Bats Lead Way in Half-term Activities

BATS have the starring role in this month’s autumn half-term activities organised by Tameside Council.

In a double bill on Wednesday, October 26, children can get “Batty about Bats” in a free drop-in workshop at Stalybridge Civic Hall, Trinity Street (noon to 3pm), helping them come home to roost.

Then, as dusk begins to settle, everyone’s welcome to be a bat detective by joining in a family autumnal walk to discover the noisy nocturnal world of bats. Tune into the echo-location of our urban bats and share some important and fascinating facts from our expert.

Meet outside the civic hall at 5.30pm.

No school holiday would be complete without some family theatre, and on Monday, 24 October, as part of the Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme, there will be two performances of “When another Dragon Roars” at Stalybridge Civic Hall (11am and 2pm).

The play, which fuses Altered Scale’s outstanding puppetry with Petite Ullaloom’s unique storytelling style, offers children aged five to 10 a thoughtful and heartwarming look at emotions told with charm and humour.

Like dragons, emotions are tricky beasts. Sometimes they need to be tamed, sometimes they need to be released.

Another show – “Grandad Anansi” – takes place at the civic hall on Sunday, October 16, to mark Black History Month (11am and 2pm).

It’s an uplifting tale of love, courage and letting go presented by Half Moon and Z Arts that’s ideal for children aged four to nine.

For more information on both productions call 0161 342 4144.

Tameside’s libraries will be hosting activities based on Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, for four to 11-year-olds. These include crafts, games and a treasure hunt. There’s no need to book, just come along on the day.

Monday, 24 October, 10.30 to 11.30am, Droylsden; Tuesday, 25 October, 11am to noon, Dukinfield; Thursday, 27 October, 2.15 to 3.15pm, Hattersley; Friday, 28 October, 3 to 4pm, Ashton.

At Portland Basin Museum, Ashton, there are Make, Do and Play artist-led craft sessions on the Tuesday and Thursday (11am to 3pm) at a cost of £1.25 per child. There’s a self-led craft table at the Astley Cheetham Gallery, Stalybridge.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture, heritage and digital inclusivity, said: “Our teams have once again put together a varied and interesting half-term programme that’s perfect for the time of year and has plenty to interest and excite children.

 “They have done a wonderful job in organising these activities and I’m sure everyone will find them very enjoyable.”