofsted inspector Iain Colledge will run St Martin's through their not-for-profit company North West Academies (NWA).

Mr Docking said: “We see this as a major milestone for St Martin's. There's been a huge level of interest, which has reinforced our belief that there is a real demand for the type of educational experience we will provide. We now look forward to seeing our school family grow and grow."

Pupils will initially follow the Early Years Foundation Stages (EYFS) before studying the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), which is taught in nearly 1,000 schools across the world.

St Martin's, which will operate a 9-4pm school day, will also cater for the needs of busy families with excellent on-site childcare from 8-6pm, over 51 weeks of the year.

Mr Docking added: "Our promise to parents is excellence, inspiration and care.

We are committed to providing the very highest standards for our pupils and hope to inspire a lifelong love of learning in every one of them."

For details, please visit www.stmartinsacademychester.co.uk

Stockport Grammar – in a different class

New state of the art teaching facilities awaited Stockport Grammar School pupils when they returned to school at the start of the Autumn Term.

The construction of the Woodsmoor Building and its high spec classrooms for English, Drama, History, Classics,

Psychology, Business Studies and Economics represents just the latest stage in the school’s ongoing programme to give children and staff the very best resources for learning, sport and extracurricular activities.

With outstanding teaching and pastoral care alongside over 200 clubs and activities, Stockport Grammar School provides a well-rounded environment in which “pupils are exceptionally well educated” (ISI Inspection Report 2011). Visit an Open Event or book a school day tour to find out more about the opportunities available for your child.

0161 456 9000 / www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

School news

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School news Little Griffins Nursery celebrates 20 years To help them celebrate their 20th year, Little Griffins nursery at Beech Hall School in Tytherington will be holding a cheese and wine evening on Thursday 20 December 7.00 – 8.30 pm, and would like to invite past and present children and their families to join them.

Established in 1982, the nursery began with just two staff and one child, was originally known as ‘the kindergarten’, and situated in the school’s main building.

Numbers of children and staff quickly grew and in 2003 they finally relocated to the current building. Now in 2012, Little Griffins is a thriving 70 place day nursery, having expanded in 2010 to open a Pre School room in the main school. The nursery employs 12 highly qualified, experienced

and long serving staff and operates all year round between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm.

The nursery is able to offer mornings, afternoons, full days or full weeks as well as the additional benefit of a term time only option. It’s understandably proud of its excellent reputation and warm and caring environment. Children are encouraged to play outdoors under the sunshade sail and in the safe, rural and extensive garden area. Inside the nursery is homely and inviting; children have access to a range of activities; are encouraged to make choices, be independent and are confident and happy individuals.

For more information, please contact 01625 422192 or 01625 432742. www.beechhallschool.org

Alderley Girls’ paintings to be displayed at The Royal Academy Of Arts

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

10 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Two young aspiring artists from Alderley Edge School for Girls are to have their paintings displayed at the Royal Academy of Arts in London after winning an annual painting competition run by development organisation, Sightsavers.

Alexandria McLelland in Year 1 and Liberty MacLeod in Year 6 were picked as regional winners in the infants and juniors categories for their paintings using this years’ theme i:dream. Their paintings were selected from over two thousand entries by a judging panel for their use

of colour, texture, expression and imagination.

The competition, run in partnership with the Royal Academy Schools, aims to promote the use of paint in school classrooms, whilst encouraging children to explore their senses and reflect on sight and blindness.

The Sightsavers i:dream exhibition will be open daily in the Café Gallery at the Royal Academy of Arts until 21 November and entrance is free. All the winning paintings can be viewed online at www.sightsavers.org/juniorpainter2012.

School news King’s results speak for themselves The King's School's youngest pupils have once again achieved results that far exceed the national averages. At the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, all pupils had achieved the national target and more than 50% had surpassed the expectations for their age and development.

At the end of Key Stage 1, King's Year 2 children managed to more than double the national averages for all three assessment areas of Maths, Reading and Writing. And this is all the more impressive when considering the fact that the children are not assessed for entry to King's Infants. And the success continues at Key Stage 2, where again pupils exceeded national average scores and many children achieved Key Stage 3 standard.

In a new development, King's recently opened a Pre-School and, in September, welcomed its first-ever PreSchool class of 15 boys and girls.

King's is now able to provide parents far greater flexibility with half-day sessions, full time places and holiday provision, as well as the very best possible start to an amazing learning journey.

Principal of King's Infant & Junior Division Caroline Hulme-McKibbin said: “We know that a successful start to a child's learning journey is crucial to their future performance. Institute of Education research shows that the quality of the Pre-School that children attend makes a difference to how well they do at school at age 14. King's PreSchool places an emphasis on developing fundamental literacy and numeracy skills, learning through play, the use of the outdoor classroom and a high staff to pupil ratio.”

01625 260000 / www.kingsmac.co.uk

The demise of the GCSE

Education Secretary Michael Gove is to replace the existing GCSE exam system with new, tougher qualifications in a major overhaul of the exam system. The new English baccalaureate – the EBacc - will replace GCSEs with single, more difficult examinations in the biggest change in the system for over 25 years.

The new exams are likely to do away with the existing continuous assessment modules, will reintroduce the traditional

3-hour examinations and restrict the number of top grades awarded. In fact, one of the key aims is to remove starred grades entirely and make sure that far fewer pupils win the top grades compared with the 3 in 10 pupils who currently receive As and A-stars. Teenagers will also be prevented from re-sitting individual modules and will have to retake the entire exam if they want to improve their grades. The government insists that these changes will end “grade inflation and dumbing down” and comes after both Coalition parties have shown themselves keen to see the introduction of more rigorous teaching and exams in key subjects, however they are not scheduled for introduction until September 2018.

Stop the bullies Find out more about Anti-Bullying Week, which takes place 19 – 23 November with the theme ‘We’re better without bullying’.

See www.antibullyingweek.co.uk for details of antibullying resources, workshops and roadshows, as well as the Anti-Bullying Week competition where you can win £100's worth of prizes for you and your school.

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 11

Image: Ang Leach

Parents’ place

The Power of Play

By Shani Blumenfeld

As adults we generally don’t take much notice of what children are doing when they are playing.

In fact we may just be grateful for those moments when our children are occupied in playing and there is finally some respite from demands on our attention. But if we do stop to watch our children playing, we see that it’s not ‘just playing’ – there is something magical, spontaneous, uninhibited, creative and rejuvenating happening. As Plato, the Ancient Greek Philosopher said “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation”. Play is the ‘window’ into a child’s world.

Play is a child’s natural, spontaneous way to explore the world and express themselves. It has long been recognized by educators and psychologists as vital to children’s development, helping them to grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Free play (unstructured) in particular, provides opportunities for children to play out and rehearse roles and feelings, try out new ideas, practice facing challenges, rethink experiences and work out solutions.

Play also has the power to heal, especially when children have problems that are disrupting their lives and those around them. Children’s thoughts and emotions naturally come to the surface during play and it is a good way for children to find solutions to problems.

It’s generally easier for children to make positive changes when they are playing and playing allows children to express feelings and anxieties that may be difficult to put into words.

Playful families Whilst play comes so naturally to children, as adults we have often lost the ability to play and joining children in their play doesn’t feel ‘comfortable’ as it requires putting aside our familiar ‘adult’ roles, letting go of our authority and realism for a while, and risking appearing (to the adult world only), silly.

But research clearly shows that playing with our children has enormous benefits.

It allows family members to relax and laugh together, we can change roles, bend the rules a bit, and go where the fun takes us. And kids just love it when parents step out of parental mode and join them as equals in play. Crucially, playing together can also bring parents and children closer and help to build warm and lasting relationships. Adults and children alike develop skills in talking and hearing each other; children gain a sense of security, self-confidence and a view of themselves as effective in the world; and it can even facilitate talking about problems through diversion and relaxation.

12 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

You don’t need any specialist skills or equipment to join your child’s play. Just give your undivided attention, watch and listen, comment occasionally on what you see and if you want to get involved allow your child to ‘direct’ you like a film director would an actor. Resist the temptation to teach, criticise/praise or guide the play (unless for safety reasons) as this will help your child express themselves without the anxiety of failure or judgement. And don’t worry – letting your child take charge in their play for a while isn’t going to turn them into ‘bossy’ children.

It needn’t be time-consuming either – just ten minutes a day of joint play will give your children the message that you are interested in them, that they are valuable and will help to strengthen your relationship.

Play Therapy – helping children & families feel better through the power of play All children encounter challenges in their life and most children manage to weather these emotional storms with the support of parents, carers, friends and family.

However sometimes children experience problems with their feelings or behaviours that are harder to work out even with the support of those around them, and they

may need additional help. Play Therapy is an effective way of helping children to work through muddled feelings or upsetting events that they haven't had the chance to sort out properly and that are disrupting their lives or the lives of those around them.

Rather than having to talk about what is troubling them – as an adult might do in a counselling session – in Play Therapy children use play and expressive activities to communicate deeper feelings or worries that may be hard for them to put into words.

Parents and carers may seek extra support from a Play Therapist when their child seems unduly sad, disruptive, rebellious, unable to cope or inattentive or when parents are concerned about their child’s development, eating or sleeping patterns and how they are getting along with family, friends or at school. Play Therapy can help children affected by a variety of difficult life experiences, such as low self-esteem; separation issues; loss or bereavement; bullying or schoolrelated issues; family changes or breakdown; domestic violence; abuse or traumatic experiences; issues relating to disability/ illness (of the child or family members).

Play Therapy not only helps children make sense of difficult feelings or experiences but also to feel better about themselves, get on better with friends and family and find healthier ways of coping with challenges life inevitably brings. Play Therapists can also work with children and their parents together.

Shani Blumenfeld is a Registered Play Therapist based in Manchester.

Manchester Play Therapy Tel: 07812 089 760 email: info@manchesterplaytherapy.co.uk. www.manchesterplaytherapy.co.uk

Parents’ place

Coping with challenging behaviour

Image: S Braswell

By Sarah Rawsthorn

I watched as my 2 year old daughter lay on her back on the floor, protesting loudly because her wishes had been thwarted. I walked in to the next room determined not to reward her with my attention for this undesirable behaviour.

Moments later she was by my feet, still in a prone position, still protesting, having propelled herself across the floor with her feet to a place where she could not be ignored. I hid my face in a tea towel and laughed. I laughed but equally I could have cried. Should I ignore this behaviour or should I comfort and calm her? My daughter’s tantrum was a physical expression of the horrible reality that the world did not (always) revolve around her. I had been teaching other people’s children for fifteen years and yet daily my own child presented me with challenges I felt unprepared for.

Sometimes we can be overwhelmed by our children’s behaviour; it can be enormously stressful whether they are 15 months or 15 years old, especially when the emotion they are immersed in is anger. Anger is of course an essential part of being human. Aristotle wrote that one of the greatest challenges in life is ‘…to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way’.

A life’s work indeed.

Managing one’s own anger and that of one’s offspring requires significant

skills and strategies which can be developed and supported by an experienced, objective professional.

Empathy, consistency, effective communication and listening skills are key to supporting a child to develop self esteem, self awareness and self efficacy.

The exercise of constantly imaging what it is like to be the other person is one of the basic tools of life and relationships.

We give this tool to our children, often unconsciously, by reflecting back their emotional responses “Did the dog scare you when he jumped up?” A major reason for children’s frustration and anger is an inability to express themselves clearly. As parents and carers we have a responsibility to provide our children with emotional language and expressive cues, “He took your car and now you are feeling very angry?” We don’t have to agree with our child’s feelings but we do have to unconditionally accept the reality of their experience feeling and thinking.

Listening is vastly underrated; it costs nothing but a few minutes of our time. Quality listening can dissipate a great deal of anger, it is not always necessary to come up with a solution,

sometimes the act of expressing oneself and feeling cared for and understood is enough.

Boundaries are vital to feeling secure, simple rules must be explained clearly alongside reasonable, prompt and achievable negative and positive consequences. It can feel like a thankless task, children will resist and push the limits and complain about the way other children are permitted to behave. We need to maintain boundaries in the confidence that it is done for the long term best rather than short term peace.

Other factors play a part, the evidenced influence on behaviour of violent imagery on TV, in films and computer games is increasingly relevant. Poor early attachment to the key carer can cause long term difficulties for a child.

Witnessing violence in the home environment can have serious, long lasting effects on children in terms of their brain development and ability to regulate emotions. Rejection and humiliation can make a child hypersensitive and they will struggle to cope with and manage anger. Living with continual parental discord can make children feel insecure, sad and ashamed. As parents we have to aspire to ensure that our children see a model of fair and respectful conflict that demonstrates listening, assertion, empathy and conflict resolution.

EDGE Inclusion Consultancy is a local, highly qualified, very experienced multi professional team who specialise in child development, behaviour and learning. If you are concerned about an aspect of your child's development, learning or behaviour would you like to discuss it with one of our team of independent, highly qualified, very experienced, local professionals? It may be a learning or behaviour concern you have been aware of since infancy or perhaps has recently been raised by friends or family or your child's childminder or teacher. No matter how large or small you think the issue is, Edge Inclusion Consultants are here to help your child and empower you.

For more information, call Sarah on 07790 500 487 or email sarah@edgeinc.co.uk. www.edgeinc.co.uk

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 13

Parents’ place WINTER & CHRISTMAS WEAR As the weather turns colder (not that it was ever really warm at all this year!) and the nights draw in, it’s time to stock up on all things warm and waterproof. We’ve tried out a few products and have come up with some recommended buys for your child’s essential Winter wardrobe.

Hunter Original Kids’ Glow Wellies (RRP £40)

Muddy Puddles Puddleflex Jacket (RRP £32)

Polarn O. Pyret Soft Fleece Top & Trousers (RRP from £16.50)

These boots are fab! Original style Hunter wellies that glow in the dark; perfect for dark wet evenings or early mornings. Charged in artificial or natural light, the boot gives off a green glow colour, plus reflective strips on the back and a reflective logo on the front give added visibility and safety. Lily (6) put these to the test – she found them comfortable and easy to run around in. She also found it highly amusing when her feet glowed as the light went! I could certainly see her from a distance in the light or dark with such vivid boots. www.hunter-boot.com

Logan (2) tested the Puddleflex jacket.

Being a typical boy he’s too active to want to be hindered by a big bulky coat, so this one was perfect; thick enough to keep him warm (with extra layers under on very cold days) but lightweight enough not to get in the way of play. The material is 100% waterproof (he tested this with both rain and hosepipes!) and keeps the wind out well too. Silver reflective strips on the arms give essential visibility. A great coat for play and school. www.muddypuddles.com

These are so super soft and snuggly, they are perfect for chilly days as part of layering up and keeping cosy. The polyester wicks moisture away keeping children dry and comfortable.

Isabella loved the zip up top, especially the thumb holes to keep sleeves in place and little hands a bit cosier. The jacket had extra length at the back to avoid gaps and drafts. I think this set will be well used over the Winter months. www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Muddy Puddles Cosy Snow Boots (RRP £25) Isabella (4) tried these out and loved them. Always one to complain about cold toes, she has been sporting these in the wet in place of normal wellies. They are very cute; fleece lined and snug inside, with an easy access zip opening so she can get them on and off easily on her own. Plus the addition of a toggle fastening at the top of the boot means they are secure and will keep the snow out when it starts to fall. www.muddypuddles.com

Zak & Flo

Polarn O.Pyret Thermal Top & Trousers (RRP from £14.50) A cool way to wear thermals! Lily tested out these funky block coloured base layers.

As a family that’s outdoors with dogs and ponies in the chilliest of weather, with these under her usual clothes Lily felt toasty. The material is so soft and not at all bulky so can easily slip under sports kit for Winter training. The material absorbs moisture without feeling cold or wet. Lily found these so snuggly she has even been known to use them instead of her PJs! www.polarnopyret.co.uk This family run children’s boutique caters for boys and girls up to 14 years.

They’ve loads of ideas for party and Christmas wear, a huge selection of fabulous Christmas PJ’s which make great presents – as do the Hunter Wellies and welly socks! They offer a personal service and are more than happy to measure and compare items.

They’ll also offer recommendations so that you can make the right choice. With one of the largest selections in the UK of Mini A Ture Outerwear for the coming wet & cold winter months in the

14 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Polarn O. Pyret Finsta Neck Warmer (RRP £7.50)

A fab fashion statement that keeps chills off little necks when a big bulky scarf would be too much while children are running around..

Isabella had a try and loved the design, finding the material soft, stretchy and comfortable. www.polarnopyret.co.uk

UK and all of you lucky skiers, you’ve got to check out the range at www.zakandflo.com!

Zak & Flo is offering Families readers 10% off all their purchases until 31st December 2012 (plus free delivery when you spend over £100!) Simply enter MINIFAMILIES at checkout.

Win a £200 Shopping Spree in time for Christmas!

New clothes make any occasion extra special. The Polarn O. Pyret Christmas collection for newborn to age 12 years is now in stores and online. As always, the clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too.

Cosy cotton PJ’s that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day. Enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays.

FREE! Gift wrapping is always available at Polarn O. Pyret stores.

For your chance to win, just enter your details at www.polarnopyret.co.uk/win by Monday 10 December. Terms and conditions apply. The winner will be notified via email on 11th December.

Check out the great range at www.polarnopyret.co.uk or visit Polarn O.Pyret in House of Fraser Manchester.

Parents’ place Are you feeling lucky?

Introducing Steady Eddie World!

Travelling with children is about to get easier as Steady Eddie takes to the Road with a new Kids Club and Spot the Lorry App created by the Stobart Group (the company behind the big green lorries that go up and down the motorway every 8 minutes).

To celebrate the launch of the new Steady Eddie Club, we are giving away 6 annual memberships which include a Steady Eddie cap, drawstring bag, truck spotter’s notebook, a fanzine that will mailed to your home 3 times a year, a wallet and an exclusive membership card – altogether worth £14.99.

You will also receive free membership to www.steadyeddieworld.com where you will be able to download the Spot the Lorry App, an updated version of the classic motorway game that sounds a bleep when a Stobart lorry is approaching and allows children to spot, record and compete against other children for the highest lorry sighting score to win a host of great prizes.

To enter the competition, simply go to www.familiescheshire.co.uk. Entries close Monday 10 December.

Children’s Christmas Baking Days and Parties Grab yourself some extra shopping time this December and get the children baking at The Sweetie Pie Bakery in Macclesfield.

Christmas cupcake and cookie parties (for ages 3+) Make Christmas cookies and decorate Christmas cupcakes.

Tues 11 & 18 Dec, Thurs 13 & 20 Dec, 4.30 – 6.30pm, £12 per child (including a hot dinner and refreshments).

Christmas Baking Days (for ages 4+) Make delicious baked treats and a yummy lunch, and get crafty making a Christmas lantern.

Sun 2, 9 & 16 Dec, 11am – 3pm, £20 per child (sibling discount available) Sessions have limited availability, so make sure you book early.

FOR A 10% DISCOUNT WHEN BOOKING, JUST QUOTE FAMILIES CHESHIRE MAGAZINE. 07789 072015 / www.thesweetiepiebakery.net

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

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...

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 15

Christmas The Legend Of Robin Hood

Image: Aliye Mullen Photography

The Brindley, Runcorn Wed 28 Nov

Oh we just LOVE Christmas!

From the makers of ‘Funkerella’ and ‘Little Red’; Split Ends Theatre presents a light hearted, surreal and funny family pantomime based on the famous legend that is Robin Hood. In the magical world of Sherwood Forest; the evil Sheriff Of Nottingham is terrorising the local residents and rising taxes, based on the orders of the greedy Princess Kardashian.

The villagers are resting their hopes on an outlaw - one that is dashing, heroic and handsome…but he’s just missed the last bus so they now depend on Robin Hood!

0151 907 8360 / www.thebrindley.org.uk

The lights, the tinsel, the shopping, the chocolates, and the theatre – it’s great to be a big kid! There’s so much on offer in Cheshire to get you caught up in the spirit of it all – and here’s our festive guide to all things Christmas. Ho ho ho!

English National Ballet – The Sleeping Beauty

FAMILY SHOWS & PANTOMIMES The Selfish Crocodile

Beyond the Barricades

Buxton Opera House Sat 3 Nov The funny tale of a brave little mouse and a very snappy crocodile. Based on the best-selling picture book by Faustin Charles and Mike Terry, this is a funny, heart-warming tale with a very happy ending, which reminds us all that the smallest act of kindness often has the greatest impact. Our storytellers use song, music and a host of beautiful puppets to bring this watery adventure to life. This is a must-see for 3–7-year-olds, their grown-ups, and of course, anybody with a pet crocodile!

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Victoria Hall, Stoke on Trent Fri 23 Nov Recreating original West End and Broadway musical hit songs with amazing authenticity, including songs from Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, Mamma Mia, Blood Brothers, The Jersey Boys and many more hit musical productions, climaxing with a spectacular finale from Les Miserables.

0844 871 7649 / www.atgtickets.com/Victoria-Hall

Eeyore has a Birthday Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sat 10 Nov Music with animal connections, featuring well-loved favourites from Saint -Saens "Carnival of the Animals", through Beethoven, to Winnie the Pooh!! A music theatre piece in words and music starring the BBC Philharmonic Principal Double Bass player, Max Zeugner as Winnie the Pooh, with Yi heng Yang on piano as Piglet, and Vivien Chasey,(viola) playing the role of Eeyore. Ages 4 – 11.

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty – A Gothic Romance The Lowry Tues 13 – Sat 17 Nov This timeless fairy tale, about a young girl cursed to sleep for 100 years, was turned into a legendary ballet in 1890. We meet our heroine, Aurora, at her Christening, when fairies and vampires fed the gothic imagination, before the story moves forward a century to the modern day.

Matthew Bourne’s haunting new production is a Gothic Romance for all ages; a supernatural love story that even the passage of time cannot hinder.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Funny Bones The Lowry Sun 18 Nov Meet three skeletons – Big, Little and Dog – as they go adventuring to find fun, frights and friendship. Inspired by the popular books of Janet and Allan Ahlberg, this is visual feast full of music and song.

Suitable for ages 3-7 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

16 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Manchester Opera House Wed 28 Nov – Sat 1 Dec Reawaken the magic of the world’s favourite fairy tale in an enchanted world of castles and curses, forests and fairies.

0844 272 0807 / www.manchestertheatres.com

Grimm Tales Stiwt Theatre, Wrexham Thurs 29 Nov For a family audience, recommended age 6+ The deliciously scary and thrilling dramatic stories of the Brothers Grimm are brought to life in an imaginative new production by internationally acclaimed Theatr Iolo. Including Hansel and Gretel and the original version of Cinderella, there are sure to be classic stories you know, and several that you may not!

01978 841 300 / www.stiwt.co.uk

Cinderella

A Christmas Carol Buxton Opera House Sun 25 Nov Join Ballet Theatre UK on a magical journey to the dark and twisting streets of old Dickensian London. Filled with joy, laughter and heartbreaking moments, this new production combines traditional ballet with captivating theatre performed to a glorious classical score. To be enjoyed by everyone, young and old.

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Lyceum Theatre, Crewe Fri 30 Nov – Mon 31 Dec Imagine Theatre are delighted to return to Crewe to present one of the most popular rags to riches tales of all time, Cinderella.

The spectacular scenery, breathtaking costumes, fabulous songs and hilarious knock-about comedy make this one of the best traditional family pantomimes around. The royal invitations are out, so get your tickets now and you shall go to the ball!

01270 686 777 / www.lyceumtheatre.net

Christmas Arabian Nights

The Wheels On The Bus

The Lowry Fri 30 – Sat 12 Nov Longing to free her town and its vengeful king from the dark demons that haunt them, Shahrazad brings to life the magical stories of One Thousand and One Nights.

Her strange and wonderful tales take us to enchanted caves, to meet secret sorceresses, singing trees, flying men and wise talking birds. Adapted from the world famous folk tales, Dominic Cooke’s Arabian Nights is a richly imaginative, enthralling and funny delight for Christmas that will keep both children and adults spellbound.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

The Brindley, Runcorn Sat 1 Dec Join Buster the Big Red Bus with all of his friends on their magical adventures, journeying through a song book loved by all the family including Coming Round The Mountain, If You’re Happy And You Know It and of course The Wheels On The Bus. Bring the whole family for the ride.

0151 907 8360 / www.thebrindley.org.uk

Pinocchio

Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Lowry Fri 30 Nov – Sat 5 Jan This spectacular stage musical of Bing Crosby’s classic 1954 movie is brimming with classic Irving Berlin hits like Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean?, Happy Holiday, Sisters and of course the unforgettable title song White Christmas.

With an ensemble of over 30 incredible performers and a dynamic 17-piece orchestra, this multi-million pound production is full of tap dancing, lavish sets, beautiful costumes, lots of laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Buxton Opera House Sat 1 Dec Image Musical Theatre’s production of Pinocchio is full of fascinating, largerthan-life characters who draw the little puppet into all sorts of risky adventures and will enthral and entertain the whole family. With the opportunity for some children to take part as actors and for the whole audience to sing the chorus songs this is family theatre at it’s very best.

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Rats' Tales Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Sat 1 Dec – Sat 12 Jan This World Premier brings together a dark and magical cycle of folk tales from around the world, to create an unforgettable evening for everyone with an imagination aged 8 – 108. Packed with thrills, laughs, loves and more than a bit of magic, Rats' Tales explores the power of storytelling to create a theatrical event, which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

0161 833 9833 / www.manchestertheatres.com

A Christmas Carol Sing-a-long-a Grease Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent Sun 2 Dec Here’s your chance to don those pink jackets, grease up those quiffs and let your inhibitions go for an evening where you are the stars and remember Grease is the word...Fancy dress strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential!

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

Christmas With The Salvation Army The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Wed 5 Dec The Salvation Army’s annual Carol Concert will once again feature the music of the Central North Divisional Brass Band. Another highlight for this year’s concert is the Children’s Choir made up of children from across the Greater Manchester area and also performances from Alexandra Ward (vocal soloist) and Sam Ellis (percussion soloist).

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

The Amazing Mr Scrooge Kingsley Community Centre, Kingsley, Frodsham Wed 5 – Sat 8 Dec The story of Charles Dickens’s ‘Christmas Carol’ in music and song. A musical written and composed by Arnold Ashbrook and directed by Mary Lightfoot.

07925 516760 / www.kingsleyplayers.co.uk

Chester Town Hall Wed 5 Dec – Sun 23 Dec Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Dickens’ timeless and heartwarming tale. Ebenezer Scrooge is literature’s most notorious miser. One Christmas Eve he is visited by three Ghosts – Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. A cast, a choir, film, music and song will guide you through one of the most famous of all winter tales, in this brand new, exquisite take on the Dickens classic.

0845 241 7868 / www.theatreinthequarter.co.uk

Aladdin Stockport Plaza Fri 7 Dec – Sun 6 Jan This year’s seasonal extravaganza promises to be another sell-out smash with sensational costumes, breathtaking scenery and sparkling adventure for the whole family!!! The hilarious firm family favourite Dave Benson Phillips explodes onto the stage as the hilarious Genie alongside a star-studded cast guaranteed to whisk you away on the most magical carpet ride of all.

0161 477 7779 / www.stockportplaza.co.uk

The Very Snowy Christmas Waterside Arts Theatre – Sat 1 Dec Buxton Opera House – Sun 9 Dec It's the night before Christmas and Big Mouse and Little Mouse are putting up decorations. Little Mouse scampers out to search for holly but finds big white flakes falling from the sky. "Goodness me!" he cries. "The sky is coming undone!"

Based on the best-selling book by author Diana Hendry and illustrator Jane Chapman. Ages 3 – 7.

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

The Lion King Palace Theatre Sat 1 Dec – Sun 31 Mar Ingeniously adapted from Disney’s classic film, this spectacular production explodes with glorious colours and stunning effects, all set to the enchanting rhythms of Africa.

With dazzling staging and highly imaginative costumes, masks and puppets, The Lion King uses breathtaking theatrical magic to tell the story of Simba’s epic journey to reclaim his kingdom. Recommended for age 6+.

0844 871 7660 / www.manchestertheatres.com

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 17

Christmas Cinderella The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester Sat 8 – Sun 30 Dec The most magical panto of them all!

Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother transforms her from rags to riches on her journey to Happy Ever After.

01244 341296 / www.tiptopproductions.co.uk

The Magical Adventures of Robin Hood Forum Theatre, Romiley, Stockport Thurs 13 – Sat 22 Dec A traditional family panto suitable for all ages. Follow the antics of Robin Hood and His Men in this magical production.

Performances daily and matinees at the weekend.

07979 788760 / www.nktheatrearts.org.uk

Sleeping Beauty

Peter Pan Manchester Opera House Sat 8 Dec – Sun 13 Jan Featuring David Hasselhoff as Captain Hook, with stunning special effects (including amazing flying!) sumptuous costumes, superb sets and a good helping of fairydust, Peter Pan is the perfect treat for the whole family.

0844 871 3018 / www.manchestertheatres.com

The Grange Theatre, Hartford, Northwich Thurs 13 – Mon 31 Dec A traditional family pantomime brought to you by AB Productions. Join Nanny Norah, Muddles the Court Jester and Perfect Prince Percy as they set off to rescue the Princess from her cursed slumber. A laugh-a-minute, all singing, all-dancing adventure through panto-land.

01606 723585 / www.thegrangetheatre.com

The Christmas Cavalier Wilmslow Guild, Bourne Street, Wilmslow SK9 5HD Wed 12 – Sat 15 Dec Different story, same old pantomime traditions that you know and love! Tickets just £7 (£5 for under 16s), group discounts available.

01625 520126 / tickets@wgp.org.uk / www.wgp.org.uk

Peter Pan Buxton Opera House Wed 12 Dec – Tues 1 Jan If you believe in good, old-fashioned pantomime with a sprinkling of fairy dust, then don’t miss this year’s fabulous flying production. As always with Buxton’s panto, there’ll be favourite songs, stunning dance routines & plenty of comedy. The croc’s ticking…book now!

0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

18

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Fri 14 – Sat 5 Jan Charlotte's a spider. Wibur's a pig. They live in a barn on the Zuckermans' farm with all the other animals. They can talk, naturally but what makes Charlotte special is that she is a spider that can write! Wilbur is happy at the Zuckermans' until he discovers they are fattening him up for the dinner table!

Find out how Charlotte's amazing talent saves Wilbur's bacon and how love and friendship win the day! With terrific music and songs, Charlotte's Web is great theatre for children ages 4+. Tickets costs from just £10.

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

To celebrate the show, Families Cheshire has a TY beanie baby Wilbur pig and a copy of the book to give away to 1 lucky winner. To enter, go to www.familiescheshire.co.uk.

Entries close Monday 10 December.

Aladdin Stiwt Theatre, Wrexham Tues 11 Dec – Wed 2 Jan Prepare for a magical carpet ride with Rugby and Big Brother Star Gareth 'Alfie' Thomas. Brought to you by LHK Productions.

01978 841 300 / www.stiwt.co.uk

Charlotte’s Web – The Musical

Cinderella Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent Thurs 13 Dec – Fri 4 Jan Join the dashing Prince Charming, the hideous ugly sisters, the loveable Buttons, the enchanting Fairy Godmother and of course, the beautiful Cinderella at the ball - and make it a Christmas to remember for the whole family. Starring Jonathan Wilkes.

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

Christmas Is Coming The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Fri 14 Dec With St Ann's Hospice Festival Choir, Cheadle Hulme School Choir and Corus Brass Ensemble. Over 200 voices, organ and brass present a programme of seasonal music and carols with favourites for all to join in – a perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Half price for children under 16.

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

Jack and The Beanstalk The Brindley, Runcorn Fri 14 Dec – Sun 13 Jan A Fun Filled Family Pantomime featuring Coronation Street's Bruno Langley as Jack, Nick Newbould as Silly Billy, Jamie Greer as Dame Trott and Paula Bell as Queen Blunderbore.

0151 907 8360 / www.thebrindley.org.uk

Christmas Family Concert - A Jingle Bell Christmas with the Hallé The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Sun 16 Dec Dig out your sleigh bells and bring them jingling to The Bridgewater Hall for the Hallé's celebration of the ultimate sound of Christmas. Expect sing-alongs and jingle-alongs, a chiming Christmas quiz and music such as Jingle Bell Rock, Little Bells, Twelve Days of Christmas and Wonderful Christmastime. Even Santa himself has promised to make an appearance!

Why not get into the festive spirit by coming dressed as a snowman, Rudolph or one of Santa's little helpers?

Recommended for children of primary school age.

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

Knick Knack & Doo Dad Reasons to be Cheerful The Lowry Thurs 27 Dec - Sat 5 Jan We wish you a smelly Christmas! What’s big and smelly and floats on the water? A big smelly rubbish island! And that’s where we find our heroes, Knick Knack and Doo Dad, living on a huge pile of all the things that we’ve thrown away over the year. But how can they celebrate Christmas with no shops and no money? Suitable for ages 3+ 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Beauty & the Beast The Woodford Centre, Chester Road, Woodford SK7 1PS. Tues 8 – Sat 12 Jan CHYPS (Cheshire youth pantomime society) Presents “Beauty and the Beast” this January. With a cast and live band made up of some of the most talented 11 – 19 year olds in Cheshire, Beauty and the Beast will be an exciting and magical show for all the family. Tickets start from £7 with family and group bookings available. Please book in advance as the shows sell out fast!

07535 674 222 / www.chypspanto.co.uk

Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates Frodsham Community Centre Tues 8 – Tues 15 Jan Join the Frodsham Panto Group for their popular annual production. Make your way to the Sea Dog Inn, on the Quayside at Bobbin-in-the-Briny and join Robinson Crusoe on his quest to find his fortune. A swashbuckling adventure to escape Blacbeard the pirate. www.frodshampanto.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk Carver Theatre, Marple Fri 11 – Sat 19 Jan Our hero, Jack is a lazy boy with a heart of gold. Constantly searching for riches he sells the family’s much loved cow in return for a handful of beans. How wonderful when the beans turn out to be truely magic...but bring him face to face with the Giant!

Come and join us for a few hours of fun and entertainment at our traditional family pantomime.

0161 449 8363 / www.carvertheatre.co.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go

Christmas

WHERES SANTA? Anderton Boat Lift, Northwich Santa Cruise Every weekend from Sat 1 Dec – Sun 16 Dec, and Fri 21 – Mon 24 Dec 11.30am, 12.30, 1.30 & 2.30pm. Adults £5, Children 15 and under £6.50 (includes gift from Santa). Booking essential.

01606 786 777/ www.andertonboatlift.co.uk

Biddulph Grange Garden Santa in his Christmas cottage Sun 9, 16 & 23 Dec 11.30am – 3pm. Follow the fairy lights to find Santa in his cottage hidden in the garden and tell him what you would like for Christmas. Free, no booking needed – normal admission charges apply.

01782 517999 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/biddulphgrange-garden

Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, Northwich Santa Arrives Sat 17 Nov Santa arrives on the Santa Express to open his Toy Workshop Grotto and Festive Garden Square.

Santa’s Grotto Open every weekend from Sat 17 Nov – Sun 23 Dec (11.30am – 4.30pm), and on Mon 24 Dec (11am – 2pm) Each child receives a small gift, plus a free tea or coffee for parents/guardians.

Breakfast with Santa Sun 9 & Sun 23 Dec Enjoy a festive full English breakfast in The Saddler’s Kitchen. Chat to Santa and his Head Elf ‘Jolly Twinkle Toes’ and enjoy storytelling around the tree. Small gift for each child. Booking essential.

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

Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton Santa’s Grotto Grotto opens Sat 24 Nov 11am. Then open: Wed 5 & Thurs 6 Dec: 3 – 6.30pm Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec: 11am – 4pm Wed 12 & Thurs 13 Dec: 3 – 6.30pm Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec: 11am – 4pm Mon 17 & Tues 18 Dec: 3pm – 6.30pm Wed 19 – Sun 23 Dec: 11am – 6.30pm Mon 24 Dec: 11am – 3pm £7 per child (£4 for under 2s), includes a ride to the Grotto on the miniature Santa Special railway and a gift.

01625 872 919 / www.klondyke.co.uk/brooksidegarden-centre-poynton

Cheshire Reindeer Lodge & Christmas Tree Farm, Cheshire Oaks Luxury Santa’s Grotto Sat 24 Nov – Mon 24 Dec, 9.30am – 6.30pm (5pm on Sundays, 2pm on 24 Dec).

Packed full of fun and games for a great family festive experience. Real reindeer, traditional sleighs and the opportunity to buy fresh cut or potted Christmas Trees. £6.50 per child including gift (accompanying adults free – max 2 per child) 01244 646 045 / www.cheshirereindeer.co.uk

Chester Town Hall Square Sat 24 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto Tickets cost £4.50. Situated within the festive outdoor market. www.chester.com

The Chestnut Centre, Chapel-en-le-Frith Santa’s Grotto Every weekend in Dec and Mon 24 Dec 12 – 3pm. £6.00 per child including entry to the Park. Booking recommended.

01298 814099 / www.chestnutcentre.co.uk

Chill Factore, Trafford Quays Santa's Snow Grotto Santa arrives at his Grotto on Sat 10 Nov where he will stay for every weekend in November and then will be there every day until his big night on Christmas Eve. This year he’s invited some special guests too – Peppa Pig, and Sid and Scrat from Ice Age. They’ll be joining in the festivities on specific dates. Pre-booking recommended.

0161 749 2222 / www.chillfactore.com

Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre Breakfast with Santa Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec Booking essential. Santa will also be at the centre until 3pm to greet visitors.

Free entry to the centre all weekend.

01829 760506 / www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk

Delamere Forest, Northwich Santa’s Grotto Every weekend in Dec before Christmas Grotto: Adult £1.50, Child £2.50, Concessions 50p. Land train: £2.50 per person. 9am – 5pm (Grotto open till 8pm on Fridays,and Tree sales till 8pm on 7 & 14 Dec). Visit Santa in his magical forest grotto and take a short train ride through the forest. Use the opportunity to buy your Christmas tree. Hot food and drinks also on sale. 01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Grosvenor Garden Centre, Chester

Ned Yates Garden Centre, Wilmslow

Santa’s Arrival Sat 24 & Sun 25 Nov 11am

Santa’s Grotto (Booking essential) Sun 9 &16 Dec Tea with Santa (Booking essential) Wed 12 Dec 4.30 – 5.30pm 01625 522128 / www.nedyates.com

Breakfast with Santa Sat 15 & Sun 16, Sat 22 & Sun 23, Mon 24 Dec 8.30am. Booking essential Storytime with Santa Every Sat & Sun in Dec, and Mon 17 – Mon 24 Dec Booking essential. 01244 625200 / www.grosvenorgardencentre.co.uk

High Legh Garden Centre, Knutsford Grand Grotto Opening and Santa’s Arrival Sat 24 Nov Santa will be in his Grotto on weekends from Sat 24 & Sun 25 Nov until Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec, and then daily from Thurs 20 – Mon 24 Dec, 10.30am – 4.30pm. £6.50 per child including a gift, £1.50 for other passengers. Booking essential: book online via www.cheshirerailways.co.uk/highlegh

Hatworks, Stockport Enchanted Christmas Sun 9 Dec Festive family fun - carol singing, Christmas craft workshops, face painting and lots more fun. Children, pay a visit to Father Christmas and give him your wish list. Suitable for all ages 11am – 4pm. Adults £3.50, Children £1, Visit to Father Christmas £2 (must be accompanied) 0161 474 2400 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Liverpool ONE #IceFestival Wed 7 Nov – Sun 13 Jan Ice Gallery with enthralling sculptures, Santa’s Throne Room, Ice Rink and Ice Slide. www.liverpool-one.com / www.ticketmaster.co.uk/icefestival

Lyme Park, Disley Father Christmas in the Courtyard Sun 2, 9 & 16 Dec 11am – 4pm, £6 per child. No booking required. Normal entry charges apply.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lymepark

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester Santa’s Grotto Weekends from Sat 1 – Sun 16 Dec and Mon 17 – Sun 23 Dec 10.30am – 1pm, 2pm – 4.30pm. £5 per child, includes a visit to the Grotto, a gift and a visit to the elves’ workshop where you can help Santa’s elves make Christmas decorations and other festive souvenirs.

0161 832 2244 / www.mosi.org.uk

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal A Victorian Christmas at the Mill Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec, Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec 11am – 3pm, normal admission charges apply. Join the festive fun – meet Victorian characters and find out more about customs from the past. Tell Father Christmas what's on your Christmas list and enjoy Christmas carols, stories, food and drink. 01625 445896 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybankmill

Tatton Park, Knutsford Christmas Lantern Parade welcomes Father Christmas and his reindeers Fri 7 Dec 6pm, Free. Light his route with your own lanterns as he makes his way through the twilight parkland to Tatton's Stableyard. The Gift Fair, shops and restaurants will be open for seasonal shopping and dining until 7:30pm.

Father Christmas at The Farm Every weekend in December from Sat 8 Dec

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

The Trafford Centre Ice Palace Grotto 2012 Santa’s arrival Fri 9 Nov Sat 10 Nov – Mon 24 Dec £2.50 per Adult, £4.50 per Child and £12.00 per Family (4 people must include at least 1 adult) – booking fee applies. Watch the award winning 4D show Rocket the Reindeer 3, then continue your journey to meet Santa in his grotto for gift. Professional photos available to buy on exit in various forms. www.wish4ticket.com

Woodford Park Garden Centre, Stockport Santa’s Grand Arrival & Grotto Sun 18 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Booking in advance for the Grotto advisable. £7.99 to visit the Grotto and meet the reindeer.

Tea & Breakfast with Santa Wed 5 – Mon 24 Dec (Breakfast / Tea available on selected dates – check with the centre). £10 per child for a festive meal, storytelling, colouring with crayons and a gift. Places limited, booking essential. Children must be accompanied.

0161 4390745 / www.notcutts.co.uk

19

Christmas ALL ABOARD! Churnet Valley Railway Image: Foxfield Railway

Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, Northwich Santa Express Every weekend from Sat 17 Nov – Sun 23 Dec. Ride on the festive land train. £1 per passenger.

01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk

Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton Santa Specials Ride on the miniature railway to see Santa in his grotto. See “Where's Santa?” for times/prices.

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

Santa & Steam – A Victorian Christmas Celebration Every Wed, Sat & Sun before Christmas in Dec. As Santa strolls through the train bearing wonderful gifts for each little boy and girl, mums, dads, grandmas and grandpas can relax and enjoy a mince pie and a glass of sherry in the garland filled coaches which will delight all. Early pre-booking essential.

01538 758491 / www.churnet-valleyrailway.co.uk

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Santa Specials Every weekend from Sat 1 – Sun 16 Dec, and daily from Thurs 20 – Mon 24 Dec Take a ride with St Nick on one of the stunningly restored and decorated steam hauled carriage trains. Meet the jolly man himself as he travels through the train handing

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

out gifts to the kids whilst the adults enjoy a festive drink. Listen to authentic brass bands and carol singers and have yourself a merry little Christmas! Early pre-booking essential.

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/santaspecial

Foxfield Railway, Stoke on Trent

Santa Specials Climb aboard the miniature Santa Express to visit Santa in his Grotto. See “Where’s Santa” for times/prices. Booking essential: book online via www.cheshirerailways.co.uk/highlegh

Santa Specials Every weekend before Christmas in Dec, and Mon 24 Dec Gently wind through the scenic Staffordshire countryside for a 5½ mile round trip festive train ride! Relax in the decorated coaches with a seasonal glass of sherry and a scrumptious mince pie whilst the children meet Santa and receive their quality presents!

Onboard entertainment too. Early pre-booking essential. Special offer: one child travels free with every full paying adult on 1 or 2 Dec. 01782 259667 / www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester

Already got a scooter?

Accessorise with a Zooter!

Solar Mechanics

Most children We’ve sifted through press releases, tested out products, and asked friends seem to own and family for their opinions and recommendations. So here it is: our selection a scooter and of toys, gifts and stocking fillers for Christmas 2012 – for all ages. Enjoy! sometimes at the school Suncrest Play to learn Whooossshh gates or on A beautifully made, fun and Local journalist and the park it is affordable family of friends mum of two tricky to see whose is whose. With the who love to play as baby Vanessa Lees has new accessory from Micro Scooters your learns. From very early on released of her child will really stand out from the crowd. babies love to touch and debut picture book ‘Whooossshh’ We tried out these great scooter covers/ feel different textures so the story of a little girl who goes on a glove puppets and the kids thought they the whole family is crinkly, magical journey to the Milky Way on her were fab. The fun brightly coloured, stretchy, squidgy, bendy, soft and friendly daddy’s shoulders. The book is based on the animal based designs went down a treat. perfect for little hands. And babies have father/child bond between Vanessa’s I really liked the reflective panels, a must excellent hearing so the Play to Learn family husband Daniel and her three year old when scooting to and from school. is noisy with rattles and clacks, squeaks and Audrey and has tapped into a huge niche There’s even a handy pocket to store giggles, all guaranteed to have little hands in the market, given that there are very few drinks and snacks! Once home, the reaching out in delight. From £6 to £22. fathers who appear in children’s books.

Zooter can be taken off a played with as a www.suncresttrading.com Our kids had ‘Whooossshh’ as a puppet, fab idea! Age 3+. £19.95 bedtime story and thoroughly enjoyed the www.micro-scooters.co.uk/ magic. The book is very visual, the AlphabetZoo ABC House category/accessories illustrations by Helen Mather are Blocks gorgeous and really bring the story to life.

Play, stack, tower High Street Gift Vouchers Isabella (4) identified with the little girl in and build with the No idea what to buy? Try a Love2shop the story as she is a similar age and every Alphabet Zoo ABC voucher. Choose any value, and the picture shows her holding on to a little House Blocks. recipient can use it at 20,000 high street pink rabbit very similar to the one Isabella Toddlers will stores and attractions in the UK as well sleeps with each night. As a parent I develop their motor with holiday travel companies. With free enjoyed reading this, it really captures skills while creating buildings complete first delivery on all gift voucher and card that special daddy/daughter bond, part with roofs, windows and doors, before orders and a free gift wallet, the vouchers fun and part protection. A really lovely turning the pieces upside down to nest & cards can be delivered straight to the book that would make a great present for within one another. Made of high quality person you are giving them to or a pre-school aged girl. wood and non toxic paint. Suitable for age delivered to your home address. £5.99 at www.theoddsock.co.uk and in 12 mths + . www.highstreetvouchers.com selected bookshops.

RRP £28.00 www.bibsandstuff.com

20 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

High Legh Garden Centre, Knutsford

Festive Steam Train Rides Sat 1 & 8 Dec, Sun 2 & 9 Dec, Sat 15 – Sun 23 Dec 12noon – 4pm. Adults £2, Concessions £1 Take an atmospheric ride behind the newly-restored Agecroft No. 1 locomotive, which will be decorated especially for the festive season. Please note that from time to time engine maintenance may be required that interferes with the planned timetable.

Phone first on the day if making a special visit.

0161 832 2244 / www.mosi.org.uk

Experiment with green energy using solar cells to build a mini robot, cooling fan and more.

Ages 8+. £17 from www.sciencemuseumshop.co.uk

Karina Taylor Personal Stylist If you’re looking for a gift with a difference for someone special, or just looking for a bit of extra sparkle for YOUR wardrobe this Christmas, then try Karina Taylor. A personal stylist based in Cheshire, she provides a personal styling and personal shopping service tailored to the individual. Whether it’s wardrobe makeover, a fashion update, or finding the perfect outfit for a special occasion, Karina will ensure that the recipient is treated to an uplifting, enjoyable and enlightening experience!

She is also offering a Christmas styling experience during Nov/Dec, to ensure you look your best for the party season!

This includes a style, body shape and colour consultation (1.5 hours) and a personal shopping trip (3 hours). See website for more details.

AND, YOU CAN GET 10% OFF THE USUAL PRICE WHEN MENTIONING ‘FAMILIES’.

Please contact Karina for more details, or to discuss your requirements!

07765 041049 / hello@karinataylor.co.uk / www.karinataylor.co.uk

Christmas For a Fun, Creative and Unique Christmas Gift – send a Little Letter!

The Little Letter Bird delivers brightly coloured packs to children each week, containing everything they need to create a pre-design craft. Children love receiving their own post, not to mention the surprise of not knowing what each week will bring. This Christmas, Little Letters has returned with their CHRISTMAS GIFT PACKS – providing a unique an original gift that lasts well into the New Year.

Two packs are available: CHRISTMAS PACK 1 – £15: Christmas card + craft + six weekly crafts commencing in the New Year.

CHRISTMAS PACK 2 – £20: Christmas card + craft + GIFT + six weekly crafts commencing in the New Year.

Pre-order deadline Dec 14th. www.littlelettercompany.co.uk

Draw Your Toy What a fabulous idea! Turn your child’s drawing into a soft toy. Joanna is based in Europe, but supplies world-wide. Prices range from £35 to £80, depending on their size and complexity and lead times are anything from 2 to 4 weeks. Email over your picture to drawingyourtoy@gmail.com for a cost and timing quote and get in fast for Christmas! Check out drawyourtoy.blogspot.com.

Makedo – for those who enjoy the Christmas packaging!

Every parent knows that feeling… you’ve spent a fortune on the latest high-tech toy only to find your children much more engrossed playing with the packaging.

Makedo’s brilliant idea is to help those kids make better use of the packaging!

It supplies a Safe-saw for cutting and punching through materials safely, reusable clips and lock-hinges for connecting – the child’s creativity and instinct for building things from boxes, cardboard boxes and wrappings then takes over from there. Check out the website for stockists, videos and photos of inspiring creations made by people from around the world. Winner of three of the most prestigious International Design Awards. www.marbeltoys.co.uk

Alison Stafford Art

Cheshire Craft Workshop

Joanna Perry – Mural Artist

Alison paints portraits of pets and people using pencil/graphite for a tonal image, and acrylic and oil paints for a full colour painting. She accepts commissions and works mainly from photographs. If you’re looking for a special gift, why not buy the gift of art?

Vouchers start from just £50. Perfect for a totally unique and bespoke Christmas present. Paypal accepted.

07766 141163 / alison@alisonstafford.com / www.alisonstafford.com

A fantastic range of personal gift options for you to make: baby’s handprints on pottery as a keepsake for Grandparents, make your own candles or pots, pottery painting (including Christmas pottery) – and a selection of hot and cold drinks, speciality teas and biscuits to keep you going while you get creative!

Separate party area available if you fancy a group creative session to get you into the festive spirit. 01606 301269 / www.cheshirecraftworkshop.co.uk

A fully qualified Mural Artist, Joanna is based in Winterley, Cheshire and specialises in hand painted wall murals for children’s bedrooms. All her murals are drawn free hand using low odour paints directly onto your wall or ceiling surface, taking into account doors and windows – so there are no scale or design restrictions, and you can check you’re happy with the final look and size before she starts to paint anything.

Low odour paints are very durable, quick drying and safe, and they keep their colour for years. No project is too large or small.

Call 07940 161918 or 01270 768634 for a free consultation and guide price or visit www.joannaperrymurals.co.uk for examples of her work. Prices are fully inclusive of time, travelling and material costs.

Not So Shabby This new, Cheshire based, online business offers beautiful Shabby Chic handmade gifts, home décor and furniture – all at very reasonable prices. We’re placing our orders early! www.notsoshabby.net

Sammy Grimes – Artist Sammy is an accomplished artist offering bespoke murals, portraits and caricatures. Stamp your personality on your home or brighten your child’s bedroom with a mural, or commission a portrait of a pet or loved one for a uniquely personal gift. Or for something a little different and fun, how about a caricature?

07869 659 211 / 01477 533816 / www.sammygrimes.com

Wobble Deck This exciting electronic, balance board features four games, tipped to become the latest craze up and down the country. Test skill, memory and agility with hilarious challenges. For ages 5+. RRP £24.99. see www.worldsapart.com for stockists.

Banana Lane Clothing – for kids with BIG personalities We love these fabulous, funky, ethical clothes!

T-Shirts, Hoodies, Playsuits, Bibs and Gift Sets in a variety of wonderfully cool

designs, with personalised options also available. All clothes are sourced from a certified, fair and sustainable partner, then handpressed and finished at Banana Lane in Cheshire. Free delivery on all orders over £40. www.bananalane.co.uk

Family Walls Cheshire based children’s wall art designers Family Walls Limited has recently enhanced its range to incorporate a fabulous collection of personalised gifts for adults. The beautifully designed canvases make a special, thoughtful gift – ideal for those ‘difficult to buy for’ Christmas presents! Parents and grandparents will love the personalised photo canvases available in a range of colours and themes. Normally priced at £49, the company is currently offering AN AMAZING 40% INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNT meaning they’re now available to order at just £29 plus P&P via www.familywalls.com. Simply upload your photograph(s) and order online, email info@familywalls.com or call 0844 811 6610. If you’ve never seen a Family Wall™ in the flesh, follow them on Facebook and Twitter for details of upcoming shows.

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 21

STOCKING FILLERS

Dubble Trubble Launched by celebrity hair colourist Daniel Galvin Jr, Dubble Trubble is a collection of Hair & Body washes and a Detangling mist, all with organic botanical extracts. Daniel believes the chemicals in haircare products today can ‘charge–up’ kids the same way sugar and junk foods can, and with 60% of synthetic ingredients easily absorbed into the skin, delicate skins can be stripped of oil and children can often develop asthma or eczema.

Dubble Trubble 2 in 1 Shampoo & Body Wash – RRP £2.50 each (200ml) (Available in 5 different essences – Watermelon, Bananaberry, Strawberry,

Halos N Horns Developed by mum Leila Wilcox after her son’s skin reacted to chemicals found in normal products, this range of scrummy smelling, brightly coloured toiletries make bath time fun again.

Bubble Bath & Body Wash RRP: £3.56 No bath is complete without bubbles and this one won’t dry out the skin. It’s hypoallergenic, and although it doesn’t bubble up as well as some other products, that’s simply due to lack of SLS foaming agents that cause skin irritation.

The natural, plant based cleansers and conditioners that left the kids with clean, soft skin.

Moisturising lotion RRP: £4.07 Fabulously non-greasy, I tested it myself and found it soaked in quickly and left

Cherrybomb and Cool Cucumber). We tried out the Bananaberry variety which smelt gorgeous! The organic aloe vera and glycerine left the children’s hair squeaky clean and nicely moisturised.

The product lathered up well and didn’t take much to get hair and bodies all freshened up.

Dubble Trubble Cool Cucumber Detangling Spray – RRP £2.50 (200ml) Of all the detanglers we’ve tried in the past (and there have been a lot!), this is definitely the best. You don’t need much, just a quick spritz and a brush slides through some of the trickiest knots; happy mum and happy child! Hair is left looking shiny and healthy both day to day and longer term as there is less hair breakage when brushing. The spray also contains the strengthening protein, Keravis, certified Organic Aloe Vera and hair moisturizing glycerine. www.danielgalvinjunior.com

LOCAL GIFT & CRAFT FAIRS Sat 10 & Sun 11 Nov

Sat 24 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Christmas Gift Fair 10.30am - 5pm, free entry to fair. Normal admission charges apply. 01530 834056 / www.countrywide-events.co.uk

Dialstone Lane Methodist Church Offerton, Stockport Christmas Gift & Craft Fair 10am – 2pm. A selection of stalls, Father Christmas in his grotto and Jack Frost present hunt for children. Entertainment provided by Stockport Schools Junior Band and Magic Voices Choir. www.dialstonelanemethodistchurch.co.uk

Mon 12 & Tues 13 Nov Arley Hall, Northwich Shopping Spectacular In aid of the Seashell Trust.

Mon 12 Nov 6 – 9.30pm: Champagne & Shopping Evening (ticket allows for free entry on Tuesday as well) Tues 13 Nov: Daytime Shopping Spectacular 10am – 3pm. www.arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk

Thurs 15 – Sun 18 & Thurs 22 – Sun 25 Nov

Chatsworth House, Bakewell Magical Christmas Markets 10am – 5pm Thurs & Sun 10am – 8pm Fri & Sat Entry charges apply. More than 100 stalls skin soft thanks to Vitamin E and complementing our own range of food Sunflower oils. It’s so mild you can even and gift shops. use it in the first month of your baby’s life. 01246 565300 / www.chatsworth.org Fruity Toothpaste RRP: £2.34 Toothbrushing traumas are a thing of the Sat 17 & Sun 18 Nov past! Logan hated the taste of most other Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, products but loved this strawberry and Northwich Christmas Extravaganza Weekend banana formula. SLS foaming agents have been removed, but fluoride has been Special offers and discounts in the shops added. Teeth are sparkly and done without as well as a Festive Market. Free admission and parking. tears or damage to health – fantastic!

01606 883261 / For the full range of Halos N Horns www.visitblakemere.co.uk products and details of stockist visit www.halosnhorns.co.uk

Sat 17 Nov – Sat 22 Dec ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY? One Families reader can win the Halos N Horns product range, the Little Book of Holiday Fun and an Octobubble Orchestra (a fun interactive bath toy), and two runners-up will each win the range and the Little Book of Holiday Fun. Go online to enter now – www.familiescheshire.co.uk Competition closes Monday 10 December

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 Hullabaloo Toys, Wilmslow 01625 525382 / www.hullabaloo-toys.co.uk Kids Exchange, Wilmslow 01625 537664 / www.kids-exchange.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 342 706 / www.toycraft.co.uk Toys & Tales, Poynton 01625 873 445 / www.toysandtales.com Wozu, at Blakemere Craft Centre, Northwich 01606 888 964 / www.wozu.co.uk

22 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Manchester Christmas Markets Don your Santa hat, dust off the mulled wine glass, and get into the festive spirit. With over 200 stalls taking over eight different spaces around the city.

European and local producers offer everything from fine amber jewellery, handcrafted leather bags, and top quality bonsai trees, to Dutch cheeses, French breads, and Spanish chorizo.

Perfect for alternative gift ideas. www.manchestermarkets.com

Fri 23 – Sun 25 Nov Christmas at Capesthorne with Crafts Discover the warmth and ambiance of Christmas at Capesthorne. Take a glimpse through the doors of a familyowned stately home decorated for Christmas, accompanied by local musicians, school choirs and a special visit from Santa. Festive treats on sale as well as a Gift & Food Fair. www.capesthorne.com

Sat 24 & Sun 25 Nov Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Christmas Craft Fair A range of Christmas gifts and crafts to inspire the festive period. 11am – 4pm, normal admission charges apply 01625 445896 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybankmill

Sat 24 & Sun 25 Nov, Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec, Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, Northwich Christmas Food & Craft Market 10am – 5pm. Festive Market with a variety of food and craft stalls, from local producers and artisans. Free admission and parking.

01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk

Sat 24 Nov – Mon 31 Dec Chester Town Hall Square Christmas Market, Santa’s Grotto and Toboggan Ride A festive outdoor market with stalls and local performers. Santa’s Grotto open till 24 Dec and costs £4.50. Christmas Toboggan Ride and Santa’s Sleigh. www.chester.com

Sun 25 Nov Eaton Primary School, Tarporley CW6 9AN Christmas Craft Fair Adults £1.50, children free. 11am – 3pm See Santa in his Grotto, Local Independent Craft Stalls, Raffle, Tombola, lucky dip, Children’s craft making area and more.

Entertainment by the school choir.

Homemade seasonal refreshments available.

Wed 28 Nov – Sun 2 Dec Broughton Retail Park Celtic Christmas Fayre £1, accompanied children free. Around 100 stalls, festive music, demonstrations, a Santa's Grotto and a magically festive atmosphere. www.chester.com

Thurs 13 Dec Wrexham Victorian Christmas Market 12pm – 8pm. Over 70 stalls in Church Street, St Giles' churchyard and inside the church selling gifts, toys, food, crafts, Christmas decorations and trees.

01978 292537 / www.wrexham.gov.uk

CARDS, DECORATIONS & TREES Brain Tumour Research Christmas Cards Christmas provides another great opportunity to raise funds to support these dedicated centres of brain tumour research and to help them improve outcomes for the thousands of patients and their families living with the diagnosis of a brain tumour.

It’s also a brilliant way of spreading the word and raising the awareness of this dreadful disease, as every card has their logo and a sentence about why people should support the cause. Cards cost just £3 per pack of 10 for the smaller sizes and £4 per pack of 10 for the larger ones.

Proceeds (roughly £2 per pack) will go directly to funding much needed brain tumour research and help them find a cure for this most devastating of diseases, which kills more children and people under the age of 40 than any other cancer. www.braintumourresearch.org

Christmas Advent Tree A brilliant alternative to a traditional advent calendar, these numbered wall stickers allow your child to create their own advent tree decoration. Simply help your child pick out the right number and character on the sheet of stickers and build the advent tree day by day until it’s complete on 24th December.

Suitable for any room, these gorgeous Christmas characters and and decorations can be used on any smooth wall or window and won’t leave a mark. Stickers remove easily and can be used again and again.

Christmas Advent Tree: 25 Christmas wall stickers, including reindeer, owl, elf, polar bear, Christmas stocking, ginger bread man, candy stick, robin, holly, angel, penguin, snowman, snowflakes, Father Christmas and lots of stars. Plus a Christmas tree base with large bow.RRP £14.00 Snowflakes: RRP £7.00 www.funtosee.co.uk

Wall Magic

Delamere Forest Open for tree sales every day 9am – 5pm from Sat 1 December until Wed 19 Dec. Make it a wonderful family outing – visit Santa's magical forest grotto or take a trip on the musical land train open every weekend 9am - 5pm and every weekday (except 19th Dec) 3 – 5pm. You can beat the queues by visiting on late night Fridays 7 and 14 Dec, where tree sales, Santa’s grotto and the land train are open until 8pm.

There’s also locally produced hot food from the Victorian themed street, guest choirs and brass bands in the heated marquee, willow sculpture demonstrations and much more.

Grotto prices are children £2.50, adults £1.50 and OAPs 50p. Train ride is £2.50 per person. Tree prices vary depending on size and species. www.delamereevents.co.uk

Ivy Cottage Tree Farm, Wilmslow Pick your own Norway Spruce direct from the field – reserve it early and collect nearer the time. Or choose a Nordman Fir, Fraser Fir or Lodgepole Pine grown at other plantations and sold in Wilmslow.

Onsite ‘Christmas only’ shop is open from Tues 20 November – Mon 24 December, selling a range of of tree decorations, lights, stands and fresh door wreaths, made on site.

01625 531609 / www.ivycottagetreefarm.co.uk

Try these temporary, re-usable, self-cling decorations for walls and windows. For £5.99 you can get a 10-piece pack containing Cupid, Vixen, Rudolf, Dancer, Comet, Blitzen, Dasher, Prancer, Donner and Father Christmas, or a 12 piece pack of Snowflakes. An 8-piece pack of Christmas stars costs £4.99. Stocked locally at Grosvenor Garden Centre, Chester, Posh Bananas, Wilmslow and The Lavender Tree, Alderley Edge or online at www.wall-magic.com

Cheshire Reindeer Lodge & Christmas Tree Farm Enjoy a festive treat this Christmas at the Cheshire Reindeer Lodge next to the Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village, Junction 10, M53. Come and feed the Reindeer and see where they live all year round (except when they’re helping Santa of course). Visit Santa and his elves in his huge new magical Grotto and get your family photo taken in the traditional reindeer sleighs. There’re also 100’s of beautiful fresh cut and potted Christmas trees to choose from, in a fun family friendly environment.

Admission to the see the reindeer and view the Christmas tree farm is free of charge and tickets to see Santa in his new luxury Grotto are £6.50 per child (with a wrapped present); accompanying adults are free.

Grotto Tickets can be purchased on the day of entry or pre-booked online: www.cheshirereindeer.co.uk Christmas Tree sales are open from 24th November and the stunning new Grotto is open daily from 1st December through to Christmas Eve. Cheshire Reindeer Lodge.

Lime Tree Farm, Stanney Lane, Little Stanney, Chester CH2 4HT. 01244 646 / info@cheshirereindeer.co.uk / www.cheshirereindeer.co.uk

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 23

What’s on

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go

Thurs 1 Nov - Sun 6 Jan.

Thurs 22 Nov – Sun 6 Jan

Sat 1 Dec

Sun 16 Dec

Selfridges, Trafford Centre Ice Rink Including food, drinks and wooden chalets serving winter warmers. Mon - Fri 12pm 10pm, Saturday 9am - 9pm & Sunday 10am - 6pm. www.selfridges.com/icerink

Spinningfields Christmas Ice Rink Manchester’s only outdoor ice rink returns for the fifth year. www.spinningfieldsonline.com

Heritage Centre, Macclesfield Christmas Craft Day Have a go with the Spinners, weavers, print makers, card makers, embroiderers, knitters, mosaic makers, wood turners and many more! £1 entry 01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Hallé Children's Workshop Age 6+, £13.50. 9.45 am. Work with top Manchester artists to play instruments, dance, sing and make costumes all based on a Christmas theme. Concert for family and friends at 2pm. Places limited, booking essential.

0844 907 9000 / www.bridgewaterhall.co.uk

Fri 9 Nov Albert Square, Manchester Christmas Lights Switch on 7pm, Free www.manchester.gov.uk

Sat 10 Nov Festival Hall, Alderley Edge East Cheshire NCT Nearly New Sale 11.15am – 1pm (members entry 11am) £1 entrance. No shopping bags or pushchairs.

0844 243 6115 / events@eastcheshire-nct.org.uk Grosvenor Museum, Lecture Theatre The Journey Man: story-telling and book signing Age 7+ Free, drop in. 11.30am – 12.15pm, 2.30 – 3.15pm. The magic starts before the tale begins, as the persona, the stick and the hat all pull the audience into another world. www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Sat 10, 17 & 24 Nov Lyme Park, Disley Estate Apprentice 11.30 – 12.30pm, £2 per child. Help the rangers feed the deer and get close to these special animals. All ages welcome.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lymepark

Tues 13 Nov Buxton Opera House (Pavilion Arts Centre) Beanbag Stories - Colours & Shapes A learning session for pre-schoolers to explore shapes and colours. Ages 2-4, £5 (adults & babies on laps free) 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Sat 17 Nov Be a Chorister for a Day Manchester Cathedral Ages 7 – 11, Free, Children must be accompanied. Limited places, booking essential.

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

Sun 18 Nov Winnington Park Recreation Club, Northwich Northwich & District NCT Nearly New Sale No pushchairs.

0844 243 6207 / northwichNCT@yahoo.co.uk

Thurs 22 Nov Christmas Lights up in Chester The river of light Lantern Parade switches on the lights as it weaves its way around the city. 5.45 – 7pm

Sat 24 & Sun 25 Nov Dunham Massey Hall, Altrincham A Victorian Kitchen at Christmas Age 7+, £15pp, Booking essential. 1.30 – 3.30pm. Make pomanders, crackers and traditional decorations and bake buns to enjoy with mulled wine in our historic kitchen.

0844 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey

Wed 28 Nov – Sun 2 Dec St George’s Church, Stockport Christmas Tree Festival 12pm – 6pm (4pm on Sun) See 70 decorated and illuminated trees at the church and visit Santa in his Grotto on Saturday. Refreshments available.

0161 440 0408 / www.stgeorgestockport.org.uk

Fri 30 Nov – Sun 2 Dec Alderley Edge Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival 12 – 5pm. Over 60 Christmas Trees on display submitted by local organisations, groups, and small businesses. A weekend of music, entertainment, refreshments and crafts. www.alderleyedgemethodistchurch.com

Throughout Dec Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester Sleigh Ride 4D 10.20am – 4.40pm. Don't miss this special festive film – snow forecast! Age 4+ (parental discretion applies), Adults £4, concessions £3 0161 832 2244 / www.mosi.org.uk

Every weekend in Dec Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, Northwich Festive Music and Carols in the cobbled courtyard 11am – 3pm. Sat 1 Dec: Barnton Silver Band Sat 8 Dec: Abbey Gate School Sun 9 Dec: Lions Youth & Junior Brass Band Sat 15 Dec: St Marys Catholic School Sun 16 Dec: St Johns Church Choir 01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk

Every Sat & Sun in Dec, and Fri 14 & 21 Dec Chester Zoo Lantern Magic Preview evenings Saturday 24 & Sun 25 Nov An unforgettable journey through the wonderful gardens and past the brand new life sized animal lantern display.

Make a Christmas wish under the giant Cedar Wishing Tree and find Father Christmas.4pm – 8pm (sessions every 30 mins until 6.30pm), charges apply 01244 650 209 / www.chesterzoo.org

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec Tatton Park, Knutsford Christmas Lantern Making 12pm – 4pm, Free, normal entry charges apply Head over to the Stableyard barn room for 'how to make' sessions. Use your lantern that you have made to welcome Father Christmas and his reindeers on Fri 7 Dec at 6pm at the Christmas Lantern Parade.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Wed 5 Dec Eaton Primary School, Tarporley CW6 9AN Christmas Bingo Doors open 6.30pm – Eye’s down 7pm Come and join us for a game of Prize Bingo, Tea and coffee available.

Sat 8 – Sat 15 Dec St James’ Church, Gawsworth Christmas Tree Festival 10.30am - 5pm (closed Sun 10 – 11.30am for Service) Enjoy the decorations and amazing display of trees. Refreshments, books, and bric-a-brack available in Church Hall.

01625 432050

Sat 8 & 15 & Sun 9 & 16 Dec Dunham Massey Hall, Altrincham Carols by the Tree Mulled wine and mince pies followed by carols in the elegant Edwardian dining room.

Age 7+, £8.50pp, Booking essential 12 – 1pm, 1.30 – 2.30pm or 3 – 4pm 0844 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey

Sat 15 Dec Manchester Cathedral Family Carols 7.30pm. Performed by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir www.manchestercathedral.org

Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec Hatworks, Stockport Christmas Baubles A popular craft session to make some stunning Christmas decorations for your tree.

10.30am – 12 noon and 1pm – 2.30pm Ages 5 – 11, £3.50. Booking Essential.

0161 474 2400 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Tues 18 & Wed 19 Dec Tatton Park, Knutsford Deer Feed & Trailer Ride 9.30am – 10.30am. Adult £5, Child £3 Take a trailer ride with the rangers to watch the daily deer feed. Get a closer look at hundreds of deer feeding in their beautiful natural setting.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 20 Dec Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Saturnalia Parade Lantern Making 5.45 – 6.30pm, parade starts from the museum at 6.30pm. Free event. Make your own lantern and join Roman Tours/Deva Victrix legion in a parade around the city. www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Saturday 22 Dec Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, Northwich Hand Bell Ringing Get into the festive spirit of Christmas and enjoy hand bell ringers in the cobbled courtyard, 12.30pm – 3.30pm 01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk Heritage Centre, Macclesfield Victorian Christmas and Crafts.

See Father Christmas, then join us to make Christmas Tree Decorations, Christmas Crackers, moving Father Christmas models and Victorian scrap boxes. Craft sessions running throughout the day.

01625 613210 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Sun 23 Dec Tatton Park, Knutsford Family Christmas Carols 3pm – 4pm, Free (£5 car entry charge applicable to all). Outdoor carols in the stableyard. Shops open until 5pm 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Wed 26 – Fri 28 Dec Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Snowed Under Enjoy a great day out during the Christmas holidays, make a stunning 3D snowflake at the free workshops and follow the snowflake trail (50p per trail). No booking required. Normal admission charges apply.

01625 445896 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybankmill