Families Manchester Issue 30 Nov - Dec 2011

Edition 30 • November/December 2011

FREE

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

® MANCH E S T E R

All things Christmas >Shows & Panto’s >Markets & Fairs >Where’s Santa? >How to stay sane

Covering: Altrincham, Trafford, Salford, Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Didsbury, Stockport, Cheadle, Bramhall, and surrounding areas.

Locally speaking

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

Outstanding Elmscot Childcare Group open new nursery in Hale

Welcome Did someone say “Christmas”? We’d only just got the kids back into the swing of school and suddenly the shops were sneaking Yuletide goodies onto their shelves. Despite our best efforts to resist, we have to confess the odd mince pie may have been tasted and bumper tin of chocolates sneakily opened. It’s like an actor getting into character – if you’re putting together a Christmas issue, it really helps to be in the right frame of mind.

So dig in – turn to page 11 for the start of ‘Tis the season… for gift ideas, where to shop, where to find Santa and what shows are on.

But it’s not ALL about Christmas – we’ve got our usual local news as well as some interesting reads in our Health, Education and Parents’ place sections if you need a break from festivities.

We hope you’ve enjoyed Families this year – and a very big thank you to all our advertisers, creative team and photographers who helped make it happen. We couldn’t do it without you!

While not all our readers celebrate Christmas, we do hope that you all manage to have a peaceful end to 2011 and a very happy, healthy start to the New Year.

Bankhall Day Nursery on Bankhall Lane, Hale, has been acquired by Elmscot Ltd, a local group of premium quality childcare and education settings in Altrincham, Bowdon, Timperley and Hale.

During October, it became Hale Day Nursery and Nursery School, and promises to introduce a premium service to local parents, including flexible short daily sessions and term-time only places.

There are free weekly extra-curricular sessions with specialist providers to enhance the opportunities for child development, such as drama, French, singing and physical development. To make the most of the tranquil green-belt setting by the River Bollin, Hale Day Nursery & Nursery School will place an emphasis on natural outdoor play and experiences, where children can care for resident animals such as the chickens, and collect free range eggs every day (which will be for sale!) and plant vegetables.

Elmscot Ltd is a childcare group established 10 years ago by two local

mums, Steph Molnar and Dee Cross, seeking affordable yet outstanding homefrom-home childcare for their own children.

It includes the award-winning Elmscot and Woodlands Day Nurseries in Timperley, and the School’s Out group of After School and Holiday Clubs which is based in 7 local primary and preparatory schools.

Four of Elmscot’s childcare settings, including Woodlands Day Nursery, have been found outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, an amazing feat not matched by any other local or regional group. There are numerous other awards setting the Elmscot group apart: external Quality Assurance schemes such as the national Day Nursery Association’s ‘Quality Counts’, and Trafford’s ‘Healthy Setting Award’. All menus are regularly checked and approved by a dietician and Woodlands even came in the top three nurseries nationwide for ‘Best Food’ in the Nursery World Awards – and Hale Day Nursery will see the same importance attached to the physical health and wellbeing of the children there.

Although the full redevelopment of Hale Day Nursery and Nursery School won’t be complete until 2012, interested parents should call now for a prospectus on 07581 256160 or email hale@elmscot.co.uk. More information can be found on www.elmscot.co.uk.

Till next time

New Salford nursery celebrates its opening Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

In this issue 02: Locally speaking 05: Health 06: Education Next issue: January/February 2012.

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

Contact details: Families Manchester, PO Box 581, Macclesfield, SK10 9FN Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesmanchester.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk Events, diary dates, out & about: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk Cover photograph by: teneight, Fence House, 84 Buxton Road, Macclesfield SK10 1JS. Tel: 01625 500 488 www.teneightstudios.co.uk

08: Parents’ place 11: ‘Tis the season...

19: What’s on Design: Through Creative, The Old School, Byron Street, Macclesfield SK11 7QA. Tel: 01625 500 939 www.throughcreative.com Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Manchester 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.

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.

2 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Families around Salford Quays and MediaCityUK enjoyed an extravaganza of fun recently as Holyrood Nursery MediaCityUK held its official opening celebration. The event was themed Lights, Camera, Action in acknowledgement of the large creative media community now based in the area and there was certainly lots of action to enjoy including face painting, balloon modelling, a brilliant bouncy castle and the amazing ponies from Groovy Hooves.

On arrival, parents and children were met with a beautiful red carpet leading into the nursery’s treasure trove of delights. Add to this, tasty treats served from retro style usherette trays, children’s fruitylicious cocktails and a glass of fizz for the grown-ups and the day really began to sparkle.

The Holyrood team hosted nursery viewings and provided childcare advice for the many families who visited the event and also began to develop partnerships

with other local businesses aiming to support and boost the local economy.

The nursery opened for business on Monday 3rd October and already has many children attending, all of whom have settled in exceedingly quickly and are enjoying the fabulous range of learning opportunities on offer.

One mum whose daughter has just joined the nursery commented “Holyrood is lovely, bright, spacious and packed with things for children to explore. My daughter has settled in very quickly and especially loves the outdoor castle.”

Susan McGhee from Holyrood added “We are delighted to have successfully achieved our planned opening date and thrilled to have children in attendance from day one. We put a huge amount of effort into creating an inspirational learning environment and believe the smiles on the children’s faces say it all.”

0800 781 9726 / holyrood-nursery-mediacity.co.uk.

Locally speaking Viva la workplace – Levenshulme girls fly to Spanish jobs

As work experience pupils are placed in companies across Greater Manchester, one lucky group from Levenshulme High School spent a week in Spain.

The group of eight 15 year olds took up a variety of roles in a dental practice, a primary school and a finance office in the town of Vilanova i la Geltrú, near Barcelona.

As well as experiencing the world of work, the youngsters were also able to practise their Spanish.

Head Teacher, Amanda Thain said: “This

was an opportunity of a lifetime for these girls. They had an amazing time and we’re delighted we were able to give them the chance to absorb the Spanish language and culture from within the workplace.”

Levenshulme High School is a specialist language college teaching French, Italian, German, Urdu, Arabic, and Mandarin as well as Spanish. Over ninety per cent of pupils at the school take at least one language at GCSE. The school, on Crossley Road in Levenshulme, also offers free Urdu lessons on a Saturday morning and is planning to introduce Mandarin lessons. The sessions are open to anyone who wants to attend.

Please contact the school office on 0161 224 4625 or e-mail office@levenshulmehigh.manchester.sch.uk.

Trafford MV Hawks Mini/Junior Rugby players experience the roar of the crowd A group of Trafford MV youngsters recently visited the home of Sale Sharks, Edgeley Park, to be the half time entertainment in the Sharks fixture against Northampton. It was a great occasion for the lads and girls from MV’s Hawks the mini/junior section giving them the opportunity to experience playing tag rugby in front of a huge crowd.

All the children enjoyed the occasion and it was something that they will remember for a long time. It is anticipated that in years to come many of the youngsters will go on to wear the

Black and White hoops of the Trafford MV 1st XV and some may even follow in the footsteps of Sales Director of Rugby Steve Diamond and progress from Trafford MV to the higher divisions of the game. A big well done to all the kids, their parents and coaches, for their commitment in turning out each Sunday morning at 10.30am at MV’s Club on Finney Bank Road, Sale. If you would like your children to be involved in Rugby Union and possibly one day play in front of a large crowd at the home of the Sharks, phone Wilf Dooley on 01942 884542 for details.

Little Kickers announce new venue Alex Leete from Little Kickers, the UK's leading toddler football programme, is very excited about bringing classes to a new venue, Avondale Leisure Centre in Cheadle Heath.

Classes are now running at the centre every Saturday morning – 9.15am - 10am for Little Kicks (from 18 months), 10.15am - 11am for Junior Kickers (from 2 years 4 months to 3 years 6 months) and 11.15am - 12pm for Mighty Kickers (3 years 6 months to 5th birthday).

For more details about Little Kickers call Alex on 0161 442 5713, email aleete@littlekickers.co.uk or visit www.littlekickers.co.uk.

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Little Kickers would like to offer one lucky Families Manchester reader a free six week course, membership and Little Kickers strip. The prize can be redeemed at any of the following locations Bramhall, Didsbury, Sale, Altrincham, Lymm, Bowdon, Urmston and Cheadle. (Please note this is subject to class availability and that not all age groups run at all venues).To enter the competition visit our website www.familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Entries close Sat 31 December.

Moor Allerton School unveils Leap Days Mosaic

Moor Allerton School recently unveiled the school’s latest addition to the playground; a mosaic created and produced by the children with the help of local mosaic artist Amanda McCrann.

Amanda, who is based at Manchester Art Gallery, worked with the children to produce a beautiful and long-lasting piece of art which will be a permanent reminder

of how well the children, parents, staff and local artists can work together to create real art that works in a real, working environment.

The money for the project was provided by funds raised by the PTA as part of the PTA and school’s Leap Days Project; a scheme which is designed to introduce the children to new, exciting and out of the ordinary activities and to encourage them to take on new challenges. The mosiac is the second in the series of Leap Days - the first being a Space Day where a rocket was brought into the school for the day!

The mosaic’s theme of Little Creatures was decided on by the pupils and every child from nursery to Year Six was involved in the creation of the actual mosaic, which has been placed on the wall next to the playground where children and parents can enjoy it every day.

Bromley Cross and Ramsbottom feature in top 20 Family Friendly places to live Award winning children’s savings provider Family Investments recently published the first ever Family Friendly Hotspots Report – a unique study that identified the top 20 postcodes offering the best range of essential and desirable factors for family living. The study investigated factors that cover the essentials of family living, including: • Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 results • School inspection outcomes • Quantity and quality of Early Years care • Local crime figures • Property affordability (based on average house prices and local salaries)

Alongside these critical elements, lifestyle factors were also considered, which combine together to create the perfect backdrop for a happy family life.

These included: • Existing population of parents with young children • Parks and green spaces • Local leisure centres • Zoos and farms • Museums and theatres Bromley Cross, Bolton came in at number five, and Ramsbottom at number 16.

The full report can be found at www.familyinvestments.co.uk/ News/2011.

Saturday French and Spanish for Stockport Le Club Francais local organiser Annette Hicks now offers French and Spanish classes on Saturdays in Stockport.

Annette currently offers lunchtime, after school and holiday clubs for children aged 3 to 11 in Cheshire and Manchester. Annette says of her sessions: “We like children to learn by having FUN with puppets songs and games, and include festive themes

such as Christmas. We aim to boost children’s vocabulary, and improve confidence and communication skills through learning a language. In addition, children can carry on the good work between classes with our free online learning resource BABELZONE.” For a free trial session contact Annette on 07587 000617 or email annettehicks@lcfclubs.com. www.lcfclubs.com/babelzone.

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 3

Health Simple test is all it takes to ease parents’ allergy anxiety

For parents who suspect their youngster may have a food allergy leaving them in the care of teachers all day and with school meals can be very worrying.

However, research shows that as many as 60 per cent of children with supposed allergies, do not actually have them – causing unnecessary anxiety and food avoidance.

Mandy East from the National Allergy Strategy Group says parents need to stop guessing and visit their GPs for a simple test: “Allergy testing as advised by the NICE guidelines introduced this year is an effective way to accurately diagnose food allergies.

“It is estimated that only 25 - 40% of self-reported food allergy is confirmed as true with food allergy often confused with food intolerance. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for long

term management and, if necessary, further referral for specialist care.”

Adjusting to an allergy often means making lifestyle changes which limits daily life, even causing social problems for children.

In a study of the impact of allergies on families, 34% reported that food allergy had an impact on school attendance, with 10% choosing to home school their children because of food allergy.

Dr Allison Worth, Senior Research Fellow/Research Manager, Allergy and Respiratory Research Group, Centre for Population Health Sciences at the University of Edinburgh said: “Proper diagnosis of food allergy is important in children, because if confirmed, it allows avoidance of the food allergen and effective management of the allergy.

“Equally important, if food allergy is not identified, it allows the child to eat a more normal diet and reduces parents’ worries about the child eating socially and at school, resulting in a better quality of life for the child and their family.”

The first guidelines for food allergy in children were this year issued by the

National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). These recommend routine use of allergy tests in GPs surgeries and schools, to confirm suspected food allergy. On average each school class has at least one child with a genuine and dangerous food allergy, for whom it is vital that schools have an understanding of the procedures needed to support them.

However it is thought that teacher awareness is low despite 20 per cent of food allergy reactions happening in schools. Blood tests play an increasingly important role to predict and effectively manage specific food allergies. Symptoms of food allergy are often present without raising any suspicion of allergy; they may be ignored or connected to other causes.

Typical symptoms that could indicate a food allergy include exzema, skin rash/itching, sneezing, swelling around the eyes, swollen lips, stomach ache and digestive problems.

Regular follow up testing to re-evaluate diagnosis is recommended because patients may grow out of and into new allergies.

Visit www.allergyeducation.co.uk for more information.

An active child is a healthy child In the fight against childhood obesity, Dr Colin MacAdam, MD of Playforce Ltd, explores creative and simple ways of getting our children to become more active.

When high street retailers set out to measure the ‘shape of the nation’ one can only speculate as to whether they had an idea of the staggering health risk to our children that they would find. The results of Shape GB demonstrated that children today have a waist measurement at least 3 inches larger than those measured in 1978. In short, our children are getting bigger and ultimately unhealthier.

From the moment they start to crawl, children naturally enjoy movement and activity. Toddlers are often described as having two speeds - on or off - due to their need to run everywhere! But when your child starts school, how do you know that they are eating everything you’ve put in their lunchboxes? How can you find out the effectiveness of their outdoor activities and PE lessons? What games do they play, and do they learn vital skills or attitudes in the process? Developing a healthy attitude towards food and play is key, but we have to hope that what we instil at home will encourage children to make the right choices even when they’re not in our care.

Encouraging our children to play outdoors has the health benefits of helping to strengthen bones, lower cancer risks, improve eyesight and lessen depression and hyperactivity, as well as the obvious benefits for fitness and general health.

Getting active with your children Parks: Climbing up slides and clambering on climbing frames are fun things that children will do without even thinking! And never mind the weather, puddle jumping can provide perfect cardiovascular exercise.

Leaf spotting: Let them learn about nature, while benefiting from physical activity and fresh air. Before you head outside, print pictures of four or five commonly found leaves. Then look at the trees around you, matching leaves to the images to identify which tree the leaf comes from.

Treasure hunt: Not only a fun and engaging physical activity, a treasure hunt also helps to improve logical thinking and enhances teamwork. Draw a simple map pointing them to the hidden treasure and rip it into pieces. You could hide each piece of the map within the garden and give clues as to where they can find each piece, or offer challenges to complete such as running around the garden twice or ten star jumps in return for a piece of the map.

Pick your own: Combine outdoor exercise with healthy food by visiting Pick Your Own farms. It’s also a great way to introduce children to new vegetables and fruits as they will be much more likely to try new foods after having worked so hard to collect them!

Fundraising for healthy play in schools and nurseries Of course an important part of any child’s day at school or nursery involves play.

Therefore, schools and nurseries also need to ensure that the children in their care have access to suitable outdoor play environments. If you think your child’s school could improve its outdoor facilities then why not talk to the PTA about holding fundraising activities to raise money to improve the grounds? Even small outdoor spaces can be developed into areas that encourage both physical activity and greater learning opportunities.

We all know that childhood obesity is not a problem that’s going to disappear overnight. However, we can all take steps to encourage our own children to become more active in order to reap the huge rewards of health and happiness… so what’s stopping you?

Keeping nits away, with a preventative spray

The Linicin® range is part of every family’s anti-nit toolkit this year, with the introduction of Linicin® Prevent Spray, which helps to avoid a head lice infestation, and Linicin® Shampoo 10 min, to quickly treat a head lice outbreak should it occur.

Introducing the clinically proven spray into a daily routine has been shown to prevent an infestation – perfect for kids in high-risk environments like playgrounds and classrooms. Furthermore, since a quarter of adults have either had head lice themselves, or know someone who has, it is also ideal for grown-ups to use to protect themselves from the discomfort and hassle of a household break out.

There are many misconceptions about catching head lice. Although nearly one third of parents believe that keeping hair short, or washing it every day is the most effective way to prevent children getting head lice, the bugs themselves can be found in all lengths and types of hair – clean or dirty. However, with clinically proven Linicin® Prevent Spray hitting the shelves, a quick squirt every morning is all parents need to keep their children head lice free for at least 7 hours – that’s a whole day at school.

Family GP Dr Sarah Jarvis said, “The thought of head lice cannot fail to cause anxiety amongst parents, so finding quick, simple and effective ways to prevent or treat infestations is vital. I am a parent myself, and time is precious, so quick solutions will always be attractive, but knowing these products are also gentle on sensitive scalps, whilst still proving effective is a real plus point.”

Linicin® offers a complete range of products not only to treat, but also to prevent head lice. All Linicin® products are clinically proven, mild and nontoxic, have good dermatological ratings, and contain no insecticides.

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 5

Education Battling with the bullying

By Elisabeth Dolton

As our children grow and take part in more activities, they will come into contact with a great number of diverse people. Unfortunately, as this happens, bullying seems to be on the rise. With anti-bullying weeks approaching, we take a look at what steps we, as parents and carers, can do to stamp out bullying.

Bullying occurs when a person is picked on repeatedly by an individual or a group with more power, either in terms of physical strength or social standing. Bullies pick on the people they think don't fit in, maybe because of how they look, how they act (if they are shy or withdrawn for example), their sexual orientation, race or religion.

Bullying can take the form of physical attack, psychological control or verbal insults. For example, popular groups or cliques often bully people by excluding them or gossiping about them (psychological bullying). They may also taunt or tease their targets (verbal bullying). Unfortunately bullying like this is made easier today due to the

accessibility of new technology. It is far easier to bully via email, facebook and mobile phone text messages, and do it anonymously. It even has its own name – Cyberbullying.

Whatever form it takes however, the effects are devastating. Studies have shown that being bullied increases the risk of low self-esteem, stress and depression or anxiety. Bullies themselves are also at risk. Bullies often become rejected by their friends and fail to achieve at school. Their violent behaviour often increases, and it is estimated that 1 out of 4 elementaryschool bullies have a criminal record by the time they are 30. So what can we do to help stamp out this behaviour?

Equip your child with the skills to help them avoid being bullied Get your child to identify teachers and friends that would help them if they were worried about being bullied. Encourage them to buddy-up and avoid places where there are no other pupils or teachers - go to the bathroom with a friend, eat lunch in a group, sit at the front on the bus, etc.

Explain to your children about cyberbullying and not to respond or forward threatening emails. “Friend” your child on Facebook and set up proper filters on your computer. Limit their social media friend requests to only those people with whom they have a positive relationship offline. Make the family computer the only computer for children, and have it in a public place in the home. If you decide to give your child a mobile phone, let them know you will be monitoring their text messages, and insist that phones are also kept in a public area, by a certain time at night, to eliminate night-time bullying and inappropriate messaging.

Keep talking to your children and work with them to handle any bullying.

Tell them not to fight back, just calmly tell bullies to stop or walk away.

Practice scenarios at home where your child learns how to ignore them and/or develop assertive strategies. Tell them not to take any of it personally and remind them of their worth and value.

Spotting a bully and helping them stop Studies indicate that most bullies are motivated by the pursuit of status and affection. They gain status by dominating their victims, and choose children who are not well-liked to ‘win’ friends. One of the most effective ways to help them stop bullying therefore is to report their actions and tell them about it. Give them consequences and set boundaries, e.g. tell them if the

Dyslexia Awareness

thought that the brain of someone with dyslexia processes information in different ways. It is very much a difference rather than a disability. Only a specialist teacher or educational psychologist can tell if your child has dyslexia or another specific learning difficulty such as dyspraxia, but look out for these signs: 1. Does your child use one hand for writing, for using a toothbrush or a pair of scissors or is he inconsistent?

Most children have become decidedly left or right handed before they go to school but children with

dyslexia may take longer. They may also be right handed but left footed.

2. Does your child have problems pronouncing particular words?

Children with dyslexia can find it hard to divide a word into chunks and put the parts in the right order.

3. Does your child have a problem with sequences? Some children with dyslexia cannot get the days of the week in the right order and if you give them three things to do they might manage two.

4. Does your child take a long time to

Your child is making slow progress at school and you are being told that he should try harder. But has he got dyslexia? Sal McKeown offers advice on how to spot the warning signs.

Up to 10% of the population has dyslexia and it affects 3 times as many boys as girls. Many successful people with dyslexia, such as Richard Branson and Eddie Izzard, are known for their creativity and originality and it is now

Manchester Child Art Psychotherapy Is your child affected by: nightmares, eating difficulties, divorce or separation, trauma, bullying, exam stress?

Art Psychotherapy can help with a range of childhood problems.

Paula Fotheringham Manchester Art Psychotherapy Services T: 07738865779 / E: manchesterartpsyc@gmail.com W: manchester-art-therapy.co.uk

6 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Learn French or Spanish the FUN way After school clubs for children up to Year 6 using games, songs, plays, and activity sheets.

Free access to our online fun learning resource - Babelzone. Try a FREE taster session in Cheadle.

Contact your local organiser: Annette Hicks Tel: 07587 000617 Email: annettehicks@lcfclubs.com

behaviour doesn’t stop then you will report him or her. Encourage them to talk to an adult and help them find better ways to deal with their anger such as taking up a sport, a hobby, and developing positive friendships. Tell them to put themselves in the shoes of their targets and ask how they would feel. Try to get them to understand the impact of their actions and to change them.

Whilst we cannot erase bullying, we can equip ourselves with the skills to spot it and tackle it, thereby preventing further damage and torment amongst our young children. Preventing and stopping bullying helps us achieve a safe environment where children can thrive without being afraid.

Common signs of bullying to watch out for: • Your child coming home from school with cuts, bruises or torn clothing.

• They are hungry or have walked home, when you know they had lunch money and bus fare.

• Their work at school starts to slide.

• They are reluctant to go to school or pretend to be unwell.

• Their eating habits change or they don’t sleep well.

answer a question and seem hesitant?

If a child has a processing difficulty, the brain takes longer to sift the information, although the answer might be exceptionally good.

5. Does anyone in your family have dyslexia? In about 70% of cases someone else in the family has similar symptoms.

National Anti-Bullying Weeks run from 14th to 25th November 2011.

Visit www.antibullyingweek.co.uk for a collection of free resources helping combat bullying.

Sal McKeown is the author of ‘How to Help your Dyslexic and Dyspraxic Child’ which is due to be published in January 2012. www.crimsonbooks.co.uk

Parents’ place Mums in business

Jenni Nolan Design Directions

Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Jenni Nolan and I live in West Didsbury with my partner Andrew Carter, our son Oscar who is going to be three in November and our dog Louis. We have lived here for ten years and love everything that West Didsbury has to offer. I qualified as an interior designer in the early nineties and after leaving university worked for a small company in Chester. From there I made the move to Manchester and worked for a design company in Lymm, Cheshire.

How did you get started? Six years ago I started to work for a company that designed show homes for all the major developers up and down the country. I enjoyed being out on site and seeing my designs come alive and found that stage of my career invaluable. Life all changed when I found myself pregnant with Oscar. I had to re-think how I could still work, as I loved my job, and be a mum too. I decided that working for myself would be a more flexible option. I've been working for myself ever since. I still design show homes for the company I worked for before Oscar came along; thanks to technology, I do this from home now and do travel to sites – just not as much as I did previously. I also decided that through my experience in home design, I would branch out into the world of domestic interiors.

What does the future hold for the business? With all small businesses there are ups and downs but I am hopeful that I will continue to do well especially

in the current climate. I am finding that my clients have decided to stay longer in their homes and ‘make do’ by extending or just refreshing their property instead of making that leap to the next home.

What is the best bit about what you do?

I love my job and count myself very lucky every day that I am able to work in something I find rewarding and interesting. The best bit is seeing the end result! Having clients happy and feeling that I’ve made their life better with the changes we decided on together.

Any bad bits? I don't really feel there are any bad bits to my job. There can be times of stress when things on site might not go to plan, but that always seems to be sorted out in the end.

How do you fit work around family life?

If it wasn’t for the support of my partner Andy and our family I would not be where I am today. Don't ever feel guilty for sending your child to nursery either.

I love my son but I also need my sanity!

Oscar loves going to nursery. He gets fed up with me too! He loves being around other children and since he has been going there has come on leaps and bounds.

What advice would you give to other mums looking to work for themselves?

Just do it! It took me years to feel confident again. It’s not easy after having time out from ‘the world’ to get back into the workings of it all.

Whatever it is that you fancy doing make sure you do your research. Cost it all out and try not to start with a loan.

Build it up slowly, putting your money back into the business. Like your old school timetable, separate everything from work and your home life. Plan everything into sections so you get tasks completed. Organise when you will do your phone calls, marketing, washing etc. and try to stick to it and you will find that you still have time to play because you have made time to do it. Start on a day to day, then week to week timetable. Good luck!

Ann-Maree’s a winner

The cream of the retail industry gathered at The Savoy in September to recognise and celebrate the achievements of retail’s highest flyers and to announce: Entrepreneur of the Year Winner: Ann-Maree Morrison, Director of Labels4Kids Ltd.

Like many great business ideas, Labels4Kids was born from personal need when Ann-Maree, the mother of 3 young boys, grew tired of her boys coming home from school with other children’s clothes. Labels4Kids produces vinyl waterproof labels, iron on, stick on and sew on labels for children’s school clothing and general items. The judges were impressed with how Ann-Maree has created a dedicated following of supporters from across the globe through an active social-media strategy and online forum for parents and families on her award winning website www.labels4kids.com/fam.

Many congratulations Ann-Maree!

Not just another Baby Show!

Nappytastic is excited to announce the premier event ‘The BIG Christmas Baby Shower’ to be held on Sunday 4 December at Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel from 2 – 5pm.

This will be a unique large-scale Baby Shower unlike any you have experienced. A number of leading companies in the baby industry will be exhibiting, allowing guests to test out, touch, feel and gain exposure to a range of great products and services for their growing families.

There will be lots of fun and games for everyone to enjoy including: • Fun Baby Shower games for the family and an estimated £25,000 worth in prizes and give-aways • A delicious buffet lunch by Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel • Crèche Facility • Live Music • Pregnancy Bump Painting • Guest Speakers • Cupcake Decorating • Maternity Fashion and much, much more.

Guests will be greeted by an unusual drinks reception of baby bottles and dummies to start the fun. This is indeed the Christmas Event of the season.

Call 07855 709034 or go to nappytastic.eventbrite.com to find out more details and to buy your tickets.

The BIG Christmas Baby Shower brought to you

by Nappytastic - Not Just Another Baby Show!

Sunday 4 December 2011, 2 – 5pm Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel Call 07855 709 034 or go to http://nappytastic.eventbrite.com to find out more and to buy your tickets.

8 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Parents’ place Top Tips for Family Skiing Holidays Could you be a party leader?

Paul and Francesca Ayres moved to Morzine 18 years ago, started a family ski company (Chilly Powder) and had 3 children. With the ski season approaching, we asked them to tell us about the most important things you should consider when taking your family on a ski holiday.

• Don’t rush to high altitude resorts because children can sometimes get altitude sickness. It’s also unsafe for babies under the age of one to go up in high cable cars because of the air pressure.

• Finding a resort with an easy, short airport transfer will be a blessing! Also check that your airport transfer company is properly licensed and has the child car seats you’ll need.

• While you’re on your transfer vehicle from the airport to your holiday accommodation, try to sit as near to the front of the bus as possible - then there’s less chance of the windy roads making your children sick.

• It’s pointless wasting money on expensive ski clothes for your children - they’ll only outgrow them by next year! Borrow what you can from friends or try TK Maxx in September and October!

• If your children are attending ski school or childcare, make sure you sew their names in to their clothes so they don’t get mixed up with others.

• If you’re taking a pushchair to use during your holiday, take one with large wheels. Standard chairs will be impossible to push in the snow but it might be that your holiday company has a stash of them for you to borrow.

• Don’t forget that sun block is just as important on a winter holiday as it is in the summer. Take sun block rather than spray so that you don’t have to take your gloves off to rub it in!

South Manchester’s leading children’s entertainment business, Jabberjacks, is enjoying huge success and is looking to recruit additional party leaders to meet an insatiable demand for their parties for 2 to 7 year olds.

If you enjoy working with children and don't mind being the centre of attention, this may be the ideal opportunity for you.

You will have boundless enthusiasm, be self motivated, available for weekend/occasional midweek working, have your own transport and be based in or around Urmston.

In return you will be given excellent training and support... and the pay isn’t bad either! If this sounds ideal for you then please give Clare a call on 07587 186284. www.jabberjacks.co.uk.

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

For more details about Chilly Powder see www.chillypowder.com

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 9

Parents’ place Help! Where is my Off switch?

By Helena Foss (www.helenafoss.co.uk) I’m not sure mothers ever really switch off. Being a mother is, as they say, a life sentence; our care provider services can be called on at any time of the day or night and interrupt every single activity (like important phone conversations) and bodily function. But being busy mothering our children does not mean we should forget to mother ourselves too.

All very well, but where, I hear you ask, do I find the time? Life is so busy; there are emails to reply to, piles of laundry, tax forms, scraped knees, runny noses and dirty floors screaming for attention – and that urgent report to submit yesterday.

Prioritise Soul Food If, like me, you regularly find yourself arriving breathlessly at Overwhelm Central, running like fury to escape the clutches of the Things To Do monster (the one that gnaws away at you during occasional idle moments or jolts you anxiously awake at 3am), then it is time to prioritise your Soul Food. Your rational mind will not think that Soul Food is necessarily ‘important’ nor ‘productive’, but your body and heart will recognise it immediately; by feeling warm and relaxed. It could be half an hour alone under a favourite tree, lunch

with a close friend, singing, painting or writing just one paragraph of that novel inside you. These things nurture us – and nurturers need nurturing. Simple as that.

When I need to get my priorities straight, I use the ‘rocks and sand’ analogy. The really important things are a mix of pressing Things To Do and Soul Food – meeting an article deadline, a spot of tree hugging, my boy’s urgent dental appointment, a dance around the living room, dinner, regular exercise – are the rocks, the rest is gravelly stones or grains of sand. Pour sand in a metaphorical jar first and only a few rocks fit on top. But pop the rocks in first and all the itty bitty stuff will fit in around it.

My sandy items sit on a list and will easily get done once my rocks are in place.

One of my rocks is regular meditation. I actually cannot function properly without it.

Get out of your mind In the West we have become so identified with our minds, that we believe our rapid collection of thoughts is who we actually are. According to Zen Buddhism, the mind is a great servant but a terrible master. A frightened or stressed mind will hassle you endlessly with judgements, opinions, ‘what if’s’, ‘if only’s’ and ‘coulda, shoulda, wouldas’. It was the controversial

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mystic and meditation master Osho who once held up his hand and said: ‘You see my five fingers? Ordinarily you will not see the gaps [between them], you will see five fingers. But the gaps are more real.

Fingers come and go. Gaps will remain.’

Woah. My whole being reeled on the spot and my mind momentarily shuddered to a halt when I first heard this statement. The gaps are more real – more real even than my thoughts? Who would have thought it?

Mind the Gap There is plenty of scientific evidence today to prove that meditation and mindfulness are effective antidotes for our epidemic levels of anxiety-fuelled binge-thinking, not to mention compulsive perfectionism, beating the clock and triumphing over the panting Things To Do beast. ‘Yes,’ my epitaph might read, ‘she got things done, but did she enjoy any of it?’ It is like using every ounce of energy to scale the world’s highest peak and then keeling over at the top, too exhausted to enjoy the view.

What, then, really is the point?

The point of meditation is to become mindful; to simply be aware of your thoughts, to notice them coming and going, moving through like clouds in the sky. This means you can actually choose whether to believe them or not (I’m too fat, my neighbour hates me, I’ll never be a good enough mother, you know the kind of thing). Like

the British weather, some days the inner landscape of the mind is overcast, but with regular practice (it is called meditation practice for a reason), you will get moments of dropping out of the mind into the vast, expansive blue sky of nothingness, which, paradoxically, is teeming with life, creativity and potential.

Inspiration is something that arrives out of nowhere, like those light bulb moments that go ‘ping!’ above our heads. The trick is being empty and receptive enough to allow them in. So, doing nothing can actually be incredibly productive. It is during meditation that much of the ‘sand’ of my life quietly settles down and sorts itself out.

Switch yourself back on In fact, once you can switch compulsive thought patterns off – or at least be aware of them enough so that they calm down – you get switched on to the present moment, which is, so the sages tell us, the only thing that actually exists. When I am really present, time itself slows right down; I am able to respond rather than knee-jerk react to situations. The lights are on. There is someone home. You are able to truly ‘be there’. You become, in the best sense of the word, a rock – both for yourself and your family.

Mummy downtime, therefore, is good for everybody. Scheduling it onto your calendar is no longer a luxury. It is a duty. Just like that darned tax form.

‘Tis the season...

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 11

‘Tis the season...

The DOs and DON’Ts of a HAPPY FAMILY CHRISTMAS Sarah Butters offers advice on how to keep happy AND sane.

DON’T expect it to be perfect Like it or not, your Christmas will not be perfect. You will over cook the turkey, under cook the pudding and end up sobbing into a huge glass of Sauvignon Blanc because your mother in law has criticized your gravy. But because you’ve put so much time and effort into hosting the perfect Christmas, the disappointment at the odd hiccup is overwhelming.

Start the festive period accepting you’re not Nigella and it won’t be perfect and you’ll enjoy the parts that go well.

DO try and relax By the time Christmas Day arrives, most of us are exhausted. You’ve probably spent the weeks prior to the big day panic

shopping, baking everything that Jamie suggested in his Christmas special and ferrying the family from one festive event to the next. Earmark some time for you.

It’s supposed to be a holiday!

DO make your own traditions Every family has its own way of celebrating. Now you have your own children it’s time for you to make your own traditions. Whether it’s a trip to the local crib service on Christmas Eve, or a day of Christmas baking on the Sunday before the festivities begin, it’s up to YOU to create your traditions. A great idea I’ve taken from a friend is the Christmas Eve hamper. This is a basket, left by one of Santa’s helpers filled with goodies to enjoy on the night before Christmas. In it are festive pyjamas for the children, new tooth brushes, a mug to make hot chocolate and a DVD for the family to watch. It’s the perfect kit to help kick start Christmas.

DO get out and about You are not under house arrest over the festive period. We shouldn’t be surprised that if you fill your home with relatives you rarely see and then lock the door, there will be arguments. Add some wine and the results are anything but festive.

Don’t be afraid of getting wrapped up and heading out for a bracing walk. It will clear the house and let the little ones run off some steam.

DON’T expect your children to be angels They’ve broken up from school about to burst with excitement about the arrival of Santa. You’ve been using the ‘if you’re not good, Santa won’t come’ since Easter and then the presents are opened and your little angels turn into little devils. Rules

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and routine are thrown out of the window so relatives can be entertained and trips can be taken. Combine that with too many treats and lots of attention from wellmeaning visitors and the magic of Christmas can disappear pretty quickly.

Try not to let all discipline go out of the window and if you sense that there’s a tantrum on the way, remove your child from the mayhem. During your time out, remind them that Santa can take gifts back from children who don’t behave!

DO give out jobs A resentful host is not a happy host so when you do your pre-Christmas shopping list, make sure you also write a list of jobs you’ll need doing on the big day. If you know your Mother in Law has a view about your Yorkshire Puddings, set her to work making some better ones. Remember, a busy cook is often a quiet cook!

DON’T waste money Let’s face it, this is going to be a tough year for all of us. We want to give our children everything on their list, but won’t be able to. Most of us will be celebrating making it to the 25th December with a job and a roof over our heads. However, you can still enjoy the festivities while being frugal. Swap traditional cards for an email including a festive photo, organise a secret Santa for adult family members with a spending limit. Or simply suggest that you only buy for the family’s children.

Keep reminding yourself that it’s not about the money your spend on each other, it’s about the time you spend with each other.

DO enjoy the preparation If you’re not careful, baking the cake, decorating the house and dressing the

tree can begin to feel like a chore. Don’t let it become hard work. Give yourself the time to enjoy it and accept that with a little help from your little ones you can create some lovely Christmas memories.

Ok, you won’t have a cake fit for Delia.

There’ll be precious few needles left on the tree and your house will resemble the aftermath of a children’s birthday party.

But despite the imperfections you’ll have happy children and you won’t have spent a penny. Now that’s a happy Christmas.

DO laugh!

Forget the stress of present buying and preparing a feast fit for a royalty and take a minute to laugh. Remember, when you strip away all the tinsel and tat this is about preparing one meal, on one day with decorations and a gift or two.

And if you’re finding smiling hard, try using our favourite Christmas Cracker joke to cheer you up.

What’s Santa’s favourite pizza?

One that’s deep, and crisp and even.

DON’T stress about the presents So you haven’t been able to find the latest Transformer or bag a Buzz Lightyear doll.

Before you beat yourself up, ask yourself this. Do you remember the presents you didn’t get when you were a child? Or do you remember the experiences you had?

My Christmas memories are preparing lunch with my wonderful Nana and attempting to wake my King Charles Cavalier after he’d drink the best part of a bottle of Blue Nun. YOUR kids will remember the laughter and the love and when you wake up in January, so will you. Happy Christmas!

‘Tis the season...

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Take advantage of local seasonal fairs for some great original gift ideas.

Christmas Gift Fair Tatton Park Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov An early opportunity to look for those special gifts. 50 exhibitors selected from all over the country. Normal Park Entry Charge applies.

01530 834056 / www.countrywide-events.co.uk Christmas Craft Fair Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Sat 12 & Sun 13 Nov Christmas gifts and crafts inspired by the festive season.

01625 445896 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybankmill Manchester Christmas Markets Manchester City Centre Fri 18 Nov – Wed 21 Dec A huge variety of stalls with mouth-watering delicacies from all over Europe. Follow the Christmas trail round the eight sites of the market and admire some of the historical gems of the city centre at the same time. Map available to download online. Markets open 10am - 7.30pm (8pm in Dec) www.manchestermarkets.com Christmas Fair Glo Family, Cheadle Sat 19 Nov, 1 – 4pm Beautiful & unique Christmas gifts from a variety of handpicked suppliers.

0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com Christmas Market Ramsbottom Town Centre Sun 4, 11, 18 Dec Discover a unique festive experience in the lead-up to Christmas. As well as shops, cafes and restaurants, during the three Sundays of December, Ramsbottom Town Centre will be bursting with festive cheer, bringing you specialist markets and festive entertainment for all.

Meet the Ramsbottom Reindeer on Sun 18. www.bury.gov.uk Craft Fair Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford Quays Fri 9 – Sun 11 Dec Fri 16 – Sun 18 Dec Pick up a treat or two for Christmas. Browse a wide selection of stores including jewellery, children's books, games, decorated mirrors, wall hangings and more. Food lovers will love the fantastic array of culinary delights on offer including olives, nuts, Turkish Delights and more, not to mention speciality beers.

0161 848 1850 / www.lowryoutletmall.com

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‘Tis the season...

GIFT IDEAS

Give your child the lifelong gift of swimming this Christmas

For the older girl

Make Christmas simple this year and put Puddle Ducks’ Baby and Toddler Swimming Classes at the top of your child’s gift list.

What other gift will teach your child a lifesaving skill and provide fun, enjoyment and quality time together for a whole term? Why not ask friends and relatives to contribute to the cost of a lesson and cut down on all that gift wrapping? Take a look at www.puddleducks.com and call Suzanne on 07411 944566 for information about classes in Greater Manchester or Jo on 01257 262622 for classes in East Lancashire. They look forward to seeing you at one of their fantastic classes soon!

A Girl For All Time® is a series of beautifully crafted dolls, thrilling novels and customizable keepsake books that encourage older girls in imaginative and social play. Perfect for ages 8 to 12, they’re stylish, intelligent and stimulating.

The historical aspect of the doll’s lives is aligned with the relevant coverage in the Key Stage 2 school curriculum that the girls follow. Matilda is the first doll of six to be launched and will help bring the Tudor period to life for the girls. The 2nd doll in the series is in production and will be out after Christmas. Find out more at www.agirlforalltime.com.

Get them climbing the walls!

Manchester Climbing Centre is a unique attraction; it offers exciting and unusual activities that will keep your youngsters and their friends talking for weeks! With courses for everyone – whether new to climbing or not, a climbing session voucher is a gift with a difference. Treat yourself as well as the kids – book yourselves in for a Family Taster Session* where children climb for free! Or throw a unique Christmas / New Year party starting at just £90 for 6 people which includes 1½ hours climbing following by optional party food at the Base Camp café. *2 free children per 1 full paying adult.

Not valid with any other offers. Original voucher must be redeemed to obtain discount. Expires 31st December 2011.

0161 230 7006 / www.manchesterclimbingcentre.com.

Homemade and personal How to solve your Nothing beats a personal, homemade gift. Try out Brookside Pottery in Poynton for an extensive range of Christmas Pottery which makes a unique present for that someone special. When you’re finished painting, take a train ride to Santa’s Grotto (weekends from 26 Nov, 11am – 4pm). If you’re celebrating a birthday at this time of year, they’re the perfect venue to host it AND you can sort your gifts at the same time! The “Potters Wheel Experience” party incorporates a free children’s train ride.

They’re open every weekend and during main school holidays from 10am – 4pm, and are available for group booking during the week too. 07961 838753 / www.brooksidepottery.com.

Photograph your Little People this Christmas Photography for Little People photographs Bumps, Babies and Beyond as well as families – and offers a free photo shoot in the comfort of your own home. You will be able to view the image straight away and there is no obligation to buy.

Stephen Varey, based in Ashton – Under – Lyne, has launched his mobile Photography for Little People studio in the Greater Manchester area. The business combines three of Stephen’s biggest passions – photography, babies, and business. He says: I absolutely love what I do and it is so rewarding to see a huge smile on mum and dad’s face when they view the photographs of their little one.”

A portrait like no other

gift problems Website GiftList.co.uk is the new way to take the hassle out of giving and receiving presents.

Free to join, all you have to do is set up your own wish list, using the easy access to millions of gift ideas from hundreds of trusted UK retailers. In fact, with GiftList.co.uk there need never be an unwanted gift given again!

The lists are perfect for sharing with family and friends. They can also be swiftly and securely added to social media websites Facebook and Twitter.

Whatever the special occasion, GiftList.co.uk ensures the perfect gift is given and enjoyed every time.

14 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Photography for Little People is offering a 16x12 canvas or a framed photo and hand impression valued at £159,when purchasing from the photography range. What a brilliant way to get a very special gift for yourself as well as a loved one this Christmas!

To make an appointment with Stephen, call him now on 07914 850510. www.photographyforlittlepeople.com /greatermanchester.

Turn that box of old photos or countless files of digital pictures into a unique personalised portrait for everyone to see.

You provide the images that you want to include in the picture and Louise creates a bespoke composition for family and friends. Unlike other portraits which are often put through a pre-set filter on a computer, she creates the images from scratch using digital, drawing and painting techniques.

Images could include children, relatives from past and present, pets, favourite places, personal memorabilia or even your first car!

These portraits can be a simple line drawing/painting or a complex detailed image that can be provided digitally to a variety of sizes or on different mediums such as a print or canvas. Capture all those happy memories in one special place! www.louise-wallace.co.uk.

‘Tis the season...

Stuck for toy ideas this year? Local shops Monkey Puzzle Toys and Gifted Originals offer us a few ideas of quality toys that are sure to please.

Monkey Puzzle Toys Age guide 1 – 3 Glutting Giraffe Children are mesmerized as the shapes roll down the slopes. It’s one of our best sellers £26.99

Age guide 6+ Pictureka Fun family board game. £19.99 Age guide 8+

Age guide 3+

Rocketball Factory Make your own accelerating bouncy balls £13.99 Age guide 9+ Excalibur Castle Wooden painted castle with prison tower, drawbridge and tower with winch. £54.99

Djeco Design a Fashion Show Amazing set which lets you design and accessorise outfits. £18.99 Honey Bake Baking Set Adorable food play set with play mixer, cake stand and colourful cakes. £42.95 Age guide 4+ Quadrilla Melody Basic Marble Run 50 piece set including 5 different tone blocks. £36.90

To view Monkey Puzzle Toys’ full range, please visit their Chorlton shop or have a look at www.monkeypuzzletoys.com.

Staff are happy to provide help and advice based on the age of the recipient and operate a ‘shop and send’ service where they will help choose your products and even gift wrap and send them out via courier for you. Their Christmas brochure is available from the shop or by calling 0161 862 0100.

Gifted Originals Age Guide 5 – 12 Make Your Own Sock Monkey Kit This adorable monkey can be made from the pair of stripey socks included in this kit. It comes with a needle and thread, filling, button eyes and a striking red bow. Complete with instructions, this is a classic craft project that has appeal for boys and girls of all ages. £5.99 Age Guide 9+ Electric Scooter With a run distance of ±8km this fabulous electric scooter comes in five colours and will take up to 13stone in weight.

It has a speed of ±12 km – great for getting about without too much effort! £79.99 Age Guide 3+ Mr Grasshead A Pal in a Pot! Put him in a pot and water with care, Wait a day or two and he’ll grow hair!

As it grows, style and cut it as you like. Take care to keep him away from cows and other hungry herbivores!

Great fun for young and old alike. £4.99

Age Guide 1+ Classic Humming Top This is a classic! Carousel spinning top that hums as it spins around - the faster it goes the louder it hums! Brightly decorated sure to be a hit! £12.99 Age Guide from Birth Simon the Lion Grannimal One of the Grannimals range by French toy manufacturer Latitude Enfant. Lovely soft toy suitable from birth and machine washable. Simon, like all the Grannimals, comes in a presentation box. Six other designs available. £14.99 Age Guide 8+ Junior Tool Box A great children’s wooden toy that will help develop manual dexterity and allow kids to work out how to use tools, handy in an age where computers have rendered 85% of the population unable to fix anything for themselves! Also good for messing around and bashing things, this is sure to be popular! £19.49 Gifted Originals is based in Burnage and specialises in traditional, educational and wooden, all selected to inspire and delight children. Their full range is also available to buy online at www.giftedoriginals.co.uk. Or call 0161 637 2257 with any questions.

Looking locally for toys, gifts & clothing?

Brookside Pottery, Poynton 07961 838753 / www.brooksidepottery.com Busy Bee Toy Shop, Chorlton 0161 881 5838 / www.busybeetoyshop.co.uk Button Nose, Bramhall 0161 440 7667 / www.buttonnose.co.uk Gifted Originals, Burnage 0161 637 2257 / www.giftedoriginals.co.uk Greenchildofmine, Bolton 01204 653327 / www.greenchildofmine.com Little Treasures, Ramsbottom 01706 828644 / www.yourlittletreasures.co.uk Monkey Puzzle Toys, Chorlton 0161 862 0100 / www.monkeypuzzletoys.com Pixie, Didsbury & Hale 0161 445 5230 / www.pixiechildrenswear.com Pottery Corner, Chorlton 0161 882 0010 / www.potsareforpainting.co.uk Rumpus Toys, Didsbury 0161 445 1097 / www.rumpustoys.co.uk Simply Books, Bramhall 0161 439 1436 / simplybooks.info/ Spruced Goose, Whitefield 0161 796 8096 / www.sprucedgoose.com Teddy Bears Workshop, Bolton 01204 771013 / www.teddybearsworkshop.com The Art Café, Hale 0161 929 6886 The Entertainer, Bury 0844 693 1455 / www.thetoyshop.com The Last Drop Gallery, Bolton 01204 593528 / www.lastdropgallery.co.uk Tip Toes, Rochdale 01706 750322 Toto’s, Altrincham 0161 928 7657 / www.totos.co.uk Toys & Tales, Bramhall 0161 439 6002 / www.toysandtales.com

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 15

‘Tis the season...

PANTOMIMES AND FAMILY SHOWS This time of year there’s an abundance of panto’s and family shows on offer – oh no there’s not… OH YES THERE IS! Take your pick of amateur or professional – either way you’re in for a treat that’ll get you into the spirit.

Annie Tues 8 – Sat 12 Nov Palace Theatre, Manchester Leaping lizards! The heart-warming rags-toriches musical, Annie is returning to Manchester starring Su Pollard as Miss Hannigan. One of the most successful shows of all time, this endearing tale of little orphan Annie, is packed with classic musical numbers like It’s a Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile and the iconic optimistic anthem Tomorrow.

0844 871 3018 www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk Stickman

Sat 12 Nov Bury Met Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three...” But the world is a dangerous place for Stick Man. A dog wants to play with him. A swan builds a nest with him. He even ends up on a fire! Will he ever get back to the family tree? Touching, funny and utterly original, this brand new show is based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.

Suitable for children aged 4+.

0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Bolton Octagon Fri 18 Nov to Sat 14 Jan With original music performed live and a whole heap of magic, the entire Theatre will be transformed into the incredible Land of Oz. There’s no place like the Octagon this Christmas! Suitable for ages 5+.

01204 520 661 / www.octagonbolton.co.uk The Snow Dragon Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sat 19 Nov Billy has everything a young goat could need – and more besides. On New Year’s Eve, Billy’s parents tell him about the legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him even more goodies during the night. But when Billy bumps into some wolves in the woods, New Year’s Day seems a long way off. Find out how Billy escapes – and whether the Snow Dragon will bring him a present. Has Billy been naughty or nice?

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk The Snowman The Lowry (Lyric Theatre) Tues 22 - Sat 26 Nov When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night time adventure full of dancing penguins and reindeer. But will the Snowman escape the clutches of Jack Frost? Presented by Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Children Half Price on 22, 23 & 24 November.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

16 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

The Nutcracker

Manchester Opera House Tues 22 – Sat 26 Nov Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to Manchester with their most popular production. Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into a magical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the famous Sugar Plum Fairy. With Tchaikovsky’s enduring score played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, The Nutcracker has something for everyone.

0844 871 3018 / www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Win a family ticket to this wonderful show on Tuesday 22 November at 7.30pm.

The family ticket consists of 4 seats, one of which must be occupied by a child. To enter, simply go to our website www.familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Entries close Wednesday 16 November.

Alice's Adventure Salford Arts Theatre Thurs 24 – Sat 26 Nov Performed by Salford Arts Theatre Young Performers Company. Curiouser and curiouser! Come and join Alice on her journey down the rabbit hole. A wonderful story adapted from Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.

0161 925 0111 / www.salfordartstheatre.co.uk Dick Whittington Sat 26 Nov – Sat 14 Jan Oldham Coliseum Theatre Dick Whittington and his trusty cat are off to London to seek their fame and fortune.

But can Dick defeat the evil King Rat? Will he marry his love Alice? Will he become the mayor of London? And what will the Dame wear?

0161 624 2829 / www.coliseum.org.uk Rapunzel (Oh what a tangled web.....)

Salford Arts Theatre Thurs 1 – Sun 4 December

By Joan Breen, performed by Barton Theatre Company. A new pantomime with a whole lot of fun for everyone.

0161 925 0111 / www.salfordartstheatre.co.uk

‘Tis the season...

The Wind in the Willows

The Lowry (The Quays) Fri 2 Dec - Sat 14 Jan Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad in Alan Bennett’s humorous and witty adaption of this classic adventure.

Brought to you by the Manchester Library Theatre Company. for ages 6+.

0843 208 6010 / www.librarytheatre.com WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN We’ve got a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) to this wonderful production to give away to one lucky Families Manchester reader. To enter, simply go to our website www.familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Entries close Wednesday 30 November.

Aladdin Middleton Arena, Middleton Fri 2 – Sat 31 Dec Take a magic carpet ride this Christmas with a star studded cast: Michael Absalom (CBeebies ‘Best of Friends’ & CBBC) - Aladdin Louis Emerick (Last of the Summer Wine, Layer Cake, Brookside) - The Genie Roger Kitter (Allo Allo) - Widow Twankey Richard Ashton (Channel 5s New Adventures of Robin Hood) - Abanazer Sonia (Singing Sensation) - The Slave of the Ring 0844 855 4020 / www.link4life.org Hare and Tortoise Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sat 3 Dec Meet two competing friends in this new fantastic adaptation of Aesop’s fable; a story about racing, opposites, time and friendship. From sun-shining spring to snow-falling winter, tutti frutti brings you this much loved story brimming with ideas, characters, live music and wonderful physicality.

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk Beauty & The Beast The Forum, Wythenshawe Sat 3, Sun 4, Sat 10 Dec Forum Leisure in conjunction with On Ya Bike Theatre Company presents this years’ Christmas Pantomime “Beauty & The Beast”.

0161 935 4020 / www.wythenshaweforum.co.uk

Cinderella

Manchester Opera House Sat 3 – Sat 31 Dec Join Suzanne Shaw as Cinderella and Louie Spence as Dandini in this pantomime classic – a glittering parade of everything you could wish for this Christmas – including sensational costumes, dazzling songs, superb dance routines and wonderful comedy – this delightful show will appeal to all ages.

0844 871 3018 / www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs Radcliffe Civic Hall, Bury Sun 4 & Mon 5 Dec After the huge success of Cinderella last Christmas, Trio Entertainment returns to Radcliffe Civic Hall with the Magical pantomime Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs.

07595263801 / www.trioentertainment.co.uk Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Forum Theatre, Romiley, Stockport Thurs 8 – Sat 17 Dec Mirror, mirror on the wall... a family panto suitable for all!

0161 432 4787 / www.nktheatrearts.org.uk Jack and the Beanstalk Stockport Plaza Fri 9 Dec – Sun 8 Jan Fee Fi Fo Fum!... Stockport’s Giant Family Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk explodes onto the stage of great family entertainment - with sumptuous costumes, amazing scenery and classic seasonal entertainment for everyone to enjoy!

See our hero Jack, outwit the REALLY nasty Giant. Starring Claire Sweeny.

0161 477 7779 www.stockportplaza.co.uk Christmas Family Concert - Winter Wonderland with the Hallé Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Sun 11 Dec The merry musicians of the Hallé and conductor Andrew Gourlay are joined by Christmas cracker Alasdair Malloy who’ll lead the way in a Winter Wonderland with sensational sing-alongs, orchestral antics and a quirky Christmas quiz. Why not get into the festive spirit by coming dressed as Santa, Rudolph or a Christmas fairy?

Even Santa never misses this show!

0161 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Aladdin Salford Arts Theatre Mon 12 – Sat 24 Dec

By James Barry, performed by Salford Theatre Company. Family fun abounds, with Princess Jasmine, Wishee Washee, Widow Twankee and the baddie Abanazer.

A full professional cast with live music.

0161 925 0111 / www.salfordartstheatre.co.uk Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Bury Met Mon 12 – Sat 24 Dec “Every idiot who goes about with Merry Christmas on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.” Dickens’ Scrooge Proper Job Theatre Company return to The Met for 2011 with Scrooge. A unique and enduring experience of a classic tale of redemption.

0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz Scrooge

The Lowry (Lyric Theatre) Mon 12 Dec - Sat 7 Jan Tommy Steele returns to the role that he has made his own, Ebenezer Scrooge, in the record-breaking London Palladium production of Scrooge. The ideal Christmas treat, Leslie Bricusse’s musical extravaganza Scrooge is a heartwarming story based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. So join Ebenezer, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and a whole host of Dickensain characters in this award-winning, international smash hit musical!

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Red Riding Hood Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Wed 14 – Sat 31 Dec Horse+Bamboo present a gorgeously rendered re-telling of the classic girl-andthe-wolf tale. It’s the story that everyone knows...or do they? Wonderful visuals blend with pantomime-style silliness and spooky moments to create an enchanting piece of theatre for all ages over 4.

0161 8339833 / www.royalexchange.org.uk Christmas Ice Show: Fantasia SilverBlades Ice Rink, Altrincham Sat 17 Dec Produced by SilverBlades Professional Coaches and local talent, Fantasia brings together 5 fantastical worlds into one amazing Ice Show. Featuring Toy Story, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Under The Sea and High School Musical, the show promises to be the most magical, the most amazing and of course the coolest ice show you and the family will see this holiday season!

08700 852929 / www.silver-blades.co.uk Christmas Carol Singalong Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Sat 24 Dec Clap your hands, stamp your feet and sing your heart out with Jonathan Cohen.

Including classics such as Frosty the Snowman, Once in Royal David’s city, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Merry Christmas Everybody, Santa Claus is coming to town, I wish it could be Christmas everyday, Hark!

The herald angels sing and many more.

0161 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Snow Play

Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play Tues 13 Dec – Sun 1 Jan Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Don’t miss everyone’s favourite brother and sister, Charlie and Lola, in their extremely ever so wonderful stage show! Will Lola ever tidy her messy room? Will Charlie get Lola to sleep, even though she is not sleepy and will not go to bed?

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Win an exclusive Charlie and Lola T-shirt. Available in either pink or white, and in 3 sizes (2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5), we’ve got 3 up for grabs. To enter, simply go to our website www.familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Entries close Wednesday 30 November.

The Lowry (The Studio) Tues 27 December - Tues 3 Jan When Mr Green comes back from his Christmas holidays he finds that Mr White has moved into his house, covering everything in snow, inside and out. Mr Green does all he can, but Mr White won’t budge.

Make a giant snowman, have a super snowball fight and help bring back the Spring in this highly interactive smashhit London production with Patrick Lynch from Cbeebies.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 17

‘Tis the season...

WHERE’S SANTA? Get up close and personal with the big man himself.

Glo Family, Cheadle Meet Santa Sun 11, Sun 18 Dec 1.30 – 3pm Mon 19 – Fri 23 Dec 2.30 – 3pm Gift included Glo Ho Ho Christmas Extravaganza Fri 23 Dec 12.30 – 2.30pm Includes lunch, a visit from Santa & gift and other special guests! One not to be missed.

0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com

Barton Grange Garden Centre, Bolton Arrival of Father Christmas Sat 26 Nov Father Christmas arrives in style to make his way to his grotto. Lots of family fun while you await his arrival. Full details not available at time of going to press.

01204 660660 / www.bartongrangebolton.co.uk Bramall Hall A Christmas Cracker with Santa Claus Sun 18 Dec A very special Christmas event - see this magnificent Hall beautifully decked for Christmas, a wonderful back drop for musicians, jugglers, magicians, jesters, and many more entertainers. The perfect way to enjoy the spirit of a traditional Christmas with the family. All day event 11am – 4pm. Tickets to see Santa will be limited and timed. Booking essential Visit Santa Thurs 22 Dec Santa will be in his magical grotto for one day only (1pm - 4pm). Pay him a visit but also pick up a quiz sheet and see what you can spot amongst the beautiful Christmas decorations around the Hall.

Suitable for ages up to age 9. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

0161 485 3708 / www.bramallhall.org.uk Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton Santa’s Grotto From Sat 26 Nov Open every weekend until Christmas 11am – 4pm.

07961 838753 / www.brooksidepottery.com

Hatworks, Stockport Enchanted Christmas Sun 4 Dec, 11am - 4pm Festive family fun, including carol singing, Christmas workshops, face painting and lots more. Visit Father Christmas and give him a wish list. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk Legoland Discovery Centre LEGO® Christmas Sat 3 – Sat 24 Dec Here’s your chance to make sure your favourite LEGO set is on Santa’s list this year. Take part in festive LEGO builds in the model builder’s workshop.

0871 222 2662 / www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk Lyme Park, Disley Father Christmas Sun 4, Sun 11, Sun 18 Dec, 11am – 4pm £6, normal park entry charges apply 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lymepark Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), Manchester Santa’s Grotto Every weekend in Dec & Mon 19 – Fri 23 Dec 10.30am – 4.30pm. £5 to see Santa, receive a gift and enjoy craft activities.

0161 832 2244 / www.mosi.org.uk St Paul’s Church, Ramsbottom Ramsbottom’s Reindeer Sun 18 Dec Come and meet Ramsbottom's Reindeer (10.30am –4pm), have your picture taken with the Reindeer sitting on a traditional sleigh. Plus petting pen with Mum, Dad and baby Reindeer, Father Christmas and festive carols. www.bury.gov.uk

18 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford Christmas Lantern Parade welcomes Father Christmas, Fri 9 Dec Watch Father Christmas arrive and meet Tatton’s two adorable reindeer Prancer and Dancer. Bring along any of your unwanted toys to donate to a children’s charity, and post your Christmas wish list. Festive music and late night shopping and dining.

Father Christmas at Tatton Park’s Farm Sat 10 & Sun 11, Sat 17 & Sun 18, Sat 24 Dec Father Christmas will be at The Farm with Prancer and Dancer together with all the other Farm animals – some of which are the star attractions of the nativity scene. Visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special Christmas gift. Children’s rides (small extra charge), face painting and story telling make a great Christmas day out for the family.

Family Christmas Carols in the Stableyard, Sun 18 Dec Bring your friends and family to the outdoor Stableyard Carols and join in the singing to the accompaniment of The King Edward Musical Society. Shops open until 5pm for last minute Christmas shopping.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Woodford Park Garden Centre, Stockport Santa’s Arrival & Grotto Sun 20 Nov – Sat 24 Dec Santa arrives in a horse-drawn carriage at 11.30am on 20 November and will be in his cosy grotto right up until Christmas Eve. Pay him a visit and meet his reindeer too.

Breakfast or Tea with Santa A festive meal, storytelling and colouring with crayons. Meet Santa and receive a gift. Places are limited and booking early is advisable – call the centre for dates and times.

0161 439 0745 / www.notcutts.co.uk

SANTA’S EXPRESS Early booking is essential for all journeys Churnet Valley Railway Santa and Steam Sat 3, 10 17 Dec Sun 4, 11,18 Dec Wed 7, 14, 21 Dec 01538 750755 / www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials Sat 26 Nov – Sat 24 Dec 0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/ santaspecial Embsay & Bolton Abbey, Nr Skipton, Yorks Santa Specials Sun 20 & 27 Nov, 4, 11 & 18 Dec Sat 3, 10 & 17 Dec 01756 710614 / www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk Peak Rail, Derbyshire Santa Steam Specials Sun 4, 11, 18 Dec Sat 10, 17 & 24 Dec Fri 23 Dec 01629 580381 / www.peakrail.co.uk Ribble Valley Railway, Preston Santa Steam Specials Sat 3, 10 & 17 Dec Sun 4, 11 & 18 Dec Mon 19 & Tues 20 December 01772 728800 / www.ribblesteam.org.uk

SANTA DASH

Marple Memorial Park (finishes Marple Garden Centre) Sun 4 Dec In aid of the Marple based Find a Cure for Martha Appeal.

0161 303 0011 / www.romileymarple-lions.org.uk

More Santas than you ever thought you’d see! Get active and raise money for charity.

Old Trafford, Manchester Sun 4 Dec Raise money for the Manchester United Foundation and its charity partners The Christie, Francis House and UNICEF or ANY other charity. www.mufoundation.org

Heaton Park, Manchester Sun 27 Nov The Co-operative Santa Dash in aid of The Co-operative's Charity of the Year, Mencap and ENABLE Scotland. www.co-operative.coop/santadash

Heaton Park, Manchester Sun 11 Dec Be part of the Do It For Charity run series and take part in the Santa Run - an amazing run in aid of a charity of your choosing. www.doitforcharity.com

Whats on Other Activities Sun 6 Nov The Kingsway School (lower site), Cheadle Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm. Table costs £10 Entrance 50p 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Sat 12 Nov Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Autumn on the allotment 11am-4pm Craft activities and a family friendly film; see, smell and taste seasonal food during a food demonstration by Cracking Good Food; and get some top tips on pruning when we put the allotment to bed for the winter. Have a go at garlic planting. Sensory treasure baskets for under 5s to explore. Most activities free and drop-in. Some activities may need to be booked on the day and may cost up to £1.50. Suitable for all ages.

0161 275 2634 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Sun 13 Nov Sale High School, Sale Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm. Table costs £10 Entrance 50p 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Sat 19 Nov The Butts, Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On 6pm onwards (lights on at 7.30pm)

Sat 26 Nov & Sun 27 Nov

Sat 10 & 17 Dec

Dunham Massey, Altrincham A Victorian Kitchen at Christmas 1.30pm Make pomanders, crackers and traditional decorations and bake buns to enjoy with mulled wine in the historic kitchen.

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

Hatworks, Stockport Christmas Crafts Come along to this fun and festive craft session and make a snowman that will melt your heart!

Age 5-11, 10.30am – 12.00 and 1.00pm -2.30pm, Booking essential 0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk

Sat 3 Dec

Sat 10 & 17 Dec Sun 11 & 18 Dec

Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Chocolate 11am-4pm Discover the connections between the Museum’s collection and chocolate and the science behind chocolate. With object handling of Mayan stoneware and cocoa beans, chocolate tasting and craft workshops where you can make a Mayan chocolate box or a Willy Wonka to take home. Most activities are free and drop-in. Some activities may need to be booked on the day and may cost up to £1.50. Suitable for all ages.

0161 275 2634 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Carols by the Tree Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie followed by carols in the elegant Edwardian dining room. Booking Essential 0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey

Sun 4 Dec

Sun 18 Dec

The Kingsway School (lower site), Cheadle Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm. Table costs £10 Entrance 50p 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Wed 7 Dec

Peel Moat/Target Fitness Leisure Centre, Heaton Moor Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm. Table costs £10 Entrance 50p 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk Bramall Hall Tudor Living History Experience 11am to 4pm - last entry 3pm Experience Tudor life at Bramall Hall and watch as the Hall comes to life with the sounds, aromas and people of the past.

0161 485 3708 / www.bramallhall.org.uk

Radcliffe Civic Suite, M26 2UH Traditional Carol Concert 7.30 – 9.30pm With the children of Radcliffe Primary School and Bury Music Centre.

0161 253 7812 Stockport Air Raid Shelters Explorer Tour Evening tours of Stockport Air Raid Shelters, including areas not seen on the public tour. You will be given the opportunity to see the extent of Stockport’s Air Raid preparations.

Ages 10+, 7.00pm, Booking essential 0161 474 1940 / www.airraidshelters.org.uk

Thurs 24 Nov

Fri 9 – Sun 11 Dec

Victoria Square, Bolton Christmas Lights Switch On 5pm onwards

Stockport Air Raid Shelters Wartime Christmas Stocking!

Follow the good fairy through the maze of tunnels, singing along the way, as you look for Santa during this magical family event.

Bring a sock or stocking with you for some 1940’s wartime gifts. One adult permitted free per each paying child. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fri: 4.30pm (± every 30 mins until 6.30pm) Sat & Sun: 11.00am (± every 30 mins until 2.30pm) 0161 474 1940 / www.airraidshelters.org.uk

Sun 20 Nov

Fri 25 Nov Manchester Museum Magic Carpet: Chocolate 11am-12pm Ludwig the little badger and his woodland friends, Squirrel, Bird and Mouse are some of the characters you’ll get to know in this storytelling and activity session for under 5s, featuring ‘The Chocolate Biscuit Tree’

by Thomas Taylor. Listen to the story then make your own chocolate biscuit tree.

Book on 0161 275 2648 (from 18 November), £1 per child www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Mon 19 & Wed 21 Dec Glo Family, Cheadle 10am – 12pm Christmas craft workshop 12.30 – 2.30pm Pyjama Drama Christmas Party 3 – 5pm Movie Time 0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com

Tues 20 & Thurs 22 Dec Glo Family, Cheadle 10am – 12pm Christmas craft workshop 12.30 – 2.30pm Christmas Dance Party 3 – 5pm Movie Time (Thurs 22 only) 0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com

Fri 23 Dec Glo Family, Cheadle 10 am – 12 pm Christmas craft workshop 0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com

Tues 27 – Fri 30 Dec

Sun 11 Dec Sale High School, Sale Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm.

Table costs £10 Entrance 50p 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Peel Moat/Target Fitness Leisure Centre, Heaton Moor Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm.

Table costs £10 Entrance 50p 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Sun 11 & 18 Dec Glo Family, Cheadle 11.30am – 12.30pm Christmas craft workshop 12 – 2pm 3 Course Christmas Lunch 0844 504 7465 / www.glofamily.com

Manchester Museum Christmas holidays - Thank you cards 11am-4pm Make pop-up cards inspired by the Museum’s collection.

Free, drop in, all ages 0161 275 2634 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Wed 28 Dec Stockport Air Raid Shelters Children’s Explorer Tour Exciting children’s version of the ever popular Explorer Tours. Brave the darkened tunnels as you go back in time and experience the life of a child during the war. Children must be accompanied by an adult Age 7+, 6.45pm – 8.00pm Booking essential 0161 474 1940 / www.airraidshelters.org.uk

Memories are made of this We asked some of our readers to share their Christmas memories.

1. Sprouts.

2. Watching dad trying to put together the toy that needs building entirely from scratch, on Christmas Eve! 3. The excitement, anticipation and sense of wonder from the children.

4. The moment the children realise that Father Christmas has been.

5. When Father Christmas has taken a bite out of the mince pie you left out for him and his reindeer ate half the carrot!

6. Mince pies with Brandy butter.

7. Having the whole family/friends sat round the table together for Christmas dinner.

8. Sitting in front of a warm open fire watching the lights flash on the tree while snuggling up with the kids, watching Mamma Mia, or thinking back over the events of the last year.

9. Dressing the tree and trying to not to mind that all the ornaments are ending

up in one spot in the lower half.

10. Flaming Christmas pud.

11. I love Christmas evening when the whole family sit round the table eating chocolates, drinking (no alcohol for the kids of course!) and playing cards.

12. Chocolate coins in bed in the morning with the kids while opening their stockings.

13. Reliving your childhood on Christmas eve with sugar lumps for Rudolph.

14, The atmosphere, cold and dark evenings (that I detest in January!), sparkly lights and decorations.

15. Spending time with family, playing games over mulled wine, cooking together, watching movies and going for long walks trussed up in hats, scarves and gloves.

Whatever makes Christmas special for you – may you have a wonderful time creating your own family memories.

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester 19

20 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk