Families Manchester Issue 72 November-December 2018

Manchester

In this issue: Counting down to Christmas (Oh no we’re not...oh yes we are!)

Issue 72 Nov/Dec 2018

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News Destination: Manchester!

As the dark nights begin to draw in, Manchester – the undisputed capital of Christmas – is gearing up for another festive season to remember.

The most wonderful time of the year begins in Albert Square with a firework spectacular that rounds off the Christmas Lights switch-on event on Saturday 3 November.

Only a week later, Manchester will be transformed with the world-famous Christmas Markets that spread their festive cheer across the city centre welcoming stall holders from across the continent – and the North West – back to Santa’s favourite city for a nineteenth consecutive year!

The festive family area at Cathedral Gardens will be completely reimagined this year as the UK’s

first dedicated ice attraction comes to Manchester.

The Ice Village Manchester is a breath-taking snowy experience, complete with Ice Cavern, ice sculptures and frozen ice bar – all carved using 250 tonnes of solid ice.

Of course, no Christmas is complete without showing off your prowess on the Ice Rink, or visiting the big man himself at Santa’s Grotto – the Ice Village has something for all the family.

Get your tickets now for the Ice Village, Santa’s Grotto and the Ice Rink: www.icevillage.co.uk Manchester’s Christmas Markets are open from Friday 9 November until Saturday 22 December (Albert Square will remain open until Sunday 23 December). www.manchester.gov.uk/ christmasmarkets

30% off ticket prices for Families readers to Foodies Festival at Tatton Park!

Christmas is coming early to Tatton Park with the return of the country’s largest food and drink event.

Foodies Festival, billed as the UK’s ‘biggest celebration of food and drink’ will be back from 16 – 18 November offering a mouthwatering array of festive-themed attractions.

The three-day event showcases the best of Cheshire restaurants, chefs, street food and UK food and drink producers in huge marquees.

Visitors can hone their hosting skills in the 12 Top Festive Tips masterclasses and get merry with craft beer, wine and champagne tasting sessions in the Drinks Theatre.

The Food Theatre is also

returning with a programme of cookery demonstrations by TV chefs cooking up their ideal Christmas treats.

The festive theme continues with an Elf’s Cookery School for children, music stage with Christmas carols and artisan market with more than 100 stalls selling mouth-watering food and gorgeous gifts.

Attractions also include the ever-popular Gin Alley, awardwinning treats in Pudding Hall and Champagne Ski Bar. The line-up of star chefs will include famous faces from The Great British Bake Off and MasterChef champions.

And Families readers can get a 30% discount on tickets by entering FOODIES30 at the checkout! www.foodiesfestival.com

Christmas at Dunham Massey

The magical, after-dark, illuminated trail returns to the historic National Trust property in Cheshire from 30 November – 30 December 2018.

Brought to you by leading events producers Raymond

Next issue: January/February 2019 Circulation: 30,000 copies of Families Manchester are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Greater Manchester. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Editors: Jayne Keep & Caryl Hall Contact details: Families Manchester, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Gubbay Ltd, in partnership with the National Trust, the magical winter trail is set to be bigger and better than ever with more illuminations planned for the festive season.

Visitors will be greeted by larger-than-life glittering deer, along with the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Walk through a Tunnel of Light festooned by a canopy of over 100,000 pea-lights whilst the mesmerising voices of Singing Trees can be heard in the distance.

The incredible Water Fountain Finale, which takes place on the Lake, is

a showcase of water jets and beams of light which dance in time to much-loved Christmas classics.

There are hidden surprises too – watch out for Bubbles on the Bridge, playful ribbons of colour- changing lights and an incredible scented Fire Garden.

The historic courtyard will once again house festive food outlets, with Manchester Food & Drink Festival providing the stalls this year, as well as a vintage carousel.

Gather to toast your own marshmallows at one of the fire pits along the way and enjoy other traditional fare before

finishing your Christmas shopping in Dunham Massey’s shop.

This year, The Stables restaurant at Dunham Massey will be serving a two-course traditional Christmas Dinner.

There will a choice of two sittings, so visitors can dine before or after they visit the trail.

The trail is specially designed to appeal for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Additional charges apply for marshmallows, the carousel, in the shop and the restaurant. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

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Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk Cover Photography: Deposit Photos www.depositphotos.com 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

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Where’s Santa Santa’s a very busy man at this time of the year, but he still makes sure he’s available around the region to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice! Here are a few places you’ll be able to find him….

Audacious Church, Trinity Way, Manchester Audacious Christmas Experience Santa’s Grotto with a gift for all children, beautiful Christmas markets and an outdoor ice rink. And a fabulously funny pantomime too! www.audaciouschurch.com/ christmas Cathedral Gardens, Manchester Ice Village Fri 9 Nov – Sat 5 Jan / 11am – 9pm Set against a backdrop of snow-covered trees and twinkling lights, there’s plenty to enjoy for both children and adults.

Wrap up warm and enjoy the Ice Rink, the Arctic Bar and visit the Christmas elves hard at work in the Ice Cavern which houses a frozen toy factory, or see Santa in his Grotto.

The Ice Village site will be free to enter, and there’ll be free activities to enjoy, but visitors will need to purchase tickets for the ice cave ice sculpture exhibition, for Santa’s grotto, and for the ice skating rink. www.icevillage.co.uk Chester Zoo The Lanterns at Chester Zoo Fri 23 Nov - Sun 23 Dec Kick-start your Christmas countdown at Chester Zoo and explore a magical festive wonderland, full of sparkle, illumination and a sprinkling of snow!

Encounter new fantastical and colourful worlds, full of animal-inspired illuminations and traditional festive scenes that will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. And remember… keep an eye out for Father Christmas on his sleigh. He could be just around the corner! www.chesterzoo.org Chill Factore, Trafford Santa’s Grotto Father Christmas and his helpers will be at Chill Factore every weekend in Nov from 17 Nov and every day in Dec until Christmas Eve. Treat all the family to the ultimate Christmas experience with family fun in the snow park where you’ll ride the downhill doughnuts, luges and sledges, plus a snowy visit to see Santa himself for only £2.50 on top of the normal snow park price. Each child who meets Santa in his magical Manchester grotto also receives a gift www.chillfactore.com East Lancs Railway, Bury Santa Specials Sat 24 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Kick start your Christmas celebrations with a steam train ride through our very own winter wonderland, the Irwell Valley. Meet Santa and his elves as they travel through the carriages with gifts for each child. Booking essential. www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk

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Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax Santa’s Grotto Sat 15 Dec – Sun 6 Jan Visit Eureka’s enchanted grotto, meet the friendliest elves in town, and not forgetting the big man in red! Enjoy watching the brand NEW interactive winter show. Be amongst the first to experience the wonder of light and sound in the mesmerising Volatile Light and Patternarium in the Spark gallery. And don’t forget the fun continues after Christmas with extra activities on every day during the school holidays. www.eureka.org.uk Hamleys, Trafford Centre Meet Father Christmas Sat 24 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Jingle all the way to the Finest Toy Shop in the world to join Father Christmas and his loveable elves for fun, magic and theatre at this very special time of year.

Meet Father Christmas at Hamleys is an extra special experience where children will take part in seasonal games and activities, spend time with Father Christmas and receive an extra special gift bag to take home. Booking essential. www.hamleys.com The Leap Centre, Ashton under Lyne Christmas Fair Sat 1 Dec 12 – 3pm Come and meet Santa for a FREE gift! www.leapcfc.org The Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford Claus’ Christmas Cabin Thurs 22 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Meet Santa, hear stories from Mrs Claus and receive a special toy. For children aged 1 – 9 years. £8 per child, adults free. www.lowryoutlet.co.uk Lyme Park, Disley An audience with Father Christmas Sat 24 Nov - Wed 19 Dec Bring your little ones to experience the magic of the season. Listen to a festive story with Mother Christmas and receive your special present from Father Christmas himself! Booking essential. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme Manchester Arndale Santa’s Grotto Thurs 16 Nov – Sun 23 Dec Pre-booking essential www.manchesterarndale.com Norton Priory Museum and Gardens Elf School!

Sun 9 Dec Fun filled festive delights with Elfie Doodles! Train to become one of Santa’s Elves with magic, music and merriment. Includes balloon reindeer wand workshop, candy cane, engraved medal and certificate for every child presented by Santa. £15 per child includes one free adult ticket. Additional adult ticket £5. www.nortonpriory.org

Oddfellows on the Park, Cheadle Santa’s Grotto Afternoon Tea Sun 2, Sun 9, Thurs 20 & Mon 24th Dec Bring your little ones down to meet Santa in his Grotto, whilst treating yourselves to a festive afternoon tea! Good boys and girls will receive an early Christmas gift from Santa himself. Places must be pre-booked. www.oddfellowsonthepark.com Portland Basin Museum, Ashton under Lyne Christmas Family Day: Sun 2nd Dec Activities for the whole family. Follow the Christmas trail. Enjoy festive music and have a go at Christmas crafts.

Visit Father Christmas: £4 (includes a gift), places are limited. 11am – 3pm.

Sail with Santa: Mon 10, Wed 12, Mon 17 & Wed 19 Dec Join Santa onboard the Community Spirit canal boat for a festive 35 minute round trip along the canals of Tameside with songs, stories, and presents with Santa! Each ticket includes a snack for the children and a mince pie or cake and hot drink for the grown ups. Spaces limited to 10 people per trip. £8.50 per ticket. www.tameside.gov.uk/culture Quarry Bank Mill Meet Father Christmas Weekends 1 – 23 Dec Storytelling, crafts and dressing up.

Suitable for up to age 10. Baby and Toddler sessions: Fri 30 Nov, 7 & 14 Dec – storytelling and play session with a private family visit to Father Christmas as well as a gift. Normal admission charges apply. Booking essential. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank Ribble Steam Railway Santa Steam Weekends in Dec. A perfect family get together, sprinkled with some festive fun. Father Christmas will bring you your personal Christmas present while you take a trip on this steam heated train. Enjoy light seasonal refreshments and then visit the museum and take a ride on the miniature indoor railway.

Booking essential. www.ribblesteam.org.uk Shaw Road, Heaton Moor Heatons Christmas Festival Sun 2 Dec A Christmas special of the producers Markets, an indoor Grotto, carol singers, Santa’s sleigh, delicious food and drink, crafts and gifts and much more!

Stockley Farm Exciting Elf Experience Sat 1 – Mon 16 Dec 2½ hours of Christmassy fun – make decorations, help the Elves tell the story of Christmas in our live panto and meet the farms’ friendly animals.

And receive a gift from Father Christmas in his Grotto. Advance booking essential. www.stockleyfarm.co.uk Tatton Park Father Christmas at the Farm Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec Come and see your favourite farmyard friends when you visit Father Christmas and his reindeer, Prancer and Dancer. £7 adult, £6.50 per child (includes gift from Father Christmas).

Lantern Parade Fri 7 Dec A special evening for all the family.

Father Christmas will be in the Stableyard and the Christmas Mansion, Gift Fair, shops and restaurants will all be open late. www.tattonpark.org.uk Touchstones, Rochdale Santa’s Grotto Sat 15 & Sat 22 Oct Creative fun and a chance meet Santa. Each child will receive a gift to take home. Spaces are limited and booking is essential! £8 per child www.link4life.org Wyevale Garden Centre, Altrincham, Bolton & Marple Santa’s Grotto, Breakfast orTea with Santa Grotto: Weekends from Sat 17 Nov – Sun 16 Dec, daily from Mon 17 – Mon 24 Dec (various times) Breakfast: Fri 30 Nov – Mon 24 Dec (various days) Tea: Fri 30 Nov – Sun 23 Dec (various days – differ by centre).

A special Christmas event for kids and grown-ups too! www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk Winterfunland, Event City, Manchester Santa’s Grotto 7 – 24 Dec. Open daily until Christmas Eve. Entrance to the grotto is included in your Winterfunland entrance ticket, but there are additional charges for a present from Santa and photo opportunities. Reindeer Rudolf and Dancer will also be looking forward to meeting all the children. www.winterfunland.com

Spindles Town Square, Oldham Santa’s Grotto Sat 10 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Visit Santa in his Grotto at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and let him know what you would like this Christmas. www.spindlestownsquare.com

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Where’s Santa Claus’ Christmas Cabin & Christmas Makers Market at Lowry Outlet

Let your little ones’ imaginations run wild as they step into the magical Claus’ Christmas Cabin which is open from Thursday 22 November to Monday 24 December.

Youngsters will be able to meet Santa, hear stories from Mrs Claus and receive a special toy on their visit. This experience is aimed at children aged between one and nine and entry is £8 per child but adults go free.

Tickets are available at www.lowrychristmas.co.uk And at the same time, make the most of the Christmas Makers Market which runs from Thursday 22 – Sunday 25 November. This brings together some of the

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finest arts, crafts, food and drink producers across the North West, and the plaza will be transformed into a Christmas market offering a slice of seasonal shopping you won’t find on the high street.

There will also be a host of hot food stalls offering a great range of tasty treats and street entertainers will be bringing that bit of extra seasonal sparkle over the four days.

There will be more festive Makers Markets in December with traders rotating each week selling unique arts, crafts and food produce. These will be held inside the centre on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2, Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 and Sat 15 & Sunday 16.

Christmas Time at Lowry Outlet is full of festive fun – so make sure you don’t miss out!

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Gift shopping Giddy Goat Toys reveals its top toys this Christmas!

Every December, parents and present buyers scramble to buy children the toys they’ve asked Santa for or the things they didn’t know they wanted, but will really love.

Giddy Goat Toys in Didsbury is a veritable treasure trove of traditional and contemporary toys, games, puzzles and books.

They’ve picked out five of what they think will be the best selling toys this Christmas.

The Clementoni Slime Laboratory (£19.99) is an absolute must this Christmas. Suitable for ages 8+ it’s bound to tick all the boxes for slime obsessed kids!

For little ones in need of a big present, the Janod Wooden Green Market Grocery Stall (£99.99) is perfect for encouraging imaginative roleplay. This lovely supermarket comes with lots of accessories and is ideal for aspiring greengrocers.

Harry Potter is the wizard who never goes out of fashion. Treat your young muggles to some Harry Potter LEGO. We like Aragog’s Lair (£17.99), but it’s really not for arachnophobes!

Giddy Goat Toys

have the full range in store, from Harry Potter mini figures to the Hogwarts Express!

For outdoorsy, nature loving children, Giddy Goat recommend the Kids Scavenger Hunt Game (£14.99).

From feathers to footballs, leaves to centipedes, Scavenger Hunt is a hilarious race to the finish.

If your little ones loves Lottie Dolls, the Lottie Doll Pony Pals set (£32.99) is a great way to extend the play.

The set includes Seren the horse and Sophia the Lottie doll, who is dressed in riding clothes. It’s a lovely set and one any Lottie Doll fan would love to fins under the tree this Christmas.

This Christmas there is no better time to visit Giddy Goat Toys. Whether it’s to pick up presents for under the tree, stocking fillers, Elf on a Shelf or LEGO Advent Calendars, Giddy Goat are here to help!

2 Albert Hill Street, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RF. 0161 445 1097 / www.giddygoattoys.co.uk

Books for the Season There’s nothing better than snuggling inside with a good book after a brisk icy walk! And a new book for Christmas is just the ticket! Here are some recommendations from Ed’s Reading Room.

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

Isadora Moon Makes Winter Magic by Harriet Muncaster (OUP £8.99) ED SAYS: ‘Isadora’s aunt is a snow fairy and with her magic wand creates a winter wonderland in Isadora’s garden with sparkly snowflakes and glittery frost. Isadora excitedly makes a snow boy who comes to life but when she takes him inside her house it is rather warm so she has to find her aunt, or at least her aunt’s magic wand, to freeze Snow Boy. Then they must get to the Land of Ice and Snow as the snow magic might not last forever.

Can her aunt help Isadora and her new friend with her ice magic?

‘This is a beautiful book that will delight boys and girls alike with its entertaining story and lovely illustrations. It is great for reading alone or reading together.’

Marge and the Secret Tunnel by Isla Fisher (Piccadilly Press £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Marge is babysitting today – hooray! As soon as their parents go out, Jemima and Jake ask Marge to help them find out where their secret tunnel goes. What will the three adventurers find on this latest expedition? Later when they go shopping, Marge manages to turn a boring task into a chaotic but hilarious outing for Jemima and Jake. Then they find themselves part of the dramatic rescue of a lost kitten. Marge is in charge – and that means fun! ‘These are the three latest stories in this super series.

Laugh out loud as you turn the pages of this fantastic book with its humorous heroine.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Maudlin Towers: Treasure of the Golden Skull by Chris Priestley (Bloomsbury £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘Mildew and Sponge are back for another adventure in Maudlin Towers! Although they dislike their school intensely they are horrified to hear it might close and realise they must do something to help. Could Greenbeard the Pirate be a clue and could there really be treasure on the island haunted by the ghost of Greenbeard? As the only written clue to the treasure is disintegrating in front of their eyes, are Mildew and Sponge going to be able to save the day? ‘This hilarious action-packed story has super illustrations by the author. It will entertain young readers who enjoy strange goings-on in a rather unusual school.’

The Missing Barbegazi by H S Norup (Pushkin Press £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘Tessa is overcome with grief after the death of her grandfather. She knows that she must find the barbegazi she has heard of in her grandfather’s tales but she doesn’t realise how involved in their lives she will become. Gawion and his family are finding the winter very hard but the worst thing is Gawion’s sister Maeg has disappeared. Can Tessa discover her grandfather’s secret and will she and Gawion be able to find Maeg? Should all secrets be found out or should some be kept secret? ‘This magical story is set in the wonderful week between Christmas and New Year. It is beautifully written and is perfect for readers to enjoy on a cold winter’s day.’

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website for primary children in homes and schools. See these reviews, download the specially written reading activities for these books and buy the books! It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

Check out Ed’s tweets: @kidsbookreviews – and have fun reading!

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Gift shopping Gift & Craft Fairs

Fri 9 Nov

St George’s Church, Heavily Moonlit Christmas Market 3 – 9pm. Get into the Christmas spirit with lots of artisan stalls with gifts crafts and homemade snacks, cakes and drinks!

Fri 16 - Sun 18 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Foodies Festival Xmas Demos from Masterchef and Great British Menu winners, as well as Great British Bakeoff contestants.

Workshops, gifts, Elf’s cookery school for the kids, Street Food, Drinks and a Pudding Hall with loads of tastings. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 16 Nov - Sat 22 Dec Chester City Centre Chester Christmas Markets Over 70 traditional wooden chalets situated in the heart of Chester, all wrapped around a sparkling Christmas tree. www.visitcheshire.com

Thurs 22 – Sun 25 Nov

Lowry Outlet Mall Christmas Makers Market The plaza will be transformed into a Christmas market offering a slice of seasonal shopping you won’t find on the high street. There will also be a host of hot food stalls offering a great range of tasty treats and street entertainers will be bringing that bit of extra seasonal sparkle over the four days.

Further festive Makers Markets will be taking place in December with traders rotating each week selling unique arts, crafts and food produce. They will be held inside the centre on Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec, Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec and Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec.

Sat 25 & Sun 25 Nov

The Albert Halls, Bolton Bolton Handmade Christmas Market 10am – 4pm Around 70 stalls selling handmade crafts and artisan food, refreshments and live music throughout the day!

Free admission. www.mwlevents.co.uk

Sun 2 Dec

Bramhall Village Light Up Bramhall The day begins at 11am when the Christmas market opens. At 1pm the entertainment will begin on a stage in the middle of Bramhall Lane South, featuring a variety of great acts and reaching a climax with ‘A Million Dreams’ - a tribute to The Greatest Showman. The ‘Light Up’ itself will take place at 5pm and will feature a combination of lights, lasers and snow!

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The Rising Sun, Hazel Grove Hazel Grove Winter Wonderland Christmas Markets, a visit from Santa, gift stalls, local brass bands and choirs! Dig out your Christmas jumpers and join in the festive fun.

The Last Drop Village, Bolton Christmas Market With nearly 60 Festive stalls, exhibiting and selling wonderful handmade crafts and gifts. FREE ENTRY and ample free car parking. www.bcacrafts.com

Fri 7 – Sun 9 Dec

Tatton Park Tatton Christmas Shopping Fair You’re sure to find that perfect gift with over 40 stalls in the Tenants Hall offering a wide range of present ideas, food and drinks and Christmas Essentials. www.events.tattonpark.org.uk

Beyond The Barricade Stockport Plaza Fri 9 Nov This incredible concert is now in its 19th successive year is the UK’s longest running Musical Theatre Concert Tour and features past principal performers from Les Miserables. www.stockportplaza.co.uk

The Gruffalo’s Child The Lowry, Salford Fri 9 – Sun 11 Nov A magical, musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to The Gruffalo.

Recommended for ages 3+ www.thelowry.com

Smile Waterside, Sale Sat 10 Nov Told through magical, theatrical chamber music, and performed by 3 exceptional musicians, Smile tells the story of Augustus the tiger and his search for his smile. Recommended for ages 3-6. www.watersidearts.org

Sun 9 Dec

Fir Road, Bramhall Fir Road Christmas Markets They’re back and better than before, running from the Ladybrook pub to Victoria’s hair studio, packed with market stalls and fairground rides for the kids! The markets will also be fundraising for The British Heart Foundation.

Sun 16 Dec

Linney Road, Bramhall Bramhall Christmas Worker Bee Markets A Christmas themed artisan market a week before the big day! Pick up some unique gifts and stock up on fresh produce and goodies. Hot street food is also available. 11am-3pm.

Sat 22 & Sun 23 Dec

Manchester Indoor Christmas Market Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park Gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, toys, food and drink. Child friendly environment and free parking. www.ticketquarter.co.uk

CINDERELLA Oldham Coliseum Sat 10 Nov – Sat 12 Jan Excellent actors, singers, and dancers dishing out the very best in festive traditional fun that’s great for kids and not-so-grown-up grown-ups!

Just add some music and songs and slapstick, plus a sprinkling of fairy dust for the perfect Christmas celebration. And not a cheesy celebrity in sight! www.coliseum.org.uk Albert Halls, Bolton Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Wed 14 – Sun 18 Nov An adult amateur production by arrangement with The Musical Company Ltd. www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk

Father Christmas Needs A Wee Parr Hall, Warrington Sat 17 Nov Father Christmas Needs A Wee. Father Christmas is back on his rounds… and he still needs a WEE! www.pyramidparrhall.com Luna The Lowry, Salford Sun 18 Nov A magical first time theatre experience about friendship, the moon and being brave in the dark. For 2-5 year olds and their families. www.thelowry.com Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake The Lowry, Salford Tues 20 Nov – Sat 1 Dec Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake returns with a fresh look for the 21st Century.

Thrilling, audacious, witty and emotive, this Swan Lake is perhaps still best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered conventions, turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm. www.thelowry.com Nitro Circus ‘You Got This’ Tour Manchester Arena Thurs 22 Nov Nitro Circus, the world’s biggest action sports entertainment brand, creates electrifying live events and unbelievable original content that at once exhilarates, captivates and inspires thrill-seeking fans worldwide. www.manchester-arena.com Matilda The Musical Palace Theatre, Manchester Until Sat 24 November The multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl.

For ages 6+, no under 3s will be admitted. The show contains loud noises and some scenes may be unsuitable for very young children. www.manchestertheatres.com Comedysportz 4 Tots Waterside, Sale Sat 24 Nov The comedy show for kids aged 6 and under! This highly interactive comedy show promises plenty of BIG laughs for little kids with silly songs, stories and games. There are loads of opportunities for kids to get involved in this completely improvised show.

Suitable for age 6 and under. www.watersidearts.org

Fri 23 Nov

Touchstones Rochdale From Our Hands - Christmas Shopping Event 7 – 10pm. Gift an artisan gift this Christmas or treat yourself to some handmade treats. Over twenty of the very best local artisan producers, makers and crafters to Touchstones for a unique late night shopping experience. As well as an incredible selection of stalls there will also be demonstrations and entertainment. www.fromourhandsmarket.com

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Panto’s & family shows The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The University of Bolton Stadium Tues 4 – Mon 31 Dec Lost in an unfamiliar land, inhabited by munchkins, flying monkeys and witches, Dorothy and her faithful dog Toto, need to find their way back home to Bolton. www.octagonbolton.co.uk J’ai Trop Peur (I’m So Scared) Home, Manchester Tue 27 Nov 2018 A heart-warming adolescent drama about the challenges of school, friendships and growing up.

This show will be in French with English subtitles. Recommended for all ages. www.homemcr.org

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas Waterside, Sale Tues 4 – Mon 31 Dec. With plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry, this critically acclaimed adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ much loved book is a delightful festive treat for children to enjoy. www.watersidearts.org

Sleeping Beauty Stockport Plaza Fri 30 Nov – Sun 5 Jan Magically awaken your dreams over the festive season! With beautiful costumes, stunning sets and spectacular effects this is the one affordable family treat that you, your party or group most definitely will not want to miss….ohhhhh no you won’t!

Starring the sensational Ted Robbins and Claire King. www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Wicked Palace Theatre, Manchester Tues 4 Dec – Sat 5 Jan This unforgettable musical transports audiences to a stunningly re-imagined world of Oz, providing marvels beyond your imagination. Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students. www.manchestertheatres.com

Snow White Albert Halls, Bolton Sat 1 – Sun 30 Dec A festive family favourite with lots of laughs and thrills along the way for all ages! www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk

Stick Man The Lowry, Salford Sat 1 Dec – Sun 6 Jan Packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. www.thelowry.com

The Scary Fairy Saves Christmas The Lowry, Salford Wed 5 Dec A fairy tale for children of all ages. www.thelowry.com

Black Beauty Z-arts, Hulme Thurs 6, Sat 8, Sun 9 , Fri 14 & Sat 15 Dec An uplifting and hilarious re-telling of Black Beauty. Blending storytelling, puppetry and music, this production is a fun adventure full of friendship, courage, hope and heroes. www.z-arts.org

A Christmas Carol Millgate Arts Centre, Delph Thurs 7 – Sun 9 Dec A family favourite with music and songs.

Adapted by Kenneth Alan Taylor www.millgateartscentre.co.uk

Drag Queen Story Time Z-arts, Hulme Sat 8 Dec In partnership with Black Gold Arts, Contact and STUN, Drag Queen Story Time aims to capture the imagination and fun of the gender fluidity of childhood, while giving children a positive queer role model. The Nightbus will be reading the story of Nimesh the Adventurer, written by Ranjit Singh. Nimesh is walking home from school. Except there happens to be a shark in the corridor. And a dragon in the library! Join in some themed arts and crafts activities before listening to the story. www.z-arts.org The Cabin of Curiosity’s Xmas Factor Touchstones Rochdale Sat 8, Tues 11 – Thurs 13 Dec Join your host Professor Jigget as he oversees a festive singing competition like no other!

Witness original performances from Icelandic Ogres, Greek Goblins, German Witches and French Scarecrows as they compete for the greatest prize ever - to be crowned the supreme Character of Christmas! And who decides? .....well you of course! Family theatre for children 7+. www.link4life.org

Cinderella Manchester Opera House Sat 8 – Sun 30 Dec laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy! With Connor McIntyre, Les Dennis and Gareth Gates. www.manchestertheatres.com

The Hallé’s Christmas Family Concert Bridgewater Hall Sun 9 Dec This amazing afternoon of festive family fun is packed with sing-alongs, jingle-alongs, surprises and laughter, which makes it the perfect start to the Christmas countdown. Even Santa takes time out to put in an appearance! Most suitable for primary age children but all welcome. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

The Nutcracker Parr Hall, Warrington Sun 9 Dec Be swept away on a magical adventure in one of the most famous classical ballets of all time – The Nutcracker. Brought to you by Vienna Festival Ballet, with its combination of enchanting choreography and unforgettable music, this fabulous show is a Christmas treat like no other. www.pyramidparrhall.com

Cinderella Salford Arts Theatre Sat 1 – Mon 31 Dec Join Cinderella as she goes from rags to riches and outwits her very Ugly Sisters. With a little help from her best friend Buttons and one very magical Fairy Godmother she shall go to the ball and win the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. www.salfordartstheatre.com Aladdin Middleton Arena Mon 3 – Sun 30 Dec With stunning scenery and lots of special effects, amazing costumes, fantastic music, hilarious jokes with lots of audience participation. www.link4life.org

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Families Manchester 9

Panto’s & family shows Aladdin Forum Theatre, Romiley 14 – 16, 20 & 21 Dec www.nktheatre.co.uk

The Forest of Forgotten Discos Hope Mill Theatre Tues 11 – Sun 23 Dec Join Contact for a new and exciting show for children aged 5+ (and the older ones who look after them!) There is a mystery in the forest – everyone has forgotten about dancing and bright lights and disco. Even Alexa – the virtual assistant from the Amazon Rainforest – can’t tell us why. www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

Doctor Dolittle The Lowry, Salford Thurs 11 Dec – Sat 5 Jan Join the eccentric Doctor, his human companions and his exotic menagerie of animal friends on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, that holds the secret of life and making the world a happier place. www.thelowry.com

Släpstick Home, Manchester Thu 13– Sat 22 Dec Släpstick is a perfect blend of dazzling musicianship, lung-bursting physical comedy and heartfelt nostalgia in the true ‘slapstick’ tradition.

Recommended for all ages. www.homemcr.org

White Home, Manchester Thu 13 – Sun 23 Dec Welcome to the beautifully strange world of White. Full of birdsong and birdhouses, it gleams and dazzles and shines in the night. A playful, highly visual show for very young children and a perfect first time theatre experience.

Recommended for ages 2 – 4. www.homemcr.org

Comedysportz Improvised Panto Waterside, Sale Fri 14 & Sat 15 Dec Fed up of the same old pantomimes every year? Then get ready for the brand new all ages, all improvised pantomime from the team behind ComedySportz (OH YES IT IS)! Each show the gang will improvise a brand new pantomime with a few favourite ComedySportz games thrown in for good measure with heroes, villains, songs and silliness guaranteed. Inspired by your suggestions, no two shows are the same with this alternative festive treat for the whole family to enjoy. www.watersidearts.org

The Snowman Parr Hall, Warrington Thurs 20 Dec Experience the magic of The Snowman in a whole new way this Christmas.

With other festive treats – including an animated film of the award winning book, The Bear and the Piano, and a fun introduction to the orchestra – it makes the perfect winter outing for all the family. Suitable for all ages 3+. www.pyramidparrhall.com Lily and the Christmas Snow Bear The Met, Bury Thurs 20 – Mon 24 Dec A glittering, snowy tale about a little lost bear and a brave little girl. For children aged 3+ and their families. www.themet.org.uk

Audacious Church, Trinity Way, Manchester The Great Nativity Disaster Fri 14 - Sun 16 Dec An unmissable Christmas show, depicting the nativity story as you’ve never seen before! Loads of laughter guaranteed for the whole family. And the excitement doesn’t stop there! The !Audacious Christmas experience includes an outdoor ice rink, Santa’s Grotto with a gift for all children, as well as beautiful Christmas markets. www.audaciouschurch.com/christmas

The Snowman with The Hallé Bridgewater Hall Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec Bring all the family along to the big screening of The Snowman, the animated classic by Raymond Briggs.

The film will be accompanied live by the Hallé performing Howard Blake’s beautiful score – including the magical song ‘Walking in the Air’. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs Heywood Civic Centre Sat 15 – Thurs 27 Dec Mirror, Mirror on the wall, Which is the most spectacular pantomime of all?

Join Dame Nurse Nelly, the Hilarious Muddles, a handsome Prince and of course Snow White’s seven little friends this Christmas in this magical family pantomime! www.link4life.org

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Christmas At The Movies Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Wed 19 Dec A concert of timeless classics and great music from your favourite festive films: Home Alone I & II / Love Actually / Harry Potter / Elf / Holiday Inn / It’s a Wonderful Life / The Polar Express / Miracle on 34th Street / Meet Me in St Louis and many more. Performed by the Manchester Concert Orchestra. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Christmas Carol Singalong Bridgewater Hall Mon 24 Dec Sing your heart out as irrepressible showman Jonathan Cohen returns to lead you through another fun-filled jamboree of his most-loved carols and all-time Christmas hits. This festive favourite has been raising the roof for over 20 years. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Peter Pan - The Arena Adventures Manchester Arena Fri 28 & Sat 29 Dec This Christmas will see J.M. Barrie’s magical story of Peter Pan brought to life in gigantic proportions on some of the biggest stages in the country. Starring Martin Kemp and Milton Jones. www.manchester-arena.com Liverpool International Horse Show Echo Arena & The Auditorium, Liverpool Mon 31 Dec The Liverpool International Horse Show is back for a fourth year running this December with a feast of top class show jumping, family entertainment. www.echoarena.com Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Woodford Centre, Woodford Tues 1 – Sat 5 Jan A wonderful story, great songs and lots of fun brought to you by some of the most talented 11 – 19 year olds in Cheshire! www.chypspanto.com

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Parents’ place Christmas cooking inspiration

By Claire Winter

The festive season is a great time to get cooking in the kitchen. Families has talked to chefs, food influencers and readers across the country to give us the best ideas on what to cook with the children this Christmas.

Festive Dark Chocolate and Berry Vegan Muffins Jessica Prescott author of Vegan Goodness says that baking is always her favourite thing to do at this time of year. “My son Louie loves helping me in the kitchen and I feel that getting him involved is a great way for him to connect with food and the process of turning raw ingredients into delicious creations.”

“Because he is still little, we stick mostly with baking for now. Muffins are a great one - I measure out all of the ingredients and get him to line the muffin tray with little paper cups, and then he adds the ingredients to a bowl one by one and we both have a turn at mixing. These muffins are great for Christmas time, especially if you roll them in dehydrated raspberry powder to give them a festive hue.”

To make decadent dark chocolate and berry muffins: • Heat the oven to 180°C. • Line a muffin tin with paper muffin cups.

• Combine 250ml of soy milk, 1tsp of apple cider vinegar, 1tsp of pure vanilla extract, 2 tsps of chia seeds and 3 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil in one bowl.

• Sift 125g of spelt flour, 60g of millet flour, 100g of sugar, 1tsp of baking powder and 1tsp of bicarbonate of soda into another bowl and then add 200g of frozen berries and 100g of dark, vegan chocolate. Roughly combine.

• Make a well in the centre of the mixture and pour in the wet ingredients until just combined. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups and sprinkle with the toppings, some extra dark chocolate and 3tbs of puffed quinoa.

• Bake in the oven for 40 minutes, cool on a wire tray and then tuck into your delicious vegan treat!

Vegan Goodness: Feasts by Jessica Prescott (Hardie Grant, £15) is available to buy on Amazon.

Turkey or Chicken Curry Award winning Indian food expert, Sarah Ali Choudhury, suggests making a simple curry, which is tasty, nutritious and easy to make. This is a great dish to cook with the kids on Boxing Day.

To make the curry: • Add 300g of chicken or turkey breast to a bowl with 2 finely chopped small shallots, 2 plum tomatoes cut into quarters, 1 spoon of garlic paste, 1 spoon of ginger paste, ½ tsp of salt, 1tbsp of mixed curry power and ¼ tsp of turmeric powder. Make sure the chicken or turkey is fully covered.

• Next, add 2 tbsp. of sunflower oil to a wok or pan and when it’s hot add all of the ingredients, stirring thoroughly.

• Cook for 3 minutes and then add ½ pint of water and cook for a further ten minutes.

• The water should be reduced and the chicken cooked thoroughly.

• Chop up some fresh coriander to garnish the curry and you are now ready to serve it.

The curry would be delicious with some rice or Naan bread. You can find more recipes at Sarah’s website sarahalichoudhury.com.

White Chocolate dipped Ginger Biscuits These delicious ginger biscuits from mylittlepiccolo.com are great on their own with a cuppa, or dipped in white chocolate, and are a fabulous to make with children or wrap up as a present.

For a less sweet biscuit, you can make them with half the sugar - they don’t stay as crisp as long, but are still just as delicious! Tip: Make double the dough and freeze half for another time, or just make double quantity as they disappear pretty quickly!

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How to make: • In a mixing bowl, whisk 340g of flour, 1tsp of bicarbonate of soda, a pinch of salt, 3 level tsps. of ginger, 1tsp of cinnamon and 1/4tsp of nutmeg. Set aside.

• Either in a mixer or by hand, cream together 100g of butter and 130g of light brown sugar until light and creamy.

• Mix in one egg and combine.

• With the mixer set on low speed, slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until you have a dough.

• Cover bowl with cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

• Preheat the oven to 180C/350F during the last 10 minutes of chilling.

• For a smooth top to the biscuits, roll out the dough to around ½ inch thick and cut circles out with a cookie cutter. For a more rustic ‘ginger nut’ top, scoop out a dessert spoon of mixture from the bowl and shape into a ball, transfer to the baking sheet and, spacing around 2 inches apart, flatten tops slightly.

• Bake for around 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.

• Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

• In a microwave safe bowl, melt 100g of white chocolate in the microwave, in 10 second intervals until melted. Dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate mixture then run bottom of cookie slightly along edge of bowl to remove excess, then return to Silpat or parchment paper to set at room temperature.

• If you are feeling artistic you could also pipe on a holly leaf. Yummy!

Families Manchester 11

Parents’ place Unique parties and gifts for hours of fun Imagination Station is a Mobile Party service providing Creative Parties for children to enjoy.

From Slime to Craft, from Unicorn to Dragons there is something for every child to choose and enjoy.

And with a team all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire & Lancashire, they can guarantee providing a party on any date in any venue.

Families Manchester is looking for a new editor!

You can also provide your children with hours of creative fun using the kits available through their online shop. What a great idea for an affordable Christmas gift too! www.imaginationstation-mcr.co.uk Manchester

Manchester

In this issue:

ideas!

School’s out!

Great Summer guide to holiday and events clubs inside Coping with a “Tweenager”

Win a Family Treetop Trek l Is Shared Parenta Leave for you?

the role: writing, editing, proofreading, assisting with design and print, selling the ad space, working through invoices and accounts. It’s definitely a Are you looking for a work/life varied role that gives you a huge balance, keen to move beyond skill base to take forward into the corporate world and work other roles in the future. The for yourself? Would you like to work is challenging, which also be the new owner/editor of makes it really rewarding. this established magazine?

Jayne and Caryl been running A Families franchise offers Families Manchester since 2011 you a reputable, trusted and and have now made the ethical brand, access to decision to move on to pastures constant advice and support new. We’re wanting to pass the from head office as well as the reigns over to someone who will support of a friendly and nurture and enjoy it as much as supportive community of over we have – and if that’s you, then 40 Editors countrywide. please get in touch!

There are so many aspects to editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk In this issue:

WIN in our 2 fabulou competitionss

Independent or State education?

Help your child cope with stress

Talking about the loss of a loved one

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and Tower years children 0-11 Little Holcombe childcare for – Funded Sessions Available Outstanding SCHOOLS FROM ALL – Qualified Teachers sery@yahoo.co.uk Homecooked MealsCARE AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN – E: littleholcombenur FLEXIBLE HOLIDAY

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In this issue: Fun Easter

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– T: 0161 761

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Issue 71 Sep/Oct 2018 .uk familiesonline.co

Issue 70 July/Au familiesonline.co.uk g 2018

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Parents’ place Kids karting with Team Sport

By Jayne Keep

My 8-yearold son is a huge motor sport fan and was super excited to try out Team Sport Karting in Manchester City Centre. Well, it certainly didn’t disappoint – with Logan and his sisters Izzy (10) and Lily (12) all having an amazing time going head to head on the track!

With everyone kitted out, the session begins with a safety briefing and a quick test for the young drivers to make sure everyone knows the rules of the track before getting near a kart – safety comes first here!

Once on the track, the first 15 minutes is done at a limited speed, with more safety checks to ensure everyone remembers and follows the rules before being free to get comfortable with the karts and enjoy the laps.

After session one they take a break and check their lap times/speeds before going out for another 15 minutes, this time

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at full speed. Logan and Izzy love this bit! Both are thrill seekers and fiercely competitive; they came out of session two with some brilliantly fast lap times!

We had an amazing time, so much so that we have already been back – and it certainly won’t be our last time. We can definitely recommend this as a fab activity.

Children’s sessions are open to those aged 8-12 years, and they must have a minimum inside leg measurement of 25”+. For adults and teens, the age is 13+ with an inside leg measurement of 29”.

Teens use the larger adult karts.

Tracks in the North West include Manchester, Warrington and Liverpool. For more information on these and others throughout the country visit www.team-sport.co.uk

School readiness with Home-Start

Supporting children’s early play and development makes a huge difference to their chances of success throughout education, and later in life. There are many reasons why a child might start school behind their peers – for example when parents are struggling with health issues or financial stresses, a language barrier, or haven’t had positive parenting role models in their own lives.

Home-Start volunteers provide warm, empathetic support to families with young children – helping them develop the skills to support their children’s development so they are equipped to make the most of going to school.

Volunteers find it incredibly rewarding to be able to use their own parenting experience to help other families thrive.

Volunteering is also a fantastic way to gain transferable skills and experience and build self-confidence, ideal if you’re thinking about going back to work, or looking for a new career challenge.

Find out more at www.gmhomestarts.org.uk

Families Manchester 13

Parents’ place Winter fun – indoors!

By Claire Winter

During the winter months, there’s no avoiding spending much more time indoors. It’s tempting to allow the kids to while away the time on devices or playing on their Xbox. But there are ways of keeping your kids off their screens and still having fun, even within the four walls of your own home.

Here’s our guide to some fun bad-weather-day activities.

Make a cardboard town Get hold of a giant cardboard box or add lots of small ones together to make a town using large felt tips or paint. Let their imaginations run riot, and they can add cars and wooden/ plastic people to make it more realistic.

Set up an indoor treasure hunt Write some cryptic clues and hide a treasure trail of items for them to find. They may want to design one for you to do too!

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Make slime Batten down the hatches, get the aprons out and be prepared for a tsunami of a mess in your kitchen. This activity is satisfyingly messy and great fun. Get your children to research how to make the best slime or play-doh on YouTube (it’s for educational purposes after all).

Get cooking If you aren’t keen on the slime idea, get the kids to cook you a meal instead. This is satisfying for them but also a treat for you (hopefully!). Suggest they plan a three-course meal for dinner.

Get them to design a menu and research how to make the dishes online or refer to some recipe books. I think getting them to look in the fridge and come up with some dishes with ingredients you already have teaches them a great a life skill too. A pasta sauce or an apple crumble are tasty, rewarding but simple dishes to make. If you

have smaller children baking something simple like fairy cakes or biscuits would obviously be more appropriate.

Play cards Teach the kids the card games you used to play as a child. If you can’t get them interested in Patience or Gin Rummy, look up some cool card tricks for them to learn and show their friends.

Make special cards Get out the art supplies and card and make some Christmas and birthday cards. Why don’t you get creative with Origami?

My kids love making butterflies and birds and sticking them onto cards.

Have a kitchen disco My favourite thing to do on a rainy day is to have a party in the kitchen. Choose the most appropriate room in your house and sort a great playlist of music that will get the whole family moving. Have a ‘dance off’ with your kids.

Make a magazine Set up a news desk in the house and decide what the magazine is going to be about.

Think up a great name and get someone in the “team” to design the front cover. Send out some roving reporters to write some news stories and create some fun features. The whole family can get involved!

Set up a racing track Use masking tape to create a huge car-racing track around the house or living room, create a second track alongside it and get the toy cars out and race away!

Get active You could make an indoor obstacle course or try hula hooping or skipping in the living room. To make it more interesting, do some timed challenges. You could also create indoor hopscotch with masking tape.

Try balloon ping pong or table tennis Blow up some balloons and use some table tennis bats or make your own with some sticks and paper plates. Alternatively, if you have a table tennis set, drag out the dining table, set up the net and hold a tournament. Hours of fun!

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Parents’ place Supporting your child with friendship challenges

By Lianna Champ

Life and relationships are not always easy and we learn our skills as children, watching the interactions of our parents and other adults in our lives. What we learn as children then sets our patterns of relating in adulthood.

Falling out with friends is normal during childhood and it is through struggling with friendship challenges that our children learn about themselves, relationships and how best to interact with others. Through experience, children also learn how to set boundaries - what they will or will not accept in a friendship. We cannot make these decisions for our children but we can guide them gently and encourage them to use their instinct, intuition and intellect.

The most important thing we can do when our children are struggling with friendship issues is to listen. Falling out with their

friends can feel like the worse thing in the world. Saying anything negative about their friends at this point will only cause your child to withdraw and can create further emotional confusion for them. Gently encouraging your child to talk about their feelings can help to identify areas of conflict, disagreement or unfairness which may have led to the fall out.

Ask what they think went wrong. Do they think they could have reacted differently? Do they feel that they did nothing wrong?

When friends fall out, it doesn’t necessarily mean any of the children in the mix did anything wrong. Fall outs just happen and they can happen all the time!

Girls especially can change friends quickly, moving from one to another in succession. There is an important lesson here too that friendships grow and change and sometimes come to an end. Children are still

developing and so must their friendships.

As we grow up, it is healthy that our friendship groups grow and diversify. Our needs change and different people provide different things. Learning how to be a friend is like learning anything else. Sharing your own stories of your own friendship experiences can be helpful, showing your children that friendships can hit a rocky patch which has to be worked through.

Help your children to understand the importance of sharing, taking someone else’s feelings into account and listening to each other. It’s important that children learn about allowing their friends the privilege of sharing their feelings without being judged. Teach your children that their friends should also allow them this privilege too.

We can teach our children to decide whether a friendship is worth persevering with or whether it’s best to just walk away. Don’t be afraid to talk about the differences between healthy and toxic relationships.

It’s important to help children understand that there are different kinds of friends too – best, great, good and casual friends - and that new people are constantly coming into our lives. As we navigate life we can’t expect to get everything we need from one friendship, which is why we need quite a few to fulfil our needs.

Children have a tendency to think about things over and over again. Gently reflect back to them using clear language how they are feeling and what happened. Try a bit of role play around a friendship challenge

which can help your child see what is happening more objectively. If you think your child’s behaviour was the catalyst for a fall out, role play can help them learn how to be a better friend in the future. It can also help them see more clearly whether they were at fault.

Always take an interest in your child’s friendships and if you sense something out of the ordinary, be there as a buffer. But avoid taking sides, actively interfering or taking decisions for your child about their friendships.

Working through their experiences is an extremely important part of growing up and a learning curve for adulthood and taking this away from them robs them of the chance to learn valuable life lessons. Equally, do not make them feel like victim in a relationship as this can prevent them from taking responsibility in relationships later in life.

Encouraging new activities and providing arenas for new friendships can give your child confidence in their ability to make new friends and be a good friend.

Studies show that children who have healthy relationships with the adults in their lives are more likely to make sound decisions about friendship, because they understand things like empathy and mutual respect, and they have better problem-solving skills. So above all, nurture your own relationship with your children and others in your family.

Lianna Champ has over 40 years’ experience in bereavement and grief recovery.

Her new book How to Grieve Like a Champ is out now priced £9.99.

More information at www.champfunerals.com

Protect your family this winter with the flu vaccination Winter is on the way, and with its arrival comes those coughs, sneezes and seasonal ailments that can quickly worsen and derail your family’s plans.

One of the best things you can do to protect all of you is to get the kids’ flu vaccinations sorted.

For school children from reception to year 5 a flu vaccination given

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with a nasal spray is offered through school. All you need to do is sign a consent form.

If you’ve got a child aged two or three you can get them a free nasal spray flu vaccination through your GP’s surgery. Just call them to book an appointment.

Some adults are also eligible

for a free flu vaccination through their GP or pharmacy, including pregnant women, people with a respiratory illness or people with a BMI of 40+.

You can find out more at www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine

Families Manchester 15

Education Withington Girls’ School

Withington Girls’ School, one of the country’s leading independent schools, offers an outstanding education for girls aged 7 to 18. Pupils are academically able girls drawn from all backgrounds, cultures and faiths.

Withington consistently ranks highly in national league tables and is among the top dozen gateways for entry into Britain’s best universities. Of 78 sixth form leavers in 2018, 14 have taken up places at Oxford or Cambridge and 15 are now studying medicine or dentistry. Withington girls achieve these outstanding successes in a relaxed atmosphere of respect for self and others without the need for long lists of rules and regulations and have – and generate – a

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great deal of fun whilst learning.

The Tatler Schools Guide concluded in their recent review of Withington: “This Manchester powerhouse regularly produces some of the top results in the country but don’t go assuming this means it’s an exam machine. At Withington the pleasure of learning is considered its own reward: they don’t offer scholarships and there are no in-school prizes. … Instead, collaboration, personal challenge, diversity and inclusion are the order of the day.”

Experience the school for yourself at their upcoming Open Days: Thursday 8 November (4.30 – 6.30pm) and Saturday 10 November (10am – 12 noon). www.wgs.org

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Education New research will investigate children’s educational apps

Researchers are calling on nurseries and parents of young children to take part in a large study investigating the effectiveness of children’s educational apps.

Academics from the University of Salford and Lancaster University

will spend three years using eye tracking glasses to find out whether the apps, which claim to help young children learn new words, have any effect on language development.

Dr Gemma Taylor, a developmental psychologist from the University of Salford, who is leading the project, said: “We live in a digital age and children are exposed to screens from very early on in life. With apps playing an increasingly prominent role in young people’s early environment, it’s vital we know how effective they really are.

“Many apps targeting children

are classed as ‘educational’, but until now we’ve not had the research to know whether they actually work.”

The £234,000 study, funded by the Economic Social Research Council (ESRC), will see researchers go to nurseries across the North West to see how 2-4 year-olds interact with a specially developed experimental app.

Parents who want their children to take part will also be able to come to a lab in the University of Salford’s Allerton Building designed to look like a nursery.

Children will wear special glasses that track their eye

Early Steps Nursery School is now open!

Early Steps Nursery School has now officially opened its doors to the local community.

After months of dusty renovation works the former Chinese takeaway has been transformed into a spacious childcare facility for toddlers aged 2 to 5.

Heaton Mersey is the greenest

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of the Four Heatons, and Early Steps backs on to Heaton Mersey Park and Bowl, part of the Heaton Mersey Conservation Area.

Through regular visits with experienced staff, children can gain an early appreciation for the natural environment, expanding their understanding

movements, to see which parts of the screen they look at when using the app.

Following the sessions, the children will be shown a series of ‘novel’ words, which don’t exist in the English language and which they will not have come across before, to see whether using the app has any impact on their ability to learn new words.

Researchers hope to have studied more than 250 children by the end of the study.

Anyone who wants to participate in the study should contact HealthCare-Cognitive DevelopmentLab@salford.ac.uk

of the world around them, learning to explore and be imaginative – essential to the Early Years Foundation Stage – the play-based curriculum for children from 0 to 5.

To find out more or to book a visit: 0161 432 7616 / www.earlystepsnurseryschool.com 483 Didsbury Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport SK4 3AY

Families Manchester 17

What’s on Thurs 8 Nov

Intu Trafford Centre Classical Christmas lights night 7.30pm, no booking required Christmas lights night with real soul as classical innovators Manchester Camerata perform with AMC Gospel choir. The two acts will be bringing their two very different styles together to create a truly unique Christmas light switch on experience culminating with arguably the most joyful song ever played at Christmas. www.intu.co.uk/traffordcentre

Fri 9 Nov – Sat 5 Jan

Cathedral Gardens, Manchester Ice Village 11am – 9pm. Set against a backdrop of snow-covered trees and twinkling lights, there’s plenty to enjoy for both children and adults. Wrap up warm and enjoy the Ice Rink, the Arctic Bar and visit the Christmas elves hard at work in the Ice Cavern which houses a frozen toy factory, or see Santa in his Grotto. The Ice Village site will be free to enter, and there’ll be free activities to enjoy, but visitors will need to purchase tickets for the ice cave ice sculpture exhibition, for Santa’s grotto, and for the ice skating rink. www.icevillage.co.uk

Sat 10 Nov

Manchester Cathedral Be a Chorister for a Day Explore the Cathedral, try on chorister robes and have a go at brass-rubbing!

This is a free event. All music will be provided. Each child attending needs a responsible adult to be present during throughout the event. www.manchestercathedral.org

Sat 10 Nov – Sun 6 Jan

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

Sat 17 Nov

Broadstone Mill Shopping Outlet, Stockport Festive Family Funday Lots for all the family with pony rides, face painting, fashion show, stalls and prizes to be won! www.broadstonemillshoppingoutlet. co.uk Heaton Park, Manchester Humphrey’s Lantern Walk Humphrey Bear will wave participants off on the sponsored walk, taking in Heaton Hall, The Temple and the gardens. Familyfriendly, accessible 2k and 4k routes, and a quiet, autism-friendly start available too. Those taking part will also help us to light up the tunnel at Heaton Park and raise money in support of patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. All registered children taking part will receive a goody bag, including a paper lantern with twinkling light. www.rmchcharity.org.uk/lantern

Sat 17 & Sun 18 Nov

Sachas Britannnia Hotel Manchester Vegan Christmas Market 10.30am – 4.30pm / £3 (under 16s free) 80+ fantastic stalls each day, world food caterers, exciting cookery demos, inspirational talks, interactive workshops, yoga and children’s activities running throughout the day. www.veganeventsuk.co.uk

Thurs 22 Nov

Bolton Town Centre Christmas Light switch on and Fireworks 5 – 7pm. A free fun-filled family event with a celebrity switch on, fireworks display, Christmas parade and lots of music and entertainment.

Fri 23 Nov – Sun 23 Dec

Liverpool Waterfront Liverpool Ice Festival A frozen winter wonderland with an ice rink, ice bar, supersized ice slide, Ferris Wheel, children’s rollercoaster, traditional Christmas markets and outdoor German style bars. www.icefestivalliverpool.co.uk

Sun 11 Nov

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Armistice 5.45 – 7.15pm / Free, no booking required. Join us to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War as we light a beacon as part of a special armistice event.

Suitable for all ages. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey Tatton Park When the Light Goes Out An outdoor family arts event commemorating the First World War. Choirs, promenade performance and building projection, ending with the extinguishing of the Commemorative Flame at Tatton Park. www.tattonpark.org.uk

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Chester Zoo The Lanterns at Chester Zoo As the days grow cold and the nights draw near, in the heart of Chester Zoo, something magical will appear. So before you turn and think of leaving, take a second look because seeing is believing. www.chesterzoo.org

Sat 24 Nov - Sun 23 Dec

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Christmas Courtyard 11am – 3.30pm Christmas is coming to Dunham Massey, and we’ve got plenty for families to do during this festive season. Head to the historic servants’ courtyard and see the spaces dressed for a traditional Christmas with wreaths, garlands and trees.

Get creative with craft activities, join in with storytelling at weekends and complete the trail to claim your reward (£2 per child). Turn your visit into a full day out - wander through the Winter Garden, tick off your Christmas list in the shop, spot the deer on a frosty family walk through the park and retreat to the Stables Restaurant or Stamford Café for a warming meal or treat. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

Wed 28 Nov

Manchester Cathedral Christmas Concert Join us this Christmas at the spectacular Manchester Cathedral as we enjoy a night of carols beautifully sung by four local school choirs as well as The Springfield Singers. The carols will be accompanied by the fantastic Sale Brass Band. Tickets are priced at £8 for an adult or £6 for a child/ concession. Included within the ticket cost is a suitably Christmas themed refreshment! www.manchestercathedral.org

Fri 30 Nov – Sun 30 Dec Dunham Massey, Altrincham Christmas at Dunham Massey Dunham Massey’s biggest and brightest Christmas event returns for a second year with plenty more surprises. Experience the gardens all aglow for a magical outdoor, after-dark experience. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

Fri 30 Nov – Sun 6 Jan

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Once Upon A Winter’s Day Get lost in traditional stories at Quarry Bank this Christmas. Explore the mill, gardens and houses to re-discover festive classics such as A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker and The Snow Queen.

Booking not needed. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

nook. Free transfers and glowsticks.

Licensed bar. Facepainter stall and snacks available. Optional fancy dress: Anything Christmas! www.bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk

Fri 9 & 14 Dec

Waterside, Sale Messy Play Toddlers (1 – 3 yrs): 11am – 12pm Babies (3mth – 12 mths): 1.30 – 2.30pm £5 / Age 3mth – 3 years Sensory activities and art-based messy play for your pre-school Picasso. Booking essential. www.watersidearts.org

Sat 10 & Sun 11 Nov

Manchester Central Digital Kids Show From Fortnite to Fairground rides, Minecraft to music, YouTubers and superheroes, you’ll find plenty to entertain all ages. 7 hours of the very best family entertainment where kids can meet their favourite YouTubers and the whole family can enjoy the latest family games, VR, Slime, Snow & Glow Disco, Princess Parlour, Scooter Disco, Ice Skating, Inflatables and much more! www.digitalkidsshow.co.uk

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec

Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park For The Love Of Sci-Fi Boldly going where no other convention has gone before! Get up front and close with the world’s biggest actors and experience jaw dropping life size prop and set builds and much more. We are pushing the boundaries of what to expect from a convention! www.fortheloveofsci-fi.com

Fri 7 – Sun 16 Dec

Oldham Parish Church, Oldham Christmas Tree Festival This tree-mendous annual festival is back with more than 50 individually decorated trees for you to browse and get inspiration from. Don’t forget, the café will be open throughout the festival so you can warm up with a cuppa.

Fri 7 Dec – Tues 1 Jan

Event City, Manchester Winter Funland Winter Funland is an all-encompassing festive extravaganza for all the family, that brings together a fantastic sparkling line up of rides, entertainment and seasonal magic. www.winterfunland.com

Sun 9 Dec

The Factory, Manchester Tangled Xmas Takeover Back-to-back set from Steve Thorpe and Terry Pointon with their mix of house, trance, breaks and Tangled classics on a multi-sensory dancefloor with confetti cannons, bubbles, giant balloons and parachute dance finale. Craft tables with themed crafts, large colouring-in mural and playdough tables. Play area with tents and tunnels and baby chillout space with mats and soft-play ball pool.Lonely Planet Kids book

Tues 18 Dec

Tatton Park Deer Feed and Trailer Ride Take a trailer ride with the Rangers to watch the daily deer feed. Get a close look at hundreds of deer feeding in their beautiful natural setting. Minimum age: 4 years old www.tattonpark.org.uk

Thurs 20 Dec New Moss Wood, Salford Christmas Elf Adventure Oh no no no! Our forest elf has crashed Santa’s Sleigh and it’s shed its load of pressies and candy canes all over the wood. Can you help recover all the lost presents and put them back in Santa’s sack so we can get them fixed in time for Christmas? You can keep any candy canes we find as long as we share them all out, after all Christmas is a time for giving! Then our elf will cook you a campfire lunch to say thank you as well as hot drinks and mince pies. £12 per child including campfire lunch. www.fairyforestschool.com

Sun 23 Dec

Tatton Park Christmas Carols in the Stableyard Join us for festive carols with a live band, shopping and dining in the Stableyard. www.tattonpark.org.uk

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