Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Partly cloudyMagazine
Santa Claus' flying visits
by Angela Kelly1/12/2006
FESTIVE fun for all the family is on offer around Greater
Manchester - with a particularly hectic pre-Christmas diary for
Santa!
He's down on the farm at Tatton Park at weekends this month,
starting tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, when he's happy to listen
to what little ones want for December 25.
He will be helping introduce them to their favourite animals, like
donkeys, pigs and horses and there is also a traditional Nativity
scene.
These enjoyable sessions run from 11am to 3pm and include
story-telling and face-painting. Cost is £3 for adults and £3 for
children plus normal park entry charges.
Tatton's magnificent mansion house will also be specially
decorated, with a guided tour, warm glass of mulled wine, coffee
and mince pies plus creative Christmas demonstrations on Tuesday
from 2pm to 4pm.
This special session costs £15 each, adults only, as well as normal
park vehicle entry charges. Booking is essential on 01625 534428.
You can also find out more about seasonal events at this
spectacular venue, including Tatton by Candlelight and Christmas
concerts.
Santa is in Stretford tomorrow, at the Mall in Chester Road, and
youngsters can pop in to make their Christmas wishes from 11.30am
to 1.30pm.
He is also visiting the Lavender Barn, at Dog Farm, in School Lane,
Dunham, from 10.30am to 3.30pm tomorrow and on Sunday. He's there
at the invitation of Urmston Lions and there's no charge to see
him, although a donation towards the Lions' charity work would be
very welcome.
And if you're looking for Christmas crafts on an environmental
theme, Reddish Vale Country Park in Stockport is the place to be on
Sunday. There is a card and craft-making session at noon that's
free and open to all the family. For more details and to book, ring
the park on 0161 477 5637 or 0161 474 4512.
STORY-TELLING sessions to keep youngsters amused will be
held at Quarry Bank Mill in Wilmslow tomorrow (Saturday) and
Sunday.
Children of all ages can enjoy the Adventures Of Jack The Giant
Killer and A Christmas Carol between 11am and 4pm, all in the
atmospheric Victorian setting of the Mill Manager's Office at this
late 18th century venue.
There are plenty of other attractions at the former mill. Ring
01625 527468 for more details.
CITY centre Manchester has plenty of seasonal
attractions during December - including a special high-flying
Christmas treat!
The famous Wheel of Manchester
(pictured) is back in
Exchange Square, offering a bird's eye view across the city
rooftops. It operates 10am to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday, 10am to
midnight on Friday and 9am to midnight on Saturday. Ticket prices
are adults £6, children, aged four to 12, £4. Children aged three
and under go free.
FOOTBALL fans will find a visit to The Lowry at Salford
Quays particularly worthwhile from tomorrow. To mark the 40th
anniversary of England's World Cup victory, it is showing an
exhibition called Goal! featuring photographs from The Guardian and
The Observer taken at various World Cup tournaments.
It showcases pictures shot from 1966 onwards by award-winning
photographers Tom Jenkins, Frank Baron, Mike King, Neil Libbert and
Eamonn McCabe - including this year's finals in Germany - and has
memorabilia
collected over the years by staff
reporters.
For more details, ring 0870 787 5780.
ENJOY transport from the past at a special Christmas
festival at the Manchester Museum of Transport in Cheetham
Hill.
It takes place tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, with a free heritage
bus service operating both days linking the museum with Manchester
Victoria and using two vehicles from the museum's extensive
collection.
It's an opportunity not only to see all kinds of buses from the
city's past but also to buy transport memorabilia, including books,
models, photos and spare parts.
To find out more, contact the museum in Boyle Street on 0161 205
2122.
GET out and about to appreciate some of the area's rural
delights this weekend with two interesting events in the Stockport
area.
Etherow Country Park is the start venue tomorrow at 10.30am for a
chance to Walk The Midshires Way from Compstall to Stockport,
linking
in Chadkirk, Vernon and Reddish Vale
parks.
It's open to all, but you need to book and check transport
arrangements first on 0161 477 5637.
And on Sunday, there is Bird Watching For Beginners at the Chadkirk
country estate when the High Peak RSPB group and Stockport Council
get together to give expert help identifying birds in the garden
and elsewhere.
The walks are over variable terrain on paths that may be muddy and
hilly, so you will need suitable footwear and clothing.
The meeting point is Chadkirk Chapel and the
event runs from 9am to noon. It's free but places are limited so
book first on 0161 474 4512.
RAIL enthusiasts are likely to flock to an event in
Altrincham next Friday.
As part of the Altrincham Electric Railway Preservation Society's
winter lectures, Bob Miller will be giving an illustrated
presentation on Steam In North Wales. It takes place at Altrincham
Methodist Church Hall at 7.30pm and costs £3. Details from Andrew
Macfarlane on 0161 928 9394.
IF you're looking for different festive entertainment, two
events in Altrincham promise to tickle the funnybone!
From Sunday until next Saturday, comedian and folk DJ Mike Harding
is staging Comfort & Joy, at the Club Theatre, in Oxford Road.
And at The Garrick Playhouse, in Barrington Road, Fawlty Towers
promises all the side-splitting enjoyment of life in the worst
hotel in England.
Contact the Club Theatre on 0161 928 1113 and The Garrick on 0161
912 1677 about these evening performances.
Got an opinion you want to share?| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| AA | 7.9% |
| Sainsbury's Personal Loan | 8.2% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Lloyds TSB | 8.9% |
| Abbey Personal Loan | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
4.50% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
1.75% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
2.25% |