Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Partly sunnyMagazine
Take a route to adventure
by Angela Kelly16/ 2/2007
IT'S time to wrap up warm and make the most of the many
attractions around Greater Manchester offering activities in the
fresh air!
On Wednesday, at Reddish Vale Country Park, in Stockport, for
example, there's an opportunity to enjoy Orienteering For
Beginners, a new and improved course.
The easy routes are accessible and close to the Visitor Centre and
the only charge is £1 for the map. Find out more by ringing 0161
477 5637.
And you can plan now to enjoy your own garden with help from
experts at Stockport Museum, which is running sessions on Bird Box
Building. These take place on Wednesday, 1pm to 3.30pm, at the
museum in Vernon Park, and cost is £2.50 per box.
Booking is essential, by phoning 0161 474 4460.
Next Friday, there is another session at the museum with enjoyment
of nature in mind when visitors can make a bird feeder. This
practical session runs from 1pm to 2.30pm, at a cost of £1.50 per
feeder. You must book beforehand.
YOUNGSTERS still on half-term holiday can use up their
energy in a variety of events designed specially for them.
Urbis in Cathedral Gardens in the city centre is running City
Spotlight tomorrow (Saturday) and the Saturday after for six to 10
year-olds.
This is a workshop for youngsters who dream of stardom and
introduces many styles of performance, including drama, dance and
music, inviting them to express their feelings about city
life.
It's free and runs from noon. To find out more, ring Urbis on 0161
605 8200.
And at the Hat Works, in Wellington Road South, Stockport, on
Sunday there is the ultimate dressing up session, when youngsters
can time-travel back to the 1700s to live like the Georgians.
They can try on wigs and clothes and create their very own framed
portrait.
This event is designed for eight to 12-year-olds and costs £3.
Booking is essential on 0845 8330975. On Monday and Tuesday, four
to 11-year-olds can design their own textile bags there, using
paints, beads, sequins, buttons and a range of other fun materials.
This runs from 10.30am to noon and 1pm to 2.30pm. Book
beforehand.
And on Wednesday to Friday next week, there is a fun musical
workshop. Aimed at four to 11-year-olds, it encourages everyone to
make their own musical instrument - maracas, tambourines and drums
- to create loud music!
It runs from 10.30am to noon and 1pm to 2.30pm, with booking
essential.
SPORTS fans are in for a feast next week when top-class cycling and
water polo come to the city.
The Manchester Velodrome at Sportcity is the venue for the British
leg of cycling's UCI Track World Cup from next Friday to Sunday.
Britain has high hopes for medals in both the men's and women's
events. Former world champions Chris Newton and Rob Hayles head a
strong British men's pursuit team and Chris Hoy is a likely
contender for the kilometre crown.
Victoria Pendleton is the Brit to watch in the women's sprinting.
For ticket details, ring 08712 302621.
The Manchester Aquatic Centre is the venue next weekend for the
Great Britain Water Polo Championships from Friday to Sunday.
Top clubs in the country will be competing for the national title.
For more information, ring 0161 274 1241.
CHILDREN can learn about the roles and experiences of
animals during times of war at Imperial War Museum North at Salford
Quays.
This free attraction has a first-class programme for young
visitors, including the interactive tours on the subject of animals
every Saturday and Sunday this month at 1.30pm. This incorporates
puppets, performance and artefacts in the fascinating true stories
of brave animals.
Also at the museum on Sunday are short musical performances
reflecting the popular culture of the Second World War to
complement the IWMN's exhibition Witness 2, which explores the art
of the conflict.
Music Box: The Forties Flyers is in the museum's main exhibition
space at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. To find out more, ring IWMN on 0161
836 4000.
A FASCINATING view of Rhyl in North Wales is presented by
film-maker Sophie MacCorquodale at Manchester Art Gallery.
Waiting For The Day is the title of the film made in a series of
locations including the Sun Centre, caravan sites, amusement
arcades and some of the seaside resort's older buildings. Local
residents and holidaymakers of all ages appear in this entertaining
film, which is free and runs from tomorrow (Saturday) until Sunday,
April 8.
To find out more, ring the gallery in Mosley Street on 0161 235
8888.
TOMORROW (Saturday) from 11am-4pm, the Manchester Museum is
taging a Big Saturday Dinosaur Day.
Visitors can bring their own fossils to be identified and take part
in dinosaur drawing with Eric the Velociraptor, who is on display
for the first time in 10 years.
There is also a chance to handle objects and minerals at the
handling table, learn about a conservation project and take part in
plesiosaur reconstruction activities and fossil rubbing.
And there will also be a family talk and gallery tour with music
from RNCM musicians.
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 |
3.55% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
1.75% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
2.25% |