Families Manchester Jan/Feb 2020

Manchester

In this issue: Why thinking should be a curriculum subject?

Activities away from school Getting healthy in 2020 Choosing a childminder what you need to know

Issue 79 January/February 2020

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News Oldham reading group featured in The Times

The Reading Agency is a UK-wide charity using the proven power of reading to tackle life’s big challenges of social mobility, mental health and wellbeing and loneliness. Every year the organisation reaches 1.4 million people across the UK with the support of 13,817 partner organisations, ensuring that everyone is reading their way to a better life. This Christmas, The Reading Agency has been selected as one of the charities to be featured in The Times Christmas Appeal for 2019.

The Christmas Appeal will focus on the charity’s work on loneliness and reading, highlighting their inspiring Reading Friends programme which runs in several

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer

groups in and around Oldham.

Launched in 2017 with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Reading Friends tackles loneliness using reading to start conversations and connect people socially.

The scheme uses the power of a shared story in libraries, prisons, care homes, community centres, and recovery cafes to tackle loneliness in the UK. Karen Napier, Chief Executive of The Reading Agency says: “We’re delighted to be included in this year’s Christmas Appeal in The Times. It’s a really fantastic opportunity to highlight the impact that reading can have on tackling loneliness and social isolation. As a charity, we’re

committed to ensuring that everyone has the tools to read their way to a better life, and our Reading Friends programme is a testament to the impact that shared reading can have.”

A study by The Co-op and the British Red Cross found that over 9 million people across the UK are either always or often lonely and Christmas is a time when this becomes particularly evident. Last year, The Reading Agency also commissioned think-tank Demos to conduct independent research into the impact of reading on some of society’s most pressing concerns.

The report, A Society of Readers, predicted that there will be over seven million people experiencing loneliness in the over-60 age group alone and that almost two million will have a shortened life due to loneliness.

Damian Hughes, son of Oldham Reading Friends participant Brian Hughes, says: “I have witnessed the terrible fog of isolation, fear and loneliness which can descend upon those who live with the cruel illness of dementia which

considerably narrows their world.

I have also witnessed the transformative ability that reading can have upon this condition; helping to open memories, and stir long-dormant emotions.

Reading Friends provides this stimulus for many people, from those who are living with the condition, their carers and loved ones alike. I think the work of The Reading Agency is invaluable.”

Reading Friends now has 45 projects across the UK designed to address loneliness throughout the year. Last year, the programme reached over 1,500 participants and 200 volunteers through 21 local projects. Data from the programme has found that 94% of Reading Friends participants would recommend Reading Friends to others, and that 90% of volunteers want to carry on volunteering on a Reading Friends project. The Reading Agency is hopeful that The Times Christmas Appeal will inspire readers to help the charity continue their important work tackling life’s big challenges through the proven power of reading.

MOUR A BRAIN TU Y B D E T TA DEVAS SHOULD BE NO FAMILY

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of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease

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www.wearahatday.org Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.

Next issue: March/April 2020

Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk

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Calling all families - Wear A Hat Day needs you!

The annual fundraising extravaganza Wear A Hat Day is coming back in 2020 – Families Magazine and Brain Tumour Research are calling on you to get involved!

Wear A Hat Day 2020 takes place on Friday 27th March, at the end of Brain Tumour Awareness Month.

Over the last decade, this hattastic event has raised more than £1 million in support of the charity Brain Tumour Research.

It has become a must-do event for many children and parents and their communities.

Taking part is really easy and the charity has some great ideas on their website to help you plan and host wonderful hat-themed fundraising events.

Register today to ensure you get your FREE fundraising pack in time: www.wearahatday.org

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Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. No family should be devasted by a brain tumour.

Wear A Hat Day is a really important campaign to be involved with – not only is it great fun but with your participation, it becomes a powerful symbol of hope for all affected by this disease.

Funds raised will continue to help the charity build a network of experts in sustainable research at dedicated Centres of Excellence whilst influencing the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more nationally.

Together we will find a cure.

Stockport Grammar historians retain award winning title

The latest edition of the ‘SGS Historian’ magazine, written and designed by Lower Sixth Form students from Stockport Grammar has retained its winning title for the third year in a row.

Covering an eclectic mix of topics, the magazine has been named the ‘Best School History Magazine’ at the Young Historian Awards and Alex Malone won a commendation for his article on the occupation of Guernsey during World War Two from the Spirit of Normandy Trust.

This year’s dedicated team created a magazine full of articles, interviews and reports on periods as diverse as the Fourth Crusade to World War Two.

Head Boy Alex Malone said: “We decided that we wouldn’t have an overall theme due to our extremely varied historical interests and by doing this we believe it allowed each and every one of us the creative freedom to fully express ourselves.

I couldn’t be more proud of what we have been able to create.”

This year’s contributors were Jamie Carson, Phoebe Micklefield, Alex Malone, Claire Murphy, Josh Brougham, Linton Armstrong, Archie Eady-Gurr, Alfred Bradshaw, Head of Art Mr Richard Davies, Modern Foreign Languages teacher Frau Kerstin Christmann and Mr Stone.

Families Manchester 3

Education Why thinking should be a curriculum subject

By Dr Neel Burton

Following his defeat at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, Marc Antony heard a rumour that Cleopatra had committed suicide and, in consequence, stabbed himself in the abdomen — only to discover that Cleopatra herself had been responsible for spreading the rumour. He later died in her arms.

‘Fake news’ is nothing new, but in our Internet age, it has spread like a disease, swinging elections, formenting social unrest, undermining institutions, and diverting political capital away from health, education, and good government. So how best to guard against it?

As a medical specialist, I have spent well over twenty years in formal education. With the possible exception of my one-year degree in philosophy, the emphasis of my education has been firmly and squarely on fact accumulation.

Today, I have little use for most of these facts, and though I am only middle-aged, many are already out of date, or highly questionable. But what I do rely on—every day, all the time—is my faculty for critical thinking. As BF Skinner once put it: “Education is what survives when what has been learnt has been forgotten.”

But can critical thinking be taught? The answer is ‘yes’ - or, at least, the beginnings of it. So why not make more time for it and be more rigorous and systematic about its learning?

Logic is a good start, but there

is much more to critical thinking than mere logic. Educationalists often amalgamate thinking with logic. True, logic is able to provide immediate certainty and the authority and credibility that goes with that. But logic is a lot more limited than many people imagine.

Logic essentially consists of a set of operations for deriving a statement from other statements.

In a sense, it merely makes explicit that which was previously implicit.

It brings nothing new to the table.

The conclusion flows from the premises as their inevitable consequence: 1. All birds have feathers.

(Premise 1) 2. Woodpeckers are birds.

(Premise 2) 3. Therefore, woodpeckers have feathers. (Conclusion) What’s more, logic is not concerned with the actual truth or falsity of the premises or, indeed, the merit or relevance of the conclusion.

Reasoning, in contrast, is a much broader psychological activity which also involves selecting and assessing evidence, creating and testing hypotheses, weighing competing arguments, evaluating means and ends, developing and applying mental shortcuts, and so on. All this requires the use of judgement, which is why reason, unlike logic, cannot be delegated to a computer, and also why it so often fails to persuade.

Just as there is more to reason than logic, so there is more to thinking than reasoning. If school curricula make very little time for

Achieve 11+ success in 2020!

January is a great time to start thinking about your child’s 11+ future and set goals for the coming year.

Our experience of over 16 years shows that children who start their preparation early, not only gain skills and confidence with the core topics, but they also build effective study habits which stand them in

4 Families Manchester

good stead for the 11+ CEM and GL Assessment entrance exams, as well as secondary education.

The new year is also a good time to consider booking your child onto our renowned KSOL mock exams, starting in March.

These events are designed to profile your child’s ability at different stages in their 11+ preparation and alleviate any

logic and reasoning, they make even less time for non-rational forms of cognition such as the emotions, intuition, and imagination.

To see the significance of non-rational forms of cognition, let’s hone in on the emotions.

With the decline of religion and traditional social structures, our emotions have come to assume an increasingly dominant role in our lives. It has forever been said that we are ruled by our emotions, but this today is truer than ever. Much more than reason or tradition, it is our emotions that determine our choice of profession, partner, and politics, and our relation to money, sex, and religion.

Yet, remarkably, the emotions are utterly neglected by our system of education, leading to millions of mis-lived lives.

Nothing can make us feel more alive, or more human, than our emotions, or hurt us more. To control our emotions is to control ourselves, and to control ourselves is to control our destiny.

Our school curriculum needs to make more time and space for thinking. And we need to rehabilitate alternative forms of cognition, such as the emotions, intuition, and imagination, that can support, supplement, or supplant reason and return us to wholeness.

Dr Neel Burton is a leading psychiatrist and author of Hypersanity: Thinking Beyond Thinking, which is out now, priced £12.99. To find out more, visit www.neelburton.com

exam-day nerves, as they’ll know what to expect on the big day.

KSOL can help your child achieve 11+ success with our award-winning personalised online 11+ tuition and authentic exam experiences.

For more details on our 11+ CEM & GL Assessment mock exams in Trafford and New Year Offers on online 11+ courses, visit www.ksol.co.uk or call 0161 327 2003.

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Education Being a culture vulture is good for your children

By Claire Winter

Did you know that full participation in cultural and artistic life is a basic human right for children that is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

Giving children an education in art and culture is a way of broadening their knowledge and experience of the world. By sharing different experiences with them, whether art, theatre, dance or music, you are offering them a window into other people’s perspectives, lives, imaginations, hopes and dreams. An arts education helps children learn how to observe, describe, analyse and interpret.

A cultural education is not only hugely enriching, it can boost academic achievement and improve the self-confidence and self-esteem of children. Research also shows that participating in art projects can also lead to an improvement in social behaviour helping to engage even the most disconnected students. An arts education can boost tolerance levels in children too. Being immersed in a dance show or art installation allows them to step out of their own lives and put themselves in another’s shoes.

At the same time, they are introduced to other cultures.

Community-based art projects can involve the whole community, helping society become more cohesive, inclusive and tolerant.

Not only this but regular exposure to the arts can encourage children to take up an artistic

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project themselves, whether it be drawing, painting, performing or dancing. In this way, they can actively explore their own creativity and emotional world, expressing their feelings with or without words.

However, there are still too many children for whom education in the arts and culture is inaccessible. For instance, 27% of secondary school students who claim free school meals and 14% of students from low-income families choose not to study subjects like art and drama due to the related costs, compared to 8% of students from wealthier families.

Additionally, a recent study shows that the learning opportunities for students in arts and culture have significantly declined in many state schools because of a lack of funding.

Schools need increased support from the government to ensure that children are engaging with the arts and culture throughout their education. Programmes that promote the value of arts and cultural education for children, irrespective of their class, wealth, gender, ethnicity, or religion, are needed so all children can benefit.

We have a long way to go in terms of parental engagement, training teachers, out of hour’s activities and funding for school trips, to ensure that an arts education is accessible to all children in the UK. Clearly, parents can help

expose their children to the arts by taking them to performances, exhibitions and galleries.

However, this can be costly. We are lucky that there are many free art galleries and museums across the UK at which you can inspire and educate your children. I remember taking my toddlers to Tate Britain in London and sitting them in front of a giant Constable painting.

They were given large bits of paper and crayons from art carts so they could draw. It was a completely free service that totally captivated them.

You can also take advantage of the live screenings of ballet, theatre, and opera that are regularly shown in cinemas across the UK. For the price of a cinema ticket, you can see The Royal Ballet and many other famous actors and musicians perform. It’s also worth getting

on the mailing list of your local arts centre as they often hold events or festivals that are free, partially free or subsidised, particularly in school holidays.

Not only is art good for education, it is also good for our economy. According to recent Government statistics, the creative industries are worth £8 million an hour to the UK economy. Additionally, according to ‘As Others See Us’, a recent British Council report says that arts and culture are regarded as the number one ‘selling point’ in the UK among people ages 18 to 34 years from China, Brazil, India, Germany, and the US. If the UK is to continue attracting tourists, students, and business investors from overseas, we must continue to highlight the importance of educating our children about art and culture.

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Clubs & classes Activities away from school

Activities Away from School Activities that take place completely away from the school environment don’t just keep restless children busy or entertained and help working parents manage their child’s spare time, they can also offer great developmental benefits that will help them academically, physically and socially.

New Friendships Outside of the school environment, your child is likely to make friendships with children that don’t go to their school and get used to socialising with children of all ages outside the structure of the formal school day.

Improving Life and Social Skills Outside school activities provide an ideal environment in which to nurture social skills and confidence.

Many extracurricular activities

6 Families Manchester

work to teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal — a skill that will benefit them in their future endeavours.

Boosting Academic Performance Discovering that they have a talent can give a child a new source of confidence or a passion that translates into their engagement and behaviour at school. For example, performing in drama club can improve confidence in speaking up in class and inspire creative writing.

Playing an instrument will help children understand music lessons.

Building Self-Esteem In a busy classroom it can sometimes be hard for a child to make themselves heard. Outside of school activities will give your child the chance to build their self-esteem. Most groups or teams are more intimate than the typical classroom environment, making them less intimidating for children. Children may also be more interested than they are in

their lessons and will engage more easily with the activities involved.

Positive Role Models Sports coaches, group leaders and other responsible adults who are sharing their skills provide role models and a valuable new take on the world for children.

Happier Children Outside of school activities promote emotional well-being by allowing children to work off excess energy, relax their minds, and overcome the stress associated with school life.

Chance to Shine Outside of school activities offer your child the chance to be themselves away from the influence of their school friends.

Without being judged by their peers as “not cool” or “geeky” your child may thrive in developing new outlet for creative, sporting or intellectual pursuits.

Promoting Healthy Hobbies Children with a regular activity are likely to spend less static time glued to a smartphone or screen and the interests that they develop during outside of school activities are likely to mean they spend more time practicing skills and pursuing their passions.

Explore Interests and Create Broader Perspectives When children participate in multiple different activities, they get the opportunity to explore a range of interests which subsequently broaden their world view.

Time Management As children get older and move on to secondary school, being able to juggle different aspects of their lives becomes increasingly important. By attending classes, clubs or activities outside of

school, your child will be taking on more responsibility for managing their schedule effectively.

Sense of Commitment Students who participate in outside of school activities develop a sense of commitment to whatever they are involved in. This is because they have to commit to them and give them their all, and this commitment starts to extend to other areas of their lives.

A Brighter Future The skills and habits a child learns during his or her school years help to shape the kind of future they will lead as an adult. As a result, outside of school activities that promote everything from healthy-living habits, to leadership skills, good time-management, and better social or academic performance have plenty of advantages to offer.

Don’t Push Them Keep in mind that you shouldn’t push children to over-do it when it comes to extra activities. It’s better for your child to choose something that they really enjoy doing and stick to it, rather than attempt numerous different activities that quickly become overwhelming, and may detract from their ability to concentrate on school work. Of course, you may also have the type of child that just wants to try everything, in which case, it may be best to let them do so and try to narrow down their commitments when you see which activities they particularly favour.

More info: www.nuffieldfoundation.org/ out-school-activities-andeducation-gap

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caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk www.tennistykes.co.uk

Clubs & classes Tennis Tykes for 2 to 8 year olds

Tennis Tykes, the fun tennis coaching programme for children (pre school age 2 to 4 and school age 4-8) offers a wide range of classes across South Manchester and Cheshire including at the state of the art indoor venues of the Nuffield Health Club, Didsbury and at Total Fitness Club sites.

They are also now delighted to be adding a new class to the timetable, which will take place on a Friday morning at Macclesfield Tennis Club.

As most of the Tennis Tykes classes are held at indoor venues, when it’s harder for children to play outside during the autumn/ winter months the lessons give children a chance to take part in physical activity.

The classes also fit with the government’s recent guidance that under 5s should be participating in at least 3 hours physical activity a day. The research also establishes that physical activity for school age children has a significant impact on their academic abilities and supports Canadian research that the thought process required in playing tennis can generate new connections between nerves in the brain and has a positive impact on the development of the brain.

Tennis classes forr 2 to 8 year olds

E FRE IAL

TRSSON LE

Classes in Bramhall, Didsbury, ury, Hale, Handforth, Prestbury, Wilmslow, West Heaton and Macclesfield.

To book a class, please contact Caroline Buncall on 07843 342662 caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk www.tennistykes.co.uk

For further information on the classes or to book a taster lesson, please contact caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk or call 07843342662 or log onto www.tennistykes.co.uk for further information.

Advertise in Families Manchester Email editor@ familiesmanchester.co.uk

Children of same ability missing out Britain’s got talent – but we’re still wasting it. That’s the main finding of a recent report by researchers from Oxford University.

Children of similar cognitive ability have very different chances of educational success; it still depends on their parents’ economic, socio-cultural and educational resources.

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This contradicts a commonly held view that our education system has developed enough to give everyone a fighting chance.

The research, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, found that only about half of the difference in educational attainment between children from advantaged and disadvantaged parental backgrounds is due to

differences in their cognitive ability. The other half is due to other factors associated with their backgrounds.

Experts are now calling for government to acknowledge that formal qualifications are only one channel for upward mobility for children of disadvantaged backgrounds.

More info: www.ox.ac.uk/news

Families Manchester 7

Activities Header

WINTER ❄

❄

FUN

Find these winter words in the grid.

Then read the remaining unused letters on the bottom three lines from left to right to find a secret message!

❄

hot chocolate ski frozen thaw ice puddle snowman robin scarf sled

❄

❄

{

❄

E T A L O C O H C T O H

C L N E F E B A K H U S

❄❄

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Y L O R R O B I N A N W

G A D D R N E N P V P I

S O S O L E T R C E U D

C U S N O W M A N L D E

A H M G C U K T I O D L

R O A H A N O G L T L S

F H R O E M E R M S E N

O Y W Z M E P I T O T T

R E O L E O E O B H H E

❄

I R A U L A B C P F A R

F K V S K I R S I F I W

❄

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Activities

.

DOT TO DOT . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . ..

31

32

30

33

35 36 37

29

Join the dots to create a creature you may see in your garden this winter!

28

34

27

26

40 41 42 39

38

8

7

5

4

23

3

22

46

10

6

24

45

9

When you’ve finished, why not colour it in?

25

43 44

11

2

1 12

21

15

16

13

17

20

19

18

14

PICTURE CROSSWORD

Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword?

3

1 1 2 2

3

4 4

5 7

6 8

5 9

10

10 6 8

9

7

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Families Manchester 9

Health

Getting healthy in 2020

By Gabrielle Nash

If 2020 is the year for a new and healthier you, then you’re not alone. January is the classic time to ditch the sofa and crisps and hit the treadmill and protein shakes. However, if you aren’t motivated to jump on the fitness bandwagon this New Year, then consider this: not only will taking up exercise improve your fitness, metabolic health (blood glucose levels) and lower your blood pressure but, as many of the problems of getting older are linked with an inactive lifestyle, it will also increase the chances of you staying healthy as you age. That doesn’t mean you have to be doing triathlons, it simply means avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. Making exercise a part of your life this year will improve your health now and in the future.

How best to get started?

Don’t take on too much too soon – especially if you’re starting from scratch. You’re more likely to make exercise a permanent part of your life if you start gradually.

Avoid vague goals like “get in better shape.” You have a better chance of achieving a

specific aim like: “In 3 months I want to be able to jog to the park.”

Keep it realistic - if you have any health conditions consult your GP. You’re just as able to embark on a fitness regime but you may need more guidance.

Be kind to yourself if you fall short of goals - just reassess

them and start again.

Listen to your body – you shouldn’t have to feel exhausted to get the benefits of exercise.

So how much exercise will really make a difference? Recent studies have suggested that any exercise is beneficial, but the more the better. Dr Julie

Broderick, from Trinity College Dublin suggests building physical activity into your every day routine. “If exercise isn’t a habit for you and you’re spending a lot of the day sedentary – that is sitting or resting – just start small by breaking up your sedentary behavior.”

weave it into your day quite easily, if you plan ahead.

Make it a family affair! Get the kids involved. Go to the park with a ball or start a game at home that gets you active.

They’ll love spending time with you and you’ll get your heart rate up!

Take Inspiration from Social Media. The most time consuming thing about doing a workout from home is deciding

what you’re going to do, and by the time you’ve worked it out, you’ve wasted precious time! Check out Instagram for some quick and simple workouts you can do at home, for free and without equipment.

Find some, save them and then as soon as you have 20 minutes free, you’ll be ready to go!

For more pre and postnatal training advice, visit www.bumpsandburpees.com

Get active in 5 simple ways Sometimes the best way to start getting fit is to make it part of your daily life. Charlie Launder, pre & postnatal personal trainer & founder of Bumps and Burpees, encourages women to get moving with 5 simple ideas: It Doesn’t HAVE to be “Exercise.” If you make it fun and something you enjoy you’re much more likely to keep it up.

This could be netball with

10 Families Manchester

friends or playing football with your children in the garden.

Being active can look different for different people.

Set a simple challenge to keep yourself accountable. Try 50 squats every day for a week, or a short jog every other day.

Just keep it achievable!

Leave extra time and walk instead of getting the bus or driving. Walking is a great way to keep active and you can

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Health Fitness at whatever your age Your age doesn’t have to be an obstacle but there are some simple tips for different age groups which will enhance your fitness journey.

20s: This age is the physical peak for most people but keep training varied and fun!

Gaining a high level of fitness at this age will help you build lean muscle and improve bone density to see you through later years.

30s: Generally this age is when careers and family life develop, reducing time for exercise and increasing stresses, but it’s vital

to maintain good cardiovascular fitness. A great option is HIIT (high intensity interval training) which offers an excellent workout in a short space of time. At work think about your posture and avoid a sedentary position for too long.

If you’ve had children then it’s never too late to strengthen your pelvic floor, as it can prevent problems later in life.

40s: During your 40s, back pain and unnecessary weight gain can creep up on us. Try resistance exercise and make sure to include weight training.

If that 5k run still appeals, then make sure to keep your core strong as well. Pilates is a great option for this.

50s: Chronic conditions can emerge during this decade and you shouldn’t stop trying to be fit. Even if you can incorporate brisk walking that will be of benefit to you. Try to include some strength training and maybe a relaxing option like Tai Chi. 60s+: Did you know that even in your 60s you can increase your strength and muscle? Physical activity tends to decline with

age but maintaining even a small amount during these later years can have a big impact. Try a sociable dance class for mobility or aqua aerobics for strength.

No matter what your age, Derek Ball, a sports scientist from the University of Aberdeen, says its vital you constantly review your exercise programme.

“Doing this on a regular basis will not only help to maintain interest in your activities but it also reduces the risk of repetitive injuries and allows you to work on areas of weakness.”

good enough shape to finish a 5km run and it’s particularly popular with people trying to change a sedentary lifestyle.

Parkrun: And when 5k becomes achievable, then this is a great, social way to keep yourself running. Parkrun pride themselves on reaching people for whom physical activity

hasn’t been the norm – so don’t be put off – it’s more accessible than you think.

FIIT: Online classes from 25 minute Pilates to 40 minute cardio, these are a great way to exercise at home with qualified trainers.

Outdoor Classes: Get outdoors with parent and child friendly exercise classes, combining

exercise and socialising with fresh air. Search your local parks for classes in your area.

Or if you’re feeling brave, find a nearby lido and try out cold water swimming! *Remember if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it’s best to speak to your GP first.

Simple swaps and diet changes can make a big difference. Here are some of my favourites: Swap whole wheat pasta for your usual white pasta, same for rice.

Make your own muesli or granola and add freshly chopped fruit – less sugar than ordinary cereals!

Avoid sugary and fizzy drinks but if you like a glass of juice, halve the amount and dilute it with water to make a full glass.

Instead of a normal baked potato, try a baked sweet potato topped with a feta or tuna salad.

Try 5 days of eating healthily, avoid alcohol and sweet treats and then for the final 2 days enjoy them, albeit sensibly!

Which type of exercise is for me?

Zumba or zorb football? Not every fitness option is for everyone – that’s why there are so many to choose from!

So try out 3 or 4 and find one that keeps you coming back.

Here are some popular options suitable for everyone:* NHS Couch to 5K: This programme aims to get you in

Exercise and diet Exercise is just one part of feeling good. Without dietary change, a fitness regime will only go so far in getting you healthy. But you don’t need a drastic diet plan to see improvements.

Mix it up!

One of the biggest battles of a fitness journey is keeping it fresh. Keep trying new classes, and don’t stick with the same type of activity if you feel your motivating decreasing.

Coupling physical activity with social engagement is thought to optimise the

benefits of exercising. If you struggle to find something you really enjoy, or don’t feel like you’ve caught the “exercise bug” then mix it up, try something different. What about Nordic Walking, Pilates barre or a musical theatre dance class?

For more from Gabrielle Nash, follow her blog and Instagram @thelondonishmum

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Families Manchester 11

Childcare Choosing a childminder what you need to know

By Elaine Pitteway

If you are a working parent, you may well consider hiring a childminder to care for your child.

What are the Benefits?

Good quality, home-based care from a registered childminder has many benefits.

Young children and those experiencing childcare for the first time often cope better in a home environment. Because of the high ratio of carers to children, little ones can develop a close relationship with their childminder and continue with them after school and in school holidays as they get older.

Additionally, a childminder looks after children of all ages, so siblings can be looked after together, rather than being separated into age groups.

Childminders develop close relationships with parents too, offering support for the whole family, and passing on their professional knowledge. Not only this, childminders are self-employed and can offer a flexible service, tailoring their hours to suit you - a great help if you work irregular hours.

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Most childminders will do the school run and offer care during school holidays, as well as government funded places for children ages 2, 3 and 4.

How Will my Children Learn with a Childminder?

Childminders get to know the children in their care very well; they can follow the child’s interests and make spontaneous decisions about the day’s activities. Children learn through real-life learning experiences in the childminder’s own home such as cooking, stories, messy play, dressing up, gardening. In addition, they will go to the park, library and local groups as well as enjoyingplanned outings.

Theo’s dad says: “We felt Theo would get a stronger level of development on a one-to-one basis than he would in a larger group environment. When we met with his childminder, we understood that he’d still get that interaction with other children so we felt we were going to get the best of both worlds. The development and what he’s learnt has been

phenomenal - he loves her to bits and she truly cares for him.”

Registration It’s important that you choose a registered childminder.

The law states that anyone being paid (or recompensed in some way) for caring for children under the age of 8 for more than two hours a day must register with Ofsted or a Childminder Agency.

Childminders are registered to look after one or more children, to whom they are not related, on domestic premises.

This is usually their own home.

They sometimes work with other childminders or assistants but can work with no more than two others at any one time.

Before a childminder can be registered, a full criminal records check, references, and other thorough checks are carried out to ensure medical fitness and suitability to care for other people’s children.

Anyone over 16 in the childminder’s household is also checked. The childminder must also have completed Introductory Training or hold a childcare qualification which

enables them to understand and implement the statutory requirements for a childminder.

This includes Safeguarding, Child Development and Equality. They also need to hold a full Paediatric First Aid certificate.

Registered childminders caring for pre-school children comply with the same statutory guidance for children’s welfare, learning and development as all other early years’ settings, including day nurseries and pre-schools. If they care for children over 5 years they must comply with the Requirements of the Childcare Register just like other out-of-school settings.

Once registered, childminders are inspected by Ofsted at least once in every 4 year cycle to ensure they are providing high quality care. A grade of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate is awarded. Full reports are published on the Ofsted website and it is very worthwhile to check these.

Childminders are also expected to continue their professional development. Many childmembers are members of Childminding UK so have access to online training and support.

Where to find a Childminder?

Each Local Authority has a duty to publish details of childcare within their area, usually on their website under Families Information Service or Families Service Directory.

Word of mouth. Most good childminders don’t need to advertise – they come recommended at the school gate or on local forums.

More Info Guidance and advice about expectations, what to look for, financial support and more can be found at www.childmindinguk.com/ parents

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Parents’ place Encouraging a positive body image in children

By Gabrielle Nash

We live in a society dominated by images of perfected bodies, styled hair and flawless skin.

It’s hard to ignore the endless stream of these on social media, television and magazines and our young children are even more vulnerable. As they learn all about the world, they’re at risk of developing a negative body image. What might be startling is how early it can begin to develop.

Between the ages of 3 and 4 a child begins forming important relationships which start influencing their image of themselves.

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Constant negative messages about body ideals (weight/ hair/skin) can result in negative health outcomes in a child; weight gain, binge eating and poor self-esteem, all of which can have a lasting impact. A positive body image enhances a child’s self-acceptance and self-compassion, as well as good physical health.

Signs of Negative Body Image • Refusing foods because “it makes me fat” • Regularly commenting on body size or shape of others

• Feeling self-conscious in certain items of clothing • Feeling self-conscious in PE If your child is showing signs of a poor body image, Dr Esther Burkitt, a developmental psychologist at the University of Chichester recommends you: “engage your child in a conversation about uniqueness and valuing difference rather than dismissing it if a child declares body dissatisfaction.”

Tips for Encouraging a Positive Body Image It is never too early or too late to start. Remember children learn their behaviours from you so where possible adopt a positive body image towards yourself.

Model good eating behaviour.

Enjoy your meals and eat a variety of food. If you’re trying to eat well, tell your child “I am trying to eat more fruit and vegetables because they’re good for me.”

Intuitive eating. Katie Mcghee, a children’s nurse, recommends a promising new approach to healthy eating focussed on eating to appetite: “Intuitive eating can be an empowering strategy for children to develop trust in their bodies resulting in positive psychological outcomes including a good body image.”

Be kind. Dr Victoria Cann, an expert in youth and gender from the University of East Anglia, believes we should “encourage kindness in children and to have an open heart, and to extend this kindness to themselves as well as others.”

Be media savvy. When you can, engage with your children about images or statements you know to be negative and encourage them to challenge them. e.g. complain about an advert they feel is negative.

More from Gabrielle Nash @TheLondonishmum

Families Manchester 13

Travel Short break ideas for 2020

By Claire Winter

Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular with families in the UK. Budget airlines, busier lives, and the desire to see lots of different places in a shorter amount of time are just some of the reasons why families are opting for them. Apparently short breaks are also good for your mental health. Psychologists claim that people who take them are much happier than people who take long holidays. This is because people’s enjoyment and enthusiasm for their destination may start to wane after more than a week away.

Adventure awaits

Taking a break to try a new sport or have an outdoor adventure will be popular in 2020. Whether it’s spending the weekend in a cosy cottage in North Wales to go on the world’s fastest zip wire (www.zipworld.co.uk) or exploring the stunning scenery of the Pyrenees. The Adventure Creators (www. adventurecreators.co.uk) are a small, friendly tour operator that specialises in multi-activity holidays in this mountainous area. Activities include canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, river rafting, and high rope adventures. An in-situ holiday manager is on hand throughout your stay to answer any questions and ensure everything runs smoothly, as well as to give you recommendations for the best family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Holidays are available May-September.

Unusual European city breaks

Waterside breaks

Eco-friendly stays

Theme park fun

Reykjavik is a perfect place to visit with a family because it is small in size and easy to explore, with plenty of colourful buildings, interesting food and cosy cafes in which to enjoy coffee and cake. You can take day trips to explore the stunning waterfalls and hot springs of the Icelandic landscape. Or why not visit Bari in Italy?

With its host of historic buildings and winding streets, it’s fun, noisy and perfect for families that like to wander and soak up the sunshine. There are lovely beaches nearby and you can also enjoy the regular opera and ballet performances at the recently restored Teatro Petruzzelli.

With awareness growing of the effect of travel on the environment, think about travelling by train, which is much greener. Amsterdam, Bruges, Bordeaux, Lyon, Strasbourg and Cologne can all be reached by rail in under 6 hours from London. Then there are eco-friendly destinations such as Slovenia (www.slovenia.info/en) where 54% of the land is under protection. It also has beautiful coastal towns to explore and activities like white water rafting and hiking to try. Half of the country is covered in forest, so it is really one of the greenest countries in the world.

Beautiful Scotland is a fantastic destination all year round. The country is celebrating a year of Coasts & Waters in 2020 so there’s never been a better time to explore its beautiful rivers, lochs and coastline. You can also enjoy fantastic events as part of the celebrations, such as the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival and Scotland’s Shores at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which will feature classic film screenings and a special outdoor coastal experience.

More information at www.visitscotland.com/about/themedyears/coasts-waters. Also check out www.watersidebreaks.com which has a wealth of waterside accommodation options from riverside cottages in the Norfolk Broads, to luxury lakeside lodges in the Cotswolds to lovely seaside holiday homes.

Copenhagen has loads of fun things to do for families and is just a two-hour flight away. It’s also home to not one, but two amusement parks. Bakken, with its 82 year old wooden rollercoaster, is just ten minutes’ drive north of the city and is the world’s oldest amusement park, dating back to 1583. Tivoli Gardens consists of 15 acres packed with pagodas, roller coasters, and fairground rides, including the world’s tallest carousel. You could also check out Efteling: World of Wonders in Holland (www.efteling.com/en). It’s about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam and has a fun, fantasy, storybook setting and a variety of novel accommodation options. You can immerse yourself in the enchanted forest, where there are carousels and fun rides for the younger children, while thrill seekers can battle dragons on the rollercoasters.

Don’t forget to let us know your favourite short break destinations on our Facebook page or on Instagram.

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What’s on

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

National Storytelling Week

Daily from Wednesday 8th January to 20 April

Great Northern Warehouse, Peter Street, Manchester, M2 4EJ The Art of Brick Daily from 10am. is a global touring exhibition rated by CNN as one of the world’s “Must See Exhibitions.”

These are the first art exhibitions to focus exclusively on the use of LEGO® bricks as an art medium and artist Nathan Sawaya has taken it to new heights. Tickets from £14.50 Under 3’s free.

Thursday 9th Jan, every Monday and Thursday to March

National Storytelling Week takes place from 1 to 8 February and is a chance to reflect on one of the oldest art forms in the world. We are all immersed in stories — from conversations during which we re-tell events in our lives, to watching our favourite television shows.

Speech and language therapists believe that storytelling is vital for children’s

academic success as it promotes narrative skills and strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer a child needs firstly to be a good speaker and listener.

Above all though, storytelling is fun. Whether we are listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, inventing and adapting narratives can open doors to

exciting new worlds — both real and imaginary.

National Storytelling Week takes place in storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, schools, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes.

From Saturday 11th January

Monday 13th January

Saturday 18th January – 15th February

Media City, Salford You can have a go at being a CBBC presenter or find out how it feels to present the news and weather. And as well as all the interactivity you’ll discover what goes on behind the scenes. Booking required. www.audiencetours.co.uk/ bookings/day/?eventconfig=28

Dunham Massey, Altrincham The Park Keeper-The Secret Path 10.30-5.30. Join Percy and his animal friends to navigate puzzling pathways through the garden. Will you find the clues to stay on the right track? Booking not needed. Free event (admission applies). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey/whats-on

Clarence Park, Bury, BL9 6LL Wheels for All 11am-2pm. Wheels for All is a nationally recognised programme that provides children and young people with additional needs the opportunity to engage in a quality cycling activity. By using specially adapted cycles, the activities are both physically and mentally stimulating and above all FUN for everyone involved. Cost £3 per person no booking required.

Lowry Theatre, Salford Saturday Playhouse 11am-12.30pm. Saturday Playhouse is a free and weekly art activity for children and their families in our dedicated Lookout space. Each week we look out for what we can see both inside and outside, taking inspiration from our theatres, galleries and surrounding landscape at Salford Quays and MediaCityUK. It’s in the Carole Nash Lookout every Saturday and it’s free. www.thelowry.com/whats-on

Friday 10th January everyday

Sunday 12th January – 9th February

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Monday 13th January – 29th February

Saturday 11th January – 29th February

Saturday 11th January – 29th February

Trafford Centre The Upside Down House Open Monday - Friday 10am -8pm, Saturday 10am - 9pm and Sunday 12pm - 6pm. The Upside Down House is here and it’s sure to make a big impression on your arrival to the centre! Out at the front of our Great Hall, soon you’ll find a house lying on its roof. Walk inside and you’ll see that all isn’t as it seems... everything is upside down! The Upside Down House is a fantastic optical illusion attraction and a perfect selfie opportunity for all the family

Chetham Farm Retreat, Turton, Bolton The Baby Buddies session 12.30-2pm. The Baby Buddies session allows you to relax with your baby in gorgeous surroundings. The session includes baby massage, songs and multi-sensory play. Booking required

Chester Zoo Junior Ranger Camp Sundays 10.30-12 noon or 2pm-3.30pm.

Junior Ranger Camp every Sunday.

We need Junior Members aged 8-11 to join us for five very special Sunday training camps in 2020. Are you aged between 8 & 11? Do you love wildlife?

Are you a member of the zoo? If so, Junior Rangers will be perfect for you!

The training camps run every Sunday for FIVE weeks. You can choose from Sunday morning sessions or Sunday afternoon sessions. Each week we will explore different parts of the zoo and learn about our animals and conservation work. We have lots of fun activities planned! www.chesterzoo.org/events/ junior-ranger-camp-2020/

To find a local event or to look through its extensive archive, visit www.sfs.org.uk

Waterside Arts, Sale Comedy Sportz 4 Tots.

3pm. A show aimed at kids aged six and under from the team behind ComedySportz. Each show promises plenty of BIG laughs for little kids and a great opportunity to let their imaginations run wild. There will be plenty of silly songs, stories and games and lots of opportunities for kids and parents to get involved, give suggestions and take part in the action. Runs for 45 mins. Suitable for ages 6 and under. www.watersidearts.org/whatson/2714-comedysportz-4-tots-8/

Friday 24th January & Saturday 25th January Jodrell Bank, Cheshire Daily Telescope Walking Tours 2.15pm weekdays. 1145Am and 2.15pm weekends. Daily Telescope Walking Tours Join our friendly Explainers as they take you for a stroll around the base of the impressive Lovell Telescope. You’ll find out more about how the Grade 1 listed Telescope works, explore its fascinating history and discover some of its ground-breaking research. Walking Tours last around 45 minutes, will take place indoors if wet, are available on a drop-in basis and are free with general admission.

Talks are aimed at adults and children aged 10+. www.jodrellbank.net

Thursday 16th January – Sunday 19th January

Event City, Trafford Caravan & Motorhome Show.

All day. As well as finding the perfect vehicle, the Caravan & Motorhome Show is a great day out! Whether you’re an experienced caravanner or new and keen, don’t miss our exciting, free outdoor features where you can get behind the wheel of a motorhome or hitch up a caravan to a tow car and take a test drive with expert advice and tuition. We even have fun for the little ones. Don’t miss My First Towing Experience where children aged 3-10 can get behind the wheel of a tow car and take a caravan for a spin around our track! www.caravanshows.com

Z Arts, Hulme Sleeping Beauty 7pm Friday. 2pm and 7pm Saturday. £12. Runs for 90 Minutes. This is no ordinary Pantomime! It is an original take on the classic fairytale ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and is full of twists and turns, with magical storytelling that will entertain all ages. It is a story of friendship, love and most importantly… adventure! www.z-arts.org/events/mmy-gradspresents-sleeping-beauty/

Saturday 25th January

Oldham Coliseum Sing Along The Greatest Showman.

2.30pm. Tickets £16, under 16’s £12.

Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zac Efron and hiss Rebecca Ferguson (…or maybe not) as you experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible - with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud and proud as you want. A live host will teach everyone a unique set of dance moves, show you how to use our interactive prop bags, and also get you to practice your cheers, your boos and even a few wolf whistles. www.coliseum.org.uk/ plays/sing-a-long-a-the-greatestshowman/

Saturday 25th January Gallery Oldham Go Wild!

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Explore the seasonal surprises that nature brings and have fun with a mix of science, nature and creativity. Free places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Book online at Eventbrite or call 0161 770 4742 for more details.

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What’s on Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th January

Central Manchester Chinese New Year celebrations Various times and locations. Chinese New Year celebrations including a parade through the City Centre. Free

Sunday 26th January

Stockport Plaza Wizard of Oz 3.00pm. Join us 80 years to the day of the original United Kingdom release to see this family classic on the giant silver screen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this feature film as it really should be seen. www.stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/ film-the-wizard-of-oz-cert-u/

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th February Z Arts. Hulme Tiger & Mog launch event 10am, 11.15am, 1pm, 2.15pm. £15. We’re celebrating the launch of our brand new 3D immersive Judith Kerr exhibition by having a Tea Party with a very special guest! Be the first families to experience the exciting new spaces to play in and explore.

Each visit starts with a visit to the exhibition with story time included, then join us for tasty tiger treats with our surprise VIP furry friend. After we’ve gobbled all the treats up, we’ll be making our own Tiger Masks and practising our biggest roars! www.z-arts.org/events/tiger-andmog-launch-event/

Monday 10th FebruaryJune 2020

Sunday 2nd February

Lowry, Salford Kaleidoscope 11am, 1pm, 3pm. Inspired by research into how a baby’s sense of sight develops and how they instinctively begin to categorise colour, watch as a multi-coloured Kaleidoscope is brought to life for you and your baby. Venue: The Studio Suitable for babies aged 6 – 18 months and their grown-ups. www.thelowry.com/whats-on

Saturday 8th February

Gallery Oldham Illuminate Festival 10am-4pm. Illuminate Festival takes place on 20th February but join us for free family making workshops on Saturday 8th 10am – 4 pm. Free no need to book, just drop-in. To find out more call 0161 770 3070. www.galleryoldham.org.uk/event/ illuminate-festival-2/

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Thursday 20th February

Monday 17th – Wed 19th February

Friday 21st February

Tandle Hill Country Park, Tandle Hill Road, OL2 5UX Eco Ed Forest School 9am-3pm Join Eco Ed Forest School for some half term adventures and to learn new skills in the great outdoors. Suitable for children aged 4-14 years.

Gallery Oldham Free family activities 1pm-4pm. Gallery Oldham is full of fun events for families, with activities most suitable for children aged 4 – 10 years. Free family activities take place in and around all school holidays. Sessions are linked to our exhibitions so please take a look around the galleries before you come along. Free but £2 charge for face painting. For more information please get in touch 0161 770 4742 or email gallery.oldham@oldham.gov.uk

Tuesday 18th – Sunday 23rd February

Saturday 1st February

Gallery Oldham Creative Family Fun 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Creative Family Fun. Gallery Oldham is full of fun, creative and exciting activities, events and workshops for children & families of all ages. From our early years sessions to our small cinema viewings there’s always something to bring your little ones to. We have activities in our gallery spaces and landings which are linked to our exhibitions. We also guarantee to have at least one family friendly exhibition at all times. www.galleryoldham.org.uk/event/ super-saturday-family-friendlyactivity/2020-02-01/

Monday 17th – Wed 19th February

Number One Riverside, Smith St, Rochdale Dinosaur Dippy the Diplodocus is coming to town!

Open from 9am. The dinosaur Dippy the Diplodocus is coming to town!

Find out how life on planet Earth has changed since dinosaurs roamed and discover more about the creatures that lived. Free

Wednesday 12th February

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester Story & Play 11am-12 noon. We’re Going On a Bear Hunt. Join us in the Servants Hall for self-led stories and play for under-fives. Enjoy reading a story, playing with toys and creating some colourful story-related art or craft. February’s story is Michael Rosen’s classic favourite We’re Going On A Bear Hunt. Follow the family as they brave mud, water, snow-storms and dark caves in their search for a bear! Usual admission applies. No need to book – just turn up.

Saturday 15th February Gallery Oldham Illuminate Festival 10am-4pm. Illuminate Festival takes place on 20th February but join us for free family making workshops on Saturday 15th 10am – 4 pm. Free no need to book, just drop-in. To find out more call 0161 770 3070. www.galleryoldham.org.uk/event/ illuminate-festival-2/

Monday 17th February

Stockport Plaza The Jungle Book 1pm and 5pm. With a laugh a minute script with songs and dance for all ages – you’d be bear mad to miss it!

Featuring brand new sparkling sets and glittering costumes you really will have an awfully roarsome time! www.stockportplaza.co.uk/ whats-on/the-jungle-book/

Gallery Oldham Illuminate Festival 10am-4pm. Take part in Illuminate and join us for a free family making workshop on Thursday 20 February, 10am – 4 pm. Free no need to book, just drop-in. To find out more call 0161 770 3070. www.galleryoldham.org.uk/event/ illuminate-festival-2/ Gallery Oldham Illuminate Festival 6pm-9pm. See Oldham in a new light as the town’s late-night arts festival returns for the third year.

Gallery Oldham will open late and come alive with a range of illuminating events, creative installations and live performances.

Friday 21st February

East Lancashire Railway Drive a Steam Train!

8.30am start. Become part of the crew! This full day experience will see childhood dreams realised as participants get behind the controls of the engine with time to drive, fire and guard a heritage steam train! £449.00 per person. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/ events-activities/2020/2/ drive-a-steam-train-experience. aspx

Saturday 22nd February

Lowry, Salford Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday Tues 4pm then 11am and 2pm each day. The enchanting world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life in a brand-new stage show, featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show. Join Sarah and Duck and a host of your favourite friends including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, as they plan a birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden.

Told through a fantastic blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday will take you and your children on a magical adventure. wwwthelowry.com/whats-on

Thursday 20th February

Bramhall Hall Beasts of Bramhall 11am-12 noon. Listen to stories as we look for the beasts and the friendly red dragon of Bramall Hall. Suitable for ages 3 to 6 years.

Cost £3.50 per child. Free for accompanying adults. Maximum of 2 adults per child. www.www.stockport.gov.uk/events/ thursday-the-beasts-ofbramall?date=2020-02-20

Macron Stadium, Bolton Bolton Comic Con 10am. NWCC EVENTS are back in Bolton with Bolton comic con. Fun and friendly for all ages and great value family passes available on www.funkyfigures.co.uk

Sunday 23rd February

Parr Hall, Warrington Sooty Show 2.30pm. Direct from their hit ITV series, Sooty, Sweep and Soo and TV’s Richard Cadell will amaze you with impossible tricks and sidesplitting jokes! Be astounded at Sooty’s flying car, Soo’s singing unicorn and Sweep’s levitating sausage! A spectacular treat for the whole family – including a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show! Tickets from £12.50 www. parrhall.culturewarrington.org/ whats-on/the-sooty-show/

Friday 28th February

East Lancashire Railway Drive a Steam Train!

8.30am start. Become part of the crew! This full day experience will see childhood dreams realised as participants get behind the controls of the engine with time to drive, fire and guard a heritage steam train! £449.00 per person. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/ events-activities/2020/2/ drive-a-steam-train-experience.aspx

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