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IN THIS ISSUE

Christmas Education What’s On ROLL UP! ROLL UP! FOR THE GREATEST SHOW IN NORTHWICH!

9th Dec 2023 – 1st Jan 2024

THE FAMILY PANTOMIME THAT’S

JUST RIGHT!

www.thegrangetheatre.com/pantomime 01606 539 040 Issue 102 November/December 2023

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RHS Glow B O O K TO DAY Wed 15 Nov - Sat 30 Dec When the sun goes down, the lights go up.

Watch the night illuminate at our festive winter spectacular.

Your visit supports our work as a charity. rhs.org.uk/bridgewaterglow

RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262

A CHRISTMAS LIKE NO OTHER

This kind of Christmas comes but once in a lifetime.

Whisk your family away to magical Lapland where you’ll meet Santa and his cheeky elves.

Call 01483 944 960 or visit SantasLapland.com Santa’s Lapland

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2 Families Manchester & Cheshire

Experience a Lapland trip you’ll treasure forever and book with a deposit from just £150pp and take advantage of our latest offers for 2024.

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CONTENTS

Welcome

Editor Karen Sykes editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk 01706 671664 Printed by Buxton Press Design Rebecca Carr Next issue: January/February Book by: 1 December

Families Manchester and Cheshire is available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout the region. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please get in touch.

In this issue 4.

5.

9.

10.

11.

12.

15.

Education news Education Clubs & classes Travel Health What’s On Christmas recipe

There’s a chill in the air, we’re edging towards winter and the Christmas season will soon be with us! Check out where to see Santa, dates for local Christmas light switch-ons, Christmas trails and much more in our What’s On section.

In our Education feature, find out about multiple intelligences, understand reading and the Key Stage 2 curriculum and discover the connection between growing sunflowers and maths skills!

You also have the opportunity to be the lucky recipient of one of our Christmas gifts for kids in this issue – make sure you apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Karen Editor, Families Manchester and Cheshire July/August competition winners

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at

www.bit.ly/JA23recipients

This product is made of material from well-managed, FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources.

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

Christmas Celebrations in Oldham you won’t want to miss!

Christmas Parade and Switch on Show Saturday 18 November Watch us switch on the Christmas lights in style with our spectacular fairy-tale outdoor show and parade.

Brass Monkeys Festival Saturday 9 December The very best local and national brass bands play side by side and provide the perfect musical backdrop for your Christmas shopping.

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Christmas Santa’s Grotto at Spindles Don’t miss the chance to meet the big man himself in Spindles Shopping Centre from 25 November. £5 per child (plus booking fee).

Christmas characters, face painting and crafts

Selected Saturdays from 25 November Why not do some Christmas shopping and keep the kids busy with free activities at Spindles Shopping Centre.

Scan the QR code for more details

Families Manchester & Cheshire 3

EDUCATION NEWS

Abbey Gate College is unique Abbey Gate College is an independent school for pupils aged 4-18 years, located just 10 minutes away from the heart of Chester, nestled in acres of beautiful grounds surrounded by historic buildings as well as offering modern facilities.

The College is a unique, inspiring and nurturing place to learn, a safe and friendly school communit. We work with each child’s individual interests, passions and strengths; while encouraging children to try new things, take risks and be creative.

Interest in joining the College is at a high and our recent, oversubscribed Open Day was a huge success. While we currently have waiting lists in some year groups, we have some places available in Years 3 and 5, so you can secure your child’s entry to Senior School. Entering the College at Junior School level enables direct entry into Year 7 with a guaranteed reserved place, subject to terms and conditions.

The aim of the College is to lead and coach each child during these critical, formative years, so that they may achieve the best they can academically with a clear sense of self and how they can go on to make a positive difference to the world.

Find out more at www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk

4 Families Manchester & Cheshire

Stockport Grammar is Artsmark Platinum!

The exceptional standard of creative and performing arts at Stockport Grammar School has been recognised with an Artsmark Platinum Award from the Arts Council. The highest possible rating, Platinum is held by only a small number of schools in the country.

SGS pupils and parents are well accustomed to an incredible array of Music, Drama, Dance and Art opportunities and the Award also recognises the school as an ‘opinion former’ ‘making a difference in the wider community’.

Director of Drama, Mr Matt King-Sayce led the process of applying for the Award, he said: ‘I am very passionate about the arts and I knew when I joined SGS in 2019 that I wanted to shout about the amazing opportunities that our pupils can enjoy, as well as sharing our facilities with the wider community. Things like our Year Five Art Competition and our Arts Award work were an amazing foundation to our application, which we then strengthened through our work with local Primary Schools and elsewhere in the community.’

Find out more at www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Growing sunflowers and learning maths?

By Usha Patel Parents often ask me how to get their child interested in maths because ‘they just don’t get it.’ Luckily, they can give their child a lot of help at home in just a few easy steps.

Maths language It’s essential to keep maths language simple to build a strong foundation. Use words like ‘more’ for addition and ‘less’ for subtraction in everyday situations. For instance, you can introduce these concepts during meals: more roast potatoes, less sprouts! Repeatedly using these words alongside tangible materials helps children gradually grasp mathematical concepts.

Maths talk There are many words to describe each mathematical function.

When you teach your child the basic concepts of ‘more’ and ‘less,’ you are implicitly teaching them maths and how to think mathematically. By doing this, you are combining logic, sequence and memory. Having the basics in place can also allow you to introduce more words to describe the same function: ‘add,’ ‘together,’ ‘plus’ and ‘addition’ all mean the same.

Develop sequential thought processes Sequential thought processes are fundamental to understanding logical thinking. Parents can encourage these by discussing daily activities and routines with their children. By reflecting on how one event follows another, children can grasp the concept of sequencing, which is a vital skill in mathematics.

Establish logical thinking Children also need to develop logical thinking abilities. Fun activities like baking a cake or growing sunflowers can help introduce logic to young minds. These activities require following

a series of linear steps. Discussing each phase from beginning to end helps children understand the importance of logical thinking, which can extend to organising their school bags or planning for sleepovers.

Check memory Short-term memory is crucial for mathematical tasks. Insufficient working memory can hinder a child’s ability to hold and manipulate information during calculations. Playing memory games is an effective way to enhance memory capacity. For instance, counting games such as counting the number of cars on the way home can reveal memory strengths and weaknesses.

Finally, learning should be fun. When we are relaxed, we are more predisposed to absorbing what we learn. The funnier the delivery, the quicker it will stick. If your child is struggling and your efforts need to gain ground, take some steps to put the fun back into maths!

Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist at Raviv Practice London. If you need help to put fun into maths for your child, you can contact Usha at www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk.

Engaging in linear activities

Rhythm forms the foundation

Children can learn to count by rote, but comprehending number value represents a distinct skill set. Understanding value requires the capability to compare two or more numbers. Comparative knowledge can only be applied with a firm grasp of linear processes. Whether they are growing a sunflower or making a sandwich, precise steps exist to achieve the end goal.

Developing rhythm, sequence and logical skills are all prerequisites to mastering maths. Children can implicitly nurture these skills by playing a simple game of bouncing and catching a large ball by themselves.

When assigned the task of implementing each stage, children can observe that they are systematically progressing towards their goal. Upon reflection, children can discern the steps and understand why those steps are necessary to achieve the desired results. The key is to discuss each step in the process, emphasising what comes first, second, third, fourth and so on.

By repeating the experience, children can perceive how individual components are interconnected within the whole.

Crucially, a specific order must be followed to attain the desired outcome.

Linear processing facilitates teaching sequence, logic, mathematics and comparative skills.

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In the first stage, they bounce and catch the ball slowly, counting each time it hits the floor. The second stage involves counting and walking one small step every time they say the next number. The sound of the step should synchronise with the ball hitting the floor. Importantly, they should utter only one number per step taken.

Achieving synchronisation between body movement and counting speed demands significant practice but becomes rhythmic once established. The significance of this game lies in the ability to think, move and count with ease. If children find this challenging, you may count for them until they can perform both tasks simultaneously. Once mastered, children can up the challenge by walking backwards and counting in reverse order. Or try counting in times table blocks eg 3, 6, 9, 12.

Families Manchester & Cheshire 5

EDUCATION

Seven of the best new chapter books for children

By Sarah Campbell

From animal lovers to budding detectives, fantasy fans to comedians, there’s a book out there for everyone!

Here are some of our recent favourites, perfect for your next reading adventure.

Around the world The Last Mapmaker Christina Soontornvat Set sail on the high seas with 12-year-old Sai in this extraordinary adventure set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world. As assistant to Mangkon’s most celebrated mapmaker, Sai seizes the chance to join an expedition to a land of dragons, dangers and riches beyond imagining. But Sai carries a secret that could ruin her dreams and she isn’t the only one.

Ages 8+.

Animal lovers

Kids who love fantasy

Michael the Amazing MindReading Sausage Dog Terrie Chilvers, illustrated by Tim Budgen

Spellstone Ross Montgomery

A fun, illustrated early chapter book perfect for young dog-lovers!

Michael’s dream is to become a global superstar but becoming famous is no walk in the park. How long will it take the other residents of Snuffles-by-Sea to recognise Michael’s amazing talents; and those of his trusty sidekick, Stanley Big Dog? Ages 5+.

One of our all-time favourite children’s authors delivers a brilliant new fantasy adventure.

Evie is used to going unnoticed.

But then she meets the mysterious Wainwright and is recruited to a secret magical organisation.

Suddenly Evie finds herself at the heart of an ancient battle to protect the most powerful magical weapon in the world. Ages 8+.

Reluctant readers

Funny books

The Day the Hiccups Took Over Jo Simmons, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove

My Name is Sunshine Simpson G. M. Linton

Hilarious and super accessible, this is a book packed with madcap reading magic from one of our favourite funny authors. Frank has a big day ahead of him, with a trip to the dentist, a trumpet exam, a swimming contest and tickets to see his hero live on stage. But he wakes up with hiccups and they just won’t STOP! Can Frank turn calamity into a dramatic triumph?

Ages 5+.

This book will make you both laugh and cry! Sunshine Simpson is a brand new best friend for independent readers. Grandad is always telling her to get out and find her own adventures but bad luck has a habit of coming her way.

Sunshine needs to find her voice and show the world she can shine.

Ages 8+.

Kids who love adventure

Budding detectives

The Thames and Tide Club Katya Balen, illustrated by Rachael Dean

The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder Kereen Getten

Clem and her friends are members of a mudlarking club, searching for treasures on the banks of the River Thames. Before they know it they’re on the weirdest, wildest adventure they could imagine on a mission to save underwater London! The first in a new series.

Ages 5+.

Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens’ Murder Most Unladylike series, this is a gripping mystery. Fayson’s cousins recruit her to their top-secret gang but seem more interested in food, squabbling and falling asleep! So Fayson takes charge and tries to track down clues about the strange shadow that has been appearing in the island’s lighthouse. Can she solve the case? Ages 8+.

Sarah Campbell is co-founder of Parrot Street Book Club (www.parrotstreet.com), an online children’s bookshop offering a handpicked collection of high-quality children’s chapter books, plus an award-winning monthly book subscription for kids ages 5 to 14.

6 Families Manchester & Cheshire

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STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for children ages 3-18 years

Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships FOUNDED IN 1487

Senior School Open Event Saturday 11th November Senior School Entrance Exam Wednesday 10th January 2024 Book online for open events Senior and Junior School day tours available

SGS Inspires Tel: 0161 456 9000 Familiesonline.co.uk

“Excellent” Highest Inspection Rating

www.stockportgrammar.co.uk Families Manchester & Cheshire 7

EDUCATION

Reading and the Key Stage 2 curriculum

By Jemma Z Smith Reading is vital for enabling students to access the rest of the curriculum and to deepen their understanding of the world around them.

While phonics lays the initial groundwork in Key Stage 1, the emphasis in Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and beyond) expands beyond pronunciation towards exploring characters. Students are asked what might happen next or why the character would decide to do something. This skill is especially significant when preparing for SATs or 11+ entrance exams, as it helps students answer questions based on inference and understand why authors choose to use certain words or phrases.

As a parent, the importance of reading aloud to your child remains significant as they will hear words that they are not yet ready to read themselves. This is particularly true with stories which contain idioms and figurative language.

As children delve into stories from different cultures and backgrounds, they are transported to other worlds and eras.

They learn to relate to characters’ experiences, feelings and decisions, understand more about the world and cultivate a love of reading and storytelling. Reading becomes about much more than simply being able to answer exam questions and starts to broaden their horizons. It can also provide a strong model for a student’s own writing, as well as leading to improved spelling.

Firstly, think about your child’s eyes and ears. How recently did they have an eye test? It’s important that children who experience difficulties reading have their eyes checked by an optician. It could be that they actually need glasses.

Meanwhile, if an optician says your child’s eyes are fine, rest assured that schools are well-informed about learning difficulties. They can screen for memory recall and retention issues and should be able to help with different learning approaches and varied resources to support any area your child is finding tricky.

Your child’s school will also be able to explain how to obtain a dyslexia diagnostic assessment. If your child does receive a diagnosis, there’s support to help your child to access the education to which they have a right.

My child struggles to read - what should I do?

Bear in mind that sometimes it may be that confidence that is holding your child back and this is where a tutor can help.

Speak to your child’s school to find out why your child is struggling as this is not always due to a learning difficulty.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk

The benefits of daily reading for infants

My child only likes one author or style of book?

A recent study has found that daily reading can improve language development in infants 12 months and younger.

Your child loves to read; that’s a cause for celebration! Any reading should be recognised positively so please don’t stop them from reading what they enjoy. However, it would, of course, help them to build and broaden their vocabulary if they were exposed to different styles of writing and a diverse range of genres.

The study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine last year analysed the development of language in toddlers and found that infants who were read at least one book a day demonstrated improved language scores at as early as 9 months of age.

Parents were given a set of twenty interactive children’s books specifically chosen by researchers to support early language development in toddlers. Families agreed to read to their infants at least once per day and have their children regularly tested.

‘One book each day is an easy goal for new families to try. To see that there is a measurable improvement in speaking and understanding before one year old is very exciting’ said the authors.

More info: www.bit.ly/BabyReading 8 Families Manchester & Cheshire

Encouraging them to read one different author each month or each term might be a start, while still reading the latest book by their favourite author.

If you have other children in the family, asking older children to read to younger ones will help them to read different styles of books, as well as developing their confidence reading aloud.

Another option is connecting with your local library. They often run a reading challenge over school holidays and this can be an effective way of motivating your child to read a range of different books. They may even get a reward at the end of the challenge!

Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

FREE taster session at Razzamataz Manchester

Swap the screen time this November!

After its successful launch in September, Razzamataz Manchester South, which has been stated as one of Dragon’s Dens’ top five success stories, is now taking on new students.

As the nights grow dark, finding ways to keep the family busy can feel tough. We want to help you swap and stop some of that screen time and help your kids keep moving throughout winter. Brio Leisure are here with a fantastic offer to help keep you and your kids active!

Principal Ross said ‘Manchester is a thriving hub of opportunities, I plan to use my experience and connections to give students fantastic prospects and links within the performing arts industry.

I know through my own experience that amazing things can happen when you are a student at Razzamataz.’

Ross is inviting all young people of Greater Manchester to a FREE taster session so they can experience it for themselves.

Book your taster today.

To find out more visit www.manchestersouth.razzamataz. co.uk, email: manchestersouth@razzamataz.co.uk or call 07795677022.

Juniors can join Brio Leisure for just £10 per month for November and December! From casual swim sessions to off-peak racquet sports, there are loads of activities to try, enjoy and keep the kids entertained at your local centre.

Adults can also take advantage of this offer for just £20 per month, so whether you want to take a dip in the pool, find your fave fitness class or sweat it out in the gym, there is plenty of opportunity here at Brio Leisure. You always feel better after a workout, we promise!

To join and benefit from this offer, visit your local centre today or visit www.brioleisure.org. T&Cs apply.

*T&Cs Apply. November Offer Only.

JOIN ONLINE OR IN centre!

£10PM

FOR 2 MONTHs*

GYM • SWIM • CLASSES • RACQUETS

HALF PAGE cheshire families Nov Campaign Kid 2023 v2.indd 1

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03/10/2023 10:40

Families Manchester & Cheshire 9

TRAVEL

UK holiday ideas for winter and spring The UK may be small in size but she’s mighty in glorious getaway choices for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a cosy crashpad to hunker down in this winter or a stylish staycation for some spring sunshine, Families has teamed up with Tiny Travelship (www.tinytravelship.com) to bring you some amazing family-friendly hotels and homestays on Great British soil.

Tredethick, Cornwall

With child-centric entertainment and a genuinely parent-pleasing stay, Tredethick’s self-catering Cornish cottages offer space and privacy alongside plentiful on-site facilities. Think home-from-home meets fully equipped family resort, complete with soft play, ride-on tractors, an indoor pool and hot tub.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Kent

Port Lympne is the UK’s chicest safari experience, caring for over nine hundred animals in six hundred acres of Kentish savannah. Overnight guests can choose from mid-priced glamping pods, boutique bedrooms or the fantasyfulfilling big cat lodges which have panoramic windows overlooking majestic mammals.

Cynefin, Herefordshire

The Ickworth, Suffolk

The Old Farmyard, Oxfordshire

The Grove, London

Watergate Bay is the epitome of a perfect family-friendly hotel where every guest’s needs ares met with style. Decor throughout offers a chic twist on coastal Cornish design and the complimentary Kids’ Club is no exception. The real crowning glory is its location, positioned on a two mile stretch of golden sand. Family swim times in the infinity pool make the most of these soul stirring sea views.

Equal parts charming and comfortable, The Ickworth is a masterpiece of Italian-inspired architecture within almost two thousand acres of National Trust parkland. The famed Kids Club offers ninety minutes of free childcare a day, allowing parents to indulge in a spa treatment, adult-only meal or just curl up with a good book.

Complimentary baby monitors which stretch throughout the hotel take care of post bedtime.

Doxford Farm, Northumberland

Nestled in glorious Northumberland, Doxford Farm offers an elevated glamping experience. There’s no compromise on style or substance, with attention to every detail including flat screen TVs and power showers in the Pinterest-worthy bathrooms. All this, plus miles of secret sandy beaches to discover.

Tucked between Hay-on-Wye and the Brecon Beacons, a trio of luxury lodges provides the ultimate place to slow down and soak up nature. Expect designer furniture, insanely comfortable beds and hot tubs under the stars, plus plenty of woodland walks and outdoor adventures on your doorstep.

10 Families Manchester & Cheshire

Watergate Bay, Cornwall

For a hideaway for a large party, look no further than The Old Farmyard in Oxfordshire.

Every bedroom is spacious and decorated with boutique hotel quality upholstered beds. Children of all ages have endless, all-weather entertainment and the gardens come complete with a private hot tub; perfect for adult-only alfresco time.

City staycations full of highend experiences don’t get much better than The Grove.

Just outside of Watford, this all-singing, all-dancing country house hotel has it all. There’s a Kids Club to rival London’s top nurseries, a dedicated splash pool for babies, a musical trail through the woodlands and even a six-metre-tall resident giraffe; not to mention the championship golf course and spa for adults. A mere twenty minutes’ train ride from central London makes West End day trips a breeze too.

Find more details about these properties and many more, all visited and verified by a fellow family at Tiny Travelship (www.tinytravelship.com). Filter holidays by the age of your children, weaning and sleeping requirements, distance from the airport and other ‘tick list’ details.

Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH

Keeping children with food allergies safe at school

By Kirsty Dingwall and Natalie Hopkins

Around seven percent of UK children live with a food allergy, with cases rising. At least one child in every classroom is now affected, according to charity, Allergy UK, with twenty percent of severe allergic reactions to food happening whilst a child is at school. So how can families and schools work together to ensure children are kept safe from their allergies?

Know your allergens The top fourteen allergens are celery, milk, cereals containing gluten, molluscs (such as mussels and oysters), crustaceans (such as prawns, crabs and lobsters), mustard, eggs, peanuts, sesame, fish, soybeans, lupins, tree nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios and macadamia nuts) and sulphur dioxide and sulphites ((if the sulphur dioxide and sulphites are at a concentration of more than ten parts per million).

Check whether learning materials, like junk modelling boxes, may contain allergens, as well as items like bird feeders that the school may have on site for bird food containing nuts.

Communicate with your child’s school Check with your child’s school that food catering and dining hall staff have been trained on safe food preparation for food allergies and ensure they understand what measures to take to protect your child. Establish a point of contact to discuss your child’s needs and voice any concerns.

Stay safe on school trips Join the trip if you can! It’s a chance to keep an eye on your child and gently suggest improvements with regard to allergy management off site. Understand the plan for the day and ensure your child knows who to speak to if they feel unwell.

Understand whether the school can implement rules in the classroom, such as no food sharing and hand washing after eating or handling food.

Natalie and Kirsty have set up the School Safe initiative, a FREE monthly allergy course for schools across the country which supports all members of staff, promoting safer snacking, allergy awareness and inclusivity. For more information, visit www.angelicfreefrom.co.uk/schoolsafe

Make sure you are clear where food is kept, where your child will eat and who will oversee meals or snacks, including any eating in classrooms.

Help your child feel included Often if a child can’t eat something their friends can, they feel different. There are ways their schools can help with this. For instance, using the same allergen-free baking ingredients for all children in a school cookery class.

School Safe initiative

Kirsty’s son, Joshua, had multiple food allergies from a young age, while Natalie’s seven-year-old daughter, Ella, has life-threatening allergies to dairy, peanuts and pine nuts.

Together, Kirsty and Natalie have set up the School Safe initiative, a FREE monthly course for schools across the country which supports all members of school staff, promoting safer snacking, allergy awareness and inclusivity.

‘Feeling included as a child is so important and a huge part of the training as it’s often missed for children with allergies’ says Natalie.

The School Safe online course covers cover life-saving information on auto-injectors and the symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to keep children with allergies safe and happy in school.

Pam Davey, Head of Bawnmore Community Infant School in Rugby says: ‘Staff often have misconceptions or preconceived ideas and it is only through training that this can be identified and staff can move forward in their thinking.’

For more information and to register, visit www.angelicfreefrom.co.uk/schoolsafe Familiesonline.co.uk

Families Manchester & Cheshire 11

WHAT’S ON

What's On

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

DIARY DATES End Oct-2 Jan Skate Manchester Cathedral Gardens, Manchester skatemanchester.com 10 Nov-21 Dec Manchester Christmas Markets, Central Manchester 11 Nov-25 Feb Land of Lights, Gulliver’s World Warrington, WA5 9YZ warrington.landoflights.co.uk 12 Nov Sing-a-long-a Matilda The Lowry, Salford, M50 3AZ thelowry.com/whats-on/sing-along-a-matilda 15 Nov-30 Dec Glow at RHS Bridgewater Salford, M28 2LJ See the garden in breathtaking beauty as amazing illuminations light on the spectacular Glow Trail.

Advance booking required rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater/ whats-on/bridgewater-glow 17 Nov-31 Dec Christmas Lights Trial Dunham Massey, WA14 4SJ nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshiregreater-manchester/dunhammassey 17 Nov-31 Dec The Twilight Trail Mayfield Park, Manchester, M1 2PY twilighttrail.co.uk 21 Nov-31 Dec Winter Wonderland: A Christmas Mansion Tatton Park, Cheshire, WA16 6QN tattonpark.org.uk/events_at_

tatton_park/event-listings/2023/ november/welcome-towonderland-the-christmasmansion.aspx 22-25 Nov Snow White Z Arts, Hulme, M15 5ZA z-arts.org/events/snow-white 24 Nov-24 Dec Magical Woodland Christmas Cheshire, CW8 2EB christmasmagicalwoodland.com 24 Nov-31 Dec Christmas at Bolesworth Castle Chester, CH3 9JJ bolesworth.com/christmas 24 Nov-2 Jan Lightopia Heaton Park Manchester, M25 2SW manchester.lightopiafestival.com/ tickets 25 Nov-3 Jan Christmas Bricktacular Legoland Discovery Trafford Centre, M17 8AS legolanddiscoverycentre.com/ manchester/whats-inside/events/ christmas-bricktacular 30 Nov-24 Dec Luminate Cheshire Light Trail Walton Gardens, Warrington, WA4 6SN luminate.live/walton 1 Dec-6 Jan Cinderella Pantomime Storyhouse Theatre, Chester, CH1 2AR storyhouse.com/whats-on/ cinderella

2-23 Dec Christmas Lights Trail BeWilderwood, Cheshire, SY13 4JF maximcloud.co.uk/ BewilderwoodCheshire 7 Dec-7 Jan We’re Going On A Bear Hunt The Lowry, Salford, M50 3AZ thelowry.com/whats-on/weregoing-on-a-bear-hunt 7-10 Dec Lightwaves Media City, Salford, M50 3UB lightupthenorth.com/lightwaves 8-9 Dec ComedySportz Panto Waterside Arts, Sale, M33 7ZF watersidearts.org/whats-on 8 Dec-1 Jan Cinderella Buxton Opera House, Buxton, SK17 6XN buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/ cinderella 8 Dec–2 Jan Sleeping Beauty Garrick Theatre, Altrincham, WA14 1HZ altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/shows/ sleeping-beauty-the-garrickpantomime

8 Dec-7 Jan Peter Pan Stockport Plaza, SK1 1SP stockportplaza.co.uk 9 Dec Sleeping Beauty The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, WA7 1BG quaytickets.com/thebrindley 9-31 Dec Beauty & The Beast at Northwich Memorial Court Looking for fun this Christmas?

Be our guest as Anton Benson Productions returns to Northwich for another all-singing, all-dancing, laugh-out-loud ride through Pantoland! It stars national treasure Les Dennis and Northwich legends Ryan Greaves and Georgie Jackson.

This is a tale as old as pantomime! www.brioentertainment.org 10 Dec The Princess and the Wizard Wythenshawe Forum, M22 5RX wythenshaweforum.co.uk/events 12 Dec Wizard of Ice Planet Ice Altrincham visitaltrincham.com/event/thewizard-of-oz-at-planet-ice

Winter wonders at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Festive family fun at Cockfield’s Farm

On selected dates from Wednesday 15 November to Saturday 30 December, you can bring all the family to enjoy a magical evening at RHS Garden Bridgewater.

Cockfield’s Farm is the ultimate Christmas destination, with lots festive activities and animals to see from 15 November.

Take the spectacular Glow Trail and see the breathtakingly beautiful garden lit up with amazing illuminations. Open your eyes to the wonders of winter! The low winter sun illuminates copper beech topiary and sculptural seedheads, and on chilly mornings the garden sparkles under a blanket of frost. Wrap up warm and explore the garden, or let the kids run off some energy with a game of hide and seek, while you enjoy a coffee.

Plan your visit today at rhs.org.uk/bridgewater

12 Families Manchester & Cheshire

The immersive experience starts at Passport Control, where children receive a special passport that guides them through the wonderful winter wonderland. Guided by an Elf, meet Santa for a heartwarming chat and a memorable photo, then choose a toy from the Christmas Toyshop using a ‘gold coin.’

At the North Pole Sorting Office, write a thank-you letter to Santa. The adventure continues with animal cuddles, cookie decorating, reindeer dust making, then meet real-life reindeer!

The day ends at Elf Academy - craft a bear to take home.

Visit cockfields.co.uk/cockfields-christmas-experience Familiesonline.co.uk

FIND US AT PRINTWORKS, MANCHESTER SCHOOL TRIPS NOW AVAILABLE

ADVENTUREGOLF.COM

Festive Fun Spot the Difference Can you help us spot 6 differences between these two festive pictures?

Join the Great Search for Santa and experience so many thrilling adventures with Santa’s Lapland.

You can experience reindeer sleigh rides, husky driven sleds, tobogganing and so much more.

No one knows how to make Christmas more magical.

Call 01483 944 960 or visit SantasLapland.com

Families Magazine.indd 2

Familiesonline.co.uk

06/10/2023 16:37

Families Manchester & Cheshire 13

WHAT’S ON 16-24 Dec Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs Ellesmere Port Civic Hall Anton Benson Productions return with another sensational family pantomime! The team are delighted to announce that Kerry Katona will headline this years’ panto as Wicked Queen Morgana. Kerry’s real-life daughter Lilly Sue McFadden will star opposite her as the Queen’s nemesis Snow White. Ellesmere Port Panto’s favourite Ben Sherlock returns for his third consecutive season as the lovable Wally! brioentertainment.org 20-24 Dec The Nutcracker Arley Hall & Gardens, Cheshire, CW9 6NA arleyhallandgardens.com/whatson/whats-on-in-december 21-31 Dec Little Bear and the Christmas Lights The Lowry, Salford, M50 3AZ thelowry.com/whats-on/little-bearand-the-christmas-lights 12-14 Jan Gingerbread Man The Panto The Lowry, Salford, M50 3AZ thelowry.com/whats-on/ gingerbread-man-the-panto

WHERE TO SEE SANTA Whether it’s breakfast/lunch with Santa, a whole Santa experience or seeing him in his actual grotto there are lots of places to see Santa this year but book now as some places have already sold out!

Bolton Stadium Hotel, BL6 6SF boltonstadiumhotel.co.uk/ christmas-new-year-2023 Brewers Fayre, Sale, M33 5BL brewersfayre.co.uk/en-gb/ locations/cheshire/mersey-farmsale Ordsall Hall, Salford, M5 3AN salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/ christmas-21

park-2nd-december-2023 Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa, Bolton, BL7 9PZ lastdropvillage.co.uk/festiveoffers-christmas-and-new-yearseve/santas-sunday-lunch The Royal Toby Hotel, Rochdale, OL11 3HF theroyaltobyhotel.co.uk/christmas

Salford Museum & Art Gallery, M5 4WU salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/ christmas-21

The Hayloft Cheshire, Widnes, WA8 3XP thehayloftcheshire.co.uk/events/ the-hayloft-saturday-santaexperience

Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery, Rochdale, OL11 1RY stonehouserestaurants.co.uk/ nationalsearch/northwest/ thesandbrookrochdale/breakfastwith-santa#

Village Hotels Ashton OL7 0LY Bury BL9 7BQ Cheadle SK8 1HW Hyde SK14 4QG village-hotels.co.uk/bookchristmas

The Windmill pub, Denton, M34 2WZ www.stonehouserestaurants. co.uk/nationalsearch/northwest/ thewindmilldenton/breakfast-withsanta# The Micker Brook pub, Cheadle, SK8 5NU stonehouserestaurants.co.uk/ nationalsearch/northwest/ themickerbrookcheadle/breakfastwith-santa# The Red Lion Pub, Swinton, M27 9UW stonehouserestaurants.co.uk/ nationalsearch/northwest/ theredlionswinton/breakfast-withsanta#

Shrigley Hall Hotel, Cheshire, SK10 5SB shrigleyhallhotelandspa.co.uk

Hard Rock Café, Manchester, M4 2BS hardrockcafe.com/location/ manchester/event-calendar.aspx?

The Romper pub, Ringway, WA15 8XJ chefandbrewer.com

Dobbies Garden Centre, Marple, SK6 7HE events.dobbies.com

Mercure Norton Grange Hotel, Rochdale, OL11 2XZ nortongrangehotel.com

The Hive at Moss Bank Park, Bolton, BL1 6NB www.lancswt.org.uk/events/202312-02-breakfast-santa-moss-bank-

The Wellbeing Farm, Bolton, BL7 0BY online.fliphtml5.com/alnqk/fnii Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport, SK5 7HE reddishvalefarm.co.uk/christmasfarm-experiences Lyme Park Hall, Stockport, SK12 2NR sneakyexperience.co.uk/events/atimeless-christmas Lancaster Park & Animal Farm, Oldham, OL1 2TG lancasterpark.co.uk/christmas-onthe-farm Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8EH traffordcentre.co.uk/whatson/ grotto-23

Manchester River Cruises, Salford, M50 3AZ manchesterrivercruises.com/tour/ santa-cruise Freight Island, Manchester, M12PZ escapetofreightisland.com/winterisland George & Dragon pub, Hazel Grove, SK7 4AH eventbrite.co.uk/e/breakfast-withsanta-tickets-722776442797?aff=e bdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1 Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre. Oldham. OL1 1HD oldham.gov.uk/homepage/1588/ christmas_in_oldham_2023 Walkden Town Centre, M28 3ZH totallytickets.co.uk/totallychristmas-north-west Hollingworth Lake Adventure & Water Activity Centre, OL15 0DQ yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/ events/sail-with-santa-2023 Planet Ice, Altrincham, WA15 8EW visitaltrincham.com/event/ skate-and-see-santa-with-planetice/2023-12-02

Manchester

Do you have an event for families or children that would would like to list in our What’s On guide?

If so, email it to:editor@ familiesmanchester.co.uk

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY

Miraculous Magic Dolls bundle

My Emotions & Me Book 100 available

4 available

Enjoy Goldilocks and the Three Bears The Grange Theatre are delighted to welcome back pantomime producers KD Theatre Productions with this year’s must-see pantomime adventure, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The pantomime of your dreams will dazzle and delight audiences of all ages from 9 December to 1 January.

This jam-packed pantomime will be glistening with our exciting blend of music, quality professional performers, stunning sets, lavish costumes and bags of comedy. The Grange Theatre is the home of family pantomime in Northwich this Christmas.

Tickets are available online atwww.thegrangetheatre.com or by calling the Box Office on 01606 539040.

14 Families Manchester & Cheshire

Edurino

3 available

Dragon Ball Dragon Stars bundle

4 available

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Make reindeer cupcakes

Families asked Emily Leary, multi-award-winning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter, photographer and author of A Mummy Too (www.amummytoo.co.uk) to share her scrumptious chocolate reindeer cupcake recipe with us. Fun and easy to make, you’ll love the chocolate sponge, rich chocolate frosting and the simple toppings which make the cute Christmas reindeer faces.

C an ut o d k ut " eep

You will need: For the buttercream: 400g (14.1oz) icing sugar (powdered sugar) 200g (7.1oz) slightly salted butter, softened 75g (2.6oz) cocoa powder (dutch processed) 100ml (3.4 floz) whole milk Decorations: 12 red Smarties or M&Ms and 12 giant milk chocolate buttons 24 candy eyes and 24 pretzels

175g (6.2oz) slightly salted butter, cubed and room temperature 200g (7.1oz) white caster sugar (superfine sugar) 3 medium free-range eggs, room temperature 125ml (4.2 floz) whole milk, room temperature 200g (7.1oz) self-raising white flour 40g (1.4oz) cocoa powder (dutch processed)

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Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan). Put the caster sugar and softened butter in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer or by hand until creamy.

Crack the eggs into the bowl.

Add the milk. Beat again until just combined.

Fold everything together until the batter is smooth and even.

Line a 12-hole muffin tray with muffin cases. Divide the batter evenly between them, making sure to level off so that the cupcakes rise evenly.

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Bake for about 20 minutes or until risen and firm. A skewer pushed into the centre of a cupcake towards the middle of the tray should come out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

Make the buttercream.

Put the softened butter in a large bowl and whisk until creamy.

Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a French tip or open star nozzle and pipe tall swirls on top of the cake, retaining a little frosting to use as glue in the final steps.

Add the reindeer details.

Place a giant chocolate button on top of each cupcake, just below the centre. Dab the back of each Smartie with a little frosting and fix each on to the centre of a chocolate button.

Position two candy eyes above each chocolate button. Finally, break one side of each of the pretzels (or leave them whole) and push them into the frosted tops of each of the cupcakes to form antlers.

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Familiesonline.co.uk

Sift in the flour and cocoa powder.

Sift in the icing sugar, cocoa powder then add the milk and hot water. Start whisking together, slowly at first and then building speed once the icing sugar is incorporated.

It will take several minutes of whisking to get a light and smooth frosting.

Families Manchester & Cheshire 15

Events from December through to the end of January.

For more info head to

eureka.org.uk

16 Families Manchester & Cheshire

Familiesonline.co.uk