Families Central Scotland Sep-Oct 2019

Central Scotland

In this Issue

Try something new this season!

Autumn Wellbeing Halloween Cooking

150 Years of The National Wallace Monument

Bes t da y o u t fo r Un de r 5s SCOT LA ND Book yo ur s es s i o n , pa r t y or s pe c i a l eve nt a t :

w w w. k i dzt o w n rol e p l a y. co m

y Come and enjo Falkirk’s newurs! fantastic flavo

Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkbarn.co.uk

Issue 54 September/October 2019 Familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Central Scotland 1

a Punz eL Fri 22 Nov to Tue 31 Dec Tickets from £14.75

Tue 26 Nov to Tue 24 Dec Tickets: £10 / £36 Wee Group Saver (any 4 people) For age 5 & under

macrobertartscentre.org I 01786 466 666

Bright Start

If your kids walk to school they will arrive more alert and ready to learn.

Take the Right Route

Small Changes, Big Benefits www.falkirk.gov.uk/taketherightroute

Central Scotland Editor Fiona Bunting e: editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk Design Lamb Designs Printers J Thomson Colour Printers Cover Image Thomas Haywood Stock photography Deposit Photos Circulation

12,000 copies distributed directly to schools, nurseries, playgroups, health centres, libraries and leisure facilities, as well as selected tourist attractions, cafes, clubs, classes and shops throughout Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire and West Lothian, and also available to read online via www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk Please contact us if you wish to receive our media pack in relation to advertising. Bookings are now being taken for the November/December issue with our special feature on Christmas in Central Scotland – deadline for all adverts and editorial is 1st October.

Congratulations

In this Issue 4 6 8 12 14 16 18

Education and News Try something new this season!

Parent to Parent Autumn Wellbeing Halloween Cooking Out and About Family Competitions

keep up to date Families Central Scotland is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Central Scotland are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Central Scotland. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Central Scotland; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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to our lucky July/August prize winners!

Julie Hunter from Clackmannanshire won the family ticket for Blair Drummond Safari Park, Katy Whitelaw from Bridge of Allan won the birthday party package at Kidz Town Role Play, Catherine Ely from Linlithgow and Noreen McNicol from Camelon won the family tickets for Sruighlea, Stirling’s Summer Festival and Lee Doyle from Causewayhead won the family ticket for The National Wallace Monument’s ‘Wallace Wha Hae!’.

@FamiliesCentral

Competition Terms and Conditions: 1. Competitions are open to residents of the UK, aged 18 years or over. 2. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

3. No responsibility is accepted for ineligible or fraudulent entries. 4. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt. 5. One correct entry and winner (or as stipulated per competition) will be selected and notified by email as soon as reasonably practicable after the closing date of the competition unless otherwise advised. 6. All decisions of Families Central Scotland are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

7. If a winner does not confirm acceptance of a prize within 7 days from notification, he/she automatically foregoes the right to claim the prize. 8. No prize is exchangeable for any other prize.The prize is not transferable. 9. All competitions hosted by Families Central Scotland will close at midnight on the closing date stated. Any entries after this time and date will be void. 10. Automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties will be disqualified. 11. Families Central Scotland is not liable for any delay or failure by the prize provider to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the prize or competition. 12.The winner agrees to have his/her name publicised in the Families Central Scotland magazine, including the digital publication. 13.

The winner agrees to have his/her name, address and email address passed on to the prize provider for the purposes of obtaining their prize. 14. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions. 15.The competition is free to enter and no purchase is necessary.

Education and news Psychology Kindergarten offers something unique

Small school; big personality Morrison’s Academy is a small and vibrant independent day school with a big personality.

Located in the heart of Scotland; we provide quality education from nursery to sixth year. Generations of Morrisonians have benefited from a rich choice of academic, artistic and sporting experiences. Our families love the fact that we are small enough to know their children by name, yet large enough to offer a breadth of choice and opportunities.

Big opportunities

At every stage, we seek out opportunities to challenge pupils, stretch them and help them grow.

This could be through a nursery class visit to a local farm, a Lego™ challenge with our dedicated primary STEM teacher or by spending a week with a French exchange family and honing their language skills.

Big horizons

We nurture and support our pupils’ aspirations; whether that be to run a marathon to raise funds for a new playground for our partner school in Malawi, to be a world champion cross country mountain biker or to be part of the pipe band or choir performing at the opening ceremony of the biggest international event in women’s golf in 2019; The Solheim Cup. We encourage our pupils to strive for the highest and broaden their horizons to all of life’s possibilities.

Big futures

We are proud of all of our pupils and their academic results. Last year we had a 94% Advanced Higher pass rate, a 93% Higher pass rate, and a 94% National 5 pass rate. Coupled with our ‘Learning for Life’ programme which focuses on all of the ‘nonacademic’ skills young people need to get on in the world, we think we have found a formula for success.

Maybe this is why some of our pupils have gone on to become Olympic athletes, award winning artists, renowned adventurers and authors, politicians and professionals.

morrisonsacademy.org

4 Families Central Scotland

The Psychology Kindergarten is unique in the UK because it serves the dual purpose of providing rich, challenging and meaningful learning experiences for children, while offering the opportunity for staff and students at the University of Stirling to study aspects of child development. It welcomes children from two years and nine months to five years old from the public as well as students and staff of the University. A maximum of 16 children can attend each session.

It strives to build upon children’s individual interests and needs, as well as strong relationships with the parents and the University community. They have been graded ‘excellent’ for their quality of care and support and ‘very good’ for the quality of leadership and management, staffing and environment.

They strongly believe in developing a shared vision with the parents and the children that attend their setting. They continuously seek parents’ views on what values they would like to see shape their practice. Simultaneously, they work with the children on identifying the rights and responsibilities around the values we as a community hold dear. The curriculum is actively devised with the children and tailored to suit their individual needs.

They also aim to extend the children’s interests and elicit their ideas to support critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Exploratory play materials are always available, encouraging creative and imaginative play. Outdoor learning, emotional wellbeing and science experiments are at the heart of their planning. A wide range of natural elements is used to explore early mathematical and literacy concepts both indoors and outdoors.

They routinely review their environment to support the children’s language and social skills by providing the children with more opportunities to unwind, think and focus. They offer the children and the parents mindfulness, yoga and classical music sessions, which the families at the Kindergarten have really enjoyed. They have established regular visits to the nursery garden where they now have their very own allotment in which pumpkins, peas and carrots are growing. They have also designed and created their own sensory garden at the back of the Macrobert Arts Centre.

They go on regular walks on their beautiful campus, which provides the perfect setting for the children to investigate nature and hold forest school-inspired activities throughout the year.

The Psychology Kindergarten works in partnership with Stirling Council to offer the 1140 hours entitlement for a maximum of 6 hours and 5 minutes per day over 37.6 weeks per year. They are open from 8.55 am to 3.30 pm.

Psychology Kindergarten, University of Stirling, Cottrell Building 3w8, Stirling, FK9 4LA Contact: Federica Caruso –Manager; 01786 467662 Email: psychologykindergarten@stir.ac.uk Website: https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/ business/psychology-kindergarten/

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September Festival of Volunteering to expand Scotland’s Festival of Volunteering is set to return for a third year. Bigger than ever, the previously week-long festival developed by Volunteer Scotland will now run for the whole of September and over two locations: Stirling and South Ayrshire.

Margaret Starkie, Strategic Engagement Manager for Volunteer Scotland said: “This year the festival will take place in two local authority areas for the first time! We’re delighted to announce that South Ayrshire will be joining Stirling in celebrating the local people, groups and organisations that strive to make a difference in their communities through volunteering. We’ve engaged with over 4,000 people and nearly 200 organisations since we launched our first festival in September 2017 and hope that, year on year, more communities across Scotland will adopt our festival approach to increasing volunteer participation.

Anyone can get involved and festivals can be any size, from a single community event to a month-long celebration!”

During the second week of the Festival (9-15 September), 14 local organisations from across Forth Valley will be given the chance to take over the Festival’s Pop Up stand in Stirling’s Thistles shopping centre to promote their volunteering opportunities, showcase their work and celebrate the work of volunteers.

SVE’s Chief officer Natalie Masterson said: “We have had an amazing take up from local organisations who are very excited to get the opportunity to showcase their organisation in the shopping centre during the festival. We have had great support from the Thistles in making this happen, and it’s a brilliant chance for the public to get a flavour of the diversity of volunteering that is available to them in their local area.”

Other key events during the month include crowd funding community dinner Stirling Soup, Doors Open Days run by volunteers at Bannockburn House, an exhibition organised by Stirling Photography Festival volunteers and the chance to participate in Scotland’s largest participatory art project, The Cube. festivalofvolunteering.org/get-involved/stirling/

Education and news Local food festival returns for October break After a successful launch last year, Forth Valley Food Festival is back for 2019 (1120 October) showcasing the region’s diverse larder.

This year’s food festival trail is already taking shape, with a range of fun family friendly activities during the school October holidays from pumpkin picking and milking goats to learning about how food gets from farm to fork.

Over 14 local food producers, cafes and farms have already signed up to take part this year.

For the full festival line-up see: www.fvl.org.uk/localfood/fvff

Try something new this season!

Autumn Days Out

Spooky Fun at Blair Drummond

If you’re looking for a terrifyingly great family day out this October, don’t miss Blair Drummond Safari Park’s awesome HalloWild event, which runs from 12-27 October.

Now in its second year, this annual event has been met with rave reviews and has quickly established as one of the biggest Halloween treats in Scotland. Tickets from £13.50 (or free for members!) include full entry to the Safari Park, with access to all of the usual attractions such as the drive-through reserves, sea lion presentations, boat trip to Chimp Island and adventure play, plus lots of special Halloween activities.

Will you be brave enough to enter ‘The Tomb!’? – an Egyptian-themed haunted house featuring live actors and 3D special effects. Go trick or treating in the park and visit the Spook Tent for lots of Halloween-themed activities, including slime-making and magic. There will even be a cute pumpkin patch for you to select your own.

Check out blairdrummond.com to book tickets online.

Sparking Imaginations Autumn Fun at KIDZ TOWN

The Howgate Centre in Falkirk will turn into a movie set on Saturday 31st August for their second Capital Sci-Fi Con in aid of CHAS. Wristbands are only £5 each and available on the day, granting access to the games rooms, and you can have your photo taken with Transformers cars, Star Wars props, cosplayers and more! One month later, the centre will take part in the third Falkirk Storytelling Festival which takes place in various town centre venues from 3 – 6 October. The Howgate will focus on free family events over the four days of the festival - and families will love the Myths & Legends day on Saturday 5th October.

For more information visit howgateshopping.co.uk or follow them on facebook.com/howgateshopping

Jumping into the new season

Look out for lots of exciting events at KIDZ TOWN this autumn. We’re holding our first quiet session on Sunday 29th September at 10am, for guests with additional support needs and their families. Join in our FREE Jo Jingles music classes on Wednesdays included in your play session (term time only). Keep following us on Facebook to obtain details of our Halloween events including pumpkin picking from our own patch, carving and Halloween party time with a visit from Kidzy Bear, the Mayor of KIDZ TOWN! As always there will be an exciting new play area appearing in the Town for the autumn play sessions. So pop along and experience something new during your next visit. Book your session or birthday party at kidztownroleplay.com KIDZ TOWN is YOUR TOWN

6 Families Central Scotland

Just when we thought The Milk Barn couldn’t get any more childfriendly, they’ve installed a huge outdoor Jumping Pillow! Kids will love this, as well as the indoor and outdoor play areas, and they can have fun trying to milk the fibreglass milking cow, Glenda, too.

There are 36 different flavours of delicious homemade ice cream on display, made from the farm’s own pedigree herd of Holstein Friesian cows, plus a soya ice cream for diabetics, dairy free sorbets and frozen fresh fruit yoghurt. The Milk Barn is situated on a working dairy farm and also serves paninis, sandwiches, baked potatoes, fresh home baking, ice cream milkshakes and much more.

Ask staff for any dietary guidelines and check out their website for details of their amazing birthday party packages (options for 2 – 12 year olds) – themilkbarn.co.uk Glen Farm, Glen Village, Falkirk, FK1 3AA - contact 01324 630 703 or via Facebook @GlenFarmDairyIcecream

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Bo’ness Railway

Try something new this season!

Picture: Peter Backhouse

Share an autumn adventure with your friends and family, travelling by steam train and exploring Scotland’s largest railway museum. 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 relax as the train travels through the Scottish countryside.

Back at Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways via our Visitor Trail. Enjoy homemade, locally-sourced produce in our Station Buffet and we’ve a great Gift Shop too.

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

Autumn Fun at Briarlands Farm

Briarlands Farm offers acres of space with animals to visit, natural play equipment and cable ride, tractor go-karts, giant jumping pillows, football golf course, soft archery and much more, so all ages can enjoy the fresh air. Don’t forget to visit the tearoom for some fresh home baking and some indoor play for the wee ones.

An ideal place for Autumn birthday parties too!

For more information and to see their range of events, check out briarlandsfarm.co.uk or follow them on Facebook @briarlandsfarm to keep up to date

150th Anniversary Celebrations The National Wallace Monument opened its doors to visitors on 11th September 1869, and 2019 marks the building’s 150th Anniversary. This special year is being commemorated with a programme of events, including an evening lightshow on the anniversary date, with animations projected onto the Monument.

On Saturday 14th September, the celebratory festival ‘Wallace Wha Hae!’ will be held at Wallace High School, with live music acts (including Stevie McCrorie and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers), and entertainment, craft activities, food and drink, from 2.00pm – 9.45pm. The festival will end with a spectacular firework and light display from the Monument!

The events programme continues in the autumn with evening lectures in Legends Coffee House - visit nationalwallacemonument.com for details or phone 01786 472140.

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Families Central Scotland 7

This issue we’ve spoken to the lovely Kirsty Crockett who lives in Dunblane with her husband Tom, her children, Angus (13) and Sophie (10), and their pet dog, Millie. Kirsty worked in the NHS for 15 years as a Clinical Scientist, specialising in microbiology, and has seen first-hand the importance of seeking medical advice when necessary, knowing the right time to do this and also when a little bit of first aid can go a long way. She says: As a mum to a teenage son who has not known the meaning of danger since he was born, plays rugby and any sport he can get involved in, and a daughter who is a keen gymnast and dancer, I have personal experience of a wide variety of first aid emergencies, from cuts and grazes to broken bones! Daisy First Aid Stirling is the first Daisy First Aid franchise to arrive in Scotland.

Can you tell us a bit more about your first aid classes – and who they are designed for?

Daisy First Aid runs 2-hour classes which are fun and relaxed. They are aimed at parents, parents-to-be, grandparents, carers, or anyone spending time in the company of children. They are designed to give everyone the knowledge and confidence to deal with emergency situations quickly and calmly. The classes cover recovery positions, CPR and choking for adults, children and babies, as well as febrile seizures, bleeding, burns, anaphylaxis, meningitis, fractures, poisoning and head injuries.

Classes cost £25 per person, and I run group classes throughout Stirlingshire/ Clackmannanshire, but for the same price I can do a private class in the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits you.

What do you think are the most important first aid kit items to have in a family home?

Being an active outdoor family, a tick remover, plasters and Calpol!

Why do you like living where you do? How child friendly is it?

Dunblane is really child-friendly. Where we live, we can access the countryside easily for dog walks, mountain biking etc, yet the High Street has some great shops, and of course there is the train to Stirling, Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Favourite shop: Toy Hub - a lifesaver for last minute birthday presents, and it also has some great pocket money toys so the kids can spend their money too.

Charisma - another great shop on Dunblane’s High Street. Great when you are lacking inspiration for what to buy friends/family for special occasions.

Favourite park: My kids love the park at the Laighhills. There is plenty of space to kick a ball around, and of course the skate park too. The dog loves to splash in the river as well, so a winner all round!

Favourite children’s club or class: Rubber Chicken Theatre has given both Angus and Sophie so much enjoyment, and the most amazing opportunities whilst being part of their annual Show in a Week.

Stirling Country RFC feels like our second home sometimes! Angus started in the Minis Section in P3, and has had a love of rugby ever since.

Favourite child-friendly restaurant or café: The Riverside has a great kids’ menu, and a variety of games to play at your table while waiting for your food to arrive. Jenga and Dobble are our family favourites.

Top day out with kids: Briarlands has been a favourite of ours for years. There is something for all ages and great cakes in the café!

Favourite night out without kids: Ha ha! Doesn’t happen often. A night in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Best planet saving tip: Get the kids to sort out the recycling as part of their daily chores.

No parent should be without: Wipes (came in handy when my daughter had a nosebleed in the car today!), and hand gel.

Parenting pet hates: When your children lie to you (especially when they are so bad at it)!

Most embarrassing moment: Coming out of Walmart in Orlando, and casually getting into the back seat of a total stranger’s car, which I had mistaken as ours!

When I realised, I just said, “Oops sorry, and casually got back out again”. Needless to say, my whole family had been watching what happened and were in hysterics!

Funniest thing your child/children have ever done?

When Sophie was learning to speak, she couldn’t say the ‘r’ sound. Tom was putting her to bed one night, and asking her questions

where the ‘r’ sound was in the answers.

After about two minutes of this game, Tom asked, “What noise does a lion make?” Clearly fed up with the game, she looked at him … silence …

“Cock-a-doodledoo!”

Favourite family holiday spot: We love a trip to Disney in Florida, but also love to go to Aviemore, where we can do lots of outdoor activities and watersports, and the dog can join in too!

Most loved children’s book: Smelly Peter, What the Ladybird Heard, Roald Dahl books Best children’s DVD, TV show or app: Operation Ouch - both kids love this TV show, and it’s educational too.

Most played with toys: A Happyland Village set that I got as a job lot on eBay has provided hours of fun for my two kids, and is now brought out every time we have visitors with young children, who seem to love it too.

Biggest waste of money: Sticker collections/albums Best advice you’ve ever received: Enjoy time with your children while they are young, as they grow up far too fast. This is so true.

Phone: 07966 190 724 Email: stirling@daisyfirstaid.com Webpage: https://www.daisyfirstaid.com/ stirling Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ daisyfirstaidstirling

Classes Across Central Scotland

lynsey@hartbeeps.com 07914 023 928

07738 203 497 NABAS Accredited Balloon Designer

We cater for all occasions @DreamsThemesEvents

Helping your child enjoy happy friendships

by Tanith Carey As a new school term starts, it’s no longer how children will perform in their school work in the year ahead which worries parents the most.

The latest research has revealed that mums and dads are now most concerned about whether or not they will have happy friendships.

This is because so many of us know how inconsolable our children are when they get left out, have no one to play with at school or have a falling out with their friends. A new book ‘The Friendship Maze: How to Help Your Child Navigate Their Way to Positive and Happier Friendships’ brings together the latest social science research to show how kids can have easier friendships and looks at how to help when things go wrong.

How to help: Talk about Friendship Children will be able to be better friends, and are likely to be liked more by their peers, when you talk through with them the qualities that make others want to spend time with them. Things like listening, sharing and playing fairly. Make a point of noticing and complimenting your child when they show these qualities.

Be a Good Role Model Talk about your own friendships – times when you have been a good friend by being thoughtful, dependable and ready to listen, and mention when others are being a good friend to you so that children recognise how to be a good friend to others.

Play Turn-Taking Games Play games to practice cooperation, a key skill in friendship. As you play board or ball games with younger kids, describe out loud what you are doing. Start with non-competitive games, so they can get used to the to-and-fro of turn-taking.

Teach them to Be Good Sports Children don’t want to be play with others who cheat and kick up a fuss if they lose. Explain winning and losing is temporary. The key is for your child to enjoy themselves during a game, not to get hung up on the result.

Discuss how to Find Things in Common with their Peers Children may show off and brag in the belief that if they impress others, they will be liked more.

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Whether it’s through roleplay, or talking about your own experiences, help your child hear how this can sound like ‘showing off.’ Explain that children like others who they feel they have things in common with, not those who act superior.

Emphasise Quality over Quantity By the end of primary school, kids may want lots of friends in order to feel ‘popular’. But it can take no more than two or three genuinely close friends to be happy at school. Make it clear that it’s not a numbers game.

Find more ways to help children learn friendship skills in Tanith’s new book The Friendship Maze: How to Help Your Child Navigate Their Way to Positive and Happier Friendships, published by Summersdale and available from Amazon.

Tick panto tickets off your list early – and get your favourite seats!

Falkirk Community Trust is delighted to be working once again with Imagine Theatre to bring this traditional family entertainment to Falkirk.

With a law decreeing that the princess can only marry a prince, and the evil Abanazar up to no good, it looks as though Aladdin’s dreams may never come true. And he’s not the only one! Aladdin’s mum, Widow Twankey, has got the mixed-up Chinese laundry blues which are not helped by the fact they’re also very poor…If only Aladdin could make his fortune and then all their dreams could come true.

FTH Theatre once again promise a show packed full of spectacular scenery, breathtaking costumes, stunning special effects, fabulous song and dance routines and hilarious slap stick comedy.

Make everyone’s wishes come true this Christmas and book your tickets now for this magical family pantomime.

6 – 24 December, full schedule and online booking at falkirkcommunitytrust.org

The National Wallace Monument

A STORY OF PASSION, TOLD WITH PRIDE

• New exhibition galleries waiting to be explored • An exciting programme of special events • Unforgettable views from the Crown

Adults

£10.50

Children

£6.50

WALLACE WHA HAE!

WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL, STIRLING Saturday 14th September 2019

A family-friendly festival with live music and entertainment.

Buy tickets at www.nationalwallacemonument.com

Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Stirling FK9 5LF (01786) 472140 • info@nationalwallacemonument.com www.nationalwallacemonument.com

Families Central Scotland 9

Try something new this season!

New season, new school year, new activity?

We look at a selection of autumn clubs and classes across Central Scotland

Club/Class What is it?

The TKD Tigers course is based around TaekwonDo, teaching children coordination, fitness, balance, flexibility and strength.

Through fun activities and TKD role playing games, children Tigers learn how to deal with Strangers, Bullies, Emergencies and Day-to-Day dangers, building their self awareness and confidence at every stage.

Falkirk and Linlithgow Hockey Club

Falkirk and Linlithgow Hockey Club training for children: sessions are a mix of fun games, learning new skills, team building and competition, with qualified and enthusiastic coaches leading each one.

Where is it?

Classes run in Falkirk, Larbert and Denny

Classes are in Linlithgow and Grangemouth

Hartbeeps Falkirk Classes for Falkirk and surrounding areas babies and toddlers feature Music, Puppets, Laughter and Fun! Classes are: Baby Bells - newborn baby classes, Baby Hartbeeps Beeps - baby and toddler Classes classes, Happy House – toddler, pre-school and nursery classes, and Hartbeeps Birthday Parties for 1st to 5th birthdays. Hartbeeps take you and your little one on a different sound journey every week… exploring play from the safety of our sessions… we set the scene, tell the story and make magic happen!

10 Families Central Scotland

Who’s it for?

The TKD Tigers classes are designed for 3-6 year olds, and there are also other classes running for children and adults in: Taekwon-Do, Korean kickboxing, ladies only Fitness kickboxing & Self Defence.Visit shawmartialarts.co.uk for the full timetable, or find Garry Shaw Martial Arts on Facebook.

All school aged children (divided into appropriate groups at training).

How do I try it?

Call 01786 818602/ 07734461615 or contact their Facebook page to arrange to try a class.

Classes start back in Linlithgow on Wednesday 4th September (P1-P7, 6-7pm and S1+, 6-7.30pm) Classes start back in Grangemouth on Thursday 5th September (6.45 – 8pm) For more information, come along to a session or contact their Facebook page @ FalkirkLgowHockey

Babies from birth up to 5 years

Single classes and blocks of 4 can be booked via our website, www.hartbeeps.com email Lynsey@hartbeeps. com or find us on Facebook, Hartbeeps Falkirk.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Try something new this season!

Mums on the Run

Music Bugs

Fun and fitness designed for mums with their little ones – no need for a babysitter!

Exercise classes include Cardio & Tone or Legs, Bums & Tums. The children are welcome to sleep, join in, run wild or cheer on the exercise!

Join us for nursery rhymes, counting songs, finger-play rhymes, knee bouncers and action songs. Watch your children develop as they sing and play with hobby horses, puppets, parachutes, teddies, pom-poms, bubbles and lots of wonderful percussion instruments.

Classes are at Blair Drummond Safari Park, The PEAK and Bridge of Allan.

Expectant mums, new mums, not so new mums, dads, aunts, carers… All welcomed!

For class details, call 07555 964 201, email mumsontherunstirling@ outlook.com or check out the mumsontherunstirling Facebook page.

We run classes in Stirling, Dunblane, Callander, Alloa and Menstrie.

Pre-school children from newborn to 5 years old.

You can try a taster session for £5 or take advantage of our 3 classes for £12 introductory offer. For details contact roslyn@musicbugs. co.uk, PM us on Facebook @ MusicBugsStirling or book via www.bookwhen.com/ musicbugsstirling-term.

MagiKats

Rugbytots

Boost your child’s confidence in maths, English and reasoning with our fun and interactive workshops. The MagiKats tutoring programme provides individual programmes and support for children and teenagers of all abilities, from pre-school to National 5.

Attending a workshop once per week, our students receive support from an appropriately qualified mentor as they work to improve their subject skills, thinking skills, study skills and problem solving skills. All our materials have been developed to support the UK National Curriculum and every student works to a level that is appropriate for them.

Additional practice in core skills is provided as homework, with individual programmes designed to fit in with other school and family commitments. MagiKats fits with and does not dominate a child’s weekly routine.

Whether your child needs more of a challenge, is struggling to keep up or simply needs a boost, we can provide a programme to suit. Our priority is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to realise their full potential and we will work hard with each family to achieve that goal.

Carol Ferguson, Principal, MagiKats Alloa, Tel: 01259 404118 magikats.co.uk/alloa facebook.com/magikatsalloa

Rugbytots provides a safe and nurturing environment in which to learn the key skills of rugby; passing, kicking, catching, scoring tries and working with teammates. Most of all, it’s just REALLY GREAT FUN! The children enjoy the classes and being involved, and it has real benefits for them including increased confidence, improved attention, enhanced decision making and sleep. It also increases their self-esteem and personal growth. It gives the children social interaction through teamwork and provides structure.

Church, but not as you know it!

Every second Tuesday of the month during term time.

10/09, 8/10, 12/11, 10/12 St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Primary School and Nursery, Dunblane

Invite you to join them at Messy Church.

We meet in the Church Hall at 3.15pm until 5.30pm.

Each session includes worship, crafts, games and a meal.

Find out more at www.stmarysdunblane.org

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We have children ourselves and a passion for rugby, so the decision to get involved was easy. We have taken over the franchise from the previous owners and we are looking to grow the brand across Stirling and Clackmannanshire. Our classes are aimed at children aged 2-7. We are currently running classes across the area and these can be found on our website Rugbytots.co.uk or you can get in touch with us on 0345 313 0424 or by email: david.grainey@rugbytots.co.uk

Something for everyone

In collaboration with their partners, Falkirk Community Trust run a varied programme of sports for children of all ages from pre-school to secondary. They have a vast range of activities on offer, including swimming, mini gyms, football, gymnastics, basketball, badminton, skiing, tennis, golf, athletics and much more. Why not try a block of something new this school year? Visit falkirkcommunitytrust.com or phone 01324 506850 for more information.

Families Central Scotland 11

Autumn Wellbeing

Why daylight is essential for children’s health

by Andrew Campbell

levels of outdoor light, including when it is cloudy outside.

Without the correct daylight cues, the eyeball can grow too long, making a child short-sighted, at which point they will need lenses or surgery to correct their vision. The NHS advises that children should regularly spend time playing outside and this may help reduce the risk of becoming short-sighted.

The Sunshine Vitamin Sunlight helps children to produce adequate levels of vitamin D, protecting them from poor bone health, cardiovascular disease and reduced muscle function. There have also been links between low levels of vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis. The NHS recommends that pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children under five years take vitamin D supplements even if they do get outside in the sunlight - and that everyone else should consider daily Vitamin D supplements too, particularly in Scotland from October to early March.

Modern children are spending more time indoors than previous generations. An extensive survey in 2016 found that three quarters of UK children spend less time outside than prison inmates, and a fifth do not play outside at all on an average day.

A restriction on children’s access to natural light can have a detrimental impact on their health for various reasons: Short-Sightedness Babies are born longsighted, with a short eyeball that grows as their bodies do. A healthy eye stops growing when it reaches its optimum shape, but it struggles to do this without access to good quality light, which is only available outdoors. Our eyes are very good at tricking us into believing that our indoor environments are well lit, but even a brightly lit room cannot match the

Dads feeling sad

It is widely recognised that new and expectant mothers often experience mental health problems, but little attention has been paid to new fathers.

Amidst research suggesting that at least 10% of new fathers suffer from depression, a recent study has found that new fathers can be beset by feelings of guilt and failure to live up to societal expectations of stoicism, strength and providers of support.

The researchers found that a new father will often interpret his struggles as a personal failure as a man and father, and refuse to regard his problems as legitimate compared to those of his partner. This leads to reluctance in reaching out or seeking advice, further compounding the issues and exacerbating feelings of isolation.

New fathers also reported a lack of prior knowledge and awareness of the mental health challenges they could face as a result of having a baby.

For more information and advice, visit: www.nct.org.uk/lifeparent/dads-and-partners

12 Families Central Scotland

SAD Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression believed to affect around two million people in the UK, including children. SAD is thought to be related to a lack of daylight exposure and the effect that this has on some of the brain’s chemicals and hormones. The exact nature of this effect is not fully understood, but one theory is that light stimulates the part of the brain called the hypothalamus which controls mood, appetite and sleep. In some people, insufficient sunlight results in a disruption of these processes. Typical symptoms include lack of energy and motivation, sleep problems, feeling depressed or anxious and poor concentration.

Making small changes, such as giving your children more access to daylight, even when it’s cloudy, and encouraging regular physical activity, will set them up for a much healthier future. Getting your children to go out to play is essential for their long term health.

For more information, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad

Take the Right Route!

Take the Right Route and be part of International Walk to School month this October to help make walking an everyday part of your child’s daily routine.

We want children to be energised and empowered. We want children and parents to make walking to school their natural choice. And we need your help.

Why the Walk to School matters: • Children who do some form of exercise, especially a walk, before school do better in class because they arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn.

• One in five cars on the road during morning rush hour is taking children to school, generating two million tonnes of CO2 per year.

Let’s swap those school runs for school walks. Give your kids a bright start to the day… Take the Right Route!

Familiesonline.co.uk

The Head Lice Help Guide!

by Eileen Hutchinson Primary school children are the main spreaders of head lice as they spend lots of time in close contact with one another.

How these blood-sucking critters move from head to head remains a mystery to many of us, but if you understand how this happens, it can help you avoid an infestation.

How lice move from head to head Lice have claws at the end of their legs designed for walking through hair; they cannot fly or jump. The male lice happily stay on the scalp. After mating just once, the female louse lays up to 10 eggs daily for the rest of her 30 day life. She travels down the hair and waits with her front claws stretched out to grab any passing new hair. When a new hair passes by she will cling on, scurry up the follicle to the scalp, and start laying eggs. Transportation is as simple as that!

The female louse doesn’t care if your hair is curly or straight, clean or dirty. Essential oils as a repellant is another fallacy; there’s no medical evidence that they will prevent head lice, and a female louse’s genetic profile to colonise is far stronger than their dislike for any repellant.

Autumn Wellbeing

They are laid close to the scalp but are glued to the hair shaft so move down with the growth of the hair, so they can be found at any length of the hair.

Lice - up to 4mm long and a light tan or brown colour.

Baby lice - can be tiny and may be identified on the tissue as darker specks alongside the eggs.

Wet dandruff can be mistaken for eggs.

The key is, it can be rubbed off. A nit egg can only be removed by sliding it down and off the hair shaft.

What to do if you find lice If you find evidence of a louse, you can keep on repeating this combing down in sections until the tissue is clear of specks or lice. Keep the cleared sections away from hair that has not been treated. After each section is combed, check for eggs and use a tweezer to slide eggs down the hair shaft and off the hair.

Sterilise combs and put clips and bands in a plastic bag after washing. Do not use for at least three days.

If using the combing method, you must comb every three to four days until the entire infestation has been removed. This can take up to a month, depending on the severity of the outbreak.

It is easy to miss a louse or egg, and it is recommended that you use a CE certified brand of head lice serum.

Safer hypoallergenic and pesticide free treatments are now available and these may be more effective than natural remedies.

Simple preventative and checking measures Keep long hair tied up in a bun, plait or a ponytail at the nape of the neck for school and play dates. Use a separate brush for every member of the family.

Advise children not to share brushes with friends. To check for lice, use a nit comb on wet hair coated with a small amount of clear conditioner and separate the hair into straight line sections, using clips to keep hair secure in each section. When checking, let down one section at a time, positioning the teeth of the lice comb at the top of the hair shaft at a 16-degree angle out.

Gently pull the comb down the length of the hair from the root to end. Wipe the nit comb on a tissue and look for Exercise classes for Mums and little ones. 1 hour Cardio & Tone or 30 mins legs, bums & tums classes. lice, baby lice and eggs.

How to recognise lice, baby lice and eggs Eggs - the brown and tan flecks, measuring around 2mm in length, are similar to the shape of a sesame seed.

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Little ones of any age welcome to cheer on Mum, join in, run wild or sleep. Expectant mummies also welcome, plus not so new mummies!

Classes at Blair Drummond Safari Park, The PEAK and Bridge of Allan For more details email: mumsontherunstirling@outlook.com or call 07555 964 201

Eileen Hutchinson is the founder of NitNOT head lice serum treatment. For more information, visit www.nitnot.com Be aware of your reaction to your child’s head lice. If you are emotional or obviously disgusted, their lice experience will affect how likely they are to talk about other embarrassing issues in the future. If you find a louse or egg, take some time to compose yourself before explaining to your child that a simple treatment is needed. If you are not worried or stressed, your child is less likely to be concerned. Remember lice are unpleasant, but harmless. If you do find it difficult to treat your child, you can always contact a clinic for advice or further treatment.

Find us on Search PLUS 88 Drop in sessions Stirling: Friday 





Does your child have a sensory impairment or disability?

Is your child in the process of being diagnosed?

Looking to meet parents in similar circumstances?

1pm-2.30pm Free ££ Falkirk: Thursday 9.30am–11am £2 per family

Come along to Play & Chat Falkirk: Elgin Park, Elgin Place, Falkirk, FK1 1QN Stirling: PLUS, Broadleys Road, Springkerse Ind. Estate FK7 7ST Enjoy a cuppa and a chat with other parents whilst your child plays.

Siblings are welcome!

If you are interested in attending and would like more information Phone: 01786 450086 Email: family@plusforthvalley.org.uk The Family Plus project is funded by the Big Lottery and the Agnes Hunter Trust .

Charity No. SC003945, Company Limited by Guarantee No. SC 226225, Care Commission No. CS2003035186

Families Central Scotland 13

Things that go YUM in the Night!

Conjure up some ghoulish and tasty Boo-meringue Pops this Halloween! your tissue circles to the inside rim of the BOO-meringue Pops are tiny spectres Now for the cups… cups. that sit quietly in their cups until an unsuspecting little someone gets within snacking distance. Our friends at Wonderbly have come up with this spook-tastic recipe.

Let’s make BOOmeringue Pops: Keeping little fingers safe, cut the bottom out of your paper cups with the utility knife. Preheat the oven to 100°C or gas mark ¼.

Put the caster sugar into one bowl and sift the icing sugar into another.

Put the egg whites into a large bowl with a pinch of salt and use the electric whisk on medium power until the mixture forms soft peaks.

Place your cup upside down on the crepe/tissue paper and draw a circle about 1cm wider than the rim.

Cut out the circle and make small crisscross slits in the centre of the crepe paper.

Paint your cups a deep dark colour. When they’re dry, draw on some cobwebs or other creepy patterns.

Take your ghosts on their cardboard circles and tape the lollipop sticks to the cardboard. Pop your ghosts-on-sticks into their cups from above. Glue the edges of

And voilarghh! Supernaturally cute treats ready to surprise lots of little monsters!

Wonderbly create meaningful, magical personalised stories, which let children imagine themselves doing extraordinary things. Find out more at www.wonderbly.com

Whisk on high power, adding 1 tbsp of caster sugar at a time until you’ve used it all.

Fold in the icing sugar.

By now the mixture should be glossy with scared-stiff peaks (if you want to keep the meringue really white, you can add ½ tsp lemon juice and bake on a lower temperature for longer).

Put your freezer bag into a glass and fold the edges over the sides. Spoon in your meringue. Take the bag out, twist the top shut and snip off the bottom corner. Make sure you hold the bag gently so the ghosts don’t escape!

Put a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking tray and place the cardboard circles (i.e. the cut-out cup bottoms) on the tray.

Pipe a ghost onto each, add choc-drop eyes and pop in the oven for 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours.

When your ghosts are cooked and cooled, melt the chocolate (in a bowl) over a saucepan of boiling water.

Using a toothpick or similar, give your ghouls some mouths, eyebrows, whatever you fancy!

14 Families Central Scotland

Familiesonline.co.uk

Offering 1140 funded hours for eligible 3 & 4 year olds from August 2019

TKD Tigers is a revolutionary fun way of teaching 3-6 year olds using martial arts as a training platform.

Our themed activities consist of: • Teamwork & leadership • Focus & concentration • Motor skills • Fitness • Emergency skills • Memory • Balance • Anti bullying • Stranger awareness • Discipline • Promote health and nutrition

Results your child can expect • Social skills • Confidence • Physical and mental development

Larbert

Call 07734 461615

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• Graded Excellent and Very Good by the Care Inspectorate • Set in beautiful surroundings near Dunblane with ample parking • Access to daily Forest Schools • Open all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm • All meals included - home cooked by our in-house chef • Fully qualifed & trained staff please contact the Nursery direct

Westfield Park Community Centre.

Tuesday & Thursday 5.15pm – 6.00pm Tryst Community Sports Club at Larbert High. Wednesday 5.30pm – 6.15pm

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that provides high quality childcare from 3 months to school age.

For further details or to arrange a visit

Fully qualified professional instruction

by Garry Shaw 6th Degree Black Belt International Instructor

Falkirk

Open Afternoon on Friday 4th October, 3 - 5 pm

on 01786 822 391 Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU www.arnhallnursery.co.uk

www.shawmartialarts.co.uk garry@shawmartialarts.co.uk

Families Central Scotland 15

Out and About On now until 6th October

Gladiators – A Cemetery of Secrets at Callendar House An exhibition telling the story behind the skeletal remains of six men unearthed in York.

Accompanying the exhibition is a play area based on a Roman market, where families can have fun exploring what life was like in a Roman town. falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Saturday 31st August Capital Sci Fi Con Falkirk Invasion at Howgate Shopping Centre An actionpacked day for comic fans of all ages, 10am – 4pm howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk X Marks the Spot at Jupiter Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth Test your map reading skills to complete the ultimate treasure hunt around the reserve. Suitable for ages 5-12.

Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Scottish Living History Festival at Callendar Park A full day of interactive hands on events with lots of activities for all the family.

Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September Angry Birds Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Various times.

Bo’ness Revival Hill Climb at Kinneil Estate Classic cars and family entertainment. bonessrevival.co.uk

September Festival of Volunteering, Stirling festivalofvolunteering.org/get-involved/ stirling/ Weekends throughout September A Battle Won at The Wallace Monument Costumed actors bring to life the main events of William Wallace and Andrew de Moray’s victory on the 11th September 1297 at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. nationalwallacemonument.com

Saturday 7th September Black Devon After Dark Join in for a torch-lit wander around the Black Devon nature reserve, see it as you never have before and look out for those mysterious night time dwellers - all followed by moth trapping and bat hunting plus hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows! For tickets and information phone 01324 832853 or email innerforthreserves@rspb.org Go Bats at Linlithgow Palace Join the rangers for a night time walk around the palace and Peel and search for Linlithgow’s nocturnal inhabitants.

Booking essential. Phone 0131 652 8150.

Sea Hames by Oceanallover at The Helix This outdoor promenade

Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out & About section, please remember that venues may make changes and it is worth checking dates and times before setting out.

performance fuses eclectic sonic composition, compelling performance and intricate costume to explore the mythology and iconography of the horse, the earth and the sea. thehelix.co.uk Howie’s Kids Club at Howgate Shopping Centre Falkirk Fun and entertainment for children up to age 11. This month it’s animal handling workshops with Animal Man, 12-3pm.

Check howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk for details

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September Day Out With Thomas at Bo’ness Railway Engines with friendly faces, children’s entertainment, competitions, face painting, fairground attractions. bkrailway.co.uk Charming Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Various times.

Sunday 8th September Moth Morning at RSPB Black Devon Wetlands Join us for the morning after to see what we caught in the moth traps overnight on the reserve. There will be hot drinks and pastries to keep you going as you learn to identify different moth species. For tickets and information phone 01324 832853 or email innerforthreserves@rspb.org Pedal For Scotland Wee Jaunt - A 10 mile family friendly cycle from Linlithgow to the Royal Highland Centre with a medal at the finish. cycling.scot/pedal-for-scotland Big Helix Picnic (rescheduled from August) Come down to the Helix for a fun filled family day out - and don’t forget your picnic! There will be lots of activities for all ages to enjoy plus live entertainment from some fantastic local talent.

Monday 9th September Travelling Gallery at The Helix Drop in and visit this fantastic new exhibition entitled Displaced. thehelix.co.uk

Wednesday 11th September National Wallace Monument’s Anniversary An evening lightshow on the anniversary date, with animations projected onto the Monument, commemorating 150 years since the National Wallace Monument opened its doors to visitors on 11th September 1869.

Friday 14th to Sunday 22nd September Big Roman Week in Falkirk A nineday festival encouraging visitors to find out more about the Antonine Wall and our Roman roots. Big Roman Week features walks, talks and family events. falkirkcommunitytrust.org

16 Families Central Scotland

Saturday 14th September Kelpies to Kick Off Free family friendly walks starting and finishing at Falkirk Football Stadium, via the Helix Park and iconic Kelpies. Face painting, games, goodie bags and free tickets to Falkirk FC v Forfar Athletic.

Stirling Emergency Services Open Day Stirling Fire Station, 11am – 3pm Mindblowing Migrations at Jupiter Wildlife Centre What bird has the longest migration, flying from the Arctic to Antarctic and back every year? Find out as we learn about Scotland’s migratory species. Suitable for ages 5-12. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@scottishwildlifetrust. org.uk Wallace Wha Hae! At Wallace High School 2pm – 9.45pm. Celebrate 150 years of The National Wallace Monument at a family-friendly festival with storytelling, arts and crafts, and live performances from The Clann, Monument Dance Centre, and live music from Ted Christopher, Steve McCrorie, Jock the Box and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers with fireworks from the Monument in a spectacular finale. For tickets visit nationalwallacemonument.com Doors Open Day, St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Primary School & Nursery, Dunblane 10am – 4pm The Church and school date from the 1800s and lie in the heart of Dunblane - stmarysepsdunblane.org.uk Look out for many more Doors Open Day events across Scotland this month for the programme’s 30th year! doorsopendays.org.uk scottishcivictrust.org.uk

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September Horrible Histories: The Movie Rotten Romans Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Various times.

Royal Pursuits at Blackness Castle Try out easy-to-use modern equipment to test your archery skills.

Also, meet the falconer who’ll bring you up close and personal with the hunters of the skies! Included in admission price. Other dates in September also available. hes.scot

Monday 16th September Brilliant Bats at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Did you know that bats use echolocation to find food? Join us as we immerse ourselves in their mysterious world. Suitable for ages 8 and above. 7-9pm. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@scottishwildlifetrust. org.uk

Friday 20th September

service on a badger watch. No outdoor clothing is required as the event will be held inside. Cameras are allowed. Booking essential, phone 01324 506850 for tickets. Age 12+

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September UglyDolls Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Various times.

Friday 27th September Family Badger Watch at Muiravonside Country Park Come along to Muiravonside and join the ranger service on a badger watch. No outdoor clothing is required as the event will be held inside. Cameras are allowed. Booking essential, phone 01324 506850 for tickets. Age 6+

Saturday 28th September Open Morning at Morrison’s Academy Nursery, Primary and Secondary, 9.30am. Register at bit.ly/ MAOpenMorning Nature’s Harvest at Muiravonside Country Park Come and join the ranger for a walk around the park and discover the harvest of hedgerow food on offer in autumn. Booking essential, phone 01324 506850 for tickets.

Super Slimers at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Find out more crazy facts as we learn about the lives of these curious creatures. Suitable for ages 5 to 12. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Playmobil Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Various times.

October International Walk to School Month

Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 5th October Stirling Gang Show at Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling’s Guides and Scouts return with laughter and plenty of new songs for all the family in their new production for autumn 2019. macrobertartscentre.org

Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th October Falkirk Story Telling Festival Falkirk’s annual storytelling festival with a great range of author events for children and adults around Falkirk. falkirkstorytelling.com

Friday 4th October Open Afternoon at Arnhall Nursery, 3- 5pm. Come along or contact 01786 822 391 for more information.

Badger Watch at Muiravonside Country Park Come along to Muiravonside and join the ranger

Fam Familiesonline.co.uk

Saturday 5th October

facebook.com/FamCS Tuesday 15th October

This month as part of the Storytelling Festival, enjoy Myths & Legends day.

Check howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk for details.

Witches and Wizards at Linlithgow Peel A Halloween holiday club special for children aged 8-12 with an adult.

Free, but booking essential – hes.scot

Bat Walk with Batability at Muiravonside Country Park.Wrap up and bring your torch to Muiravonside Country Park to look for our five species of bat. Come and learn about these elusive creatures and then take a walk in the park with our bat expert.

Booking essential, phone 01324 506850 for tickets.

Wednesday 16th October

Monday 7th October Wee Builders at The Engine Shed Explore a monthly theme through creative play in a fun, child-led and sometimes messy environment. enginshed.scot

Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th October Oliver! presented by Project Theatre Youth Theatre at FTH Theatre Falkirk. Filled with witty and iconic songs, Oliver is a musical classic for all ages which will tug at your heart strings, make you smile and most definitely make you want to sing along! falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Saturday 12th October Making Dream Catchers at Muiravonside Country Park At our Dream Catcher workshop, you can learn how to make one of these traditional Native American decorations with feathers and beads.

Booking essential, phone 01324 506850 for tickets.

Hedgehogs and Hibernation at Jupiter Wildlife Centre It’s almost time for hedgehogs to hibernate, so let’s make them some homes for the winter. Suitable for ages 5 to 12.

Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk

Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Macrobert Arts Centre Join the teaguzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem. Expect to be surprised! macrobertartscentre.org

Saturday 12th October – Sunday 27th October HalloWild at Blair Drummond Safari Park Lots of special Halloween activities and spooky family fun included in the normal admission price! blairdrummond.com

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Paws, Prints & Poos at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Become a nature detective and learn how to track some of the wildlife on your doorstep. Suitable for ages 5 to 12. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@scottishwildlifetrust. org.uk

Thursday 17th October Russian National Ballet presents The Nutcracker at The Albert Halls, Stirling This charming and kindly fairy tale is one of the jewels of Tchaikovsky’s repertoire and is an ideal introduction to audiences of any age to the magic that is classical ballet. culturestirling.org

Saturday 19th October Atlantis Banal at Macrobert Arts Centre This brand new show for families is set in an intimate ‘popup’ art gallery, featuring a flying fish, fashion on a tin can, and a mermaid who isn’t afraid to make an exhibition of herself. macrobertartscentre.org Funbox present The Wild West Show at FTH Theatre Falkirk Get your cowboy or cowgirl boots and spurs on and join us for a rootin’ tootin’ hoedown with Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo. Jam packed with singalong favourites as well as brand new songs, The Wild West Show is a rightrollicking rodeo ride for all the family. falkirkcommunitytrust.org

@FamiliesCentral o Kids g free!*

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

Open 23 March - 27 October www.bkrailway.co.uk

Registered charity SC002375

Union Street, Bo’ness. EH51 9AQ

*one child free with a paying adult with this ad.Valid for one transaction only, any day until end Oct 2019 (except 7 & 8 Sept) ref famCent

Psychology Kindergarten at the University of Stirling NOW offering up to 30 hours of free childcare for 37.6 weeks per year with funding entitlement.

Call today to discuss your requirements: 01786 467662 or email psychologykindergarten@stir.ac.uk • • •

Graded ‘excellent’ Children’s voices at the centre Exploratory play, emotional wellbeing and outdoor learning Available to children aged 2 years 9 months to 5 years; funded and unfunded spaces available; open from 8.55 am to 3.30 pm Psychology Kindergarten, University of Stirling –Cottrell Building FK9 4LA

https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties-and-services/natural-sciences/business/psychology-kindergarten/

Sunday 20th October Autumn Adventures at RSPB Black Devon Wetlands Try some wild art and make some hibernating creatures a cosy home to sleep in. For tickets and information phone 01324 832853 or email innerforthreserves@rspb.org

Friday 25th October Broomstick Making at Muiravonside Country Park Come and make your very own broomstick in time for Halloween. There is plenty of room to ‘test’ your broom in the courtyard afterwards. Booking essential, phone 01324 506850 for tickets.

Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October Pumpkin Hunt at Muiravonside Country Park Follow the trail of pumpkins around the park, complete the challenges and hand your completed answer sheet in at the café to claim your prize! falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Families Central Scotland 17

Out and About Saturday 26th October

The McDougalls - Safari Adventure at The Tolbooth, Stirling Join Max, Auntie Aggie and Morag the Rabbit for some musical mayhem as they drive around on the look-out for colourful creatures and critters. A musical adventure for all the family, packed with action songs, live music and audience participation. culturestirling.org

Sunday 27th October

Gordon Buchanan: Animal Families and Me at Macrobert Arts Centre Hear first-hand about Gordon’s global travels and ask any burning wildlife questions. An expedition into a world of weird, wild and wonderful wildlife - all illustrated with his own film footage and photography. This is a thrilling evening for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. macrobertartscentre.org

facebook.com/FamCS

Halloween Extravaganza at The Howgate howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd November

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All of this and so much more this autumn! Keep up to date with us on Facebook and Twitter for more family activities and events throughout September and October.

Autumn Steam Gala at Bo’ness Railway Featuring an intensive timetable, a visiting loco, goods trains and a selection of locally brewed real ales, come along for an unforgettable weekend of steam. bkrailway.co.uk

Doors are opening across Scotland!

‘Doors Open Days’ is celebrating 30 years of offering free access to heritage sites across Scotland!

This year, one of the places looking forward to opening their doors is St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Primary School and Nursery in Dunblane - on the 14th September from 10am until 4pm.

The Church and school date from the 1800s and lie in the heart of Dunblane.

Pupils will be ready to offer tours of the school and there will also be people available to walk through the graveyard, pointing out local heroes buried there. The Hall will be full of local charities that the school and Church support, including Aberlour and Start Up.

Fabulously fun panto at Macrobert Arts Centre!

From 2pm, all former pupils (“great oaks”) from St Mary’s school are very welcome to come along to an Alumni reunion too - please get in touch for more information!

St Mary’s Primary School and Nursery is a denominational school that currently has spaces in all year groups from nursery to P7.

Children are welcome, of all faiths and none, and they can join the school at any point in the year through an application form available on the school website. With no catchment, parents make a positive choice to send their children to the school and do so for its unique family atmosphere and the strong sense of clear values underpinning how the curriculum is delivered.

Do come along to the Doors Open Day to see for yourself!

Further information at: stmarysepsdunblane.org.uk or on Facebook @greatoaksfromlittleacorns Email Rector@stmarysdunblane.org or Stmarysdunblaneparentcouncil@gmail.com Doors Open Days is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust. It runs throughout Scotland every September as part of European Heritage Days. For more information see their websites: doorsopendays.org.uk and scottishcivictrust.org.uk

visit in her tower - Prince Rocco - and he’s armed and dangerous with a pair of scissors and a plan.

WIN a Family Ticket to Blair Drummond Safari Park!

Will Rapunzel follow her dreams and leave with the bumbling Prince?

Will Stirling Stella be ready to accept a plucky young heroine who has never seen Love Island or Cash in the Attic?

Will Rapunzel opt for a bob, a perm or go retro with a Rachel cut at the hairdressers?

Christmas is coming, oh yes it is, and it’s time to get ready for another fabulously fun panto at Macrobert Arts Centre – Rapunzel: A Hair Braiding Adventure, written by, directed by and starring the fabulous Johnny McKnight (22 Nov to 31 Dec).

Poor Rapunzel’s been locked up in a tower her entire life. She’s got no telly, no wifi and no dry shampoo!

But she has dreams - of walking barefoot around the mythical land they call Tullibody, of meeting her one true love and singing a love duet, and of getting her hair cut. That’s right, she’s never had a haircut. Like, ever. But one day the lonely Rapunzel has a surprising

Find out in this year’s hilarious Panto (Oh, maybe we ruined it there telling you she gets braids. DOH!) Fri 22 Nov to Tue 31 Dec, times vary.

Tickets from £14.75 Book tickets: 01786 466 666 macrobertartscentre.org

WIN a family ticket for the opening night of Rapunzel: A Hair Braiding Adventure For the chance to win a *family ticket (any 4 people) to the opening night of Macrobert Arts Centre’s fabulous family panto, Rapunzel: A Hair Braiding Adventure, simply email your name and address to editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk with ‘Rapunzel’ in the subject box, no later than 30 September 2019. Competition terms and conditions can be found on page 3.

Visit one of Scotland’s top family attractions for a fabulous family day out this autumn. Set in over 120 acres, near Stirling, Blair Drummond Safari Park offers a full day of fun for everyone to enjoy.

Check out blairdrummond.com for more information.

To enter the prize draw to win a family ticket (admitting 2 adults and 2 children), simply email your name and address to editor@ familiescentralscotland.co.uk with ‘Autumn Safari’ in the subject box, no later than 30th September 2019. Competition terms and conditions can be found on page 3.

*This prize is subject to availability and is only eligible for the opening night performance on Fri 22 Nov, 7.30pm.

18 Families Central Scotland

Familiesonline.co.uk

The Governors of Morrison’s Academy, known as Morrison’s Academy, is an independent school for boys and girls, founded in 1860.

The School’s Scottish Charity Number is: SC000458

SMALL SCHOOL

BIG PERSONALITY Big horizons. Big family. Big futures.

We’re pushing boundaries every day. Our pupils are engaged global citizens because they’re challenged and supported as individuals in everything they do. They’ve gone on to win Olympic medals, BAFTAs and OBEs, pioneer AIDS research and communicate with men on the moon.

Want to find out more about our big opportunities? Come and see for yourselves . . .

Nursery, Primary and Secondary Open Morning Saturday 28 September 2019, 09.30 Register online at bit.ly/MAOpenMorning

01764 653885 morrisonsacademy.org Morrison’s Academy, Crieff, PH7 3AN

MORRISON’S ACADEMY

So much fun, it’s scary.

TICKETS

FROM £13.50

HAUNTED HOUSE • PUMPKIN PATCH • SLIME MAKING • MAGICIAN DRIVE-THROUGH • CHIMP ISLAND • SEA LION PRESENTATION …. PLUS LOADS MORE.

blairdrummond.com

20 Families Central Scotland

Familiesonline.co.uk