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On yer bike

27/ 8/2008

CYCLING fans can head to Salford for the first major cycling event after the Beijing Olympics.

The Salford Nocturne, held around the Lowry, Salford Quays, on Saturday, provides a handy opportunity to welcome home some of the 2008 Games’ stars.

Chris Hoy is due to be among a wealth of famous names competing in the full race programme, which includes an Elite Women’s race, 2012 Olympic Challenge and a Celebrity All Star Race. Spectators will have plenty to see and do, with attractions including beer tents, food stalls and exhibitions from 5pm to 10pm. To find out more go to www.salfordnocturne.com.

VISITORS to Lyme Park in Stockport can now start their day trip quite differently. The Tudor house-cum-Italianate palace is offering a free ‘welcome CD’ – a first for National Trust property – for visitors when they initially arrive at the car park. They can pop it on in the car and listen to this introduction with its fun facts about Lyme, and even quizzes for the children, on the mile-long drive to the house. It’s a clever way to fill in this time but also to arm everyone with useful information so they can get the most out of their visit. Afterwards, they get to keep the CD.

IF you have ever wanted to try out the ancient art of brass rubbing go along to Bramall Hall this Friday. It’s the last of a series of brass rubbing sessions from 1pm to 4pm for all the family to enjoy. It costs only 75p, depending on the size of the brass, and you only need to book for parties of eight people or more. Bramall Hall itself, off Hall Road in Bramhall, it well worth a visit and is a great example of a Cheshire black and white timber framed manor house dating back to medieval England. For more details ring 0161 485 3708.

THE final weeks of the long summer holidays from school can prove taxing for parents and children alike – but a fun day in Urmston on Sunday promises a real boost for everyone. The Go Kiddy Karts Summer Fun Day is being held at the George Carnall Leisure Centre with go-karting, a giant obstacle course, bouncy castle, giant colour slide, walkabout puppet show and children’s entertainers among the fun. It costs £6 per child with no time restrictions, runs from 10am to 5pm and adults and under threes go free. To find out more information call 07956 557 653.

TAKE a picnic and enjoy open-air theatre on Saturday at delightful Dunham Massey. Children aged from three to seven will particularly enjoy this quirky adaptation of the classic children’s tale The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse set in the surroundings of this lovely old house and parkland. The show starts at 4.30pm and tickets are £6 for adults, £4 for children. Ring Dunham to find out more on 0161 941 1025.

INTERESTED in fanzines? Go along to Urbis on Saturday for a day of free events to enthral. Manchster Zinefest 08 takes place from 11am to 8pm and consists of workshops, discussions and readings about the importance of the fanzine in today’s society. For more details ring the Cathedral Gardens venue on 0161 605 8200.

JOURNEY out to Chatsworth House in Bakewell, Derbyshire, this weekend to sample the delights of its three-day Country Fair. The fair is being held on August 29, 30 and 31 and not last weekend, as was previously reported. Apologies for any confusion caused. The Palace of the Peak not only offers a stunning stately home to visit but also lovely grounds that are the venue for the spectacular outdoor event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There’s everything from massed pipe and military bands to hot air balloons, parachuting and more than 300 varied trade stands. And TV gardening personality Alan Titchmarsh will be visiting. There’s a Grand Ring programme with displays ranging from a vintage car parade to terrier racing. Go to www.countryfairoffice.co.uk for more information or ring 01328 821 821.