families manchester issue 28 july aug 2011

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MANCHESTER

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In this issue>Bring on Summer – 11pages of great ideas forthings to do and placesto visit

>Local news>Competitions, giveawaysand offers

Edition 28 • July/August 2011 The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years

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

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

WelcomeHello! And welcome to the new look Families Manchester – hope you like it.We’re delighted to be the new editors, having taken over from Helen who’s donea great job over the last four years (see her farewell message opposite), buthas decided to hand over the reins so she can spend more time with her family.

Putting together this issue’s Summertime special (see page 14) really brought home tous just how much Greater Manchester has to offer for families – and not all of it exorbitantlypriced either. And while it seems like every year we live in hope that THIS year will bethe long, hot summer to remember, we’re determined to get out there and enjoy someof the amazing attractions that are on our doorstep, no matter what the weather.

We’ve got some simple ideas for you to keep the kids entertained, as well as a prettycomprehensive list of local attractions, summer camps, suggestions for some greatdays out AND a full list of what’s on over the summer in the area too.

All in all, a real bumper edition that we hope will see you survive the next two monthsand reach September relatively sane and ready to face the new school year!

Try to grab some “me-time” if you can – and happy holidays!

2 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Locally speaking

In this issue02: Locally speaking04: News06: Education08: Parents’ place

12: Health & fitness14: Summertime special22: What’s on

Inclusion in our locally speaking section is always FREEget in touch: [email protected]

Next issue: September/October 2011.

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

Contact details: Families Manchester, PO Box 581, Macclesfield, SK10 9FNTel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Editorial: [email protected]/artwork: [email protected], diary dates, out & about:[email protected]

Cover photograph by: teneight, Fence House, 84 Buxton Road, Macclesfield SK10 1JS. Tel: 01625 500 488 www.teneightstudios.co.uk

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 SouthWest. All franchised magazines in the group areindependently owned and operated under license.

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

Rebecca (Bex) Fox and her goodfriend Rebecca (Becs) O’Neil, bothfrom Manchester, have justreached new heights – and made itto the summit of Kilimanjaro (thehighest point on the Africancontinent). The aim of theirachievement was to raiseawareness for Whizz-Kids, as wellto raise money towards a newmotorised wheelchair for Bex’s 10year old cousin Jed.

The girls thrive on a challenge, andwere looking for a ‘once in a lifetime’activity that would test them bothphysically and mentally. Becs says:“After meeting Jed, I could think of nobetter person to be doing this for. He is a

really special, intelligent boy and knowingthat we are helping in a small way toraise money for his independence isgreat... it was his little face that got usto the summit! Jed is an ambassador forWhizz-Kidz, and we wanted to recognisethe great support they have given to Jedand his family.”

Whizz-Kidz provides disabled childrenand young people with vital mobilityequipment, opportunities to meet andhave fun, and training to help them gainskills and look forward to a bright future.Their wheelchair skills training programme,for young wheelchair users up to the ageof 18, is just one of the ways they offersustained support to young disabled peopleon their life journey. It is open to bothWhizz-Kidz beneficiaries and those thatreceived their equipment from elsewhere.

There are an estimated 70,000disabled children in the UK who arewaiting for the right wheelchair. To findout more about this charity and to seehow you can help raise funds, visitwww.whizz-kidz.org.uk. If you’d like tocontribute to Jed’s wheelchair fund, pleasevisit www.justgiving.com/jedhunter.

Local girls reach the summit

A fond farewell from the former editorDear readers, you may have noticed thatI’ve gone and I hope it didn’t come as toomuch of a shock! It was after very longdeliberation that I decided to let ‘my baby’go, but I wasn’t going to pass the batonover to just anyone. Jayne and Caryl havebeen doing a sterling job with Families

Cheshire, so I’m sure I have left you invery safe hands.

After four very enjoyable but busy yearsI finally decided to throw in the towel tospend more time with the kids while theyare still so little. I’ve had a fantastic timebuilding up Families Manchester and havealways had great feedback from you thereaders – so thank you for that. I hope Imanaged to help you on the tricky road toparenthood in a small way and I’m surethat Jayne and Caryl will continue to doso. I would also like to thank my loyaladvertisers, many of whom have been withme from the start. I’m sure I’ll be back insome new guise in the future, but for nowit’s all pickling and baking for me (if thelittle blighters will let me).Helen Ash xx.

And it’s goodbye from her…

Jayne Keep Caryl Hall

Last year, Families Cheshire &Manchester were proud to sponsora fabulous new shopping event –Mother’s Instinct Baby & Toddler Show.

Now the show returns for its secondyear and we are set to join them again.Please do pop down to say hi; we are atThe Waterside Hotel in Didsbury (M205WZ) on Sunday 11th September from 12 noon until 5pm. Entry is free and

open to all. There will be stalls fromretailers and from providers such asnurseries, clubs/classes and muchmore. With special offers andcompetitions running on some of thestalls, plus entertainment and displaysfor both the children and the parents itis certainly worth popping in. We hope to see you there!

Mother’s Instinct Returns to Manchester

3www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester

Locally speaking

Everyone knows about Fred Flintstone,Barney Rubble and all the otherinhabitants of Bedrock, but AwesomeWalls Climbing Centre is now searchingfor the next generation of ‘rock’ stars.

They want to hear from any kids underthe age of 14 with suitably climbing inspiredsurnames. Maybe you are a Mountain,Everest, Rock, Peak or Summit – AwesomeWalls wants to hear from you.

All entrants will then be put into a draw

to win a free children’s birthday party atthe Awesome Walls Climbing Centre atLiverpool, Stockport or Stoke-on-Trent forthem and up to 20 of their friends.

Awesome Walls Birthday Parties givethe kids a chance to learn something newand burn off energy while they are havingfun. At Liverpool and Stockport, they cantry out the lower bouldering walls beforeadvancing to the huge walls that stretch upto 17.5 metres. Awesome Walls Stoke is

England’s largest bouldering centre with over900 square metres of bouldering to keepeveryone entertained. The friendly andfully qualified instructors, who are all CRBchecked, are on hand to teach techniquesand make sure everyone is getting involved.

The winner of the competition and theirfriends will all receive a certificate at theend of the party to take home and show offtheir bravery at conquering the walls andproving their head for heights.

Plus, Awesome Walls will decorate theparty room for the lucky winner and supplya birthday cake so everyone can celebrateafter their climbing session.

To enter the competition, just [email protected] with yourfull name, age and contact details. Thewinner will be selected at the end of July2011. Proof of all names will need to beprovided to claim the prize.

Calling all Mountain’s, Snowdon’s And Everest’s

The Baby Show heads to ManchesterCentral this September (2 – 4) to offermust-have products, free expert adviceand an unrivalled shopping experiencefor parents and parents-to-be.

With the best deals and fantasticgiveaways, The Baby Show with Prima Babyand Fisher-Price has every area coveredto ensure a great, stress-free day out thatcan save you and your family a fortune. Withan unrivalled range and breadth of productsto choose from The Baby Show offers newand expectant parents the chance to trybefore they buy ensuring peace of mind. Onelucky family will also walk away with £1000worth of goodies from Fisher-Price.

World-leading experts such asbreastfeeding specialist Clare Byam-Cook,nutrition expert Annabel Karmel and theBritish Red Cross will be on hand to offercomplementary sessions giving outprofessional advice and tips. Next will beoffering maternity wear consultations toensure all mummies stay yummy before,during and after pregnancy.

There will also be a number of freefacilities which include the PampersChanging Room, the Tommee TippeeFeeding Area and the firm favouriteamongst babies and toddlers, the Fisher-Price Crèche. Plus, there is The Emma’sDiary Shopping Drop Off, Collect by Carand Home Delivery Service so heavy bagsdon’t need to be carried around The Show.

Head to www.thebabyshow.co.ukfor all the latest news, information andexhibitor list.

Puddle Ducks Greater Manchester isdelighted to announce the launch oftheir fabulous swimming classes forbabies, toddlers and pre-school children.

Baby swimmers love swimming for life!Puddle Ducks is a fun and friendly swimmingprogramme offering unique baby swimming,toddler swimming and child swimmingclasses across the UK. Babies and childrencan join their swimming classes at anyage from birth; developing from waterbabies to confident swimmers withouteven realising they are learning to swim.

By engaging each child’s abilitiesand natural affinity with water, PuddleDucks offer simple steps to a lifetimelove of swimming. Children learnlifesaving, swimming and underwaterskills and are often able to swim 10metres or more before they start school.

For more details about their classes,please ring 07411 944566, [email protected] visit www.puddleducks.com. Seepage 1p for a special offer for FamiliesManchester readers.

The Baby Showcomes to town

Puddle Ducksnow in GreaterManchester


News

The Babymule Baby Changing Bag isa cleverly designed product that rollsthree bags into one.

Local mum Claire Fuller created it out offrustration for the limitations she found inother bags on the market. The Babymuleconverts from messenger bag to backpackor clips onto the buggy handles. With sixseparate pockets there is a home foreverything. Editor Jayne Keep tested it out.

“Logan and I found life on the go mucheasier thanks to the well thought out design.The front pocket with insulated bottle warmeris in a perfect place; Logan wants his milk,

I unzip and there it is. No searching whilehe cries – simple. The padded changing matand bag for dirties is behind another zip, allseparate from other belongings, feeds etc.The main body of the bag with a 180 degreezip opens wide so I could easily find what Iwas looking for. With a zipped and a nettedpocket belongings were easily organised andkept safe. There’s also a carry bag for nappiesand wipes so trips to the toilet mean I canjust lift out that section and not have to takethe whole bag. This very clever little bag isalso a cool bag so can still be used long afterthe nappy phase is over. Love it! Thenthere’s my favourite pocket, the little sectionnear the strap just for my keys (I always seemto spend so much of my time routing throughbags for them!). Overall a very attractive, easyto use bag that is useful for life with kidsnot just babies. Highly recommended.”

For more information visitwww.babymule.co.uk.

Baby changing with style and versatility

Award winning British toy companyWOW Toys has just launched FireRescue Rory, a trigger-powered FireRescue Helicopter with a magneticpick-up feature! Squeeze his trigger toactivate his friction powered rotor, anddrop off the magnetic stretcher withthe injured boy figure with a simpleclick of the search light. With no needfor batteries, the fun never runs out!

When he flew in to the Families officefor a visit, the kids were delighted to meethim. With many other toys in the WOWcollection already in the toy box he was

right at home. Lily (aged five) soon hadhim paired up with the Robin’s MedicalRescue set (an ambulance complete withparamedic and patients) for a full-onemergency situation. Isabella (aged two)was highly amused by the magnetic pickup and trigger action rotor. Then Logan(aged one) was clearly attracted to thesounds and the colours and was quitesafe to have a little play despite beingunder the recommended age as the toyis so tough with no little fiddly pieces.

Suitable for ages 18 months andover, Rory is exclusive to Argos andsells for £14.99. WOW Toys arecollectible as they can mixed andmatched to build fun worlds – find outmore at www.wowtoys.com.

Fire Rescue Rory lands in town

WIN WIN WIN WIN WINWe’ve got 5 Fire Rescue Rory’sup for grabs. Simply log on towww.familiesmanchester.co.ukand enter now! The competitioncloses on Sunday 31 July.

SPECIAL FAMILIESMANCHESTER OFFERGet £5 off your Babymule orderwhen you quote families online atwww.babymule.co.uk. This offer isavailable until 31 August.

The last issue of Families Manchester mentioned that you could hire Land ofPlay in Trafford Park exclusively for your child’s party for £100. This is incorrect;the price is dependent on numbers attending and the party package required.Please call them for more information on 0161 872 9434.www.landofplay.co.uk

Oops!


Children love to receive their ownletters in the post. They also enjoycutting, colouring, sticking and gluing.

The Little Letter Company has combinedthese two concepts to produce “LittleLetters” – crafts packs that are posted to 3– 5 year olds each week. For less than theprice of a comic, children receive a packcontaining everything they need to make acomplete craft activity, plus having the

excitement of receiving a brightly colouredenvelope in the post addressed to them!

Where possible, the packs also includeideas of how the theme of the craft can beextended into further activities during theweek. The service provides a cost effectivealternative to the overflowing craft box thatlurks in many of our homes yet never quiteseems to have the things you need,though arguably, the real value lies in thefact that you don’t have to rack your brainfor an idea of what to make.

Subscriptions start at as little as £1.75per week, and trial packages are available.Gift subscriptions can also be purchased,which make for a unique gift that lasts wellbeyond the child’s actual birthday. Detailsat www.littlelettercompany.co.uk.

Please Mr Postman, look and see….

What happened to the dinosaurs? Whydo animals and plants need each other?

The Museum of Mystery, a newinteractive web resource aimed at students

aged 7-16, can help children (and theirparents or teachers) find the answers.

The website has been created by TheManchester Museum and web developmentcompany iflourish and accompanies theMuseum’s new Living Worlds gallerywhich explores the connections betweenall living things and shows how we canshape the future by the choices we make.Go to www.museumofmystery.org.ukto see more.

Museum of Mystery

Chorlton’s traditional toy shopMonkey Puzzle Toys, has some greattoy ideas for summer. How about:Wooden Sandpit with built in seats (£95)

Without a doubt, the most popular pieceof play equipment enjoyed by all youngchildren is a sandpit. At 1.2m (4ft) square,this sandpit is big enough to share, butsmall enough not to take over thegarden. The built-in cover folds open toprovide two simple bench seats,removing the need for a separate lid orcover. Includes geo-textile underlay.Aerobie 10 Sprint Ring (£9.99)

So much more than a Frisbee, theAerobie 10 Sprint Ring is designed to beplayed by all ages. It’s renowned as thebest disc on the market . The ring’s softrubber edge makes it comfortable tocatch and its unique aerodynamic designmakes it great for throwers of all skilllevels – it’s easily thrown twice as far asany regular disc! It is perfect for ages 5+and being such a slim design, takes upno space in a suitcase or just leave in theboot of a car ready for action.

Water Bouncer! (£2.99)

Easier than skimming a stone by far, theWater Bouncer can thrown, skimmedand caught! Squishy, and slightlysmaller than a tennis ball, it adds greatfun to any trip to the beach or pool andeven will bounce between paddlingpools – we know – we’ve tried it!And for those on their travels:There are lots of suggestions for greattravel toys on the website(www.monkeypuzzletoys.com),however, a favourite of customers is Are We There Yet? (£7.99).

It’s a great “I spy” game with cards andpoints for different levels of spotting –and comes in a neat metal carry case.Will definitely help to make those longjourneys fun.

Terrific toys for summer entertainment

Little Logan (aged one) and Isabella(aged two) put OXO Tot’s new fourpiece feeding set to the test.

The set includes a cleverly designedfork & spoon set with generous curvedhandles with soft, non-slip grips which madeit easy for the children to hold and ensuredthat the cutlery didn’t fall off the plate or bowlwhen resting between bites. The very cleverlittle flat spot on the handles stopped theset from rolling off the highchair or table(although it didn’t prevent Logan fromthrowing them on the floor a few times!).The deep spoon head made it easy toscoop, while the fork tines, which have nosharp edges, effectively pierce foodwithout mum fearing for someone’s eye!

The versatile training plate bringstogether two products in one; Logan usedit with the brightly coloured removable topring to help him keep his food on hisplate, then with Isabella the ring wasremoved to make the plate more grownup and flatter. The plate is also weightedfor extra stability and the non-slip base

helps to keep it firmly in place (once again,apart from some throwing incidents,which the sturdy plate withstood very well!)

Completing the feeding set, the largebowl (360ml) features high-sided straightwalls to help little hands scoop from it,guiding food directly onto a fork or spoon.Again the stable, non-slip base preventstips and spills. The bowl also includes a lidthat snaps on to keep leftovers fresh and attheir best (very useful for Isabella whotends to have leftovers at most meals).

This feeding set gets a big thumbs upfrom the kids and mum. Well thought outdesigns that do make a difference.

RRP £15.32. Available from JohnLewis, Bentalls and Amazon.co.uk. Visitwww.oxo-uk.com for further details.

Oxo Tot’s feeding set – tested by the team

News

Polarn O.Pyret of Sweden already has 15outlets in the UK and Ireland, but now they’reonline too. Offering smart, functional, bright,playful and durable clothes, over 30% of therange is organic. The brand prides itself onproviding unisex colours and patterns thatcan be handed down easily from child to child.

Leading baby and childrenswearbrand now online in the UK!

SPECIAL FAMILIESMANCHESTER OFFERGet 10% off your order PLUS freepackaging and postage when youquote FMMAN11 online atwww.polarnopyret.co.uk

Education

6

WIN WIN WIN One of 5 Back to Schoollabelling sets

We may only be about to start the summerholidays, but before we know it, it’ll betime to get labelling! Easy2Name’s hugevariety of Clothes labels (stick on, ironone or sew on), Shoe labels and Bag Tagstake the hassle out of labelling and areproven to work in the toughest situations.

We’ve got 5 Back to School sets to begiven away to Families Manchester

readers. Simply go to our websitewww.familiesmanchester.co.uk andenter now! The competition closes onSunday 31 July.

If you’re not one of our winners, youcan still get 10% off your order – simplyenter Families as your PromotionalCode when placing your order online atwww.easy2name.com.

Oxford University Press has foundthat more than 3 in 4 mums (78%)of pre-school children are ‘anxious’about their child starting school andnearly 9 in 10 (88%) mums questionedsaid their child’s emotional happiness– confidence, ability to make friendseasily and enjoyment of school – istheir greatest concern.

Ruth Coppard, leading child andeducational psychologist, comments:“What’s clear from the findings is thatmums equate their child’s confidence toan ability to settle in. You can’t teach yourchild confidence, but there are manysimple steps parents can take to buildfamiliarity in order to prepare theirchildren for school life.”

To help mums feel more excited aboutthis next milestone, the publisher has gottogether with Ruth Coppard, to create earlystage literacy activities to try out over thesummer months, to help calm their ownnerves, improve confidence and prepare fortheir little one’s next big step in September. Left to right Encourage any writing to go from left to rightand when you read together use your fingerto trace under the words from left to right.Rock-a-bye Re-visit popular nursery rhymes. Rhymingskills are thought to underpin reading, soencouraging your child to remember the‘missing’ word from the end of a line,will help to develop this.

Finger fun! If your child wants to write letters, makesure the letters are formed correctly –left to right, top to bottom. Writing with afinger in sand or on the carpet – somethingwith texture – is a good way to help yourchild to learn the shapes.Number knowledge Encourage counting while baking together.For example 3 eggs, 4 spoons of sugar etc,counting out items when laying the table,seeing how many strawberries can fit ina bowl, sharing raisins. The importantthing is counting 1 to 10. Count stepsand railings, numbers on houses, redcars, even grannies on the bus! Story time Get into a daily habit of reading to yourchild. Sit together and enjoy a book. Praisethe telling of the story, not the detailedaccuracy. The emphasis is on enjoyingbooks and being comfortable with them.Available to mums on the high street,the Read with Biff, Chip and Kipper serieswill introduce children to characters thatthey will go on to experience in school.Knowing these characters will help toprovide a feeling of security for the childas they enter the school room andencourage more confidence in readingwith their new teacher.

The survey and tips werecommissioned to re-launch Read withBiff, Chip and Kipper.

Stop the back to school nerves – top tips to preparemums for the big day! Do you say ‘SSSS’ or ‘SUH’ for snake?

“You don’t say ‘suh’ Mummy! MissKay says it should be ‘SSSSS’. Wemust say it properly.” Anotherparent stands corrected.

This conversation is taking place allover the UK. Children are learning to readwith Synthetic Phonics and learning a newway of saying the letter sounds. Whetherlearning through Jolly Phonics, Lettersand Sounds (the DFE programme), orother phonic programmes, a whole newgeneration is growing up on ‘mmmm’ and‘nnnnn’ and ‘ssssss’. Children are learning‘pure sounds’ or ‘precise pronunciation’.

This may leave parents somewhatbewildered as they were not taught toread in this way.

It is a fact: saying separate sounds inwords does not come naturally to us. But in any classroom today you will heara funny ‘robot talk’: ‘c’ ‘a’ ‘t’ for cat and‘d’ ‘o’ ‘g’ for dog etc.So why are teachers insisting onteaching the ‘precise pronunciation’of the sounds of the alphabet? Whyis this important?In Synthetic Phonics the letters on thepage prompt sounds which are thenpushed or ‘blended’ together. In order torecognise a word when you are‘blending’ sounds together, you need tohear them as they appear in the word.Take the word ‘mat’: the sounds in theword are not ‘muh’ ‘a’ ‘tuh’. If you pushthe sounds ‘mu’ ‘a’ ‘tuh’ together – youget ‘muhatuh’ (not ‘mat’). The sounds inthe words are ‘mmmm’ ‘aaaa’ ‘t’. Weneed to say the sounds precisely torecognise the word ‘mat’.

The reverse process happens whenchildren are taught to spell. First theyneed to ‘segment’ (isolate) the sounds

in the wordand writeletters thatrepresentthosesounds.Again, iftheypronouncetheminaccuratelythey arelikely tomisspell them.

A classic example is when a childspells the word ‘jumper’ as ‘jump’. Ifthey pronounce the letter ‘p’ as ‘puh’they may think they don’t need to addthe ‘er’ at the end of the word.

So precise pronunciation is at thevery core of Synthetic Phonics.How can parents get to learnprecise pronunciation?Where can they hear these new sounds? The best place to look this upis on You Tube. Search ‘Sounds of theEnglish Phonic Code’ and you will beable to hear me say the sounds. Thisvideo clip is specifically designed tohelp parents practice the sounds thatchildren are taught in school. Visitwww.phonicbooks.co.uk where youcan download a free chart with thecorresponding spellings for the sounds.You will also see books that yourchildren can read independently andsuccessfully when learning to read withSynthetic Phonics.

The best time to do it would be whenthe kids are in bed – then you won’thave them looking over your shouldercorrecting you!

Precise PronunciationBy Tami Reis-Frankfort, Reading Specialist and Director of Phonic Books

Advertise in Families Manchester

Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email [email protected]

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Tell us a bit about yourself. I live inBollington with my two children (Maisie 5and Riley 2), my husband, Andy and a catwho thinks she’s a dog. We moved herefrom London about seven years ago whenwe decided we’d rather raise childrenoutside the city and we’re very pleasedwe did because it’s given us a fantasticquality of life.

I went to Cambridge University, workedin Market Research for about five yearsthen, when we moved up here, I wentfreelance. I worked from home as afreelance researcher for about two yearsand it was then with the ability to set myown hours, that I took the opportunity totake my writing more seriously.What is your business? I am a full timeMum and a writer. My first book, Angel’sFury, has just been published with Egmont. How did you get started? I’ve beenscribbling down stories and ideas for aslong as I can remember (the earliest one I can clearly recall is about a fifty pencepiece who wanted to become a pirate – Iwas six or seven at the time). After university

I stopped writing, when I decided that I hadto become practical and make money, butthen I felt so stultified I signed up for a shortstory writing course with the London Schoolof Journalism. Windrunner’s Daughter(the first full length novel I attempted)was originally a short story I came up withfor that class – and I won a competition(Undiscovered Voices) with it. That gotme an agent and I wrote Angel’s Furywhile I was pregnant with Riley.What does the future hold for thebusiness? I’m currently doing publicityevents for Angel’s Fury (school visits,festivals, book signings). I’ve writtenanother novel, The Society, a sort of modernghost story which I’m hoping will getpicked up once Angel’s Fury has provenitself. I’m about fifteen chapters into a totalrewrite of Windrunner’s Daughter (I willget that novel right if it kills me) and aboutsix chapters into a book about the end ofthe world as we know it. I’ve got any numberof stories inside me. It’s just finding thetime to get them all from fingertip to laptop.What is the best bit about what youdo? I love writing. I love seeing the storydevelop and having those eureka momentswhen I think of something really excitingto put in the book. I also love the fact thatI can fit my work around my children. I’mstill a full time Mum and that’s hugelyimportant to me. When I visited mydaughter’s school I asked Maisie to tell her

classmates about my job... and she informedthem that I did washing up, cooking andlaundry! Hopefully when she gets olderthe writing will seem more important toher and she’ll be proud of me too.Any bad bits? The publishing industry isvery difficult to break into and years ofrejections can be a bit soul destroying.You just have to keep your self-belief anddetermination. I’ve had to learn patiencetoo; the waiting part is hard. You can senda Manuscript and not hear back for months.On a more practical note, it can be frustratingwhen you feel like you’re writing really well,you’re in the flow... and the baby wakesup and you can’t get back to it for twodays. But on the whole there aren’t manybad bits in what I do. I’m extremely lucky. How do you fit work around familylife? Luckily from 11 months Maisie wasa fairly reliable sleeper so I would set myalarm for 5:45am, get up and do twohours writing before she woke up. Riley isa much less reliable sleeper (he hadlactose and dairy intolerance and silentreflux) and has literally just started tosleep through on a semi-regular basis sothe idea of getting up at 5am to fit twohours writing in before the school run isnot one I’m on board with just yet. Iusually get an hour or so while he has hislunchtime nap, or in the evening afterboth kids have gone to bed.

What advice would you give to othermums looking to work for themselves?Being able to set your own hours and beyour own boss is fantastic. But you have tolove what you are planning to do becausechances are you’ll have to work hard andlate. What I do isn’t nine to five. After a daychasing the kids around then I have to sitand write. Luckily writing is something I’dchoose to do over and above most otherthings – so if you’re looking to work foryourself, I’d say make sure it’s somethingyou really love – then working till midnightwill seem just as fun as watching Buffy re-runs.

Bryony PearceWriter

Parents’ place


based online – www.bananalane.co.uk –and its whole ethos is about finding new andexciting ideas that offer somethingdistinctive and funky to wear. How did you get started? I met Paul throughmy husband’s marketing agency and noticedthat he was always doodling funky characters.I said to him one day that children would lovethe characters and that he should do somethingwith them. After an underwhelming onlineshopping experience trying to buy a gift formy godson I decided that there was a gap inthe market for funky, original clothing and Iapproached Paul to design some t-shirts forme – Banana Lane was born!What does the future hold for thebusiness? Currently the site offers qualityclothing and we’ll be adding to the range overthe coming months. However, the longer termaim is to add a range of products, includingtoys, gifts, shoes, bedding and other itemswhile still retaining the unique and funky spirit.

What is the best bit about what you do?Every day is different. I know it’s a cliché butit’s true! I never knew how much was involvedin designing something from scratch – thesourcing of the items, the choice of colours,sizes, characters – the list is endless. But ithas been an amazing journey and I havereally enjoyed every second. Any bad bits? It’s time consuming findingsuppliers that are able to deliver the correctgoods and making sure that the quality ofthe items that I put on the website are of ahigh enough standard. I am a true believer in‘quality not quantity’ and know that my approachwill pay dividends in the long run not just forme but more importantly for my customers. How do you fit work around family life?Juggling is a skill that all mothers have tolearn to survive – I just have a few extraballs to try and keep up in the air! Luckilymy kids are at an age where they can do alot of things for themselves and it helps

that this kind of business can be workedon anytime of the day. Of course thecontinued support of my husband ispriceless – we make a good team.What advice would you give to othermums looking to work forthemselves? If it’s something that youare really interested in and passionateabout then give it a go. But be realistic –do your research thoroughly and behonest with yourself regarding the amountof time you’ll need to give up. Beprepared to put in a lot of hard work asowning your own business is not all glitzand glamour. But from my experience it’swell worth the effort.

Check out the funky range onwww.bananalane.co.uk.

Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m a 35 yearold mother to Freddie aged eight andMatilda aged five. I’m married to Ed and livein Tytherington, Cheshire. I was born andbrought up in Cheshire. After studying inOxford and working in London I returned tomy roots in 2000. A couple of years later Imarried Ed and we started our family. What is your business? Banana Lane is aquality baby and kids brand currentlyoffering cool and funky clothing that standsout from the normal high street labels. It’s

Mums in businessThere’s no doubt that being a mother is exciting, fulfilling and rewarding (yes, as well as tiring!). But with so many of us having nochoice but to work as well as being supermum, and faced with the often restrictive and inflexible corporate working conditions, it’s notsurprising that the number of ‘mumpreneurs’ is growing. It’s tough, it’s daunting, but it’s definitely do-able! Meet two mums who are“do their own thing” – simply by developing a germ of an idea and following their own passions.

Annabel BeattieOwner – Banana Lane

Angel’s FuryBy Bryony PearcePublished by Egmont Press ISBN: 978 1 4052 5135 8RRP: £6.99I’m not normally a fan of “fantasy” stories,but I found Angel’s Fury absolutelycaptivating. It combines mythology, fantasyand real-life and tells the story of Cassie,a young teenager plagued by visions ofa young Holocaust victim every time shesleeps. When Cassie’s sent away fortreatment, she meets other children likeherself, and comes to realise that she isan old soul from a past life. Teenagerswill easily identify with the bullying andvictimisation themes that are dealt withhere, yet it’s an easy and compellingread. Highly recommended.Reviewed by Caryl Hall

your own style business. Following your training youwill have the knowledge and appreciate the importanceof tact and empathy necessary to help your clients findclothes that suit them, their lifestyle, personality andbudget. You will be able to start your own business,doing a fun, interesting job that gives you the flexibilityto work around your family commitments.” For moredetails visit www.studyinstyletraining.com.

9

Parents’ place

www.familiesmanchester.co.uk | Families Manchester

their busy family life. Course modules include: PersonalShopping; Women’s Style Analysis; Men’s StyleAnalysis; Colour Analysis; Makeup Application; andPresentation Skills. It also includes a total of 12 month’sfree mentoring from image industry expert Gail Morgan.

Karen Cross, 42, is a recent graduate. “I found it atactile, flexible and interactive course and am delightedthat I’m working with new clients already. I set up StyleYour Image and I’ve been doing clients properly sinceChristmas 2010 and am really seeing growing demandfor my unique service.”

Designed to provide all the information andequipment you need to start your own business as anImage Consultant, Fashion Advisor, Personal Stylist orPersonal Shopper, the Study in Style course isaccredited and audited by The Federation of ImageConsultants (TFIC). All training content, equipment andmaterials are audited by TFIC and the course meets thestandards set by the TFIC/City & Guilds of London,Masters Award in Image Consultancy.

Gail Morgan, creator of Study in Style says: “Thiscourse has been designed for women who areinterested in clothes and fashion but who don’tnecessarily want to become fashionistas! Our face toface courses are very popular but we had numerousrequests for a home study course. I knew that usingjust books and photographs wouldn’t be enough, so Itransferred the training experience into DVD andcreated this distance learning programme, so thatwherever you are, you will have the opportunity to run

Study in Style is a comprehensive Image ConsultantComplete Foundation Course that’s ideal for Mumswanting a family-friendly way to return to work.It’s a flexible, affordable, distance learning packagethat brings a new career as an Image Consultant,Personal Stylist or Personal Shopper closer tothousands of women across the UK. The course ispriced at £2,400 (payment plan available) withseparate modules offered from just £450.

Because the modular DVD-based course can bestudied at your own pace in your own time, it’s ideal forMums at home looking for training that will fit around

Looking to develop your Personal Style?

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN To win a one-to-one remoteimage and coaching sessionworth £200 with imageindustry expert Gail Morgan,just go to the competitionsection on our website –www.familiesmanchester.co.uk– and answer the followingquestion: “Who is the Study in Style training courseaccredited by?” Thecompetition closes 31 July.

expectations of their friends. My momalways said that if you wanted perfect friendsyou wouldn’t have any.9. The family dinnerI read somewhere that the children fromfamilies that share meals together sufferfewer problems than those that don’t. Thefamily dinner is essential glue for my familyand something that belongs as a ritual inevery family. As our children grow older andtheir friendships and extracurricular activitiesintrude more and more upon their lives, it iseasier to allow the family dinner to driftaway. We parents must insist on having afamily dinner at least once a week, period.10. Walk a mile in my shoesEmpathy is a simple but very importantword. How often do we pass a homelessperson without a thought or glance? Or heara friend’s problem and promptly forget aboutit? Until you really do as the song says andwalk a mile in someone’s shoes, you can’treally know what he or she may be goingthrough. Too often we are caught up in ourown problems, big or small, to pay attentionto someone else’s problems, which I suggest,are usually bigger than ours. A little reflectionupon someone else is a good thing to donow and then. It is good for your soul.

I hope these short reflections from thesecolumns give you some pause to considerthe blessings in your lives, maybe to thinkwhat you might do to help a friend orneighbour, or to simply hug a loved one andoffer a kind word or thought. For me, it’s onto the next hundred.

Article courtesy ofwww.superdads.co.uk. Superdads,helping men everywhere make the transitioninto fatherhood and beyond!!

Parents’ place

10

I find it hard to believe but this is my onehundredth “A Dad’s Point-of-View” column.How best to celebrate this milestone? I’d like to look back at the previous 99 andchoose ten strong ideas among them andbriefly share them with you.1. There’s no such thing as quality time.I learned early on in my parenting that theoften-quoted notion of “Quality Time” wasbunk. The only thing that matters to ourchildren is “Quantity Time” since the onlytime they will open up is when they aregood and ready. You can’t schedule timewith your children the way you might with abusiness appointment and the momentsthat will surprise you the most are when youleast expect it. There is no such thing asquality time, only quantity time.2. GratitudeAbout five years ago, I survived a car crashthat should have left me dead or worse. Aman I greatly respect, Dennis Prager, hasoften said that the single most importantingredient to happiness is gratitude. Thataccident reinforced, very dramatically, his

words to me. Too often we are living ourlives waiting for that something we think willmake us happy rather than counting theblessings right in front of us.3. My kids aren’t me, in spite of sharingthe same DNAI learned a valuable lesson about parentingbefore I became a parent, when I was a BigBrother to a little girl. We shared nothing incommon. I learned to bond with her in spiteof our differences and found that experienceto be the best prep course for parenting myown two boys, who also turned out to notfully share my interests. Too many parentsthink that just because their children sharetheir DNA (which of course is not the case inadoption) that their children should sharetheir same interests. All this does is set apattern of hurt and disappointment for bothchild and parent. Don’t do this. Support whatyour child is interested in rather than pushhim or her to do what you want them to do.4. Words that hurt, words that healThe power of words can be as harmful asthe power of a fist. With the advent ofmodern technology, we’ve seen the damagethat a simple text can do to a middle schoolchild when something hurtful is spreadaround about him or her. And, like a leafblown in the wind, it can’t be retrieved. It isincumbent upon us as parents to teach ourchildren to watch what we say, what wewrite, and what we text and to model goodbehaviour in this regard and not gossip andnot disparage others with casual disregard.5. Best friend or best parentThe job of being a parent is not being ourchildren’s best friend, yet too many parentsconfuse the two and try to be their children’sbuddy. To achieve this buddy status, they forego

being their best parent. That may mean notbeing strict, not holding high standards, orrelaxing them when their children pout orthrow a tantrum. Being the best parent youcan be may sometimes mean your son ordaughter doesn’t like you at a given moment.So what. Being liked isn’t your job. Beingtheir best dad or mom is!6. Do women need men?A popular feminist slogan of the 1960’s and1970’s went something like: “A womanneeds a man like a fish needs a bicycle.”“We’ve come a long way, baby” is anotherslogan, I believe, from a cigarette that wasmarketed to women during the same generalera. More bunk. Women need men just asmuch as men need women. It was foolish tothink otherwise back in the hippie days andit’s foolish to think so now. The fact thatwomen now can earn as much and can dowhat men can do just levels the playing fieldbut doesn’t change our inherent natures.7. A story of givingOne of the blessings of my writing and radioshow is meeting people from all over theworld. I met a group of children from a girl’sschool in Ghana, Africa, through my “A Dad’sPoint-of-View” Facebook page. My familybegan sending them books and soon myreaders and radio show listeners were alsosending them books, toys, and other things.We all learned the blessings of giving andcharity and how when we give, we get somuch more than we ever could expect.8. There are no perfect friendsMy mother taught me this basic lesson and Ikept on forgetting it as I kept on wanting myfriends to be perfect. Just like me. Ha! I alsosaw how my own boys got into spats withtheir friends over silly and unrealistic

A dad’s point of viewBruce Sallan recently celebrated his 100th “A dad’s point of view” column on www.superdads.co.uk – no nonsense advice for parents.

Capability Jane is absolutely committed tomaking flexible working work – a refreshingapproach for those of us that have had a careerbreak to have children.

Whether you’re ready to find a job or simply need togain clarity on your next move, they can help you makethat important first step towards returning to work. Theirexperienced team of recruitment specialists will contactyou with roles that best utilise your skills and experience,and for those who lack the confidence to take the next stepor need further clarification on which direction to go in,they have developed a number of back to workprogrammes and tools specifically aimed at experiencedprofessional women returning to work after a career break.Register with them online at www.capabilityjane.comor call them on 0845 604 1916 for more information.

Flexible working opportunities


Parents’ place

11

Today, nearly two-thirds of mumsare in work and statistics show thaton average, working mums spendmore time on childcare each daythan working dads.

It is not surprising then, that flexibleworking is a top priority for mostparents. With that in mind, many womenare considering starting their ownbusiness and more and more arediscovering the advantages franchisinghas to offer.

For Verity Graham, Co-director ofJabberjacks Franchising Ltd, that wasexactly the case when she and her

business partner Jackie Johnstonebecame Franchise Owners ofJabberjacks Leicestershire, a children’sparty and pre-school class business.

Verity explains “There are few flexibleand rewarding careers out there formums, particularly those that offer parttime hours that fit around family life butfor us franchising offered two keybenefits, firstly we were buying into abusiness with a proven track record andsecondly we got the flexibility weneeded to get a work life balance.”

Now owners of JabberjacksFranchising Ltd, they are offering others

the same opportunity. Jabberjacks nowhas franchises operating around the UKwith six in the North West area andthey are busy looking for other like-minded people to join the Jabberjacksfamily. Franchising offers security andindependence of self-employment, so isideal for busy mums considering aroute into business.

Jackie Johnstone comments: “Manymums find they suffer from a lack ofconfidence after leaving the job market forso long but that isn’t necessary. You haveto take a deep breath and go for it.”

Franchising helps to support thatconfidence building and learning curvebecause it provides a tried and testedbusiness model with full training andongoing support from your franchisor, aswell as support from other franchise ownersthat have already made the transition.

Franchising can be like a securityblanket, although it is important to realisethat it isn’t handholding all the way; youare running your own business and youneed to put in the work.

For more information please visit www.jabberjacks.co.uk or call01509 413873.

Be your own boss

Mediation has become the first-tierapproach to sorting out disputesbetween divorcing couples, undernew measures that came into forcein England and Wales this spring.

Ministers hope the measures willdramatically reduce the burden of divorcingcouples on already-overworked familycourts, and also that they will reducethe emotional and financial cost forcouples who are splitting up – manywho do end up in court say later that

their battle wasn’t worth puttingthemselves through, and that mediationwould have been a better way. Under thenew rules, any couple wanting to usethe courts will have to undergo acompulsory mediation session costingup to £140 – and only if mediation isfound to be unworkable will they beallowed to proceed to court.www.nfm.org.uk.

Mediation for divorcing couplesHave you ever been at a crowdedevent and lost your child?

We all know how easily this can happen,and it is exactly what occurred whenmum Donna Newman’s son Bradleywandered off at a local music festival. Asa consequence, Donna was inspired tolaunch new child safety initiative PleaseCall Mum to help reunite lost childrenwith parents. Please Call Mum is a rangeof temporary tattoo transfers that can bepersonalised with a mobile number andapplied easily to a child’s forearm.

So, for an extra level of reassurancewhen you’re out and about, or to letpeople know if your child has an allergyor other medical condition, it’s worth alook. Transfers cost £6.50 for a sheet of12 from www.pleasecallmum.com andyou can choose from designs such asprincesses, submarines and racing cars.Please Call Mum are offering the first100 Families readers free transfer tattoos– just use the promotional codeFMAG11 on their website.

Lost child?

Advertise in Families Manchester

Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email [email protected]



Health & fitness

With celebrity mothers such asRachel Stevens and Rachel Zoefrequently being photographed lookingback to their pre-pregnancy shapejust weeks after child birth, the UK’sleading discount website conducted astudy with over 1,400 mothers in abid to discover their attitudestowards losing their baby weight.

The study, conducted bywww.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, initiallyasked the respondents if they wanted tolose the weight that they had gained duringtheir pregnancy, to which the majority,84%, admitted that they did want to.

Mothers taking part were asked, ‘Doyou feel pressured by celebrity motherswho have lost their baby weight quicklyto do the same?’ More than a third,34%, of the mothers asked said thatthey did feel pressured.

24% of the mothers polled admittedthat before labour they thought that itwould take them ‘6 weeks’ to lose the

Feeling the pressure to shape up?additional weight that they would gain,whilst 9% had predicted during the earlystages of their pregnancy that it wouldtake them just ‘two weeks’ to lose theweight that they would put on duringtheir pregnancy.

Mark Pearson, Chairman ofMyVoucherCodes.co.uk, said: “As a nation,we are almost obsessed with keeping an eyeon the celebrities we admire, particularlywhen it comes to their appearance. Mostfemale celebs have released a diet andexercise regime or some kind of ‘secret’that they have that keeps them in shape,and subsequently it isn’t that surprisingthat some mothers are feeling pressuredto shift the weight they gained as soon aspossible. The things that the ‘in shape’celebrities don’t tell us is the amount thatthey spend on personal trainers and chefsthat specialise in ‘healthy living’; not tomention the fact that many have a lot morespare time to work on losing weight. It isn’tfair for women to pressure themselvesinto keeping up with celebrities as theyhave completely different lifestyles. Newmothers should only focus on their newbaby and keeping themselves healthy, aslosing weight gradually, if needed at all,is always the best way to do it.”

Maddi from Newborn Fitness(www.fitnessandbeyond.co.uk) talksus through a few options for gettingout of control pants and back intoskinny jeans. As Pre & Post NatalExercise Consultants, her companyhas helped thousands of womenachieve this.Personal TrainingPersonal Training is an option for peoplewho may want to get back into shape inprivate and with the personal attentionand aftercare of a trainer in a one to onesetting. The benefits of this are that you

can have sessions completely tailored tosuit your specific needs, requirementsand goals and these can be held whereveryou choose, whether at home, outside orin a private studio. Another great thingabout this option is that, as a new mumyou can work sessions around feeding,sleeping and other activities which mayimpact upon your available time but whichyou would rather not rearrange or stop. Thenumber of sessions is dependent uponbudget and the beauty of personal trainingis that you will be given separate work todo at home and have a full range of supportoutside of sessions. There will also be noneed for equipment as everything you needwill be brought to your door to makesessions effective, fun and worry free, allyou need do is simply be there with a smileand a willingness to work!!Post Natal Exercise ClassesThese are a very popular choice and usuallyhave 2 options, indoor and outdoor sessions.The beauty of the post natal exercise classis that the sessions can be designedaround the needs and requirements of thepost natal body and the demands of beinga new mum but without the cost of a oneto one Trainer and whilst having fun gettingfit with other new mums. Benefits of classesare endless; you get programmes to helpmeet your needs, all equipment will beprovided during sessions and properteaching points given to help you exerciseon your own safely at home; there is noneed for separate childcare as baby comesalong; you get committed to a programmetaking care of yourself (usually 5 – 6week bookings at a time) and you get tomeet other mums going through exactlythe same process at the same time!GymsYou may want to head down to your localgym. This can be a great option but it isimportant that you speak to a post natal

specialist from within the gym or hire theservices of someone externally who canadvise on and monitor the activity you doat the gym but remotely (i.e. someonewho will consult with you in a one to onesetting and then devise programmes andschedules for you to do independentlywhilst at the gym).

Maria, personal trainer and co-owner of Glo Family in Cheadle says:“Shaping-up after pregnancy and birth isa slow process and patience is required.You will need a six week check and a chatwith your doctor to make sure you are okto begin some gentle exercise. Joints andligaments will still be relaxed, particularlyif you are breast feeding, and you need totake things slowly. Always look for aspecialist in post-natal exercise to startyour training with, getting the right adviceis really important. Not only will startingexercise again make you feel more confident,it will help you stay strong and fit enoughto cope with the rigours of motherhood. ”

Glo Family offers some great waysto shape up with specialist trainers:Postnatal workout (Mondays 10.30)includes an all over body workoutwhich is safe and effective. The classis led by an highly experiencedPostnatal Personal Trainer. OnTuesdays, Postnatal Pilates (Tuesdays1 – 2 pm) with Physiotherapist KathTaylor works on strengthening thosecore muscles and regaining yourpre-baby shape and tone. You can bringbabies to both classes. Hatha Yoga(Tuesdays 7.30) is another gentle formof exercise which will help your bodyrecuperate and strengthen. For moreinformation visit www.glofamily.com.

New from TrendyKid is PackIt, afreezable and reusable gel linedfood and drink storage bag thatoffers a healthy alternative tokeeping food and drinks chilled andfresh for up to 10 hours.

Compact and extremely versatile thePackIt folds neatly to store in the freezeruntil ready to fill and go. It’s perfect forschool, work, holidays, sporting events,festivals, concerts, days out, campingand just about any other reason for taking

a packed lunch or a snack. It can even beused for babies’ bottles.

PackIt needs no ice packs or ice to keepthe contents cool, and has a capacity of6.5 litres.

Made from non toxic and PVC andlead free materials PackIt is kind to theenvironment as well as totally safe to useby any family member.

PackIt makes it easy to pack morevaried and healthier meals, ensuring thatanything perishable is kept suitably

chilled, meaning that leftoverscan go back in the fridge, reducingwaste and saving money.

PackIt is available from TrendyKid(www.trendykid.co.uk) orAmazon. RRP £14.99

PackIt from TrendyKid. Promotes healthy eating.


Health & fitness

As tennis fever hits the countryfollowing Wimbledon, the good newsis that there are lots of opportunitiesto play tennis with Tennis Tykes, theunique tennis play and skillsprogramme for boys and girls from2 years upwards in the Cheshire andSouth Manchester area.

But why play tennis and what are thebenefits for your child? The USTA (USTennis Association) recently engagedthe services of a top scientist (Jack L.

Groppel, PhD) who looked at the factsand confirmed that tennis really is thehealthiest activity that people canparticipate in and “a sport for life.” Hestates that many sports can promoteyour well-being but that tennis is thebest in ensuring great physical,emotional and mental well-being. Tennisplayers scored higher in vigour,optimism and self-esteem than otherathletes (Dr. Joan Finn and colleagues atSouthern Connecticut State University).Scientists at the University of Illnois alsoshowed that playing tennis requiresalertness and tactical thinking and that itmay therefore generate new connectionsbetween nerves in the brain thuspromoting a lifetime of continuingdevelopment of the brain. All this, inaddition to the obvious physicalbenefits, with studies on calorificexpenditure going so far as to show that

competitive tennis burns more caloriesthan aerobics or cycling.

Caroline Buncall, founder of TennisTykes, has seen the positive effects tennishas had on the physical and emotionaldevelopment of young children throughher sessions. The children who come tothe weekly sessions start from pre-school age and as young as 2 years oldand she also runs classes at a number ofhigh quality nursery schools.

“We initially look to develop simpleball skills and introduce mini rackets withthe children hitting sponge balls over lowmini nets. The children find it great funand we discuss colours and numbers to aid their educational development.The classes develop children’s basic co-ordination skills, gross and fine motorcontrol, agility and balance and at thesame time also promote social interaction,develop confidence and language and

listening skills as they participate withtheir peers. Personal achievement is alsorewarded and we build on the skillsachieved each week with stickers andcharts for every child and suggestionsfor ball practise to try at home.

Andy Murray started playing tennis atthe age of 3 with his Mum, Judy, so whynot give your child the chance to enjoythe same, great lifelong sport. They mayor may not be the next Andy Murray, butthe science is clear that playing tenniscan only positively benefit your child ina large number of ways.

Tennis Tykes classes take place inBramhall, Didsbury, Hale, Knutsford andWilmslow. For further information and tobook your FREE TASTER LESSON, pleaselog onto www.tennistykes.co.uk orcontact Caroline on 07843 342662 /[email protected].

Game, set and match in miniature

Women on wheels for fitness and fun

Olympic Gold medallist VictoriaPendleton will be taking part inCycletta, sponsored by Sky Ride, aunique series of women-only, massparticipation events, created forwomen to cycle for fitness and fun inthe perfect environment and to inspiremore women to take up cycling.

Two events are scheduled in 2011;Cycletta North on 2nd October at TattonPark near Manchester and Cycletta Southon the 11th September at WhipsnadeZoo, Beds near London. Thousands ofwomen are expected to take part,inspired by the opportunity to cyclealongside Victoria and take on a newsporting challenge.

Cycletta events will take place on a40km course, a distance specificallydesigned to provide a fitness challenge,while remaining fun, achievable andaccessible. Cyclists of all abilities will betackling the challenge, from committed

enthusiasts looking for a blast on trafficfree roads, to women who are eager toregain their confidence back in the saddle.The Cycletta experience will begin fromregistration, with regular training tips,equipment and nutrition advice, includingpersonal anecdotes of support from thecurrent Olympic gold medallist.

Victoria said: “Cycling has been mypassion since I was a child. Through theCycletta series I want to inspire women tojoin me and cycle; as a hobby, a sport, away to get fit and healthy. Whatever thereasoning, cycling can improve your life. I hope Cycletta will bring women togetheras they take on their own cycling challenge.”

Victoria is joined by a dynamic group ofCycletta ambassadors including celebrityMothers Gabby Logan, and Gail Emms aswell as Miranda Hart and Clare Balding whowill do their part to encourage and motivatewomen to take up cycling. Join Victoriaand others by visiting www.cycletta.co.uk.

Nearly a third of workers in Manchesterhave admitted to making silly slip-upsat work, a survey of 3,000 people byPharmaton® Vitality Capsules hasrevealed... the reason? They feelcompletely and utterly shattered!

Job security, parenting problems andmoney troubles are just some of the reasonsManchester residents are feeling tired ona daily basis. Not only are mistakes beingmade but a huge 36% cancel fun-fillednights out seemingly in favour of theirbeds and almost 7% even admit to fallingasleep at their desks! Furthermore, nearlya quarter of stressed city workers are notsleeping well even when their heads hitthe pillow leading to 25% feeling tired ormentally exhausted at least twice a week.Lack of exercise and a poor diet are nothelping with energy slumps with workersregularly drinking caffeine (38%) andeating sugary foods such as chocolate(42 %) to try and combat fatigue.

Pharmaton® Vitality Capsulesspokesperson Louise White said: “When

you’re tired it’s easy to see how mistakesoccur. Taking a supplement such asPharmaton® Vitality Capsules can help torelieve periods of exhaustion and improvephysical capacity, when taken daily for 28days or more.

Pharmaton® Vitality Capsules are morethan just a supplement – they are aunique blend of vitamins, minerals andGinseng clinically proven to relieveperiods of exhaustion by sustaining energylevels throughout the day. After hearingthese claims, editor Jayne quickly offeredto try them out, surviving on early starts(5am with the little ones!!) and hectic days(kids, work, house, animals etc, etc) a bitof help was needed. Jayne said “I do feela little sharper after taking the capsulesfor a few weeks. I feel as if I am gettingmore done in a day and I am no longerready to flake out by about 7pm (morelike 9.30pm now!). There is no ‘buzzy’feeling as if I need to rush about and bebusy, the difference is subtle butcertainly there. I am also aware that myeating habits aren’t great through theday until I am cooking for the wholegang in the evening so I think the boostof vitamins that I might be missing is areal bonus.”

They are available in packs of 30, 60or 100, priced from £9.18 and are stockedin chemists, superstores and healthshops. Visit www.pharmaton.co.uk forfurther information.

Survey exposes Manchester’s workersas too weary to be work-perfect


Summertime special

2. Organise a street partyIf you enjoyed your Royal Wedding streetparty – or if you looked on enviously atother people’s parties – why not throw onethis summer? It’s a lovely way to spend asummer evening – and if you don’t want togo to the hassle of getting the council toclose the road, and you’re lucky enoughto have a park or green space nearby, youcould always hold it there instead. Simplydrop invitations through your neighbours’doors, and organise a planning meeting.3. Plant a veggie grow-bagYou don’t need any more space than awindow-box, or a tiny space in your yard,for a veggie grow-bag – and your kids willlove deciding what to plant, sowing theseeds, remembering to water them andthen charting their progress from seedlingto stomach. Potatoes are an ideal starterveg if you’re new to growing.

1. Visit a pick-your-own farm

“That was the best day of my life,” saysmy daughter Miranda, 12, of our trip acouple of summers ago to a pick-your-own farm. She loved everything about it:choosing which farm to go to beforehand,looking online at what would be in seasonon our visit, running around pickingstrawberries when we got there, andmaking jam and puddings with her fruitwhen we got home afterwards. There aremore than 600 pick-your-own farmsacross the UK; to find some in your area,see www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk

4. Pitch a tent in the garden

Whether your family are regular campersor not, there’s nothing to beat the excitementof a tent pitched in the garden. If youdon’t have your own, borrow one from afriend who camps – not too big, ideally,and not too difficult to assemble. Once it’sup, encourage the children to decorate itwith all they need for a long, lazy day inthe garden – cushions, blankets, books,iPods. And of course, lunch and tea canbe picnics under canvas!

5. Stargaze!

Choose a night when the sky is very clear,and there’s no moon. Before you go out,look online or at a book about theconstellations, and choose a shape to lookfor that should be visible at the time ofyear, and in the area you’re facing (checkthese before you go). Look out for thebrightest star in the night sky, Sirius. Ifyou’re an amateur at stargazing, start witha (relatively) easy constellation to spot,such as the Big Dipper. It might take a whileto work things out, but stick with it – andonce you’ve identified a constellation, you’llalways find it easy to spot. Always magical.

Fourteen simple but fabulous things to do this summerThe sun is out, the school holidays are almost here. What are you going to do – ideally without spendinga fortune – in the lovely, long (we hope!) summer ahead? Joanna Moorhead shares her top ideas for howto enjoy the days – and lay down some happy memories.

©GERAS

15

Summertime special


6. Go cycling

Dust off your helmet, pump up your tyres,and head for a spin through a local park,along a canal bank, or along a cycle track. Ifyou’re not sure what routes are available inyour area, check out www.sustrans.org.uk.Or, if you really don’t have any old bikeshanging around that you can crank backinto service, why not investigate thepossibility of hiring them for a day (or evena week) and exploring your neighbourhoodin a whole new way? And if your kids aretiny, invest in a baby seat – my childrenloved nothing more, as toddlers, than thechance to ride across the common singingnursery rhymes on the front of my bike.7. Build a denDen-building courses abound(see www.forestry.gov.uk), and takingyour kids on a course can give them ideasfor dens for the entire summer. But youdon’t need a tutor: den-building is asnatural as breathing to most kids. Look forspaces that are especially conducive todens – woods, of course, are ideal. If you’reconfined to the garden, find some propsto get them started – a huge cardboardbox is perfect. If you’ve not got one tohand, try asking a local builder or largestore whether they have any packagingyou could have.8. Go wild swimming...

...or even, if your kids are tiny, wildpaddling? Nothing beats the fresh, cool,vibrant feel of wild water on your face oreven just between your toes. Some of myhappiest summer days as a mother havebeen spent picnicking, and paddling, andeven swimming in the streams and brooksaround where my parents lived in westYorkshire. For ideas of where to go to findwild water near you, seewww.wildswimming.co.uk. If you’re anabject townie who really can’t get tosomewhere with a stream or river, make dowith a lido instead – www.lidos.org.uk.

9. Try sand sculptureSand sculpting is bigger than everbefore – each summer, the papersgroan with photographs ofwonderfully-crafted figures, buildingsand entire kingdoms on beaches nearand far. But it doesn’t have to be aprofessional art – why not take yourchildren on a beach day out withsculpture in mind? Start with aflotsam and jetsam-collectingsession, since this will add plenty offuel to your ideas, and then set off. Ifyou’re being competitive, giveeveryone a time limit for the creationof their masterpieces.10. Organise a rounders matchEveryone loves a rounders match (oryou can make it cricket). Simplyphone a few other families, identifyyour park or space for the match,choose your day, and pitch up withthe bats and balls, the post-markers,and the rugs and picnics for lunch.Make sure the teams are well-balanced in terms of age, ability etc,and play hard! It’s a wonderfullybonding experience.11. Row a boat

Everyone has a park with a boatinglake somewhere within strikingdistance, so why not throw caution tothe wind and try out the boats? Makesure the kids wear life jackets (whichshould be available from the hireattendant), and take it in turns to row(so what if you end up going roundand round? It’s all part of the fun.).12. Go fishingKids love fishing! If you know an adultwho enjoys fishing, get your child tochat with them – or go to visit thelocal riverbank or lake where peoplefish, and let your child ask the fishingfolk questions. If your child seemskeen, this might be a good time toinvest in a fishing kit – but if you’dlike to try it out without a big outlay,or your kids are young, go for adipping net. And remember that, ifyou and your child take up ‘proper’fishing, you’ll need a licence from theEnvironment Agency(www.environment-agency.gov.uk).

13. Borrow a dog

You might own a dog already, of course,in which case just skip this idea and gotake him or her out for a walk instead! Butif you’re not a dog-owner, and if you havea child or children, chances are that a dogwould be a welcome guest – so why notinvite one over, for the day or even for theweekend? We regularly foster two dogs,Rocco and George, while their owners areaway: my children love the chance to takethem for walks and to bath them and feedthem. It’s all the fun without the ties – andwithout enthusiasm ever waning. To findyour dog, just ask around: dog-ownersneed breaks too.14. Fly your kiteThe sun is out, the sky is blue. There’s abreeze fluttering: and what could be morefun than watching your child’s kite playingon the gentle wind? Kites don’t always flyfirst time, of course – they take practice.But most homes have at least one kiteforgotten in a cupboard – or you can makeyour own, using dowelling and paper andglue. If you’re really keen, there are evenprofessionals who’ll give you kite-flyinglessons in windy spots across the country– see www.kitevibe.com.

Thurs 7 – Sun 10 JulyStockton Heath Festival – Stockton HeathFour days of live music, comedy, theatre,family entertainment & more. There’ssomething for everyone. Look out for“The Fantastic Mr Fox”, an open airfilm show, dance and gymnastic displays,puppet shows, a dog display an arts &crafts market and a farmer’s market.www.stocktonheathfestival.co.uk.Thurs 30 June – Sun 17 JulyManchester International FestivalThis Festival of new and original workreturns for the 3rd time, taking placeacross the city in a range ofestablished venues including thePalace Theatre, The Bridgewater Hall,the Opera House, The Lowry,Manchester Art Gallery and theWhitworth Art Gallery. Head over toMediaCity UK for The Crash of TheElysium – A Live Dr Who adventure forchildren aged 6-12, and Music Boxes– a musical playground for childrenaged 6 months to 7 years. Fromjamming with fantastical musicalinstruments to opera for the under-two’s; from making your own popvideo to learning how to play theukulele, Music Boxes will be 14 daysof FREE musical magic Sat 2 – Sun 17(closed Mondays). Find out more atwww.mif.co.uk.Thurs 4 – Sun 7 Aug The Family Friendly Film ClubWeekenderAn exciting range of film screeningstaking place at cultural venues acrossthe North West, providing fun for all thefamily! Full details not available at thetime of going to press, but keep an eyeon www.goseethis.com/filmclub forfurther information and updates onscreening times and locations. Fri 16 Sep to Sun 18 Sep Ramsbottom Festival –Ramsbottom Cricket ClubPut it in your diary now - this 3 dayboutique music festival in thepicturesque town of Ramsbottom, justhalf an hour from Manchester city centre,promises to be an excellent weekenddestination for families. With somegreat music on offer from bands suchas The Waterboys, The Animals andBadly Drawn Boy as well as some tastylocal food and drinks and loads of funentertainment for the kids, you’ll behard pressed to find a better way tospend the weekend. For more information:www.ramsbottomfestival.com.

Sunday 7 AugSky Ride ManchesterSky Ride is coming back to Manchester!It’s a unique opportunity to ride your bikethrough Manchester’s streets without acar in sight. It’s free and easy to registerand anyone can get involved, no matterhow wobbly you might be on a bike.In 2010, more than 20,000 people tookpart in Sky Ride Manchester. This yearthey’re expecting even more riders to joinin. The route is entirely open and optional,so you can come and go as you pleaseand ride for as long as you choose.Ride past Manchester’s World renownedlandmarks and enjoy the entertainmentplanned throughout the day.Sky Ride Manchester will remind you thatgetting on a bike is about more than justgetting to your destination. It’s aboutrelishing the journey, the place you’re in,and the people you’re with. Find out moreand register for free atwww.goskyride.com/manchester.

Summer Festivals

On your bike


Summertime special

Give your kids some Sunshinethis summer

This summer, your child couldbecome part of the north-west’s bestdance studio, learn dance skills androutines from trained industryprofessionals, whilst making friendsand keeping fit!

Sunshine Studios represent theregion’s most successful and credibledance studio. Over the past 6 years,Sunshine has grown and helped the localcommunity explore their talent and reachtheir dance potential, with appearancesfrom their very own dance troupes at localfestivals and national competitions.

Sunshine have a variety of danceclasses, from ballet, tap and jazz to street,hip-hop and break dance! As well as this,they offer hip-hop summer camps, opento street dancers all over the globe andtaught by world class professional dancers.

This summer, Sunshine are giving theyounger dancers the chance to reach theirpotential and gain professional danceskills at their Under 12’s hip-hop summerschool 2011!

Dancers from the X-factor and America’sbest dance crew, to choreographers whohave danced with Justin Bieber representthe level of expertise available.

At £70 for the week, your kids are

getting fitness and modern dance skillsthey can use to reach their dancingpotential, or even just show off to theirfriends! So keep your kids entertained thisSummer with Sunshine Dance Studios!

Find out more about this experiencecall 0161 248 6814 or visit theSunshine Studios website for moredetails www.sunshine-studios.co.uk.

Stagecoach Summer SchoolIf you’d like your child to experience oneof the best weeks of their life, then whynot try the Holiday Workshop at Salford orDidsbury Stagecoach. From the momentthey arrive they will enjoy an actionpacked week of singing dancing anddrama and be involved in the creation of aunique show at the end of the week. They start the first day with fun andgames to allow everyone to get to knoweach other and very quickly start to puttogether songs and dances which aregoing to be part of the final production.This year, their workshop for 8 to 18 yearolds is based on the popular televisionseries Glee. Younger children aged 4 to 7have a shorter workshop – just half a dayeach day and they will be workingtowards a performance of the eternallypopular story of Peter Pan. Over the twelve years that their holidayworkshops have taken place, childrenhave had such a good time they haven’twanted it to end! If you would like yourchild to take part then call principal AnneBoardman on 0161 789 1349.www.stagecoach.co.uk/didsbury orwww.stagecoach.co.uk/salford.

Summer Camps & ClubsGlo Family’s Holiday DiaryThere’s lots going on down at Glo Familyin Cheadle to help keep the childrenentertained over the Summer holidays. French Holiday Club with La Jolie Ronde

Age 3 – 1110.30 – 12.30 (£5 deposit to reserve place)Wed 6, 13, 20 & 27 JulyWed 17, 24 & 31 August

Little Superstars unique fun multisports for little ones

Age 21 months to 5 yearsTues 2 August 9.45 – 12.30, Mon 15 August 13.30 – 16.15Thurs 25th August 9.45 – 12.30

Holiday clubs Age 3 – 5 years£10 a session2½ hour clubs running 2 – 3 times

weekly throughout the holidays. Leave yourlittle ones in the care of Tiny NVQ registeredstaff to be entertained with sports andcraft activities. For details of days andtimes, contact [email protected] or0844 800 7380. www.glofamily.com.

Brand new summer camp forManchester families!This summer, for the first time, SuperCamps will be bringing their fantasticsummer camp programme to WilliamHulme’s Grammar School in Manchester!Their Multi-Activity Camps for childrenaged 4-14 offer a fantastic range of over40 activities (sports, arts & crafts) so theschool holidays need never be boringagain! If your children want a summerholiday that’s full to the brim with action,adventure and fun, book them into SuperCamps today! Camp dates are 25th July -19th August and can be booked by theday or by the week.

Camps run Monday-Friday, 9.20am - 4.30pm and they also offerFREE extended hours (8am – 6pm) sodrop-off and collection is convenient forparents. The venue is located just off thePrincess Road so will be a great optionfor commuters and local families. AllSuper Camps camps are Ofstedregistered so parents can rest assuredtheir little ones are in safe hands; this alsomeans that childcare vouchers can beused to pay for your booking. Standardprices are £34 per day, £154 per week -see their website for details of discountsavailable! For more information or tobook, see www.supercamps.co.uk orcall 01235 832222.

Razzamataz Summer School 2011

One of Manchester’s funkiest theatre schools,from the network that's been on “Dragon’sDen”, is now open for summer schoolbookings. Open to ages 4-16, RazzamatazSummer School is a week of acting, singing,dance (including street dance), prop-makingand costuming, finishing in a performancefor parents on the final day. This year’s themeis space travel and the future. “We take afresh and invigorating approach to summerschool, which the students really enjoy, andour prices are affordable.” says RhonwenMcCormack, Razzamataz ManchesterSouth principal.

The Summer School takes place at ChorltonHigh School, Nell Lane, Chorlton M21 7SLfrom Mon 8 – Fri 12 August. Places are limited,so book now! Call 0161 225 3990 or [email protected].

Enjoy-a-Ball Summer Camps

These action packed 4-hour camps forchildren aged 4 – 8 offer fun games, in andoutdoor activities and arts & crafts to takehome. This year they’ll be running at:

Chorlton C of E Primary School, VicarsRoad M21 9JA9am – 1pmMon 25 – Fri 29 JulyMon 1 – Fri 5 August

St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michael’sAvenue, Bramhall SK7 2PG9am – 1pmMon 8 – Thurs 11 August

Sessions cost £19.50, with discountsavailable for early booking and siblings.Places are limited, so early booking isadvised. To receive a booking form, email‘summer camp booking form’ [email protected] for moreinformation call Sam on 07973 88 67 83.www.enjoy-a-ball.com.


Summertime special

Kings Camps Ages 4 – 17Mon 1 – Fri 12 Aug at Bridgewater SchoolWed 20 July – Fri 19 Aug at CheadleHulme SchoolActivity camps or individual days with agreat range of sports, activities, gamesand crafts.www.kingscamps.org or call 0845 643 5272.Mad Science CampsMon 1 – Fri 5 Aug / Mon 15 – Fri 19 Augat Navigation Primary School, AltrinchamChildren design, build and test amultitude of science projects and take atleast one project home every day.9.30am – 3.30pm£35 per day, £140 per week (10% sibling discount)www.madscience.org/locations/northwest or call 01772 628 844.Activate SportAges 5 – 12Mon 25 – Fri 29 July (Andrew FlintoffCricket Academy) at Stockport GrammarSchoolMon 25 – Fri 29 July (Andrew FlintoffCricket Academy) at Bury Grammar SchoolTues 2 – Thurs 4 Aug 2011 (InternationalNetball Roadshow) / Mon 8 – Fri 12 Aug(Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy) atBolton Schoolwww.activatesport.co.uk 0115 973 1676.Council Run Holiday CampsTry your local council for holiday campsin your area: Bolton: www.bolton.gov.uk / 01204 333333.Bury: www.bury.gov.uk / 0161 253 5000.Rochdale: www.rochdale.gov.uk /01706 924404. Salford: www.salford.gov.uk / 0161 794 4711.Stockport: www.stockport.gov.uk /0808 800 0606.Manchester: www.manchester.gov.uk /0161 234 5000.The Lowry Theatre Summer School(The Studio) – Summer Divas Mon 1 – Fri 5 August, Age 8-16An exciting adventure for summer school2011; using Andy Warhol as aninspiration, work to create a newgeneration of media divas! Research,record, plan and design a new pool ofdivas taking inspiration from music,sports and the arts. Use the media, printand digital technology to launch 10participants into their 15 minutes of fame.10am – 5pm. £85 (£60 Salford residents)

More ideas for holidayclubs and camps:

Family Friendly Holiday PlanningPlanning a holiday that will suit the whole family’sneeds can be difficult at the best of times, but planningfor someone with learning disabilities adds extraconsiderations.

Will the accommodation cater for their physical needs?Is there a hoist in the bathroom, for example? Is theenvironment safe and enclosed? Are there sensory issues thatmay be a problem, like a noisy disco or a brightly-litrestaurant? Do you want a holiday that caters for the wholefamily or are you trying to encourage independence?

Netbuddy (www.netbuddy.org.uk) has launched aninteractive holiday info pack, full of useful tips and informationon holidays for people with learning disabilities, both in theUK and abroad. The pack includes information about manydifferent types of holiday accommodation, to suit varyingbudgets, tastes and requirements.

More than just a listing, Netbuddy’s info pack is designed tobe completely interactive, inviting people to add their own tipsand recommendations. The pack also includes tips and ideas onplanning for a holiday that have been contributed by family carers.

If you’re looking for a family holiday that’s been recommendedby other parents, try out these online directories: Recommended family holidays:www.recommendedfamilyholidays.comAway with the kids: www.awaywiththekids.co.ukTots to travel: www.totstotravel.co.ukChild friendly: www.childfriendly.co.ukBaby-friendly boltholes: www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.ukTake the family: www.takethefamily.comBaby and Family Holidays:www.babyandfamilyholiday.com

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Summertime special


Summer Swimming

Summer Holidays but swimmingly…Puddle Ducks Baby, Toddler and Pre-school swimming classesPuddle Ducks Greater Manchester’sfantastic baby, toddler and pre-schoolswimming classes are running during thesummer holidays so you don’t have to waituntil school starts to enjoy teaching your childto swim, be safe and have fun in the water.

Engaging a child’s natural ability andaffinity with water, Puddle Ducks swimmersdevelop confidence in water in a natural way.In baby swimming classes, infants enjoyfreedom of movement, relaxation and bonding,while in the toddler classes, children gainconfidence and water safety skills. In allPuddle Ducks swimming classes a childlearns to swim without armbands and withgrace and efficiency. Puddle Ducks teacherslove the fun they have teaching babies andchildren to swim in a safe and friendlyenvironment. Many of their Puddle Ducksare able to swim at least 10m unaided bythe time they start school... and all ofthem love swimming for life.

Children can join Puddle Ducks at any agefrom birth with classes specific to age andability. Each class is a carefully balanced setof activities including group and individualwork, swimming, submersion, floating,songs and games.

Swimming is one of the most amazingexperiences you can share with your littleone – it’s a wonderful way to bond, helpingyou both feel relaxed and confident in thewater. Babies can be taken swimming frombirth and Puddle Ducks welcomes babiesinto their classes from as young as a fewweeks. They love the freedom, massageand gentle exercise that the water offers.Why wait for the start of the school termto bring your little one swimming?

Puddle Ducks classes are held atMomentum Leisure (Wilmslow Road,Manchester), Gorton Education Village(Cedar Mount School) and Esporta Dentonand classes are available during the week andat weekends. Their summer holiday classeswill be running for a four week term duringAugust at Momentum Leisure on Saturdaymornings. For more information call07411 944566 or [email protected] details can also be found atwww.puddleducks.com.Get them swimming this summerLooking for a swim course for your childrenthis Summer? Swimabout is offering intensiveweek long courses in their ‘Swim Academy’.The club aims to get children active andmotivated by teaching them new aquaticskills such as rescue, lifesaving and first

aid whilst also developing swimming ability.ASA swimming badges and certificates canbe achieved through the courses. SwimAcademy will run from 1st – 5th Augustin Handforth & Holmes Chapel.

Simon Gustafson, founder of Swimabout,says: “Having worked for many companiesover the years I felt restricted as to what Icould do for the children because of thelimitations of the company I had beenworking for and its course content. Beingrestricted as to what I could teach and notbeing able to deliver high standard of expertisefrustrated me immensely as I knew I couldpersonally give a lot more encouragementand satisfaction to not only the child but thewatching parent. The syllabus that I havedeveloped focuses heavily on enjoyment ofinnovative swim practices – as I have seenfrom experience the success rate ofcompleting any task will increase simply byhaving a smile on their faces. So the goalof each and every lesson is to motivate andpush the children as far as they can go withmaximum amount of fun in equal measure.The child will never be aware that it’s beingdeveloped as all they know is that they arehaving fun but in reality I’m manipulatingspecificity within the child…”

Simon’s style of teaching really stands outfrom some of the other swim schools aroundas he views arm bands as swimmingprevention rather than teaching aids. Simonsays: “Think how nappies restrict movementin the legs and how over the years they havebeen steadily reduced in size to allow moremovement. From the ages of one to four thehuman brain acts as a sponge, soaking upall information it can to digest and use foritself, learning speech, movement, recognition,understanding… then you plonk some armbands on a child and ask them to swim! Youare basically telling the developing brain– ‘Don’t move!’ I believe this to be harmful.”He added “But this is only true for theteaching of swimming, arm bands are aneffective life support and should still beused where or when the situation requires.”

Swimabout also run a regular Swim Schoolwith weekly term time lessons at variousvenues on weekdays and weekends. ASAswimming badges and certificates can beachieved through the term. Class sizes arekept small so the teacher can focus onindividuals and really instil confidence andbuild on skills. Or if you are looking forsomething even more intense, or focusedon a particular issue then private sessionscan be booked. For more details about the Swimaboutway call Simon on 07515 252708 orvisit www.swimabout.net.

Making sure your child is safe around water is important at any time, but evenmore so during the summer. Two local swimming schools tell us more abouttheir classes and holiday clubs.

Slapping on the suncream can be abattle especially when children don’tunderstand why it’s necessary. ButFamilies has discovered a fun rangeof sun jewellery from Yorkshire basedUV Angel.

These great products, made from sunsensitive beads, change colour to let youknow that the UV you’re being exposed tocould be damaging your skin.

“The idea came after a good frienddeveloped skin cancer,” says Angela Thompsonfrom UV Angel. “When the beadschange colour,it makes you think. It reminds you that there’sUV out there and you need to protect yourself.”

There’s a wide range of UV Angel productsto choose from including bag tags, keyrings, necklaces and bracelets. There’s afun range for children, as well as a morecontemporary range for mums. The darker

the beads go, the more UV there is andthey act as a great way to prompt not justsun cream application, but also conversationabout the dangers of the sun.

“Kids cook quickly so it’s a parent’sresponsibility to protect them,” says Angela.“If you have a bead on your bag or your bodyand you see it change colour, ask do thekids need more cream? Do we need to getout of the sun?”

Take a look at the full range of UV Angelproducts at www.uv-angel.com. Pricesstart at £2.50.

Stay sun safe with a UV Angel

Before After Perfect when you’re out and about inthe Spring or Summer months,award-winning ProtectiShade® isquick and simple to move from carseat to pushchair and back again, soyour child stays shaded from the sunwherever you are.

ProtectiShade is the only 360o

sunshade that gives children UPF 50+protection when travelling in the buggyAND in the car.

Plus it’s the only 3-in-1-sunshade thatfits child car seats from Group 0 right throughto Group 2. Buy it for your newborn andyou’ll still be using it on the school run!

Truly flexible, ProtectiShade protects fromsunlight and glare whilst still allowing goodvisibility and ventilation. It adapts easily toprovide front and side shade and there’s aneat pocket with a detachable drop-downmesh layer that provides 360o shade asand when it’s needed.

For local stockists call 01823 323363 orvisit www.protectishade.com.RRP £39.99.

Safety from the sun, for children on the move

Enjoy greater peace of mind on yourfamily holiday this summer with newPuddle Jumpers, an innovativeswimming aid from water-recreationequipment expert Sevylor®.

Perfect for keeping little swimmers safeboth in the pool and at the beach, PuddleJumpers guarantee fun and safety in thewater, whilst the range of bright coloursand fun designs mean your kids will lovewearing them!

Ultra-comfortable foryour child towear, PuddleJumpers featurea no-chaff, softfabric cover thatallows for natural movement and greaterfreedom, meaning children can swim andexplore with maximum confidence. Quickand stress-free for parents, your child canbe strapped in safely in seconds thanks tothe single adjustable buckle at the rear –no more struggling with an unhappy childat the water’s edge.

To find out more about Puddle Jumpersvisit www.amazon.co.uk.

Jump into summer…

The perfect accompaniment to a hotday is a deliciously juicy ice lolly, butif parents knew the truth about whatlurks beneath the colourful packaging,they may think twice about givingthem to their children.

One of the UK’s best-selling ice lollieswhich accounts for 48% of the kids’ categorysales, claims to be ‘made with real fruit juiceand no artificial colours... a burst of fruitrefreshment.’ In reality, fruit juice only makesup for 8% of the ingredients; the rest issugary flavoured water with stabiliser, betacarotene and curcumin, used to create theorange colour. Around half of therecommended daily amount of sugar for anadult woman is contained in just one lolly.

The best way to ensure children are eating

healthy ice lollies is by either making themyourself with pressed fruit and ice lollymoulds or finding a trustworthy brand.Yummy Lollies! and Real Fruit Frenzy! icelollies contain nothing but 100% tongue-tingling real fruit. Free from additives,colours and preservatives the lollies helpchildren ‘lick their way to 5 a day’ in a funway. With less than 38 calories per lollyand less than 60 calories per tube they’regood for mums and dads too.

Yummy Lollies! and Real Fruit Frenzy! areavailable nationwide in health food shops,cafés and delis. Yummy Lollies! are alsoavailable at selected Waitrose stores(priced at £3.99 for a multipack of 6).www.yummylollies.com /www.realfruitfrenzy.com.

Do you know what’s in yourchildren’s ice lolly?


Summertime special

PUDDLE DUCKS SUMMERHOLIDAY OFFER FOR FAMILIESMANCHESTER READERS

Receive a 10% discount for classes in July andAugust at Momentum Leisure, Esporta Denton orGorton Education Village – please quote FA11Swhenbooking in with the office.

More great days outRunway Visitor Park

If you’re looking for a great dayout…here’s the perfect destination!Situated between Hale Barns andWilmslow is the Runway Visitor Park(formally known as the AviationViewing Park) and home to theflagship aircraft of the Concorde fleet– where you can watch aircraft arriveand depart from just feet away!

Concorde was introduced onto the parkin 2003, and now sits in a purpose buildhanger which is also home to RingwaysRestaurant and Caterers.

A family orientated restaurant,Ringways is comfortable, stylish andmodern yet relaxed. It boasts panoramicviews of both Concorde and runways fromits 100 seater restaurant with designatedcoffee area, a separated take-away facilitypositioned opposite the children’s playarea and an ice cream hut for those rarebut hot British summer days.

With a delicious menu of great valuemeals there is a wide variety of food forall tastes and budgets to choose from.From quick snacks such a paninis andsandwiches to 3 course lunches for thosewith a bigger appetite, there’s somethingfor everyone (including a children’s menu).

There are many other attractionsincluding 3 other aircraft on the park foryou to climb aboard and explore (someadmission charges apply). In addition toConcorde, there is a Monarch DC-10fuselage, Avro RJX and the Nimrod

aircraft dubbed the ‘Spy plane’. There’salso plenty of car parking space, 3‘viewing mounds’ complete with staticbinoculars and benches for relaxing.

You can visit the aviation shop for asouvenir or let the children loose in thenewly opened play area or on the bouncycastle (available on fair weather weekendsonly). Baby changing facilities are available.

Car parking charges apply at £3 perhour (up to a max of £12) but entrance isfree for pedestrians! The number 200Styal Route bus service operates to andfrom the park via the airport terminals.

The Runway Visitor Park is the perfectplace to see the new Emirate A380double-decker aircraft with a daily routefrom Manchester to Dubai. You canexpect to see that arrive around 12.15pmand depart 1.45pm.

Ringways is also a perfect unique andimpressive event space, sure to ‘wow’guests. It’s ideal for birthday andanniversary celebrations, awardsevenings, school balls or any specialcelebration. Their experienced anddedicated Event Co-ordinator Clare Brightis based on-site and pleased to work withanyone wanting help to plan and co-ordinate their event.

The Aviation & Transport Fayre is beingheld at Runway Visitor Park on Sat 9 &Sun 10 July. Seetasmanchester.co.uk/TAS_Fair.htmlfor more information.

Get up close and personal withbeautiful birds of prey

Simply Falconry is a new family runcompany providing a wide range ofopportunities to get involved with avariety of different owls, falconsand hawks.

Over the summer of months theyoffer lots of way for you and your familyto get up close and personal with theirbirds; including birthday parties, hawkwalks, hunting days, meet the birds andfamily encounters.

They are often found out and aboutover the summer months providingdisplays at a number of fairs and fetes,most recently at Alderley Edge Carnivalwhere Fidgit, the Barn Owl attracted lotsof attention as she was only six weeks oldand looked like a large ball of soft whitefluff! The local Rainbows will shortlyenjoy meeting Otis, the Tropical ScreechOwl – he is only about 20cm tall!

They have deliberately chosen not tobe a centre but to provide a flexiblemobile operation allowing them to bringtheir birds out to you or to meet you at apre agreed location. As a result they areable to tailor all their activities to meetyour own special requirements and canoffer you the choice of how you wouldlike to spend your time with the birds.Their aim is to provide everyone with atruly special experience that will staywith them forever! Visitwww.simplyfalconry.co.uk or call07979 238832 for more information.

The place to meet and eat – and playThe transformation is complete andall are welcome at Bean & BrushFamily Art Café, open daily onHayfield Street in Sale, servingbreakfast, brunch, lunch and beyond.

Find a table, sofa or tucked away booth,with freshly made food from the bestingredients Cheshire has to offer plusdelectable drinks from coffees and teas tocontinental lager, wines and locallybrewed bottled Bitters.

Discover their craft studio - this is wherethe fun really begins, with an amazingselection of bisque ready to paint andDecopatch (painting with paper). The funcontinues with adult art classes and children’sparties. Ask about their Biscuit Club everySunday morning and each weekday morningduring school holidays where childrencan immerse themselves in a wide varietyof craft events from T-shirt designing,mosaics, clay modelling and painting.

Call in and see them or contact themon 0161 973 2140 orwww.beanandbrush.co.uk for moreinformation.Library Reading ChallengeThis summer, let your children join thegreatest show on Earth by joining CircusStars at their local library! This year’sSummary Reading Challenge aims to getchildren to read six books from their libraryduring the summer holidays.

It’s great fun for kids and doesn’t cost apenny to join. Just head to your local library atthe beginning of the holidays to enrol andreceive a membership card or pack. TheSummer Reading Challenge is designed forchildren of all ages and reading abilities. Theycan read any books they like – fact books,stories, joke books, picture books – it’s up tothem. Audio books count too! As long as you’reborrowing them from the library, they all count.

Everybody who completes the Challengegets a certificate, and there may be otherrewards from your library, too. Just askthem when you join up.www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

Summertime special


Summertime special


More great days outThe great outdoors: Aerial Extreme, Trafford Centrewww.aerialextreme.co.ukBruntwood Park www.stockport.gov.ukChorlton Water Parkwww.merseyvalley.org.ukClifton Country Parkwww.salford.gov.uk/cliftoncountryDaisy Nook Country Parkwww.oldhamparks.co.ukDebdale Park www.manchester.gov.ukEtherow Country Parkwww.stockport.gov.ukHeaton Park www.heatonpark.org.ukFletcher Moss Botanical Gardenswww.manchester.gov.ukGo Ape, Delamere Forestwww.goape.co.uk Hollingworh Lake Country Parkwww.rochdale.gov.ukJumbles Country Park www.bolton.org.uk/jumbles.htmlMoses Gate Country Parkwww.bolton.gov.ukMoss Bank Parkwww.bolton.org.uk/mossbank.htmlPhilips Park www.philipspark.org.ukPlatt Fields Park www.plattfields.orgReddish Vale Country Parkwww.reddishvale.moonfruit.comSale Water Park www.merseyvalley.org.ukVernon Park www.stockport.gov.ukWythenshawe Parkwww.manchester.gov.ukWalk on the wild side: Blue Planet Aquarium, Ellesmere Portwww.blueplanetaquarium.co.ukChester Zoo, Chester www.chesterzoo.org

Knowsley Safari Parkwww.knowsleysafariexperience.co.ukBlackpool Zoowww.blackpoolzoo.org.ukThe Chestnut Centrewww.chestnutcentre.co.ukTheme parks:Gulliver’s World, Warringtonwww.gulliversfun.co.ukAlton Tower, Stoke-on-Trentwww.altontowers.comCamelot Theme Park, Chorleywww.camelotthemepark.co.uk Blackpool Pleasure Beachwww.blackpoolpleasurebeach.comFarms:Reddish Vale Farmwww.reddishvalefarm.co.ukSmithills Open Farm, Boltonwww.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk Wythenshawe Park Community Farmwww.manchester.gov.uk/wythenshaweparkRed House Farm, Dunham Masseywww.redhousefarm.co.ukHeaton Park Animal Centrewww.heatonpark.org.ukCronkshaw Fold Farm, Helmshorewww.cronkshaw.co.ukTatton Park Farm, Knutsfordwww.tattonpark.org.ukMuseums, Galleries, HistoryMuseum of Science & Industrywww.mosi.org.ukPeople’s History Museumwww.phm.org.ukManchester Art Gallerywww.manchestergalleries.orgImperial War Museum Northwww.iwm.org.ukThe Lowry www.thelowry.comManchester Museumwww.museum.manchester.ac.ukThe Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchesterwww.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth

Museum of Transport www.gmts.co.ukStaircase House, Stockportwww.staircasehouse.org.ukHat Works, Stockport www.hatworks.org.ukSalford Museum and Art Gallerywww.salford.gov.uk/museumsStockport Air Raid Shelterswww.airraidshelters.org.ukTouchstones, Rochdalewww.rochdale.gov.ukQuarry Bank Mill, Style / Lyme Park,Disley / Dunham Massey, Altrinchamwww.nationaltrust.org.ukBramall Hall www.bramallhall.org.ukIndoor play centres: Anchor’s Away Play, Wythenshawewww.anchorsawayplay.co.ukAntz in your Pantz, Timperleywww.antzinyourpantz.co.ukCurly Whirleez, Boltonwww.curlywhirleez.co.ukKiddie Chaos, Dentonwww.kiddiechaos.co.ukHead over Heels, Chorltonwww.headoverheelsplay.co.ukKiddly Beanz, Failsworthwww.kiddlybeanz.comLand of Play, Trafford Parkwww.landofplay.co.ukMischief Makers, Rochdalewww.mischiefmakersltd.co.ukRun of the Mill, Stockportwww.runofthemill.co.ukZoom Play Centre, Stockportwww.zoomplaycentre.co.ukIndoor Adventure: Airkix, Trafford Park www.airkix.comAwesome Walls, Stockportwww.awesomewalls.co.ukChill Factore www.chillfactore.comGulliver’s World Splash Zonewww.gulliversfun.co.uk

Silver Blades Ice Rink, Altrinchamwww.altrinchamicedome.co.ukManchester Climbing Centrewww.manchesterclimbingcentre.comGet creative: Legoland Discovery Centre, Trafford Parkwww.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.ukBrookside Pottery, Poyntonwww.brooksidepottery.comPottery Corner, Chorltonwww.potsareforpainting.co.ukThe Pottery Studio, Boltonwww.thepotterystudio.co.ukBean & Brush Café, Salewww.beanandbrush.co.ukRailways:MOSI steam train www.mosi.org.ukEast Lancashire Railway www.east-lancs-rly.co.ukGrosvenor Park Miniature Railway, Chesterwww.gpmr.co.ukChurnet Valley Railway, Cheddletonwww.churnet-valley-railway.co.ukBrookside Garden Centre, Poyntonwww.brooksidegardencentre.comDragon Miniature Railway, Marplewww.freewebs.com/dragonrailwayHaigh Miniature Railway, Wiganwww.miniaturerailwayworld.co.uk/Haigh.htmlMoss Bank Park Miniature Railway, Boltonwww.bolton.org.uk/mossbank.htmlSpringfield Park, Rochdalewww.rsmee.comWalton Park Trains, Salewww.waltonparktrains.co.ukWaterworks:Trafford Water Sports Centrewww.thedeckersgroup.comSalford Watersports Centrewww.salford.gov.ukHyde Leisure Poolwww.tamesidesportstrust.com/hyde_pool_index.asp


What’s on These listings are for guidance only – please check before you goto include your upcoming event in our listings, email [email protected]

Fri 15 – Sun 17 JulyImperial War Museum North(Learning Studio) (also Sat 24 & Sun 31 July)Young Correspondents1pm – 4pm, Age 5+, Free, drop in

Sat 16 JulyImperial War Museum North (also Wed 20 & Sat 30 July)What Nancy Did Next11.30am, Age 4-10, Free, drop inManchester MuseumAlternative life drawing class with Dr Sketchy1pm – 2pm, All ages, Free, drop inThe John Rylands Library, DeansgateHere Be Dragons TourAge 5-12, Booking essential

Sat 16 & Sun 17 JulyManchester MuseumThe Ancients11am – 4pm, All ages, Free, drop in

Sat 16 – Sun 31 JulyWorsley Worsley Festival

Sun 17 JulyImperial War Museum North (also Thurs21, Sun 24, Thurs 28 & Sun 31 July)Animals and War11.30am, Age 4-10, Free, drop in

Mon 18 – Sun 23 JulyImperial War Museum North(Learning Studio)Take Off1pm – 4pm, Age 5+, Free, drop in

Sat 23 JulyImperial War Museum North (also Wed 27 July)Billy’s War11.30am, Age 4-10, Free, drop in

Sat 23 July – Sun 4 SeptPeople’s History MuseumBusy bees summer craft table10am – 5pm, All ages, Free, drop in

Sun 24 JulyThe John Rylands Library, DeansgateDragons DayAge 5-12, Booking essential

Mon 25 July – Fri 26 AugManchester MuseumSummer holidays: The Museum Allotment11am – 4pm, All ages

ActivitiesDaily during JulyBramall Hall (closed Monday)Children’s Quiz1pm – 4pm (1pm – 3pm Sat & Sun)Age 4+ (must be accompanied)Free event. Normal admission charge applies

Fri 1 July – Sat 8 OctChester ZooDinosaurs at Large!Normal admission prices apply

Every Saturday in JulyBury Art Gallery & MuseumArt Activities2pm – 3.30pm, Age 4-12£2 per child. Places limited.

Sun 3 JulyBijou Club M3 7NJBaby Loves Disco2pm – 5pm£8 per person (non walking babies free)

Mon 4 – Fri 15 JulyLegoland Discovery Centre,ManchesterLEGO® Racers eventsNormal admission prices apply

Fri 8 JulyManchester Art GalleryMini art Club10.15am – 11.15am / 11.30am – 12.30amAge 0-5, Free, drop in

Sat 9 JulyManchester MuseumFroglife11am – 4pm, All ages

Sat 9 & Sun 10 JulyManchester Art GalleryImagine Weekends12pm – 4pm, Free, drop inManchester Airport Runway Visitor ParkAviation & Transport FairGulliver’s WorldPeppa Pig10.30am – 5pmNormal admission prices applyDunham MasseyTeddy Bear’s Picnic12pm – 4pm, Free eventNormal admission charges apply

Fri 15 JulyImperial War Museum North (alsoTues 19 & Tues 26 July)Animals Aboard11.30am, Free, drop in

Mon 1 AugImperial War Museum North (also Fri 5,Fri 12, Thurs 18, Mon 22 & Mon 29 Aug)Animals Aboard11.30am, Free, drop in

Mon 1 – Sat 6 AugImperial War Museum North(Learning Studio)Stubby – Star of the Trenches1pm – 4pm, Age 5+, Free, drop in

Tues 2 AugImperial War Museum North (alsoSat 6, Tues 16, Fri 19, Tues 23 Aug)What Nancy Did Next11.30am, Age 4-10, Free, drop inPeople’s History MuseumLiving History performance: Strike ALight! – A Matchgirl’s Story1.30pm – 2pm, 7+, Free, drop inManchester Art Gallery (also Thurs4, Tues 9, Thurs 11, Tues 16, Thurs18, Tues 23 & Thurs 25 Aug)Far, Far Away1pm – 3pm (sign in from 12.30pm)Under 5s, Free, drop in

Tues 2 & Thurs 4 AugBury Art Gallery & MuseumYoung Creatives – Summer Fun10.30am – 12pm, Age 4-12£2 per child. No booking necessary butplaces are limited

Wed 3 AugManchester Art Gallery (also Fri 5,Wed 10, Fri 12, Wed 17, Fri 19, Wed24 & Fri 26 Aug)Far, Far Away1pm – 3pm (sign in from 12.30pm)Age 6-11, Free, drop inPeople’s History MuseumProtest pots1.30pm – 3.30pm, All ages, £2, drop in

Thurs 4 AugImperial War Museum North (also Mon 8, Thurs 11, Mon 15,Thurs 25, Sun 21 & Sun 28 Aug)Oskar’s Journey11.30am, Age 4-10, Free, drop in

Thurs 4 – Sun 7 AugManchester MuseumFamily Friendly Film Club Weekender

Fri 5 AugLyme ParkPicture This…12pm – 4.30pm, Free eventNormal admission charges apply

Mon 25 – Sat 30 JulyImperial War Museum North(Learning Studio)Chocks Away1pm – 4pm, Age 5+, Free, drop in

Tues 26 JulyPeople’s History MuseumThe Little People’s History Museum –Mr Ordinary’s Prize11am – 12pm, Under 5s, £1 per childBooking advised

Tues 26 & Thurs 28 JulyBury Art Gallery & MuseumYoung Creatives – Summer Fun10.30am – 12pm, Age 4-12, £2 per childPlaces limited

Wed 27 JulyPeople’s History MuseumPoster Power1.30pm – 3.30pm, All ages, Free, drop in

Fri 29 JulyManchester MuseumFrogs11am – 12pm, Under 5s, £1 per child.Book from 22 July

Daily during school holidaysManchester MuseumIn Touch / Play + Learn / BlackwellsFamily Backpacks11am – 3pm, All ages, Free, drop in

Every Saturday & Sundayduring AugustManchester MuseumDiscovery CentreAll ages, Free, drop in

Every Saturday in AugustBury Art Gallery & MuseumArt Activities2pm – 3.30pm, Age 4-12, £2 per child.Places limited

Every Wed & Sat in AugImperial War Museum North What a performance: War Correspondent11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 2.15pmFree, drop in

Every Wed in AugImperial War Museum North (alsoSun 7, Sun 14, Sat 20 & Sat 27 Aug)Animals and War11.30am, Age 4-10, Free, drop inBramall HallSummer Papercraft Workshops1.30pm – 3.30pmAll ages (must be accompanied)£2 per child, drop in


What’s onVisit www.familiesmanchester.co.uk for more information on these listings.

Sun 7 AugThe Kingsway Lower School, CheadleKids Car Boot & Swap Shop10am – 12.30pm

Sun 7 – Sun 28 AugImperial War Museum North(Learning Studio)Young Correspondents1pm – 4pm, Age 5+, Free, drop in

Mon 8 – Fri 12 AugQuarry Bank MillDesign-a-day11am – 5pm, Free eventNormal admission charges apply

Sat 6 AugManchester MuseumBig Saturday: the Museum AllotmentAll agesChester ZooElephant & Dinosaur Evening & BBQAdults £34.95, Children (<16) £24.95Manchester Art GalleryFamily Art ClubAge 6-11, Free, drop in

Sat 6 & Sun 7 AugEast Lancashire RailwayDay out with ThomasAdults £14, Children £7 (3-15 years of age),Family (2 Adults & 3 Children) £35.Under 3s FREE

Tues 9 & Thurs 11 AugBury Art Gallery & MuseumYoung Creatives – Summer Fun10.30am – 12pm, Age 4-12, £2 per childPlaces limited£2 per child, Places are limited

Wed 10 AugPeople’s History MuseumBanner attack!1.30pm – 3.30pm, All ages, Free, drop in

Wed 10 – Fri 12 AugBramall HallBramall Hall’s Got Talent10am – 3pm, Age 11-16, £30Booking essential

Mon 8 – Sat 13 AugImperial War Museum North(Learning Studio)Open Studio: A Chance for Peace1pm – 4pm, Age 5+, Free, drop in

Tues 9 AugLyme ParkButterflies at Lyme1pm -3pm, Free eventNormal admission charges applyBramall HallDraw Attention – Caricature Workshopwith Peter Richardson2pm – 3.30pm, Age 8-13, £3Booking essentialImperial War Museum North (alsoSat 13, Fri 26, Tues 30 Aug)Billy’s War11.30am, Age 4-10, Free, drop in

WIN WIN WIN Win a family ticket to seeMr Stink at The Lowry!David Walliams, star of Little Britain, haswritten the smelliest book of all time– Mr Stink – which is being broughtto life on stage for the first time in a

fabulously smelly, scratch and sniffproduction at The Lowry from Tues 2 toSun 14 August. It’s a funny and thoughtprovoking tale suitable for children aged7+ and their families.

If you would like to win a family ticketto see this brilliant adaptation on Tues 2August at 7pm, simply go to our websitewww.familiesmanchester.co.uk to

enter by answering the followingquestion: What date does Mr Stinkopen at The Lowry?Entries close Friday 22 July.

Mr Stink is at The Lowry from Tue 2 toSun 14 August. You can find out moreabout the show and book tickets atwww.thelowry.com/family or call0843 208 6007.

24

What’s on


Sat 13 & Sun 14 AugManchester Art GalleryImagine Weekends12pm – 4pm, Free, drop inFar, Far AwayBuild an imaginary world1pm – 3pm (sign in from 12.30pm)Free, drop in

Mon 15 – Fri 19 AugQuarry Bank MillEco Explorers11am – 5pm, Free eventNormal admission charges apply

Mon 15 – Sat 20 AugImperial War Museum North(Learning Studio)The Adventures of Able Seaman Wally Tobin1pm – 4pm, Free, drop in

Thurs 11 AugBramall HallHow the Hall was built1pm – 4pm, All ages, Free, drop in

Fri 12 AugManchester Art GalleryMini art Club10.15am – 11.15am / 11.30am – 12.30amAge 0-5, Free, drop inThe John Rylands Library, DeansgateHere Be Dragons TourAge 5-12, Booking essential

Sat 13 – Sun 28 AugRochdale CanalRochdale Canal Festival (includingHorse Boating)

Contact information:

Aviation & Transport Fair: tasmanchester.co.uk/TAS_Fair.htmlBaby Loves Disco: www.babylovesdisco.co.ukBramall Hall: 0161 485 3708 / www.bramallhall.org.ukBury Art Gallery & Museum: 0161 253 5878 / www.bury.gov.uk/eventsChester Zoo: www.chesterzoo.orgEast Lancashire Railway: 0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.ukGulliver’s World: 01925 444888 / www.gulliversfun.co.ukImperial War Museum North: 0161 836 4000 / www.iwm.org.ukKids Car Boot & Swap Shop: 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.ukLegoland Discovery Centre: 0871 222 2662 / www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.ukLyme Park: 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.ukManchester Art Gallery: 0161 235 888 / www.manchestergalleries.orgPeople’s History Museum: 0161 838 9190 / www.phm.org.ukQuarry Bank Mill: 01625 445896 / www.nationaltrust.org.ukThe Manchester Museum: 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museumWorsley Festival: www.worsley.org.uk

Tues 16 & Thurs 18 AugBury Art Gallery & MuseumYoung Creatives – Summer Fun10.30am – 12pm, Age 4-12£2 per child. Places are limited

Wed 17 AugPeople’s History MuseumPrint a bag1.30pm – 3.30pm, All ages, £2, drop in

Thurs 18 AugBramall HallRag Rugs & Looms2pm – 3.30pm, Age 8-13£3 Booking essential

Fri 19 AugLyme ParkKeeping up Appearances at Lyme12pm – 4.30pm, Free eventNormal admission charges apply.

Sat 20 & Sun 21 AugManchester Art GalleryFar, Far AwayBuild an imaginary world1pm – 3pm (sign in from 12.30pm)Free, drop in

Tues 23 AugLyme ParkArty Party1pm – 3pm, All ages, Free eventNormal admission charges apply.People’s History MuseumThe Little People’s History Museum –Beeing Special11am – 12pm, Under 5s, £1 per childBooking advised

Tues 23 & Thurs 25 AugBury Art Gallery & MuseumYoung Creatives – Summer Fun10.30am – 12pm, Age 4-12£2 per child. Places are limited.

Wed 24 AugPeople’s History MuseumBuild a banner1.30pm – 3.30pm, All ages, £1, drop in

Fri 26 AugLyme ParkJammy Dodgers1pm – 3pm, Children £5Normal admission charges applyManchester MuseumMagic Carpet11am – 12pm, Under 5s, £1 per child.Book from 19 Aug.

Tues 30 AugBury Art Gallery & MuseumYoung Creatives – Summer Fun10.30am – 12pm, Age 4-12, £2 per child.Places are limited

Wed 31 AugPeople’s History MuseumFunky Felt Flowers1.30pm & 2.30pm, Age 5+, £2 Booking advised

For a guide to what’s on at theatres in yourarea, go to www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

families manchester issue 28 july aug 2011

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