Busy Activities Programme for Half-term

CRAFTS are at the heart of Tameside Council’s programme of activities for the spring half-term break (February 12 to 16).

Portland Basin Museum, Ashton, has organised Make, Do and Play holiday workshops for many years but the latest two are a little bit different.

On Tuesday, 13 February, families get the chance to make their own pop-up St Valentine’s Day cards for that someone special.

Two days later, “All Creatures Great and Small” offers the chance to create your own creatures from paper and card. You could choose from a colourful spirally snail, a long wiggly caterpillar, a beautiful bird, or create your own animal or mini-beast.

Both events take place from 11am to 3pm, cost £1.30 per person, and are suitable for all ages. However, children must be supervised at all times.

Portland Basin, which is free to enter, has a host of other activities, including the Tameside at Leisure exhibition and the 100-year-old street. Children aged five and under will love the Nuts and Bolts educational play area.

Free Make me a Story sessions, at Tameside’s libraries, comprise crafts, games and a treasure hunt with a storytelling theme, and are ideal for children aged four to 11.

Monday, 12 February (10 to 11am), Hyde Library, Hyde Town Hall; Wednesday, 14 February (2 to 3pm), Stalybridge Library, Trinity Street; Thursday, 15 February (2.30 to 3.30pm), Denton Library, Denton Town Hall, and Friday, 16 February (10.30 to 11.30am) Mossley Library, George Lawton Hall.

There’s no need to book, just come along on the day.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture, heritage and digital inclusivity, said: “All children love crafts, games and treasure hunts, so there’s lots to do this half-term, whatever the weather.

“Portland Basin has a beautiful, waterside location. If the weather’s good, it’s a great place for taking a walk or a bike ride by the canal.”