Magazine


Days out

Conrad Astley
16/12/2005

SANTA Claus and steam trains - it doesn't get much better than that if you're a child.

A family day out is being organised on the East Lancashire Railway.

Santa will be visiting the special steam-hauled trains, running from Bury to Ramsbottom and back, presenting every child with a Christmas gift, while giving sherry and mince pies to adults.

The trains leave Bolton Street station in Bury six times a day on Saturday, Sunday and Thursday, as well as next Friday (December 23) and Christmas Eve.

Tickets cost £9.50 for adults, and £8.50 for children. However, it is essential to book ahead by calling 764 7790 or visiting www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk

NEGOTIATING pre-Christmas queues of traffic at the Trafford Centre may not be everyone's idea of fun, but store bosses have organised events to make the visit more appealing.

There will be a series of festive musical performances in the mall, with the Poynton Commodores performing on Peel Avenue until 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, and the Salvation Army giving renditions there on Monday night.

The Sale Handbell Ringers will be at the South Dome on Wednesday evening, while the Salvation Army will be back on Thursday evening.

There will also be a series of festive activities at the John Lewis store, with a cracker making demonstration in the stationery department today (Friday), a seasonal cookery demonstration on Saturday, and face painting and balloon modelling for youngsters on December 23.

Santa's grotto is open at the centre every day until Christmas Eve, with children having the opportunity to visit Father Christmas, receive a gift or have a photograph taken with him.

The grotto, near The Orient's cinema, is open until 9pm Monday to Friday, until 8pm on Saturday, 6pm on Sunday, and 5pm on Christmas Eve.

YOUNGSTERS can learn how to make their own Christmas decorations during a workshop next week.

Experts at the People's History Museum will be demonstrating how to make paper lanterns or "stained glass" window hangings.

The workshop, which costs £1 per person and is suitable for all ages, is being held from 1.30-3.30pm next Wednesday (December 21). Call the Bridge Street museum on 839 6061.


Have your say
 
Have your say Got an opinion you want to share?
Register now and have your comments heard.

Register now


 
Personal Finance
 

Customers with a 'good' credit profile
Company Typical APR
Platinum Exclusive Loan 7.8%
Bank of Scotland (Semi-exclusive) 8.6%
Halifax (Semi-exclusive) 8.6%
Alliance & Leicester 8.7%
Sainsbury's Personal Loan 8.9%
HASH(0x2b600ffbe1d0)
Provider AER*
ICICI BANK
HiSAVE Savings Account 		5.50%

HASH(0x2b600c0764b0) 		HASH(0x2b600f4d7840)
FIRST DIRECT
Everyday e-Saver 		2.75%
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER
Online Tracker 		6.00%
ABBEY
Instant Access Saver (Special Issue 2) 		6.00%
ING DIRECT
Savings Account 		6.00%
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER
eSaver - Issue 2 		6.30%
ABBEY
eSaver Direct 		6.00%
POST OFFICE
Instant Saver 		3.75%

HASH(0x2b600cccacd0) 		HASH(0x2b600f4d7ce0)
Fees may apply