Families Manchester Issue 70 July-Aug 2018

Manchester In this issue: School’s out! Great Summer guide to holiday clubs and events inside Coping with a “Tweenager” WIN in our 2 fabulous competitions

Issue 70 July/Aug 2018

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News Journeys of the Imagination at Quarry Bank

If you’re hoping to travel round the world this summer, look no further than Quarry Bank in Cheshire.

On the interactive ‘Journeys of the Imagination’ trail, you can follow in the footsteps of six characters from Quarry Bank’s past on their globetrotting adventures. Travel to India with

Next issue: September/October 2018 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 2 Families Manchester

Elizabeth Mary Greg and see if you can spot a tiger from the top of the elephant slide. Or stay a bit closer to home with nine year old Rebekah Steevens and her family as they move from southern England to the north looking for work. In the historic cotton mill, you can dive into your own imagination in an interactive play space with a stage, a story corner, and a runaway apprentice den.

The mill is due to re-open in mid-summer. Quarry Bank admission prices apply for all activities. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/quarry-bank

Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk 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

Mischief Makers – the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge

Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to maintain their reading skills and confidence.

2018 will be the 20th challenge

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and is open to primary school children of every ability.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme of mischief and pranks, as inspired by the much-loved Beano comic, which celebrates its 80th anniversary next year.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect incentives, such as stickers, to earn their final challenge certificate and medal.

Children can choose, recommend and review books at the Book Sorter on the Challenge website, the largest database of children’s peer-peer reading recommendations. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Manchester, 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. @FamiliesMancMag www.facebook.com/FamiliesManchester

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News ObstaColour Fun

A local charity is preparing to bring a kaleidoscope of colour to Manchester this summer with its latest family fundraising event.

Organisers of the St Ann’s Hospice ObstaColour Run are hoping hundreds of people will join them for the special fun run with a difference in Woodbank Park, Stockport, on Sunday 15 July.

Participants in the 5km sponsored ObstaColour Run event will be showered with multi-coloured powder – a safe, environmentally friendly corn starch - as they walk, run or jog

15% discount for Stockfest! the route through Woodbank Park. They will also take on a series of inflatable obstacles throughout the untimed race.

Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice, said: “We need to raise around £20,000 each and every day to keep our services running so we’re dependent on the generosity of local people who come to events like this one. To be honest, what’s better than getting outside, joining in with something fun – and messy – raising money for a good cause, and having a laugh at the same time? Come and join us!”

Last year’s ObstaColour Run attracted around 2,000 people, raising £92,197.69 for the local charity.

To sign up please visit www.sah.org.uk/ obstacolourrun, email events@ sah.org.uk or call 0161 498 3631.

A supersonic day out

Families looking for a day out that will really take off should look no further than Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park.

Located at the UK’s third busiest airport, visitors have unrivalled views of the hundreds of take offs and landings that happen each day.

Children aged 3 to 13 can join the park’s popular Flight Academy, where they will board a plane and try their hand at being a pilot, cabin crew or air traffic controller in a fun role play session.

Home to Concorde, the park also offers families the unique opportunity to tour this iconic aircraft. For those not touring aircraft or plane spotting, the Runway Visitor Park’s restaurant, aviation shop and children’s playground are sure to keep the whole family entertained.

To book tours visit - book. manchesterairport.co.uk/Rwvp

Breath-taking new show at Contact

Join Contact and Ockham’s Razor for a family circus experience like no other!

Switch is a new performance developed by Ockham’s Razor with young people from North Manchester, alongside awardwinning show Tipping Point.

With movement drawn from circus, dance, and martial arts,

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Switch creates a shifting landscape of labyrinths, pathways and barriers to explore different themes affecting young people.

Tipping Point sees five outstanding aerial performers enclosed within the circular stage, transforming long metal poles into an amazing variety of images. Poles are balanced, hung from the roof, swung, climbed up and clung to high above the audience in this breath-taking show suitable for age 5+.

15 – 19 August, Upper Campfield Market. Tickets cost £15 (£10 concessions). Group discounts are available.

Book online at contactmcr.com or by phone on 0161 274 0600.

This annual two-day festival, action packed with family friendly fun takes place on 11 & 12 August, with ‘Superheroes & Fairytales’ taking over Stockley Farm to transform it into a magical, mythical wonderland!

So take along your team of little superheroes, fairies and princesses and join in a weekend of enchantment and adventure! Joining the line-up this year are: - Our Kids Social’s super silent disco - Front Row Music’s Ukulele workshop - Conker Crew’s boogie wonderland

- Circus skills with Oops-ADaisy Circus - Jo Jingles South Manchester - Mesmerising performances by your favourite superheroes and princesses - Impulse Dance - Unicorn pampering - Stockley Superhero face-off!

- ‘Ye Olde Fable’ Bar And much more!

Fancy camping in the beautiful Arley Estate? There will be evening activities for happy campers too! Friday evening will see Stockley’s very own Mad hatter’s Tea Party, and on Saturday evening you can enjoy a BBQ followed by a BATman walk!

Families readers can enjoy an exclusive discount on tickets - 15% off when you enter promo code FAMFEST18 at the checkout!

For the full line-up so far, tickets and prices, visit www.stockleyfarmpark.co.uk

Voices in the Middle

Sadly, 1 in 3 children in UK will see their parents split up before they reach their 16th birthday.

Voices in the Middle is a charity that is raising awareness of the impact of divorce and separation on young people in the UK. This includes providing a place for young people to find help and ways to share their voice, without being put

in the middle of any arguments.

At the centre of this support, a new digital platform has been launched, www.voicesinthemiddle.com, a dedicated place where young people can find help and support, voice their views and share their experiences, read helpful content and connect with discussion boards, helplines and local services. It’s a collaboration between young people, the family law and mediation sector and The Family Initiative charity.

Celebrate play on Playday UK! Playday is the national day for play in the UK, and will take place this year on Wednesday 1 August.

Playday is an annual celebration of children’s play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of children’s play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

From small-scale community

events to thousands of children taking part in events organised in parks and open spaces – Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

You can hold and register your own Playday event or find one close to you by visiting www.playday.org.uk

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Clubs & classes Parents’ place Family Mediation

If you and your partner have decided to separate or divorce, family mediation is one way of resolving any disputes privately without going to court. This can be in relation to arrangements for children, money or the practicalities of how life will work in the future.

Professional, impartial mediators will help you and your partner work together to make decisions about your lives after you split up.

Phillip Rhodes and Kim Aucott are mediators at Manchester and Cheshire law firm Slater Heelis LLP. Here, they explain more about the benefits of mediation…

Are mediators there to help me and my partner get back together?

No. Family mediators are usually only contacted after the decision to divorce or separate has been reached.

Family mediation sessions are very different from marriage counselling. The aim is not to reconcile the relationship (although reconciliation might be an outcome), but to work out how the divorce/separation will work, and what will happen after the separation.

One of the benefits of family mediation is that it can improve communication

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between you and your former partner, leading to better relations post-separation if you need to remain in contact, especially where there are children.

Why is family mediation better than going to court?

If you decide to go to court for your divorce or arrangements for your children, a judge will ultimately impose a decision after listening to each party.

Family mediation allows both parties to have a say on what happens, and all decisions are made together.

Family mediation can be less stressful than court and allows you to make informed decisions that are right for your circumstances, your future and the future of your family. This offers a flexibility which is not present in traditional court proceedings.

What happens in a family mediation session?

A mediator will listen to you and your former partner discuss any concerns and issues you have as a result of your relationship ending – whether in relation to arrangements for children, family finances and the practicalities of how life will work in the future. The mediator will facilitate those discussions and help you to

make your own decisions in a managed, secure and safe environment.

Mediators at Slater Heelis are qualified family lawyers, and have a thorough understanding of the legal issues which are likely to arise on relationship breakdown – knowledge that will help your negotiations go as smoothly as possible. Mediation does not take the place of independent advice and each of you is encouraged to take advice from solicitors alongside the process (although the absence of independent advice would not be a bar to mediation).

Everything you say in a mediation session remains confidential.

Children can also participate in mediation sessions, but only if everyone (including the child) agrees to it and only where the mediator has obtained additional qualifications.

Child inclusive mediation is not currently offered at Slater Heelis but we can put you in touch with mediators who offer this service.

Most mediations will take between three and five sessions, each lasting between one and two hours depending on how complicated your situation is. However, there is no limit to the number of sessions. The process is often much quicker and more cost effective than traditional court proceedings.

What is the first step?

If you think that mediation might be the right process for you and your former partner, the first step is to contact a mediator to discuss your situation who will provide information and answer any questions you might have. The mediator will ask your former partner to make contact so that the same information can be provided to him or her. Assuming mediation is appropriate, the mediator will arrange individual meetings with you and your former partner before any joint sessions take place.

Since 2014 it has been a requirement for most people intending to issue a court application to first attend a Mediation and Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM).

This is a separate process to the initial meetings for couples who intend to use mediation to try to resolve their dispute outside the court arena.

Why is family mediation better for children?

Children’s feelings are often at the forefront of parents’ minds when separating. Mediation can help you and your former partner focus on the children’s best interests, with the result that any agreement is more likely to ensure their future security and happiness.

Mediation also offers the opportunity to try different solutions before arriving at a decision – an option which is not available in traditional court proceedings.

What happens after mediation?

Once you are both satisfied with the decision reached in mediation, the mediator will prepare a number of documents for a solicitor to complete any necessary legal formalities.

When should I consider mediation?

It is recommended that mediation should be considered as soon as you and your former partner have decided to separate or divorce or otherwise dealing with changes to your family. However, mediation is available to couples who have been separated for a longer period.

To speak to Philip Rhodes or Kim Aucott, confidentially, about your situation call (0161) 672 1415 / 0161 672 1523 or email philip.rhodes@slaterheelis.co.uk / kim.aucott@slaterheelis.co.uk See www.slaterheelis.co.uk

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Parents’ place Are you feeling lucky?!

WIN a copy of The World of David Walliams: Book of Stuff In celebration of ten wonderful Walliams years, Families Manchester is offering you the opportunity to win this brand new compendium perfect for the ultimate David Walliams fan.

Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books this is David Walliams’ first ever activity book, perfect for bags of fun this summer!

Published in glorious colour, this spectacularly funny feast of a book is jam-packed with exclusive sneak peeks, fun character facts, games and quizzes. It’s the ultimate compendium for super fans, new fans and anyone who enjoys laughing out loud!

To find out more, see www.worldofdavidwalliams.com To enter, simply email your details and your answer to the following question to caryl@familiemanchester.co.uk, with the words DAVID WALLIAMS in the subject line:

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For how many years has David Walliams been writing children’s books? a) 50 b) 2 c) 10 Closing date for entries: Friday 17 August.

Are you feeling lucky?!

WIN a Family Ticket to Alice In Wonderland at Dunham Massey

Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer as they present the classic tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Join Alice as she stumbles into the magical world of Wonderland and meet a whole host of colourful characters. From the unforgettable White Rabbit and the madcap Mad Hatter to the terrifying Queen of Hearts, Alice’s journey couldn’t be filled with more adventure.

Presented in beautiful Victorian costume and with live with song, dance and original

music, this is a production to delight the entire family – and we’ve got a Family Ticket to give away to the performance on Saturday 4 August.

To be in with a chance of winning, just email your name and phone number with the word ALICE in the subject to caryl@familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Closing date for entries is Sat 28 July. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey www.chapterhouse.org

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Parents’ place responsibility for this during primary school. By doing everything for them, running into school with forgotten items and supervising homework, they effectively tell their kids ‘you need me, without me you’d be useless.’ Parents need to teach children how to look after themselves and become more resilient.”

feeling, they can connect easily to others. From that feeling, we make better decisions, enjoy relaxed and loving relationships, can have difficult conversations with a feeling of ease and openness, and we see more clearly that any kind of negativity or bad behaviour in another person is simply a product of a poor state of mind and bad feeling. This enables us to not take things personally and completely transforms parent/child relationships.”

How can parents help their teens?

Edward and his team at Wellbeing in Schools are changing young people’s understanding of the impact of their thoughts. They remind them that thoughts are passing energy and that when their thinking is settled, they will be happier.

“Mental illness is the result of chronic mental stress. Humans experience chronic mental stress when they actively engage their ability to think. Generally speaking, when we actively use our ability to think to manage the tasks in our day, manage our feelings and behaviour, analyse who we are and our beliefs, ideas and expectations, we create chaos in our minds. A high level of thought creates a very low state of mind. In a low state of mind, it is impossible for a human being to be resilient, happy, innovative, loving or comfortable in their own skin.”

Edward says we can help our tweenagers by learning how state of mind can impact a relationship. “When people are experiencing a kind, open, loving and non-judgemental

Top tip for parents Model the behaviour you want to see in your child. Judy says, “If you want them to moderate their screen time, limit yours. If you want them to listen, hear what they have to say. If you want them to eat well, buy healthy food and cook healthy meals. They can’t eat biscuits and crisps if you don’t buy them, the same goes for sugary drinks.”

Judy also says to remember to believe in yourself. “You’ve done a great job bringing them up and getting them through primary school. Trust that this will stand them in good stead for secondary school.

They’ll make mistakes, it’s how we learn, and we build self-esteem through getting that learning from the occasional failure. Be able to laugh about it, cuddle them and let them know you love them.”

One of the psychological goals of the teen years is to become independent from adults and to develop your own personality and place in society. Letting go of your teen might be a bumpy ride but if you do it with love and a sense of humour, you should make it through.

Coping with a ‘Tweenager’

By Claire Winter

You’re at home, and suddenly your child starts eye-rolling, and saying ‘so what.’ You’ve guessed it…. your child is becoming a ‘tweenager.’

As it will probably feel like just 5 minutes since they started school, this can come as a shock. The truth is though that children are becoming teenagers at younger and younger ages – as young as age 10 for some girlswith the onset ofearlyadolescence.

So what do you need to know about your child’s impending entry into teenagehood? I think the best advice I have been given about raising a teen is that your role is to give them the skills they need to become a successful adult. You are not there to save them from failure or be their best friend.

Understanding your teen Remember your teenager’s body is changing rapidly, as hormones shift and surge; the brain and emotions are on a permanent rollercoaster. Boys have to manage large surges of testosterone and girls have to cope with the mood swings that arrive along with

oestrogen. At the same time, they are figuring out how to make decisions independently and how they want to live in the world.

According to Edward Anthony, a mental health educator from Mental Well Being in Schools (www.mentalwellbeinginschools. org) the biggest problem teenagers face is misunderstanding the meaning of mental health. “They need to be able to access resilience, happiness, contentment, high performance, and peace of mind.

When these qualities are in a teenager’s life, anyotherproblems they face – anxiety, peer pressure, bullying, academic stress, social media pressures – are easier to navigate.”

Parenting expert Judy Bartkowiak from NLP Kids (www.nlpkids.com) jokingly says the biggest problem young people face, “is often their parents!” Seriously though, it’s much easier for children to take responsibility for packing the right books in their bags, getting to where they need to be and doing their homework on time when parents gradually hand over the

Enjoy the benefits of summer study and beyond with Kumon

Established for 60 years, daily study of the Kumon Maths and English Programmes can make all the difference when it comes to keeping the brain active between school terms, as well as throughout the year.

As a new school term approaches, it’s especially important that your child gets to grips with the core subjects of maths

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and English, as well as the vital learning skills which can take students beyond their school level.

The summer holidays provide an ideal opportunity for your child to settle into their new routine of daily Kumon study, before getting off to a flying start in the new school year.

Kumon Educational is the UK’s largest supplementary education provider, with over 70,000 students studying at more than 650 study centres, and over 4 million students worldwide.

For more information, contact the Kumon Walkden Study Centre on 01942 888786 or email walkden@kumoncentre.co.uk.

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Parents’ place How to seize the summer with Explore Learning

The summer holidays are a great time for families to spend time together. However, it can also be a time when children forget some of the skills they have mastered at school.

Miss Evans, a year 6 teacher, stated “Teachers often find that children begin the new school year having forgotten key skills.

It is important that children have opportunities over the summer break to continue to develop their abilities.”

Here are some ideas from Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning, on how to seize the summer.

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Start a blog Give your child a little note book to jot ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these are a great tool to help children who find writing tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing.

Send a postcard Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to. They’re only short so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why not

try a postcard app like ‘By Post’?

They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message.

Read, read and read some more Pop a book in your bag so you can use this when travelling on days out. Explore will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading. Visit explorelearning.co.uk/summer to find out more and download your first activity!

Play some games These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills. Needs some new games?

Have a scavenger hunt in local charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game.

Tuition To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting children to do work at home and get them along to a tuition centre where there are lots of other

children getting involved. Explore Learning offers free taster sessions, so get in touch today by calling 033 0124 3802.

Explore Learning was voted number one private tuition centre in the UK. With over 137 centres nationwide, since 2001 they have helped over 200,000 children aged four to 14 to achieve their potential. They get to know every child as an individual, giving them the space to unlock their imagination and discover the magic of learning.

Explore Learning is offering a saving of £50 to the first 65 members who join between 11 July and – 11 August 2018. Visit explorelearning.co.uk/offer.

T&Cs apply.

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Summer 18 things to do with your under 5’s this summer

By Vanessa Christie

When term time classes and drop in activities for under 5s shut up shop for the summer holidays, you may be left feeling as if the only entertainment options available are leisure attractions which can be expensive and are sometimes not age-appropriate. So, here’s the lowdown on alternative fun for your toddlers and pre-schoolers during this time.

Getting Back to Nature Mini Beast Mayhem: A child’s fascination with bugs can be fascinating to watch. Give them a pot and a little shovel and set them to work exploring under pots, logs, loose soil and leaves.

Just maybe don’t do what I did and let the ‘bug hotel’ come inside. Ewww.

Flower Power: All you need is a jam jar (or something with a lid), flower petals and any other scented (non-dog-poo) outdoor offerings, a little water and a mixing stick.

Hey presto, you have a bespoke smelly perfume, potion or concoction! Your child can even make their own label to stick on.

Pimp Up Your Walk: If going out for another walk has your child digging their heels in, try giving it a new twist. Prepare a piece of

paper with a circle, triangle, rectangle and square drawn down one side and track objects that are these shapes along the way e.g. fence posts, road signs, wheels, swings etc. You can do a similar thing with textures, for example, rough, smooth, tickly, silky and so on.

Fruit Picking: A trip to a Pick Your Own will keep their bellies occupied and give you plenty of healthy goodies to take home for fruity treats. And all for next to nothing on the spending front.

The Woodland Trust: Check out www.woodlandtrust.org.uk for loads of free, downloadable activity sheets that you can use any time you are outside.

National Trust: The National Trust may not immediately spring to mind for this young age group but there are plenty of very child-friendly gardens and outdoor spaces that are perfect for little ones to enjoy running around. Look up www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/ our-top-gardens-for-children to see where best to head to.

Keeping Cool Water pistol targets: Fill up the pistols, line up some empty cans or paper cups and fire away. For added fun, keep a score card.

Beach life: Have buckets and

Send kids on a World Adventure Whilst most of us crave a warmer climate during the summer, a family holiday abroad is not always on the cards.

However, that doesn’t mean children have to miss out on exploring the exciting cultures, tastes and traditions of a new country or three during their

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spades at the ready and head beach-side for rock-pooling and castle building. Inland lakes and urban areas often have man-made “beach” areas and activities going on over the summer, so check your local websites for information.

Sprinklers: Failing the beach and assuming it’s not dry enough for a hose-pipe ban, water sprinkler action can’t fail to cool off the steamiest of tempers and meltdowns.

Bath: If it’s Just. Too. Hot. retreat inside to the relative cool of the bathroom, run a tepid bath and pile your young ones in.

Rainy Days at Home Kitchen chaos: Keep little hands busy and titillate taste buds by making fruit kebabs, juicy lollies and berry crumbles. If your children like rainbows, they can design their very own fruit rainbow on a plate for pudding.

Washing Up: Get an enthusiastic toddler together with a washing up brush and they can be (a little) more useful than you think. This activity can also keep them blissfully happy for ages! So as long as everything in the bowl is kid-friendly, let them wash away!

Vegetable Paint Printing: Give life to the stubby bits of veg lurking in the bottom of the fridge. Turn them into paint stamps before dumping them in the bin, compost or food waste Indoor Dens and Picnics: Who said you have to be outside to build a den or have a picnic? Any combination of chairs, bed, tables, sofa, indoor clothes dryer plus an old sheet or blanket, the perfect hidey hole for all manner of adventures.

Ring your friends: If you are feeling stuck at home and all at sea, the chances are there will be a friend nearby in exactly the

summer break.

Our Little Globe is a children’s subscription box that delivers personalised activity kits themed to a new country, each month.

With the average parent estimating they make thirteen suggestions to their child per day during the summer break to help keep them entertained, a box

same position. Never hesitate to pick up the phone and join forces.

They will be as glad as you that you did.

Deal Hunting Your Local Council: Once you’ve exhausted the options in the What’s On section of this magazine, look at your local council website to find out about free or discounted holiday sessions at local leisure centres, libraries, theatres and other venues.

Kids Eat Free: Lots of restaurants help families out in the holidays and drum up their own business, so it’s always worth having a shop around for good deals.

Culture Kids: Plenty of museums are free to enter, or at least offer good holiday discounts and have lots of interactive entertainment to keep little brains engaged. Failing that, at least they are a cool on a warm day and dry if it’s raining!

Vanessa Christie is a Lactation Consultant and Early Parenting Expert at The Baby Show, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, which returns to London Olympia 19–21 October.

For more information, visit www.vanessachristie.com and/ or www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

packed full of fun delivered to your door could be just the ticket.

The activities included range from crafts to cooking and the first month includes a free mini suitcase, world map and passport to document their adventures across the world. To find out more, visit www.ourlittleglobe.co.uk

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Summer Summer at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Once upon a time… Elizabeth Gaskell’s House invited families to a summer of full of events and activities inspired by children’s literature.

Discover what life was like in a Victorian House. Ring the servants’ bell, dress up in Victorian clothes, write at Elizabeth’s desk, and make yourself at home – most of the furniture and objects can be touched!

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11am-4.30pm you can enjoy craft activities, dress up as a Victorian and follow the new House trail led

by Cranford the cat. Plus, there are special events on every Wednesday (see the What’s on section in this magazine for full details).

Admission price: £5 for adults, £4 for concessions, under 16s free except for special events listed. Tickets to the House last for 12 months.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is just one mile from Manchester city centre and easily reached via public transport. Limited free parking on the roads around the House. For more information go to elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 9LW, 0161 273 2215

Have a summer filled with snowments at Chill Factore

As temperatures soar this summer, it’s important to keep cool - and what could be better than a visit to Chill Factore for a fun, snowy adventure that all the family can enjoy!

Chill Factore’s half-priced beginner lessons promise an exciting, fun-filled experience that takes you from novice to skier or snowboarder in no time.

You’ll master all the basics with one of the talented instructors, while becoming cool and confident on the slopes! These

lessons are a fantastic day out with the kids and a great way to learn an exhilarating new activity as a family.

Guarantee your kids the coolest summer and enjoy Altitude, Chill Factore’s newest rip-roaring adventure on real snow. You can rocket down the Downhill Donuts, slide down the icy Luge and race against the clock on sledges collecting Mountain Metres as you go.

Why not challenge yourselves to get enough Mountain Metres to climb Everest?

The snowments don’t stop there: for little ones, Mini Moose Land is a magical adventure that will keep your toddler entertained for hours.

With soft play, tunnels and real snow, it’s an ideal place for curious explorers! To book, please visit www.chillfactore.com.

Full on entertainment for ages 6 months – 16!

Join in all out fun this summer at Play Factore, the UK’s leading indoor family entertainment arena!

Play Factore facilities cater for children from 6 months – 16 years old and they’re the only play arena in the UK where parents can join in the fun with their little adventurers too!

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Challenge each other to an all-out Laser Tag battle, race round the Go-Kart track, try the thrilling Zip Wire ride and explore the maze of the largest play frame in the UK before taking on the Big Red Slide! For the smaller ones, Play Factore has an extensive toddler play area and everyone can take

part in the hugely popular Dance Off sessions!

Based in Manchester next to the Intu Trafford Centre, Play Factore provides a complete day out for families shopping in the area and planning to entertain the children.

Visit www.playfactore.com for more information.

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Summer Healthy ice lollies to make with your kids Let the kids cool down in style with healthy homemade ice lollies. There is no limit to the range, as you can use any fruit you like – and even smuggle in some veggies!

Whipping up a batch of homemade ice lollies makes for a quick and exciting summer project for kids and these are a breeze to make. All you need is a food processor or blender, ice lolly moulds and a bit of time to allow them to set. Below is my favourite recipe for yoghurt and berry ice lollies, which is also one of the easiest!

Have fun!

Yoghurt and Berry Coconut Ice Lollies Makes 4 (but this is depending on the size of your lolly moulds) Ingredients 400gof frozen (or fresh) berries. A mix is great - I use blueberries and strawberries 1/2 tin of coconut milk 400g natural yoghurt 1 tbsp maple syrup (use a little less or more depending on how sweet your fruit is) 1tsp vanilla

Instructions 1. Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into your ice-lolly moulds and attach the freeze tops.

3. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours until solid.

4. Warm the moulds under water to release the pops when you are ready to eat them.

Dani Binnington is a cook, yoga teacher and wellness warrior dedicated to providing practical steps for achieving physical and mental wellbeing for the whole family. For more inspiration, recipes, events and classes, visit www.healthywholeme.com

Hands-on fun wherever you are – at 15% off!

I DID IT! activity kits are fun, themed and educational (but the kids will be having too much fun to notice that… especially during the summer)!

They’re perfect to do at home, to take on a play day or as a family activity.

Kits are dedicated to fun learning and continuous discovery and inspired

by Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Maths.

That’s STEAM. Kit options range from bug hunting, design your own triceratops or superheroes to electrical dough circuits and solar system creations.

Everything you need is supplied, with creations designed to be admired and products to be re-used; nothing to throw away here! Each box is personalised too, so remember to provide your child’s name when ordering.

I DID IT! kits are suitable for ages 5 – 11, and are available either by subscription or as a single purchase. A selection of single kits is also available for age 3+. You can check out the range at www.ididitco.co.uk.

And as a special offer for Families readers, simply enter IDIDITFAMILIES at the check-out to receive 15% off ALL products! Valid until 31 August 2018.

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

Unlock your child’s potential

with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.

DIDSBURY 0808 208 5134 didsbury@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/didsbury SALFORD 01706 601072 salford@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/salford

Creative Courage For Life

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

10 Families Manchester

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Summer BDM Sports holiday club Are you looking for something fun & active for your littles ones to do in the summer holidays?

Then look no further than BDM sports holiday clubs.

Aimed at ages 5 – 11, they run year-round during half terms and holidays at multiple locations. Summer Camps run from 23 July – 10 August, and there are options for Full Day

Weeks, Half Day Weeks, or Single Days.

Join the fun for your chance to make new friends and win lots of prizes. Spaces are limited – so book now: www.bdmsports.co.uk

Fire up the imagination at Fire Tech Camp

Get £20 off digital summer holiday fun for ages 9-17 with Fire Tech Camps in Manchester – designed to educate, entertain and inspire a new generation of inventors.

Fire Tech opens inquisitive minds to the possibilities of computer coding, 3D game development, VR and AR, digital design and music production. There’s a course for every age and stage - from

complete beginners to tech enthusiasts who want to learn more. Some Fire Tech camps cover the whole GCSE coding curriculum in a week!

But Fire Tech isn’t like a school ICT class. Students from some of the UK’s most prestigious university courses make up the energetic tutor teams and there are plenty of opportunities to get active and make new friends away from a computer screen.

Camps run 23 July to 3 August at Manchester University. Call 0203 950 7310 or visit www.firetechcamp.com using the FAMCR code for your £20 discount.

Actors Workshop Week in Poynton Northern Core Theatre is holding an Actors Workshop Week for 7 – 15 year olds at Poynton Community Centre SK12 1RB from 6 – 10 August, 9.30am – 3.30pm.

The cost is £110 for the week (sibling discounts available) and will be a week full of

drama - developing creativity, emotional intelligence, building confidence and forming friendships!

To book, or to find out more, email info@northerncore.co.uk, call 07903 133102 or visit the website www.northerncore.co.uk

Superstars Holiday Club Superstars Holiday Clubs run across 11 sites (Manchester, Warrington, St Helens, Ormiston and Northwich) over the summer holidays as well as the rest of the school holidays.

This summer, Multi Sports, Football, Dance, Lego, Drama, Cricket, Tennis, Art Club, Trampolining and so much more are on offer, including Robot Club, which is NEW for Summer 2018!

Multi Sports sessions offer over 50 different sports for the children to develop and play. Football sessions are based around developing their skills and playing small matches.

Superstars accepts childcare vouchers as well as payment by debit or credit card. Clubs cost £17.50 per day from 8am – 4.30pm, or a 5 hr flexi-session is £12.50. Late pick up (6pm) is available for £2.50 extra per day per child. Full details of what’s on offer can be found at www.littlesuperstars. co.uk, including a 24 page summer brochure.

Or call them on 01925 555859.

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Families Manchester 11

What’s on Wed 4 July

Oldham Library Baby Days Fun at the Seaside Event 10 – 11.30am / Free. Get together with other parents and carers of babies up to 18 months to share experiences. Older siblings welcome.

Enjoy buckets and spades, sand play and lots of themed stories, songs and activities. www.oldham-council.co.uk

Fri 6 – Sun 8 July

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Summer Diesel Spectacular Take a ride on your favourite diesel locomotive. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sat 7 July

Arts For Recovery in the Community, Reddish Family Ceramics- Fairy Doors and Castle Gates Use clay to ring a fantasy design to life, then take your piece home to decorate. Suitable for beginners aged 6+. www.arc-centre.org/book-a-workshop The Portico Library, Manchester Sophie Willan - Tales of the Weird, the Wild and The Wonderful An afternoon of fun and hilarity for kids and their adults, as comedian Sophie reads extracts from her two short stories for children. www.theportico.org.uk

12 Families Manchester

Torkington Park Hazel Grove Carnival Live music, funfairs, food court, pony rides, dog show and a birds of prey display. Field events start at 10am with the Carnival Parade commencing at 12pm. www.hazelgrovecarnival.com

Sun 8 July

Debdale Park, Manchester Gorton Parade and Debdale Carnival Expect lots of activities like Dance, Music, Magic, Circus Skills, a Dog Show, and Water Sports.

There’ll also be Food and Drink, Stalls, Fairground Rides and much, much more! vicki.heap.gorton@gmail.com Duke’s Drive, Monton Bridgewater Weekender 2018 12 – 5pm. Explore the delights of Salford’s Bridgewater Canal as we celebrate the birthday of this much loved local waterway which opened 257 years ago. A free festival of family fun, entertainment, music, heritage and crafts. www.est1761.org

Mon 9 July

Oldham Libary Bedtime Stories with Wee Willie Winkie 6 – 7pm / Free. Come along in your pyjamas and settle down for bedtime stories from Wee Willie Winkie. These free sessions are great fun and an ideal way to develop a relaxing bedtime reading routine. Remember to bring along your teddy or favourite cuddly toy! A light supper for the children will be served after the event. www.oldham-council.co.uk

Wed 11 July

Oldham Library Twins and Multiple Births Group – Fun at the Seaside 10 – 11.30am. Get together with other parents and carers of twins and triplets to share mutual support, friendship, ideas and experiences. Sensory activities for you and your children to enjoy plus helpful information and advice. www.oldham-council.co.uk

Fri 13 – Sun 15 July

Tatton Park Foodies Festival The UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink. www.foodiesfestival.com

Sat 14 July

Bramall Hall, Stockport Open Air Family Theatre Bring your chairs, blankets, picnics and perhaps a brolly, and be prepared to be daring at this outdoor adaptation of David Walliams’ The Midnight Gang. www.stockport.gov.uk/bramallhall

Sat 14 July

Duke’s Drive - Worsley Woods Bridgewater Canal.

The Wonders of Wildlife 10am – 12pm / All ages / Free but places limited. Booking essential.

Try and spot the secretive jay and listen out for the explosive call of the tiny wren as you explore Duke’s Drive and marvel at the nature that can be found on your doorstep! There’s so much wildlife to experience, so put on your walking boots, grab a pair of binoculars if you have them and join us on this walk of discovery. www.est1761.eventbrite.co.uk

Sat 14 – Sun 15 July

Tatton Park Rare Breeds Weekend At The Farm Meet the Farm’s rare breed friends and raise awareness of these endangered species. www.tattonpark.org.uk Daresbury, Warrington Cheshire Steam Fair Not just for steam enthusiasts! A great family day out with hundreds of exhibits and fabulous displays. www.outdoorshows.co.uk

Sun 15 July

Ordsall Hall, Salford The Ordsall Hall Garden Party 12-4pm. £1 adults, children free. A celebration of family fun in the gardens. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

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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

Worsley Green Worsley Village Summer Fair 11-4pm, free. Incudes children’s arts activities, games, information and crafts stalls with plenty of space for a family picnic.

The Lowry Theatre Milkshake Live The Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love. www.thelowry.com

Sun 15 July

The Refuge, Manchester M60 7HA TPHP Presents – Tantrum at The Refuge 2 – 4pm / Adults £6, Children £4, Family ticket - £18 (2 adults & up to 3 children) plus booking fee Babies under 12 months free (ticket still required) Calling all party families, are you ready to rave? Have a laugh, have a dance, have a tantrum - anything goes on our dancefloor! www.universe.com

Sat 21 July

Woodbank Park, Offerton Stockport Carnival Join us for a fun family day and a colourful parade through the town centre, to raise money for various local charities. www.stockportcarnival.com Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club Macclesfield Festival Cheshire’s number one family friendly festival, with live music, kids stages, funfairs, dance tents, live entertainment and so much more! www.macclesfieldfestival.co.uk Oldham Library Oldham Coliseum’s Young Rep Company presents Charlie and the Lost Treasure 12pm & 2.30pm / Free – advance booking essential.. Join Charlie as he reads his favourite book; ‘A Pirate’s Adventure’. Captain Jack and Skullduggery are sailing the Seven Seas in search for the missing treasure but first they need to find the map! Suddenly, the crew end up where you would least expect it… at Charlie’s house! Come & witness the chaos that follows! www.oldham-council.co.uk

Mon 23 July – Fri 3 Aug

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Exploring with Elephants Join Elizabeth Mary Greg in India.

Through her eyes visit the Taj Mahal, sit atop an elephant and camp in the foothills of the Himalayas. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank

familiesonline.co.uk

What’s on

Tues 24 July

Crompton Library Oldham Coliseum’s Young Rep Company presents Charlie and the Lost Treasure 2pm / Free – advance booking essential. Join Charlie as he reads his favourite book; ‘A Pirate’s Adventure’. Captain Jack and Skullduggery are sailing the Seven Seas in search for the missing treasure but first they need to find the map!

Suddenly, the crew end up where you would least expect it… at Charlie’s house! Come & witness the chaos that follows! www.oldham-council.co.uk

Tues 24 July – Fri 24 Aug

Tatton Park Summer Activities at the Farm 12 – 5pm/ Normal farm opening times and entry prices apply. Meet the newly hatched chicks in the hatchery and learn more about where your food comes from with our field to fork story.

CLOSED MONDAYS. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Wed 25 July

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester Alice in Wonderland 12.30 – 3pm / Usual admission plus £1 for under 16s, drop in. Come to our whacky workshop and make a Mad Hatter’s mad hat! And if the weather’s good, head to the garden and wear it outside for a game of croquet on the lawn. Curiouser and curiouser!

Drop in, no need to book. www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

Thurs 26 July

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Wizard Academy This interactive quest will see you and your family join colourful and quirky costumed characters on a steam train ride. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Thurs 26 July

Fitton Hill Library Charlie and the Lost Treasure 2pm / Free – advance booking essential Join Charlie as he reads his favourite book; ‘A Pirate’s Adventure’. Captain Jack and Skullduggery are sailing the Seven Seas in search for the missing treasure but first they need to find the map! Suddenly, the crew end up where you would least expect it… at Charlie’s house! Come & witness the chaos that follows! www.oldham-council.co.uk

Fri 27 July

Limehurst Library Charlie and the Lost Treasure 11am / Free – advance booking essential.

Join Charlie as he reads his favourite book; ‘A Pirate’s Adventure’. Captain Jack and Skullduggery are sailing the Seven Seas in search for the missing treasure but first they need to find the map! Suddenly, the crew end up where you would least expect it… at Charlie’s house! Come & witness the chaos that follows! www.oldham-council.co.uk

Fri 27 July – Sat 25 Aug

Queen’s Park, Bolton Gulliver’s Travels Join Gulliver for an outdoor walkabout experience that will bring to life the extraordinary places and people from his beloved children’s story. www.octagonbolton.co.uk Families Manchester 13

What’s on Sat 28 July

Oldham Library Hunt for the Giggle 12pm & 2.30pm / Age 5+ (younger children welcome) / Free, booking essential. Join Jackson and Squiggle for an adventure to hunt for the lost giggle! A fun, interactive family show. www.oldham-council.co.uk

Sat 28 – Sun 29 July

The Forum Theatre, Romiley Mickey’s Big Day Out Featuring Mickey and Minnie and a host of Disney heroes and villains, with some of the most memorable Disney songs of all time! www.nktheatre.co.uk Manchester Central Convention Complex MCM Manchester Comic Con POW! The UK’s BIGGEST Modern Pop-Culture events returns to Manchester. www.mcmcomiccon.com/manchester

Tues 31 July

Tatton Park Tatton’s Fairytale Postman Can you help Tatton’s Postman deliver his mixed up letters to all the fairytale characters living in our Gardens? www.tattonpark.org.uk

Wed 1 Aug Tatton Park Traditional Tales: Cinderella This engaging storytelling tour will bring to life the traditional tale, Cinderalla, with a chance to meet characters and take part in hands on activities. www.tattonpark.org.uk Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester Edward Lear’s Stuff And Nonsense 2.30 – 4pm / £10, booking essential Fun-filled theatrical event with a difference! Enjoy an audience with Edward Lear, King of the nonsense rhyme and loopy limerick, courtesy of esteemed practitioners of theatrical Victoriana, Don’t Go Into The Cellar.

Prepare to be entertained by the wonderful wordplay of the marvellous Mr Lear in this new one-man show which mingles the madcap writer’s much-loved works with music and multi-roleplay. And maybe a little audience participation too… www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

Thurs 2 Aug

intu Trafford Centre 999 Day Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service will be joined by Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and a range of other emergency response, community safety and support services, at this free event, 10-4. www.manchesterfire.gov.uk Touchstones, Rochdale Evening Bat and Wildlife Walk Meet outside the museum for a walk to find bats, peregrine falcons and more. Discover and learn about these amazing animals that live on our doorstep. www.link4life.org

Fri 3 – Sat 4 Aug

Manchester Arena Walking with Dinosaurs Be amazed and thrilled as the greatest ever creatures to walk the earth return before your very eyes! www.manchestertheatres.com

14 Families Manchester

Fri 3 – Sun 19 Aug

MOSI, Manchester Power Up! Power UP is back for 2018 with over 160 consoles on offer. Get your game face on and play some of the most popular video games from the past 40 years, from Pong and Pacman to Minecraft and Mario. www.msimanchester.org.uk

Sat 4 August

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company as they present this classic tale. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey

Sat 4 – Sun 5 Aug

East Lancashire Railway, Bury A Day Out With Thomas Join Thomas, the number one blue engine, at the East Lancashire Railway for a train ride unlike any other. www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sun 5 Aug

Village Hotel, Cheadle Millie’s Trust Family Fun Day An annual family day out to raise money for Millie’s Trust. Bbq, bouncy castle, face painting, tombola, plus many more activities and stalls! 12 – 4pm. www.milliestrust.com

Mon 6 Aug

Failsworth Libary Bedtime Stories with Wee Willie Winkie 6 – 7pm / Free. Come along in your pyjamas and settle down for bedtime stories from Wee Willie Winkie. These free sessions are great fun and an ideal way to develop a relaxing bedtime reading routine. Remember to bring along your teddy or favourite cuddly toy!

A light supper for the children will be served after the event. www.oldham-council.co.uk

Mon 6 – Fri 17 Aug

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Adventuring In The Americas Meet Edward Hyde Greg and travel with him on his eccentric adventures in the Americas. Wrestle an alligator and take part in mosquito mania. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Sat 11 – Sun 12 Aug

Manchester Arena Paw Patrol Live X barks the spot in the new tour of Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure! www.manchester-arena.com

Sun 12 Aug

Bramall Hall, Stockport A Time To Play Fun for all the family as we look at toys from the last 1000 years! Try your hand at Latrunculi, diablo spinning, hula hooping, shuffleboard and many more! 11-4pm suitable for all ages. www.stockport.gov.uk/bramallhall

Tues 14 – Sat 18 Aug

The Palace Theatre, Manchester Madagascar The Musical Join Alex The Lion, his friends and of course those hilarious lotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. www.manchestertheatres.com

Wednesday 15 Aug

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester Make Your Own Book 12.30 – 3pm / Usual admission plus £1 for under 16s, drop in. Prepare to get creative! Learn some basic bookmaking skills in our hands-on workshop and take home a book made and decorated by you. www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

Wed 15 – Thurs 16 Aug

The Lowry (Lyric Theatre) Peppa Pig’s Adventure Join peppa as she goes on an exciting camping trip with George and her friends. www.thelowry.com

Thurs 16 Aug

Touchstones, Rochdale Summer Fun Workshop Help storyteller and goblin scientist, Professor Jigget from City of Trees to create tales inspired by trees and woodlands around Rochdale. Build props, scenery and characters from a variety of craft materials. www.link4life.org

Fri 17 – Sun 19 Aug

Hat Works, Stockport A Family Tour of The Hat Works A popular tour for families, with your chance to make a piece of felt and see if you would have made it as a hatter. 0161 474 2399

Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Didsbury The Railway Children Outdoor Theatre All Aboard! Full Steam Ahead! Find your travel companions and take your seats (bring your seats actually, and a picnic) for this outdoor adaptation of the children’s classic. www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk

Tues 7 – Sat 11 Aug

Sat 18 Aug

Tues 7 Aug

Stockport Plaza Chitty Chitty Bang Bang For their 100th production Romiley Operatic Society present the family favourite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Wed 8 Aug

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester The Tale of Two Bad Mice 12.30 – 3pm / Usual admission plus £1 for under 16s, drop in. Help our two bad mice make some mini accessories for the doll’s house in this drop-in craft workshop inspired by Beatrix Potter’s classic tale. www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

Rochdale Town Centre Rochdale Feel Good Festival Enjoy fabulous free entertainment in Rochdale town centre, headlined by indie-rock band Razorlight. www.rochdale.gov.uk/ feelgoodfestival Manchester Central Library Manchester Comics and Reading Festival From the team that brought you Oldham Comic Con, this is a new free to attend event held at Manchester Central Library. www.manchester.gov.uk/ centrallibrary

Mon 20 Aug

Duke’s Drive, Monton Incredible Insects – Bridgewater Canal Join us on a hunt for some special creatures. Will you be fast enough to catch a fluttering butterfly or manage to surprise a shield bug? www.est1761.org Stockport Museum Visits for Families with Autism 10am-11.30am. Free, just drop in.

Enjoy Stockport Museum while it’s quiet and closed to the public. Staff on hand to chat about the exhibits and a craft activity bag is an option for £1. Suitable fro autistic children, their families and companions. www.stockport.go.uk

Mon 20 – Fri 31 Aug

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Moving To The Mill During the Industrial Revolution lots of workers migrated north in search of work. Journey along the canal with 9 year old Rebekah Steevens and her family as they travel to Quarry Bank. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank

Wed 22 August

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester Servant School 12.30 – 3pm / Usual admission plus £1 for under 16s, booking recommended Calling all Hetty Feather fans! Come and learn how to be a Victorian servant, just like Hetty Feather. Our House servants, Hearn and Margaret, are on the loose again. They’ll put you to work on some light servant duties, so you can earn your Servant School Certificate. www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

Thurs 23 Aug

Ordsall Hall, Salford Pirate Pearl And The Big Blue Monster Little Blue Monster Theatre Company present their brand new family friendly production - Pirate Pearl and the Big Blue Monster! in the gardens of Ordsall Hall. www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Sun 26 & Mon 27 Aug

Bolton Steam Museum Summer Bank Holiday Steamings 10am – 4pm / Free. Our volunteers have rescued and restored 30 old stationary steam engines - some of the engines which once powered the cotton mills and woollen mills of the North of England, including 6 built in Bolton.

Some of our engines are now unique - the only one of its kind to survive anywhere in the world! Our oldest is now 180 years old and most are well over 100 years old! Most will be running in steam on these 2 days only. www.nmes.org

Wed 29 August

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester Interactive Poetry Workshop 1 – 3pm / Usual admission plus £1 for under 16s, booking recommended.

Join award-winning performance poet, Dominic Berry, for an afternoon of poetry, laughter and fun for all ages. www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

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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

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What’s on

Families Manchester 15

What’s on

16 Families Manchester

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