families cheshire issue 39 jan-feb 2016

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

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Edition 39 • Jan/Feb 2016 The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years

®

In this issue> Intolerances and allergies - annoying or deadly?

> Teaching your child to love reading alone

2

Welcome

@FamCheshMag

facebook.com/familiescheshire

Next issue: Mar/Apr 2016

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

Contact details: Families Cheshire, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5EDTel: 01625 801 801 www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Editorial: [email protected]/artwork: [email protected], diary dates, what’s on: [email protected]

Cover Photography: Shutterstock

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 Families Magazines Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cheshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. 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.

In this issue02: News04: Education08: Parties10: Clubs & classes11: Parents’ place14: What’s on

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Caryl Hall Jayne Keep

Hello!Rather than start off the New Year with resolutions that we never stick to, this year we’re looking back at the previous 12 months and feeling incredibly grateful for all we have.

Not only do we have 5 healthy children between us, we also still have our parents, siblings and a lot of extended family spread out around the country and indeed, the globe. And yes it’s been an exhilarating (and at times terrifying) rollercoaster ride, but overall it’s been great.

However 2015 for us has also highlighted the plight of many others not so fortunate. Our wish for 2016 is that you are all given the strength you need to deal with whatever life throws at you – and that at the end of this year, you too can look back with gratitude.

Till next time

Parents can be confident that their child will be as well looked after at nursery as they can at home thanks to a couple of new initiatives.

Following the death of Millie Thompson who choked and died at her nursery in 2012, her parents Joanne and Dan have successfully campaigned government to ensure that all newly qualified staff with the childcare level 2 and 3 qualification will automatically have training in emergency paediatric first aid or a full paediatric first aid certificate.

Nurseries that reach a ‘gold standard’ of care will receive a certificate to display, known as Millie’s Mark. Introduced in the Spring, this will give parents reassurance that their child is being cared for by a

Nursery Improvementsrange of trained professionals should something go wrong.

In addition, a report by the Early Years Foundation has revealed that more and more children are achieving a good level of development when they enter infant school, thanks to the care and skills they learn at Nursery. They say the gap between girls and boys is getting narrower and also that the gap between disadvantaged children and their peer group is narrowing, though not by as much as would be desirable.

Chief executive of the National Day Nursery Association, Purnima Tanuku OBE, said: “These results show the importance of sufficient funding for nursery places for eligible two-year-olds, which must be of a high quality to make a difference to their life chances. With the impending doubling of funded childcare hours for three and four-year-olds, this documented progress must not be stalled by limits on funding reducing the quality of the early years education being received in private, voluntary and independent nurseries.”

You can get 12 months of fun at 32 magical worlds and make amazing savings in Merlin’s BIG New Year sale.

Your Merlin Annual Pass not only grants you admission to all UK Merlin

The January Merlin Annual Pass Sale now on!

attractions such as The Blackpool Tower and SEA LIFE Blackpool but you’ll also receive exclusive pass holder perks, onsite discounts and short break offers. Prices start from just £99 per person so make this year truly unforgettable – buy a Merlin Annual Pass in the SALE and make every day full of excitement, adventure and FUN! Get your Annual Pass at this great discount at any of the Merlin Blackpool attractions or online at www.merlinannualpass.co.uk. Sale ends 15 February 2016.

Families’ choice of the best new books for childrenBy Justine Crow, parent of three and co-owner of her own bookshop, The Bookseller Crow on Hill (www.booksellercrow.co.uk).

Baby & ToddlerFive Minutes’ Peace by Jill Murphy(Walker RRP £5.99)Published as a board book to celebrate thirty years of this iconic children’s tale about Mrs Large’s vain attempts to get a five minute breather. It works because it is such a familiar scenario to both parent and toddler. I don’t ever remember having a bath without a little voice from the other side of the door asking what I was doing.

3-5 yearsIs There a Dog in This Book? by Viviane Schwarz (Walker RRP £6.99)The author’s style is deft and witty and pre-schoolers will chuckle each time they see what each flap reveals (especially when they lift the lid on the pop-up piano). The three cats aren’t laughing though. Nervous that they might just find something unexpectedly canine, they have many near misses.

6-8 yearsHarry Miller’s Run by David Almond & Salvatore Rubbino (Walker RRP £9.99)A story from the North by the acclaimed author of Skellig, illustrated by the chap who is famous for his city walk picture books. There’s no danger of any walking here though, because Harry has a race to run.

Age 9+The Imaginary by A.F Harrold(Bloomsbury RRP £7.99)For those readers who adore a bit of Dahl comes the story of Rudger, Amanda’s best friend - who just happens to be imaginary. But the scary Mr Bunting is out to catch Rudger, so perhaps he exists after all. Great accompanying images by the prolific Emily Gravett (who most recently produced Meerkat Mail for the much younger age range).

Age 12 to teen The Light That Gets Lost by Natasha Carthew(Bloomsbury RRP £12.99)Sticking with a supernatural theme, we are entering dreamy Patrick Ness territory here, with a surreal landscape inhabited by troubled teens in a compelling tale of revenge and friendship. Dark it may, be but illumination is within reach.

News

3Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.ukFamilies Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Last year over half a million people took part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, spotting more than 8.5 million birds across the UK, and the organisers are hoping this year’s watch will be a record-breaking event.

Big Garden BirdwatchThis year’s survey takes place on

30 and 31 January. To take part, simply spend one hour counting the birds in your garden or local park, and record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time. The morning is the best time to look, when the birds are out and about feeding after a cold winter night. To sign up for a free Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 pack, go to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

A new indoor adventure golf leisure destination is now open in Cheshire Oaks!

Set amidst a tropical island paradise over an expansive 13,000 sq ft space, the new adventure facility offers the ultimate mini-golf challenge with two

Paradise Island Adventure Golf tees-off In Cheshire Oaks

bespoke 18-hole golf courses. Full of twists and turns, the courses have been designed to send the ball and player on a rollercoaster ride, with mini-golfers’ skills being tested to the limit through a maze of obstacles and uneven terrain.

Both courses culminate at the final 19th hole, where players are challenged to complete it in one for the chance to win a free game pass. This is the leisure company’s fifth location; locally they can also be found at at intu Trafford Centre, Manchester.

www.paradiseislandgolf.com

4 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Education

Reception pupils boosted their counting skills at Stockport Grammar recently with the help of hundreds of jellybeans.

The children spent a fun-filled day colouring virtual sweets using a special computer programme, making their own

Jelly Bean Japes at Stockport Grammarpictures with jelly beans dipped in paint and mixing colours to create their own jellybean flavours.

The highlight was a baking session where pupils made jellybean shaped biscuits which they topped off with their favourite colour of icing.

The next Junior school and nursery open day is Saturday 7 May 2016, but pre-booked school day tours are available at any time before then. Please contact Bev Cheyne on 0161 419 2405 to arrange one.

www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities.

Inspiring tuition – free trial session!The centres in Chester, Heswall and

Warrington are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.

Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership today. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.

We all worry when our child is having trouble keeping up with his or her peer group. But what happens if you suspect that it’s not that your child is just a little slower at grasping a concept – but actually needs some specialist help?

Special Educational Needs, or SEN, is a legal term that the Government and schools use to describe the kind of child who has some form of problem or disability that makes learning harder for them than their friends. It means that they have assessed your child and have been able to pinpoint what it is (or as nearly as they can) that makes it so very hard for your child to keep up.

This could be Dyslexia, Discalcula, English as a second language, Concentration levels (such as ADHD), Ability to socialise (including Autism spectrum), Speech or hearing problems or a range of other problems or disabilities.

First, how do you get to this point? Parents, though sometimes reluctant to ‘label’ their child with what they may see as a disability, sometimes have a worrying

Special Educational Needstime when they think their child is struggling, but don’t mention it at the school. They may try to teach their child at home or go to a tutor. The truth is that the SEN coordinator (SENCO) at the school really is your best friend here. They will help you to get your child the diagnosis they need to get more help. And when the education system places so much emphasis on passing exams and gaining points, any help you can get is to be welcomed.

Of course it’s not always that simple. Stretched schools with pupils from diverse backgrounds have a lot of pulls on their time and resources and it may be hard getting to the point where you can have your child assessed and a ‘statement of special educational needs’ applied. It’s important that you approach the school with your worries and your ideas of how your child could be helped and to keep asking questions – what help is there, when can it be given, is there anything else we can do at home to help, and so on. Sometimes some extra tuition is all that is required but if your child is tested and is given a statement, this translates to extra help in classes – and most importantly, extra time in exams, sometimes as much as 50% extra. And that can mean the difference for your child between a pass and a fail.

Great maths teaching “will take a decade”

The Advisory Council on Mathematics Education (ACME) has released a report that says that it will take at least ten years before maths teachers are qualified as well as they should be. They recommend that maths teachers need better training and higher qualifications. This would include primary schools, where many teachers have not studied maths since they took their GCSEs and yet teach maths to their classes.

The report’s author wants all primary teachers to have a maths A level or

continue to study maths up to the age of 18 and they want more maths graduates to teach the subject at secondary level. If there are not enough available, then they suggest that graduates with a related subject such as economics could be encouraged to become maths teachers.

The report’s author, Robert Barbour says: “We are not at the bottom,” but says that maths teaching should “aspire to level with the best.” The report compared teaching in the UK with that in Shanghai, Singapore, Massachusetts and Germany, where some of the most

successful educational systems are based.

However the general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Russell Hobby, says that schools should be recruiting now and that ten years is too long to wait. “The children in the system today won’t see the benefits before they leave school. The effectiveness of recruitment needs to be addressed immediately. For the teachers there in the system today, it’s vital that they have access to proper professional development to increase their experience,” he said.

The Department for Education has removed caps on funding to ensure that teacher trainees who have at least a 2:2 degree can earn £25,000 and the Department has pledged up to £67 million to increase the maths ability of 15,000 teachers currently working in schools. It will also recruit an additional 2,500 maths and physics specialists in this parliament.

Teachers at a school in York didn’t realise when they went on a first aid training course that they would use their newly learned skills just a few months later.

When a 15-year-old boy, Alex, collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest in a PE class, his teacher Shona Jagger and the school’s matron, Erica Melsom, came to his aid with their skills and a defibrillator.

CPR training is only taught in a quarter of schools but the British Heart Foundation says that it would like mandatory CR training in all schools.

Should all school staff have first aid training?

5Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Education

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Education


1. Start them young. Board books, cloth books, lift the tab. Show them how it works and then let them do it themselves. Don’t be precious. Let them bite and chew and tear. Keep the delicate pop-ups out of reach.

2. Encourage growing babes to turn the pages themselves. Not only will they get an idea of how a book functions very quickly, it will also help develop the fine motor skills that are essential for learning.

3. When choosing books for toddlers, consider their complexity. Hardbacks are desirable but they are heavy for little hands. With siblings around, especially newborns, have a box of books the first child can escape to. Tell them it is theirs and nobody else’s. They can choose to share with the new baby or enjoy by themselves.

Teaching your child to love reading aloneBy Justine Crow

4. When they are tiddlers, keep tablets and phones solely for games – preferably educational ones. Small children need the magic of a physical book to encourage their love of reading. As they grow older, e-readers have their place, such as on long journeys but don’t forget, not only do children spend a lot of leisure time online, their schools increasingly use technology in the classroom. For them, screens are the norm, not a refuge.

5. The switch from picture books to chapters is an exciting rite of passage. Now that they can actually read words, celebrate by going to the library or bookshop and allowing them to choose stories to try. It’s okay for them to discover they don’t like something they’ve picked out - they will find their preference in time. Don’t put them off ‘big’ books - most modern kids manage to get through the Harry Potters without a problem. The arcane language of

many children’s classics is tough to make sense of, even for a seasoned adult reader but let them have a go.

6. Get them to make a bookmark and feel proud of how many pages they clock up without interruption.

7. Tintin is the perfect type of leave-alone-reading. Just because graphic novels are illustrated doesn’t mean they lack in quality; just listen to the giggles when they get an Asterix book to themselves. Many favourite authors are available in accessible comic book form, especially the classics. Short story anthologies are less daunting and juicy fact books are often hard to put down.

8. Lead by example – if your children see you gaining pleasure from the simple act of finding a corner and a book to retreat with, even for a mere five minutes, they will follow. Inevitably into the same corner as you!

We all have that exquisite oft-repeated childhood memory, don’t we? Nose in a book, legs dangling, miles from those meddling adults – metaphorically at any rate – so why is it so impossible for our own children to achieve literary independence, that feeling of wanting neither the chapter nor the afternoon to end? Instead, when your child announces that they are bored and you suggest they read a book, their sceptical facial expression says it all. But it is hardly surprising that there’s a difference in our experience – we grew up without mobile phones, tablets, X-Boxes, YouTube, or the lure of Minecraft. It was even customary then to have the telly rationed. Now, it would be a miracle if they could concentrate long enough to watch a whole CBBC programme undisturbed. Here are my top ten tips for ensuring the book is as much of a distraction as its digital competition.

9. Don’t push them to read at bedtime when eyes and minds may be tired. Offer to finish a chapter aloud for them instead. It will keep them wanting more. And if they turn the light back on after you’ve closed the door to continue the adventure, is it really such a crime?

10. Don’t force them, ever. Reverse psychology is a wonderful device.

A child can’t have too much to read and it is never too early to get them interested, so allow them to engage with the concept of picture books, not only as something to share but also as an object of comfort and ownership. Books are different from any other form of entertainment; they can be bitten, dropped and bashed but they require a physical and intellectual participation that will be carried through a whole life of learning.

Keep screens for the mundane, for emergencies and homework, as it is pretty hard to ‘love’ an e-reader, to ‘treasure’ a download – how can a beloved library be built out of something that cannot be ‘seen?’ And you can enhance the magic by taking the family to choose stories themselves – but don’t limit them; novels, comics, non-fiction, these all count as reading and encourage them to feel proud of how much they achieve themselves. In the meantime, if you show your children how much you appreciate the luxury of reading alone, they will emulate you.

Leave them to it but accept that kids love a bedtime story whatever their age – I know a woman who still reads to her teenagers. As an adult, there is nothing quite like the sheer heavenliness of being left in private with something thrilling and absorbing. Get it right and they’ll long for that sensation all their lives. However, nagging your offspring to read will have the opposite effect – this is one of the proven laws of parenting, after all. Now do you mind? I’ve got a chapter to finish…

Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. Parent of three, she co-owns her own bookshop, The Bookseller Crow on Hill, and is a qualified swimming teacher. And in what little spare time she has, she also runs gastronomic writing retreat courses in France and is the food critic of The Transmitter.


Education

New Headmistress for AESG

Alderley Edge School for Girls is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Helen Jeys as the new Headmistress of the school, taking up her position on 1 September 2016.

Following a national search and a rigorous selection procedure, the final three shortlisted candidates were asked to undertake a wide variety of tasks over two days of interviews including meetings with the Head Girls of both Junior and Senior school, taking a meeting of the Senior Management Team, leading a school assembly for the Senior pupils, interviews with various groups of Governors and a presentation to the full board.

All of the Governors were unanimous in agreeing that Mrs Jeys was their first choice candidate without a doubt, as she impressed them hugely throughout

the process and the feedback from all the various parties was overwhelmingly positive. Mrs Jeys joins AESG from Manchester High School for Girls, where she has been Deputy Headmistress (Pastoral) since 2012.

Mrs Goff, retiring Headmistress at AESG added “I am very sad to be leaving Alderley Edge School for Girls at the end of this academic year, but delighted to be handing it on to such a competent, delightful and impressive new Headmistress.”

The school is continually looking to the future. Work has recently been completed on a Garden Room, which will provide the Junior School with an additional area to accommodate their growing numbers. Ambitious plans for a state-of-the-art sports facility are also underway, which will benefit the school and the local community alike.

To find out more about the opportunities that await your daughter, go along to the Junior School Open Event on Saturday 12 March, 10am – 12.30pm or call Julie Bedigan, School Registrar on 01625 583028 for more information and a prospectus. www.aesg.co.uk

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PartiesPARTY VENUESAwesome Walls, Stockport, Stoke on Trent & Liverpool. www.awesomewalls.co.ukBarnaby’s Playbarn, Northwich A stimulating environment where children can burn off all that energy! A range of party options available.01606 301321 / www.barnabys-playbarn.comBattlefield Live, Knutsford Do you want an action packed party with a difference? Become a Marine for the day and challenge your friends to the ultimate battle. Playing in exclusive woodland and using the very latest infra-red gaming guns as used by the Military for Combat Training, you will fight alongside your team in defeating the enemy. Will you be the hottest Sniper in your Squadron? Ideal for Birthday Parties for all ages from 7+.www.battlefieldliveknutsford.co.ukBattlefield Live, Manchester The ultimate outdoor laser combat game for ages 7+. No pain, paint or impact - parties and mission based group sessions in an enclosed wood with bunkers, trails and hideaways. 07956 557653 / www.battlefield-manchester.comBollington Health & Leisure Soft play parties for under 5s, Swimming parties for all ages. 01625 574 774 / www.bollingtonleisure.co.ukBrio Leisure, West Cheshire, Swimming, bouncy castle, football, multi-sports and dance mat parties at various venues. www.brioleisure.orgBrookside Pottery, Poynton The Potter’s Wheel experience offers pottery painting and a train ride on the miniature railway. You supply the food, they supply the rest. 07946 637499 / www.brooksidepottery.comCheshire Craft Workshops, Northwich Paint-a-pot, candle dipping and badge making. 01606 301269 / www.cheshirecraftworkshop.co.ukChill Factore, Urmston Parties for all ages from 2+ in breathtaking surroundings with exhilarating activities. 0161 749 2222 / www.chillfactore.com Dizzy Rascals, Poynton Indoor play centre with deluxe party rooms and various party package options. Separate toddler play area and indoor kart track. 01625 404301 / www.dizzy-rascals.comFaktory Studios, Great Barrow, Chester A professional recording studio with a twist. Parties for all ages: Birthday, Hen, Stag, Christmas etc. A unique party experience includes full Disco with karaoke, professional group recordings including mixing and mastering, a CD of your recordings for everybody and full use of the dining area. 07581 117884 / www.faktorystudios.co.ukFun4All, Chester & Macclesfield A variety of party options in a spacious indoor venue. Laser, Bear making, Sports, Karaoke, Dance, Themed and VIP parties available.Chester: 01244 379458 Macclesfield: 01625 440044 / www.fun4all.co.ukFunky 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 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.ukFunsters, 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.ukThe Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall. The Ice Cave, private party rooms, outdoor activities (week days only) and playbarn. The Loft - state of the art games room for older children. Party food available or bring your own. 07570 774491 / www.cheshirefarmicecream.co.ukKids Go Karting, Stockport Go karting in a safe environment on a purpose built track for ages 3 – 10. Exclusive use of venue during the party. 07544 424212 / www.kidsgokarting.uk.comJump Nation, Trafford Park Europe’s largest indoor trampoline area. Unique parties for every occasion - food and drinks included. 0161 710 2360 / www.jumpnation.com

PARTY CLASSIFIEDSJabberjacks Looking for a unique and special party that will keep the children and parents

talking for weeks? Playmates parties especially for 2, 3 & 4 year olds. Be amazed as the children discover the puppets, bubbles, teddies, games and activities all hidden in a treasure box. Juniors parties designed for 5, 6 & 7 year olds. Crazy dancing to the latest tracks, Wacky Games, Funky prizes and party bags! Jabberjacks provides a hassle free party package! If you would like to know more, simply visit www.jabberjacks.co.uk/chester Or contact Wendy on 07519238263.

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.ukLittle Big Heads, Wilmslow Fairy Tea Party, Belle of the Ball, Princess&Pirates or Disco Diva options hosted by friendly staff. Party bags and a special gift for the birthday girl. 01625 548326 / www.littlebigheads.co.ukMAC Multi Activity Centre, Macclesfield Custom built roller rink with skate hire. Themed party room, customised parties for just £10 per head. www.facebook.com/MACActivityCentreManchester Museum Celebrate your birthday with Stan, the T-Rex & friends. Birthday parties for ages 0 - 6 and 7 - 11 that are full of hands-on activities. Max 15 children & 15 adults. Available Sat & Sun 10am or 2pm. Bookings must be made at least one month in advance. 0161 306 1779 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museumMy Little Pony Parties, Adlington American miniature horses with the perfect temperament for children’s parties. Dress the ponies with bows and ribbons and paint their hooves with glitter, take them round an obstacle course and walk to the river. Return to the farm for party food and cake. Indoor party options also available. 01625 569004 / www.mylittleponyparties.com / www.facebook.com/MyLittlePonyPartiesOliver’s Chocolate Parties, Stockport Exclusive party room with a magic al red and white circus theme for fabulous parties that are all about chocolate. Available for all ages – party food and cake options also provided. 01663 762 056 / www.oliverschocolateparties.co.ukPolar 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.ukQuadraphoenia, Adlington Children’s quad bike parties for ages 6 – 12. 01625 871384 / www.childrens-quadbike-party.co.uk Rope Race Climbing Centre, Marple Kids rock climbing (age 5+) or archery (age 8+) parties. 0161 426 0226 / www.roperace.co.ukShots Football, Cheadle Hulme Championship, Premier League, Champions League & World Cup party options for your football mad youngster at a great indoor location! 0161 488 4118 / www.shot5.co.ukSilver Blades Ice Rink, Altrincham An icy party including skate hire, invitations, food and party bags. 08700 85 29 29 / www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk Speckled Hen Children’s Parties, Holmes Chapel Baking and Cupcake Parties including a traditional party tea or lunch. Baking Parties for ages 6+, Cupcake Parties for older children. All ingredients and materials provided. 01477 537583 / www.speckledhenparties.co.ukThe Spotty Pig Craft Café, Chester. Ceramic painting, cupcake decorating, decopatch or Wild Wood parties. Exclusive party room for 10+ guests. 01244 311318 / www.thespottypig.comVernon Park Gymnastics Club, Stockport Exclusive use of the gym and party room. Qualified gymnastics coach on hand. £100 for up to £25 children. 0161 406 0488 / www.vernonparkgym.com


Advertise in Families CheshireCall Jayne on: 01625 801801

or email [email protected]


Parties

Pre-schoolKeep it simple. Think dressing up, treasure hunt, face paints and games and have the party at home. Lay out sandwiches and savoury eats first, keeping sweet treats for after. Buy the cake and give a book instead of a party bag. Put presents to one side and open them afterwards.

Ages 4 – 7An entertainer comes into their own with this age group. Why not ask a friend or relative to take on the task and plan out some games and activities beforehand? Pass the parcel remains a firm favourite here but other games such as pin the tail on the donkey and a Piñata will also be a hit. Or try a real miniature pony party for something extra special.

Ages 8 – 11 Book a hall, go to a sports centre or cinema, try outdoor laser battles, learn a new skill at a restaurant or have it at home (depending on your numbers and bravado). Game ideas include the Chocolate Game (roll a six, dress up, eat the chocolate with a knife and fork – all as fast as you can until the next person throws a six, which makes it their turn), and The Flour Game (cut shards off the flour cake until the coin balanced on top falls. The person responsible retrieves it using only their mouth). Feed them pizza and let them make their own ice cream sundae.

TeensAs always with teenagers, it’s all about communication – ha! Sometimes this is easier said than done. Some will want to do what all their friends are doing, while others would they like to do something entirely different. Activities outdoors such as paint balling or Go Ape, the cinema, bowling, theatre, or popstar recording studio experiences can offer this.

Birthday Party PizazzHow to make your parties age-appropriateBy Emma Oliver, mum, journalist and blogger (WritingLifeAsItIs.blogspot.co.uk)

It’s difficult to know how to keep kids entertained at parties especially as they get older. At what age do face paints and musical statues no longer cut it? For which age group would you book an entertainer? And when do you move from a party to an outing?


Clubs & classes

Education is about much more than what goes on in classrooms. A range of extra-curricular activities can offer fun, education, sociability and a boost to confidence. How can your child capitalise on these opportunities? Choosing activitiesFollow his or her lead when deciding on classes. That said, it’s ok to point them towards something they might benefit from, such as drama for a shy child. Just don’t force a square peg into a round hole – taking up an activity they really don’t like, in the hope it’ll grow on them, can be counter-productive. Encourage persistence Consider a rule that your child has to see the term you paid for out before they can give up a class they previously wanted to do – they might well change their mind back about quitting after a few more weeks!

Ben Robinson, a student at Stagecoach Theatre Arts School in Chester recently had his opening night as ‘Michael’ in Billy Elliot The Musical in London’s West End! Ben auditioned for the role back in June last year and then spent five months training down in London.

Join the club Making the most of after school activitiesBy Liat Hughes Joshi

From Chester to the West End

CLUBS & CLASSES CLASSIFIEDS

Lindsay and Karen, Principals from Stagecoach in Chester are delighted for their very talented student.

Two other Stagecoach Chester students, Freya Watson and Emma Hall, also performed as ‘Young Shrek’ in ‘Shrek – The Musical’ in Liverpool in November.

Stagecoach provides quality part-time performing arts training for children and teenagers aged 4 – 18 years at Bishops High School, Chester during term time, with holiday workshops also available.01244 316187 / www.stagecoach.co.uk/chester

Explore Learning Maths & English tuition centres for 5-14 year olds. Children become members and attend once or twice a week for sessions that last approximately 1¼ hours. Every centre is open 7 days a week, no advance booking necessary. Altrincham: 0161 241 0006 Cheadle Hulme: 0161 669 8140 Chester: 01244 343 433 Heaton Park: 0161 669 4839 Warrington: 01925 747123 www.explorelearning.co.uk

Jabberjacks A fun activity pre-school class which helps develop social and

physical skills for children aged between 6 months* and 4 years. Using a unique combination of puppets and music, against a backdrop of drama and play we ensure all activities delivered in our classes are stimulating and interactive supporting EYFS. Whilst playing and having fun, children: Engage their senses / Explore their Imagination / Develop co-ordination skills / Socialise and communicate with confidence / learn to listen and follow direction / Experience caring and sharing! To find out more or book a place contact [email protected] or call 07519 238263.

Kinder Swim Academy Fun and stimulating lessons for birth – 15 years, giving both children and their parents confidence in the water. Kath / Sharon: 07907 263423 / www.kinderswim.co.uk

Kumon Kumon’s unique programmes complement the school curriculum and provide far more than just maths

or English tuition. They cater for your child’s individual needs, allowing them to study at a rate that is just right for them and eventually to take responsibility for their own learning.Helsby & Frodshan – Karen: 01565 734478Knutsford – Sue: 01565 621142Nantwich – Sarah: 01270 780810Northwich – Amanda: 01606 76468Wilmslow – Ian: 01625 532529www.kumon.co.uk

Pearson Sports Academy, Tytherington After school (3 - 5.30pm, term times) sport academy offering a full range of sports for ages 4 - 11. Also offers a collection service for each child from their school. 07720 629690 / www.pearsonsportandfitnesscoaching.com

Tennis Tykes An educational tennis play and skills programme for children aged 2-5 years old. All classes are run by qualified and trained staff, use specially adapted equipment with personal achievement charts for every child. Classes across South Manchester and Cheshire. Jonny: 07760 254118 / www.tennistykes.co.uk

How much is too much? There’s no set answer about how many activities are optimal – it varies for each child, based on tiredness, enthusiasm and their need for chill out time. If they seem tired, cut back. Needs change over timeMost reception children are exhausted from school for the first term or two, so keep things simple. Equally, once they start secondary school, longer commutes, more homework and exam pressures might mean fewer activities too. Relaxation time is vitalWatch out for overscheduling – quiet contemplation, scope to be creative and relax is just as important as that second musical instrument or third sport.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Parents’ place


Hollies Holiday Club in Poynton provides a stimulating play environment where the children can follow their interests, supported by dedicated, qualified staff.

Activities on offer include nature walks, craft, baking, games, music, construction, sport, quizzes and treasure hunts. With outdoor space, access to a secure field

Many of us try various complementary therapies to help with aches and pains or a medical condition but they can be just as effective for children, too. Which are best for your little ones?

Cranial osteopathyOsteopaths believe that because babies are put into such stressful positions during labour and birth, there has been a lot of pressure on the head. They claim that this can be healed with osteopathy. It can, they say, help with feeding problems, colic, reflux and plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. Never attempt this yourself and only ever use a qualified osteopath.

AromatherapyThough you should be careful about using certain essential oils, as they can be very powerful, you can use aromatherapy with your baby or child (use just 5 drops of essential oil to 30ml carrier oil). Chamomile in the bath (2-3 drops) helps promote sleep,

with a woodland area and a trim trail as well as loads of indoor and outdoor resources, the children will be spoilt for choice!

February half term’s club will consist of lots of activities around the topic of princesses, dragons and knights, and the Easter holiday club will naturally focus on celebrating Easter including an Easter egg hunt, egg rolling and baking.

Open 7.30am till 6pm, Monday to Friday, Hollies Holiday Club will provide breakfast a well as a light snack morning and afternoon. And you’ll get a 15% discount on your first holiday club session!

For further information visit www.holliespreschool.co.uk or contact Rachel on 01625 850176.

lavender calms and cleanses and eucalyptus can help with a stuffed-up nose. Roman chamomile can help stop the itching of chicken pox with a couple of drops in the bath and dill is used for digestive problems. Read a good book about this first or consult an aromatherapist. Please ensure that all essentials oils and carrier oils are kept out of the reach of children.

ReflexologyEspecially good for babies and toddlers but just as good with older children, reflexology uses gentle pressure on the foot using your thumbs and fingers. It has been shown to calm babies and help them sleep. Contact the Association of Aromatherapists to find a practitioner near you (www.aor.org.uk).

MassageThis can be done at home though it’s worth going to a few classes first to learn the techniques. It’s a great way to bond with your baby or child and can help with trapped wind, sleep and other problems such as anxiety. It has been shown to be calming and reassuring for children with special needs, too.

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

Holiday fun at Hollies

Complementary therapy for childrenBy Sally J Hall

When it comes to working out what’s next career-wise, typically we look outwards at the marketplace for ideas and inspiration, and often get confused in the process. Maybe it’s time to get more comfortable looking inwards first, by taking stock of ourselves. For many people it brings clarity and saves them time.

When we know what our strengths are and what makes us tick, then real ideas about future jobs or careers and even actual opportunities start to emerge. Taking stock before hunting for a new job is a more focused and less scattered approach. It means engaging our head and our heart. So, what could we take stock of?

Listing our knowledge, subject interests and expertise – this points us to possible industries and markets sectors where we would thrive. Identifying our skills and talents, the things we enjoy doing and do well – guides us to likely jobs or roles in those industries or market sectors we’ve spotted. Weighing up our

best qualities and working style – places us in a better position to find a job where we can be ourselves.

Even with this basic analysis of our strengths, preferences and motivations, we’re much better equipped to sense what’s next, research around it, hunt for it and then land it.

Although this groundwork may take a little time, for those who do it, the rewards are huge. These job-hunters have clear direction and a plan of action. They feel hopeful and have energy for the hunt. They’re confident in what they have to offer and they’re persuasive on their CV and at interview. They can network and approach organisations directly, maximizing their chance of landing their ideal job. What’s more, with this self-knowledge they’re always ready to approach the marketplace in the future.

You can download the full 4-page article ‘Career Direction, Help & Hope’ free at www.careyadams.co.uk01244 403422 / [email protected]

Finding your career direction – help and hopeBy Carey Adam, Personal Careers Advisor, Chester

Parents’ place


Everyone’s heard of an ‘allergic reaction’. But what does that actually mean? And what is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?

To start with, an ‘allergic reaction’ isn’t actually caused by the ‘allergen’. It’s caused by a person’s own immune system reacting to something which most people find completely harmless. Unfortunately, these defence chemicals also produce symptoms like inflammation and irritation. At the worst end of the spectrum there’s anaphylactic shock, with a rash, swelling in the throat – which can cut off the airways – and plummeting blood pressure. Could it be my child – and what should I do?If your child’s showing an allergic-type reaction to particular foods, the sensible thing is to get them to the GP and then press for a referral to a consultant if you need to.

If they do turn out to have a serious allergy, they’re likely to be prescribed an EpiPen, which injects adrenaline into the body to relax their airways and muscles so they can start breathing again (remember the EpiPen should be renewed regularly and you must get your child to the hospital as an emergency as soon as you have used it). But the main course of action from here on is just avoiding the allergen.

It seems like a great idea when you and a friend are daydreaming about your next holiday and it turns out you both want to hire a cottage in Cornwall. If you want to go away with both your families and share the costs of the holiday, read our tips to make this a holiday to remember – not a nightmare.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing…How well do you know the other family? Are there areas of their life you find difficult to cope with? If you’re a neat freak and they are the kind to ignore mould on the milk bottle – or the other way around – you’re probably not going to get along with each other’s standards of housekeeping. Do you know what their politics are? And do your children get along? All good friendsYour partners also need to get on and you need to be friends as a foursome. The grown-ups need to be united if there are disputes between the children. Spend a day together in the run-up to the holiday and have the children on a sleep-over to iron out problems before you go. Set the rulesMake some ground rules. Set a budget and decide how you are going to share the price of the house and shopping once

IntoleranceIt’s also important to know that a lot of people who think they’ve got an allergy actually have a food ‘intolerance’. They do get a reaction of some sort but not an allergic one. Intolerances are harder to identify and there are only a few reliable tests. But the good thing is that although they can be very nasty on the gut, with bloating and stomach cramps, they’re not actually life-threatening. Once again, though, do talk to the GP and try to get a referral to a dietitian or similar – especially if you suspect that the problem lies with gluten because in fact the culprit may be coeliac disease.Don’t DIYAt their worst, allergies can be deadly – and at their mildest, both allergies and intolerances are pretty annoying. Nobody really wants to spend their time scrutinising lists of ingredients. If you do suspect your child has one, don’t try and diagnose it yourself, or with the help of a ‘kit’ from a company. Get the professionals on board to help work out what the problem is. You may well find it’s quite different from the one you suspected; and you may even find that your child doesn’t have an allergy or an intolerance at all.

Radhika Holmstrom has a strong background in health journalism. She has also written for many consumer and specialist magazines. Whilst she focuses on health, parenting and learning issues, she has also written widely on environmental and ethical issues. She is a visiting lecturer at Middlesex University, lecturing to undergraduates and postgraduates on feature-writing.

you are away. It’s best to share everything equally (easy if your families are the same size, otherwise work it out proportionately). Talk this all through before you go, as the last thing you want is an argument at the supermarket check-out!Doing the houseworkThe chores will also have to be shared equally, so that nobody has to do all the cooking or all the washing up. Take it in turns and eat out a couple of times so that you all get a break. Us-timeAs there are other grown-ups with you, this would be an ideal opportunity to have some time alone with your partner. Take it in turns to look after all the children, so that each couple has some personal space.A room of one’s ownMake sure there’s room for you all to have some personal space. Even the best of friends can end up getting on each other’s nerves at times. Letting the kids sleep in the same room may backfire too, as they will be so excited that they may not get to sleep before the small hours.

While there may be some things to consider before you embark on a holiday with friends, there are many advantages. You can afford somewhere much nicer than you might otherwise have done, you can share chores and babysitting and you can forge lifelong friendships between both the adults and the children. With a little forethought, this could truly be a holiday to remember!

Annoying or deadly?How intolerances and allergies can make your child’s life a miseryBy Radhika Holmstrom

Starting a family brings with it a huge new set of responsibilities, caring for your children day to day, ensuring they are well and provided for, but what would happen if you, or your partner, were suddenly taken away from the family due to early death? How would they cope without the love of Mum or Dad? And where would that leave them financially?

With a family to provide for, life insurance is a vital requirement. You may well have life insurance to ensure the mortgage on the family home is paid off in the event of one of you passing away, but is that really enough? If Dad was to

pass away and the mortgage was cleared could Mum afford to pay the other bills without his income? If Mum was to die could Dad afford to cover the extra childcare that would be required, or perhaps drop to part

Family Protection …. have you got it covered?

It takes two...families Should you share a holiday with another family?By Sally J Hall

time work to care for the children himself? An element of life insurance for family protection could make a huge difference if the worst was to happen. But how much do you need? What type of policy should you go for?

The Insurance Surgery is a leading specialist insurance broker based in Macclesfield. The team there are able to discuss your personal circumstances and give you advice on the type and level of cover that could help your family if needed. The Insurance Surgery is even able to assist you in finding cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

There’s also the opportunity to earn £100 cashback on your policy – for more information about this, as well as full terms and conditions, go to www.familiescheshire.co.uk/cashback.

Call 0800 083 2829 to see how you could protect your family even when you are no longer around. www.the-insurance-surgery.co.uk

Parents’ place


Feeling a little wobbly around the middle post-Christmas but not feeling inspired to start a diet? Actiderm may have just the answer in the form of their amazing wrap kits.

I put myself forward to test these out and loved the results. The kits are easy to use, you simply take a warm shower or bath to open up your pores for maximum absorption, apply the lotion and thoroughly massage until it is all soaked in and your skin is dry. You then take the wraps and tightly bandage your chosen area. Go over with a layer of cling film to hold in the heat then relax while the magic happens.

These amazing wraps promote immediate and long term inch loss, so make sure you measure yourself before and after to see the results. They allow you to really target areas you aren’t happy with, so maybe a little bit of a

loose tummy; or legs with some stubborn cellulite. I certainly found my skin looked tighter and smoother post treatment; my legs took a few wraps to see a noticeable difference as it is more difficult to penetrate muscular areas, but my stomach instantly flattened.

How does it work though? Actiderm says “Within our bodies we all have interstitial spaces between our cells where toxins and fats gather; groups of these cells are known as fat cells. The active ingredients of Lipo Sculpting Fluid and Thermo Slimming Gel penetrate the outer membrane of the interstitial space (fat cell) and stimulates circulation around these areas breaking down the toxins and fats which then drain through the lymphatic system, leaving the interstitial space empty or at least smaller. The sculpting wraps compress the layers back together so they do not refill; this is where the inch loss comes from.”

Kits cost just £28 and for that you get around 6/8 treatments. You can apply the wraps every 3 days and should do so for the optimum results. You also need to up your water intake to flush out the toxins your body is expelling.

For more information or to buy a kit, get in touch with your local Actiderm expert Jen Miske. Join her group on Facebook for great offers, inspiration from others and for details of other fabulous products. Jen is so helpful and really offers support to her customers as they strive to look and feel their best. www.facebook.com/groups/actidermbeautywithjen

Wrap yourself up after ChristmasBy Jayne Keep

It has been announced that the Government is considering blacklisting homeopathic treatments.

They may decide to ban doctors from prescribing the treatments, despite the fact that the Faculty of Homeopathy said that the therapies can have “profound effects” for many people and that patients are behind its continued use.

The number of people in the UK who have decided to have the flu jab has fallen alarmingly. Doctors are worried that this could lead to a sharp rise in cases of flu in vulnerable groups, such as the elderly.

Flu jab being shunnedThe 6% fall in take-up may be due to

the mild autumn weather and the media stories about last year’s flu jab being in some cases ineffectual, according to the Royal College of General Practitioners.

Last year’s variety of flu mutated, meaning that the vaccine was not as effective as it should have been. Those who may be at most risk of complications from flu, such as those with underlying health problems, pregnant women and the elderly, should be encouraged to take up the vaccine.

Government considers banning homeopathy


What’s onNational Awareness DaysLook out for some great local activities across the region in January and February and show your support where you can.

Big Schools Garden Watch Mon 4 Jan – Fri 12 Feb www.rspb.org.uk

World Religion Day Mon 18 Jan

Breakfast Week Sun 24 – Sat 30 Jan www.shakeupyourwakeup.com/breakfast-week

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week Sun 24 – Sat 30 Jan www.jostrust.org.uk

Burns Night Mon 25 Jan www.robertburns.org

Holocaust Memorial Day Wed 27 Jan www.hmd.org.uk

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Sat 30 & Sun 31 Jan www.rspb.org.uk

National Bug Busting Day Sun 31 Jan www.chc.org

National Storytelling Week Sat 30 Jan – Sat 6 Feb www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week

UNICEF Day for Change Collect change between Jan & May www.unicef.org.uk/Get-Involved/ Your-organisation/Schools/day-for-change

Chinese New Year Mon 8 Feb www.chinesenewyears.info

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) Tues 9 Feb

Safer Internet Day Tues 9 Feb www.saferinternetday.org.uk

Ash Wednesday: Wed 10 Feb

Fairtrade Fortnight: Mon 29th Feb – Sun 13 Mar www.fairtrade.org.uk

Remember to check our What’s On Calendar on www.familiescheshire.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)Pi at the Platform for Investigation10.30am – 3.30am / Age 8+ / Free. Explore the universe with the space-themed Platform for Investigation. Join in with demonstrations to show warping of space-time and the scale of space, discover the phases of the moon and chat with scientists about using telescopes for exploration including a solar telescope (weather permitting!)0161 833 0027 / www.msimanchester.org.uk

Sat 9, 16, 23 & 30 Jan Sat 6 & 13 FebStockport War Memorial Art Gallery12 – 4pm / All age / Free, drop in. Meet The Artist Days - Jamie Nowell 0161 474 4453 / www.stockport.gov.uk/artgallery

Every Saturday in Jan & FebThe Lowry, SalfordLookout, it’s Saturday Playhouse11am – 12.30pm / Age 5 – 11 / Free. Art activities for children and their families – a different theme each week. Children must be accompanied.0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Every Sat during Jan & Feb (term time)The Wacky Woods (Styperson Quarry Woods, Macclesfield)O.W.L.S.9.30 – 11.30am / Adult £3, Child £10. An outdoor woodland learning scheme every Saturday morning during term time. An educational but fun programme for all ages. All sessions include woodland games, some unstructured play and a key themed activity each week. 01625 573 086 / www.wackywoods.co.uk

Fri 15 Jan & Fri 12 FebHat Works, StockportMessy Milliners11 – 11.45am & 1 – 1.45pm / £3 per baby with two free accompanying adults. An exciting and innovative messy play session with a hatting theme. Booking essential. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Sat 16 JanManchester Art Gallery9.15 –10.45am / Age 5 – 16 with families/carers / Free, drop in. A series of creative, sensory activities especially aimed at children with autism.0161 235 8869 / www.manchestergalleries.org

Sat 16 & Sun 17 JanJodrell Bank Discovery CentreDestination Space - The Astronaut Science Show11am – 3pm (30 min shows at 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm) / Free (normal admission applies) / Booking essential.Learn about the dangers, realities and daily routine of life in space. Watch a mini-rocket launch, discover how astronauts go about their everyday tasks in microgravity, find out why tiny meteorites are threatening and why returning to Earth is so very dangerous.01477 571766 / www.jodrellbank.net

Fri 22 Jan & Fri 19 FebHat Works, StockportTop Hat Toddlers10.30am – 12.30pm / £3 per child with two free accompanying adults. A ‘stay and play’ drop in session with plenty of age-appropriate activities for toddlers and pre-schoolers.0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Sat 23 JanNantwich Town CentreThe Battle of NantwichThe annual re-enactment of the Battle of Nantwich 1644. www.battleofnantwich.co.uk

Fri 29 Jan & Fri 26 FebMuseum of Science & Industry (MOSI)Experitots10 – 11.30am / under 6s / £3 for one adult + one child, £2 for each additional child/adult. A popular creative activity sessions using puppets and storytelling to help toddlers get the most out of the hands on science gallery, Experiment! A different theme each month. Advance booking recommended.29 Jan: 123 Let’s Count26 Feb: Our World0161 833 0027 / www.msimanchester.org.uk

Hat Works, StockportMad Hatter’s Arts & Craft Club2 – 3pm / Under 2s / £5 per child with two free accompanying adults. Booking essential. An action-packed hour of arts and crafts.0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Sat 30 Jan

Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Lecture Theatre)Traditional Music of Japan3.30am – 4.30pm / £3. The haunting and evocative sound of the koto, Japan’s national instrument, comes to the museum for the Samurai Arms and Armour exhibition. Sumie Kent has over forty years’ experience of playing the koto and also has Samurai ancestry from both her parents. Wearing traditional costume, she will sing and play music which explores the full range of the koto from the time of the Samurai, when it was considered a romantic instrument, to its use in modern Japanese music.How the Samurai Prepared for Battle1.30 – 2.30pm / Free. See how a high ranking Japanese warrior would have dressed for battle in the 16th century. This demonstration will involve a model being dressed piece by piece in a full suit of original samurai armour, and includes a detailed narrative on the cultural and historic background of each piece.01244 972120 / www.cheshiremuseums.org

Sat 30 Jan – Sun 6 Mar (closed Mondays)Rode Hall, Scholar GreenSnowdrop Walks11am – 4pm, Adult: £5, Child £1www.rodehall.co.uk

Sun 31 Jan

Sandbach Town Hall,CW11 1AXBaby & Children’s Market Sandbach10am – 12 noon / Adult £1, Child free. Grab some bargains at our

nearly new sale. An opportunity to purchase top quality pre loved baby and children’s items. Local businesses also attending showcasing their unique products and services for babies and children. Stall bookings now being taken. 07834 686414 / [email protected] / www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Sat 6 – Sun 21 FebChatsworth House, BakewellHalf term at the farmyard & adventure playground10.30am - 4.30pm. Take a galleon ride into the high seas of Stand wood, join a hands on journey of ‘creepy crawlies’ from around the world and so much more.01246 565300 / www.chatsworth.org

ACTIVITIESEvery Tues during Jan & Feb (term time)The Wacky Woods (Styperson Quarry Woods, Macclesfield)After School Club4 – 6pm. Let off some steam after school. Outdoor games, a bit of risky play, creativity in the woods and some Mission Explore quests as well as a drink and snack cooked on the campfire.Pre-school Sessions - Stay ‘n’ Play10am – 12pm. Have fun in the woods with your pre-schooler. Even young babies can appreciate the joys of nature. Lots of sensory play activities to enjoy with your children, with guided sessions. New simple theme each week – no need to book. 01625 573 086 / www.wackywoods.co.uk

Every Fri in Jan & FebThe Lowry, SalfordUnder 5s First Steps10am – 10.45am & 11am – 11.45am / Under 5s / £3.50. An active workshop in The Studio where your little one can explore their creativity and have tons of fun! Wriggle, jiggle and jump as we explore stories, rhythm and music through our bodies. 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Every Fri during Jan & Feb (term time)Pre-School Forest SchoolThe Wacky Woods (Styperson Quarry Woods,Macclesfield) 10am – 12pm / Age 3 & 4 (must be accompanied)Regular weekly forest school providing fun learning in the woods: developing self-confidence and social, emotional and physical skills in preparation for school. Booking essential in half-termly blocks.01625 573 086 / www.wackywoods.co.uk

Thurs 7 Jan & Thurs 4 FebJohn Rylands Library, ManchesterToddler Tales10.30 – 11.30am / under 5s / No booking required. Find a cosy corner, pull up a cushion and listen to fun stories. Join in playtime, creating a story world of your own. 0161 306 0555 / www.library.manchester.ac.uk

Fri 8 Jan & Fri 5 FebHat Works, StockportBowler Hat Babies10.30 – 11.15am & 11.30 – 12.15pm / £5 per baby with two free accompanying adults. Interactive stories and sensory play for babies who are not yet walking. Booking essential.0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

The Lowry, SalfordUnder 5s Doodle Tots10am – 10.45am & 11am – 11.45am / Under 5s / £3.50. Enjoy painting, sticking and making your own works of art in this colourful workshop. No skills or expertise needed. Children must be accompanied – aprons provided! Suitable for ages: 2 ½ - 4 ½ 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Fri 8 JanManchester Art GalleryMini Art Club10.15 - 11.15am & 11.30am - 12.30pm / Age 1 – 4 / Free but booking essential. Get to know the artworks, investigate materials and make friends in our artist led workshops. 0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org

Sat 9 JanManchester Art GalleryFamily Art Club1 – 3pm / Age 5 - 11 / Free but limited placesLook at art, be creative and make things together. 0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org


What’s onThese listings are for guidance only – please check before you goTo include your upcoming event in our listings, email [email protected]

The Lowry, SalfordHalf Term Little Actors11am / Age 5 – 11 / £3.50. Celebrate the visit of Shrek in the Lyric Theatre and journey through the fairytale forest on your way to Duloc to rescue princess Fiona. Separate individual workshops each day.Booking essential.Half Term Little Artists11am / Age 5 – 11 / £3.50. Make your own fairytale characters during this fun filled half term workshop. Separate individual workshops each day. Booking essential.0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Jodrell Bank Discovery CentreDestination Space - The Astronaut Science Show11am – 3pm (30 min shows at 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm) / Free with normal admission / Booking essential. Learn about the dangers, realities and daily routine of life in space. Watch a mini-rocket launch, discover how astronauts go about their everyday tasks in microgravity, find out why tiny meteorites are threatening and why returning to Earth is so very dangerous.February Half Term – Meet the Expert1 – 1.45pm / Free with normal admission. Meet one of our resident scientific and engineering experts, find out about their work and quiz them about what they do and their knowledge of Jodrell Bank. Most suitable for older children and adults.01477 571766 / www.jodrellbank.net

Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, CW6 9TXNature Craft and Den Building10.30am – 3.30pm / £1 per child (normal admission applies). Join us for family fun at Beeston Castle this half term. 0370 333 1181 / www.english-heritage.org.uk

Tues 16 Feb Delamere ForestWinter Survival10am – 12pm or 1 – 3pm / Age 6+ (accompanied) / £8. Join us to learn how to survive in the depths of winter in a fun way! We’ll teach you how to build a warm, dry shelter, how to light a fire, and to make a hot drink. You will also learn how to find North so you can find your way home. Advance booking essential.07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Hat Works, StockportPerfect Printing Workshop9am – 4pm / Ages 8 – 12 / £12 per child, booking essential. Learn different ways to print onto cloth and paper – screen print,block print and lino print Bring a 100% cotton, plain t-shirt to print a design onto. All other materials provided. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Tues 16 & Wed 17 FebStaircase House, StockportMagic in the House10.30am – 12pm / Age 7+ / £5 (one adult free per paying child), booking essential. An extravaganza of magic using everyday objects. Find out the secrets of magic and learn a trick or two yourself to surprise 0161 474 4444/ www.stockport.gov.uk/staircasehouse

Tatton Park, KnutsfordDeer Feed and Trailer Ride9.30 – 10.30am / Age 4+ / £6 (normal admission applies). Take a trailer ride with the Rangers to watch the daily deer feed. Get a close look at hundreds of deer feeding in their beautiful natural setting. Children must be accompanied.01625 374428 /www.tattonpark.org.uk

Lion Salt Works, NorthwichLove Bugs and Stained Glass Hearts10.30am – 12.30pm & 2 – 4pm / £1.50, drop-in. Lots of insects visit the Butterfly Garden. Make your own Valentine themed bug which also doubles as a card.Plus have a go at making your own tissue paper stained glass heart. www.cheshiremuseums.org

Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, NorthwichSock Puppet Dinosaur10am – 4pm, £1.50, drop-in. Dig out those odd socks (clean) and transform them into a sock-a-saurus.01606 271640 / www.cheshiremuseums.org

Wed 17 FebDelamere ForestLittle Explorers Bird Bonanza10am – 12pm or 1 – 3pm / Age3 – 5 (accompanied) / £8A birdie theme to get our birds ready for spring. Make a bird feeder, learn how to make a bird nest, make a clay bird to take home and still have time for a play and a fire toasting marshmallows! Advance booking essential.07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Hat Works, StockportA Hat Full of Stories!10.30 – 11.15am / Age 3 – 5 / Free, booking essentialRelax in the story den, listen to and take part in some stories about hats and other things. Then play in the themed family area. Super Sewing2 – 4pm / Age 7+ / £2, drop in. Thread your needles and get sewing! Design and make a wall hanging or placemat to take home. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Stockport Air Raid SheltersChildren’s Explorer Tours6.45 – 8.15pm /Age 7+ / Child: £3.95, Adult £3 / Booking essential. Exciting children’s version of the ever popular Explorer Tours. Brave the darkened tunnels as you go back in time and experience the life of a child during the war. 0161 474 1940 / www.stockport.gov.uk/museums

Delamere ForestMake your own bird feeder10am – 2.30pm / Age 3+ / £5. Celebrate National Bird Week and do your part to help the birds this winter. Make a pine cone bird feeder and a long lasting, wooden bird feeder to hang up in your garden. Drop in to the education classroom any time between 10am and 2.30pm, but please book to confirm you’re coming.07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Grosvenor Museum, Chester (Newstead Gallery)Japanese Teatime2 – 4pm / £1.50, drop in. Decorate your own Japanese style tea cup, try some Japanese tea, and taste some traditional Japanese red bean paste treats.01244 972120 / www.cheshiremuseums.org

Thurs 18 FebGrosvenor Museum, Chester (Newstead Gallery)Kimono Peg Dolls2 – 4pm / £1.50, drop in. Learn about traditional Japanese dress and make your own kimono peg doll to take home. 01244 972120 / www.cheshiremuseums.org

Hat Works, StockportFunky Felt9am – 4pm / Age 8 – 12 / £12, booking essentialFind out why felt was so important to hat makers and then have a go at making some of your own to turn into a bracelet, a wallet or a picture to take home. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Thurs 18 & Fri 19 FebDelamere ForestFamily Stone Age Day10am – 3pm / Age 5+ (accompanied) / £5. Take your family on a journey backwards in time, to when the world was different and our ancestors lived in a world without cars, mobile phones and computers. Learn about how people of the past lived in an ever changing landscape, when the world of human beings was new and intertwined with our environment. Join real life Stone Age man, Talan, in full dress and character to learn all about the lives, tools & technology of our stone age ancestors. Work with your children at making rope, create Stone Age drawings, learn how to build a fire the Stone Age way, make Stone Age pottery to take home with you and enjoy the taste of food from the Stone Age cooked on the fire. Bring a packed lunch to supplement the food cooked on the fire. Advance booking essential.07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Fri 19 FebGrosvenor Museum, Chester (Newstead Gallery)Japanese Headware2 – 4pm / £1.50, drop in. Make your own Samurai helmet with antlers – as seen in our Samurai exhibition – or a decorated Japanese style hair comb.01244 972120 / www.cheshiremuseums.org

Sat 20 FebStaircase House, StockportSpring Fun Day12 – 4pm / All ages / Free, drop in. Spring is in the air! Fun activities across the Museum to celebrate the start of the season. 0161 474 4444 / www.stockport.gov.uk/staircasehouse

Sat 20 & Sun 21 FebEast Lancashire RailwaySpring Diesel GalaA diesel powered extravaganza with locomotives from both the ELR’s own highly regarded home fleet, as well as visiting guest locomotives from other heritage railways.0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sun 21 FebHat Works, StockportSuper Sunday Chinese New Year Party11am – 4pm / All ages / £1.50 (under 5s free), drop inA wonderful day for all the family packed with oriental themed activities to celebrate the arrival of the year of the monkey. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Wed 2 – Sun 6 MarLittle Moreton Hall, CongletonA Merry March11am – 4pm / Free with normal admission. Help get ready for Tudor New Year and celebrate Mother’s Day. Discover how the Tudors used herbs and spices, plant a seed and watch it grow at home. Make a little something for Mother’s Day. 01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall

Sat 5 MarThe Lowry, SalfordBirmingham Royal Ballet – Romeo and Juliet Open Class11.15am / Ticket from £5 – £10. Ever wondered just how ballet dancers do what they do? This is your chance to look behind the scenes and watch Birmingham Royal Ballet’s talented dancers in their final preparations for a performance of world class dancing. The Lowry, Salford (The Lookout)Romeo and Juliet Family Fun Day12 – 1.30pm/ Free but booking essentialFun for all the family in this unique opportunity to meet the company of Birmingham Royal Ballet, see the costumes, take part in creative activities and even have your face painted!0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Sat 13 Feb

The Tytherington Club, MacclesfieldBaby & Children’s Market Macclesfield10am – 12 noon / Adult £1, Child

free. Grab some bargains at our nearly new sale. An opportunity to purchase top quality pre loved baby and children’s items. Local businesses also attending showcasing their unique products and services for babies and children. Stall bookings now being taken. 07834 686414 / [email protected] / www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Sat 13 FebQuarry Bank Mill, StyalBaby and Toddler - Storytelling and Play session9.30 – 10.15am & 10.15 – 11am / Free (normal admission applies), no booking required. Bring your little ones to Quarry Bank, for a special storytelling and play session just for them. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Sat 13 – Sun 21 FebLittle Moreton Hall, CongletonCandlemass11am – 4pm / Free with normal admission. Celebrate the beginning of Spring during half term week. Find out what’s happening in 2016 and enjoy Tudor games in front of the fire. 01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall

Stockley Farm, ArleyHalf Term Fun on the Farm10am – 4pm. See the farm in Springtime, meet new friends and familiar faces and look forward to the arrival of newborn lambs, piglets and many more!www.stockleyfarm.co.uk/events

Tatton Park, KnutsfordScarecrow FestivalOver 30 scarecrows will be resident in the Gardens. Find the farmyard scarecrows and have a go at making your own. Normal admission applies. Closed Monday.01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Mon 15 FebDelamere ForestDen Building for younger children10 - 11.30am & 12.30 - 2pm / Age 3 – 5 (accompanied) / £6. Start off with a story, then build a mini den for a forest animal, and finally have a go at building a bigger den for yourself! Advance booking essential. 07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Grosvenor Museum, Chester My Neighbour Totoro2 – 3.30pm / Free, but advance booking essentialThe animated story of two young Japanese sisters and their interactions with friendly wood spirits in post-war rural Japan has become a cultural icon for its beautiful images and fantastical story. Come and fall in love with the wonderful, kind, huge Totoro and the amazing twelve-legged Catbus – normal buses will forever be dull in comparison. Dubbed into English. Rated PG.01244 972120 / www.cheshiremuseums.org

Mon 15 – Fri 19 FebQuarry Bank Mill, StyalFebruary Half Term11am – 4pm / Free, normal admission appliesHave extra fun this February half term with free hands-on craft activities for children.01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank


What’s on Remember to check our What’s On Calendar on www.familiescheshire.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.

Sun 17 JanStockport PlazaJimmy Cricket Family Laughter ShowMuch loved Irish comedian, Jimmy Cricket, brings one-liners galore, a sprinkling of visual comedy and, yes, that ever present letter from his mammy to the Plaza this January. 0161 477 7779 / www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Tue 19 Jan – Sat 23 JanRegent Theatre, Stoke On TrentThe Sound of MusicOne of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the stage in a magnificent new production to enchant and enthral the young and the young at heart. With Lucy O’Byrne (runner up on BBC One’s The Voice) as Maria.www.atgtickets.com

Wed 20 Jan – Sat 5 MarThe Palace Theatre, ManchesterMary PoppinsThe magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. Perfect for ages 5+. www.atgtickets.com

Thurs 21 – Sun 24 & Thurs 28 – Sat 30 JanKnutsford Little TheatreSnow WhiteA bang up to date and hilarious re-telling of the story – with some charming surprises.01565 633000 / www.knutsfordlittletheatre.com

Fri 29 – Sun 31 JanBuxton Opera HouseMoscow State Circus - ZhelaniyA brand new show inspired by Russian folklore, introduced by the loveable buffoons Wizard Wako and his crazy sidekick Natalia. Featuring the award-winning Ruban, a 13 person springboard troupe, a high wire ballerina and beautiful daredevil aerial divas.0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Sun 24 JanThe Lowry, SalfordTom ThumbLong ago when all the world was wood the most fearsome foe was the one that breathed fire… DNA Puppertry & Visual Theatre bring the story of Tom Thumb to life in an exciting adventure for children aged 4 – 9 and their families. 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Royal Northern College of Music, ManchesterSing Along with FrozenA new Children’s Sunday Series launches in style with the RNCM’s own take on Elsa, Olaf and company, suitable for age 5+. Go along dressed as your favourite character, have your face painted and ‘Let it Go’.0161 907 5200 / www.rncm.ac.uk

Sat 30 JanZ-arts, HulmeThe SleepoverAn interactive modern fairytale; a re-imagining of the ‘Princess and the Pea’. Follow the story of an adventurous girl, her sleepy dad and a pit-bull dog called Prince. In this build-your-own audio pop-up poetry book of the tale, audiences are invited to create and record sounds as part of the live music. Expect magical storms, a bit of air guitar and a happy ending. Free arts activities before & after all shows0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org

Sat 30 & Sun 31 JanManchester ArenaStrictly Come Dancing Live 2016Experience the glitz, glamour and breathtaking choreography which make Strictly Come Dancing a national entertainment treasure. It promises to be simply fab-u-LOUS! www.manchester-arena.com

Sun 31 JanThe Lowry, SalfordTadpolesA tadpole catching competition challenges a superhero duo to work as team and save the world – together! Suitable for age 5+. 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Mon 1 – Sat 6 FebRegent Theatre, Stoke On TrentAnnieThe world’s favourite family musical, starring Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan ensures that the sun will definitely come out tomorrow! www.atgtickets.com

Tues 2 FebManchester ArenaNitro Circus LiveThe best athletes in freestyle motocross (FMX), BMX, skate and more unite for a spectacular all-new production. New tricks, record-breaking feats, insane stunts and the craziest contraptions ever, plus a whole new repertoire of daredevil fun.www.manchester-arena.com

Tues 2 – Sat 20 FebThe Lowry, SalfordShrek The MusicalDirect from the West End and larger than life, it’s the biggest, brightest musical comedy around!0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Fri 5 FebStockport PlazaDance ExtravaganzaReturning to The Plaza for their annual showcase of the very finest in performance talent. The perfect evening of family entertainment for everyone to enjoy.0161 477 7779 / www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Sat 6 FebThe Lowry, Salford (The Compass Room)The Lost ThingsA boy falls and finds himself in a dark and terrifying new world of lost things: car keys, wedding rings, dads, and a mysterious girl who is building an amazing machine. Performed in a unique dome structure, The Lost Things is about losing things and finding things you didn’t even know you were looking for. Suitable for or ages 9+. 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Sat 13 – Tues 16 FebWaterside Arts Centre, SaleThe Emperor’s New ClothesStuff and Nonsense present a brand new romp through a classic, eccentric tale, telling the story of an Emperor who loves clothes more than anything. But despite a wardrobe the size of Paris he hasn’t got a stitch to wear! A great show for all the family.0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Mon 15 FebBuxton Opera HouseThe Tortoise & The HarePerformed by the critically acclaimed Northern Ballet. It’s the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre. Each child-friendly performance lasts approximately 40 minutes with no interval. 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Wed 17 FebPavilion Arts Centre, BuxtonHow The Koala Learnt To HugAdapted from the bestselling book by Steven Lee and written especially for parents to enjoy with their children. Great stories, sing along songs, superb games and first class hugging! As an extra treat, author Steven will be signing books after the show! For ages 3 to 103! 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Wed 17 – Sun 21 FebThe Lowry, SalfordWe’re Going On a Bear HuntJoin our intrepid adventurers on their quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure – plus a few special surprises! Suitable for age 3+. 0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Thurs 18 FebThe Lowry, SalfordComedy Club 4 KidsA family friendly show without any patronising idiocy. In fact, it’s just like a normal comedy club, without the rude bits – and there’s a higher than usual chance of heckles like “why is that your face!?”0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Fri 19 – Sun 21 FebThe Lowry, SalfordKiteA lonely girl is taken to live in her grandma’s airless flat where the windows are shut tight. Her memories of seagulls and sand dunes begin to fade in the silence. One night a handmade kite comes to life and heralds the start of a wild adventure and the chance to find what it seemed was lost forever. A play without words, with originally composed music, dance, puppetry and of course kites. Suitable for age 7+. There’s also a chance after the show to meet the Kite, puppets and cast.0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Fri 26 FebStockport PlazaThe Houghton WeaversA wonderful evening of entertainment suitable for all the family. 0161 477 7779 / www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Sat 27 FebZ-arts, HulmeSparkle10.30am: Ages 0-2 / 12.30pm:Ages 3-4 / 2.30pm: Ages 3-4. Under a shimmering carousel, a magical world opens up…Welcome to Sparkle, a gentle, interactive performance and creative play session for babies and young children by Alison McGowan of PuppetShip and visual artist Tanya Axford. A non-verbal performance that takes place in a darkened environment. Free arts activities before & after all shows. 0161 226 1912 / www.z-arts.org

Stockport Plaza 2016 Chinese New Year ExtravaganzaAn array of amazing Chinese acrobatics and kung fu. With a line-up of programmes including the auspicious Lion Dance, the awe-inspiring contortion, the ancient magic of Face Changing, juggling, nimble staff-spinning ‘monkeys’ and more, this colourful and action packed show is the perfect entertainment for all ages!0161 477 7779 / www.stockportplaza.co.uk

SHOWS & PERFORMANCES

Fri 8 – Sun 10 Jan, Wed 13 – Sun 17 JanWaterside Arts Centre, SaleBabes In The WoodA traditional family panto brought to you by Sale Nomads. Full of Goodies to cheer and Baddies to boo and hiss. 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Sat 9 – Sat 16 JanDaneside Theatre, CongletonCinderellaJam-packed with music and dance, fun and laughter, a beautiful girl, a fairy godmother, a handsome prince, a glass slipper and, of course, two ugly sisters! Come see it – you’ll have a ball! 01260 271095 / www.danesidetheatre.co.uk

Mon 11 & Tues 12 JanCrewe LyceumThe Gruffalo’s ChildFollowing hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s sell-out tour and his monstrous West End success comes The Gruffalo’s Child – with attitude! A magical, musical stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s book. Recommended for ages 3+.01270 368 242 / www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Wed 13 – Sat 16 JanBath House Theatre, ManchesterJack and the BeanstalkFilled with popular songs and opportunities for audience interaction, Jack and the Beanstalk is the perfect pantomime experience for all the family.www.northwesttheatreartscompany.co.uk

Thurs 14 – Sat 16 JanThe Palace Theatre, ManchesterMoscow City Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2016Tchaikovsky’s big story ballets are the essence of Russian culture – composed, choreographed and premiered in Russia. Seeing performances by Moscow dancers never fails to add that magical ingredient of Russian soul. www.atgtickets.com

families cheshire issue 39 jan-feb 2016

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