Families Cheshire Issue 18 July - August 2012

Edition 18 • July/Aug 2012

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years

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In this issue >Bumper Summer feature clubs and camps, great days out and loads of things to do this holiday >Working mums >Supporting your child through grief

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

Welcome In this issue 04: 06: 10: 14: 15:

Hello!

Next issue: September/October 2012

With the disappointingly cool start to summer, it seems that the only blistering hot guarantee right now is this issue of Families Cheshire! It’s a bumper edition with loads of ideas of where to go and what to do with the kids over the holidays.

Check out our 12 pages of holiday clubs, great days out and what’s on starting on page 16. We’ve been so inspired while putting this together, we’re actually looking forward to the end of term!

But if you can find some time to yourself before the year end school bell, then put your feet up and enjoy our selection of informative articles and local news, and enter our fabulous competitions on page 23.

If you’re taking a UK break this year, then be sure to make www.familiesonline.co.uk your central resource for family friendly what’s on information all over the country, thanks to our local editors.

Have a fantastic break, and we’ll see you in September!

Caryl Hall

Locally speaking Education Parents’ place Pets Parties

Jayne Keep

Five family games bundles to be won from Mattel each worth over £100.

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

Data will be treated in confidence and details will NOT be passed on to a third party.

If you would like to be entered in the prize draw, don’t forget to include your email address.

Winners will be notified directly. One prize each family. Editor’s decision is final, no cash alternative.

My e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My postcode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Also available online at this link:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/7JSTGQB or scan the QR code on your phone:

2 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Cheshire is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, out & about: events@familiescheshire.co.uk

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences.

Cover photograph by: Paul Moffat Photography, Bollington Tel: 01625 576586, www.moff.co.uk

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Reader Survey Many readers have told us Families is the only local publication they read - thank you! However, we don’t want to rest on our laurels. We want to know what you think - what you like, and what you’d like more - or less of. Please fill in and return our questionnaire and win fabulous prizes!

5. Online how do you find most of your family-related information?

All of it from cover to cover . . . ❒ More than half . . . . . . . . . . ❒ Just the articles which catch my eye . . . . . . . . . . . ❒ 2. Which element(s) is/are the MOST USEFUL OF ALL (tick max two)

Articles . . . . . . . . . . .

List of holiday activities . . .

Lists of clubs and classes . .

What‘s On in your area . .

Children’s party venues and entertainers . . . . . . . .

Adverts . . . . . . . . . . .

Local news . . . . . . . . .

Please return your replies by 31st August 2012 to PO Box 581, Macclesfield, SK10 9FN.

Holiday clubs Great days out A sporting summer What’s on

Contact details: Families Cheshire, PO Box 581, Macclesfield, SK10 9FN Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiescheshire.co.uk

1. How much of each issue do you read?

Games to include Scrabble Original; Scrabble Junior; Pictionary; UNO; Angry Birds board game and the new Chameleon Crunch active learning game for kids.

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3. How often do you contact advertisers you’ve seen in Families?

Often . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ❒ Occasionally . . . . . . . . . . . ❒ Never. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ❒ 4. Which advertiser type have you contacted after seeing them in Families?

Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SchoolChildren’s activity club . .

Nanny/Au Pair/babysitting agency Health practitioner/therapist . . .

Party supplier. . . . . . . . . . .

Parenting course . . . . . . . . .

Photographer . . . . . . . . . . .

Private tutor . . . . . . . . . . .

Holiday/family hotel . . . . . . .

Cleaner/hairdresser/gardener . .

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(about local nurseries, schools, clubs and classes, local news and events etc) Tick all relevant to you.

I mostly use FamiliesOnline . . . ❒ I never use FamiliesOnline . . . . ❒ I mostly Google randomly . . . . ❒ I mostly visit other sites such as . ❒

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8. Which age group are you in?

20 something .

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9. How would you describe Families?

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6. In your opinion which category of information do you find the hardest to find online?

A really good searchable list of what’s on events in my area . . . ❒ Specific parenting articles. . . . . ❒ Children’s activity classes . . . . . ❒ Local nurseries and schools . . . ❒ Local plumbers, carpenters etc . . ❒ More news about my area . . . . ❒ To chat to local mums . . . . . . ❒ Book/product/restaurant reviews by other mums . . . . . . . . . . . ❒ To sell my unwanted stuff . . . . ❒ Other (please indicate which) . . ❒

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Any other comments?

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7. Tick any that applies to you

I have and use a Facebook account ❒ I have and use a Twitter account . ❒ I own a smartphone, iPad or plan to buy one soon . . . . . . . . . . . ❒ I use a What’s on app (please indicate which) . . . . . . . . . . ❒

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Thank you for your time.

Locally speaking Inclusion in our locally speaking section is always FREE get in touch: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk

Stockport Grammar’s horror visit Deafness charity teams up with jump and finished on a real cliffhanger.

Cheshire East to provide family support As well as summarising his other projects, Families across East Cheshire with a deaf or hard of hearing child can now benefit from enhanced family support thanks to a new partnership between local charity Deafness Support Network (DSN) and Cheshire East Council.

The project aims to improve relationships by working with the whole family in the home to build confidence and reduce frustration for the deaf child or young person. Families will be provided with the appropriate support to meet their needs, for example: Deaf Awareness training, BSL tutoring and practical sessions to advise on improvements such as seating arrangements, appropriate lighting, gaining the deaf person’s attention, lip speaking and facial expressions.

Although the service is largely focused on the home environment, DSN is utilising its Macclesfield office as the central hub for the service within the Cheshire East area, providing access for families in Alsager, Congleton, Crewe, Knutsford, Middlewich, Nantwich, Poynton, Sandbach, Wilmslow and Macclesfield.

This is currently the only project in Cheshire providing support within the home environment and has already seen a high level of success during an initial 12-month pilot. DSN currently has support centres in Warrington, Chester, Macclesfield and Northwich. For more info, please visit www.dsnonline.co.uk

Wheeling towards a bright future

With not long to go until the 2012 Paralympic Games begin, Macclesfield Wheelies has been focusing on fundraising to enable its disabled members to achieve their own sporting golds.

Formed in 2001 and with members throughout Cheshire East and the surrounding areas, the club depends on the support of volunteers, fundraising activities and donations to enable it to run and provide disabled children and adults with the opportunities to take part in sports ranging from wheelchair basketball to cycling and from ski-ing to

sailing each week throughout the year.

The Jubilee bank holiday weekend saw the Macclesfield Round Table Team and Macclesfield Wheelies members cycling the Coast to Coast in aid of "Macclesfield Wheelies". Together, the Tablers and the Wheelies have raised over £4500 and this money, along with money from other recent fundraising events, will enable 20 members of Macclesfield Wheelies to attend a residential outdoor pursuits centre, in Cumbria, for a week during the summer.

For anyone still wanting to sponsor them the Just Giving pages are still open at www.justgiving.com/AngelaOsborne0 If you would like to learn more about Macclesfield Wheelies, or would like to become a member, details are available on the club’s website – www.macclesfieldwheelies.org.uk or call Angela Osborne on 07799 034842.

Author and “master of horror” Darren Shan visited Stockport Grammar School recently to shock and surprise an audience of First and Second Year pupils as well as meeting a legion of fans from all age groups.

Backed by brilliant visuals, Darren opened the session by reading from Lord Loss from the Demonata series of books – a captivating, spine chilling story which made the audience

Lydia wins local Olympic Banner competition

Lydia Keeley, age 6 years and a pupil of High Legh Primary School recently triumphed over more than 150 entries to win Knutsford Local Area Partnership’s “Embrace the Games Olympic Banner” Competition.

Lydia used a book about the Olympics as her inspiration to draw the Olympic

Celebrate families with East Cheshire NCT at their 2012 Cheeky Monkeys Tea Party. This fun, family event is one of many held all over the UK and raises money to help NCT support 2 million families each year as they prepare for parenthood.

4 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville, taking part in a range of sports which spelled out 'Knutsford'. She won a front row view of the Olympic Torch passing through Knutsford alongside the Knutsford Town Mayor and went on to be awarded with a range of prizes (an engraved glass trophy, gold medal, her picture framed, a certificate and a WHS gift voucher) at a special Embrace the Games event held at Knutsford Leisure Centre recently. At this event Lydia also had the privilege of holding one of the Olympic Torches (owned by Kane Gunter) - she is now really excited about going to watch one of the athletics sessions at the London Olympics in August. Well done Lydia!

Oliver shines at Festival

Cheeky Monkeys Tea Party The East Cheshire NCT branch’s party is being held at The Macclesfield Academy, The Learning Zone, Park Lane, Macclesfield, SK11 8JR on Saturday 21st July 2012 from 11am to 1pm.

For families with babies and children up to age 5, there will be face painting, a Jo Jingles music session, a Raffle and loads more fun. Entrance is just £2 per child or £5 per family which includes lunch.

Adults and under 1's are free. Contact whatson@eastcheshire-nct.org.uk or call 0844 243 6115 for more information.

Darren Shan also took a closer look at the Saga of Larten Crepsley series and told the story of the traumatic events that prompted the book’s main character to escape his town and become a vampire’s assistant. Pupils from across the school were lucky enough to also meet the author at lunchtime, when he spent an hour signing books and answering questions from the younger children who have only recently discovered his work, to the A Level English pupils who still have fond memories of the years spent reading his books. The school’s budding young journalists also interviewed the author for their SignPost school newspaper.

Oliver Rushton, a 9 year old pupil at The Ryleys School in Alderley Edge has been awarded the prestigious Sara Roache Memorial Trophy for his outstanding contribution to junior drama in the 2012 Alderley Edge Music, Speech and Drama Festival.

He picked up 4 First Place awards and was invited to perform at the exclusive Gala Celebration on the Saturday evening, along with Timothy Parkinson for his violin

solo and The Ryleys Singers from the Small Choral Group category.

With over 2,700 children taking part in the festival, the competition was fierce across all categories. However, the School’s strength in the performing arts was evident as pupils collected an impressive 19 First Places, 7 of these in the Speech and Drama category. Both the Junior and Senior Choirs were awarded First Place in their categories, whilst The Ryleys Singers from the Small Choral Group category were pipped into second place by a single point, despite receiving an ‘outstanding’ score. The Chamber Choir were also awarded a Second Place.

This year’s Festival has been even more poignant for The Ryleys, as it is headmaster Pat and his wife Barbara Barrett’s final year at the school. Their presence and invaluable support at so many of the children’s performances will be sorely missed at future Festivals.

Locally speaking Introducing ‘Wall Magic’ – The Amazing Non-Sticky Sticker!

Family run, Cheshire based company Wall Magic, has launched a range of “amazing non-sticky stickers” that are made from a unique electrostatically charged film allowing them to stick to any surface, without leaving any sticky residue or damage.

This UK designed and manufactured product is available in a variety of themes including Children’s Bedroom Decorations, Birthday Numbers, Christmas, Halloween and Union Jack Bunting, and is fully recyclable.

Fun and easy to use, it simply slides off the paper backer and can be placed on any clean, dry, indoor surface including walls, windows, furniture and mirrors. It

can be applied on either side, facing in or out and it can be easily repositioned, allowing you to create the perfect effect.

It’s ideal for use in homes or in venues that are reluctant to allow decorations in case of damage. Available in packs of 1 – 12 pieces and priced from £1.99 to £5.99, you can find them at The Lavender Tree in Alderley Edge, Posh Bananas in Wilmslow and the Grosvenor Garden Centre in Belgrave, Chester, Or order online at www.wall-magic.com.

Leading Nanny agency throughout Cheshire and North West • A range of full and part-time childcare services including, nannies, live in/out, babysitting, maternity nannies, emergency care, mothers help, housekeepers & special needs nannies.

• All candidates are thoroughly vetted, interviewed and reference checked • Home visits, to enable us to fully understand your requirements

Tel: 01925 768188 or 07766 290802 Email: support@nannyplus.co.uk www.nannyplus.co.uk

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Little Stars Greenhills is 30!

Support Group in Macclesfield

Little Stars is a parent led support/ playgroup for children aged 0-5 with additional needs and their parents or carers at Ash Grove Children's Centre, Macclesfield every Friday 1-3pm (including half term).

It’s a relaxed drop-in group where children can have fun with messy play, craft activities and sensory equipment and parents can access support and advice from others in the same situation or various professionals and organisations.

The group is specifically for children with additional needs however siblings are welcome.

Refreshments are also provided.

For more information, please call Sophie on 07581 348278.

Greenhills Pre-School would like to invite past, present and prospective pupils and parents to their 30th birthday party celebration on Saturday 7 July from 12 – 2pm.

Join in the fun with a children’s entertainer, a top quality raffle, ice cream, cake, games and lots of shared memories!

Greenhills Pre-School, in the grounds of Marlborough Primary School, Tytherington Drive, Macclesfield. SK10 2HJ

Check out the new gift sets from banana lane, to get free postage just enter FAM2012 at checkout.

New Sandbach football development kicks off Grassroots sport in Cheshire East got a major boost when a new multi-million pound football complex in Sandbach opened its doors recently.

The partnership project between Cheshire East Council, the Football Foundation and Sandbach United FC (SUFC) sees fantastic new state of the art facilities that can be enjoyed by the whole community.

The Sandbach Community Football Centre, on Hind Heath Road, boasts: • A new all weather 3G full-size floodlit pitch; • Five full-size grass pitches; • Three youth-size pitches; • junior-size pitches; • 10 changing rooms; • Two large officials’ rooms; • A wheelchair-accessible changing area and bathroom; and • An education suite with catering and office space.

The new complex is managed

by SUFC and will be available for other sports clubs and organisations across Cheshire East to use. www.sandbachunitedfc.co.uk

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 5

Education 10 things your child should be able to do when they begin school

By Sarah Butters

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If your child is starting school this September, it’s time to start preparing.

Forget force feeding them phonics, this is about getting your child ready for the social challenges of school. The more prepared they are, the easier they will settle and the more they’ll get out of those early days.

1. Can they dress themselves?

Imagine the scene. One teacher faced with thirty children and their coats. By the time each child is zipped up and wrapped up, playtime is over. If your child is able to go some way to helping, they may get some fresh air. If you can see buttons on trousers and skirts becoming a problem during the post PE change, invest in elasticated waistbands. These will also help during any ‘last minute’ toilet visits. Avoid tights in the early days - they can also lead to unnecessary bathroom accidents.

With shoes, laces and buckles are a no-no. Stick to Velcro fastenings which your child can do themselves.

2. Are they used to sharing?

Sharing is a difficult lesson for a child to learn, especially if they only start learning it at school. But it’s a vital lesson if you want your child to settle

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in and make friends easily. No one wants to play with the boy who refuses to take turns and share, and before long that child becomes isolated.

Start to make a point of praising your pre-schooler for sharing his bag of figures or his last few sweets.

3. Can they use the toilet on their own?

Reception classrooms usually have a toilet nearby but children are expected to use it on their own. That can mean less confident children avoid a visit until it’s too late. Encourage your child to begin taking toilet trips without you to build up their confidence. Remind them that hand washing is part of the ‘visit’.

Beginning school toilet training now will mean less accidents in September.

4. Are they able to eat independently?

Lunchtimes can be a real flashpoint in the early days of your child’s school life. Dinner halls are noisy places and

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can make a child feel overwhelmed.

Make sure they arrive at school able to pick up and use a knife and fork. If they’re opting for a packed lunch, make sure they can open a yoghurt, put a straw in a juice box and unpeel a banana. With school a few months off, it may seem like the easier option to feed them, but it won’t help in the long run. Practice, however painful, makes perfect.

Are they able to recognise their name?

If your child can recognise their name, they’ll be able to find their peg, identify their drawer in the classroom and find their cardigan if it gets misplaced.

Starting school can make even the most confident child feel a little lost.

If they can locate important places, it will make them feel more in control.

Can they use scissors?

Teachers look for this in the early stages of Reception to evaluate dexterity. Get crafty over the next few months.

Do they understand discipline?

It’s important your child understands what’s expected of them when they arrive at school. They need to know hitting, kicking, biting and hair pulling will not be tolerated. Not only will it bring your child to the attention of the head teacher for all the wrong reasons, but it will make your child unpopular with their classmates. Reputations earned in the early days of school tend to stick and can be hard to shake off.

Can they communicate with an adult?

Giving your child the skills to communicate with their teacher means they will be able to have some control.

How else will they ask to go to the toilet? If they don’t understand how to get the attention of an adult, how will they let their teacher know they don’t understand their work? A child who can communicate will get more out of the school day than a child who is unwilling to speak up. Encourage your child to ask and even practice with a raised hand at home to make sure they understand the most appropriate way of getting a grown-ups attention.

9. Are they able to count?

If your child is able to count up to 20, and count back from 10, this will give them a really good head start. Use some of their favourite toys or foods to make counting fun. Lay out 10 grapes and get them to eat them one by one, counting as they go. It will give them confidence and help them see learning as fun. Plus it’s a great way to get one of their 5 a day down them!

10. Can they follow simple instructions?

The school day is full of instructions.

Your child will be asked to put coats on pegs, bring packed lunches into classrooms and sit cross legged on the carpet for circle time. If a child is used to following instructions, they will avoid being reprimanded. The more time a teacher dedicates to repeating instructions and encouraging co-operation, the less time there is for teaching. Start giving your child simple tasks – perhaps helping with the weekly shop or with some straight forward jobs around the house. It will prepare them for school life.

SOME BOOKS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL: • I am too absolutely small for school (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child • Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean Adamson • Starting School Sticker Book (Usborne) by Felicity Brooks • Going to School (Usborne First Experiences) by Anna Civardi • Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN No sew, no iron and no hassle labelling from Attach a Tag One lucky Families reader will enjoy trouble-free labelling this September! Enter online now to win – www.familiescheshire.co.uk. If you’re our winner, we’ll send you the applicator and a voucher for you to order your tags online.

Entries close Tuesday 31 July. www.attachatag.com

6 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Education Making the transition to secondary school How much to help and how much to let go Margaret Ansell, owner of The Study Zone in Twickenham has supported large numbers of children and parents through this transition and shares what she has learnt.

The transition from Primary to Secondary School is an anxious time for parents. During the primary school years, it is fairly easy to support your child at school. You will probably know his teacher, other members of staff and parents, as well as being familiar with school policies and routines. The thought of losing the control this familiarity offers is as daunting for parents as it is for children and you may well wonder how best to continue to support your child.

You may also worry specifically about your child’s ability to cope with the new environment and crucially, whether he or she will make friends.

Your anxieties may be eased by adopting strategies that help with the transition.

Here are some tips and tools which should help you prepare for and manage the early months:

Before the transition: 1. Shield your child from your anxiety.

They can make this transition.

Critically, they need to know that you believe in them and their ability to deal with difficulties and challenges.

2. Relax the organisation. Towards the end of year 6, step back from the organisation of your child’s school life e.g. packing school bags etc. You may secretly want to savour these last few months of dependency but your child needs a taste of independence. If they are slow to take up the reins, don’t take over and don’t despair, they will get there eventually.

3. If your child will walk to school or travel independently on public transport, practice the new journey.

Start by travelling together but without interaction. Then move to simply following behind your child. Finally, let him do it alone and meet him there.

Travel at busy times. Allow your child to make mistakes and find solutions.

This equips them with the skills to handle the unexpected like bus detours and road closures.

After the transition: 1. Be There. Make sure a parent or trusted carer is available before and after school – to provide food, notice if your child comes in late, listen to their successes and concerns and be aware of subtle changes in mood; someone to empathise and with whom to discuss problems.

Watch and listen, help out if asked but don’t take over. Become an Enabler rather than a Fixer.

2. Support the development of friendships.

It’s of great importance to older children that they mix socially and establish secure friendships and they need to do this whilst still young enough to turn to you for support when they make mistakes.

Gradually they will learn to make informed choices about friends. It’s appropriate for this age group to have access to a basic mobile phone and computer but the dangers of social networking should be discussed and boundaries agreed upon.

3. Support organisation and routines.

Create “To Do Lists” or “Timetables” for the fridge, agree places to keep bags, kit, and books. Label uniform and valuables. Establish routines so they can get to school punctually.

Don’t expect too much too soon, many won’t crack this for years!

4. Understand what homework they have and know when it has been completed and handed in. Agree a routine that will help your child to complete and hand in all homework on time, without devoting too much time to one piece and little or nothing to others. However, remember it is their homework not yours; help, encourage, motivate but accept their best.

5. Schedule time to relax. Your child will be exhausted by the effort of holding it all together. Tears are likely over the most trivial things and they may regress and demand more care. Trust that they can cope and make sure there is time for sleep, friends, homework, more sleep, watching TV, playing computer games and yet more sleep! Avoid weekend breaks and reduce extra-curricular commitments to the minimum. Now is not the time for your child to begin new activities or classes.

And lastly, schedule time to relax yourself! All will eventually be well.

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 7

Education Reduce the stress of ‘back to school’ shoe-shopping

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Image: Start-rite shoes

Even though we’re looking down the barrel of the summer holidays there is always that niggling voice in the back of your mind that ‘back to school’ shoe shopping is only just around the corner. Children’s shoe experts, Start-rite, have come up with their top tips on what to look for in back to school shoes and how to take the strain out of ‘back to school’ shoe-shopping.

The shoes • For all day comfort you need to make sure your child is wearing shoes that properly fit their feet. Children’s feet are as unique as their personalities and there’s no such thing as an ‘average’ foot. Shoes which come in only one width actually fit less than a third of children so it’s important to choose shoes which are available in whole and half sizes and offer the greatest choice of width fittings.

• Children's feet grow in spurts so their footwear should be professionally checked

for fit every six to eight weeks when they are toddling and every three to four months after that. Professional shoe-fitters provide free, no-obligation fit checks and will not recommend purchase of new shoes unless the child needs them.

• You should choose shoes with built-in space around the toes to give feet room to grow, but never be tempted to buy shoes in a larger size than your child needs so that they can ‘grow into them’. This is a false economy because shoes which don’t fit properly

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do not wear as well and, more importantly, they can damage a child’s feet.

Choose leather footwear because it provides the healthiest environment for growing feet. Children’s feet have as many sweat glands as an adult’s and we lose about an eggcup full of perspiration from our feet each day.

Leather is breathable and allows vapour to escape through the surface of the shoe.

Leather also conforms to the shape of the feet for maximum comfort, is hard wearing and easy to maintain. Startrite uses only dyed-through leathers which keep their good looks even after scuffing. Shoe care is particularly important for shoes which are worn frequently. Regular cleaning and polishing actually helps to extend a shoe’s life as well as keeping them looking good.

For maximum comfort, durability and grip, choose shoes with a good tread pattern on the sole. Check that the sole flexes easily across the widest part of shoe (which contains the ball of the foot). The sole shouldn’t be too heavy and thickness should be in proportion with the shoe size and the child’s height.

Choose a shoe with an effective fastener across the instep so that your child doesn't curl his toes to keep them on. Laces, buckles and velcro straps are best because they hold the feet securely and comfortably in the correct position in the shoe. Properly fitted slip-on shoes have to fit snugly to ensure they don’t fall off and this means they can’t incorporate growing room.

The shopping • Don’t leave it until the last minute.

Shops will be busier at the end of the school holidays and they may have sold out of your chosen style or size.

• If you are going to hit the shops go first thing in the morning. It will be quieter and that’s when your child is likely to be feeling freshest.

• Allow enough time – it takes around half an hour for a child to be professionally measured and fitted for shoes.

• For the best fit, take school socks with you for your child to wear when being fitted for shoes.

• If you can’t face the high street, why not try shopping online? Look for websites that offer expert advice and online tools to help you measure your child’s feet.

For more advice on children’s foot care and footwear needs, for stockist information and to view Start-rite’s wide range of children’s footwear visit startriteshoes.com.

Image: Start-rite shoes

Online literacy resources – Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress

Learning to read is an important skill for all children – they love working and playing on the computer, so the Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress programmes are all about making it fun as well.

Developed by a highly experienced team of educational teachers, writers and developers, the programmes focus on a

core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words using skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success, supporting what children learn at school.

Reading Eggs: includes 120 literacy lessons that take a child from foundation stage through to the end of key stage 1. In addition to the lessons there is Reading Eggs World which caters for children who already know the basics of reading but who still have much to learn about reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension. Children are able to choose their own adventure from a wide range of activities and places to go.

Reading Eggspress: using a highly engaging spinning island, children are instantly involved and interested. They explore a complete world with a wide variety of both learning and fun experiences. The range of activities motivates students to

8 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

return regularly to complete lessons, compete against others, earn more rewards and improve their skills. Progress is measured by the completion of targets that are split over 4 levels and help to give children some guidance and structure for learning.

Both the Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress programs have a comprehensive reporting system that tracks progress so that students and their parents can clearly see each child’s achievements.

Why not try the programmes now for FREE for an extended period of 5 weeks?

Simply visit www.readingeggs.co.uk, register your email address and once your account has been set up you can enter the promotional code UKS24CHE on your parent dashboard. Happy Eggsploring!

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

An Easy2Name Off to School set We have 5 Easy2Name Off to School sets to giveaway! Each set is worth £18.90 and contains 30 waterproof stickers, 30 iron on name tapes, 1 set of shoe covers, 1 bag tag and 1 shoe bag.

To enter the draw, simply enter online at www.familiescheshire.co.uk. Closing date for entries is Tuesday 31 July.

The full Easy2Name range can be seen at www.easy2name.com

Education Preparing for 11+ Exams

One of Britain’s leading tutoring service providers, Fleet Tutors, has noted that the fastest growing trend is for coaching for the 11+ grammar school entrance test, especially now that many grammar schools hold their entrance exams earlier in the autumn school term.

The industry also reports a doubling in demand for tutors to help seven and eight year-olds with private preparatory school entrance. Recent results show that over 80% of students exceeded their predicted scores in public exams when a reputable tuition provider is commissioned.

Mylene Curtis, Managing Director of ‘Fleet Tutors’, says that “parental feedback following our intensive, small group ‘11+

Examination Preparation Courses’ is overwhelmingly positive, with parents reporting excellent results and many students receiving offers from their first choice schools. In an increasingly competitive world, parents are often willing to support their 10/11yrs olds with additional tuition during the school holidays to ensure that that much prized offer of a place at their preferred school is achievable.”

Fleet Tutors also offers a Live Online Tutoring service delivered by the highest performing tutors across the country with established track records of tutoring online.

The service is “gimmick free” and enables students anywhere in the world to have access to the UK’s leading private tutors, bringing the British education system and the National Curriculum to students anywhere.

For information and bookings call 0845 644 5452 or email Clientsupport@fleet-tutors.co.uk. www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

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

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 9

Parents’ place Supporting your child through grief

It’s a sad fact, but at some point in their young life, your child will lose a loved one. How do you help them process their grief and when do children need professional support?

We talk to Dan Bordoley, Children and Young People’s Worker who is based at St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds (0113 218 5500 / youngpeople@stgemma.co.uk) The branches of the Tree of Life at St Gemma’s Hospice are filled with delicate copper leaves inscribed with the names of those who have died here. Each of these leaves represents a life lost, a family bereaved. Dan Bordoley has supported hundreds of children from those families through their grief. The smiling faces looking out of the latest newsletter from his department reveal that he’s doing vital work.

Dan supports children dealing with the very worst sort of loss – often a parent and says there are as many different ways of grieving as there are children.

“Everyone grieves in their own way, at their own pace,” explains Dan. “Most model their parents, especially younger children. Very young children tend not to

understand and so don’t accept the person has gone. They think they’re coming back.

Death doesn’t mean the same to a young child as it does to you and me. That changes when they get to about 6 years old. Then they begin to understand the person who has died isn’t coming back. They will have feelings but at that age, can struggle with verbalizing them.”

Honesty and direct, real language are the key to communicating with children.

There’s a natural instinct as a parent to want to protect your child from sadness and loss, but most of the children Dan works with say they prefer to know what’s going on. It gives them the chance to ask questions, and gives parents the chance to explain things. Open and honest language is also vital.

“Be clear with the words you use. Don’t be afraid to say ‘death’ and ‘dying’ otherwise the child will be confused,” Dan explains.

“If you say you’ve ‘lost’ someone, a child thinks they can be found. If you say someone has ‘fallen asleep’ a child thinks they can be woken, or they can be scared to go to sleep themselves.”

Dan’s work combines individual and

10 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

family counselling with group workshops.

Those workshops use art, drama, dance and sport to either focus the children’s mind on working through their grief, or providing a positive distraction with young people going through the same experiences.

At the moment Dan’s planning a sailing trip in Newcastle and some self-defence classes. However one of the most poignant exercises is ‘A Day to Remember’.

“It’s a very direct look at a child’s grief, but done in a fun way,” says Dan. “It’s a day of arts and crafts focused around the person who has died. It allows the children to process the memories, and not just the good ones.

It’s about remembering the whole person.”

Art is a big part of the therapy at St Gemma’s and Dan uses drawing with the children. When the words run out, drawing a picture can be a way of communicating feelings. The walls of the art room are covered with work from both those being treated here and the children they leave behind.

“A useful exercise to do with a child is to divide a piece of paper into three sections,” explains Dan. “This is before, during and the future. Get the child to draw a picture in each area. It helps to start a conversation, acknowledge what’s happened but importantly to see there’s a future. This can take some children 10 minutes and others much longer.”

Dan will see about 100 children this year aged between 5 and 16 years old. He describes his job as a privilege. The children he’s supported over his 5 years here have taught him a positive and important lesson about the human spirit that can give every grieving family hope in their darkest hour.

“Most children are OK. Yes, they will be changed. Yes, the experience will stay with them for life. But they’ll be OK.”

What do I say to my child?

• Tell them the truth. Excluding them can make them feel left out and resentful.

By talking to them YOU control the information and keep communication channels open.

• Use clear, real language.

• Let your child know it’s OK to ask questions. They will have worries and concerns and verbalizing them can help keep them in perspective.

Younger children will ask the same question over again. Be patient.

• Don’t hide your emotions from your child. By showing you are upset, you are giving them permission to show they are upset.

• Keep your boundaries in place.

Children become confused when the boundaries they’ve lived with disappear. If they’re badly behaved, tell them. If they’ve got a routine, stick to it. You’re giving them a stability at a time when life feels very unstable.

• Look out for changes in behaviour – anger, anxiety, worry, fear of being abandoned. Their fears may be irrational but listen and respond in a straightforward and truthful manner.

• Consult the professionals. If you feel your child isn’t communicating or coping then ask for support.

Useful Websites Child Bereavement Charity www.childbereavement.org.uk Childhood Bereavement Network www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk Winston’s Wish www.winstonswish.org.uk

Parents’ place Working mums In today’s tough times, being a stay-at-home mum is, unfortunately, a luxury rather than a right. The good news is that there are a growing number of companies out there offering the opportunity for you to work from home, or work for yourself. www.workingjobsfromhome.co.uk and www.workingmums.co.uk are just 2 sites offering advice and opportunities to those of us trying to juggle a family and a job. Buying a franchise is also a way to work for yourself, but still have the support of a larger team and not feel completely on your own. Read on to find out about just a few opportunities available in Cheshire.

Little Superstars Sports Club In 2006, Louise Nicholson, a mum of two, was looking for an activity club to encourage her young children in an active lifestyle and appreciate what sport and fitness has to offer. She recognised the importance for even “non-sporty” children to learn about different sports such as rugby, football, lacrosse, cricket, basketball etc. – not simply focus on just one initially.

So, using her own sporting background, she and her husband developed Little Superstars Sports Club – a range of lesson plans designed to allow children up to age 6 to experience a variety of fun activities that improve hand and eye co-ordination, balance and social skills – and it’s been such a success that she’s now looking to expand the club around the country.

Puddleducks Most of Puddle Ducks’ swim teachers are mums who got to know them through attending their classes, and loved the programme so much they decided to train to teach with them.

Melanie is a mum of 3 who trained to teach 4 years ago because she wanted a career that would fit in around her busy family life. “Being there for my family is the most important thing for me, especially in school holidays, so teaching in term time was a big draw for me.”

Luisa, mum of 2, was already a trained swimming teacher, and came to Puddle

Career with NCT For something a little different, perhaps you’d like to train as a practitioner with NCT? The University of Worcester and NCT have joined forces to provide universityaccredited training for those wanting to support parents on their journey from pregnancy to parenthood. Admissions have just opened for this new course, which offers a flexible training, perfect for

So, if you’re a mum or dad who shares Louise’s passion for a healthy, active future for children, and fancy the idea of having your own business with flexible working hours, then this could be the perfect solution for you. You can decide if you want the club to run all year round, or just work around school hours – and you can make it as big or small as you like.

A Little Superstars Sports Club can offer: • Weekly Community Classes set up in local halls • Pre School sessions for the physical development and outdoor play of the EYFS • Nursery sessions for the physical development and outdoor play of the EFYS • Sports Birthday parties • School sessions for reception, Year One and Year Two. Call Louise on 07904 311552 and visit www.littlesuperstars.co.uk for more information.

Ducks because she was impressed by the teaching programme. “As a swimming teacher already, I enjoyed the water and being with children, but I saw straightaway that the Puddle Ducks programme is just a fantastic way to teach. It really is the best job in the world!”

Puddle Ducks is recruiting for new teachers, either already qualified to STA or ASA standards, or equally those wishing to train from scratch. Please contact jo.warner@puddleducks.com for more information. www.puddleducks.com

anyone considering a change to a more family-friendly career or looking to return to work after having a baby. With tutorials across the UK and study days hosted regionally, students can complete the majority of their studies without travelling to Worcester. So, if you're looking for a rewarding job you can fit around your family, becoming an NCT practitioner could be just the thing. www.nct.org.uk/nct-college

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 11

Parents’ place me&i Swedish kids clothes company me&i is building a dedicated Cheshire team.

They’re looking for mums with a passion for fashion to sell their gorgeous clothes through the successful me&i home selling concept. If you’re looking for an extra income or maybe just the chance to get back to work in a role that you can fit around the family this might be just the thing for you. me&i is all about funky colours and cool prints on great quality clothes; a notch above the high street, with an individual and very

Scandi style. Free marketing material, free training and no need to handle payment or delivery are just some of the benefits that me&i offer. And just imagine getting staff discount on their fantastic range!

Here’s what some of their representatives think: • It’s been great to start without too much outlay and have the chance to try it and see how I get on.

• One of the many reasons I wanted to become a me&i representative was that there’s such a strong focus on ethical trading and environmental

responsibility – something that is important to me. I couldn’t sell a product I don’t totally believe in.

• The clothes are so easy to sell and feel positive about, everyone who's bought them loves them and comes back for more! me&i’s autumn/winter collection is out at the beginning of September so get your application in now to be involved from the start. For more information or to put your name down for their recruitment day at the end of August call 07725 030821, e-mail sellmeandi@meandi.eu or visit www.meandi.eu

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

12 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Families for Flexibility

Why not do what we do?! 4 years ago, we were both full time mums with 2 year old children, but were keen to get back to earning. We wanted something that was fulfilling as a career but that also offered us flexibility to work around our children. Our shared love of writing meant that a ‘Families Magazine’ franchise seemed the perfect option.

We bought the Cheshire franchise in March 2009 and spent the next six months preparing for our launch issue in September.

It was such a great feeling when the issue can back from print! And thanks to the amazing support of our advertisers, distributors and readers (and husbands!), we have grown the magazine from just 16 pages each issue to what it is today and chose to buy another! In May 2011 we acquired Families Manchester when this came up for sale from the previous editor who was moving on to other things.

We’ve both loved working on the magazines from the start. As with everything there are a few tasks we grumble about (accounts!) but the good stuff such as writing, speaking to local businesses, photo shoots, working with designers, and getting to know inspiring local mumpreneurs all make for a great way to fill the hours while the kids are at school. Being self-employed has been the perfect flexible solution – we’ve simply worked around a pregnancy, having a tiny baby at home and odd sick days (children and mum) without any guilt.

There are currently Families franchises available close by so if you, or someone you know, lives on the Wirral, in Liverpool or Lancashire and could do what we do tell them to get in touch. There is also an existing franchise in the Pennines that is up for sale. For more details call Helli on 0208 696 9680 or email helli@familiesmagazine.co.uk. Have a look at the Families group website www.familiesonline.co.uk as well.

Parents’ place Mums in Business Meet single mum and artist Samantha Grimes – who took the plunge to be her own boss.

Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m a thirty-something single mum to a lively two and a half year old boy, living and working in Goostrey, Cheshire. Self-employed, I work from the home I share with my son, 2 cats and a dog.

What is your business? I'm an artist, specialising in children's and pets’ portraits.

I also do caricatures, paint nursery and other murals, and have even been known to design tattoos!

How did you get started? Although I have no formal artistic training beyond A-level, I used to paint pet portraits years ago as a hobby and to earn a bit of extra cash. When I went on maternity leave from my full-time job in Warrington three years ago, I decided I didn't want to go back to the daily commute, and started painting again. But it was only when my husband and I separated earlier this year that I began to see it as a serious enterprise, with a view to working at it full-time.

What does the future hold for the business? I'd like to be able to grow the business in many directions – whilst carrying on painting individual commissions, I also have plans to establish a range of t-shirts printed with my artwork, greetings cards, and fine art prints which I'm hoping to sell through local retail outlets. On a personal level, I'd like learn more aspects of art, to compensate for my lack of training, such as ceramics and digital art.

As far as I’m concerned, the only limit on where the business can go is my imagination!

What is the best bit about what you do?

The best bit is undoubtedly the flexibility of working for yourself. I can work in the evenings, or if I get that dreaded phone call from nursery, I can take the rest of the day off. Whenever my son's not around I can get some work done, and when he is, I can spend time with him. There's a lot of fulfilment in what I do too - it's lovely to hand a finished portrait over to a client and see them happy with it, sometimes even in tears, and know that I've given them something

that will last for decades. Sometimes I'm asked to paint portraits of pets who have passed away - always a sensitive commission, but a very rewarding one.

Any bad bits? Yes, it can be a lonely existence. Fortunately, I'm quite content with my own company, but it can be very solitary sometimes after having worked in a noisy office for 4 years. There are no office Christmas parties anymore!

Willpower, or rather lack of it, can be a struggle too. The temptation to get the housework/ironing/gardening done is often overwhelming, and you really have to learn a way of working in a structured fashion. I write lists the evening before of everything I want to achieve the next day.

Personally, I've also found the need to be an expert at self-promotion and marketing difficult. I'm naturally shy, hate people watching me draw, and dislike drawing attention to myself or my work. I've had to learn to force myself to practically shout it from the rooftops!

How do you fit work around family life?

Family always comes first. I'm very lucky in that I have an abundance of relatives and a supportive ex-partner to help with childcare, but ultimately, on Bank Holidays, school holidays or sick days, the painting has to be put on hold. It's very much like trying to juggle hot potatoes - keeping family, house, work and friends up in the air!

What advice would you give other mums looking to work for themselves? Go for it! I get a huge adrenalin rush and a sense of satisfaction knowing I'm in charge of my own destiny.

The flexibility can be invaluable for busy families. But be prepared: there are as many drawbacks as there are working for somebody else, they're just different ones!

However, with focus and determination, I don't think it really matters what you do for a business as long as you listen to your customers, and above all, do what you do better than anybody else.

School Vision Jane Smellie Opticians are renowned for their care of children’s visual needs, particularly those with Dyslexia and other related reading difficulties. Since 2005, they have been supplying tints (ChromaGen Haploscopic Filters) to children and adults in order to dramatically improve accuracy of reading, writing and comprehension.

In May this year they took their service a step further and launched the School Vision Programme.

School Vision can help children and adults who experience Dyslexia, Academic Skills Disorder (ASD), Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) as well as other related learning difficulties.

You don’t need to be Dyslexic to benefit from a School Vision Assessment. It’s designed to help children and adults reach their full academic potential.

Many reading difficulties stem from an unstable dominant eye due to either a problem with the eye muscles, an uncorrected spectacle prescription, an issue with the focussing power of the eye or a combination of these factors. These problems often

give rise to blurred words and letters, the appearance of words moving on the page and an inability to follow a line of words accurately.

A School Vision Assessment aims to identify the causes of the reading difficulties and provide relief using prescription spectacles and tints. Once the focussing system has stabilised, correction can be achieved with individually prescribed tinted contact lenses if preferred.

Reading difficulties can be very disabling, particularly for children when trying to keep up with work in the classroom. Learning to write and spell becomes very difficult and frustrating when the letters don’t stay still or come in and out of focus.

The earlier these problems are detected and dealt with the less the learning suffers.

If you feel you or your child could benefit from a School Vision Assessment with one of their highly trained Optometrists, they’d be happy to see you as soon as possible.

TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THEIR SCHOOL VISION PROGRAMME, JANE SMELLIE OPTICIANS IS OFFERING A 50% DISCOUNT ON SCHOOL VISION ASSESSMENTS IF YOU PRESENT THEM WITH THEIR ADVERT BELOW

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 13

Pets Man’s best friend can be as much a part of the family as your children – certainly they come with their own responsibilities, frustrations, joys and rewards. And like children, they love you unconditionally. But the best thing about them is they don’t answer back!

Stay safe around dogs

By Amy Watson, Education Officer at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Britain is a nation of animal lovers so lots of families have a pet dog at home. Here at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, as well as looking after lost, abandoned or unwanted dogs, we also help pet owners to learn more about their four-legged friends.

Knowing more about our pets and how to read their body language is really important to make sure we can interact with them safely and responsibly. Sadly, incidents do occur and there have been well-documented cases of children being attacked by dogs. Battersea has produced an animated film aimed at five-11 year olds – the age group most at risk of dog attacks – to help children to understand dogs and how to behave around them.

The video is available on the Battersea website at www.battersea.org.uk/fun_learning/ take_the_lead_with_batt_zee

To help your children be safe around dogs, teach them the following important messages: • Never approach a dog you don’t know.

• Always ask the dog’s owner if you can stroke their dog before you actually do.

They will know whether their dog is friendly or not.

• When approaching a dog, walk up calmly and quietly so you don’t frighten him.

• Tuck your fingers in and gently offer your hand to the dog to sniff first.

• Stroke the dog’s shoulder rather than his head, standing where he can see you but do not get too close to his face. Don’t try to pat him from behind as he may not be able to see you.

• If a dog does jump up on you or tries to chase you, stand still and ignore him. This encourages the dog to lose interest in you so he should leave you alone. Running away or screaming often gets him more excited.

• Look for warning signs such as facial expressions to better understand how the dog is feeling. For example, if a dog is growling or snarling, he may well be angry so it is best not to approach him.

• Do not disturb dogs when they are sleeping or eating.

• Games like ‘hide and seek’ and ‘fetch’ can be great fun but try not to get the dog too excited so that you or the owner can retain control of the dog.

It’s also important to remember that children should never be left alone with any dog, even a well-known family pet. This will minimise any risk of an incident occurring.

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Ten top tips for a family friendly pup 1. Do your homework on the breeder.

A good pedigree or top show kennel doesn't mean good dog. Look into the breed’s associated health problems and go for health tested parents.

2. Use a crate from day one. It's not cruel, it is a safe and secure place for the dog. Feed pup in there, perhaps use a blanket that smells familiar when you put him in to help him settle. It is much easier/quicker to house train the pup using a crate, plus it helps prevent him chewing through cables when you go out and injuring himself (or your furniture!).

It also gives him somewhere to escape to, perhaps if the kids have friends over or he just wants peace to sleep.

3. Use food praise and toys to get the dog motivated to do things for you.

They are like us - they don’t do things for free and are much more likely to repeat behaviour when it's followed by something they like.

4. Be consistent with your commands. Don't use lots of different words that mean the same thing. And don't use sentences. Remember dogs don't speak English!

5. Be constant with your behaviour.

You can't allow them to jump up as a pup then complain when they get too big later on. This is especially important in a house with young children.

6. Don't over walk a puppy. Little and often is much better for young dogs as

you can damage them by doing too much. As unfair as it may seem, a day in the park with the kids is too much for a pup.

7. Make sure the dog suits your lifestyle and energy levels. Lots of people buy working dog breeds and expect to walk them 15 minutes once a day. Dogs like this need two long walks a day, if you can't commit to that you are likely to end up with behaviour problems.

8. Find a good school or trainer. Avoid places that use force or outdated methods such as choke chains. Dogs learn better in a reward based setting.

9. Teach your dog to see you as more fun than other dogs. This means not allowing them to just play with other dogs as they would often much rather do this than come back to you!

10. Above all spend time with dogs and enjoy them. Too many people get a dog and forget they are pack animals and love to be part of the family. They don't do well left on their own for long periods of time.

These tips were given to Families Cheshire

by Damian Riley, a dog trainer and behaviourist from Wilmslow. Damian is trainer to the Families dogs – Dalamtian ‘Oreo’ and Bernese Mountain Dog ‘Bear’ – so he comes highly recommended by the team. For further information visit www.damianriley.com or call 07798 701619.

A safe haven for stray or abandoned dogs Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Homes take in more than 7,000 animals a year and manage to find loving new owners for the majority of them.

The charity has been doing fantastic work in the community since 1893, when some Manchester businessmen decided they wanted to do something about the number of stray dogs in the city.

Since then the Manchester site has encouraged responsible dog ownership and regularly runs initiatives inviting owners to come to the Home for services such as free micro-chipping. Meanwhile, Cheshire Dogs’ Home has the UK’s first specialist mum and pup maternity unit.

Cheshire Dogs’ Home manager, Anna Stansfield, explains why dogs are such a valuable addition to any family.

She says: “Having a dog teaches children responsibility and how to respect animals as they grow up with them. Walking the dogs together as a family helps people to bond and it’s a lovely, healthy thing to do.”

She also stresses the importance of choosing to re-home a dog: “These dogs are in desperate need of love through no fault of their own. You can get a puppy, but why not help an animal that has already been let down?”

Both Homes provide new owners with plenty of guidance and support before, during and after an adoption.

Potential owners can choose to foster certain dogs for a minimum of two weeks before committing to a permanent adoption.

If they decide not to take the dog after that time, the Homes’ staff still benefit from a wealth of knowledge they may not have had before such as whether the dog is good with other animals or children.

The Homes give new owners a monthlong ‘cooling off’ period so if they decide a dog is not for them they can get a ‘credit note’ to pick another dog that is a better match.

Volunteers and staff always make a follow up call once an adoption has been finalised and anyone can drop in at the Homes if they have a concern or query about their pet.

The Homes ask that people donate a minimum of £70 when adopting a dog.

This fee includes a health check, vaccine and microchip, four weeks of free pet insurance, an identification tag and a free bag of food.

To find out more about adopting a dog, visit www.dogshome.net or call 0844 504 1212.

Parties

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

Contact: Ranger Dan Coates | 07765 890385 info@rangerdan.co.uk | www.rangerdan.co.uk

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 15

Holiday clubs Baking up a storm this summer

treasure hunts, nature walks, swimming, sports plus arts and crafts.

Sessions are available for ages 4 – 11 years and are priced at £24 per day (discounts available for siblings and for week bookings). For more details or to book call 01625 422192 or email secretary@beechhallschool.freeserve .co.uk. www.beechhallschool.org.

Little Kickers Holiday Courses The Sweetie Pie Bakery in Macclesfield is providing a full summer programme of baking and cooking activities for children aged 4 – 13 years these holidays. They’ll be offering themed baking days, like an Olympic themed day with activities such as baking your own Olympic rings and much more, as well as a 3 day baking course for children aged 8 and over. These activities are great opportunities for children of all ages to learn some skills in the kitchen, socialise with different children, make new friends and most importantly HAVE FUN! Have a look at their website for dates and times available. www.thesweetiepiebakery.net

Beech Hall’s Summer Playscheme

Looking for Summer Holiday care in Macclesfield? Beech Hall is running their Summer Playscheme from 16 July to 24 August at the school in Tytherington. This is now the 11th year for this popular OFSTED approved playscheme. Children get the chance to enjoy some of the school’s great facilities such as the 20m heated outdoor swimming pool, astroturf and gymnasium. The sessions include

Little Kickers classes ensure that invaluable social skills like listening, sharing, taking turns and teamwork are conscientiously woven into a programme that places as much emphasis on simple learning concepts like colours and numbers as it does on fine-tuning a child’s basic balance, agility and co-ordination.

In addition to the popular and hugely successful FA Approved football classes – “Little Kicks” for children aged 18 months to 2 ¼; “Junior Kickers” for children aged 2 to 3 ½; “Mighty Kickers” for children aged 3 1/2 to 5 years; and “Mega Kickers” classes for children aged 5 – 7 years on Saturday mornings at Knutsford and Sunday mornings in Alderley Edge, they will be running Summer classes on weekday mornings from 8:30am until 12:30am during August.

The Summer courses combine a series of activities that use imaginative play, familiar games, visual skill and creative participation to engage the interest of the child and enable them to gain maximum enjoyment from participation.

Watch out for their increasing number of weekday and weekend courses opening soon at venues near you!

For more information: 01625 326177 / www.littlekickers.co.uk

16 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Get outdoors with Ranger Dan

Theatretrain’s Summer School

Cheshire’s favourite Ranger, Dan Coates is holding four holiday sessions at Bluebell Wood in Macclesfield this summer for children aged 6 - 12. They’ll run from 10am – 4pm on Tuesday 24th July, Thursday 26th July, Tuesday 28th August and Thursday 30th August, and cost just £15 per child per session. Only 10 places per session are available for booking, so book early to make sure you don’t miss out! Kids will be able to choose from a variety of outdoor activities on the day – from den building to woodland art, learning firelighting tips to whittling/carving. For more info, go to www.rangerdan.co.uk or call 07765 890385/01625 265093.

Theatretrain’s popular themed Summerschools return to The Forum Studio Theatre in Chester every week in August – for just £99 per week (sibling discounts available) for children aged 5 to 18.

Theatretrain Schools are continuing their policy of giving pupils plenty of opportunity to show off their skills. It’s no wonder that they’ve earned their reputation as “The Company That Loves To Perform” as in the last year pupils from the schools in Wrexham, Chester and Mold have taken part in Theatretrain shows at The Forum Studio Theatre in Chester, The Palace Theatre in Manchester, The Stiwt in Wrexham and even The Royal Albert Hall in London. Their weekly classes of singing, dancing and acting not only teach performance skills, but also valuable developmental skills about teamwork, discipline and confidence building. There is also another opportunity to appear The Albert Hall in September 2012.

Registrations are now being taken for children wanting to join Theatretrain Saturday Morning Schools in Wrexham, Chester and Mold as well as the Friday Evening School at Chester's Forum Studio Theatre (the old Gateway Theatre).

Theatretrain was established in 1992 and has 100 schools across the UK and Ireland.

It concentrates on two processes - learning skills in the performing arts and performing those skills to an audience. Every year, each child in Theatretrain's schools has the opportunity to perform in at least one production either locally, in one of the larger regional theatres or in the West End. The company has also joined the Social Networking age with a presence on Facebook.com/TheatretrainSchools as well as each school being on Twitter.

To discuss your child's place at Theatretrain speak to Steve Davies on 01978 311446. www.chestersummerschool.co.uk

Dandy Farm American Miniature Horse and Pony Activity Centre

Dandy farm is a small Equine Activity Centre with miniature horse and small ponies based in Adlington. The idea behind the centre has been to create a place for small children to have birthday parties and activity sessions in which they can have the opportunity to be hands-on with these horses. Parents are amazed when they see how small, sweet and friendly these little horses are; they really give the children confidence to explore and have fun with them. Sarah-Jane Slater who runs the centre, encourages the children to learn about the horses and take treasured memories away with them.

Children can learn practical skills like how to groom and lead the horses, or they can be creative when dressing them up with bows and ribbons. Fun can be had doing an obstacle course or competing in relay races. Whatever your child is interested in, Sarah-Jane can design a day, party or activity to suit you and your children. The one thing that is guaranteed is the children will have lots of fun. For more information call Sarah-Jane on 07832 127433 or visit www.mylittleponyparty.weebly.com

Summer Activities are back at Bollington Health & Leisure!

A great way to pass the rainy (or sunny!) days, activity sessions are two hours of fun for primary school aged children.

The first hour is dry games, either outside or indoors, such as rounders or dodgeball, followed by an hour of games and races in the swimming pool, where

there will be members of staff both in and out of the pool.

The sessions start on Monday 23 July and run every weekday until Friday 31 August (except bank holiday Monday 27 August) at either 10am or 2pm – or you can go and have fun at both.

You can book in at reception or call 01625 574774 and at the bargain price of £4.50 per session or £20.00 for 5 they hope to see you over the summer – remember swimming stuff and a drink! www.bollingtonleisure.co.uk.

Speckled Hen Cookery School

Got a budding chef on your hands? They’ll love the holiday courses at Speckled Hen Bakery this Summer….

20 August - Summer Ices & Shortbread – (6-14 yrs) Children learn how to make farmhouse ice creams and sorbets from scratch! With visits to the dairy farm and the bakery fruit garden so children can understand a little more about where the delicious flavours come from. Then it's back to the bakery to make some real dairy ice cream and sorbet, plus some buttery shortbread – what better to go with homemade ice cream!

22 August - Farmhouse Cream Teas – (7- 16 yrs) The classic English Farmhouse Cream Tea relies on good things from the farm, on this course children follow it from farm to plate, cow to crumbs! Children see the dairy farm to find out how milk, cream and butter are made on a modern dairy farm. Then they will make cream teas from scratch ( a classic cake and scones) make jam and butter plus whip cream, all in one day! Everyone gets to take away plenty of yummy things for all the family to enjoy.

More dates may become available, so to find out more, please call the bakery: 01477 537583 / www.speckled-hen.co.uk

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Holiday clubs More ideas for holiday clubs and camps 5-Day Summer Filmmaking School Ages 7 - 16 Monday 13 – Fri 17 Aug, 9am - 4pm daily in Wilmslow £215 per child (£195 siblings and Saturday members) No previous experience of filmmaking is necessary.

0845 533 3763 / www.studiofilmschool.co.uk

Mon 23 – Fri 27 July: Adventure Week Mon 30 July – Fri 3 Aug: Gold Medal Games Week Mon 30 July – Wed 1 Aug: International Netball Roadshow 0115 973 1676 / www.activatesport.co.uk

Kings Camps Ages 4 – 17 Held at The King’s School (Chester), Sandbach School, Cheadle Hulme School & Bridgewater School, Manchester, Weeklong activity camps or individual days with a great range of sports, activites, games and crafts.

0845 643 5272 / www.kingscamps.org

Mad Science Camps Ages 5 - 11 Mon 30 July to Fri 3rd Aug: at Alderley Edge School For Girls, Alderley Edge & South Cheshire College, Crewe Mon 6 to Fri 10 Aug: Alderley Edge School For Girls, Alderley Edge & Upton Heath Primary School, Chester Mon 13 to Fri 17 August / Mon 20 to Fri 24 August: at Navigation Primary School, Altrincham Children design, build and test a multitude of science projects and take at least one project home every day.

9.30am – 3.30pm, £35 per day, £150 per week (10% sibling discount) 01772 628844 / www.madscience.org/ locations/northwest

Funstations Ages 4 – 14 Mon 23 July – Fri 31 Aug: Offering a variety of activities in Tytherington. From sport through dance and drama to arts and crafts.

0161 718 0342 / www.funstations.co.uk

Council Run Holiday Camps Try your local leisure centre for holiday camps: Cheshire East Council 0300 123 55 00 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk Brio Leisure (Cheshire West & Chester) 01244 377086 / www.brioleisure.org

Activate Sport Ages 5 – 12 Abbey Gate College, Chester Mon 30 July – Wed 1 Aug: Brendan Cole Dance Academy Mon 6 – Wed 8 Aug: International Netball Roadshow Lymm High School Mon 30 July – Fri 3 Aug: Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy Mon 30 July – Wed 1 Aug: Brendan Cole Dance Academy Stockport Grammar School Mon 23 – Fri 27 July: Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy The Grange Junior School, Northwich Mon 16 – Fri 20 July: Multi sport/activity Week

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Big Kids Count

Astbury Sailsports

Ages 4 – 14 6 weeks of fun games, sporting activities and stimulation in Hartford, Northwich.

8am – 1pm or 1pm – 6pm: £16, 8.30am – 3.30pm £25, 8am – 6pm £30 01606 74100 / www.kidscountonline.co.uk

Multi-activity courses including windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, canoeing and raft building on Astbury Mere Water Park, Congleton.

01260 297172 / info@astburysailsports.co.uk

Great days out Get up close with the Shires

For a fun day out in the Cheshire countryside, try Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre in Tarporley. With 50 beautiful acres to explore, more than 30 horses to meet plus several other farm animals to see and pet, it’s certainly a lovely place to spend the day. This centre is actually a working Shire Horse stud that has been breeding prize winning horses for over 40 years. This Spring, five foals were born at the centre – they are growing rapidly and getting more curious by the day! If the kids want to get hands on with equines a little smaller there are Shetland ponies available to groom and fuss. If not all the children are horse lovers there are still plenty of other animals around such as pigs, sheep, otters, polecats, foxes, deer and hens. You can enjoy a gorgeous nature walk, learn about the magnificent Shire breed, then enjoy some scrummy cakes in the cafe to round off your visit.

There will certainly be plenty to do at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre over the Summer Holidays, and one thing not to miss is the piglet racing! Details can be found on the website www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk or call 01829 760506.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE THE ADVERT FROM THIS MAGAZINE WITH YOU – FOR ONE FREE CHILD ENTRY WITH EVERY ADULT PAYING FULL PRICE.

Heart & Sold This unique visual arts exhibition will touch the hearts and minds of all those that have a genuine love of art.

Remember when you were first moved by a piece of visual art? Remember the truth you saw and the connection you felt? This exhibition will both take you back to that feeling, and move you to a new place.

This is visual art created by people with Down Syndrome. It’s an exhibition that’s beautifully different, emotive, complex and inspired - an eye, heart and mindopening experience. Launched as part of The Barnaby Festival at the Heritage Centre, Macclesfield, this pilot exhibition is a small step towards what the organisers hope will be a successful touring Exhibition in 2013. www.heartandsold.org.uk

Holiday Climbing Courses Interested in learning to climb? Rockover Climbing have some great courses running over the summer to get you and your family started….

• HOLIDAY FUN TASTER SESSION – for ages 5+. A 1 hour session which gives your child the perfect taste of climbing in a fun, safe and friendly environment (parents can sit down and relax while the kids climb!)

• FAMILY HOLIDAY INDUCTION (min child age 5) – this session is for adults and children with no experience of bouldering. The aim is to teach you the basics, how to use the wall safely and how to get the most out of your climbing sessions. After your session you can stay on and climb for free and make a day of it.

• OUTDOOR DAYS – for ages 8+.

Based around climbing, abseiling and bouldering, plus other activities depending on the weather.

• BESPOKE CLIMBING DAY: if you have a minimum of 4 people then venues and courses can be tailored to your needs.

Call 0161 288 1218 for more info and to book an induction. www.rockoverclimbing.co.uk

The Chestnut Centre – Otter, Owl & Wildlife Park This unique wildlife park is located in Chapel-en-le-Frith in the scenic Peak District National Park of Derbyshire. Set in 50 acres of landscaped grounds the centre is home not only to a unique collection of birds and animals, but is also visited by many wild birds and mammals too. The park is home to Europe's largest gatherings of otters, owls and other indigenous wildlife. Although the emphasis is on otters and owls which together form the bulk of the centre’s collection, you can see a wide variety of other animals including pine martens, polecats, red foxes, Scottish wildcats and deer. The centre is open daily from 10.30am - 5.30pm. For more information call 01298 814099, or visit www.chestnutcentre.co.uk

and learn about the Solar System on the Planet Path. Backpacks contain a map, instruction sheet and activities to try as you stop at each planet along the way.

Activities are based both inside and out and they’re open every day from 10am – 5pm.

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9DL 01477 571 766 / www.jodrellbank.net

Get Crafty at Blakemere

Are your children (and you??) the creative type? If so, Cheshire Craft Workshop located within Blakemere Craft Centre, Northwich have plenty to offer to entertain during the Summer holidays …

• Pottery Painting - available every day choose from over 200 pottery designs, including trinket boxes, animals, fairies, racing cars and many, many more.

• Candle Dipping - come and make your own candle with the colours of your choice, age 5 upwards.

• Potter’s Wheel - have a go at throwing your own pot on the pottery wheel, prices from £6 • Cold drinks, speciality teas or fresh ground coffee also available.

Open 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm at Blakemere Craft Centre, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2EB. www.cheshirecraftworkshop.co.uk

Country Fayre & Farm Fun Day – 27 August 2012 A great bank holiday Monday – to raise money for charity!

The charity August bank holiday Country Fayre will once again take place at Heaton House Farm, Rushton Spencer (Near A523 Leek-Macclesfield) (ST 13 8PR) on Bank Holiday Monday.

Additionally, there will be a variety night

on Saturday 25 August The Big Tent Event with live entertainment, beer festival , food and The Welly Fest on Sunday 26 August – plenty of music to enjoy alongside the beer festival. All profits go to support charities including Cancer Research UK, Midlands Air Ambulance, Donna Louise Trust, East Cheshire Hospice and Rushton Primary School and many more local groups.

For the first time this year The Country Fayre and Farm Fun Day it will feature in the arena the international stunt man – Mark Stannage, a live falconry display, 4x4 Vehicle Tricks, the Jarrovian Gun Dog Display, the Cheshire Farmers Drag Hunt and our stunning Shires and Shetlands, to mention but a few.

There’s plenty for adrenaline junkies to experience such as “SphereMania”, the Sedgway Safari and bungee trampolines, and Fayre favourites such as clay pigeon shooting, birds of prey and a selection of demonstrations of traditional crafts as well as a dog show all add up to an action packed day not to be missed.

Motor enthusiasts will enjoy classic cars, vintage vehicles and steam engines as well as the 4x4 experience and trial bike competitions running throughout the day.

If you are looking for a bargain, why not visit our craft marquee, outdoor stalls and mega car boot sale? Children will be kept amused with traditional and modern fairground rides, stalls, entertainers and circus skills.

There will be numerous foody favourites including a BBQ, hog roast, of course the beer festival taking place over the weekend will mean you can sample your favourite ales!

Why not camp on site for the whole weekend? You can stay for free on Saturday and Sunday nights.

The details of all the events can be found on: www.countryfayre.org.uk, www.wellyfest.org.uk and www.bigtentevent.org.uk or call 01260 226546/07835 035436.

Summer Holiday fun at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre!

Start your holidays off with something a little different and take part in Jodrell Bank’s action packed summer activities.

Explore their galaxy garden, meet their gardeners and scientists. Get creative with their make and take sessions and test your fitness levels in the fit for space week.

And if you think you can squeeze in any more fun, borrow one of their new backpacks

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Great days out THE GREAT OUTDOORS:

THEME PARKS:

Aerial Extreme, Knowsley Safari Park, Trentham Estate, Trafford Centre www.aerialextreme.co.uk

Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent www.altontowers.com

Carden Park, Nr Chester www.muddygoodfun.com Crocky Trail, Waverton www.crockytrail.co.uk Delamere Forest www.forestry.gov.uk/delamereforestpark Go Ape in Delamere Forest or Buxton www.goape.co.uk Macclefield Forest www.macclesfield-forest.co.uk Marbury Country Park, Northwich www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk Pooles Cavern, Buxton www.poolescavern.co.uk Tittesworth Water, Leek www.moretoexperience.co.uk

GO WILD: Blue Planet Aquarium, Ellesmere Port www.blueplanetaquarium.co.uk

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Camelot Theme Park, Chorley www.camelotthemepark.co.uk Drayton Manor, Tamworth www.draytonmanor.co.uk

People’s History Museum, Manchester www.phm.org.uk

The Vertical Chill Ice Wall, Manchester www.vertical-chill.com

Stretton Water Mill, Stretton www.strettonwatermill.org.uk

GET CREATIVE:

Weaver Hall Museum, Nantwich www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Brookside Pottery, Poynton www.brooksidepottery.com

INDOOR PLAY CENTRES:

Cheshire Workshops, Burwardsley www.cheshireworkshops.co.uk

Gulliver’s World www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Fun4All, Chester & Macclesfield www.fun4all.co.uk

Legoland Discovery Centre, Trafford Park www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk

FARMS:

Funky Town Play Centre, Chester www.funkytownplay.co.uk

The Potter’s Barn, Hassall Green www.thepottersbarn.co.uk

Funsters, Crewe www.funstersplaycentres.co.uk

Cheshire Craft Workshop, Blakemere Craft Centre, Northwich www.cheshirecraftworkshop.com

Lakemore Farm Park, Haslington www.lakemorefarm.co.uk Stockley Farm, Northwich www.stockleyfarm.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford www.tattonpark.org.uk

NATIONAL TRUST:

Pirates Paradise, Holmes Chapel www.piratesplaycentre.co.uk Play Factore, Trafford www.playfactore.co.uk Polar Palace, Winsford www.polarpalace.co.uk

Quarry Bank Mill, Style, Lyme Park, Disley, Dunham Massey, Altrincham www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The 2 Gyms, Winsford www.the2gyms-cheshire.co.uk

ENGLISH HERITAGE:

INDOOR ADVENTURE:

The Spotty Pig, Chester www.thespottypig.com

RAILWAYS: Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton www.brooksidegardencentre.com Churnet Valley Railway, Cheddleton www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

Airkix, Trafford Park www.airkix.com

East Lancashire Railway, Bury www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

MUSEUMS:

Audley Climbing Centre www.peakpursuits.co.uk

Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway, Chester www.gpmr.co.uk

Knowsley Safari Park www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk

Congleton Museum www.congletonmuseum.co.uk

Awesome Walls, Stockport, Liverpool & Stoke-on-Trent www.awesomewalls.co.uk

High Legh Railway, Knutsford www.cheshirerailways.co.uk

Trentham Monkey Forest, Trentham www.trentham-monkey-forest.com

Grosvenor Museum, Chester www.grosvenormuseum.co.uk

Chill Factore www.chillfactore.com

Hills Garden Centre Miniature Railway, Knutsford www.hillsgardencentre.co.uk

ICE CREAM FARMS:

Hatworks, Stockport www.hatworks.org.uk

Backford Belles, Acre Farm, Chester www.backfordbelles.co.uk

Imperial War Museum, North www.iwm.org.uk

Blaze Farm, Wildboarclough www.blazefarm.com

Macclesfield Silk Museum www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Cheshire Farm, Tattenhall www.cheshirefarmicecream.co.uk

Manchester Museum www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Great Budworth Real Dairy Ice Cream Farm www.icecreamfarm.co.uk

Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester www.mosi.org.uk

Snugbury’s, Nantwich www.snugburys.co.uk

Nantwich Museum www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

Chester Zoo, Chester www.chesterzoo.org

Beeston Castle, Nr Tarporley www.english-heritage.org.uk

Gauntlet birds of prey, Knutsford, www.gauntlet.info

Chillfactore Climbing Wall www.chillfactore.com/climb Gulliver’s World Splash Zone www.gulliversfun.co.uk Manchester Climbing Centre www.manchesterclimbingcentre.com North West Face, Warrington www.northwestface.com Rockover Climbing www.rockoverclimbing.com Silver Blades Ice Rink, Altrincham www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk

Rudyard Lake Mini Steam Railway, Leek www.rlsr.co.uk

WATERWORKS: Anderton Boat Lift, Nortwich www.andertonboatlift.co.uk River Dee Cruises, Chester www.chesterboat.co.uk

A sporting summer The London 2012 Games: a summer spectacular

London 2012 on the big screen

After years of effort, dedication and anticipation, it’s nearly here! The London 2012 Games marks a defining moment for athletes of Team GB and Paralympics GB - a chance to show the world what they can do on home soil.

London 2012 will be remembered for years to come and it’s not just London that will be buzzing this summer. There are all kinds of activities for the family to enjoy together. Whether you make a trip to London, continue to follow the Olympic Flame, catch the action at a host of venues outside of London, or watch the action on big screens across the UK, there is a lot to do and see this summer.

If you can’t make it to any of the regional venues, why not head to your local live site. Live Sites are big screens located in every UK nation and region. They are great places to enjoy the best live action – as well as plenty more entertainment.

Why not take the family along and enjoy a picnic? Head to Exchange Square in central Manchester (M4 3TR) or Screenfields in Spinningfields, Manchester (M3 3HF).

Visit www.london2012.com/join-in for more details.

London 2012 for free If you weren’t lucky enough to get Olympic or Paralympic tickets, you can still see some of the world’s top athletes in action this summer. Some of the best open-air action is free to enjoy without tickets. Events like the marathon and road races offer the chance to see world-class athletes in peak performances against the magnificent backdrop of the London skyline.

London 2012 outside of London There’s much more to London 2012 than events in London. You’ll also be able to watch a piece of the action everywhere from Cardiff to Glasgow and Manchester to Weymouth. Plus, Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire is home to the Paralympic Games and will host a Paralympic Torch Relay event on 28 August.

Games. What better way to celebrate the gold rush than getting your whole community fired up with a sizzling BBQ? If you would like to organise one of these events, sign up to be a Local Leader. You'll get celebration tools to help plan your event and access to exclusive competitions. To become a London 2012 Local Leader visit www.london2012.com/localleaders Whatever you do this summer, make sure you celebrate the greatest sporting event in the world and enjoy a summer like no other.

London 2012 Join In Celebrate the Games at home with friends, family and neighbours; here are some hints and tips to make your event memorable: Opening Night in: The world will be watching the UK as the Opening Ceremonies announce the start of London 2012. Get in on the action and host your own VIP screening for friends, family and neighbours. Why not make it a night to remember and get everyone you know to come down to your village hall or community centre.

Super Saturday: On Saturday 4 August a massive 25 gold medals will be awarded at the London 2012 Olympic

27 July – The Opening Ceremony 28 July – The Olympic Games begin 12 August – The Closing Ceremony 24 – 29th August – The Paralympic Torch Relay 29 August – The Paralympic Games begin Free events in London Road cycling Date: 28 July – 1 August The Road Cycling starts at The Mall and ends at Hampton Court Palace.

Triathlon Date: 4 – 7 August The grueling triathlon schedule includes swimming, cycling and running – all taking place in the stunning Hyde Park.

London 2012 Festival The London 2012 Festival is the biggest festival the UK has ever seen and features 12,000 events and performances at over 900 venues featuring artists from across the world coming together in celebration of the Games. The Festival started in June and runs through to the 9 September when the Paralympic Games end and the Games are handed over to Rio. The Festival is all about getting involved – so why not bring the kids along. There are many events you can attend that are family friendly and in every corner of the UK. Visit www.london2012.com/festival for a full list of events you can enjoy.

Key dates

The Marathon Date: 12 August The Olympic Marathon has around 80 athletic competitors and will pass landmarks such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square.

Image: Pete Schiazza

Stay ‘Water-safe’ this summer Safety tips from Puddle Ducks www.puddleducks.com The school summer holidays are only a few weeks away, and millions of us will be heading away on holiday in search of sun, sea and relaxation. Tragically, more UK children die in pools while abroad on holiday than in pools in the UK, so it’s important to know how to stay safe in and around water, this summer.

Swimming pools present different dangers to children of different ages. Toddlers and very young children are at risk of falling into the pool and drowning. Older children are at risk for head-first and recreational diving injuries. Teach your child about water safety and take them along to swimming lessons from an early age. It’s never too young to start!

Puddle Ducks Mum, Sarah Dell-Myers, knows only too well how important early swimming lessons can be when 2½ year old Joshua fell into a canal recently. Thanks to the lifesaving skills he learned at Puddle Ducks, little Joshua managed to turn himself around and swim himself back to safety, where his mum pulled him back out. “I’m sure it was because of Puddle Ducks that he was able to swim a little, even though he’s only a Little Dipper” Sarah told us.

“At Puddle Ducks, we teach children about water safety in a fun way, and without artificial flotation aids. Children experience

how it feels to be in water fully clothed thanks to our pyjama parties, and learn basic skills like how to turn and hold onto something or swim back to the side, ” says Jo Warner of Puddle Ducks.

Whether you travel abroad or stay in the UK, follow these simple guidelines, so we can all enjoy the summer without accidents.

1. On arrival, check for potential hazards. It is not uncommon for a drowning to occur while both parents have been unloading the car or unpacking upon arrival.

2. Young children are attracted to water. Don’t take your eyes off them for even one second if they are near water. If in a group, always appoint a ‘watcher’ & take it in turns.

3. Get someone to test the depth before allowing weak or non-swimmers near the pool, and don’t allow children out of their depth unsupervised. Never dive or jump into water before checking it for depth & for hazards.

4. Always accompany children and never rely on flotation devices such as rings, seats or armbands.

5. Be extra vigilant at the beach or lake. Follow lifeguards advice; stay close to the shore and away from rocks & other hazards.

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What’s on Festivals and events Chester Summer Music Festival 2012

30 June – 12 July – throughout Chester city centre www.chesterfestivals.co.uk A truly international music festival with an exciting range of music, ideas and extraordinary artistic talent; with over 30 events in 13 days this festival is not to be missed. As a Festival of the Voice, there will

be wonderful singers and choral groups including the Chester Festival Chorus performing across a whole spectrum of music. The festival will showcase the explosion of talent from the Far East; revel in the music of the Great Romantics and provide a platform for masters of their art in a wide range of musical genres. There’ll even be a festival within a festival; Let’s Hear It! is a weekend of non-stop music designed for music lovers, casual listeners, the young, the old and the curious from the bite size to the full length concert. It’s a total immersion for the musical spirits, a gourmet experience for the musical taste buds, and it is all served up in the glorious historic City of Chester. Tickets are on sale now.

The perfect family friendly festival

“This is very midsummer madness.”

The Just So Festival has a brand new home for 2012 – the beautiful woods and parkland of Rode Hall in Cheshire. The not-for-profit family arts festival will take place in its new location over the weekend of 17-19 August 2012 when families can share a weekend of wonder, magic and discovery in the company of authors, performers, artists and musicians. Sarah Bird, festival director, said: “Rode Hall is a beautiful landscape, with acres of mysterious woodland and surprising nooks and crannies just waiting to be transformed into magical and exciting spaces.

Campers will be able to spread out among glorious parkland, which has at its heart a breath-taking lake.”

The Just So Festival is an intimate, weekend-long festival of creativity aimed at children, young people and their families.

The only UK camping festival just for families, Just So Festival provides a magical experience where art, music and literature are embedded and entwined in a beautiful and wondrous landscape.

Reading at home 2012 Summer Reading Challenge™

Story Lab is this year’s Summer Reading Challenge™ encouraging children to read six or more books of their choice during the holidays. Sign up for free at your local library now. Each child who completes the challenge will receive a medal, with other collectable incentives, rewards and certificates along the way. www.story-lab.org.uk

22 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Chester’s Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is back! Between the 6th July - 19th August over 46 days and balmy nights, you have the chance to see why it’s making such a splash! The open air picnic theatre is a perfect way to spend time with your family and friends.

Shakespeare’s much-loved Twelfth Night will be performed by a full size cast of some of the country’s finest actors alongside a new comedy sequel from multi-award winning writer Glyn Maxwell called Masters Are You Mad? The Search for Malvolio. Performances are held at various times, including matinees. For more info, go to www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk or call 0845 241 7876.

Stockton Heath Festival Thurs 12 – Sun 15 July. The festival is back for a 5th year – with a farmers market, shows, family entertainment and live music over four days. There’s something for everyone, including “The Wizard of Oz”, Presto Puppets, a family dog show and a scarecrow trail. www.stocktonheathfestival.co.uk

50 things do to before you’re 11¾

StoryCloud for the Cultural Olympiad London Festival 2012 This unique digital project brings together authors, illustrators and children to create stories. It’s a web application for children from 5-8 years old and their families.

Discover Children’s Story Centre has worked with digital publisher WingedChariot and commissioned twelve brand new stories/poems; eight from the UK's leading children’s authors/poets and four from east London children.

Each author/child has recorded their brand new story for StoryCloud and twelve illustrators have then been commissioned to create digital pictures in response to the stories. Children are able

A broad range of musical, theatrical and visual performances, workshops and installations can be found within a safe, natural and magical setting. Every clearing holds a new way to unleash creativity.

Weekend Tickets (with camping) £85 Adults, £35 Children, under 3s free.

Day Tickets £25 Adults, £12.50 Children, under 3s free. www.justsofestival.org.uk

to listen and read along with the author/child telling the story and then play with the beautiful illustrations to find the hidden secrets and surprises. Each story has tasks to encourage children to create their own stories and drawings in response to the twelve stories, and children can send their stories/drawings to Discover.

A selection will then be displayed on an on-line gallery throughout the summer.

A new story will be released each Monday until 3 September, creating a magical on-line library for families throughout the UK. www.storycloud.co.uk

The National Trust has come up with a great way of getting kids exploring the great outdoors.

They’ve put together an interactive list of 50 things for kids to experience outside – from simple things like climbing a tree and rolling down a hill, to more challenging ones like getting behind a waterfall or visiting an island. Head over to www.50things.org.uk to sign up for free, and find out more about the best places to do them. You’ll earn virtual rewards along the way. Sounds like fun for the grown-ups too!

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Family tickets for the finest open air theatre experience outside London.

Families Cheshire has 2 family tickets to giveaway (2 adults 2 children under 16) for a matinee performance of Masters Are You Mad? on Sunday 15th July at 12.30pm.

To be in with a chance of winning, enter online now at www.familiescheshire.co.uk, answering the following question:

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN 2 family tickets for In The Night Garden Live Top-selling children’s show, In the Night Garden Live, is back by popular demand this summer and we have tickets to give away! The smash-hit show brings the world of In the Night Garden to the stage with children able to see their favourite CBeebies’ stars Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends up close.

In the Night Garden Live takes place in its own all-weather, purpose-built inflatable showdome with many familyfriendly facilities. This site-specific

structure proved to be a huge hit with children and parents on its previous tours and this summer will be travelling to The Trafford Centre, Manchester from 18 August – 2 September.

We have 2 family tickets (each for 4 people, minimum 1 adult) up for grabs for Friday 31 August at 12 noon.

To be in a chance to win, simply go to our website www.familiescheshire.co.uk and answer the following question:

Q: What does Makka Pakka like collecting?

Entries close Sunday 19 August.

For further show information, visit www.nightgardenlive.com or call 0333 300 0023.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN A Family Ticket to Mickey’s Magic Show! at the Lowry

Which of these is another play by William Shakespeare?

A. West Side Story B. Hamlet C. Star Wars Entries close Thursday 12 July.

Abracadabra! It’s Disney Live! Presents Mickey's Magic Show at The Lowry from Wed 1 to Sun 5 August.

Mickey, Minnie and a host of Disney friends come together with world-class magicians to perform magic from legendary Disney films right before your eyes. See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella's rags into a beautiful ball gown

in a split second; the spectacular levitation of Aladdin's Princess Jasmine; and the enchanted dancing brooms of Fantasia.

Join Donald and Goofy, Alice and the Mad Hatter, and many more for a one-ofa-kind stage show you'll never forget.

Mickey's Magic Show is a whole new way to experience Disney Magic with your family!

One lucky Families Cheshire reader can win a family ticket and the chance to meet Mickey after the show on Wed 1 August. We also have two runners-up prizes of family tickets for the 4.30pm show on 1 August.

To enter head over to www.familiescheshire.co.uk and answer the following question: Q. Can you name one of Mickey’s friends who will be joining him at The Lowry from 1 to 5 August?

Entries close Tuesday 24 July. Tickets can be booked on 0843 208 6000 or online at www.thelowry.com/family

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 23

What’s on Sat 7 & Sun 8 July

Sat 14 & Sun 15 July

Sat 21 & Sun 22 July

Tues 24 July

Biddulph Grange Garden Olympics Weekend 11am – 5.30pm, Free (normal admission applies). Join in the games, make your own torch or become Zeus and find Prometheus in the Garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/biddulphgrange-garden

Town Hall Square, Chester Vaudeville in the Day As part of the MBNA Chestival, Chester’s streets will be brought alive with street entertainers like you have never seen before.

FREE events all day All performed on beautiful and traditional Victorian sideshow stages set in the Town Hall Square www.chesterfestivals.co.uk

Verdin Exchange, Winsford Winsford Five Ring Circus The five unique shows catering for all tastes, consisting of Sports, Performing Arts, Circus Acrobatics, Dance and Music. Many events also on the outside field. Be sure to book in advance as seating is limited. www.winsford5ringcircus.com

Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Professor Newstead Puppet Show 2pm & 3pm, For under 7s, Free, drop in Hear the tale of Professor Newstead and his passion for collecting things, told with the help of puppets, then search the galleries for objects found by Professor Newstead. This event is designed for children under 7. 01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Stretton Watermill, Farndon Tudor Festival 12noon – 5pm, Free. Witness the workings of the watermill and meet a range of Tudor characters including herbalist, cook and musicians. But watch out, as the sergeant of the local militia will be keeping order, with offenders being placed in the stocks.

01606 271640 / www.strettonwatermill.org.uk

Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park Aviation and Transport Fair Aviation and transport memorabilia, demonstrations of SBS / Air Nav Radar equipment and model railways. All of the Runway Visitor Park exhibits will be open for viewing and there will be lots of other transport-associated activities taking place too. www.tasmanchester.co.uk

Sun 8 July

Sun 15 July

Higher Poynton Station, Higher Poynton Middlewood Way Open Day 11.30am to 4.30pm ,Free entry, £2 car parking nearby. A full day of entertainment for all the family including a climbing wall and the amazing birds of prey display, dog training and agility demonstrations, horse jumping, antique & classic tools, BBQ, brass band, Morris dancers and many stalls selling a variety of local products.

01625 872238 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Tatton Park The Moment When…

3pm. With Tatton Mere as the backdrop, this is the final performance of The Moment When… a co-production between Cheshire Dance and Walk the Plank. It’s a flagship project of the Cultural Olympiad in the North West and Big Dance 2012. An afternoon performance for the whole family. www.themomentwhen.org

Wilmslow High School Wilmslow Show 11am – 5pm. Classic Cars, dog show, archery, bandstand, children’s entertainment, food crafts and much more. www.wilmslowshow.com

Wed 11 July Rudyard Lake, Rudyard Fancy a Paddle?

6.30 – 9.30pm, Age 9+, £12. Learn a little bit about kayaking and canoeing on the beautiful Rudyard Lake, Rudyard. Full instruction equipment and buoyancy aids will be provided. Booking and payment in advance essential. All participants must be older than 9 years old and be “water confident”.

01625 383777 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Manchester City Centre Skyride Manchester From 10am. A fantastic traffic-free bike ride through Manchester. Experience some the city's highlights in a very special atmosphere, taking in Castlefield, Deansgate, and the National Cycling Centre – home of British Cycling. www.goskyride.com/ManchesterSkyRide Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Macclesfield Come and Try It Day 10am – 4pm, £4 (£12 Family of 4). Try a number of exciting and varied activities – Climbing, Abseiling, Bushcraft Skills, Archery and Orienteering. Partnership event with Moorland Adventure. Minimum age for Abseiling is 6. Booking and payment in advance essential.

01625 383777 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Sat 21 July Sat 14 July Marbury Park, Northwich 8km Baby Race for Tommy's Run or power walk with your baby in their buggy around Marbury Park in supporter of the Tommy's Charity. Entry is £14.50 per adult and includes a free t-shirt and goody bag after the event & Tommy's ask that you try and raise £50 in sponsorship using the online fundraising page created when you register. www.tommys.org

Marbury Country Park FoAM Picnic in the Park 5pm. A special summer celebration evening in the Park. Bring your own picnic or food to barbecue.

01606 44728 / www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk

24 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway Countryside Fair 2012 £1 per adult, under 16s free A full day of fun for all the family including a Fun Dog Show and a variety of displays and demonstrations. Food Hall and Craft Marquee, stalls and activities, clay pigeon shooting, archery and small fairground rides.

01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk Dunham Massey, Altrincham Edwardian Garden Party 12 – 4pm, Free (normal admission applies).

Bring a picnic and celebrate this elegant era in style. Family fun with a brass band, Punch & Judy, circus workshop and croquet.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey Stockley Farm, Northwich Anniversary Celebrations Weekend All admission 25% off!

01565 777323 / www.stockleyfarm.co.uk

Sun 22 July Astbury Mere Country Park, Congleton Wildlife Discovery Day 11am – 4pm, Experience animals up close and personal whether they be Cheshire's dragons (great crested newts), a bewildering diversity of moths, freshwater buglife, bee colonies or predatory birds. Live displays will be complimented with ‘drop in’ sessions including art activities for children such as dragonflies on sticks, face painting, kite making, bird and bee box making.

01948 822218 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Delamere Forest Wildflower Walk 2 – 3pm, Free, All ages. Booking essential – phone or drop in to the Linmere Information Centre.

01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Mon 23 July – Sun 2 Sept Stockley Farm, Northwich Summer Fun Carnival Week, Animal Olympics, Fun with Animals, Tractor Week, Wildlife Week, Cow Week, Pig Week.

01565 777323 / www.stockleyfarm.co.uk

Tues 24 July – Mon 27 Aug Tatton Park , Knutsford The Farm Athletics 12 noon – 5pm, entry charges apply See the animals take part in their special farmyard sports tournament! Closed Mondays except Bank Holiday.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Wed 25 July Dorfold Park, Nantwich Nantwich Show 12 hours of continuous ring displays, from Show Jumping, Heavy Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Dogs, Falconry and Gun Dog Displays to Jazz Music and the world renowned International Cheese Awards, with nearly 4,000 exhibits from some 24 countries from all four corners of the world. www.nantwichshow.co.uk Astbury Mere Country Park, Congleton Secret Lives 9.30am – 12.30pm, £6. Wild Play activity including pond dipping and minibeast hunting, environmental games and dragonfly art. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Children must be accompanied.

01948 822218 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Delamere Forest Minibeast Madness 10.30 – 11.30am or 1.30 – 2.30pm, £2 per child. Investigate the minibeasts of our forest and discover why they are so important. Booking essential – phone or drop in to the Linmere Information Centre.

01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere Chester Castle & Grosvenor Museum Discover the Castle 11am – 4pm Free, tours at regular intervals, meet in the Inner Bailey. Make the most of this rare opportunity to see round Chester Castle, founded in 1070 by William the Conqueror. A guide will show you the historical highlights of this unique group of buildings.

Join in with castle crafts at the museum.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go

What’s on

To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk

Thurs 26 July

Tues 31 July

Wed 1, 8 & 15 Aug

Thurs 2 Aug

Delamere Forest Den building 10.30am – 12pm or 1.30 – 3pm, £2 per child. Can you survive in the forest? Take part in the ever popular session creating natural dens. Booking essential – phone or drop in to the Linmere Information Centre.

01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Delamere Forest Forest Open Day 11am – 3pm, Free entry (charges may apply for some activities). Come to the forest, meet the rangers, find out what we do and take part in fun activities. Booking essential – phone or drop in to the Linmere Information Centre.

01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Delamere Forest Minibeast Madness 10.30 – 11.30am or 1.30 – 2.30pm, £2 per child. Investigate the minibeasts of our forest and discover why they are so important. Booking essential – phone or drop in to the Linmere Information Centre.

01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Hobby Horses 2 – 4pm Free, drop in. Make your own trusty steed to carry you off on adventures.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Pull Along Toys 2 – 4pm Free, drop in. Make a pull along toy just like the ones that have been used for 2000 years. 01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Wed 1 & Thurs 2 Aug Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Finger Puppets 2 – 4pm, Free, drop in. Make little puppets and perform your own puppet show. 01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Weaver Hall Museum, Northwich Build a Band 10am – 4pm, Free activity (normal admission applies), Create your miniature group of musicians. Children must be accompanied by an adult 01606 271640 / www.fowhm.org.uk

Wed 1, 8, 22 & 29 Aug

Thurs 2, 9 & 16 Aug

Multiactivity Children's Fun Day George H Carnall Leisure Centre, Urmston M41 7FJ. 10am – 4pm, Age 3 – 14, £6 per child, under three's go free. Activities include: Indoor Go Karting (2 sets), Giant Obstacle Course, Giant Slide, Dance Mats, Bouncy Castles, Trampolines (with qualified instructors), BodyZorbing, Whizz Wheels, Multiple Sporting Activities, hot & cold food and more. Stay as long as you want!

07956 557653 / www.go-kiddykarts.co.uk/fun_day

Delamere Forest Den building 10.30am – 12pm or 1.30 – 3pm, £2 per child. Can you survive in the forest? Take part in the ever popular session creating natural dens. Booking essential – phone or drop in to the Linmere Information Centre.

01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Sat 28 & Sun 29 July Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas Cholmondeley Castle Horse Trials A fantastic day out - both days of competition have dressage, show jumping and cross country set as well as a variety of shops and catering stalls.

01485 210070 / www.musketeer.co.uk

Mon 30 July – Wed 1 Aug Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, Cotebrook Giant Gentle Horses 12noon – 1.30pm, £15 adult, £12 child A unique handson experience. A guided tour of the centre followed by learning all about general horse care and preparing a horse ready for a show, including grooming, plaiting manes or tails, and running the horse up and down. Two Shetland ponies will be available for younger children to groom and plait. You can then visit the rest of the centre including the farmyard, nature trail, café and shop. Max 20 people per session.

01829 760506 / www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk

Mon 30 July – Fri 3 Aug Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Toy stories 12noon-4pm, 50p per trail. Rich toys, poor toys, new toys, old toys…fun and games all week. Make your own Victorian toy at our free workshops or try our toy trail. Plus… on Tues & Thurs you can get your hands on some replica toys and join in with family storytelling.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybank-mill

Lyme Park, Disley Animal Kites in the Garden. 1 – 3pm, Free (normal admission applies). Create a wonderful kite using traditional techniques.

All ages welcome.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Fri 3, 10 & 17 Aug Delamere Forest Bushcraft 11am – 12.30pm , Age 6+, £3 per child Learn the ways of the forest. Make survival shelters and learn how to make a fire. Finish off by toasting marshmallows. Booking essential – phone or drop in to the Linmere Information Centre.

01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Biddulph Grange Garden Much ado about nothing 7pm, Adult £12, Child £6, Family £30. Bring along your blankets, picnics and folding chairs and enjoy William Shakespeare’s “Much ado about nothing”. Booking Essential www.folksytheatre.co.uk Astbury Mere Country Park A Woodland Expedition 9.30am – 12.30pm, Age 7+, £6 Children.

A Wild Play activity including a woodland trail, tree identification activities and games, tree hugging and guessing the age and height of a tree. Booking and payment in advance is essential. Children must be accompanied.

01948 822218 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Grosvenor Museum, Lecture Theatre Magic Rabbit Magician 45 minute shows at 11.15am, 1.30 & 3.15pm, Age 3+ Free. Join Stephen Cooil for this entertaining show with puppets, balloon modelling and traditional magic.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 25

What’s on Sat 4 Aug Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Macclesfield Tegg's Nose Bilberry Pick 10am – 1pm, Age 5. Healthy, organic, tasty and free. All you have to do is bring a container and get picking. The Food4Macc team will be on hand to explain the best places to look and will provide more information about where to source great local food. Children must be accompanied.

01625 614279 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers The Carrs Park, Wilmslow Batty About Bats 9 – 10pm. Bats are one of the UK's most misunderstood animals. Come and dispel a few myths and find out more about these fascinating creatures. Bring a torch.

Children must be accompanied.

01625 614279 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

green. Martial Arts, Dance and aerobic demonstrations and loads of interactive fun for the whole family.

Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park Mini Olympics 11am – 3pm. Fun and activities with an Olympic theme. Free bouncy castle and face painting. www.manchesterairport.co.uk

Mon 6, 13 & 20 Aug Dunham Massey, Altrincham Sports Day 12 – 4pm, Free (normal admission applies) Summer holiday fun and games.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Family Wildlife Walk 11am, Free (normal admission applies) Bring all the family to discover Dunham's deer and other wildlife on a guided walk around the park. No booking required – meet at the Clock Tower. Dogs on leads welcome.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey

Sat 4 & Sun 5 Aug

Tues 7 Aug

Biddulph Grange Garden Geocach Weekend 11am – 5.30pm, Free (normal admission applies). Find out about Geocaching and try it out for yourselves. Borrow one of our Garmin GPS units or use your own phone. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/biddulphgrange-garden

Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Horse Magnets 2 – 4pm Free, drop in. Make a small herd of horses to gallop over your fridge.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Sun 5 Aug Nantwich Civic Hall Cheshire Lifestyle Show 10am – 4pm. The Cheshire Lifestyle show, is all about Going Green, Going Healthy, Going Organic. Over 80 stalls selling various products and services, Innovative recycled goods, organic products, healthy lifestyle, and all that’s

Wed 8 & Thurs 9 Aug Weaver Hall Museum, Northwich Shake It Up! 10am – 4pm, Free activity (normal admission applies). Make your own percussive shaker instrument. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tel: 01606 271640 / www.fowhm.org.uk

Mon 6 – Fri 10 Aug Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Down at the bottom of the garden 12noon-4pm, 50p per trail. Explore the gardens with some green-fingered activities.

Get creative making a furry hedgehog friend at our free workshops or try our plant trail.

Plus… on Tues & Thurs you can go down to the bottom of the garden for an afternoon of seed planting, bug hunting and bird spotting.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybank-mill

Beeston Castle Norman Storm 11am-5pm. Travel back in time to the 13th century when the castle is under attack!

See the enemy warriors embark on an uphill attack of the castle. Witness a spectacular array of medieval military might in an on-going series of dramatic scenes, as the well armoured Knights and soldiers engage in deadly hand-to-hand combat. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Astbury Mere Country Park Getting Close to Nature!

9.30am – 12.30pm, Age 7+, £6 (Children) A Wild Play activity based around sensory activities including a blind fold trail, stick whittling, den building, colour pallet activity, making sticky pictures and art work from found natural items. Booking and payment in advance is essential.

01948 822218 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Lyme Park, Disley Summer Jam 1 – 3pm, £7 (child). Make your own jam in the Still Room, just like the Edwardians.

Decorate your jam jar too. Booking essential.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Thurs 9 Aug Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Horse Masks 2 – 4pm Free, drop in Make your own horse mask using crayons and collage materials.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting Lyme Park, Disley Nursery Rhyme Trail 1pm – 3pm, Free (normal admission applies) Come dressed as your favourite nursery rhyme character and follow a fun trail around the garden.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Sat 11 Aug Capesthorne Hall, Siddington Firework Champions An outdoor firework spectacular for all the family. 3 of the UK's best firework companies compete against each other with a 10 minute firework display choreographed to music followed by a finale display from organisers MLE Pyrotechnics. www.capesthornefireworks.co.uk

Sat 11 & Sun 12 Aug Wed 8 Aug Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Discover the Dee 11am – 4pm Free, drop in. Learn from objects and activities how the people of Chester have responded to the changing shape of the River Dee over 2000 years.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

26 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Churnet Valley Railway Peppa Pig Adults £14 Child £7 Family £40, Uner 2s free Peppa & George will be making personal appearances at intervals on each day.

Pre-booking train tickets is advisable to avoid disappointment.

01538 750755 / www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

Sun 12 Aug Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park Big Top – Circus 11am – 3pm. Learn to juggle, stilt walk and much more in our fun circus workshop.

Free bouncy castle and face painting. www.manchesterairport.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Fun Dog Show at The Farm 12 noon, £1 entry per class, Normal Park entry charge 10 novelty classes including Saddest Eyes,Waggiest Tail and Scruffiest Dog plus a fun agility course.

Viking Sunday at the Old Hall 12 – 5pm, Charges apply Experience skirmish and domestic life.

Have a go at archery (small charge). Try on armour. Story telling. War horse and falconry demonstrations.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Mon 13 Aug Delamere Forest Bat Walk 7.30 – 9.00pm, £4.50 per child. Join a ranger as they explain all about these fascinating creatures. You will head out into the forest to discover the bats using detectors.

Aimed at children – must be accompanied.

Booking essential – phone or drop in to the Linmere Information Centre.

01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Mon 13 – Fri 17 Aug Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Picture the past 12noon-4pm, 50p per trail. Picture life in the past at Quarry Bank and have fun with activities that put you in the picture too!

Make your own portrait at one of our free workshops or try our picture trail. Plus… on Tues & Thursyou can meet Mrs Greg who will show you what life was like for the lucky Greg children. Enjoy dressing up and storytelling.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybank-mill

Tues 14 Aug Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Lucky Hanging Horsehoes 2 – 4pm Free, drop in. Horseshoes have often been thought to bring good luck.

Join us in the gallery and make your own hanging version to take home.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go

What’s on

To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk

Multiactivity Children’s Fun Day George H Carnall Leisure Centre, Urmston M41 7FJ See Wed 1, 8, 22 & 29 Aug

Wed 15 Aug Astbury Mere Country Park, Congleton What's for Tea? 9.30am – 12.30pm, Age 7+, £6 (Children) A Wild Play activity based around the question of what wild creatures eat.

Booking and payment in advance essential.

01948 822218 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Churnet Valley Railway Peppa Pig See Sat 11 & Sun 12 Aug

Wed 15 & Thurs 16 Aug Weaver Hall Museum, Northwich Victorian Music Day 10am – 4pm, Free activity (normal admission applies). Join the multi-talented musician Richard York and his amazing collection of Victorian instruments and puppets.

Join in with the music and even make your own peg doll dancer. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

01606 271640 / www.fowhm.org.uk

Beeston Castle Medieval Death and Disease 11am-5pm. A light hearted look at the horrid history from the past. Meet the medieval executioner and hear his grisly tales. The medieval surgeon will also be on hand to tell tales of his trade and you can also discover about plague and medieval burials. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Sun 19 Aug Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park Teddy Bears Picnic 11am – 3pm. Bring your child’s favourite friend and complete the teddy treasure hunt. Free bouncy castle and face painting. www.manchesterairport.co.uk

Grosvenor Museum, Lecture Theatre Punch and Judy Free 45 min shows at 11.15am, 1.30 & 3.15pm.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Mon 20 – Fri 24 Aug

Thurs 23 Aug

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Make a splash!

12noon-4pm. Find out why the River Bollin was the driving force behind Quarry Bank Mill. Have fun experimenting with water, make a paper boat at our free workshops or try our water trail. Plus… on Tues & Thurs be prepared to get extra wet with our hands-on water experiments.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybank-mill

Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Make a Rosette 2 – 4pm Free, drop in . Make your own rosettes and award your family members with ‘best mum’, ‘best dad’, ‘best sister’ and ‘best brother’.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Thurs 16 Aug Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Ancient Board Games 2 – 4pm Free, drop in. Challenge your family and friends to some board games which have really stood the test of time. Make your own version to take away with you.

01244 402033 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Fri 17 Aug Dunham Massey, Altringham Nature in Focus 12 – 4pm, Free (normal admission applies) Minibeasts under the microscope. Take a close look at some of Dunham's smallest residents.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey

Dunham Massey, Altrincham The Railway Children 6.30 – 9pm, gates open 5.45pm for picnics, Age 5+, Adult £14, Child £9 A family fun evening with Heartbreak's award winning adaptation of this wonderful classic.

Booking essential (booking fee applies).

0844 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey

Tues 21 Aug National Trust Yard, Alderley Edge Down The Mines!

7 – 9.30pm, Age 6+, £7. Join Derbyshire Caving Club for a trip down the old copper mines of Alderley Edge. Helmets with lamps provided, but please wear old clothes.

Some ladder climbing and crawling involved. Booking and payment in advance essential. Children must be accompanied.

01625 383777 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Lyme Park, Disley Summer Jam 1 – 3pm, £7 (child) Make your own jam in the Still Room, just like the Edwardians. Decorate your jam jar too. Booking essential.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park.

Sat 18 & Sun 19 Aug

Wed 22 Aug

Biddulph Grange Garden Wildlife Weekend 11am – 5.30pm, Free (normal admission applies) Discover a wide variety of wildlife here at Biddulph Grange Garden! Handle all sorts of creatures from skunks to spiders. Find out about owls and birds of prey. Crafts and trails around the garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/biddulphgrange-garden

Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Macclesfield Tegg's Nose Games Day 10am – 1pm, £5 A chance to play some outdoor environmental games while getting to know this beautiful countryside site better! Children must be accompanied.

01625 265093 / www.rangerdan.co.uk

Fri 24 Aug Marbury Country Park, Northwich Teddy Bears Picnic 1pm at the Ranger’s Cabin. A Family Treasure Hunt to find the hidden bears and enjoy fun and woodland games in the park.

01606 44728 / www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk/ Delamere Forest Moth trapping 7.45pm – 10.30pm, £4 per person. Join an expert on this evening to investigate and understand the interesting world of moths.

Set up a trap and have a look at what you find. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential – phone or drop in to the Linmere Information Centre.

01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere

Fri 24 – Mon 27 Aug Northwich Festival With a Family Fun Day on 25 August, UK Strongman North Novice and UK North Strongman Final, Car Boot Sale, and a Soap Box Derby. www.northwich-festival.co.uk

Sat 25 – Mon 27 Aug Churnet Valley Railway A day out with Thomas 01538 750755 / www.churnet-valleyrailway.co.uk

Sun 26 & Mon 27 Aug Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park Day at the Beach 11am – 3pm. Relax on a deckchair while the kids make sandcastles on our golden sands. Free bouncy castle and face painting. www.manchesterairport.co.uk Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway Circus Workshop Have a go at juggling, diablo, plate spinning and more with assistance from our hands on workshop team 01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk

Mon 27 Aug Heaton House Farm, Rushton Spencer Country Fayre and Farm Fun Day 11am – 5pm, Adult £6, Child (5-16) £3, Family £15 (2 adults & up to 3 children).

A fun day out for the whole family with The Stannage International Stunt Team as the main event of the day. www.countryfayre.org.uk Astbury Mere Country Park, Congleton Autumn is Coming 9.30am – 12.30pm, Age 7+, £6 (Children) A Wild Play activity examining how nature provides for wildlife in the winter. Booking and payment in advance essential.

Children must be accompanied.

01948 822218 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Churnet Valley Railway A day out with Thomas 01538 750755 / www.churnet-valleyrailway.co.uk

Thurs 30 Aug Lyme Park, Disley Brilliant Bugs 1 – 3pm, Free (normal admission applies) From butterflies to millipedes, find out which bugs live in the garden and create your own to take home.

01663 762023, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Sat 25 Aug Poynton Show Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team, food market, family fun. www.poyntonshow.co.uk

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 27