Families Glasgow March - April 2014

Glasgow’s really useful magazine for families with children aged 0-12

FRE E!

Plea se t

ake a

cop y

Issue 44 Mar/Apr 2014

Easter Activities Baby & Mum Family Breaks Jg\Z`Xc`jk 9XYp Xe[ Kf[[c\i Jn`dd`e^ :cXjj\j Places available from Birth-5 years

www.somersetnursery.com 6 Fitzroy Place Glasgow G3 7RH

CLEMENTINE BLUE Online shop for baby and toddler clothes and accessories

See our beautiful range at www.clementineblue.co.uk We also offer bespoke gift boxes Email claire@clementineblue.co.uk Call 07717 451250

:fd\ flk f] pfli j_\cc Xe[ c\Xie kf jn`d k_\ Klikc\ Kfkj nXp <dX`c lj Xk cXli\c%Yif[`\7klikc\kfkj%Zfd fi ZXcc fe './-' -(/ ,/nnn%klikc\kfkj%Zfd

News & Views

In this issue…

2-5

News and Views

6-7

Clubs & Classes News

Junior Award Scheme for Schools!

Junior Award Scheme for Schools (JASS) is an accredited learning programme for young people. Jass is being delivered by a growing number of schools and educational establishments nationally.

8-9

Baby & Mum

World Book Day This year’s World Book Day hits the shelves on 6 March, and they need your help! Which books have changed your life? Which books thrill you, scare you, make you laugh? Which books do your

JASS develops the whole individual by offering recognition in four key areas – regular physical activity (Get Active Stay Active), exploring a personal interest (My Interests), working for the good of the community or the environment (Me and My World) and completing an outdoor activity or challenge (Adventure).

It is aligned with the objectives of Curriculum for Excellence and designed so that participants move from Bronze, to Silver and then to Gold with increasing levels of learning and challenge. JASS is very flexible; young people can join in with JASS at any level and each JASS programme can be constructed to meet the needs of the individuals or to tie in with local interests or projects.

One parent who is also a teacher commented “JASS is an absolutely fantastic way of encouraging and empowering young people, as well as recognising their achievements. It fits perfectly into the curriculum for excellence and it is a useful tool to evidence work being done.”

For more information contact Joan Alexander, JASS Development Officer, joan@jassschools.org.uk children devour again and again?

Nominate your favourites now at www.worldbookday.com. World Book Day is the biggest celebration of books anywhere, with millions and millions of book tokens given out, great free books for kids plus events taking place in schools, libraries and bookshops. Don’t miss out – register online to keep up to date with the exciting Big Booky Events and to get your free books.

Get in touch Editor: Anna Wignall 10-11 Family Breaks

editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk 07796 946 661

Keep up to date at www.familiesglasgow.co.uk or find us on facebook Next issue - May/June. Special features: Family breaks, Get Set for Summer.

Copy deadline: 1 April.

Special ad rates and offers available, call or email to find out more.

We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers cannot be held responsible for the claims made by advertisers.

DON’T MISS OUT - if you run a Glasgow business whether it’s a playgroup, cafe, nursery, hotel, soft play, activity class, shop, leisure centre etc and you would like copies of Families Glasgow, let us know how many you require by emailing editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk

12-15 Easter Activities, Ideas & Things to Do 16-20 What’s on this Spring

Designed by kris@grafikfabrik.co.uk. Printed By Warners (Midlands) plc.

Families Glasgow copies are FREE and available through a selected network of distribution outlets through Glasgow.

Front page photo: Sainsbury’s TU Spring 14 Copyright: Families Glasgow Magazine January 2013.

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owners risk and, whilst every care is taken, neither Families Glasgow nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Families Glasgow is part of the Families group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

2

March/April 2014

Families Glasgow

Cadbury Easter Egg Trails Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve teamed up with Cadbury again to bring Easter Egg Trails to 45 National Trust for Scotland places across the country from Good Friday to Easter Monday!

Turn eggsplorer with us as you follow the trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury Egghead! Each of the trails is different â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a great excuse to try your hand at more than one!

In and around Glasgow, trails are taking place at

Greenbank Garden

Pollok House

The David Livingstone Centre

The Hill House

Holmwood

Geilson Garden

Ben Lomond

Culzean Castle and Country Park Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

For dates, times and info on the trails at all 45 places visit

www.nts.org.uk/Easter

a place for easter

The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410

News & Views From left: Sally Peters, Audrey Victor & Lisa Logan

Yogabellies classes for women and children across Glasgow

F as ina s av is nci ai tan al la c bl e e

Meet the passionate and committed YogaBellies Glasgow teachers and therapists who are delighted to offer authentic yoga classes, therapies and workshops for women and children at every stage of their lives including pregnancy and birth; for post-partum mum and baby and now also, yoga for children. Classes are available throughout Glasgow South Side, West End, Bearsden, East Renfrewshire and surrounding areas.

YogaBellies teachers are able to tailor a complete holistic programme for any woman’s specific needs from menstruation, through conception, pregnancy, post-partum and menopause.

In fact we offer classes for mother and child right up to the age of twelve and also offer YogaBELLES yoga classes just for women which focus on women’s health and wellbeing and natural cycles right up until post-menopausal.

Birth ROCKS mentors facilitate revolutionary birth preparation courses for mums and their birth partners and now offer brand new Baby ROCKS parent craft sessions to arm parents with knowledge and improve the wellbeing of both parents following the birth of their gorgeous new baby.

YogaBellies Mummy Therapists offer indulgent massage and beautiful holistic therapies especially for the perinatal period.

YogaBellies sessions incorporate a range of authentic yogic and holistic techniques which create a unique experience for our clients. Our sessions may incorporate traditional yoga asanas (postures); self-hypnosis and deep relaxation; unique YogaBellies touch therapies using our gorgeous own brand products for mother and baby or beautiful songs, games and positive life building experiences for infants and children.

YogaBellies classes are entirely unique and our class formula means that 86% of our class attendees have never set foot in a yoga class before. We make sure our classes are non-scary, nonthreatening, welcoming and open to all levels of practitioner. We believe that yoga is accessible to everyone.

To find your local YogaBellies teacher, therapist or to enquire about YogaBellies accredited Teacher Training just visit the website www.yogabellies.co.uk

New Snappy School Pack from Labels4Kids Labels4Kids can cater for any of your requirements after the closure of Cash’s name tapes. The new website includes the introduction of the snappy school pack, containing snap on tags and vinyl labels. The advantage of vinyl waterproof labels for all your non-clothing items, two bag tags and snap on snappy tags etched with a name. Snappy tags have the added benefit of being removable and reusable. Other new lines include personalised TSA luggage straps with security locks and sew on labels with presealed edges to stop fraying.

Sign up for the newsletter for updates and offers right to your inbox. You can also ‘like’ the Labels4Kids facebook page for competitions and more offers.

See www.labels4kids.com/fam and use “pass” for 10% off.

Small is beautiful At Belmont House School, we value every child for the individual that they are. Discover how your son or daughter could benefit from small class sizes, personal attention and a seamless transition from Nursery to Junior School and Junior through to Senior School.

Arrange a visit today to find out more 4

March/April 2014

Families Glasgow

Belmont House School Sandringham Avenue Newton Mearns Glasgow Tel: 0141 639 2922 www.belmontschool.co.uk

News & Views

What mums really want for Mother’s Day WArNING: ThIS IS A PAGE For DADS oNLY

mums, look elsewhere (or leave the magazine conveniently open on this page where it might be found by your other half…)

Psst, dads – want to know what mum really wants for Mothers’ Day? Here are some ideas to show her how much you care.

A family gathering

Mothering Sunday was originally a day-off from Lent, when servants were allowed to travel home to see their mums, and have a slap-up dinner together. Traditional presents were flowers and cakes – and you won’t go too far wrong if you stick to tradition.

What mum doesn’t love having the family all around one table, with cake and flowers thrown in? But mum’s not making the feast, or doing the washing up – oh no. Book her favourite restaurant or pub, or make the meal yourself - and make sure you wash up afterwards.

Breakfast in bed

Again, a traditional but excellent choice. Try making Jamie Oliver’s ridiculously easy American-style pancakes (1 cup each of flour and milk, plus one large egg: www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/ fruit-recipes/apple-pancakes-with-the-girls) with fruit and maple syrup, add flowers and a pot of tea, and Bob’s your auntie’s live-in lover. Follow up with a family walk – or take the kids off yourself to let her really enjoy that extended lie-in.

Time to herself

This is one thing we mums often crave more than anything, so organise her some proper “me time”. Book her a spa day or indulge her hobby (yoga/writing/cookery) with a weekend course.

If she doesn’t get to see her closest friends enough, maybe you could secretly liaise with them and organise a weekend away?

You’ll be rolling in Brownie points after any of these.

Time with you, alone

Chances are, since the kids came along, life’s been a little (or a lot) less romantic. Mothers’ Day is the perfect time to put this right, with a hotel reservation slipped inside the card and the grandparents on standby for next weekend. Happy days all round.

Personalised works of art

If home is where your woman’s heart is, then a few personal touches to beautify it won’t go far wrong. Book a portrait session for the whole family with a great local photographer or find a local service that turns an existing photo into a fantastic artwork.

What woman could resist a framed print of her wedding day or loved ones as a romantic gesture?

Something really unique

With a little planning ahead, you and the kids can present mum with a truly unique and handmade creation. Take the children’s fingerprints or hand or foot casts, and have them made into pictures, keepsakes or jewellery – there are lots of places that do this now. Alternatively, take the kids to a pottery painting shop and have a great time making a personalised plate, mug or vase that mum will treasure forever.

Whatever you decide, we hope every mum has a wonderful Mothers’ Day! ...P.S. It’s on 30 March!

Visit the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Travel on our steam railway and enjoy Scotland’s largest railway museum.

Open April-October www.bkrailway.co.uk Union Street, Bo’ness. EH510AQ *one child free with each full paying adult with this ad not valid with any other offer or for gift vouchers or season tickets.Valid until end April 2014

Free Spring Family Fun Days Partick Library

305 Dumbarton Road, G11 6AB Friday 11 April 2014 11am-2pm

Hillhead Library

348 Byres Road, G12 8AP Thursday 17th of April 2014 11am-2pm

Activities include:

Easter at Cumbernauld Theatre 15 March – 12 April The Adventures of Robin Hood Free Family Fun Day Gingerbread Man And more!

• Commonwealth Country Hunt • Arts and Crafts • Making a Commonwealth Banner • Bounce and Rhyme • Decorate a Giant ‘Clyde’ mascot • And much more!

For more information:

www.glasgowlife.org/libraries

01236 732 887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk Families Glasgow

March/April 2014

5

Clubs & Classes

Enjoy the razzamataz!

r

azzamataz Theatre Schools offer funky, fresh and vibrant classes in the performing arts for kids and young adults aged from 4 to 18. Not only do they offer tuition in singing, drama and dance, they also aim to increase the confidence and sense of self worth in all their talented pupils.

Razzamataz is unique in that the lessons are based not only on musical theatre, but also the more modern principals of commercial performance. Classes involve pop singing, street dance and acting for TV and film, something not often offered in conjunction with musical theatre tuition.

Alongside the weekly lessons, Razzamatazz also offers as many workshops and master classes as possible. These give students an invaluable opportunity to meet and work with industry professionals and gain an insight into how the world of performance works. Razzamatazz has recently hosted performers from West End productions of Wicked, Hairspray and Mamma Mia and finalists from TV programmes such as Britain’s Got Talent and Got To Dance.

Every year many of the Razzamataz franchises come together for an amazing night of performance in Her Majesty’s Theatre in the heart of central London. Previous pupils who have took part in this still proclaim it to be one of the best experiences of their life and would recommend it to anyone who has ever dreamt of performing on a West End stage.

All in all Razz is no normal theatre school with annual shows, workshops, master classes and massive performances in London, the classes are also focused on the growth and development of each individual child. Razzamatazz Theatre Schools operate a strict no bullying policy and are determined to ensure that all pupils are instilled with a strong sense of confidence and ambition.

For more information, contact Natalie at Razzamataz Theatre Schools Glasgow North/South on 01360 551 044 or 07793 316 332, www.razzamataz.co.uk

Become part of the UK’s fastest growing play programme with rugbytots Rugbytots is now looking to offer franchises in the Greater Glasgow area. If you want to join part of the UK’s fastest growing play programme and have the passion to run your own business, please email carl@rugbytots.co.uk for more details.

6

March/April 2014

Families Glasgow

Free maths and English activities

15th April with Explore Learning!

Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Explore fits easily around family life; the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

On the 15th April Explore will be hosting a Community Open Day! There will be free interactive maths and literacy workshops for 5 – 14 year olds across all the Explore Learning centres. Spaces are limited so call your local centre to reserve your place.

Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk.

New classes starting at Jo Jingles Jo Jingles has announced new music, singing and movement classes in Glasgow to its usual classes. There will be a new Jingle baby class on Mondays at 11.25 in Giffnock. Free for babies under 5 months and a new mixed age class on Mondays at 10.15am in Bishopbriggs. First class free.

Jo Jingles Glasgow North are also running some special Easter holiday sessions Tuesday 1st & 8th April - City Kids Adventure Play, Stepps @ 10.30am and Sporty Kids, Westend @ 10am Friday 4th & 11th April - City Kids Adventure Play, Stepps @ 10.30am The above 45 minute Jo Jingles sessions are included in standard entry, all ages welcome and no need to book.

Clubs & Classes

Glasgow Sport Spring Holiday Programme 7th to 18th April 2014

T

he action packed Sport and Multi Activity Holiday programme from Glasgow Sport is packed with activities to make sure the spring holiday is energetic and full of fun.

From multi activity to specialise sports training there is something to suit everyone! Many of the sessions are free or discounted with your Glasgow Kidz Card or Glasgow Young Scot Card. While many of these sessions are pre-bookable there are also a variety offering pay as you go admission on a first come first served basis to allow for flexibility in planning your fun.

Contact your nearest Glasgow Club for a brochure or visit wwww. glasgowlife.org.uk for further information.

Multi Activity Programmes • Club 511 • Glasgow Kids Club • Pool Activities

Pre 5 Activities

• Balanceability • Football – Mini Kickers. An adult must remain in the building during all sessions for children under 5 years.

Adults must accompany children under 8 years of age for pool activities.

Sports Programmes • Athletics • Badminton • Football • Club Golf • Cycling- Race Camp • Rugby Union • Squash & Racketball • Swimming Lessons • Table Tennis • Tennis

wwww.glasgowlife.org.

Sports and fun sessions for the school holidays Contact your nearest Glasgow Club or local venue for details or visit

Families Glasgow

March/April 2014

7

Baby & Mum

What to buy for your baby

By Joanna Parry

h

aving a baby is a costly business. Websites, baby manuals and personal shoppers list hundreds of products that you just have to have for your baby, from wrap-around slings to air humidifiers.

But don’t panic - many products you can borrow from friends or buy second-hand. Others you just don’t need. Every mum has their favourite gadget – here are some of the best products that Families mums swear by.

Pushing

Top of the list of things you’ll need is a pram. However, selecting one can be like negotiating a minefield. Does it need to fit in the car, or on the bus? Do you walk a lot?

Do you have a toddler, or two? If you live in a top floor flat go with a lightweight fold-up buggy, if you’re tramping across fields every day a three-wheeler might be better.

Prams can cost more than a month’s mortgage, so choose carefully. Bugaboo, iCandy and Stokke are still favourites but depending on what add-ons you choose you could be saying goodbye to over £1000. We love the limited edition Liberty Quest from Maclaren, as well as their Cath Kidston buggy, both of which cost considerably less.

The new pram on the block is the Babystyle Oyster, which looks great and is less expensive than its rival travel systems. Another big fave is the Uppababy, recently judged as a ‘Best Buy’ by Which?

Magazine and with features including reversible seat, carrycot and compatible car seat.

What has really got us excited is the 4moms Origami Pushchair.

It’s not cheap but will fold itself away at the touch of a button. It also has pathway lights and will charge your phone when on the go! The LCD dashboard includes thermometer, speedometer and odometer, so you can keep check of the distances travelled. Yikes! It may be the future of travel systems, but with this amount of technology, you might decide a reliable Maclaren buggy will be a safer bet.

Colourstrings comes to Glasgow Colourstrings classes for babies and young children now in Glasgow Colourstrings is a music class for young children. Songs, rhymes, action games, percussion instruments, dancing and movement are used to create an active and stimulating music experience.

Colourstrings classes are a wonderful way of introducing your 8

March/April 2014

Families Glasgow

Carrying

When my firstborn came along the choice of slings was limited to Baby Bjorns and wrap-arounds that nobody could work out how to use. Now, there are ring slings and pouch slings, backpacks and soft-structured carriers. The Lifft sling consistently comes out on top as it spreads the baby’s weight, reducing back strain. Baby K’Tan is different from many carriers as it’s a sling-wrap hybrid – too complicated for me but there are plenty of mums who love it! For a ring sling the Joovy Baba is a favourite.

Our must-buy is theErgobaby. It is comfortable, easy to use and can be worn as a backpack as well as in front. Beware though – baby slings are often voted ‘most useless’ product by parents!

Feeding

Believe it or not, you can spend over £400 on a high chair!

Everyone’s favourite is the Stokke Tripp Trapp as it grows with your child but it comes iwth a price tag of over £150. Or at the other end of the scale but just as trusted is IKEA’S easy-clean Antilop Highchair which is a snip at £12. But if you want to buy at top end, the Bloom Fresco Chrome boasts designer looks in a myriad of colours, pneumatic height adjustment and the ability to spin 360 degrees.

Sleeping

Most mums tell us you don’t need to splash out on a moses basket, cot and cot-bed.

Your pram is perfect for daytime naps, and at night even a tiny newborn is fine in a cot-bed – block off one end by rolling up blankets. We love the Ryeland Cot-Bed from The Little Green Sheep and the Alex cot-bed is another favourite. If you want to share your bed with your baby but are concerned about the risk of smothering, go for the Arms Reach Universal Co-Sleeper Bedside Cot, which always gets 5-star reviews. Invest in some good blackout blinds – our favourite is the Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind from Gro Company.

For more top tips from Families mums that will make life with a newborn a whole lot easier - visit www.familiesglasgow.co.uk child to music. With babies and toddlers, the focus is on enjoying music together and you’ll learn lots of tickly, bouncy and cuddly songs and rhymes to do with your child. Children will develop an awareness of beat through knee-bouncing songs and movement to music, and their senses will be engaged through use of puppets, simple percussion instruments, scarves and ribbons.

Every class ends with a lullaby and listening to live music.

As children get a little older and become even more active, so does Colourstrings and your child will enjoy lots of movement activities: dancing, marching, and swaying to the beat. Musical concepts such as fast and slow, loud and quiet, and high and low are explored through action songs. In the preschool classes children attend without their parents, to further their independence and social skills through music. This age group enjoy lots of partner games and dances, and are developing their solo singing abilities. By school age, children are reading and writing in rhythm notation, and are learning about pitch through the use of solfa (do re mi), and thus have a solid musical foundation on which they can begin learning instruments.

Colourstrings classes in Partick are taught by Yvonne Wyroslawska, a musician with more than 10 years’ experience working with children in the Early Years (and one of her own!).

Colourstrings Music Kindergarten classes are held in Partick Burgh Halls on Tuesdays during term time.

For current timetable and booking information please call Yvonne on 07763 861305, email yvonnewyroslawska@hotmail.co.uk, or visit www.facebook.com/partickcolourstrings

Baby & Mum

real Nappy New class Week 2014 alert

Clementine Blue For all your baby and toddler clothes and accessories

Clementine Blue is an online shop specialising in baby and toddler accessories.

Based in Dunblane it was founded by Claire Thomson and stocks wonderful clothes that not only look good but are outstanding quality too. The business also creates bespoke gift boxes to celebrate those early milestones whether you are celebrating a new baby, baby’s first Christmas, a christening or you are a new parent looking for something practical yet gorgeous to dress your new little bundle in.

To discuss a bespoke gift box call Claire on 07717 451250 or email claire@clementineblue.co.uk Clementine Blue are offering one lucky reader r £50 vouchers to spend E F oF online. To win simply send your full contact details to competitions@ familiesglasgow.co.uk with the subject as Clementine Blue. Good luck!

07505 144 476 info@thelanguagehub.co.uk

Glasgow based language school offering modern language classes and bilingual support classes for children between the ages of 6 months and 11 years.

Save the date for Real Nappy Week!

Taking place 28 April - 4 May this year, Real Nappy Week is all about celebrating reusables – for those who are already converted to cloth and those not yet tempted. Get involved in nationwide events, competitions and a whole lot more - there are loads of events where you can meet people who use real nappies, get great advice as well as get your hands on nappies to see how they work.

To find out more visit www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week

Dance with Babies New classes in Glasgow

Dance with Babies is founded by a mother and professional ballet dancer and dance teacher Selen Yilmaz who has over 15 years experience of teaching dance classes all ages newborn to +80 years.

Dance with Babies is different from the usual baby classes. The curriculum has been specially created for parents, aims to be socializing and having fun with your baby. All whilst holding your baby close in your baby carrier, you can enjoy a fusion of Salsa, Cha Cha, Bachata, Boogie, Swing, Classical Ballet, Belly, Waltz and Merengue.

While dancing with your little ones, you are getting new friends, learning new dance styles, losing baby weight, getting and staying fit! One of the Dance with Babies’s mum’s Tanya says, “My wee girl thinks this is the best thing ever and smiles through the whole session. Selen guides us through a range of dance styles which are basic

Music Classes from Birth to 5 Tuesdays at Partick Burgh Halls Contact Yvonne Wyroslawska MA (Hons) Music, LRSL, CSAKT (Dip)

07763 861305 yvonnewyroslawska@hotmail.co.uk

www.facebook.com/partickcolourstrings

Music and Dance for Boys and Girls aged 6 months - 5 years www.ballet4babies.co.uk

Pyjama Drama has new classes starting on Tuesday afternoons at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Stewart Street, Milngavie from Tuesday 18th February at 1.30 pm for children aged 2.5-5 years.

Email lisa@pyjamadrama.com to reserve a space.

Plus you can experience Pyjama Drama classes at the Riverside Museum and Kelvingrove Museum as part of their Spring holiday programmes in April, May and June.

Contact the museums directly for further details.

Baby Sensory Classes

• Light shows

Award winning Baby Development classes for babies from birth to 13 months

• Brain games • Puppet shows

Classes Running Weekly in Cumbernauld & North Glasgow classes visit our website www.babysensory.com

Miss Claire info@ballet4babies.co.uk

• Bonding/Massage

0775 911 9965

Contact: Gail Macdonald Tel: 07702806640 E-mail:glasgownorth@babysensory.co.uk

enough for beginners.” These baby friendly classes are gentle, easy to follow and carefully structured to let you move with your baby. You can join anytime as long as you safely and comfortably carry your little one. It is enough to bring any carrier/sling with you.

It is also good opportunity for siblings who can join classes with parents for free.

Selen says, “Dance is a perfect way of spreading joy. Everybody already has a special gift for dancing. It is more special when you share with your little one.”

Dance with Babies classes have been running in Hillhead, Bishopbriggs and new classes start in Giffnock from 22nd April.

To find out more visit the website at www.dancewithbabies.com or get in touch with Selen info@dancewithbabies.com

-V ÌÌ Ã Ê >Ã Ê> `Ê*Õ««iÌÊ i ÌÀi 9i>ÀÊ, Õ `Ê `Ài ÊEÊ > iÃÊ*À }À> iÊ - ÜÃ]Ê7 À Ã «Ã]Ê ÀÌ `>ÞÊ*>ÀÌ iÃÊ

v J >Ã > `«Õ««iÌ°V °Õ

ÜÜÜ° >à > `«Õ««iÌ°V °Õ n £äÊ > V>ÀÀiÃÊ Ûi]Ê i Û `> iÊÊ >Ã} ÜÊ £ÓÊä+

/i \Êä£{£ÊÎÎ ÊÈ£nx Families Glasgow

March/April 2014

9

Family Breaks

A Belfast Weekend Reviewed by the Editor and Family

B

elfast may not be the first destination on your list of potential family breaks but it’s well worth consideration. Despite poor weather in the middle of January, we had a fantastic time.

Cairnryan- Belfast

The Cairnryan- Belfast ferry is less than 2 hours drive away and Stena’s Superfast VII turned out to be one of the UK’s most luxurious ferries . Our family, especially the kids, travel on ferries every year and this may well be our favourite. The Superfast VII has a Spa, cinema, games room, Curious George play room for the little kids plus a good shop, restaurant and plenty of seating areas and bars. The crossing is a couple of hours, enough time for a meal and a few games or perhaps a kids movie. It’s very family friendly with built-in Xbox 360s and iPads for example in the main family lounge and the staff were great.

We stayed in Belfast’s Stormont Hotel, which is just 10 minutes from the ferry terminal. It’s a corporate hotel but the interconnected two rooms went down well with our kids. It has an excellent bistro though and we enjoyed a really good meal after a long day of sightseeing. Staff were very friendly with the children finding colouring in pencils and paper and the children’s menu suited our two who declared it yummy (they are usually very picky so this is high praise indeed) but there weren’t many other children in the restaurant when we were there. Despite that we had a hugely enjoyable family meal.

The Giant’s Causeway

We also visited Giant’s Causeway which is worth a trip and about an hour’s drive north up to the Antrim coast. There’s a superb award-winning visitor centre (and lovely pub just next door) which is excellent for kids of all ages too, but both our kids loved the Causeway itself despite the awful weather. Although just a natural rock formation, it brings out a strange child-like sense of wonder in everyone who visits. Make sure you wear decent footwear as it’s wet and slippy obviously but there’s also a long spectacular walk around the coast if you choose. Nina and the Neurons at Giant’s Causeway was on TV the day we got back, which our 4 year old found very exciting.

Belfast offers plenty of activities to keep your family busy over a full weekend. We loved it and will no doubt be back again.

10 March/April 2014

Families Glasgow

A Titanic Exhibition

The best part of our weekend was undoubtedly the Titanic Experience. Imaginative, powerful, very emotional and utterly fascinating, this has to be one of the UK’s greatest exhibits. A must visit, worth heading to Belfast for this alone.

The highlight, for the kids especially, is the ride that gives you a sense of what it was like for the construction workers on the gantry and the treacherous working conditions they faced. Nearly 300 feet up with no safety harnesses. (Our 8 year old was more shocked however that they had to be at work, up on the gantry by 6.00 AM and couldn’t leave till 6PM!) You ride a cable car as it descends up and down the life sized replica of the Titanic’s rudder, tracking along past full sized re-enactments of rivet crews hammering away. It’s incredible.

By the team you reach the full scale replica of a first class cabin and the accounts of who was travelling on Titanic, in all classes and why, there’s a real sense of the social investment the city had in the ship. Then, there’s simply a quiet room with the sound of morse code of the messages sent and received by the doomed Captain Smith. People were dabbing their eyes, which I’ve never seen before in a museum setting. Afterwards, a cinema and a clever undersea floor exhibit brings Titanic’s story up to date including examining the various movie misunderstandings.

It’s probably more suitable however for older children rather than under 5’s as our 4 year old was unmoved, so bring your own distractions for little ones perhaps. But our 8 year old was entranced and has read up on all things Titanic since.

Family Breaks

Stena Line hastings hotels Enjoy overnight accommodation in the Stormont Hotel with full Irish breakfast and a 4-course evening meal in LaScala Restaurant from only £70pps. What’s more, guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi in the public areas of the hotel and car parking.

To avail of this fantastic offer simply contact 028 9065 1066 or go to www.hastingshotels.com

For more family travel breaks, ideas and top tips this summer check out this fun family blog

www.familystuff.biz

The Stena Line Cairnryan to Belfast service offers a direct link from Scotland to Northern Ireland on the Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII from as little as £20* single for foot passengers or by car from £69** (when you book 60 days in advance based on an economy crossing for a car and driver).

Additional car passengers cost from £30 each way for adults and £10 each way for children. The crossing time is approximately 2 hrs 15 mins with a choice of up to six sailings a day.

Experience the various lounges and Taste restaurant onboard the ships as well as the Curious George kids play area and POD Lounge with iPads and Xboxes so you can stay connected throughout your journey. Customers can upgrade to the luxurious Stena Plus lounge while onboard and indulge in a wide selection of complimentary snacks and beverages or indulge in the Pure Nordic Spa where you can make the most of the only Jacuzzi and sauna on the Irish Sea from £10 per person***. Those looking to book a Superfast Suite cabin for their crossing can do so from £20 per cabin.

Upgrade to Stena Plus from £12 per person single.

To make a booking see www.stenaline.co.uk, call Stena Line on 08447 70 70 70, or visit your local travel agent. *For the lowest fares, passengers should travel off peak, Tuesday –Thursday and book online at least 60 days before departure. **Available on Tues to Sat sailings to 31 Mar and from 1 Oct – 19 Dec. Fare starts from £79 for a car and driver from Apr – Jun and Sep. Fare starts from £89 for a car and driver from Jul - Aug. *** massages are not included in this cost.

Abroad...

Family holidays in France For a slice of traditional French rural life, check out the Charente region of France. It’s a beautiful, unspoilt region of France as well as being the second sunniest...so a good bet for some great weather. The Charente is known for its lovely countryside of fields of vines and sunflowers and turreted chateaux perched high above rivers and you’d be hard pressed to find a more relaxing spot than at La Vielle Maison Marchand, a beautiful 5 bedroom country house that’s perfect for large families, 2 families holidaying together or a break with grandparents too.

The house is a large, traditional Charentais house in a tranquil historic hamlet and has a large private and enclosed pool so perfect for those with young children plus an acre of fully enclosed mature gardens. Its layout means it has enough lots of space for 2 families holidaying together or just spread out with your family for a much needed escape. There are separate family sleeping areas with 3 bedrooms upstairs and 2 downstairs at the back of the house. Undoubtedly most evenings will be spent poolside in the delightful inside/outside dining room and enjoy sunny days by the pool with both sunbathing and covered shady areas or simply chill out in the garden. If you can tear yourself away head out to explore the unspoilt local region dotted with numerous picturesque villages and local vineyards. The house is just an hour’s drive from the fantastic beaches of Royan, La Rochelle and Ile de Re and other main attractions of Poitou Charente such as Cognac, Poitiers, Angouleme or, for the kids, Futuroscope and the monkeys of Vallee des Singes. Canoeing,

kayaking, horse riding, local leisure lakes and water parks all within 30 mins drive. There is even a lake with it’s own beach just 5 minutes up the road. Sleeps 10 plus 2 cots and lots of baby/ toddler equipment and toys.

For more information visit www.maisonmarchand.com or email james@maisonmarchand.com or call 07425 142 712.

It’s a great house for wee ones with enclosed gardens and pool area, toys galore, cots, high chairs, baby and toddler equipment supplied.

oFFEr - 10% discount off rates

quoted on www.maisonmarchand.com if you quote FAMGLAS when booking.

Families Glasgow

March/April 2014 11

Things to do this Easter

Pledge to play this Easter

Easter is coming...

I

n the next few pages we’ve put together a guide to what’s on to keep the children busy from days out, special events, activities and courses. Plus there’s even more online in our Easter Activities listings www.familiesglasgow.co.uk. It’s full to bursting with workshops, camps, classes etc. Log on now.....

Meantime we thought we’d kick things off with some fun facts about Easter...

• Easter was originally a pagan festival – the ancient Saxons celebrated spring with a party in honour of its goddess, Eastre.

• The date of Easter changes every year because of Roman emperor’s Constantine’s Easter rule, which stated that it should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. This was because it was a day of maximum light (12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of moonlight).

• The first documented use of the bunny as a symbol of Easter appears in Germany in the 1500s, and it was the Germans who made the first edible Easter bunnies in the 1800s.

• Eggs are coloured brightly to symbolise the sunlight of spring.

• Medieval records note that eggs were often given as Easter gifts to servants by their masters.

• The most ornate Easter eggs are probably the jewelled and enamelled eggs that Fabergé was made for the Russian tsars.

Did You Know • The first Cadbury’s Easter egg was made in 1875, in dark chocolate; milk chocolate didn’t arrive until 1905 with the launch of Dairy Milk.

• A new Guinness World Record for the most entrants in an egg hunt was set in London last Easter after 12,773 entrants took part in The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt.

• The charity event also broke another World Record when a giant chocolate egg created for the competition became the most expensive non-jewelled chocolate egg ever, selling at auction for £7000.

• Egg rolling, which symbolises the rolling away of the rock in front of Jesus’s tomb, was traditionally played with hardboiled eggs being rolled down a hill.

• About 10% of Britain’s annual spending on chocolate is on Easter eggs.

• The average time for children to start tucking into their first chocolate Easter egg is 11am on Easter Sunday, with 30% of children eating their chocolate egg instead of breakfast!

12 March/April 2014

Families Glasgow

Pledge 2 Play is a brand new campaign launched by directors of two creative kids’ brands, Aly Cranston and Jennifer Duthie (recently nominated as a Shell LiveWire finalist for ‘Entrepreneur of the year’). Aly from The Rainy Day Box Co and Jennifer from Skribbies came together through their shared passion of getting children back into more creative and traditional play with a little less gadgetry. This is now a message that is beginning to spread with their new campaign Pledge 2 Play. The campaign encourages grownups to put down the gadgets and provides creative support to help them pledge two hours a week to spend creatively with their little ones.

Pledge to Play and put down the gadgets and pledge to spend more creative time with your family!

In a world with an ever-increasing number of technological mediums, the balance between electronic and traditional play can get a little uneven. While there is a great place for learning through apps, computers and TV it is often an activity of solitude.

Pledge 2 Play is all about encouraging parents to redress this balance and make a conscious effort to interact as a family in a creative way on a regular basis.

how does it work?

• Commit to a regular time each day or week to spend the two hours creatively with your kids; it could be 30 minutes every other day or two hours over the weekend • Turn off or place in another room all TVs, computers, tablets and phones • Engage with your child in a FUN activity (not homework). It could be going for a walk, cooking together, making things, drawing or story-telling.

What are the benefits?

• Children’s imagination and creativity can improve considerably from this time together • Little ones may use the time to open up about things that are on their mind • Family relationships can improve and become stronger • You could notice an improvement in behaviour.

But I already do this! That’s great, most families do engage in some traditional play. By joining the Pledge 2 Play you’re showing your support for this ethos and giving yourself that gentle reminder to spend more time together.

Pledge 2 Play will send you creative ideas, tips and exclusive deals to assist you in spending quality play time with your children. In short: let’s up the creativity and spend more creative time together as a family with a little less gadgetry.

To join the crusade and show your support simply sign up at signup.pledge2play.co.uk

Things to do this Easter

Easter Weekend Shows and Workshops at the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre Balloonology by Alex the Magician

Thu 17 & Fri 18 April, 10.30am, £5.75/£5.95 Balloon modelling fun and laughter for all. Go home with arms full of balloon creations. A fun family workshop for 7yrs + and adults.

Puppet Making Drop-in & homebaking Day Thu 17 & Fri 18 April, 10.30am - 4.30pm, £1.50/£2.50.

Colour-in, cut out and make your very own puppet.

Easter Eggstravaganza by Jango Starrs

Sat 19 Apr, 2.00pm, £5.75/£5.95 Hang onto your Easter Eggs folks, seasonally silly springtime slapstick, daft magic and precarious Easter Egg juggling all with a hop skip and a bunny jump.

Spring-time at Glasgow Libraries You’re finally ready to step outside with the family and enjoy the fresh spring air after months of hibernating during the winter but finding a cheap and local way to keep all the family entertained can be a real challenge. Your local Glasgow Library is just the ticket!

With loads of free services for a range of age groups, we offer much more than just books. Bring your little ones along to Bounce and Rhyme or try Storytime or Chatterbooks for your primary school aged kids. Or how about bringing the whole family along to one of our movie clubs or fun day events! For homework help or fun games you can use our computers and browse the internet for free.

We’ll also have a special programme of events during the spring school holidays, with selected libraries offering face painting, games, arts and crafts and much more! Two of our libraries are running FREE family fun days during the school holidays. Pop along to Partick Library on Friday 11th April or Hillhead Library on Thursday 17th April for lots of Commonwealth Games related fun.

Both events run from 11am until 2pm.

These are just some of the things on offer across the city at various Glasgow Libraries, visit www.glasgowlife.org.uk/events and choose ‘libraries’ to find out what’s on near you. And if it is just a book you’re after we can certainly help with that, we have all the bestsellers available for borrowing as well as a huge range of books on every subject you can imagine. And don’t forget you can also download eBooks and eMagazines for free with Glasgow Libraries, just go online or ask one of our library staff to help you get started.

To find out more about your local library visit www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries and select ‘Your Local Library’

Lapin Wants an Easter Carrot

by Le Petit Monde

Sun 20 Apr, 3.00pm, £5.75/£5.95 How will the Little French Rabbit Lapin get an Easter carrot?

Maybe the Easter Bunny will help! An interactive and musical show, performed in English, with simple French phrases.

Annual Puppeteers & Friends Day

Sun 8th June 2014 A chance to network, a gathering of voices between Puppeteers, Friends of the Centre and Puppet enthusiasts with performances, bookstall and refreshments.

Great News

You now have two great choices for safe, exciting and nurturing childcare in Glasgow.

Simply arrange a visit to one of our local nurseries and see what all the smiles are about.

Pre School

Fund Availaing ble

Babies to 5 years

70 Kelvin Avenue, Hillington, G52 4LY. Call: 0141 570 4080 Melisa House, Suite 0/1, 3 Brand Place, Govan, G51 1DR. Call: 0141 427 0020

www.littlestarsnurseries.net Families Glasgow

March/April 2014 13

Things to do this Easter

Full Steam Ahead for great New Short Courses at family fun this Easter!

Eastwood Park Theatre Share an adventure with your friends and family travelling by steam train and exploring Scotland’s largest railway museum located less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of old fashioned train travel. The Guard will clip your ticket as your journey begins. Buy a snack from our buffet car then sit back and wave to the people you pass as the train travels through the Scottish countryside.

Maybe picnic at picturesque Birkhill then make a stop at Kinneil Halt to explore the nature reserve and take a walk to Kinneil Museum.

At Manuel you can watch us move the engine from the front to the back of the train. Here you’ll have chance to meet your driver on the footplate and get a lovely photograph to remember your visit by.

Back at Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways via our new Visitor Trail. See Scotland’s only Royal Saloon coach, learn why the Fish Van has a sloping floor, come face-to-face with a mechanical horse and much more.

If you are hungry, you will find homemade, locally-sourced produce in our Station Buffet at Bo’ness Station. From traditional Scottish dishes to ice creams and children’s lunch boxes, there is something for every appetite. Don’t forget to pop in to our gift shop for a souvenir of your visit or a gift for friends and family.

Visit our website for more ideas on planning your day out www.bkrailway.co.uk.

Easter Egg Trails with the National Trust for Scotland For the seventh year running, Cadbury are supporting the National Trust for Scotland to bring you the 2014 Easter Egg trails - a great day out for all the family! There will be trails at 45 Trust places across Scotland, so start your adventure today by finding out where your nearest Cadbury Easter Egg Trail is and get the date in your diary! On the day, we will inspire your child’s inner adventurer and transform them into an Eggsplorer! They’ll receive a make-it-yourself pith helmet, a Trail Journal containing all the clues they need to complete the trail and an Eggsplorer Passport to be stamped along the way. On completing the trail they will be rewarded with a delicious Cadbury Egghead. There will also be some great prizes to win in competitions for the whole family.

In Glasgow and the West, trails are taking place at the David Livingstone Centre, Pollok House, Greenbank Garden, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and The Hill House, to name but a few! Property Manager at Greenbank Garden, David Ferguson says; ‘We’re delighted to be working with Cadbury again to bring Easter fun throughout Scotland! This year, we’ll be encouraging young people to eggsplore Scotland’s heritage and uncover all of Greenbank Garden’s secrets. This is just the start of a packed programme of family events here and at Trust places all over, which will help turn Scotland into your playground in 2014.’

For more information visit nts.org.uk/Easter We’ve outlined below those Easter Egg trails taking place in and around Glasgow but there are also lots all over Scotland!

14 March/April 2014

Families Glasgow

Our new season of short courses is a fresh way of looking at participatory arts within East Renfrewshire. We aim to offer an ever changing range of opportunities for a variety of ages delivered by tutor’s expert in their fields.

Have you ever been asked not to make a song and dance about something? Well now you can. Join professional musical th eatre performers from Insideout Productions in a fun, five week course in Broadway basics. Or why not come along to Baby Massage with Yogabellies, a unique blend of infant massage, beautiful songs, games and positive life building experiences for your newborn. Mats, cushions and oils are provided during the class.

And don’t miss out on our ever popular Easter Play in a Week for 8 – 12 years. An exciting mix of storytelling and devising inspired by the tall tales and wondrous beasties of Scotland’s past. Explore characters and ideas in a fun and friendly environment as we work together to create our own, brand new, mythical tale Visit our website to download the full programme. Have a browse; get in touch with any questions, and sign up to our social media for the quickest access to additions and updates! www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk www.facebook.com/eastwoodparktheatre or Call our Box Office on 0141 577 4956 to book a place on a course.

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail at David Livingstone Centre, 165 Station Road, Blantyre, G72 9BY, Tel 0844 493 2207 Fri 18 – Mon 21 Apr, 11am-4pm, £2 per trail Cadbury Easter Egg Trail at Greenbank Garden, Flenders Road, Clarkston, Glasgow, G76 8RB, Tel 0844 493 2201 Fri 18 – Mon 21 Apr, 11am-4.30pm, £1.50 per trail plus usual entry.

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail at Holmwood, 61-63 Netherlee Road, Cathcart, Glasgow, G44 3YU, Tel 0844 493 2204 Fri 18 – Mon 21 Apr, 11.30am – 4.45pm, £2 per trail.

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail at The Hill House, Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh, G84 9AJ Tel 0844 493 2208 Fri 18 Apr – Mon 21 Apr, 1.30-4.30pm, £2 per trail

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail at Pollok House, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT Tel 0844 493 2202 Fri 18 – Mon 21 Apr, 11am – 4pm £1 per child, £5 adult.

Come and meet Mrs Cotton Tail too and hear her stories!!

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail at Ben Lomond, Ardess Lodge, Rowardennan, by Drymen, G63 0AR Tel 0844 493 2217 Sat 19 – Mon 21 Apr, 9.30am-4pm £2 per trail Cadbury Easter Egg Trail at Geilston Garden, Main Road, Cardross, G82 5HD Tel 0844 493 2219 Fri 18 – Sun 20 Apr, 10am-4.30pm Free with usual entry.

Things to do this Easter Gingerbread Man

Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre - Monday 7 April at 2pm Everyone’s favourite biscuit goes on the run...but can he outwit the dastardly Fox? Imagine a world made entirely of biscuits: trees, houses and stars in the sky. Into this beautiful world comes a Gingerbread Man, creating havoc wherever he goes. £7 for one adult and one child (£5 additional adult, £3.50 additional child) + transaction fee. Age 3+

head in the Clouds

What’s on at Cumbernauld Theatre There are all sorts of events for all ages from fun days to special shows and an Easter Performing Arts Academy. To find out more visit www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk.

Family Fun Day

Sunday 6 April 2014 Mark the start of spring and enjoy a cracking day out at our Easter themed family fun day. Our Families at Easter Festival commences with this fabulous, free, family day that is jam packed with activities that the whole family can enjoy. Come along and get creative with arts and crafts, take part in a drama workshop, listen to one of our storytellers or explore our wonderful theatre on an egg-citing Easter egg trail. All sessions are free but ticketed so book early to avoid disappointment.

For further information about the day call the friendly Box Office on 01236 732 887 or visit www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk

Ipdip Theatre - Thursday 10 at 11am and 2pm Ipdip Theatre bring a tactile, interactive performance specially created for the youngest children and their grown-ups. Come and share in this enchanting tale of wandering sheep, wonderful clouds and one worried wee doggie. £7 for one adult and one child (£5 additional adult, £3.50 additional child) + transaction fee. Under 3

Willie the Wicked Wolf

Over The Top Puppet Company - Saturday 12 April at 2pm Willie is an outrageous but lovable rogue whose interests include food, motorbikes and rock ‘n’ roll.

He plans to eat Granny and Red Riding Hood but fails miserably because of his unreliable motorbike. Luckily Granny is a good mechanic. Unluckily she is not a good driver...how will it end?

Happily of course, if the audience helps! £7 for one adult and one child (£5 additional adult, £3.50 additional child) + transaction fee. Age 6+

Play in a Week

Easter Performing Arts Academy (S1-S3) - Monday 14 - Friday 18 April 10am – 4pm In just five days create your very own play, the entire creative process is directed and decided by YOU! Price includes two tickets to our performance at 6pm on Friday 18 April. £25

FREE

Bright Horizons Nurseries and Preschools

3 nurseries located in the city, East Kilbride, Uddingston area Web: Tel: 0800 085 4074 Email:

Families Glasgow

March/April 2014 15

What’s on 1 March

8 March

2pm The Singing Ringing Tree by Folding Theatre Co. Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre A folk tale of European origin which tells of a prince and his quest for the magic tree, which can win the heart of a beautiful but vain princess. A delightful performance using glove puppets. £5.95/£5.75. www.scottishmaskand puppetcentre.co.uk 5 March 4pm-5pm Short Course: Musical Theatre P1 to P3 Eastwood Park Theatre Ever been asked not to make a song and dance about something? Well now you can!

Join professional musical theatre performers from Insideout Productions in this fun five week course in Broadway basics.

Good for beginners and regular singers.

Call 01415774956 7 March 1pm & 7pm The Adventures of Robin Hood Eastwood Park Theatre Somewhere near you there is a band of brothers fighting for justice. Seeking to rid the land of evil and return hope to the poorly treated. They are lean, mean, trained justice fighting machines! Armed with whatever comes their way, nothing is as it seems in this Sherwood Forrest, but one thing is for sure . . . no rogue is safe! Join internationally acclaimed Visible Fictions for a silly and unexpected take on Robin Hood and be prepared to unleash your imagination! Look out rich folks, your piggy banks may never be safe again! Age 7+.

Standard £6, Family £20 Tel: 01415774956 8 March 11am – 2pm Kilmardinny Clean up, Bearsden Kilmardinny Loch Local Nature Reserve Help clear Kilmardinny Loch Local Nature Reserve and Craigdhu Wedge of the things that we everyday folk leave behind! Everyone welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet the Ranger at the loch end of Thompson Drive, Bearsden.

0141 956 6100 16 March/April 2014

2pm Albert’s Amazing Acrobatic Flea Circus/Sokobauno Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre Fifi and Finbar are two of the star attractions. Witness bizarre feats of strength, death defying stunts, brilliant balancing & jovial jumping, effortlessly performed before your very eyes. But a dark cloud descends across the circus tent, Fifi and Finbar have disappeared! With your help and a special magnifying glass the show must go on! Puppetry, original music and slight of hand. £5.95/£5.75 www.scottishmaskand puppetcentre.co.uk 9 March 9am Race 21: Get Roped In... And Join Together Rouken Glen Park Race 21 is Down’s Syndrome Scotland’s first running fundraiser held during the month of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week (17-23 March 2014)! This exciting, new fundraiser is sponsored by Indigo Social Media.Teams of 3 will be linked together with our lovely coloured ropes over a one mile course that includes seven checkpoints. You must work together to ensure your team is able to complete the course. You can only go as fast as the slowest person. Registration £5. www.dsscotland.org.uk 10 to 14 March 2pm Wildcat Week Calderglen Country Park Come and meet Morag and Heather, our rare Scottish Wildcats! There will be feeding time talks with the Animal Keepers and the chance to learn about the rarest mammal in Britain and what Calderglen Zoo is doing to help. Other fun activities like face painting and mask making will also run throughout the week. Ages 3 and above. www.visitlanarkshire.com

Families Glasgow

11 March 1pm & 7pm Kidnapped Eastwood Park Theatre An adventure tale for all the family, Kidnapped tells the story of Davie Balfour as he survives shipwreck and murder to dramatically escape to the Highlands of Scotland. Adapted by emerging playwright Ivan Wilkinson Sell a Door Theatre Company launch their 2014 season with this highly imaginative re-telling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story perfect for young and old audiences alike. Suitable for age 6+ Standard £5, Family £15 Tel: 0141 577 4956 14 & 28 March 10am & 11.15am Tiny Art For Tiny People Rutherglen Town Hall Looking for something different to do with your little one?

Why not come along to South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture’s art classes for tiny people aged from 18 months to three years old. These parent and child workshops let your little one explore print making, painting, mark making and collage. Cost £3.60 (1 child and accompanying adult).

To book your place for each week contact Rutherglen Town Hall on 0141 613 5700 15 March 2pm That’s the Way to Do It

by Clive Chandler Scottish Mask & Puppet Theatre In partnership with Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Punch is up to his old tricks again, along with the crocodile, the policeman and not forgetting Judy and the Baby. www.glasgowcomedy festival.com 15 March 7 pm The Adventures of Robin Hood Cumbernauld Theatre Seeking to rid the land of evil and return hope to the poorly treated. They are lean, mean, trained justice fighting machines! Armed with whatever comes their way, nothing is as it seems in this Sherwood Forrest, but one thing is for sure . . . no rogue is safe!

Telephone: 01236 732 887 Email: ktough@ cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk

16 March 2pm Pinocchio By Clive Chandler Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre £5.95/£5.75 www.glasgowcomedy festival.com 21-23 March The Sainsburys Sport Relief Games Glasgow The first ever Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games take place from Friday 21st March to Sunday 23rd March. It’s warming up to be one unmissable weekend with three massive fundraising events – the Mile, the Swimathon and the Cycle. www.sportrelief.com 22 March 11am - 1pm Spring Fair Join the Langside Primary School community at their Spring Fling!

You can try your luck on the silent auction and tombola or select a gift from Easter themed crafts, second hand books and games. We will have home baked goodies to have with a coffee (or two), face painting, henna tattoos and competitions!

A perfect family day out. langsideptc@outlook.com 22 March 2pm Tricky Tricks by Alex the Magician Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre Alex the Magician will be working his magic on you and will not only have all the children laughing, giggling and smiling but the adults too. A great magic and entertainment show for all the family. £5.95/£5.75 www.glasgowcomedy festival.com 22 March 2pm Otiz Cannelloni – A History of Magic Abridged?

Tron Theatre A family show about one of the most popular forms of entertainment – magic. Genuine information punctuated by delightful nonsense combine to create a unique show that everyone will enjoy – from age 5 to 105. Tickets £7.50 | Family Ticket: £28 (admits 2 adults & 2 children) | Babes In Arms Policy: Under 2 years old go free (no ticket required) 0141 552 4267

What’s on 22 & 23 March 10.30am & 12.30pm Family Storytime: The Hare and the Tortoise Scottish Youth Theatre Laugh, play, jump and shout that’s what Family Storytime is all about! These popular interactive storytelling adventures never fail to delight audiences aged 7 years and under and all the family. The capacity in the Edwin Morgan Studio is extremely limited.

Please pre-book your tickets by calling us on 0141 552 3988 23 March Sports Relief – Mugdock Mile: 1, 3 or 5k Mugdock Country Park Dust off your trainers and get set for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile.

Registration will be available from late September 2013 at www.sportsrelief.com 29 March 2pm Jack and the Beanstalk by Talking Heads Puppets Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre In partnership with Glasgow International Comedy Festival. £5.95/£5.75. www.glasgowcomedy festival.com 30 March 1pm The Secret Life of Suitcases Eastwood Park Theatre Join Larry in ‘The Secret Life of Suitcases’ as his world gets turned upside down and he discovers the thrill of an adventure and the joy of coming home again. Suitable for age 5+.

Standard £5, Family £15.

Tel 0141 577 4956 1 - 5 April 7.30pm Our Sound of Musicals Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre Our Sound of Musicals is a brand new musical revue featuring songs from hit west end and broadway musicals including Wicked, Hairspray, Grease, Les Misérables. Mamma Mia, Miss Saigon, Mary Poppins and many more. The show is a great night out for all the family.

Tuesday £10/WednesdaySaturday £12. U16 - half price.

Call 01698 322 867

3 April 10.30am - 12pm Spring Fling Baby Disco Paisley Museum Join in the fun with dancing, games and art activities.

Suitable for ages 0 - 5. £2 per adult (Children go free) Call 0300 300 1210 5 April 2pm James Campbell’s Comedy for Kids Citizens Theatre For children over 6, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words. £7.50 0141 429 0022 6 April Kids Sunday Magic Show East Kilbride Arts Centre Amazing, fun, incredible, hilarious. When Douglas Cameron performs his magic, everyone leaves slightly puzzled ...but smiling. Price: Adult: £5.00 Telephone: 01355 261000 Email: ekartscentre@ southlanarkshire.gov.uk 7 April 11am – 12pm and 2pm - 3pm The Teddy Bear’s Picnic Glasgow Museums Resource Centre Bring along your teddy bear to have a picnic in the pods!

0141 276 9300

7 April

7 – 12 April

2.30pm Oscar and the Lost City of the Incas The Town House, Hamilton Oscar’s search for his missing friend Bluebell leads him to the South American jungle, the gold-encrusted Lost City and ultimately into conflict with a mysterious enemy who seeks the power of the legendary sun necklace.... Price: Child: £4.00 Telephone: 01698 452299 Email: thetownhouse@ southlanarkshire.gov.uk www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk 7 - 11 April 10.30am – 3.30pm Easter Holiday Activity Club: Week 1 Stepz in Time Dance School, Glasgow South Side Join us for lots of fun and games and activities. Age 4+ , £6 per day or £25 for the week. Snacks & juice provided. Limited places.

Book now Call 07796525432

Easter Academy 2014 Citizens Theatre An action packed week of drama activities during spring break, with courses for 6-8s and 9-12s.

Meet friends, learn new skills and have lots of fun! See website for times. www.citz.co.uk. All courses £98 (£82 conc.)

Box Office 0141 429 0022 7 & 21 April 12pm – 2pm RSPB Childrens Wildlife Photography Workshop Kelvingrove Park Remember to dress for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking is essential! Minimum age: 7+ Suggested donation £5 RSPB members/£8 nonmembers.

Call 0141 331 9805

Easter Activity Listing is online at

www.familiesglasgow.co.uk

7 April 1pm & 3.30pm Postman Pat: Its Showtime!

Motherwell Concert Hall & Theatre Postman Pat Live is the must see show for 3-6 year olds this year. £12 (concessions £10 family of 4 £40 until 7th feb 2014 £42 thereafter.

Call 01698403120 7 April 2 pm – 4.30 pm Gingerbread Man Cumbernauld Theatre £7 for one adult and one child (£5 additional adult, £3.50 additional child) + transaction fee Imagine a world made entirely of biscuits: trees, houses and stars in the sky. Into this beautiful world comes a Gingerbread Man, creating havoc wherever he goes. He meets a majestic cow, a stubborn goat and an opportunistic bird. But...can the Gingerbread Man outwit the dastardly Fox? Age 3+ Telephone: 01236 732 887 Families Glasgow

March/April 2014 17

What’s on 7 - 10, 14 - 17 & 21

10 April

10:30am – 12pm Family Drop in Spring holiday programme Gallery of Modern Art Get creative in the Spring holidays with our drop in workshops every morning Monday to Thursday. Fun and exciting these workshops are always a popular holiday treat.

0141 287 3050 9 - 10 April 2 pm, 2.30 pm, 3 pm & 3.30 pm The Pied Piper: In the Little Fawn Caravan The Town House, Hamilton Our Pied Piper is told through rhyme using Robert Browning’s poem of the same name.

Suitable for ages 5+ Price: Child: £4.00 Telephone: 01698 452299 Email: thetownhouse@ southlanarkshire.gov.uk 9 - 10 April 2.30pm Willie the Wicked Wolf Rutherglen Town Hall Willie is an outrageous but lovable rogue whose interests include food, motorbikes and rock ‘n’ roll. He plans to eat Granny and Red Riding Hood but fails miserably because of his unreliable motorbike. Luckily Granny is a good mechanic.

Unluckily she is not a good driver....how will it end? Happily of course, if the audience helps!

Cost £6/£20 family ticket (x4) Telephone: 0141 641 5700 Email: rutherglentownhall2@ southlanarkshire.gov.uk 9, 11, 16 April 11am - 4pm Itchy Feet Trails Riverside Museum Follow one of our themed family trails and look out for a fun activity along the way!

0141 287 2720 10 April 11.30am – 12.15pm and 1.30pm – 2.15pm Young Storymakers – Magic and Mayhem (age 3 – 8) Mugdock Country Park Meet Tillie, the naughty fairy, and Eddie, the stinky elf, as they try very hard to make magic, stay clean, tidy and out of trouble! Bring your best magical, naughty fairy and elf props & gear. Cost £5 per child, must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential 0141 956 6100 18 March/April 2014

11 am - 1 pm, 2 pm - 4 pm Head in the Clouds Cumbernauld Theatre £7 for one adult and one child (£5 additional adult, £3.50 additional child) + transaction fee. Come and share in this enchanting tale of wandering sheep, wonderful clouds and one worried wee doggie. Age 0-4 01236 732887 10 April 2.30pm The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Rutherglen Town Hall Add a boy with the tingle of magic in his fingertips and a spell that spirals out of control... and you have the classic tale of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice!

Puppets, mime and a dash of real magic will leave adults and children enthralled.

Duration - 45 minutes - Age guidance for this show requires sitting and listening and is therefore more appropriate for children 4+ years. Tickets £6.00/Family ticket (x4) £20 Telephone: 0141 613 5700 Email: rutherglentownhall2@ southlanarkshire.gov.uk 11 April The Gingerbread Man Rutherglen Town Hall £6.00/£20.00 family ticket (x4) Telephone: 0141 613 5700 Email: rutherglentownhall2@ southlanarkshire.gov.ukWeb: www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk 11 – 21 April 2pm & 5.30pm Freckleface Strawberry The Musical Scottish Youth Theatre Freckleface Strawberry will do anything to get rid of her freckles – from scrubbing them with soap, to caking on makeup, and even wearing a ski mask to school! With soaring music, awesome dancing, and a freckleface full of laughs, the whole family will love this brand new musical for all ages... freckles or not! Babies and children under the age of 1 year go free - no ticket required. They are not allocated a seat and they need to stay in their parent’s/ guardian’s lap.

Book tickets online or by calling Tron Theatre’s box office on 0141 552 4567. www. scottishyouththeatre.org

Families Glasgow

12 April 2pm Willie the Wicked Wolf Cumbernauld Theatre £7 for one adult and one child (£5 additional adult, £3.50 additional child) + transaction fee He plans to eat Granny and Red Riding Hood but fails miserably because of his unreliable motorbike. Luckily Granny is a good mechanic. Unluckily she is not a good driver...how will it end? Happily of course, if the audience helps! Age 6+ Telephone: 01236 732 887 14 - 18 April 10.30am – 3.30pm Easter Holiday Activity Club: Week 2 Stepz in Time Dance School, Glasgow South Side Activities include face painting, cup cake decorating, puppetry, circus skills. Mask making, plus some activities from week one.

Juice and snacks provided.

Age 4+ Book now Call 07796525432 15,16,17,19 & 20 April 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm Animal Babies Glasgow Museums Resource Centre The Village Storytelling Centre will also be here with related stories on 8-10 April.

0141 276 9300 17 & 18 April 10.30am-4.30pm Drop-In Day Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre Our doors will be open for a warm welcome. Our café is open all day so why not get together with a few friends and arrange to meet for a coffee and a chat while the children colour in and cut out and make a puppet, there will be Easter Bunnys of course…. Punch and Judy Puppets, Gingerbread Boys and Mums, Clowns, Frogs and Crocodiles all to choose from. £1.50 per puppet or choose two characters for £2.50. www.scottishmaskand puppetcentre.co.uk

17 & 18 April 10.30am Balloonology Workshop by Alex the Magician Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre Balloon modelling fun and laughter for all the family. A really fun family workshop for 7yrs +. Children must be booked in with a minimum of one adult also partaking in the workshop. £5.95/5.75 www.scottishmaskand puppetcentre.co.uk 18 - 21 April 3pm Easter Duck Race New Lanark Village Every day over the Easter weekend at 3.00 pm in New Lanark Village. Help raise money for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Falls of Clyde. Price: Child: £2.00 per duck Telephone: 01555 665262 Email: fallsofclyde@swt.org.uk 19 April 2pm Jango’s Easter Extravaganza

by Jango Starr Scottish Mask & Puppet Theatre Hang onto your Easter Eggs folks, for a show full of bumbling comedy fun, seasonally silly springtime slapstick, daft magic and precarious Easter Egg juggling all with a hop skip and a bunny jump with the amazing Jango Starr! £5.95/£5.75 www.scottishmaskand puppetcentre.co.uk 19 & 20 April Sat 11.30am - 12.30pm, 1.30pm 4pm. Sun 12pm - 4pm Best Dressed Cycle Parades & Competition!

Riverside Museum Find out about cycling through the ages and join in fun activities. Bring your own bicycle along to take part in our Best Dressed Cycle Parades & Competition! Exact time of Parades will be announced on the Riverside Museum facebook page. Brought to you by ‘Fish & Game’ www.fishandgame.org.uk 0141 287 2720 30 April – 3 May A Small Story Tron Theatre A world of objects and visual storytelling for 2-4 year olds.

Tickets. £7 | Family of 3 - £18 | Family of 4 - £24.

0141 552 4267

CALLiNG ALL

mINI

KEEPERs! Join one of our experienced animal keepers for an exciting introduction to the world of zookeeping. Help make up morning feeds, assist with our animal health checks and learn more about some of your favourite animals.

Animal species vary but can include:

– Wallabys – Armadillo – Lizards – Monkeys – Parrots – Stick insects

ONLY 7 MILES FROM AVIEMORE EXPLORE ON FOOT OR BY CAR ALSO

NEW E M ERKATRE ENCLOSgU Openin Easter 2014

––––––––––––––––– For more information visit: edinburghzoo.org.uk Or, contact our Experience Team: 0131 314 0327 Edinburgh Zoo is owned by the conservation charity The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Charity No. SC004064.

Terms and Conditions apply

Families Glasgow

March/April 2014 19

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities t Courses mapped to the Curriculum for Excellence. t Adapts to the individual needs of your child. t Vibrant learning environment that children enjoy. t Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. t Award-winning tuition - Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

Free trial session - book today!

Darnley

0141 404 1049

East Kilbride

01355 587 220

or book online at www.explorelearning.co.uk

TUE 8 APR 1.30PM & 4.45PM WED 9 APR 11AM, 2PM & 5PM

GLASGOW SECC CLYDE AUDITORIUM 0844 395 4000 0844 847 1682 20 March/April 2014

Families Glasgow

Calls cost from 5p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles will be considerably more.

CBeebies Logo TM & Š BBC 2002.

BBC Worldwide presents