Families Cheshire Issue 53 May-June 2018

Cheshire

In this issue: Top party ideas for 2018!

Does gender really matter?

Alderley Park, Macclesfield Sunday 23rd June 2018 5k of frothy fun for all the family

Issue 53 May/Jun 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

News Calling all bookworms!

The National Trust Children’s Book Festival is back and coming to Quarry Bank near Wilmslow, Cheshire. You can meet your favourite authors and illustrators and join in with workshops, model making, interactive storytelling and much more.

During the festival you can meet Lydia Monks, illustrator of ‘What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday’, become a pirate with Jonny Duddle, creator of ‘The Pirates of Scurvy Sands’, enjoy the

world premiere of Alex T. Smith’s ‘Claude’ on TV, and meet lots of other best-loved authors and characters.

In the gardens, you can unleash your imagination and have a go at story-themed activities, games and crafts.

Or follow the ‘Journeys of the Imagination’ family trail to discover all about six incredible journeys to and from Quarry Bank and travel far and wide from India to the Gulf of Mexico.

To book your tickets visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank. Author workshops must be booked in advance, and Quarry Bank admission prices apply for additional activities, but not for author workshops.

Protect kids from #FOMO with #JOMO

Parents are urged protect their children from the negative health effects of social media by helping them discover the ‘Joys of Missing Out’ #JOMO. According to Dr Georgia Henderson, a clinical psychologist working with young people at the Priory Hospital in London, social media is endlessly demanding, leading to toxic feelings of inadequacy amongst young people. #JOMO is the opposite of #FOMO, where young people constantly check their smartphones because of the ‘Fear of Missing Next issue: July/Aug 2018 Circulation: 30,000 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 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk Editors: Jayne Keep & Caryl Hall Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk 2 Families Cheshire

Out’ on conversations or social events.The ‘what and why’ of#JOMO: • “When we turn off – we have to reconnect to the real world.”

• People are at their most intelligent, productive and calm when they can slow their thoughts down and use mindfulness.

• There is increasing pressure on young people to be more mature than they are ready for in relationships as a result of social media, so why not pause and step away?

• Parents modelling good boundaries around their own ability to shut off technology is the best way to show that being with your kids is enough.

• Self-esteem. Young people who spend a lot of time on social media are more likely to rely on external approval and physical attractiveness, rather than their internal attributes and worth.

Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover Photography: East Cheshire Hospice Design: WITH Creative, Congleton. www.withcreative.co.uk Print: Warwick Printers, Caswell Road Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 1QD Tel: 01926 883355 www.warwickprinting.co.uk

UA Holiday Club

UA Trampoline Park in Winsford will be running it’s Holiday Club again from Tues 29 – Thurs 31 May for children aged 5+.

Geronimo!

Geronimo Festival is returning to the stunning setting of Arley Hall and Gardens in Northwich from Friday 25 – Monday 28 May. This is a real go-to event; the chance to experience a festival vibe that’s family focussed with a huge variety of entertainment for children of all ages.

A session will typically include a group warm up, followed by smaller group activities such as trampoline moves, bouldering skills, a slam dunk master class, freestyle jump and cool down. All activities are in age appropriate groups and staff are DBS checked and First Aid trained as well as being qualified trampoline and climbing coaches.

Half day £16, Full day £32, with extras available such as lunch, early/late drop off/pick-up and a tuck shop. 01606 212690 / www.uacheshire.co.uk

There’s a jam-packed schedule of performances from the country’s best children’s entertainers, circuses, zip lines, a full-scale showground arena with activities including jousting tournaments and motorcycle stunt displays, a Victorian funfair and much much more!

Grab your tickets while you still can. There are options from day passes to camping and glamping so you can really enjoy the true festival experience! www.geronimofest.com

New app for parents offers extra help

A new web app has been launched aimed at giving parents and working people an ‘extra pair of hands’ when they need it.

Kandoo Network is a mobile web app that brings parents and working people who need jobs done together with young people Families Cheshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB 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 Families Cheshire. Every care is taken in

who have the time to help and need some extra money.

From waiting for a delivery or walking the dog to helping to set up a children’s party, a parent’s “to do” list for the family is endless.

Kandoo may offer the solution by connecting parents with an extra pair of hands via reliable teenagers and students who have received recommendations from jobs done for existing subscribers.

A FREE 60 DAY TRIAL IS AVAILABLE WITH PROMO CODE KANDOOTRIAL08 More information visit www.kandoonetwork.co.uk the preparation of this magazine, but but Families Cheshire, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. @FamiliesChesMag facebook.com/FamiliesCheshire

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News Live in the Park is back!

Arley Hall is the stunning backdrop for this live music concert on 14 July in aid of the Neuromuscular Centre.

Relax with your picnic before enjoying tributes to some of the greatest acts of all time. Back by popular demand is warm-up act the John Colins Band (JCB),

followed by Le Chic, a collective of some of the UK’s finest musicians and vocalists who guarantee an incredible night of funk, soul and disco hits. Pete Valentine has spent over a decade perfecting his George Michael Tribute Show, and with his fantastic repertoire we have faith he’ll keep the audience mesmerised! This year’s headline act is Malcolm Pitt as Lionel Richie; Europe’s leading Lionel Richie Tribute act. Malcolm captures that distinctive vocal sound and will perform some of Lionel’s greatest hits, guaranteeing you’ll be dancing all night long Tickets can be booked via www. nmcentre.com or 01606 861733.

Macclesfield Family Fun Day & Dog Show

Head over to Macclesfield Town Football Club on Sunday 13 May (11am – 4pm) for a fabulous family day out and help raise

funds for local charities.

With a funfair, bouncy castles, pony rides, petting area, trade stalls, refreshments, loads of activities as well as the Pet Idol finals and crowning of the winner, it promises to be a great day out. Adults entry £2.50, under 16s go free. www.maccfamilyfunday.co.uk

Five star holidays close to home

Ribby Hall Village is a Visit England 5-star rated holiday park in beautiful Lancashire and the ideal choice for a short break or holiday at any time of the year.

Just 15 minutes from Blackpool and perfectly positioned to explore the Lake District and the charming Ribble Valley, the park offers a choice of pine lodges, holiday cottages and larger luxury properties with tons of both indoor and outdoor activities.

Dog friendly cottages are also available, so you really can take the whole family!

There’s a family leisure pool with watershoots, slides and hot tubs as well as an adult-only luxury swimming pool with spa pool, sauna, steam rooms and

poolside loungers if you need a little “me time”.

Add to this the adventure playground, indoor soft play, gym, fitness studios, golf course, fishing, archery, climbing wall, Segway hire, boating lake, Woodland Trail, cycle hire, interactive animal experience, full entertainment programme, onsite supermarket, laundrette, restaurants, coffee shops and hair salon, and you’ll not want to consider going anywhere else! And you’ll probably not want to leave once you get there! www.ribbyhall.co.uk

Wild Summer Cholmondeley Castle 2018 Starts Here Cheshire Held in safari-style woodland camps, our back-to-nature residential camps are packed full of exciting bushcraft activities all through the summer holidays.

3-Day camps available at Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire for children aged 6-15

Book online at

www.campwilderness.co.uk 03332 004469 Hello@campwilderness.co.uk

Brought to you by The Bushcraft Company – the experts in real outdoor adventures.

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Families Cheshire 3

Education STEM: Helping children with the fundamentals of education

By Christopher Cederskog

It’s not easy being a parent. You want to do the best for your children, but sometimes it’s hard to work out what the best actually is. Education is one of those areas where advice is constantly changing.

If you’re interested in helping your kids with the fundamentals of education there’s an acronym which you should become aware of: STEM. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and it’s fast becoming the core of the British and global education system. There’s hardly a career which doesn’t involve some element of STEM, from farming to neurosurgery, and it also plays

a part in a many everyday activities.

This is why it’s important our children can understand its key tenets.

As a parent, then, what can you do to help form the STEM of your child’s tree of knowledge?

I have always believed that learning should be fun and the popular perception is that the subjects of STEM are anything but. However, science, engineering and technology are particularly well-suited to play and mathematics can be applied to virtually any day-to-day situation. It’s just a matter of identifying the right opportunities.

The next time you’re baking pastry together, let your child measure out the ingredients and ask them questions: what does ‘half fat to flour’ mean? Let them work out, according to that rule, how much flour is needed if you’re using 100 grams of fat. Get them to count out how many pastry cases were made from that ratio, then work out how much more pastry it would take to double the number

of cases, or how many pies each family member will get based on the current number. Talk about the ingredients, what they are and where they’ve come from.

The next time your child falls, take the chance to talk to them about gravity and discuss why they fell downwards rather than upwards! If they’ve grazed their knees, once the tears have stopped, chat a bit about biology – why is blood red, why do scabs form, how do cuts heal? If you don’t know the answers yourself, call on Doctor Google – he’s always there to help.

When you’re out with your children, encourage scientific observations: when walking to the park, talk about why the leaves are green or why they fall in autumn. See if your children can spot any mini-beasts and set them the challenge of learning about them when they get home. And when at home, help bring out your child’s inner-engineer by encouraging them to put those endless MegaBlocks and LEGO bricks to work.

Every activity can be a learning opportunity without a child needing to identify it as such. Your job as a parent is to try to find ways to

make the learning opportunity fun.

While I’m not saying that all education should be done by stealth, I am an advocate of learning through play. The lessons I most strongly remember from my childhood are those that were learned while I was having fun: the Van de Graaff generator sparking as much imagination as electricity; the recreation of the witches’ scene in Macbeth making Shakespeare seem relevant and interesting; the days in the garden, learning where food actually comes from and that there is a point to worms.

Children were born to learn and their brains are busy absorbing information from the second they leave the womb. If you can make your lessons fun, informal and an integral part of everyday life, then your little ones will learn by osmosis and you can sit back in the happy glow of a good job, well done.

Christopher Cederskog is MD of Wonder Workshop which teaches children coding through robotics and enables them to master critical thinking, problem solving, cause and effect, communication, and collaboration. For more information, visit www.makewonder.com

STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOUNDED IN 1487

An independent school for girls and boys from 3-18 years Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested)

Junior School and Pre-Reception Open Morning Saturday 12th May, 10am - 12pm Come and spend a day in the Senior School - Year 5 Taster Days 17th May, 24th May and 12th June To book call 0161 419 2408 Senior and Junior School day tours available Extensive school bus routes including Sale & Hale

Inspiring your child Tel: 0161 456 9000 4 Families Cheshire

www.stockportgrammar.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Education New times table test for Year 4 pupils The government has announced plans to have all Year 4 pupils sit a compulsory times table test.

The test will be tried out in a sample of schools with it being made available on a voluntary basis to all schools across England from June 2019. It will become mandatory in June 2020.

The test has been described by the Government as a 5 minute “on-screen check” which is designed to help ensure children know the multiplication tables up to 12 off by heart and has been designed to avoid causing additional stress for children and teachers.

The Government has also said results from the check will not be published at school-level, and will not be used by Ofsted and others to force changes in schools.

Some teachers’ unions have expressed strong concerns about the introduction of another test being an unnecessary additional burden on schools.

King’s awarded Silver Quality Mark

The King’s School has become the first independent school in the UK to be awarded The Learning Organisation’s Silver Mark for its commitment to high quality teaching and learning and, specifically, the development of pupil learning habits.

Only five schools have achieved the Silver Award since The Learning Organisation launched the new award and now King’s is planning to become one of the first schools nationwide to achieve the highest level of Gold.

Independent education for 3 to 18 year olds

g in E m S or C rf t G vel pe l a e p o L To cho & A s

The King’s School in Macclesfield

Affiliated to the University of Winchester, TLO provides a rigorous inspection service with objective reporting on classroom culture.

Richard Griffiths, King’s Deputy Head, said: “TLO assess how well our teachers develop independent learning habits and behaviours and how they enable pupils to take ownership of their learning.

Teachers were assessed on their use of innovative, interesting and exciting methods designed to engage, enthuse and fire the imaginations of inquiring young

minds. We are an ambitious school, which is why we signed up for this extremely rigorous process in which our lessons are observed, planning notes assessed, teachers and pupils are interviewed and the quality of our documentation analysed, in order to assess the learning culture of the school.”

The TLO were fulsome in their praise of King’s, stating: “In many schools the development of independent learners is a well-intentioned yet largely unfulfilled pipe dream. Not so at King’s – initiatives are carefully designed to give learners increasing opportunities to exercise personal initiative and to undertake independent study. Learners talk enthusiastically about these opportunities and the planned development of independent learning sets King’s apart from almost all other schools. High challenge and a can-do approach are consistent features in classrooms.”

Bursaries & Scholarships available

Get a real flavour of life at King’s

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www.kingsmac.co.uk Families Cheshire 5

Parties Header Be on trend with your child’s party in 2018!

By Claire Winter

with the mythical creature.” A kitsch, rainbow unicorn party sounds like just the ticket!

Children’s parties are always a hot topic of conversation in most households across the country. Who to invite? What theme?

Which location? We’ve talked to party specialists and planners to find out the top party ideas for 2018, so you don’t have to.

Unusual themes Think of a party with a twist.

Top party organiser Fable & Moon (www.fableandmoon. com) says “Children’s parties are becoming even more sophisticated in 2018! Unicorns and Mermaids are still going strong but expect a fresh twist on the theme. Also expect to see wedding trends making their way into children’s parties, particularly celestial (moons and stars) and all things holographic. Think oversized disco balls and lots and lots of sparkle!”

6 Families Cheshire

Chocolate parties Most kids love chocolate; it’s messy, fun and creative. What’s not to love? Hire a chocolatier to come to your house and teach your children to make some fantastic chocs. Alternatively hire some moulds and melt dark, milk and white chocolate so they can make their own. The chocolate is hot so this option is probably not suitable for very small children. Oliver’s Chocolate Parties in Stockport (www.oliverschocolateparties.co.uk) offers a range of packages from a classic party, to build-a-bar, chocolate pizza making and truffle making.

Unicorns are still cool Kids are still going unicorn crazy.

Harriet Jones, founder of online boutique store Rockahula Kids (www.rockahulakids.com) says “2018 has to be the year that the unicorn trend and theme takes centre stage at children’s birthday parties. Over the last few months, we have seen an incredible increase in demand for unicornthemed accessories for party favours, whether it be hair clips, charms, necklaces or hairbands.

Coupled with unicorns, we have noticed more interest in our rainbow themed accessories for party bags such as clips, rings, and bracelets which go hand-in-hand

Glamping Belltent and glamping parties are going to be really popular especially during the summer months. Set up tents with themes like cowboys, intergalactic, or botanical. You can hire companies to put them up in the garden and if you haven’t got a garden – set up the tents in the house.

Older children can have a sleepover whilst the youngsters can go home. Andrew Pearce, co-owner of thebelltentexperience.com says “we have seen a huge increase in bookings for children’s parties. Bell tents are fun and versatile. You can set them up indoors, or outside and kids love them. Sleeping in a tent is magical whatever age you are!” Local suppliers include www.littlebelltentevents.co.uk, www.party-perfect.org.uk and www.littleboutiquebelltents.com.

Get me out of here Escape rooms are a great choice for older children. You get locked in a room and have to work out how to get out. It’s a great team-building experience and no mess in your house! Many escape rooms have themes – you could even get guests to dress up to match it! Generally aimed at older children, you need to check what the age range is and whether you need adult supervision. Most will accept families of all ages. Local escape rooms include Escape Quest in Macclesfield (www.escapequest.co.uk), Breakout in Chester and Manchester (www.breakoutchester.com / www.breakoutmanchester.com), Clue HQ in Warrington (www. cluehq.co.uk/warrington), The Escape Room in Manchester (www.theescaperoom.co.uk), Code to Exit Escape Room in Altrincham (www.codetoexit.com) and Extremescape Escape Rooms in High Peak (www.extremescape.co.uk)

familiesonline.co.uk

Parties Jabberjacks Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Knutsford

Top tips for a budget party Timing If you hold a party between 3pm and 5pm, you can provide party snacks or treats instead of a meal. Try fruit kebabs that you dip in melted chocolate for a fun treat. Hiring a chocolate fountain could also be a fun way to end the party. Just warn the parents not to dress their kids in their best party clothes!

Older children would probably prefer a pizza delivery.

Try E-invites Create your own digital invitations to email to guests. You can also use the free option at www.paperlesspost.com and pay a small amount using various other websites, like www.mini-epic.com. Founder of the business Jonathan says “Our digital invitations can be created and sent in just a few minutes, with no paper or postage involved, which not only saves you time and money but also saves some trees! But what’s proving really popular is the ability to download your Mini-Epic invitation to share via WhatsApp.”

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Look for bargains Your pound shop can be a treasure trove of party napkins and decorations. Buy plain paper bags and get the children to personalise them. You could also make cupcakes and get the kids to decorate them.

Party favours and entertainment all at the same time!

Themed Parties Choose a theme like pirates, Alice in Wonderland or teddies for the younger kids and base all the games make all the games centred on your chosen theme. Decorations can be homemade – get the whole family involved. Pinterest is a great place to get inspiration.

Share Split the cost by sharing the party with a classmate whose birthday is at a similar time.

Just make sure you agree who is doing what!

Don’t forget to say thanks.

Take a group photo of all the kids at the party and print it off at Boots or use an online site. Get your kids to write a thank you note on the back with a Sharpie or gold pen.

A great momento and thank you all at once!

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

They can deliver 1 or 2 hour parties at local venues, homes and in the garden.PLAYMATES Parties are for 2 to 4 year olds and include puppets, bubbles, games and activities, all hidden in a treasure box. Parties include invitations, a balloon for all guests and a present for the birthday child.JUNIORS Parties are for 5 to 7 year olds and are energetic with exciting games, crazy dancing and much, much more.

Invitations are included and all children get to choose their own party bags and prizes from our great prize bucket.Don’t forget Jabberjacks also deliver toddler activity classes; visit their website to find out more and check for your nearest class.

For more information call 07738 199807, email emily@ jabberjacks.couk or visit www.jabberjacks.co.uk/wilmslow

Families Cheshire 7

Parties Flipping brilliant parties

Looking for a party to appeal to a wide range of ages? Flip Out Chester offer fab parties to suit everyone – from tots to teens.

The Families team are big Flip Out fans. When we went along to check out what they have to offer we found this trampoline theme park to have sections to match all abilities/ ages. For the under 5’s there’s soft play to enjoy alongside the trampolines. For bigger and

braver children (and adults!), there’s a multitude of challenges to enjoy; Total Wipeout, obstacle courses, climbing walls, dodgeball, slides – definitely much more than just a trampoline park!

Parties at Flip Out Chester include a one hour session out on the floor bouncing, climbing, climbing, sliding and more, followed by half an hour of food and fun in their funky party rooms with a dedicated party host. Food and party bags are included so this is a real easy solution for parents – just invite the kids and fetch the cake!

The brilliant team at Flipout will take care of the rest.

For more information call 01244 956777 or visit www.flipout.co.uk/locations/ chester

Perfect parties over here!

Create memories and special moments with Brio Leisure’s fabulous party options; smiles are guaranteed with their many different packages appealing to all the kids!

Perfect your skills with a sports

party – basketball, netball and of course football – or do you fancy skating your way to laughter and dancing to the tunes with a bit of roller disco?

You can have the pool to yourself with one of their pool parties, or bounce to the beat of the fun with some bouncy castle madness! If you can’t choose which you prefer, they’ve got you covered with their combo parties where you can mix ’n’ match!

Get in touch to find out more about what packages are on offer! www.brioleisure.org/party

Do your kids a favour!

By Tracy Angus

Party Bags! The cost of your average party bag in 2018 is effectively one week’s pocket money - pocket money that you are shelling out to each one of your child’s friends.

You owe it to yourself to make all of those pennies count, so ask yourself this: if your child could spend their pocket money precisely how they choose, how would they spend their precious pennies?

The answer would probably surprise you...

In the early days nursing my fledgling business from the first buds of an idea, I took my range of products to the road and stood beside table-tops at events up and down the land, hawking my products to dewy-eyed eager young children, all of them clutching a precious pound to spend.

And let me tell you, even the youngest of them are surprisingly discerning, knowing the value of what they are gripping in their fingers; and all of them with a steely

determination to buy the one thing that is truly worth relinquishing that shiny golden coin.

Imagine my dismay to see them turning away from my carefully chosen ‘budget’ items.

The truth is, these value items that as adults we are drawn to, because they keep our costs down, are just not what our children genuinely want.

There is a growing trend in 2018 for the one gift party favour and it’s one that we at Party Bag Kids, have happily and heartily embraced.

Sometimes less really is more.

So why not wrap rattle magnets, construction kits, glitter tattoos, yo-yos, skipping ropes, cookery sets or pamper packages in tissue paper with a little curling ribbon and, for a finishing flourish, add a personalised party thank you seal.

Before you know it, you have a great set of party favours that your child cannot wait to hand out at the end of their special day.

Tracy Angus owns Party Bag Kids, an online resource for all your party needs. Head to www.partybagkids.co.uk for more information.

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Parties Amazing and unique themed birthday parties with Adventure Challenge parties…….

Finding a themed birthday party that keeps your child and their friends engaged and entertained for 2 hours is no mean feat!

With an Adventure Challenge party, children are taken on a themed adventure which incorporates storytelling, puppetry, music and dancing, games and skills challenges all played out by the performer party host within the appropriate theme. So whether it’s Dinosaurs, Wizards, Fairy Tale Legends, Space and Astronauts, or Circus Skills there is something to suit all interests!

The most popular theme currently is the Dino Disco Adventure Challenge where the party host (Ron the intrepid explorer) introduces the children to the last of the Disco Dancing dinosaur species; Gregg, who they then learn to ‘walk the dinosaur with’ beat him at the penalty shoot, play Dino trumps and other Dino games and puzzles, finishing up with a Dino dance off!

All the parties have been developed by experienced children’s theatre and entertainment professionals and combine high quality performance with interactive challenges and so work well for active and imaginative kids.

These themed parties are the ideal option for parents looking for a creative and unique entertainment offering.

For more information look at www.wonderadventures.co.uk or call 01925 756700.

CHOOSE FROM: SPORTS, BOUNCY CASTLE, ROLLER DISCO, SWIMMING OR A COMBO! Brio Leisure can provide great value packages and a variety of options to keep everyone entertained for hours at the party.

Contact us to create your perfect party package!

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05/04/2018 16:35 Families Cheshire 9

Parents’ place How much does gender matter?

By Dr Lucy Maddox

We are expert at training our children to be boys and girls. In fact, we’d have to work hard to get better at this!

From the moment a baby is conceived, its sex is determined and it will be exposed to an entirely different menu of hormonal influences, both in utero and beyond. It’s the balance of different hormones - androgens (male hormones) and oestrogens and progesterones (female hormones) - which result in the differentiation of physical characteristics and genitalia between boys and girls.

Some people also use these sex differences to explain differences in behaviour. However, research suggests that the impact of sex differences on behaviour is massively exaggerated. Whilst it is tempting to attribute differences in

behaviour between girls and boys to their biology, there is no good evidence to back this up. Christia Spears Brown, Professor at the University of Kentucky, studies sex differences. She says “Of course, behavioural differences do exist.

Boys, as infants, are a little more active and a little more impulsive than girls and throw a ball with greater velocity and power. In childhood, boys have better body image than girls, and more confidence in their maths ability (although they don’t differ in actual maths ability). However, these differences may well be due to socialisation - to boys being encouraged to practise ballthrowing more and to girls picking up a message that “girls aren’t good at maths.”

If there aren’t major behavioural differences between boys and girls, then why do we think there are?

We all have a natural tendency to see things that back up our existing beliefs: a confirmation bias. This makes it easy for us to see differences as related to biological sex, when they might just be individual differences in personality.

Importantly, society tends to train children from a very early age to behave in different ways depending on their biological sex. From birth, children are surrounded by messages from

advertising, film and television and clothes and toys. There may well be differences in the way boys and girls behave, but they are often very likely to be influenced by what they have experienced as they grow.

Recognition of biological sex happens early. Even by the age of 1 year, children begin to have the ability to distinguish between male and female faces if there are gender-related cues. By age 3, girls and boys have a sense of their own gender identity.

Between 3 and 6 years old, children develop the idea of gender constancy - the idea that someone’s biological sex doesn’t change and that you can’t be both a girl and a boy.

Stereotypes about gender also form early: ideas about expected clothes, play and behaviour are already around before children reach age 6 years. One study showed boys tending to prefer assertive character traits and girls tending to value affiliative traits which enhance the ability to get on with others. The effects of these roots, laid down so very early on, probably in the messages boys and girls have been given, arguably manifest in typical adult male and female styles of interaction at work and in relationships.

What can we do to help free children from gender constraints?

Professor Spears Brown thinks that there are three main things: Make gender less relevant to everyday life, (e.g. no need to say “hello boys and girls” - just say “hello everyone”).

Correct children and other adults when they fall into the trap of gender stereotypes, (e.g. how often do we praise girls for looking nice and praise boys for being strong?)

Focus on buying children toys that foster the traits we want to encourage, rather than buying toys that are supposed to be for a particular sex.

It’s well worth thinking about our own ideas about gender, the scripts we have been given by our families and by society around us about what is “boy behaviour” and “girl behaviour.” If we can hold up our inherited beliefs to the light then there is some hope of us being able to challenge or champion them, to allow for curiosity about other cultures, families and ways of being. This might also create more space for our children to be able to do, say, feel and be what they are, whatever their biology.

For more on gender and other child development topics, Dr Lucy Maddox’s book “Blueprint: How Our Childhood Makes Us Who We Are” is available from Amazon at £14.99.

LMI – Model Camp, where every child is beautiful At LMI Model Camp children take part in a four day modelling experience.

Day one – studio photo shoot with a professional photographer. Day two – out on location. Outdoor photo shoot in a local beauty spot. Day 3 – Model Academy – the children work in groups focussing on building confidence, working that pose and catwalk training. Day 4 – Model Showcase – the chance for friends and family to see the results of the training and photography.

Camps are for children aged 3-12 years, both girls and boys.

No restrictions, all are welcome.

10 Families Cheshire

LMI encourages all children to see themselves as beautiful and being unique is celebrated. Children will make new friends, build confidence and experience what it is really like to be a little model.

One lucky child will walk away with a children’s boutique model contract. Owners of the boutique will attend day 4 of camp, scouting for who they would like to see model their coming collection.

Camps are running in Chester through May and June then further camps over the Summer. For more information call 01244 897244 or visit : www.littlemodelsinc.com/ lmi-events

familiesonline.co.uk

Parents’ place Make up masterclass Reviewed by Lucy Mears

Alex’s makeup masterclass was fantastic. I always thought I was quite good at applying my own make up but I was so wrong!

The day starts with a discussion about make up and Alex talks through the different application steps. It’s a very relaxed environment, so you feel comfortable and at ease. You bring along your own make up bag so she can advise you which items are suitable and any items which might need replacing (in my case my brushes

Mums Enterprise Roadshow Manchester born Lindsey Fish, Founder & CEO of Mums Enterprise Roadshow is bringing the highly successful, child-friendly Flexible Work & Business Show to Manchester for the very first time this June.

This event aims to improve the work and business lives of mums by helping them retrain, find more family friendly jobs, and start or grow a business. Inspired by Lindsey’s own experience of facing the conundrum of what to do about work after maternity leave, Mums Enterprise

– I was a little embarrassed as they had seen better days!) – and she also recommended various products to suit all budgets.

Alex then applies a full face of make up onto a model and gives lots of helpful tips re how to create the perfect flawless look. After lunch the fun really starts, remembering everything you learnt and applying the make up onto yourself! I felt so much more confident in applying my own make up and I am surprised what a difference little things make, such as putting concealer on your eyes before applying your eye shadow! I’d highly recommend this class ­– and there’s another one taking place on 9 June.

Full details about the day can be found at www.facebook.com/alexlouisemua or by calling 07901 636562.

Roadshow has welcomed over 4000 people to its events to date.

If you are currently wondering what to do with your skills and talents after starting a family, are in work but want to make a change, have a business idea or already run a business, then don’t miss out! Register free today to attend the Manchester event at EventCity on 20 June. Come and go as you please in this child/baby-friendly environment; participate in workshops, talk to exhibitors, receive 1 to 1 advice, and experience an inspirational story stage. What have you got to lose?

Register online www.mumsenterprise.events/manchester

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Families Cheshire 11

What’s on Frothy fun for East Cheshire Hospice

Bubble Rush is on its way back – the perfect day out for families who like getting splashed in foam.

The event, organised by East Cheshire Hospice as part of its 30th birthday celebrations, is in the grounds of Alderley Park on Saturday 23 June.

All ages are welcome at this colourful fun run through 5 ft bubble walls, ensuring that everyone works themselves into a lather.

Entries are now open via www.eastcheshirehospice.org. uk/bubblerush18 with a choice of joining the Pink wave at 10.30 am, or the Blue wave at 11 am.

More than 1,000 people took part last year, raising a vital £32,000 for the Hospice so it can continue to provide care for

patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families and carers.

The 5k course has four Bubble Stations pumping out foam, providing good clean fun with live entertainment and food and drink stalls adding to the party atmosphere.

Entry for under fours is free; £10 for ages 4-16 and £20 for adults.

Once the first 500 places have been taken, fees rise to £12.50 and £25 respectively.

Jo Boyd, Events Manager at the Hospice, said: “It’s a great day out and the kids love it. This is the fourth time it’s taken place and we’re hoping even more families take part this year since it marks the half way point in our special 30th birthday celebrations.

“The entry fee only covers the cost of the event, so we do ask that everyone tries to raise at least £30 in sponsorship. Every penny raised goes directly towards providing Hospice care and sponsorship really does make a huge difference in helping us to continue to provide care in the local community.”

FREE tennis with the Great British Tennis Weekend! across the nation will be opening their doors to host FREE tennis sessions for the whole family. So there’s sure to be one near you!

Whether you’re a complete beginner, dusting off your racket or practically a pro, there will be something to serve up a smile for all ages and abilities!

From Mini Tennis sessions to Cardio Tennis classes, there will be lots of fun activities for everyone to get stuck • Gates open 5pm • Picnic Concert • Fantastic Firework Finale at Arley Hall into – and with rackets and balls on hand at Early Bird Tickets: each event, it really Adult £19.50 couldn’t be made easier.

So kickstart your Children under 16 £14.50 summer and make the From 1st May: most of the great Adult Tickets £22.50 - Children £17.50 outdoors with your family Family tickets also available and friends by finding a Great British Tennis All proceeds to NeuroMuscular Centre Reg Charity 1023606 Weekend event near you!

Tickets: www.nmcentre.com • Call: 01606 861 733 www.LTA.org.uk/GBTW

Take advantage of endless amounts of family fun with the Great British Tennis Weekend!

From May to August, over a thousand parks, clubs and venues

Live in the 18all ParkA2rl0 ey H Saturday 14th July

or from: Arley Hall, Northwich Tel: 01565 777 353

12 Families Cheshire

Sat 3 May

Hurdsfield Primary School and Nursery, Macclesfield SK10 2LW Hurdsfest and Pop Up Circus 11.30am – 5pm / Adult £7, Child £6, under 3s free. A great family fun day.

Tickets from pta@hurdsfield. cheshire.sch.uk or at the Macclesfield tourist centre.

Fri 4 May

Macclesfield Town Centre Star Wars Day 10am – 4pm. Your favourite Star Wars characters will be having a wander around the Town Centre. The perfect chance for photo opportunities!

Sat 5 – Mon 7 May

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton May Day Celebrations 11am – 4pm / Normal admission applies Discover the smells, sights and sounds of May Day with springtime activities and Tudor Maypole dancing. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ little-moreton-hall Lyme Park, Disley Kites at the Cage 1 – 4pm / Normal admission applies Bring your own kite to show off your skills in this mass kite flying event. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme

Sat 12 May

Tatton Park, Knutsford PlayFest 2018 10am – 4pm A full day of activities raising money for the British Red Cross. Free for spectators (normal Park entry charges apply).01625 374400 / www.activecheshire.com/playfest Moor Nook Park, Sale Big Park Picnic 12 – 3pm Free crafts and activities, and fun with the Big Bubble Man. Food, drinks and craft beer for sale, tombola and bouncy castle. Bring your own picnic or buy one at the event. Fun for all ages. www.facebook.com/moornookpark

Sun 13 May

Reaseheath College, Nantwich Reaseheath Family Festival 10am – 5pm / All ages / Adult £5, Child £4 (under 3s free), Family (2+3) £15 A fantastic day out at the annual Family Festival which has been held at the college for almost 40 years! All of the campus will be open and you’ll find an exciting range of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. www.reaseheath.ac.uk/familyfestival Lion Salt Works, Northwich Salt Sunday: A Celebration of Salt 12.30 – 4pm / All ages / Suggested donation for activities £1.50.

A family-friendly mix of interactive art, salt-making, music, science experiments, talks and a community drama event. www.saltoftheearthnetwork.net.

Chester Zoo Hedgehog masterclass for families 1.30 – 2.30pm (ages 5 – 10) & 3 – 4pm (ages 11 – 16) / Free, booking essential All you ever wanted to learn about hedgehogs! 01244 389 828 / a.caris@chesterzoo.org / www.chesterzoo.org

Macclesfield Town Football Club Macclesfield Family Fun Day & Dog Show 11am – 4pm / Adults £2.50, under 16s free. Funfair, bouncy castles, pony rides, petting area, trade stalls, refreshments, loads of activities and the Pet Idol finals and crowning of the winner. www.maccfamilyfunday.co.uk

Sun 13 May & Sun 10 June JustWild, Bradford Lane, Alderley Edge SK10 4UB Family Wild Time 10.30am – 1pm / All ages / £8 child (£6 siblings), £1 adult, booking essential. Crafts, free play, hammocks, tool use, campfire cooking, mud kitchen and lots of other things to dip in and out of. 07540 927194 / a.m.shaw@hotmail.co.uk

Sat 19 May

Alderley Edge May Fair 2018 Village parade, arena events, live music, dog show, fancy dress, funfair, circus, artisan market stalls, freshly cooked food, licensed bar. Free entry. www.alderleyedgefair.com

Sat 19 & Sun 20 May Tatton Park Tatton Park Country Fair 10am – 5pm daily Loads of entertainment, animals, refreshments and activities.

Something for everyone. www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

Lion Salt Works, Northwich Live and Local 12noon till late / All ages / Free.

Family festival and fun day with outdoor stage, live music, children’s activities, stalls, licensed bar and hot food, and much more. A traditional village fête with a contemporary twist. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Sun 20 May Queens Park High School, Chester Baby & Children’s Market 10 – 11.30am / Adult £1, children free Lots of stalls bursting with top quality LIKE NEW and NEW baby & children’s items from birth to 8 years, plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby & children’s industry showcasing and selling their products & services. Great brands at up to 90% off the full retail price!

Plenty of free parking, refreshments available, cash sales only.

07868697494 / beverley@ babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk / www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Sun 20 May

The Grange Junior School, Hartford Northwich NCT Nearly New Sale 1 – 2.30pm / £1 entry. Over 10,000 nearly new, quality, items for sale at bargain prices. 12.30pm entry for NCT members. Credit/debit card as well cash payments accepted. www.facebook.com/ northwichnctnns

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

Tegg’s Nose Country Park Come and Try It Day 10am – 4pm / All ages / £18, booking essential. Try out Climbing, Abseiling (min age 8), Archery and Buschraft.

01625 573615 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 26 & Sun 27 May

Tegg’s Nose Country Park Fun Dog Show and Dog Behaviour Clinic with Vic Barlow, the Dogfather 10am – 2pm / £1 entry for all classes www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sun 27 May

Fri 25 – Mon 28 May

Arley Hall, Northwich Geronimo Festival 2018 The largest children’s festival in the UK with 100s of activities for children up to age 12. www.geronimofest.com

Sat 26 May

Norton Priory, Runcorn Butterflies and Moths – Wildlife Workshop for Kids 11am – 12.30pm / £5 per child, booking essential. Learn about moth traps and how to attract lepidoptera to your garden. 01928 569895 / www.nortonpriory.org Bents Garden and Home, Glazebury WA3 5NT Puppy Play Hour 10 – 11am. A session giving young puppies (up to 20 weeks) an opportunity to meet and play in a safe and supervised environment, enhancing the socialisation process at a very important time in their development. Limited to 8 puppies per class – booking essential on 01942 266300 /www.bents.co.uk

Sat 26 May – Sun 3 June Across Cheshire Amazed by Science Cheshire-wide festival focusing on science, technology, engineering and maths. Venues include Golden Square Shopping Centre (Warrington), Norton Priory (Runcorn), Catalyst (Widnes), The Port Arcades (Ellesmere Port), Cheshire Oaks (Ellesmere Port), Chester Zoo, Chester Town Hall Square, Anderton Boat Lift (Northwich), Lion Salt Works (Northwich), Crewe Lifestyle Centre, Tatton Park (Knutsford) and Jodrell Bank. www.amazedbyscience.co.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford Sheep Shearing at the Farm 1.30pm / Normal entry charges apply Watch the sheep being sheared ready for the start of summer. www.tattonpark.org.uk

What’s on A new stage verson by BRYONY LAVERY Based on the children’s stories by ARthuR RANsOmE

Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Doggylympics 11am – 2pm / £1 per activity or £5 for all 6. A ‘turn up and go’ dog event Let your pooch try dog agility, easy obedience, sausage snaffle, temptation alley, retrieve and bonio challenge. Proceeds to Support Dogs.

Cost £1 each activity, £5 for all 6.

01260 290466 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Oulton Park, Little Budworth Family Fun Day 9am – 5pm Hosted by The Joshua Tree and including an opportunity to make a donation to have a ride in your Dream Car of choice thanks to Sporting Bears Dreamrides. oultonpark.msv.com/OP-18familyFunDay

1 June - 26 Aug

Sun 27 & Mon 28 May

Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield Classic Car Show Adult £8, Child £3 (7 – 14), under 7s free.

01484 667776 / www.classicshows.org

Also on At grosvenor PArk oPen Air theAtre 14 July-26 August 2018

Beeston Castle Joust! Tournament and melee 11am – 5pm / All ages / Normal admission applies. Jousting goes back to its roots in this no-holds-barred contest of strength, skill and horsemanship. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Mon 28 May – Fri 1 June

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal May Half Term: Survival Story 11am – 4pm / Free, but normal admission applies. Join William Tittensor and Esther Price and test out your survival skills as a runaway apprentice. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank

B RA N D N EW LIV E SHOW!

TUES 19th & WED 20th JUNE 2018 For your chance to win simply send us an email with a name and contact number quoting SHOW to: Family pass is for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 5-15).

Sat 18 - Sun 19 Aug

Box Office 01298 72190 buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

www.peppapiglive.com

#peppapiglive

Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd / Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003

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Families Cheshire 13

What’s on Mon 28 May – Sun 3 June

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton The Cheesy Tudors 11am – 4pm / Normal admission applies. Help battle stinky smells to keep the dairy fresh and have a go at churning butter and making cheese. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ little-moreton-hall

Tues 29 May

Warrington Museum Free craft activities 10am - 3pm / All ages (accompanied) / Free, no booking required 29 May: Top Hats!

31 May: Folk Art www.warringtonmuseum.co.uk

Wed 30 May

Walton Hall & Gardens, Warrington Keeper Experience 9 – 10.30 & 11am – 12.30pm / Age 5+ (accompanied) / £8 per child, booking essential. A session to discover what working in the children’s zoo is really like. www.warrington.gov.uk

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Historic Sports Day 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm / Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / Drop in, suggested donation £1.50 An action-packed sports and games day where you can test your skills at some historic games from Tudor skittles to hopscotch to classic board games. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Grosvenor Museum, Chester Steampunk Jewellery 2 – 4pm / Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / Drop in, suggested donation £1.50 Be inspired by Michael Sandle’s metallic masterpieces and make a unique piece of steampunk style jewellery to take home. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk West Park Museum, Macclesfield Anubis Mask 1.30 – 3.30pm / £3, drop-in Make a mask of the Egyptian Jackal, or Dog-Headed God Anubis. £3 per person www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk

Tues 29 & Wed 30 May

Tues 29 & Thurs 31 May

Lion Salt Works, Northwich Salt Science 10.30am – 4pm / Suggested donation £2. Have a go at some salty experiments and be amazed by science! www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

The Old Sunday School, Macclesfield Egyptian Scarabs and Amulets 1.30 – 3.30pm, £3, drop-in. Create an Egyptian scarab complete with your own secret inscription along with an amulet to protect you in the ‘afterlife’. www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk

Thurs 31 May

Bramall Hall Stories old and new 11am – 12pm / Ages 3 – 6 / £5 per child (incl 1 adult), booking essential A magical tour of the hall for very young children. 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford Preparing for the Teddy Picnic 10.30am – 12pm / £12 per child (incl 1 adult), booking essential Grab your favourite bear and join in a tremendous teddy picnic down at Tatton Farm. 01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Walton Hall & Gardens, Warrington The Midnight Gang 6.30 – 8.30pm Open Air Theatre of a David Walliams classic. www.warrington.gov.uk Grosvenor Museum, Chester Giant Paper Flowers 2 – 4pm / Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / Drop in, suggested donation £1.50 It’s very nearly summer, so make a huge, scented paper flower to celebrate! www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Weaver Hall Museum & Workhouse, Northwich Glove Puppets 10am – 4pm / Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / £1.80, drop-in.

From a spider to a superhero, make your own hand puppet to take home. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk The Silk Museum, Macclesfield Wacky Machines 1.30 – 3.30pm, £5, drop-in As part of our Jacquard Legacy project, make your own wacky machine combining some lowtech recycling with a little bit of technology. www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk

Lion Salt Works, Northwich Make a Little Leigh Terracotta Tile 10.30am – 12.30pm & 2 –4pm / Suggested donation £2. See if you can spot the differences between the orginal painting and the amazing terracotta sculpture of ‘The Last Supper’. Then recreate a small section of the scene in clay. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Hare Hill, Macclesfield Ranger Skills Day 10.30am – 4pm / Normal admission applies / Drop in.

Spend a day learning outdoor skills with the Hare Hill Rangers. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hare-hill Grosvenor Museum, Chester 1970s Fashion 2 – 4pm / Ages 4 – 12 (accompanied) / Drop in, suggested donation £1.50 Choose your favourite outfit from the 1970s costume exhibition and then design your own paper version. Plus help to create a life size fashion piece to be displayed in the museum! www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Fri 1 & Sat 2 June

Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield Big Church Day Out www.bigchurchdayout.com

Unleash your imagination at the National Trust Cheshire

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How to cope with tantrums A parent’s guide to clubs & classes

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Making maths fun!

Winter clubs & classes A safer digital world

At Quarry Bank, Saturday 23 — Sunday 24 June

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Advertise your local business, school or nursery with Families Magazine Clubs & Classes | Education | Parties | Holiday clubs Childcare | Seasonal Events | Parenting | What’s on Reaching 60,000 local parents and carers every issue across Cheshire.

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14 Families Cheshire

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Meet your favourite children’s authors and illustrators at the National Trust Children’s Book Festival. Book your tickets for Axel Scheffler, Alex T. Smith, Lydia Monks, Ed Vere and many more, and join in with a day of story themed activities and games. nationaltrust.org.uk/kidsbookfest @QuarryBankNT ⁄ #kidsbookfest Festival illustration; © Benji Davies, Jo Empson, Helen Oxenbury, Axel Scheffler, Alex T. Smith

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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 events@familiescheshire.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Sat 2 & Sun 3 June

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Tatton Park Classic Car Spectacular 9am – 4pm / Adult £9, Child (10 – 15) £3, Under 10s free. Normal park entry applies. Around 2,000 classic and performance cars on display, together with an autojumble.

01625 374400 / www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk

Sun 3 June

Congleton Cricket Club Artisan Market 12 – 5pm / Free An indoor event showcasing talented crafters and artisans.

Sat 9 June

St Gregory’s School, Albert Road Bollington National Festival Circus Shows at 1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm £8 (under 12 months go free) 01625 572 037 / www.stgregorys.cheshire.sch.uk

Sat 9 & Sun 10 June

Lion Salt Works, Northwich Heritage Transport Festival 10.30am – 5pm / Suggested donation £2. An opportunity to imagine what vintage transport would have been like in its heyday.

Traction engines, miniature steam engines, working narrow boats, vintage cars and commercial vehicles as well as a series of themed children’s activities over the weekend. www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Wed 13 – Sun 17 June

Bolesworth Castle The Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show Top class competition and loads for all the family to enjoy. www.bolesworthineternational.com

Fri 15 – Sun 17 June

Middlewich Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival Fun for all the family. www.middlewich.org.uk/ middlewich-fab-festival

Fri 15 – Sun 24 June

Barnaby Festival, Macclesfield A 10-day arts and cultural festival Inspired by Macclesfield’s rich history, heritage and culture. The famous Barnaby Parade takes place on Sat 16 June from 12 noon – starting at Marketplace. www.barnabyfestival.org.uk

Sat 16 June

Poynton Park Party In The Park 2018 A musical event for the whole family. www.poyntonrotary.co.uk

Sat 16 & Sun 17 June

Cholmondely Castle Gardens DogFest North West Hosted by Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, DogFest is the ultimate dog’s day out for your furry best friends. Expect to take part in lots of activities with your dog, enjoy amazing displays, expert advice, shopping, music and much more. www.dog-fest.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Medieval Fayre 11am – 5pm / Adult £7.50, Child £5, Family £20. Normal park entry applies.

Re-creation of a summer solstice spectacle, with hundreds of re-enactors and many authentic traders and artisans. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sun 17 June

Walkden Gardens, Sale The Midnight Gang 4 – 6pm. Waterside and Heartbreak Productions present an outdoor production of David Walliams’ “The Midnight Gang”. 0161 912 5616 / www.watersidearts.org

live at Norton Priory? Hands-on activities and crafts. 01928 569895 / www.nortonpriory.org Alderley Park, Alderley Edge Bubble Rush 5km of lovely, bubbly fun helping to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice. www.bubblerush.co.uk Macclesfield Town Hall Macc-Pow! Macclesfield’s day of comic-art A one day celebration of comics and comic art. Get up close and personal to some of comics’ legendary old pros and bright stars of the future PLUS enjoy specially selected cartoon screenings, live panel discussions and interviews and drawing activities for all ages, throughout the day. www.maccpow.co.uk

Sat 23 & Sun 24 June

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal National Trust Children’s Book Festival Unleash your imagination and join your favourite children’s authors and illustrators for storytelling, crafts, workshops, readings, live illustration and much more.

Booking essential for all author events. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Little Moreton Hall, Congleton Midsummer Celebrations 11am – 4pm / Normal admission applies. Experience the Tudor Festival that gives thanks for the sunshine & water that nourishes the crops. Dancing, activities & live music from PIVA. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ little-moreton-hall

Sun 24 June

Walton Hall & Gardens, Warrington The Railway Children 3 – 5pm. All aboard and full steam ahead for this Outdoor Theatre production of a classic children’s tale. www.warrington.gov.uk

Sat 30 June & Sun 1 July

Tatton Park, Knutsford Stars and Stripes American Car Show 10am – 4pm / Adult £9, Child (10 – 15) £6, Under 10s Free. Normal park entry applies. The UK’s premier event for lovers of all things American! Loads of entertainment for all the family.

0165 374400 / www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk

Sun 1 July Cheshire County Sports Club, CH2 1PR Baby & Children’s Market 3 – 4.30pm / Adult £1, children free Lots of stalls bursting with top quality LIKE NEW and NEW baby & children’s items from birth to 8 years, plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby & children’s industry showcasing and selling their products & services. Great brands at up to 90% off the full retail price!

Plenty of free parking, refreshments available, cash sales only.

07868 697494 / beverley@ babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk / www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

Tues 19 & Wed 20 June

Cheshire Showground WA16 0JF The Royal Cheshire Show The premier summertime agricultural event in the North West. www.royalcheshireshow.org

Sat 23 June

Norton Priory, Runcorn British Mammals – Wildlife Workshop for Kids 3pm / £507/03/2018 per child, booking ABS AD (87x85) MARCH 2018_ABS1.30 AD –(87x85) 14:25 Page 1 essential. A fantastic afternoon learning about British mammals. Which mammals

26th May – 3rd June 2018 Events and activities taking place across Cheshire

@amazedbyscience

amazedbyscience www.

amazedbyscience.com

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Families Cheshire 15

IT’S MOMENTS LIKE THIS!

What’s on

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To learn more about Ribby Hall Village and to book, call 0800 107 0522 or visit ribbyhall.co.uk today!

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16 Families Cheshire

11/12/2017 12:20

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