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Get digging this summer

4/ 6/2008

MAKE the most of the summer weather by getting out and about – there are plenty of spots for families to visit.

Don wellies and take a spade along to Chadkirk Chapel in Stockport on Saturday when the Friends of Chadkirk Chapel and estate will hold a working garden party in the grounds around the historic church.

It runs from 1.30pm and every age group can take part in the outdoor work – just drop in to the Romiley church or ring 0161 480 1460 to find out more.

There’s a Health and Wild Flower Walk in Stockport’s Reddish Park on Wednesday. This is free, open to all and takes place from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Meet at South Reddish Park on Greg Street.

Also on Wednesday, there’s a free gentle stroll through some of Tameside’s prettiest countryside around Hurst Clough and Great Wood on a two-and-a-half-hour walk with some moderate ascents.

Meet at 1pm at Hurst Clough car park, opposite the Wagon pub in Broadbottom Road, Mottram.

And on Thursday, discover local birdlife on an easy and relaxing walk around Greenfield with nature expert Chris Kellett.

The two-hour stroll sets off at 7.30pm from the lay-by opposite the Royal George Hotel on Manchester Road, Greenfield, Oldham.

For more information about either walk ring the countryside ranger service on 0161 330 9613.

FORGET Lamborghinis – in the 19th century orchids were among the wealthy’s most treasured possessions. For one week only, Tatton Park will be blooming with the flower’s finest specimens. Staged by the North of England Orchid Society and part of the county’s Year of Gardens programme, the event celebrates all that is rare and beautiful about these exotic plants. The mansion staterooms will provide a backdrop for magnificent orchid themed displays, while orchids will be on view in Tatton’s Orchid House. Free potting demonstrations will take place throughout the week. The festival starts with the Orchid Show on Saturday and Sunday and will run until Sunday, June 15. Opening hours and charges vary – for details ring Tatton on 01625 374435 or visit www.orchid.org.uk.

PLATT Fields Park is hosting a family fun day over the weekend with food and entertainment from around the world. FEAST! Picnic by the Lake, run by Streets Ahead, is a packed programme of events over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The line up includes an outdoor theatre, circus, musicians, magic, puppetry, great food and other activities, including boating on the lake and storytelling for children and adults alike. Now in its third year, the picnic is a chance for the public to share food with others drawn from across Manchester’s diverse cultural backgrounds. FEAST! takes place on Friday, June 6 from 7pm to 11pm, on Saturday, June 7 from 5pm to 11pm and on Sunday, June 8 from 1pm to 6pm. Admission costs £3 per car and more information can be found by ringing 0161 224 0020 or at www.streetsahead.org.uk.

FOOTBALL fans have a last chance to enjoy a sport themed exhibition at the National Football Museum in Preston. The Art of Football reveals many of the world’s finest examples of football artwork from the 19th and 20th centuries in a display which finishes on Sunday. Discover how depictions of the sport have changed over the years at the venue, based on fittingly named Sir Tom Finney Way. There’s plenty to see here, from the ball from the 1996 World Cup Final to Maradona’s shirt from the ‘hand of God’ game and the oldest FA Cup trophy. Find out more by ringing 01772 908442 or visiting www.nationalfootballmuseum.com.

CHILDREN can get creative at Manchester Art Gallery with two club events taking place over the next two weekends. This weekend, there’s the Family Art Club – a session for six to 11-year-olds and their families which meets on the first Saturday of each month. There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy at this free event, which runs from 1pm to 3pm. For details ring the Mosley Street gallery on 0161 235 8888.

TAKE children aged eight and over to Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archive on Tuesday for an arresting visit! The museum, in the Northern Quarter’s Newton Street, has a wealth of enthralling exhibits including its current exhibition on the Commonwealth. Add to that police uniforms from different countries and you’ve got the makings of a successful trip out. Go along from 10.30am to 3.30pm or ring 0161 856 3287/4500.

FANS of vintage and classic cars could head to Ashton under Lyne this Sunday. Bentleys and Bloomers is a rally of more than 50 vintage and classic cars and bikes. And as well as the horsepower, there’s flower power in the shape of Park Bridge – and Tameside’s – entry in the Britain in Bloom competition. It all takes place from 11am to 4.30pm at Park Bridge Heritage Centre. Find out more by ringing 0161 330 9613.