Gootopia reaches Cheshire

Gootopia, the UK’s number one slime-making attraction, has oozed it’s way to Cheshire.

Set within the beautiful countryside at Gate Farm, Nantwich, Gootopia Cheshire is a brand-new, purpose-built experience designed for year-round fun. From slime-making workshops and messy play sessions to birthday parties and school science trips, this vibrant new space promises hands-on, screen-free joy for kids of all ages.

Local children’s activity expert Helen Wilson, who is leading the Cheshire site, says:

“There’s nothing else quite like Gootopia—it’s fun, it’s creative, and it brings families together. We’ve created a warm, welcoming space where kids (and adults!) can explore, learn, and make memories (and mess!) in a safe environment.”

FINANCE COMMUNITY EXPERT: Claritas Wealth

Financial planning – a journey not a destination

by Tim Walsham, Claritas Wealth

I realise that’s all a bit ‘X Factor’. Everyone is on a journey these days!

In the case of financial planning though it really is a journey.

The idea that we’ll reach a stage of our lives when everything is all sorted is pretty fanciful. There’s a great book by Oliver Burkeman called ‘Meditations for Mortals’ where he quotes a popular American social commentator/philosopher, Sam Harris.

Harris said that he finally realised in his 40s that he had been waiting for and expecting a stage in his life when he’d figured everything out and all of the issues and problems in his life fell away because he’d worked through them all. It was freeing when he realised that every stage of life has it’s own challenges to be dealt with and that will never change.

As an example, we may think that we’ll stop worrying about our children when they grow up but that’s not the case. We just have different worries as we never stop being a parent.

So if we create a financial plan now where we work out what’s important to you and try and plan for it, the one thing we know is that the plan will be wrong. That’s not to say it’s a worthless exercise; we’re just having the best stab at it now as we can.

The next time we revisit the plan we’ll have another best effort and ‘course correct’ as required. Sometimes these will be minor adjustments and sometimes life throws a complete curve-ball and major revisions are required. That’s life.

All I’d say is that in the long run this approach to financial planning really works. I’ve been creating financial plans for my clients for over two decades and the regular ‘course correcting’ keeps us on the right path, even if there is no final destination!

It’s Competition Time!

Welcome to the Summer!

Here’s a little project for all the creative young people across Greater Manchester.

Click on the below image and print a copy of your blank colouring sheet.

Please send a photo of your artwork to news@communitynewsgm.co.uk including your name and age.

Our favourite entry in each age category will win a prize and be printed in the September issue of your local Post Newspaper!

Age categories: 8 and under, 9 - 14.

Please send your finished entry by 20 August to be in with a chance to win!

Many thanks to our sponsors: Clifford Johnston & Co. Solicitors and The Burbs, and many thanks to our prize donors: The Burbs, Heaton Norris Community Centre, Make A Difference, Marple Stationery Supplies, Zebra Pens, Maped Helix and Salford Museum.

Happy holidays!

MONEY MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY EXPERT: Stockport Credit Union

Build Financial Resilience

by Stockport Credit Union

Managing your money well doesn’t require a big income or complex financial tools — it starts with small, consistent habits.

Start Small, Think Big

Saving even a small amount regularly can make a big difference. It helps you build a routine, develop discipline, and create a financial buffer for life’s unexpected moments. According to recent research, 1 in 6 UK adults (16%) have no savings at all, and 2 in 5 (39%) have £1,000 or less. That means millions of people would struggle to cover a single month’s expenses if faced with an emergency.

By saving just a few pounds a week, you can start to change that. The best process is to set up regular savings that suit your budget. Over time, those small amounts add up — giving you peace of mind and more control over your finances.

Plan Ahead for Christmas

We all know how expensive the festive season can be. That’s why we offer a Christmas Savings Account—a simple way to save throughout the year and access your funds in October, just in time for the holidays. It’s a great way to avoid the stress of last-minute borrowing or overspending.

With 23% of Brits having £200 or less in savings, planning ahead for Christmas can make a huge difference. Our members tell us that having a dedicated pot for festive spending helps them enjoy the season without the financial hangover in January.

Borrow Better, Save Smarter

Sometimes, borrowing is unavoidable. Whether it’s for car repairs, school uniforms, or unexpected bills, ethical and affordable loans are available that work differently from high-cost lenders. You can even save while you repay.

That means by the time your loan is paid off, you’ve also built up a savings pot — so next time, you might not need to borrow at all. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to manage your money.

Why It Matters

Recent reports show that 1 in 5 UK adults have less than £100 in cash savings, and 10% have no savings at all. These figures highlight just how important it is to build financial resilience — especially in uncertain times.

Whether you’re saving for Christmas, building an emergency fund, or looking for a fair loan, there’s lots of advice available.