A popular garden centre in Greater Manchester is hosting interactive gardening workshops for kids this summer.
The best bit? They’re absolutely free to get involved with.
With the summer break right around the corner now, there’s bound to be plenty of parents, carers, and guardians across our region who are looking for a variety of ways to keep the kids entertained and educated while schools are out for six full weeks – especially if this classic rainy Manchester weather continues.
Thankfully, Dobbies has got you covered, and that’s because little Mancs can head on down to the garden centre chain’s Altrincham store in a couple of weeks time to get stuck into some special hands-on ‘show and tell’ gardening classes.
The interactive ‘Little Seedlings Club’ workshop – which is called Show and Tell and Growing, and is suitable for children between the ages of four and 10 – is happening on Sunday 4 August, and is all sounding set to be a fun and engaging space for children to learn all about plants, wildlife, and the environment.
Dobbies in Altrincham is hosting free interactive gardening workshops for kids this summer / Credit: Dobbies
The free sessions includes a demonstration by Dobbies’ staff, who’ll guide the budding gardeners through the various stages of plant growth, before sharing hints and tips on how to grow strong and healthy plants.
Children will also get to discover the different parts of plants and their roles, as well as get to explore all the diverse habitats where plants can grow.
The special ‘show and tell’ section of the sessions then encourages kids to bring a plant they’ve been growing and nurturing at home, so they can share their green-fingered achievements with the group.
Hannah McAtamney, who runs the Little Seedlings Club at Dobbies, says she’s passionate about helping children to connect with nature at a young age, as she hopes this will help to inspire “the next generation of gardeners”.
Children will get to discover the different parts of plants and their roles / Credit: Chris Humphreys (via Dobbies PR on Instagram)
Speaking ahead of the workshop in a couple of weeks time, Hannah commented: “Our Little Seedling Club workshops at Dobbies’ Altrincham store are really popular with families in the area, and we can’t wait to take kids on a journey of discovery by exploring the lifecycle of plants, and the benefits and importance of gardening and growing.
“We’re looking forward to seeing some of the plants they are growing at home, and we know they will be excited to show them off too.”
The Little Seedlings Club Show and Tell and Growing workshops at Dobbies in Altrincham will run on Sunday 3 August, with two sessions on the day – one at 10:15am, and one at 11:30am.
Huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech to open at Quayside MediaCity
Emily Sergeant
Time to get practicing your swing, as a huge new premium indoor golf venue is opening up over in Salford this autumn.
Founded by a local PGA Professional and spanning a whopping 4,500 sq ft of state-of-the-art space, TeeClub is set to be a revolutionary new venture where cutting-edge technology meets luxurious comfort at the unique waterside destination.
TeeClub will provide a first-of-its-kind premium environment with seven high-tech Trackman simulators, taking players to more than 450 world-famous courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and more.
The new venue is also launching a partnership with sports equipment brand TaylorMade, so golf fans can either bring their own clubs to use on the day, or make use of TaylorMade equipment available if needed.
Resident PGA professionals will offer personalised lessons with AI-driven video analysis when the venue opens later this year, while a dedicated club fitter will make sure every swing is matched with the right equipment.
There’ll also be a club shop stocking TaylorMade gear alongside apparel from Manchester-based brand, Concrete Links Co.
The new venue is designed for both individuals and businesses alike, and will offer exclusive memberships and corporate packages, as well as semi-private bays and interactive gaming modes, making it an ideal place for team-building events or relaxed evenings with friends.
A huge new premium indoor golf venue with ‘cutting-edge’ tech is opening at Quayside MediaCity / Credit: Supplied
There’ll also be bar on site serving coffee, pizzas, snacks, wine, and craft beers.
“Our vision for TeeClub is to create an indoor golf experience that combines the authenticity of the sport with modern luxury,” commented Nick Holmes, who is a PGA Professional and the Director of Golf at TeeClub, ahead of the venue opening this autumn.
“Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn, a corporate group hosting an event, or an experienced golfer, TeeClub will provide the tools, technology, and atmosphere.”
TeeClub is set to open at Quayside this autumn, but an official launch date is yet to be confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.
Emily Sergeant -
10th July 2024 
