Families Manchester Issue 33 May-June 2012

Edition 33 • May/June 2012

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years

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In this issue >Party, party party! >Rule Britannia – get into the Jubilee spirit >Baby talk

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

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Locally speaking

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

Holyrood’s Birthday Bonanza

Hello!

This issue it’s all about partying. We’ve been hit by Jubilee fever and are stocking up on the red, white and blue in readiness for the celebrations. Ben and Lily are showing off by announcing newly learnt facts about the Queen and getting crafty designing crowns and bunting. And apparently the dogs, cats and hamsters will also be in need of decoration. Oh dear.

But while the Jubilee is a national party, we’ve not forgotten how important that birthday celebration is for your child – so this issue includes our party feature with some fabulous ideas on how to create your own birthday traditions, as well as a list of local suppliers of creative party services and venues.

And in readiness for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, we’re also looking at ways to get healthy and active. The Olympic Torch will be travelling into Bolton at the end of May and across Greater Manchester in late June, so we’ll be out there to cheer on the athletes and get into the spirit of it all.

See you enroute!

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

In this issue 02: 04: 06: 11:

Locally speaking Education news Parties Diamond Jubilee

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

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

Busy Bees gets the Olympic spirit

Busy Bees nursery in Fallowfield, Manchester recently held a pint-sized Olympic afternoon for their children, carers and VIP guests including Commonwealth and European Champion Boxer Courtney Fry and Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Harry Lyons, as part of their Torch relay event - a national event spread over 136 working days incorporating 136 Busy Bees nurseries and over 11,500 of their children aged 2-5 across the UK. All the children who had signed up to the Golden Mile were kept very ‘busy’ throughout the day to raise money for

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

Contact details: Families Manchester, PO Box 581, Macclesfield, SK10 9FN Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Families Manchester is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk Events, diary dates, out & about: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk

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.

Cover photograph on location at Glo Family, Cheadle by: Sharon Wallis Photography, Stockport Tel: 0161 476 4000, www.sharonwallisphotography.com

@FamiliesManch

2 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

continues to offer a high standard of Childcare and Education and feels this is a great opportunity for existing and new customers alike to experience nursery life at first hand. Hayley the nursery managers states: “Parents do not very often get to see what happens throughout the day, so we thought that we would provide these activities to encourage them to be more involved in the Nursery.

To find out more about the week of events please visit www.holyroodnursery-swinton.co.uk or call Hayley on 0161 794 8331.

their chosen charity: the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust. During their torch day they were put through their paces

by Courtney Fry with cheers from a host of supporters.

Since the beginning of January a child-friendly Olympic-Bee-themed torch has been making its way around 136 Busy Bees Nurseries across the UK. An array of sports personalities and Paralympic champions have been supporting the nurseries at various stages of the journey, and will continue to do so before the torch reaches its final destination at Busy Bees Excel site on Thursday 26th July, the eve of the London Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Do log on to Busy Bees website and check out the Busy Bee and the torch’s progress along the way. For any other information about the Torch Relay, Golden Mile or Busy Bees Nurseries please go to www.busybees.com.

Double “Outstanding” for Well Green Club

12: Parents’ place 14: Baby talk 16: What’s on

Next issue: July/August 2012

Holyrood Day Nursery in Swinton will be celebrating its 10th year of opening in June of this year and boy are they celebrating in style! The nursery is planning a week of activities to encourage both the children and parents and the local community into the nursery to celebrate with them.

Each day the nursery will have a different focus ranging from early literacy to cooking fun culminating in a big party open event on Saturday 16 June. The nursery which has also recently achieved top grades in Salford’s We’re Clean We’re Green scheme

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School’s Out @Well Green in Hale recently received an unannounced Ofsted inspection where the overall effectiveness of the Club was found to be outstanding and exemplary in every area. The club was first awarded their outstanding in 2008 and this is shows they have maintained their very high standards during the last 4 years.

Altrincham’s School’s Out organisation provides childcare for over 500 local children aged 3-11 Before and After School and during

school holidays for children aged 3-14.

“The setting provides a high quality service where children flourish in a childcentred, enabling environment. Highly effective partnerships between the after school club, parents and the school significantly contribute to the setting’s knowledge of individual children to ensure their needs are fully met”, reported the Inspector, “children are making excellent progress towards the early learning goals as their learning is purposefully promoted”.

The School’s Out group is part of Elmscot Ltd and operates at seven local schools: Altrincham Preparatory School, Bollin Primary School, Bowdon C of E School, Cloverlea Primary School, Heyes Lane Infant & Junior Schools, Navigation Primary School and of course at Well Green Primary School.

Locally speaking FREE Little Kickers class – exclusively New La Jolie Ronde class in Didsbury Natalie Jenson, a La Jolie Ronde The emphasis of each class is on learning for Families Manchester readers licensee running HappyGoMonkey while having fun and playing with the Little Kickers offers football classes from 18 months to 7 years for girls and boys with venues on a Saturday in West and East Didsbury, Sale, Altrincham, Cheadle, Bramhall and Lymm, and on a Sunday at Urmston and Bowdon.

And now, for a limited time, Little Kickers is delighted to offer NEW customers who are Families Manchester readers, a free class – 7 weeks for the price of 6.

The Little Kickers difference is a “play not push ethos” and a high child to coach ratio to enable children from the age of 2½ years to work towards independence in the class whilst mummy and daddy cheer from the sidelines. The small class sizes are split into age appropriate

groupings and the highly experienced and committed coaching team ensures that your child will see the same coaches each week.

Older classes for children from 3½–5 years (Mighty Kickers) and 5–7 years (Mega Kickers) continue in a non-pressurised environment with skills and fun based sessions which appeal to the football mad and simply active child alike. Mega Kickers is currently available in Sale and Lymm only.

15,000 children throughout the UK experience the quality of Little Kickers classes each week - go along and see what all the fun is about! Book by the end of June to receive this offer - either ring 0161 442 5713 or email aleete@littlekickers.co.uk. www.littlekickers.co.uk

Languages in south Manchester has just opened a new centre in Didsbury village offering enjoyable, after school, term-time, French lessons for kids using songs, action rhymes, puppets, stories, drama and dancing.

Class 1 is for 2-4 year olds at 15:35pm and class 2 is for 5-7 year olds at 4pm in the Parish Lounge at St Emmanuel Church on Barlow Moor Road. She will also run classes for older children to age 11 if there is sufficient demand.

International television premiere At Norris Bank Primary

Family lessons from Yoga2calm

Yoga2calm runs movement and mindfulness lessons for children and families in Stockport including those affected by disability.

Classes are at the Cenacle Treatment Centre, 224 Dialstone Lane, Stockport SK2 7LE on Wednesday 4.30 – 5.30pm.

Children and other family members are invited to go along and have some fun, learning new skills stretching the body and calming the mind. No previous

experience is necessary. Classes are suitable for children from 5 years upwards and cost £10 per family group.

Lessons promote self-esteem and confidence, concentration and listening skills, and enable children to learn to relax and be calm and still in a supportive environment. Physically, the focus is on core stability that impacts on balancing skills, easing muscle tension and promoting a fun proactive attitude to wellbeing including mindfulness.

If you are unable to attend weekly classes but are interested in mindfulness and movement for your family, Kay is planning to offer a summer school this year. Please telephone 0757 877 5550 or email kay@kaysyoga.co.uk for further details. www.yoga2calm.co.uk

In The Night Garden Live

The staged event of the award-winning CBeebies children’s TV show is coming to Manchester from Saturday 18 August Sunday 2 September, with performances daily (excluding 21 & 28 August) at The Trafford Centre. The smash-hit

show brings the world of In the Night Garden to the stage with children able to see their favourite CBeebies’ stars Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends up close. On stage are fullsized costumes, enchanting music, magical puppets and spectacular panoramic projections, creating an immersive theatrical experience to make audiences feel they are actually entering the magical world of the TV show In the Night Garden. Tickets are on sale now – call 0333 300 0023. www.nightgardenlive.com

language. A CD/book pack is an integral part of the course so the children and parents can see progress and enhance learning at home if they would like to.

Classes are purposely kept small with a maximum of 12 pupils for the older age group and 8 for the younger age group to ensure individual attention.

Contact Natalie on 0161 224 9952 or via email on natalie.jensen@me.com.

More information about La Jolie Ronde and their award-winning programmes can be found at www.lajolieronde.co.uk.

Isabella Carter and Barnaby Harper watching the first screening of Cloudbabies with fellow pupils from Norris Bank Primary

A new series for Cbeebies was premiered recently at Norris Bank Primary School, Stockport.

The two reception classes enjoyed popcorn whilst watching the very first episode of ‘Cloudbabies’, which previewed on Cbeebies in March, prior to a major launch in May/June. Joining them from the red carpet were two of the voice-over artists from the series: Isabella Carter (age 8 yrs) plays Baba Pink, and Barnaby Harper (age 5) who plays Bobo White. Both attend Norris Bank, and enjoyed seeing their hard work brought to life on the big

screen. ‘Cloudbabies’ is about 4 young children who look after the sky, ably helped by Bobo White, the naughty Sky Imp, who desperately wants to be a Cloudbaby, and aims to introduce very young children to the elements. The series has already attracted major interest from European broadcasters, so it was truly an international premiere! The computeranimated show is made in Manchester, and all the voice-over artists are northwest based. Barnaby’s mum, Gilly, says “The children have to take time out from lessons to attend voice-records every month, and have been very lucky to have such great support for the project from the school. They really enjoyed sharing their big moment with the staff and pupils at Norris Bank.”

The Sky’s the Limit Manchester Day Parade, Sunday 10 June

Head into Manchester this June to experience one of the largest parades in the UK – the centre piece of Manchester Day and a celebration of the many outstanding achievements and incredible people born to this iconic city.

This year’s parade will take place on Sunday 10 June inspired by the theme: The Sky’s the Limit – A Celebration of Heroic Achievements. More than 2,500 participants will don extravagant costumes, play vibrant music, perform energetic dance and present their intricate, larger than life floats and art-works. Paying homage to the heroic achievements of Mancunian men and women through history, accomplishments from the worlds of science and technology; in music, culture and the arts; in industry, in sport, and in the natural world – will all be recognised in this mile long parade which is free to attend.

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 3

Education news 10 things your child should be able to do when they begin school

By Sarah Butters

5.

If your child is starting school this September, it’s time to start preparing.

Forget force feeding them phonics, this is about getting your child ready for the social challenges of school. The more prepared they are, the easier they will settle and the more they’ll get out of those early days.

1. Can they dress themselves?

Imagine the scene. One teacher faced with thirty children and their coats. By the time each child is zipped up and wrapped up, playtime is over. If your child is able to go some way to helping, they may get some fresh air. If you can see buttons on trousers and skirts becoming a problem during the post PE change, invest in elasticated waistbands. These will also help during any ‘last minute’ toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days - they can also lead to unnecessary bathroom accidents.

With shoes, laces and buckles are a no-no. Stick to Velcro fastenings which your child can do themselves.

2. Are they used to sharing?

Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn, especially if they only start learning it at school. But it’s a vital lesson if you want your child to settle

in and make friends easily. No one wants to play with the boy who refuses to take turns and share, and before long that child becomes isolated.

Start to make a point of praising your pre-schooler for sharing his bag of figures or his last few sweets.

3. Can they use the toilet on their own?

Reception classrooms usually have a toilet nearby but children are expected to use it on their own. That can mean less confident children avoid a visit until it’s too late. Encourage your child to begin taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence. Remind them that hand washing is part of the ‘visit’.

Beginning school toilet training now will mean less accidents in September.

4. Are they able to eat independently?

Lunchtimes can be a real flashpoint in the early days of your child’s school life. Dinner halls are noisy places and

Physics is Fun at Airkix

Teaching forces, friction and air resistance can often be a bit of a drag.

But the indoor skydiving experience offered at Airkix vertical wind tunnels in Manchester offers an exhilarating, inspiring and truly hands on way for

students to really experience the results of these concepts.

And now the experience has been even further improved to bring true, instant curriculum relevance to students learning these topics.

Working in conjunction with National Space Academy Physics education specialists based at the National Space Centre in Leicester, Airkix has developed a full forces based education package including teaching resources to enhance teaching and learning of these topics.

Every teacher who books a class to

4 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

6.

7.

8.

can make a child feel overwhelmed.

Make sure they arrive at school able to pick up and use a knife and fork. If they’re opting for a packed lunch, make sure they can open a yoghurt, put a straw in a juice box and unpeel a banana. With school a few months off, it may seem like the easier option to feed them, but it won’t help in the long run. Practice, however painful, makes perfect.

Are they able to recognise their name?

If your child can recognise their name, they’ll be able to find their peg, identify their drawer in the classroom and find their cardigan if it gets misplaced.

Starting school can make even the most confident child feel a little lost.

If they can locate important places, it will make them feel more in control.

Can they use scissors?

Teachers look for this in the early stages of Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty over the next few months.

Do they understand discipline?

It’s important your child understands what’s expected of them when they arrive at school. They need to know hitting, kicking, biting and hair pulling will not be tolerated. Not only will it bring your child to the attention of the head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it will make your child unpopular with their classmates. Reputations earned in the early days of school tend to stick and can be hard to shake off.

Can they communicate with an adult?

Giving your child the skills to communicate with their teacher means they will be able to have some control.

How else will they ask to go to the toilet? If they don’t understand how to get the attention of an adult, how will they let their teacher know they don’t understand their work? A child who can communicate will get more out of the school day than a child who is unwilling to speak up. Encourage your child to ask and even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure they understand the most appropriate way of getting a grown-ups attention.

9. Are they able to count?

If your child is able to count up to 20, and count back from 10, this will give them a really good head start. Use some of their favourite toys or foods to make counting fun. Lay out 10 grapes and get them to eat them one by one, counting as they go. It will give them confidence and help them see learning as fun. Plus it’s a great way to get one of their 5 a day down them!

10. Can they follow simple instructions?

The school day is full of instructions.

Your child will be asked to put coats on pegs, bring packed lunches into classrooms and sit cross legged on the carpet for circle time. If a child is used to following instructions, they will avoid being reprimanded. The more time a teacher dedicates to repeating instructions and encouraging co-operation, the less time there is for teaching. Start giving your child simple tasks – perhaps helping with the weekly shop or with some straight forward jobs around the house. It will prepare them for school life.

SOME BOOKS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL: • I am too absolutely small for school (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child • Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean Adamson • Starting School Sticker Book (Usborne) by Felicity Brooks • Going to School (Usborne First Experiences) by Anna Civardi • Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

visit Airkix can order a set of resources that they can instantly implement in the classroom. These resources draw on skydiving footage and interpretation of real skydiving data, along with the prospect of experiencing these forces for real in the vertical wind tunnel, to introduce and build on these topics allowing a real, comprehensive understanding.

With individual resources for key stage two, three and four teaching and differentiated resources for different abilities, this comprehensive package will massively enhance the teaching and learning experience of students and teachers alike.

So not only can students experience

the exhilaration of skydiving for themselves indoors and in complete safety, but with these new resources, the whole experience becomes a comprehensive learning package.

For more information call the dedicated team in Manchester on 0161 7492193 or visit www.airkix.com.

Education news New checks for children Following on from a pilot scheme last year, new phonics tests are to be introduced to all Year 1 pupils this summer.

The Year 1 phonics screening check is a short assessment to confirm whether children have learnt phonic decoding to an appropriate standard, and will apply to all Year 1 pupils in maintained schools, academies and Free Schools.

The test will take place between 18 and 22 June 2012, with the aim of identifying children who need extra help and who can then be given support by their school to improve their reading skills. According to the Department of Education, the check will comprise a list of 40 words and non-words or nonsense

words, which a child will read one-to-one with a teacher. Half of the words cover phonics skills that tend to be learnt in Reception, while the other half are based on Year 1 phonics skills. Word from the DfE is that the tests will not be daunting, but are merely there to check that children at the end of Year 1 have the foundations they need to learn to read, such as skills for blending sounds into words and the phonic knowledge of recognising the sounds for basic letters and letter combinations. Find out more at www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachi ngandlearning/pedagogy/phonics.

Parents invited to ‘Ask the Expert’ ahead of the first Year 1 phonics screening check With studies showing that parental involvement has the biggest impact on a child’s educational achievements, many parents will be looking for ways to help their child prepare for the upcoming phonics check.

To support these parents, Oxford University Press (OUP) is launching ‘Ask the Expert’; a week-long live online Q&A session with independent phonics expert, Laura Sharp, who has been working with OUP since Autumn last year on the development of ‘My Phonics Kit’.

Laura will be online between 7pm and 10pm from Monday 21 to Friday 25 May to offer tips and advice on how parents can support their children with learning phonics. Parents are invited to ‘Ask the

Expert’ by posting questions to and following the conversation on the Facebook group where the Q&A will be held (www.facebook.com/oxfordowl).

In the meantime, parents can also visit www.oxfordowl.co.uk for more phonics resources and advice – such as videos from Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, and a range of interactive free eBooks.

‘My Phonics Kit’ is an activity pack for parents to use with their Year 1 child, which features familiar characters Biff, Chip and Kipper from the Oxford Reading Tree scheme used in 80% of primary schools. It combines phonics decoding practice with engaging stories and interactive features – making learning to read a fun and exciting journey.

Ever thought of becoming a Private Home Tutor?

Experienced Private Home Tutor Graham Woodward, author of ‘How to Start a Business as a Private Tutor’ (available on Amazon), also inventor and creator of ‘Know Your ‘ times tables system as featured in Families March/April issue, will now show you how to become a successful Private Home Tutor.

He shares the secrets of his success and will help you with your own Maths, English and verbal reasoning to give you the confidence and knowledge necessary to help children.

You can spend two days training with Graham at his home in Bacup or in your own home for intensive one to one training. You can even sit in and observe his tutoring sessions. Everything you need will be supplied from books,

worksheets and a briefcase full of equipment, stationery, adverts, exam and assessment sheets.

This enables to you make an immediate start on your own business. Graham offers his training at a very reasonable cost compared to buying a franchise; you become your own boss and keep all of your income (no agency fees). He even offers ongoing support after training when you need it. You don’t need to be a qualified school teacher, you just need a reasonable level of education and the ability to communicate with children.

To find out more call Graham on 01706 875517. A small deposit is required but total costs can be spread if required. See www.ko-box.com for more information.

My Phonics Kit RRP £9.99 Oxford University Press My daughter Lily is in Year One and will face the phonics screening check for 6 year olds this Summer, so we tested out the My Phonics Kit in preparation. Lily really enjoyed this pack of workbooks as they feature the ever popular characters Biff, Chip & Kipper. The books asked Lily to read words as quickly as possible to check her ability to blend sounds; read sentences and match them to pictures to check her understanding of the text; do 'word jigsaws' to complete broken down words; circle sounds within words; complete wordsearches and more. Lily found the books fun to go through as

exercises were fairly short and varied, and a lot felt more like games than learning so it wasn't a chore. As a parent I found the books useful as it helped me see how Lily was grasping what she had been through in school and boosted my confidence in her ability. Definitely a useful tool whether you simply want to check understanding with some fun tasks or you feel your child may be struggling and you want to do some additional exercises one-to-one at home.

Reviewed by Jayne Keep

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 5

Parties Birthday Traditions – 12 ways to create magical moments

By Elisabeth Dolton

Inexpensive and clever ways to make the most of a child’s birthday by creating some fun traditions to make it a special day to remember 8. Capture the moment Get out the camcorder and interview your child about the special things they have done that year, include props like their award-winning science project that year, their sports trophies, the self-portrait they did of themselves, etc.

9. Special family events Do the same Think of your child’s birthday and what’s the first thing that comes to mind? walk every year, have dinner at the Already? What are we going to do this year? Whatever you think, instead of same place, go sledging, have a picnic racking your brains thinking for the latest party ideas, what about actually doing on the beach. Do activities that are some things the same as you did last year? Build simple birthday traditions that typical of what you are like as a family, you all know about, look forward to, and that create memories that last a e.g. if you are a musical family, hold a lifetime. This is the stuff of magic moments! concert, if you are outdoorsy plan a We have collected 12 fabulous traditions beautiful tea party to enjoy the finger boat trip. that can make your children’s birthdays sandwiches and tea. Let the birthday 10. Annual additions Plant a tree or special every year. child pick the dinner menu however flowers that bloom annually around 1. Big-Day Countdown Make the crazy their wishes. your child’s birthday. Ask approach to their birthday important.

5. Have a ‘birthday’ plate Have a grandparents to add to a charm Hang a garland of seven envelopes, each special plate that each child uses for bracelet or commemorative coin with a small daily goodie, leading up meals on their birthday. The same collection each year. to the grand finale. could be done for a birthday eggcup, 11. Tell a Tale Let the birthday child stay 2. Decorate and Titivate The night a special seat at the table, or hat they up a little later after the other children before your child’s birthday sneak into have to wear all day. have gone to bed and tell them about their room and decorate it with a 6. Opening presents Hide presents the day they were born, and how you special sign wishing them a Happy around the house and provide clues felt when they arrived.

Birthday. Blow up balloons and put to help your child find them. Follow a 12. Remind them of how special they birthday wishes all over the house. ribbon to their first gift, or unroll are A simple way is to give each 3. Bake a cake Make a birthday cake string all around the house that takes member of the family a birthday instead of buying one. Your child will them to their presents. candle, then pass around a small appreciate even a simple cake made 7. Celebrate them growing up Create dessert. Each person puts in their from a mix. Get your child to pick out a photo banner of your child’s annual candle and tells the birthday girl/boy what they want their birthday cake to photographs. Take a family photo on something they love about them. look like, a rocket, princess castle, the same settee every year put them They pass the dessert to the next favourite animal, etc. in a scrapbook that you add to every person, who does the same until 4. Have a special meal Have breakfast year. Ask them their favourite colour, everyone has added their candle, light in bed awakened by the whole family ice-cream, hobby, etc., note them the candles and sing Happy Birthday. singing happy birthday. Create a down and do this on every birthday.

Party like a Star

Get creative with Brookside Pottery

Starlight Performing Arts Academy provides popstar, rockstar, disco and kareaoke parties at their studio in Hazel Grove.

Popstar parties can be themed to your preference; the children learn how to sing and dance to a song so they can perform at the end of the party. For a rockstar party, you choose the song and Starlight teach the children how to play the parts on the guitar, bass, drums etc. If you like, the food, drinks, party bags, photos and even a DVD of the party can be included at an additional cost. For more details call 0161 439 8009. www.starlightperformingarts.co.uk

Let owners Liz and Dave bring out your child’s creative streak and give you a party to remember!

Previously in education, they have a wealth of experience with children of all ages, and have been hosting birthday parties for 16 years.

There are various party options available, one of which is The Potter’s Wheel experience. This combines a painting activity for the first hour with the option of either taking the painted item home the same day or having the item fired in the kiln to be picked up at a later

6 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

date. After the activity, children enjoy a free ride on the miniature train around the garden centre, while Liz and Dave’s friendly and experienced staff will arrange your party food (provided by you) in the Party room at a small hire charge for the second hour. All parties are age appropriate – no age too young or too old. Many happy customers have had repeat parties here. Call 07961 838753 or visit www.brooksidepottery.com.

Ways to make sure birthdays remain special for special children Since traditions are often visual and repeated, most children with special needs will really appreciate and learn to love these birthday traditions. To help ensure their special day, here are a few extra watchouts...

Watch what they eat: It’s easy to let slip strict dietary requirements during a day of celebration. For children with allergies and even vegetarian, let your party host know in advance and make appropriate plans.

Avoid overload: Don’t overwhelm with too many guests, lights, games, candles, music and presents. Decorate simply, put on a relaxing CD, and provide a quiet place where the child can go if s/he wants to.

Prepare them: Let your special needs child know in advance what to expect.

Explain the plan of the day. Let them sit where they are comfortable and if out; provide them with an exit strategy. Give your child a signal they can use with you if they need to leave a place or situation.

Keep the day low key: Treat the birthday as just another day, an important day, but not one that’s too busy. Let your special needs child, and all your children, plan the day so that it’s kept special and unique.

Stress free parties at Let’s Party Let’s Party, Bury's exclusive themed party venue, brings stress free parties to parents.

A bespoke personal service is brought to every individual. The mother and daughter team who run Let’s Party have done thousands of parties including Mad Hatters Tea Party, Harry Potter, Pyjama, Beach, VIP, Limo and X Factor style parties. This fabulous venue has three different private party rooms: The Enchanted Forest, Disco & Cocktail Bar and Rollerama. Within these rooms they offer hundreds of themes, suitable for ages 3 to 16 years. Let’s Party organise everything from start to finish providing the invitations, the party room, the party host, the food, the helpers, the props, games and music. All you need is a cake and party bags (or these can be provided too if you wish). For more information call 0161 797 111. www.letspartyvenue.co.uk

Parties For a party that’s out of this world When mum of three Bess Sturman was organising her childrens’ birthday celebrations, she knew it wasn’t something she could do alone. “I’m an Interior Designer,” explains Bess. “My skill set doesn’t lie in making 30 children smile and laugh. We’d done soft play parties in the past and I knew I wanted something different, so I picked up Families and found Make a Wish Entertainment.”

A Make a Wish party is a magical adventure.

You pick your theme and Suzanne Kaye Vaughan and her team will create a story led journey for the children to go on. For Bess’ children – 5 year old Theo, Louise who is 3 and 1 year old Isla – the theme was Toy Story.

“We sent along Jessie, Buzz and Woody,” Suzanne explains. “We brought the whole Toy Story world to life but this time, the

birthday children had the ability to change the direction of the story. That’s where the magic comes in!”

The 35 children took a tour of Andy’s room, went ranger training, practiced being a cowboy and got all the skills they needed to rescue Bullseye. The adventures lasted 1 ½ hours. The group was, according to Bess, completely captivated.

If Toy Story isn’t your child’s favourite, there are dozens of other themes to choose from. Popular at the moment are Rapunzel, Spy Training, Barbie Musketeers, Survival Action Parties and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse celebrations. All are tailored to the age of the guests and all will take your child on a magical birthday journey they will never forget.

For a full range of party themes look at www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk.

01924 281365

Rockover Climbing Looking for a party that will wear the kids out, let them play, and have a good time? Then Rockover Climbing can help. No previous experience of bouldering is required; instructors will teach the children the basics and then guide them through some fun games.

In the meantime adults can sit back in the café and relax! 1 or 1½ hour party packages are available and prices include equipment hire and instructors. You can bring your own food or the centre can arrange it for you.

For more information call 0161 228 1218 or visit www.rockoverclimbing.co.uk.

Giggle with a GigglePop party GigglePop will take the stress out of organising your children’s party; they can do as much or as little as you want at a price that suits your budget.

Specialising in Art, Themed, Traditional Parties & Make A Bear Parties, the materials they use are child friendly and will wash off. At the end of the party they also clean the area just to save you the hassle, leaving you with only good memories and a stress-free day! Their professional Party Leaders will captivate and enchant your children with any number of exciting games and activities. Call 07779 935638 or check out their website to get some brilliant ideas. www.gigglepop.co.uk

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 7

Parties Once Upon A Critter These are unique fun filled, educational birthday parties, structured to make the birthday child and all guests feel truly special.

Once Upon A Critter parties are individually planned and tailored with various animals from spiders, cockroaches and snakes to chickens, ferrets and hedgehogs (plus many more animal, insect and reptile options).

It’s not just an animal presentation on offer, the children all have chance to get involved.

In addition, games with quality equipment such as mini jumps, wheely bugs and space hoppers are to be enjoyed; or there is the option of some animal related crafts if you

Monkey Puzzle Toys for the perfect gift prefer. With a qualified Early Years Practitioner hosting the party, the quality of entertainment and care is extremely high. Once Upon A Critter provides a truly bespoke animal party experience that is all about quality from the level of entertainment provided to the work that goes into setting up the venue – with amazing backdrops, helium balloons and much more depending on what you want and need. Mid-week parties are available at a discount depending on location.

Please call Suzanne on 07575 971375 for more information, or visit www.onceuponacritter.co.uk.

Bring out the Drama Queen at the party Stagecoach Salford & Didsbury provide children's themed parties combining drama, dance and singing. Whether they want to be fairies, princesses, pirates or super heroes, there's a Stagecoach Party for everyone!

Party entertainers arrive in colourful, themed costumes, loaded with props, balloons, stickers and party prizes. The entertainment includes a wide range of games, storytelling, dancing and singing, all based around a chosen theme. During the last 10 minutes, family and friends are invited to watch some of the activities the children have enjoyed during the party. Included in the cost are themed party invitations as well as party prizes that are handed out during the party games and each guest will also receive a balloon and stickers to take home afterwards. There is a break during the party for parents to provide food, drink and birthday cake! Visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/salford/ parties/themed-parties.html or call Anne Boardman on 0161 789 1349.

The perfect land of play Once Upon A Critter Deluxe Animal Encounter Parties & Visits

For children who love all creatures great ‘n’ small Animal Encounters • Action Packed Games Craft Activities • Themed Decor & much more

07575 971375

www.onceuponacritter.co.uk

Land of Play at Trafford Park can take the stress out of planning your child’s party, providing everything from invitations and healthy homemade food, to your own party host and goody bags.

Catering for all ages and requirements, from toddler parties for 10, to exclusive hire of the whole centre for 100, Land of Play can make it happen. For more information call 0161 872 9434 or visit www.landofplay.co.uk for full package details. Various extras can be offered to make sure you get exactly what you want….

Just ask when you book!

8 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Looking for high quality, affordable toys to give as a gift? And want something a little bit different?

Monkey Puzzle Toys in Chorlton offer a huge selection both in store and online (www.monkeypuzzletoys.com) for you to choose from. With a wide variety of price brackets you can pick up anything from party bag fillers, gifts for a friend’s birthday to an extravagant gift for your child. Nicola and Amanda at Monkey

Puzzle Toys work closely with suppliers that offer a fantastic range of interesting and unusual toys that that you won’t find in mainstream toy sellers.

Need some help selecting a gift? Call on 0161 862 0100 or pop in to the store for a personal service to help you get the toy you are looking for. Plus you can get 10% off with the advert here in Families Manchester!

Jabberjacks Parties Jabberjacks provides stress free, unique and exciting parties that will capture your child's imagination and ensure that they and their friends have the best experience ever.

PLAYMATES Parties are for 2 to 4 year olds and include puppets, bubbles, games and activities, all hidden in a treasure box.

Their faces will light up with delight when JoJo the puppet arrives with a birthday gift and all his friends.

JUNIORS Parties are for 5 to 7 year olds and are energetic with exciting games revealed from the treasure box, crazy dancing and much, much more. All the children get to choose their own party bags and prizes from their great prize bucket.

Jabberjacks offer 1 or 2 hour parties and the package includes invitations and helpful party planning advice.

For more information call Clare on 07587 186284 or visit www.jabberjacks.co.uk/south-manchester

Cheeky Pony Rides & Parties

For children’s pony parties and affordable outdoor fun on the farm, try Cheeky Pony Rides at Higher Harpley Farm, Shutts Lane, Stalybridge, SK15 3QX. They offer • Rides on lovely welsh ponies • Fun with miniature ponies - leading over jumps, grooming etc

• Small animal petting • Packages starting from £100 They also offer general pony rides for beginners to experienced riders - £10 for half an hour, or £15 for hour long rides on Pennine. And if you’re stuck in the holidays, try their school holiday pony days from 10am - 3pm for £25 (booking essential).

Suitable from age 4+, helmets are provided and they are fully licenced and insured.

For more info call Dawn 07950 179572 / 014577 63641 or email cheekyponyds@hotmail.co.uk. www.higherharpleyfarm.co.uk

Unique fun for little people

Running off the energy

Milliemoo parties is a new company looking to bring something fun, fresh and unique to the children's party industry.

Taking inspiration from their own little people, they understand how stressful planning a party to remember can be.

Milliemoo parties will cater for your every need and plan your child’s party based upon your individual budget, theme and ideas. They can provide everything from the invites to the party bags, creating the perfect party for your perfect little people!

Based in Manchester, they host parties in your own home or at your chosen venue...all you need to do is turn up! For more information visit www.milliemooparties.co.uk – and follow them on twitter @milliemooparty

If your child is full of beans, then let them run off their energy with an Enjoy-a-Ball party!

Enjoy-a-Ball parties are packed with fun and games with plenty of action in a warm, positive and fun-filled environment.

A happy customer said, “My six year old had an Enjoy a Ball party with over 20 energetic friends. They had a great time and loved the exciting games.

Party food was quickly eaten as they wanted to go and play again. Would definitely recommend an Enjoy a Ball party - I'm sure we'll be booking another one next year!’

To book call Sam 07973 886 786 or email sam.hinckley@enjoy-a-ball.com www.enjoy-a-ball.com

Parties Kiddy Cook Parties & Cooking Classes Are you looking for something fun, creative and different for your child’s birthday party?

Kiddy Cook Parties are designed for 2 - 11 year olds offering a range of different party options. All you have to do is provide the venue and they’ll do the rest.

Why not make life easy for yourself and choose the ‘Cook your own Tea’ option where the children make their own yummy birthday

tea, providing great value for money!

Children who go along to a Kiddy Cook Party don’t go away with just a cooking experience, they also get to learn the science behind food and cooking by carrying out fun gastronomical experiments.

For more information contact Mandy on 07411 560011 or stockport@kiddycook.co.uk www.kiddycook.co.uk

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

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 9

Parties Partying the traditional way

Picking a party is always a dilemma. With so many fantastic options available it’s really hard to know what to go for, and (go on, admit it!) there’s always the desire to throw the party everyone will remember.

With Lily and Ben having their 6th birthdays so close together, this year we decided to take our own advice and keep it simple. Share the cost and get someone else to do it!

We chose Glo family in Cheadle and they were fantastic. Kerstine and her team took care of everything; invitations, venue decorating, entertainment, prizes, food, cakes, party bags, thank you cards – the whole lot.

What more could a mum ask for? We had none of the normal last minute panic about food and games; in fact we had to have a very stern conversation with our inner

control freaks to just relax!

We had the whole venue to ourselves (it’s a converted church – light, fresh and homely) and the children headed off to The Studio for traditional games while adults and siblings who were too young or old to join in the fun hung out in the main hall to enjoy coffee, a chat and a play.

Two entertainers skilfully led the children through a huge array of games, musical bumps, pass the parcel etc. Despite quite a range of ages in the room (from around 3 to 8 years) and a large number of children (30)

10 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

the girls had everyone under control – laughing, joining in and having a wonderful time.

Out in the main hall the grown-ups were taken care of by the kitchen staff that were on hand to make us coffees and serve any snacks we wanted to buy. Little ones enjoyed play time in the sensory area, the dressing up box and in the pretend shop and fire engine so even those not involved in the party games still had a wonderful afternoon.

(Older children relaxed on the comfy sofas with their DS's so they too were happy!).

The party food was served in the main hall half way through the party, at low tables decorated with bright tablecloths and a party hat for everyone. Each child was given an individual ramekin of food with sandwiches and chopped vegetables

so there were no arguments over the last sausage roll. Freshly baked birthday cake was the dessert – pink icing on Lily’s cake, blue on Ben’s. Half of each cake was eaten by the children with the other half packed up for us to take home (didn’t last long!).

Then it was back into The Studio for more games, rounded off with a rousing version of the Hokey Kokey and party bags filled with retro sweets.

The attention to detail and quality of the party was absolutely spot on – the kids had a party to remember and we managed to enjoy it as well.

Glo is offering 1/3 off their cost of an all-inclusive party for Families readers until the end of June – just quote Glo 0103 when you book.

For more information on parties at Glo visit www.glofamily.com or call 0844 800 7380.

All photography taken on location at Glo Family, Cheadle by: Sharon Wallis Photography

Diamond Jubilee 10 facts about Queen Elizabeth II

© Royal Household / John Swannell

1. The Queen was born Princess Elizabeth of York on 21 April 1926 in Mayfair, London.

2. On 6 February 1952 while in Kenya, Princess Elizabeth received the news of her father’s death and her own accession to the throne. The tour was abandoned and Princess Elizabeth flew back to Britain as Queen and moved into Buckingham Palace.

3. The Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. The ceremony was broadcast on radio around the world and was televised for the very first time.

4. The Queen is the second longest-serving monarch. Only five other kings and queens in British history have reigned for 50 years or more: Victoria (63 years); George III (59 years); Henry III (56 years); Edward III (50 years); and James VI of Scotland (James I of England) (57 years).

5. Since her first official overseas visit to South Africa in 1947, overseas visits have become one of The Queen’s most important duties; and in 60 years, she has undertaken 261 official overseas visits to 116 different countries. Her Majesty has visited Australia 16 times,

Canada 22 times, Jamaica six times and New Zealand 10 times.

6. The Queen has been to countries which no other British monarch has ever visited, including the first State visits by a reigning monarch to China in 1986, Russia in 1994, Brunei and Malaysia in 1998, and Korea in 1999.

7. The first Royal walkabout took place in 1970 during a visit to Australia and New Zealand by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, who wanted to meet as many people as possible, not just officials and dignitaries.

8. The Queen has made a Christmas Broadcast to the Commonwealth every year of her reign except 1969 – making her 50th Christmas Broadcast in 2002; in 2004 The Queen issued her first separate broadcast for members of the British Armed Forces; and in 2006 it was available for the first time as a podcast.

9. The Queen has owned more than 30 corgis during her reign – starting with Susan who was a present for her 18th birthday – and currently has three, Monty, Willow and Holly.

10.Queen Victoria was the last and only British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee, when she was 78 in 1897. The Queen, who was aged 85 on Accession Day in 2012, will be the oldest monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.

The Great Vintage Tea Party Stockport will be hosting a quintessentially British, “fun for all the family” themed tea party to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee at the suitably historic Stockport Victorian Markets on Sunday 3 June.

The event programme will appeal to people of all ages and will include a mix of food, culture, creative workshops, fashion and children’s activities.

Highlights of the day will be a “Great British Bake Off” competition, “Perfect Pooch” dog show, Fabulous 50’s Guy/Girl competition, tea leaf readings and performances from local bands and artists.

Children will be able to get involved with a variety of royal themed activities such as union jack face painting and create your own crown workshop – as well as pass the parcel and cupcake decorating.

Sugar Junction Tea Rooms based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter will be the event’s key catering partner and will be on hand to serve their famous afternoon tea, including “The Crown Jewels”, a bespoke Queen’s Jubilee Breakfast Tea as

Union Jack face art 1. Using a damp sponge and white face paint, sketch out the white areas – no need to be exactly accurate as you can paint the other colours over it once it’s dry.

2. With royal blue paint and a brush, draw the outlines of the triangular areas and fill in using the sponge or the brush.

3. Using bright red paint and a brush, fill in the central cross and then carefully paint the fine diagonal lines.

Or if you prefer a more understated look, just paint the cheek Union Jack cheek art 1. Using a brush and white paint, sketch out the shape of the flag, the central cross and the diagonals with a fine line. Then fill in the diagonal lines.

2. With bright red paint and a brush, fill in the central cross and then add the fine diagonal lines.

3. To finish, using royal blue paint and the brush, fill in the eight triangular shapes that remain.

Ticket Giveaway We’ve got 20 Family Tickets worth £20 each to give away to lucky Families Manchester Readers. To enter, simply log onto www.familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Entries close Friday 25 May.

Did you know?

The official emblem of the Diamond Jubilee was designed by 10 year old Katherine Dewar from Chester. A national competition, supported by Buckingham Palace and promoted through the BBC’s Blue Peter Programme, attracted over 35,000 entries from school children aged between 6 and 14.

Jubilee face painting step by step Get in the spirit of things by painting your children’s faces. Just grab some red, white and blue face paints and follow the steps below (we used Snazaroo Union Jack Face Painting Kit, £4.99, www.snazaroo.com).

well as other baked goods and savoury treats. Fish and Chips, hog roasts, handmade pies and fresh lemonade will also be on offer.

A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Tickets cost £7 for Adults, £5 for Children or £20 for a Family Saver Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children).

Jubilee Events If you’re planning on heading to central London over the Jubilee weekend, go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/jubilee for a list of events taking place.

But there’s loads happening right here in Greater Manchester over the weekend as well with various communities organising street parties, fun days and lighting of beacons. Here’s a tiny taste of a few of the planned public events, but keep an eye on your local press for specific events in your area:

Sat 2 June

Mon 4 June

Sun 3 June

Cheadle: Community Celebration Party, The Jubilee Field Milnrow & Newhey: District Carnival with a Jubilee feel, Haugh Lane in Newhey to Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College in Milnrow Radcliffe: Close Park, Queen’s Jubilee Picnic

High Lane: Jubilee Fun Day Littleborough: Jubilee Party, Littleborough Cricket Club (in aid of Leonard Cheshire Disability)

Salford: Salford Priors Jubilee Celebration, Playing Field Stockport: The Great Vintage Tea Party, Stockport Victorian Markets Marple: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration & the Big Sunday Lunch, Town Street Bramhall: Big Jubilee Lunch, Bramall Hall

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 11

Parents’ place Lighting the way to London 2012

By Rebecca Carr

On 18 May 2012, the Olympic Torch Relay will start with a 70-day celebration that will travel thousands of miles to bring the London 2012 Games to hundreds of communities across the UK. The Olympic Flame will be lit on 10 May in Olympia, Greece and will embark on an 8 day relay around Greece before arriving at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens for the official Olympic Flame handover ceremony. Lighting the cauldron in the Olympic Stadium signifies the beginning of the games and the Flame will stay lit until the closing ceremony on 12 August.

The Olympic Flame is one of the most recognized symbols of any Olympic Games.

A ritual for the lighting of the Flame is followed at every Games. It is lit from the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the Ancient Games. The Flame is then handed over to the new host city and the Flame is then transferred from one torchbearer to another, spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship.

It’s not just sporting superstars who’ll carry the Olympic Flame this summer.

People from all walks of life and from every part of the UK will take part. In all, 8,000 torchbearers will get the chance of a lifetime to carry the Flame and over half of the torchbearers will be young people aged 12 - 25. www.london2012.com showing the entire route across the UK and www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17358291 also has downloadable routes for each area.

Working part time in child care More and more parents are looking for home based out of school childcare to cover the gaps in school hours and school holidays whilst they are working.

What seems to be high on parents’ criteria for choosing childcare is a caring, flexible approach to supporting their children.

Many parents appointing childcare of this kind have advised that as well as taking on experienced child carers they are also keen to consider grandparents and individuals who have the life experience of bringing up their own children.

As these roles are part time and often include split hours within the same day, parents often find the positions difficult to

recruit for and that is why Bamboo Childcare is asking for Grandparents and Parents who are looking for part time hours to contact them so they can create a bank of people who would be suitable for these roles when they arise. They currently have several roles of this nature throughout Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

If interested please send your contact details via email to enquiries@bamboochildcare.co.uk and let them know if you are a driver or not. They’ll then contact you to discuss your registration further. www.bamboochildcare.co.uk

Help us to give you what you want We know you love Families because you tell us! But we can’t rest on our laurels – we’d like to know what you like, what you want to read more – and less – of.

So if you can spare just two minutes (and we know it’s not easy!), please go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/survey2012 and click on the link to fill out a short questionnaire.

Your answers will be completely anonymous, and we’ll enter you into a prize draw to win one of five

fantastic family games bundles from Mattel Games, each worth over £100.

Games include Scrabble Original, Scrabble Junior, Pictionary, Uno, Angry Birds boardgame and the new Chameleon Crunch active learning game for kids.

Thank you!

12 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Let’s Party Workshops for grown-ups

Flexible work recruitment fair comes to Manchester

Let’s Party in Bury is now offering workshops for adults, not just parties for the kids.

These workshops are a chance for you to relax and have a bit of fun and learn how to make various things such as cake pops, cupcakes, and truffles. With easy to follow demonstrations and the chance to have a go, you can produce something to take home (if you don’t eat everything through the day!). Recipes are even given out so you can have another go at producing these treats for the family or friends. All workshops include refreshments and lunch. For more information call 0161 797 111. www.letspartyvenue.co.uk

Following successful shows in Sussex and Essex, organiser Karyn Slyfield, director of Working Jobs from Home, is now bringing the fair to Manchester.

Around 30 local employers offering part-time work, businesses sharing opportunities for self-employment, franchisors, training companies, colleges, professional business advisors and networking groups will be represented at the event, which is FREE to attend.

Karyn’s website www.workingjobsfromhome.co.uk attracts about 2,000 visitors a day who are interested in ideas for flexible working, but she is keen to bring job seekers and providers together at the fair.

“This is an opportunity for them to meet face to face and learn more about each other in an informal and friendly atmosphere. The fair could appeal particularly to stay at home parents, students, graduates, people wanting to supplement their pensions, those facing redundancy and others looking to boost their income or start their own business.

There will be exciting free CV workshops and Start up business seminars sessions, running throughout the day.”

The fair will be held in the heart of the city at the Renaissance Manchester City Hotel, Blackfriars Street, on Saturday 19 May from 10.30am to 4pm. Goodie bags will be available for the first 150 job seekers to arrive at the event.

For more information contact Karyn on 07984 593812 or by email at karyn@workingjobsfromhome.co.uk.

Real tips from real carers Netbuddy (www.netbuddy.org.uk) has been working with NHS Carers Direct to pass on practical advice, tips and ideas from carers of people with learning disabilities to other carers.

‘Real tips from real carers' is a new tool that offers a selection of tips submitted by carers under four separate headings – Communication, Healthcare, Personal Hygiene, Behaviour and Routine.

The tool is live on the Carers Direct website (www.nhs.uk/carersdirect) and a version of the tool is also available for people to put on their own websites.

Netbuddy director, Deborah Gundle said: “Carers are the real experts, and their experience and and know-how is invaluable.”

We’re Tweeting and Facebooking If you’re on Twitter or Facebook, then please look us up!

With the pace of life so frantic nowadays, both these sites are a great way for us to keep you updated with news and events as they happen. (We’ll also share a few random thoughts.) Of course our website (www.familiesmanchester.co.uk) is still a fantastic resource for local info,

with its vast store of articles on just about every family-related topic imaginable, and its directory of local suppliers. But we’d love to be able to get exciting, up-tothe-minute news to you quickly and easily as well.

So on Twitter we’re @FamiliesManch and you can find us on facebook - Families Manchester Magazine. We’d love to be followed and liked!

Parents’ place Recycle your kids’ stuff – and help your local PTA mykids2yourkids.co.uk is a newly launched local community to buy and sell all the stuff kids grow out of during their school years.

Thought up by a mum of four to help other mums and carers like her, the site is like an 'eBay tailored for kids stuff', where users can log on and recycle, reuse, reduce (waste) & return (a profit). Not a bad result when the website is simple, easy to use, plus there is the added bonus of 'giving a little back' to local PTA groups – with the option to donate profits to raise funds for schools across the UK.

It could be clothes (school blazers, Brownie or Scout uniforms, barely worn football boots) or instruments (violins and flutes that are no longer the flavour of the month) or anything for horse riding, water sports and ballet that are now “must haves”!

Such activities and even specialist school uniforms can be expensive and, in the current climate, many are looking to cut back and save some extra pennies along the way. With the average family size at plus two children or more, it's an expensive 18+ years for parents in the UK and here's where mykids2yourkids.co.uk aims to help.

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...

Europe's coolest brands available at up to 70% off Flash sales have rapidly become the biggest trend in retail and have taken the UK by storm over the last 24 months.

After a year of scouring the UK and Europe to seek out the highest quality and most stylish brands, newly launched website Casabu will bring parents exciting ranges of fashionable baby and children's clothing, designer toys, essential nursery equipment, must-have furniture and stylish maternity wear from brands such as Their Nibs, Babymoov and Koo-di at unbelievable savings of up to 70%.

It’s a smart, modern way for parents to

save money on some of their favourite brand names as well as discover new ones. The free-to-join online private sales boutique works very simply; once signedup, you will receive a daily email or mobile alert bringing you five exclusive sales, each sale lasting for three days.

You then simply browse, buy and sit back and wait for your beautifully packaged items to arrive at your door. Casabu truly is a one-stop shop providing everything a mum needs from pregnancy, throughout childhood and up to pre-teen.

To become part of the latest shopping phenomenon sign up at www.casabu.com

Best foot forward Is your family up for the great British Walking Challenge? The national charity Living Streets is urging all of us to mark May by leaving our cars at home and walking to and from school, work and the shops.

According to recent research, only one in ten commuters walks to work, and a quarter of us admit we rarely walk for as much as 20 minutes at a time. But walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise - it's also one of the simplest to do, and one of the cheapest. Tony Armstrong of Living Streets says the secret to being successful is to make walking part of your ordinary life - so choose a journey you'd be making anyway, and work out how you can walk all or some of it. For more information see www.livingstreets.org.uk

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 13

Baby talk Nappytastic Nappy Cakes and Themed Baby Showers

Nappytastic creates unique Baby Gifts from top branded and ecofriendly nappies – ideal gifts for New Parents or for a Baby Shower, especially if you’re looking for a more original and personalised alternative to flowers and chocolates. Each cake is 'handbaked', 100% usable and can be personalised to make it extra special.

Only quality products are used, including 100% cotton clothing, towels, blankets, washcloths, safe toys and other baby items. Specialist nappy cakes can be gender neutral, or themed for girls and boys; these can tower up to an amazing 5 tiers high! Every Baby Nappy Cake includes free gift wrapping, ribbons, gift tag and ingredients card.

At Nappytastic, they pride themselves in offering reliable, prompt and friendly customer service. Their aim is to make your shopping experience as simple and pain free as possible by accommodating it with quality products and attention to detail. They understand the importance of providing you with a unique and personal gift, elegantly wrapped, and promptly delivered. Nappytastic are located in Manchester, however nationwide and international shipping is available (prices are subject to destination).

Nappytastic also provide a specialised Baby Shower Planning Service for any mum or dad-to-be, offering a range of Baby Showers including Casino Themed, Vintage Tea parties, Little Princess Baby Shower, It’s a Jungle Out There, and Teddy Bear’s Picnic from just £9.99 per person (min 10 pax). See their website www.nappytastic.com for the full details of each package or call 07855 709034.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR FAMILIES READERS Receive 10% off your next online purchase, by using promotion code: Families10 Offer Expires 29 June 2012

14 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Free baby sign tasters

Jessica signing “friend”

See how much your baby could tell you, before they start to talk!

Learn 2 Sign is running Free Baby Sign Tasters, for parents, carers and childcare professionals in the South Manchester and Cheshire area. Go and see what baby signing is all about! During the taster you will see a short video of babies signing, understand how signing encourages speech development, see that it is great fun, easy to learn and a great bonding experience.

Better still, it can reduce frustration & tantrums, (yours & theirs!).

Baby signing is great for babies from birth to approx 2 years old and is a useful skill even when your child can talk.

If you would like go to a free taster, please email carolyn@learn2sign.co.uk, ring Carolyn on 07528 262142 or look at the website www.learn2sign.co.uk If you have a group of 3 or more friends, family or colleagues who would be interested in a free baby sign taster, Carolyn would be happy to arrange a date convenient for your group – either at a venue of your choice, or you can use her venue.

Exciting baby event in Timperley To celebrate National Baby Massage week (14 – 19 May), Kate Warren, owner of ‘Baby Loves Massage’ is organising a Baby Event at Timperley Community Centre, 121 Park Road, WA15 6QQ on Friday 18 May. This unique shopping experience will give you the opportunity to buy beautiful baby/children’s clothing, accessories, toys, keepsakes, gifts, bags and hand print jewellery all from local businesses.

Refreshments and an assortment of delicious handmade cupcakes will also be available, with the opportunity to win fabulous prizes in a raffle/tombola. Professional local photographer Sandra Dorney will also be on hand to capture a beautiful photograph of your baby/child if desired.

There will also be lots of activities for your children to join in with such as a Jo Jingles session in the morning and a Baby Yoga demonstration in the afternoon and of course, lots of baby massage sessions throughout the day.

Kate, a qualified infant massage instructor who holds regular classes at the

community centre says: “Baby Massage has many benefits; it encourages a deeper sleep, relieves colic and constipation but it is more than just a massage routine. Baby massage helps your baby to feel securely attached, loved, valued and respected which can reduce crying and emotional distress.

Baby Massage is a fantastic way to bond with your baby.”

Doors open at 10am and admission is free. If the weather is nice, why not take a picnic to enjoy on the lawn area…

All proceeds from the day will go towards urgently needed equipment for the neonatal unit at Wythenshawe hospital. Kate would like to raise enough to purchase an Apnoea Alarm which monitors breathing and costs around £500. For more information or to donate to this charity please visit Kate’s Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/babylovesmassage For more info on this event or regarding baby massage classes, please contact Kate on 07866 468245 or email babylovesmassage@live.co.uk. www.iaimbabymassage.co.uk/baby lovesmassage.

Baby talk When and why should your Baby start swimming classes?

The sooner your little one is introduced to swimming, the better. Babies have a real affinity with water having just spent nine months in their own watery world. Babies can be taken into the water at just a few weeks old as soon as their cord has healed. The benefits to Mum and baby are immense: strengthening the bond through skin-to-skin contact, whilst your baby develops water confidence and an understanding of water safety.

Dads can also gain the same wonderful early bonding experience – baby swimming provides that precious one-toone time that Dads often miss out on if Mum does most of the caring and feeding. Many child development professionals claim that babies who receive this early introduction to water are more alert with better eating and sleeping patterns – they may also develop their brain and cardiovascular and muscular systems more quickly

through the free movement that only an aquatic environment allows. Plus, for a new mum, getting in the water helps to gently get back into shape.

And don’t worry - if you missed out on baby swimming then it isn’t too late to start! No matter what the age of your child, many swim schools will have a swimming lesson to suit: from babies through to junior school children.

Pre-school programmes for toddlers are fantastic fun!

Children will learn to trust the aquatic environment and transform from a child who cries when they have their hair washed to a child who giggles when water is poured over them.

Puddle Ducks offers fun and friendly baby and toddler swimming classes in groups of no more than 8 child and parent pairs in warm pools local to you. Please check their website for details at www.puddleducks.com.

Baby Cakes & Bouquets

Baby Cakes is a brand new business based in the Manchester area designed to make your baby gift needs easy and affordable. Owner Sara came up with the idea while searching the internet for gift ideas for a couple of her friends at work. The gifts she wanted to buy were not available in her area so she decided to make them herself – and orders started flooding in once others had seen her creations.

Every item used to make the products is essential for a new arrival. While the Baby Cake contents may vary, they mainly consist of a baby towel, two tiers of nappies, a baby gro, baby socks, Johnson’s baby oil, a bib, Johnson’s baby talc, a muslin cloth and a cuddly toy. Prices start from £30 and colours can be themed for boys or girls or be kept neutral.

Every customer and mum-to-be has always been delighted with Sara’s creations and she now also offers beautiful baby clothes bouquets from £20. For more information please contact babycakes6185@hotmail.co.uk or alternatively look Sara up on Facebook (www.facebook.com/babycakes6185) to see all products available.

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 15

What’s on Super Camps – Summer Fairy & Hero Camp 2012 WIN WIN WIN WIN flexible and quality Fantasy Kids Clubs have launched camps are suitable for girls and boys aged 3-8yrs and run daily from 9amtheir brand new website to make it A family ticket to holiday camps 3pm. easier for parents to arrange fun The 2012 Manchester-based Summer for their child(ren) over the see The Wiggles For our children the holidays mean childcare Fairy & Hero Camp will be held at holidays. It’s a busy enough time

The Wiggles are proud to announce that they will be bringing their live tour back to the UK and Ireland in 2012.

Celebrating the return of original yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, the fab four will be bringing a brand new show to Manchester’s Palace Theatre on Thursday 14th June.

Joining Jeff, Anthony, Murray and Greg as always will be Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and the Wiggly dancers, ensuring a great time will be had by all at this spectacular new show!

We’ve got a Family Ticket up for grabs to see the show on 14 June at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply go to our website www.familiesmanchester.co.uk and enter now. Entries close Thursday 31 May.

less nagging to get homework done, a change from the school routine and an opportunity to do something different.

For parents, the feeling is often more of dread than excitement; juggling commitments as the perfect yin and yang for family and working life is sought.

But it’s not as impossible as it sounds.

Super Camps – England’s largest provider of holiday childcare based at some of the finest schools in the UK is launching more activities and sites this year at even more competitive rates and most importantly – greater flexibility.

“We understand that being a working parent is not easy at the best of times and we’ve made it our mission to make life a little easier by providing quality, safe and most importantly, fun holiday childcare for children ages 4 - 16,” said Super Camps Managing Director, Mark Vingoe.

Based at the William Hulme Grammar School in Manchester, you can choose from the ever popular Multi-Activity Camps for children aged 4 - 14 or one of the A Passion for…Holiday Workshops, with A Passion for… Stage, A Passion for… Food, A Passion for… Invent and A Passion for… Create on offer for 6 - 16 year olds. Book before 31 May for their Super 10 discount on Summer bookings.

So far – it’s all looking good for our children – but how will it all fit in with working life?

Easily done! There are optional extended hours from 8am until 6pm; competitive prices for individual day or lengthier courses.

New for this year is a “parent portal” allowing bookings and amendments at any time of the day or night. Providing spaces are available – parents can make the most of the special flexichange policy.

Book now at www.supercamps.co.uk or call 01235 832222.

without the added stress of printing and completing booking forms, so with a simple online form and clear information about the holidays camps and workshops available, parents can access the website anytime of the day to complete the quick and easy booking process.

The highly popular Fairy & Hero camps are a great way for little ones to spend a week full of magical fun. The

Navigation Primary School In Altrincham from 13 – 17 August. Other locations include Leeds, Harrogate, York, Wakefield, Shrewsbury, and London. If your little one wishes to train to be a Fairy or Hero, or wants to brush up on the skills they learnt last year, contact Fantasy Kids Clubs now to book a place! For more information about Summer Fairy & Hero Camp and to book contact 01924 281365 or visit the website: www.fantasykidsclubs.co.uk

Interactive Storytelling in Hulme Mother Hen holds fun and imaginative sessions that inspire creativity in every child and these brand new sessions are coming to Zion Arts centre this June! Aimed at ages 4 – 7, every week the gigantic magical storybook will open and a new and exciting story will be unlocked.

Through a vibrant mix of storytelling, make-believe, drama, music, puppetry and play, the children will lead the way to a different adventure each week.

Together they will develop self-expression

and communication skills whilst making new friends and growing in confidence!

'The Magical World of Mother Hen' Interactive Storytelling is a 6 week course costing £30. It takes place at the Zion Arts Centre in Hulme from from 13 June - 18 July, 4.30 - 5.30pm.

Booking is essential. Please call 0161 232 6089 to book or email zoe.pickering@zionarts.com for more information. To find out more about Mother Hen visit www.motherhencreative.com

UK, China, Italy - where will you choose to dance this summer?!

Don't waste your Summer this year, join the Sunshine fun with people from all over the world!

Challenge yourself in dance like never before, laugh non-stop, meet the world's most inspiring people and meet friends that you will keep for life!

The Sunshine Studios Summer

Camp - whether it be in the UK with the Big Ben and London Eye, China with the Great Wall by your side or even Italy with the historical Coliseum – be sure to secure your spot and join all the others already attending this exhilarating experience. 0333 0883328 / www.sunshine-studios.co.uk

Advertise in Families Manchester Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email advertising@families manchester.co.uk

16 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

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

Activities

Sun 13 May

Dukes Drive, Monton Walks and Water Feeling Batty Make a bat box for Duke's Drive and join in an exciting night time bat walk.

Bat box making 2 - 4pm. Night time bat walk 8.30 - 10pm. Free. No booking required.

07872 808003 / www.salford.gov.uk

St Mary’s Flower Park, St Mary’s Road, Prestwich Prestwich Clough Day Country crafts, children’s activities, brass bands, falconry displays, circus skills and refreshments. Something for all the family.

12 noon - 5pm 07955 755088 / www.prestwichclough.co.uk

Sat 5 – Mon 7 May

Sun 13 May & Sun 10 June

Sat 5 May

East Lancashire Railway Day out with Thomas All fans of the little blue engine are invited to come and spend the day with Thomas and his friends.

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Imperial War Museum, North Foam Books Decorate your own book with a vibrant design.

Fill the book with words or pictures to tell your tale. For all ages.

1 - 4pm www.iwm.org.uk

Sun 6 & Sun 20 May Westhoughton Communiversity, BL5 3DS Communiversity Kids Club Board games, car games, arts and crafts and model making.

Age 8 - 14. 10am 01942 814698 / www.ourwaco.com

Sun 6 May Littleborough Sports Club Charity Spring Event and Dog Show Come along and join in the fun, there's something for everyone. 11.30am 07906 820382 (Jackie) / zenlow@live.co.uk

Sun 6 & Mon 7 May Buile Hill Park, Salford Mayfest Community festival with dance displays, competitions, children’s workshops, entertainment, dog show, stalls, funfair.

Friends of Buile Hill Car Boot Sale is also on site.

11am - 4pm www.salford.gov.uk

Mon 7 May Imperial War Museum, North Andrew Clover's Almost Famous Story Session Andrew (CBBC) leads this exciting and entertaining story session for all ages.

12.30pm Dreaming Up A Story Andrew will help you create your own talks to tell or write down at home. Age 7+.

2.30pm www.iwm.org.uk

What’s on

Sale High School Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am - 12pm, Table costs £10, Entrance 50p 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Wed 16 May Tottington Wildlife Group (Twigs) Learn about wildlife and your local environment. Age 8 - 13 but younger can attend with parents. £1 per child.

Evening session. Booking essential.

01204 883 889

Fri 18 May Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive Celebrate Museums at Night 5.30pm www.boltonmuseums.org.uk

Sat 19 May The Met, Bury The Selfish Crocodile A funny, heart-warming tale with a very happy ending with songs, music and a host of handcrafted puppets to bring this watery adventure to life.

1pm. Age 3-7. £8.

0161 761 7107 / www.themet.biz Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Patterns in nature 11am – 4pm Most activities are free and drop-in, but some may need to be booked on the day and cost up to £1.50. All ages.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Salford Loop the loop Loop the loop around The Quays from Old Trafford to MediaCityUK and experience arts, sport, film and unmissable live entertainment with a breathtaking performance finale on the water. Free for all ages.

12.30 - 5pm www.nwfor2012.com Clifton Country Park, Swinton Tracks and Trails.

Free activities for families with children aged 5-12. 2 - 4pm. Meet at the Visitor Centre. www.salford.gov.uk/cliftoncountry

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 17

What’s on Imperial War Museum, North Slugs, snails and Truce Time Tales 1 - 4pm Find out what united the slugs and snails in this funny and inspiring tale of truce and make your own unique artwork inspired by the story. www.iwm.org.uk

Sun 20 May Manchester Jewish Museum Sabbath Food Sampling Experience Jewish food – a four course meal. £16. Places limited.

0161 834 9879 / www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com

Tues 29 May – Thurs 31 May

Sat 2 & Sun 3 June

Mon 4 – Fri 8 June

Take part in the Jubilee hat trail and you might win a prize!

10am - 4pm. All ages. Free, drop in 0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk

Radcliffe Carnival weekend Red Bank Playing Fields, Radcliffe Follow the parade through Radcliffe with a fun fair and games thoughout the weekend. Sunday car boot and vintage cars.

11am - 9pm

Manchester Museum Living Worlds and Manchester Anansi Spider Make sock pets and Anansi Spiders. Most activities free and drop-in but some may need to be booked on the day and may cost up to £1.50. 11am - 4pm. All ages 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Wed 30 May Stockport Air Raid Shelters Children’s Explorer Tours Brave the darkened tunnels as you go back in time and experience the life of a child during the war.

6.45 - 8pm. Age 7+ £3.95 per child, accompanying adults £2. Booking essential.

0161 474 1940 / www.airraidshelters.org.uk

Fri 25 May Thurs 31 May

Manchester Museum Magic Carpet: Nature Storytelling and activity session for under 5s.

11am - 12 noon. £1 per child. Booking from 18 May. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Blackleach Country Park Beautiful Butterflies Learn about these wondrous creatures and then have a go at sweep netting for them.

2 - 3.30pm www.salford.gov.uk/blackleach

Sat 26 May

Fri 1 June

Hatworks, Stockport Story Time Come and listen to stories in the Yurt.

Age 3 - 11, 12 noon. Free, drop in 0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk

Duke’s Drive, Monton Nature scavenger hunt Family activity searching for wildlife and finding out more about the habitats and history of the area. Drop-in activity, no need to book. 1 - 3pm www.salford.gov.uk

Ivy Street Park, Eccles Ivy Street Park Launch A family fun day to celebrate the improvements to Ivy Street Park. Entertainment, food and drink and children’s activities. 1 - 4pm

Sat 26 & Sun 27 May Hatworks, Stockport Children’s Tours Step back in time as the story of ‘Nat the Hatter’ unfolds. Discover how hats were made, experience the noisy machinery floor and learn what it was like to be a hatter’s apprentice! Ages 5 - 11, 2.30 - 3.30pm £2 per child, accompanying adults £1.

Booking essential.

0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk

Hatworks, Stockport Children’s Tours (Sat 26 & Sun 27 May)

Sat 2 – Mon 4 June East Lancashire Railway Wartime Weekend Vintage glamour at the 1940’s Wartime Weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Including a Spitfire flypast, Battle re-enactments, vintage stalls, shows and military parade. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sat 2 – Tues 5 June Hatworks, Stockport Drop in Hat Making Pick up your pack of craft materials from reception, then make & decorate your hat on the gallery floor. All ages.10am - 4pm. Free, Drop in 0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk

Worsley Woods Walk in the Woods Discover the wildlife of Worsley Woods.

Meet in Beesley Green Community Centre off Greenleach Lane. 1 - 3pm, Free www.salford.gov.uk/worsleywoods

Tues 29 – Thurs 31 May Hatworks, Stockport Summer flowers Make a beautiful bunch of flowers that will last all summer long.

Ages 5 - 11, £3. 10.30am - 12.00 / 1 - 2.30pm 0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk

Stockport Air Raid Shelters Explorer Tours An evening tour around the shelters including areas not seen on the public tour 7pm, Age 8+ (must be accompanied). £6.10, Concessions/ under 16s £5.10.

Booking essential 0161 474 1940 / www.airraidshelters.org.uk Ordsall Hall Great Big Birthday Party Help the staff at the hall celebrate the Great Hall’s 500th birthday. 11am - 2pm www.salford.gov.uk/ordsallhall

Wed 6 & Thurs 7 June

Hatworks, Stockport Jubilee hat trail (See Tues 29 - Thurs 31 May)

Hatworks, Stockport Jubilee craft Celebrate the Jubilee and make and decorate your very own royal crown! Ages 5 – 11. 10.30 – 12 noon / 1 - 2.30pm. £3 Booking Essential 0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk

Sun 3 June

Wed 6 – Fri 8 June

Rabbits Hill Sports Field M27 Salford ROAR Family day with celebs, sports, live music, funfair, junior football / rugby knock out event.

Parking available at BUNZL Haulage with free shuttle to venue. 10am – 5pm. Free www.salford.gov.uk

Dunham Massey Hall Royal crafts in the garden Celebrate the Jubilee by making a crafty crown to take home. Garden ticket required, no booking necessary. 12 noon - 4pm 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Ordsall Hall Tudors Live!

Family friendly fun. 1 - 4pm. Free www.salford.gov.uk/ordsallhall

Thurs 7 June

Sat 2 & Sun 3, Wed 6 – Fri 8 June

Sun 3 June & Sun 1 July Kingsway School (lower site) Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm, Table costs £10, Entrance 50p 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Sat 2 June Touchstones, Rochdale Jubilee Arty Party Join in with our food-free arty party. Create party bunting, flags and customised hats.

Ages 5 - 12. Free, but booking essential.

10.30am - 12 noon or 1.30 - 3pm 01706 924492 / www.link4life.org

Sun 3 & Sun 17 Jun Mon 28 May

Wed 6 June

Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Manchester Anansi spider See the Anansi Spider story brought to life and make your own Anansi Spider to take home.

11am - 4pm 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Hatworks, Stockport Story Time (See Sat 26 May)

18 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Westhoughton Communiversity, BL5 3DS Communiversity Kids Club (See Sun 6 & Sun 20 May)

Mon 4 June Patricroft Park, Eccles Family fun day Stalls, races, competitions, picnics, fancy dress and team events. Free. www.salford.gov.uk/patricroftrecreation

Mon 4 & Tues 5 June Bolton Seam Museum Jubilee Steamings Come and see these magnificent monsters in action! Free admission 01204 846490 / www.nmes.org

Salford Museum & Art Gallery Make a crown Celebrate the diamond jubilee by making your own royal crown. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. £1 per child 0161 778 0800 / www.salford.gov.uk/salfordmuseum Mossley OL5 9ED Go Wild A fun day in the countryside for families.

1pm start @ Winterford Road www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside

Fri 8 June Middleton Arena Farmyard Party The audience is encouraged to dress up as a farmyard animal. 80 minute show (including interval) presented by The Singing Kettle. 2pm 0844 855 4020 / www.link4life.org

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

Sat 9 June

Sat 9 & Sun 10 June

Sun 17 June

Bowlee/Middleton (Next to Lancashire Racket Club) Big Family Day Out 2012 Monster Truck Show, Freestyle Motocross Stunt Display, Street Dance Team, Stage Shows Toddlers Corner, Family Fun Fair 12 noon - 5pm 0844 888 9991 / www.rochdaleonline.co.uk

Dunham Massey Hall Teddy Bears' Picnic Bring your favourite teddy bear and a picnic to the Garden with Punch and Judy, storytelling and a brass band.

Normal Admission Applies. 12 noon - 4pm 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Chesham Local Nature Reserve Open Day Woodland crafts, art activities, face painting, refreshments, pond dipping and guided walks. 12 noon - 4pm 0161 797 3896 / www.bury.gov.uk

Park Bridge Heritage Centre OL6 8AQ Dangerous Dinosaurs, Fabulous Fossils Pre-historic family fun with plenty of hands-on activities, fossil workshps & guided walks.

11am - 3pm. Drop-in www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside Redbank Lodges, Radcliffe Redbank Open Day Lots of fun activities for all the family including pond dipping, crafts, games and information about Redbank Lodges.

11am - 3pm 0161 253 7764

Sun 10 June Bury Town Centre Bury Lions Carnival Gala and parade Various displays, dancing and music.

11am - 4pm, parade from 1.30 - 2.30pm

What’s on Hatworks, Stockport Games Torch Craft Make a Games torch Pom Pom Shaker to celebrate as the torch goes through Stockport today.

Age 5 - 11. 12 noon - 2pm, Free drop in 0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk

Sun 24 June Burrs Country Park BL8 1DA Bury Agricultural Show A day out for the entire family. Horses, Donkeys, Arts & Crafts, Dog Show, Hot Rods & Classic Cars, Sheep, Cattle and Poultry. www.buryagricultural.co.uk

Buile Hill Park Salford Disability Forum Arts and dance, displays, exhibitions, marquees, food, children’s activities and motorbility vehicles.

11am - 4pm 0161 737 9598 / www.salford.gov.uk

Close Park, Radcliffe Bury Hospice - Party in the Park Fund raising event for Bury Hospice including fun fair rides, activities, stalls and refreshments.

12 noon - 6pm 01706 823 358

Fri 29 June

Sat 16 June Clifton Country Park Kingfisher Kids Discover the creepy crawlies that are in the park and make homes for them.

Age 5 - 12. Free. 2 - 4pm. Meet at the Visitors Centre. www.salford.gov.uk/cliftoncountry

Manchester Museum Magic Carpet: Spiders Storytelling and activity session for under 5s.11am - 12 noon. £1 per child. Book from 22 June 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Sat 16 & Sun 17 June St Mary’s Park, Prestwich Prestwich Carnival and Grand Parade Fun filled entertainment for all the family. www.prestwichcarnival.net

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 19