Families Central Scotland Magazine Nov-Dec 2019

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IN THIS ISSUE

VICTORIA HALL, STATION ROAD, DUNBLANE

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Family fun this winter Festive competitions Meet the Real-Life Willie Wonka!

CAFE

FUNDRAISING FOR THE GLASGOW CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL CHARITY

Falkirk’s newurs! fantastic flavo Now serving fresh homemade soup, Scottish stovies and innovative ice cream flavours every day from 10am until 5pm.

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

PLUS

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B e s t d a y o u t ffor U n d e r 5 s S COTL A N D B o o k you r s e s s i o n , p a r t y o r s p e c i a l eve nt a t :

w w w. k i d z t o w n rol e p l a y.com

Issue 55 Nov/Dec 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

Turn to the back cover T for your chance to

SANTA EXPERIENCE!

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

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

• 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 For further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Nursery direct

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

Central Scotland Families Central Scotland would like to wish all of their readers, advertisers and distribution points a very happy festive period!

Our 2020 vision includes superb family offers, competitions and features as we mark our 10th year of publication!

To advertise or to request free magazines for your school, nursery or family friendly business in Central Scotland, please contact editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk

@FamCS @FamiliesCentral

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Families Central Scotland

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Editor: Fiona Bunting e: editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk

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 packin relation to advertising. Bookings are now being taken for the January/February 2020 issue with our special feature on Health & Wellbeing and Birthday Parties– deadline for all adverts and editorial is 2nd December 2019.

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.

FACEBOOK: /FamCS TWITTER: @FamiliesCentral

ISSUE 55: NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

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Education & News Parent to Parent Festival of Winter Walking Christmas Competitions!

Families Magazine meets Rob Biddulph Best Christmas Family Traditions Meet the Real-Life Willie Wonka Out and About: Winter Special

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ATULATI

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...to our lucky September/October prize winners!

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Design: 45 Degrees Design & Print Printers: J Thomson Colour Printers Cover Image: Bigstock Circulation:

In this issue...

CO

Central Scotland

Laura Clow from Stirling won the family ticket to Blair Drummond Safari Park.

And Dawn Fotheringham from Bridge of Allan won the family ticket to ‘Rapunzel: A Hair Braiding Adventure’ at the Macrobert Arts Centre!

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

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.

familiesonline.co.uk

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Education & News

Cambusbarron Village Nursery Cambusbarron Village Nursery is a newly formed Community Interest Company serving Cambusbarron and the surrounding areas. We are a funded provider with Stirling Council which means we can offer fully funded places to children from the term after their 3rd birthday to starting school (in line with Stirling Council Policy). We also accept children from the age of 2 ½ on a fee paying basis. As a social enterprise, our charitable aims not only focus on providing early learning and childcare but also supporting our local community and our parents and families.

We have a strong outdoor ethos and spend a good proportion of our time outside. In addition, we operate regular Woodland Play Sessions which take place entirely in the local woodland. Our professional staff team are qualified and appropriately registered to deliver the early level curriculum for excellence and to ensure that children experience a high quality of care and learning experiences. We welcome visitors to our service at any time. Please just contact us to make an appointment and to make sure we are in (01786 430497/admin@cambusbarronvillagenursery.com)!

For more information see cambusbarronvillagenursery.com or Facebook @CambusbarronVN

New Sleepy Tales for Children

Step Up for Safe Streets UK Road Safety Week 2019, which takes place between 18 and 24 November, will encourage road users to ‘step up’ and play a part in the creation of a safe and healthy future on our roads.

Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on a British road, yet each of these tragedies is preventable.

This year, the annual event aims to encourage people to Step Up for Safe Streets and learn about, shout about and celebrate the amazing design-led solutions that can help end suffering on our roads.

The book publisher Penguin Random House has collaborated with The Children’s Sleep Charity to create collections of Sleepy Tales audiobooks designed to help children relax before bedtime.

For children ages 3 to 6 years, Ladybird Sleepy Tales and for children aged 7+, Puffin Sleepy Tales, they are stories with a difference. Part soundscape, part descriptive narrative, they use relaxing sounds and soothing narrators’ voices to conjure calming settings and landscapes to help children feel calm and positive at the end of the day.

Each tale is 15 minutes long and has been created to be interesting enough to hold children’s attention, but not too exciting.

Sleepy Tales are designed to become part of a child’s bedtime routine, and can be listened to before or after reading a bedtime story. Children can listen on their own, or with a parent, as a way to wind down.

More info: penguin.co.uk/books 4

Families Central Scotland

The focus is on how design can stop human error from causing death or serious injury on the roads, can encourage walking and cycling, and can make sure that the air is clean.

For more information and to get your FREE Action Pack, visit roadsafetyweek.org

Under a third of Scottish parents read to children daily A new survey commissioned by the Scottish Book Trust reveals that under a third of parents (31%) read to their children every day.

This drops to just 15% for those who were never read to by their own parents or carers as a child, underlining the importance and long-term impact of reading with children from an early age.

The Scottish Book Trust has launched a new fundraising campaign, Scottish Book Trust 21, to provide crucial support to vulnerable families and help fight the effects of living in poverty and social isolation through sharing stories.

The charity’s patron, writer Val McDermid said: “Reading opens the door to imagination: it’s the first step on the road to change, not only for yourself but for the world around you”.

More info: scottishbooktrust.com

Education & News

The Tiger Who Came to Tea hits the screen this Christmas The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the classic children’s book by Judith Kerr, will come to our TV screens this Christmas, adapted as a half-hour animated film for Channel 4.

eat the family out of house and home, to the point of drinking all of the water from the taps, before declaring: “Thank you for my nice tea. I think I’d better go now,” and departing.

It will feature a star studded cast of voices including Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Tamsin Greig, David Walliams and Paul Whitehouse.

Chloe Tucker, Commissioning Executive, Channel 4 Drama said: “The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a timeless classic, and we hope this film will capture the same special place in every family’s imagination watching it”.

The role of Sophie will be played by 7 year old Clara Ross, who will be making her TV debut.

For anyone unfamiliar with the book, it tells the tale of a tiger arriving at young Sophie’s front door and proceeding to

And the Christmas TV treats continue, with BBC One and Magic Light teaming up to present a half hour animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s ‘The Snail and the Whale’.

All your Christmas shopping under one roof Dunblane will once again hold its family friendly Christmas Fundraising Markets in the Victoria Hall, Dunblane on Sunday 10th November and Sunday 8th December. There will be around 30 stalls selling something for everyone’s Christmas, featuring arts, crafts, children’s books, cosmetics, Xmas wreaths, tasty treats and much more!

Entry is free and the markets will open from 11am until 4pm. There will be a cafe selling soup, cakes, filled rolls, tea & coffee. All profits from hosting the event and cafe will go to the Glasgow Children’s Charity Hospital appeal.

For more information visit www.artnmart.co.uk

A gift with a difference If you know a parent, expectant parent, grandparent, babysitter – or anyone who spends time looking after children – Daisy First Aid Stirling may be able to help you with a unique gift idea. Their gift vouchers can be redeemed against either a venue paediatric first aid class or a home paediatric first aid class (subject to a minimum of four people), organised by Daisy First Aid Stirling. The vouchers are £25 (or in increments of £25 upwards) and, as well as being redeemable against one of their fun and educational family-friendly classes, can also be redeemed against merchandise – either a 70-piece travel sized first aid kit (normally £15) or a Paediatric First Aid Booklet (normally £5). Gift vouchers can be purchased by contacting stirling@daisyfirstaid.com or 07966 190 724.

Kids love

!

Krafty Kids Alloa is an award-winning creative business, specialising in all things fun for your kids. We are based at Unit 7B Makers Village, Ludgate, Alloa FK10 2DE - as well as being a mobile business which can come to your venue.

We offer the following services: Slime Workshops Messy Play Arts & Crafts Sessions Bath Bomb Workshops Birthday Parties & Events Kids’ Wedding Entertainment We also offer ‘Gifts by Krafty Kids’ which include: Slime Kits, Arts & Crafts Hampers, Handmade Soaps and Bath Dust - plus our extra special Hand Painted Xmas Eve Plates.

Find us on Facebook @KraftyKidsAlloa E: griffithsmarnie@gmail.com T: 07786 374 828 familiesonline.co.uk

Christmas Memorial Service A Christmas memorial service for families who have experienced the trauma of losing a baby is being held in Stirling. The service will take place in St Mary’s Church, Upper Bridge Street, FK8 1ES on Friday 6th December at 7.30pm.

The Lights of Love event is being organised by Forth Valley Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity) and provides parents and families the opportunity to come together and acknowledge the lives of their babies at this difficult time of year.

The service consists of traditional carols, inspiring readings and beautiful music and there will also be an opportunity for people to light a candle in memory of their child.

Everyone is welcome to attend and no booking is necessary.

For more information or directions to the venue, please contact Caroline on 07762 790751 or on mail@forthvalleysands.org.uk.

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Parent to Parent

Parent to Parent

For our Christmas issue, we’re delighted to feature the down to earth but incredibly inspiring local parent, Laura Rutherford…

I live with my husband-to-be (if we ever get round to it!) of 16 years, Gordon, and our children, Brody (7) and Sydney (4) in Bonnybridge, Falkirk. Brody has an undiagnosed genetic syndrome as well as epilepsy and autism. I write about our life on my blog Brody, Me & GDD:

www.brodymeandgdd.com www.facebook.com/brodymeandgdd www.twitter.com/laurarutherford I am a campaigner, freelance writer and work part-time for the charity PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society) on the Changing Places toilet campaign, which is something I’m really passionate about. I am also a member of Falkirk Area Disability Access Panel (FADAP).

Last November you reached a huge milestone in your campaigning. Can you tell us a bit more about that?

Brody is doubly-incontinent and as a result still wears nappies. A few years ago, when he was 4 years old, I was struggling to fit him in nappies from the supermarket. At that time, he had been referred to the local NHS continence service but there was quite a significant waiting time and I was unsure when he would be able to receive continence products. After speaking to friends and parents online, I discovered that the continence service is a bit of a postcode lottery and things like referral age, waiting times and the number of nappies you receive depends on where you live in the UK. Because of this, parents are forced to buy bigger nappies online because supermarket nappies are often unsuitable for their child’s needs.

Frustratingly, the bigger nappies sold online have the so-called ‘disability price tag’ and are very expensive.

I decided to contact Tesco to ask if they would consider making or selling bigger nappies. There was a huge gap in the market and filling it, I felt, would be beneficial for both families like mine and Tesco - it was a win/win.

I started a change.org petition and the response was fantastic. A few months later, Tesco got in touch and asked if I would work with them on creating Tesco Junior Nappies.

Over the next 2 years, we spoke on the telephone, Skype and via email and I was sent samples to trial. They were great and kept me involved in everything from the naming of the product to the packaging. Tesco Junior Nappies hit the shelves at the end of last year, shortly after we made a social media advert.

The response has been fantastic. I am still in touch and working with Tesco now and it has been a really positive experience.

That was a superb achievement after a huge amount of work on your part.

What motivates you?

My children and a passion for change. Being 6

Families Central Scotland

Brody’s mum has really opened my eyes to a lot of the barriers that disabled people and their families face. I’m ashamed to say I was completely ignorant to these issues before having my son. I really want to be part of a society that changes that and do my part to make a difference to improve access for all.

What project have you been working on since then?

Around the same time as the nappy petition, I became aware of the need for Changing Places toilets - a 12m2 facility with a centrally placed toilet, adult-sized, height-adjustable changing bed and ceiling track hoist. Brody became too big for baby changing tables a long time ago, and without Changing Places toilets we are forced to change him in awful places like the car boot or toilet floors.

Campaigning for these facilities led to my part-time post with PAMIS who co-chair the Changing Places consortium and lead the campaign in Scotland. I am really proud to work for PAMIS. It’s a fantastic charity - small but fierce!

Why do you like living where you do?

How child friendly is it?

Bonnybridge has a lovely community spirit and it’s a great location. We have lived here 12 years and think we’ve found our forever place.

We are between Glasgow and Edinburgh and I love that a short drive can take you to two extremes - a big city or somewhere rural and incredibly scenic.

Does your family have a favourite Christmas tradition: Our family motto is ‘whatever works’ and I suppose in our own way we are making our own little traditions every passing year.

As long as everyone is happy and healthy, that’s all that matters. If that means classic things like Christmas dinner are a little unconventional or the iPad is out, that’s totally fine. I do love watching Christmas movies and eating as much as humanly possible though!

Most loved children’s book: ‘Corduroy’ by Don Freeman and ‘Dogger’ by

Shirley Hughes.

Favourite park: Pittencrieff in Fife, which is a great accessible play park. It is quite difficult to find a park that caters for both of our children locally. Falkirk has some great parks for Sydney but it is really lacking currently in terms of accessible play equipment for Brody. A fantastic woman called Allana Hughes is doing everything she can to change that and make Zetland Park in Grangemouth accessible for all. I’m hoping that it will be a favourite park in the future thanks to all of the great work she and others involved are doing.

Favourite child-friendly restaurant or café: We don’t go to a lot of restaurants if I’m honest, but our kids love McDonalds. We are always impressed with how understanding and helpful the staff are.

I also really like Central Perk in Falkirk. They have a small play area, which is fantastic and are very child-friendly, as well as Behind the Wall.

Top day out with kids: Blair Drummond Safari Park - animals, rides, a play area and a Changing Places toilet what’s not to love?!

We like to walk around the Kelpies and get an ice cream. This is another local place soon to have a Changing Places toilet, which will make a huge difference to families like mine who visit.

No parent should be without: Is it inappropriate to say wine?!

Best advice you’ve ever received: To quote Mandy Hale, “happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like, and celebrating it for everything that it is.”

This is so true and something I try to live by.

New Year’s Resolution for 2020: Find a hobby just for me! I really want to learn how to weave and start upcycling furniture.

Walks In Winter

Festival of Winter Walks In a 2018 poll by YouGov for the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of UK adults reported having been so stressed at some point over the last year that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.

For many people, lack of exercise, being stuck indoors due to desk-bound jobs or being disconnected from green spaces can play a part. Such feelings often come into sharper focus during the festive season, when staying on top of preparations and pressures to be sociable can add to our feelings of stress.

If this sounds like you, or someone you know, then here’s the ideal festive uplift – the Festival of Winter Walks, which will run from 20 December 2019 to 5 January 2020. It’s organised by the Ramblers, the charity which helps everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk.

Ramblers groups across the UK will offer a warm welcome on hundreds of free festive walks. No matter where you live, and whether or not you’ve walked before, they’ll offer the chance to enjoy the wonderful winter landscape in good company; to relax, unwind and stressbust, and to make new friends at a time of year when many people can feel anxious, stressed or isolated.

There will be also be fun winter-themed walks that little ones will love; leisurely strolls of under five miles for people new to walking; and longer walks for those looking for more of a challenge.

For those short on time or wanting a gentler stroll, there will be Ramblers’ health walks.

walker, the Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks includes lots of short group walks to get you started.

Enjoy connecting with winter scenery and sounds. Have a mindful walk; slow down from the everyday rush and really take in your surroundings – the whistling wind, or starlings migrating to the UK for winter. Why not take some photos on your phone, and share them with us – use #walkinwinter and don’t forget to tag us @RamblersGB

“Enjoy connecting with winter scenery and sounds.”

Hello, we’re James and Nikki from the Ramblers. Here are some of our top tips for getting into walking in winter Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned familiesonline.co.uk

Where to get more info: Visit ramblers.org.uk or search online for Festival of Winter Walks 2019 Follow the Festival of Winter Walks on Twitter?: search for the hashtag #walkinwinter and follow @RamblersGB or @RamblersScot

Take a flask of warming tea, coffee or festive, hot spiced apple juice with you.

Cinnamon sticks, ginger and ‘mulling’ sachets are readily available from most supermarkets.

For younger walkers: challenge them to find an interesting stick and become a wizard with a staff. Or find the crunchiest winter leaf, or gather pinecones, which they could paint back at home. There are lots of ideas for winter walking fun in our special Festival of Winter Walks guide.

If you enjoy a Festival of Winter Walks event, why not join your nearest Ramblers group on their next walk? We have 484 walking groups across the UK, including a growing number for young walkers. You can find your nearest Ramblers group online at: www.ramblers.org.uk/

Top tips for getting into walking in winter:

I love walking at this time of year and reconnecting with the winter landscape. Last year, the Ramblers encouraged over 88,000 people to start walking or discover its many health benefits. So why not give yourself, or someone you love, the ‘uplift gift’ of joining in one of our Festival of Winter Walks across the UK?”

saturday 30th november 1pm - 4pm

Ramblers chief executive Vanessa Griffiths says: “The festive season can leave many people feeling anxious, stressed or left out. But it can also be a time for gift-giving, or for making new starts.

Adults £2.50 Concessions £1.50 Children £1.00 Entrance fee includes tea/coffee/juice & home baking + Santa’s Grotto.

All Funds raised will contribute to the running of The Kippen Playgroup & Toddlers CHARITY NO SCOO8211

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Christmas Competitions DO FORGN’T ET! Turn to

Keep kids cosy this

cover the ba c comp for our fin k etitio al year! n this **

Christmas!

Festive flavours Have you ever tried festive ice-cream at The Milk Barn? Candy cane, mince pie, chocolate orange, Christmas pudding, Ferrero Rocher, snowball, Christmas cake, Bailey’s… the list goes on!

This year’s Festive Flavour Tasting Evening is on 21st November 2019, 7pm to 9pm. Come and choose your Christmas ice-cream and enjoy free prosecco and mince pies!

If you’re not familiar with it, check out themilkbarn.co.uk for details of the ice cream parlour and coffee shop based at The Glen Farm in Falkirk.

Owner, Suzannah Reid says: “We serve the best ice-cream you will have tasted, and the coffee shop provides wonderful home baking, soup, stovies, paninis, baked potatoes, quesadillas and lots of different specials every day. We love children and we have created a relaxed environment with indoor and outdoor play areas – and a new jumping pillow. Come and try our special seasonal menu, pick up some lovely homemade tablet, or our Milk Barn soap (made with our own cows’ milk)”.

We think the tablet and soap are lovely if you are looking for local Christmas gifts – or why not opt for a gift voucher to brighten up someone’s winter?

Mini Milker Quiz What is the name of The Milk Barn’s fibreglass milking cow? ……………………………………………………………………

What do you call a baby cow? ……………………………………………………………………

How often are cows milked? ……………………………………………………………………

The Mountain Warehouse Autumn/ Winter 2019 collection includes everything from ski wear to slogan t-shirts to keep the kids cosy this Christmas. Whether your little one needs wellies for splashing around in puddles, or technical ski gear for hitting the slopes, there is something for everyone. The kids’ ski package is perfect for first time skiers, as it offers the essentials to get started on the slopes at an affordable price. It’s also ideal for a snowy Scottish winter! From just £64.99, you can get the kids kitted out with a ski jacket, ski pants, a beanie, gloves and a snood.

Check out the kids’ range at mountainwarehouse.com Thanks to Mountain Warehouse, we have a five-piece ski wear package to give away to one lucky reader – with the full choice of colourways and sizes, subject to availability.

To enter the prize draw, simply email your name and address to editor@ familiescentralscotland.co.uk with the word ‘Cosy’ in the subject box, no later than 22 November 2019. Competition terms and conditions can be found on page 3.

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE COOK-MAS Finding a Christmas present for kids that’s fun, educational, affordable and creates lasting memories can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you are trying to avoid plastics and screens.

Little Cooks Co, the UK’s first healthy cooking kit for kids, provides the perfect solution.

organic ingredients perfectly measured to make each recipe and also include a small activity or craft for children to enjoy while making their yummy bake.

Each recipe is fun and easy to make and has been designed by a registered nutritionist, so is free from all refined sugar and processed ingredients.

Little Cooks Co is a monthly subscription based recipe kit that’s posted through the letterbox, direct to kids, in a neat 100% recyclable box.

The box is packed with all the natural and healthy dry ingredients for that month’s delicious and nutritious recipe to enable kids to bake in the home.

The recipes are designed to keep interest at heart and take no longer than an hour to make from start to finish, so whether it’s Mum, Dad, Granny or Grandpa or a favourite Uncle or Auntie - it’s a perfect monthly activity to break up a rainy day or simply to spend quality time with the little one you love.

Little Cooks Co is the perfect gifting opportunity to bring excitement to any child and parent / carer, looking to teach children to love cooking (an important life skill), the importance of healthy eating and to create happy family memories along the way.

Little Cooks Co Subscription Month by month (cancel anytime) £8.99 incl postage 3 months (renews after 3 months, cancel anytime) £25.99 incl postage 6 months (renews after 6 months, cancel anytime) £50.99 incl postage 12 months (renews after 12 months, cancel anytime) £100.99 incl postage Kits come complete with all of the dry,

Give and feel good What’s more, Little Cooks Co is a business with purpose. Every box bought pays for a vulnerable school child in the UK to receive a healthy breakfast through its partnership with the charity Magic Breakfast.

Little Cooks Co have won an award for Children’s Gift of the Year 2019 by the Giftware Association.

For more information visit littlecooksco.co.uk

Name three of our festive flavours? ……………………………………………………………………

WIN a Little Cooks Co recipe box!

If you cut this out and show your answers to a member of staff at The Milk Barn before 31st December 2019, you will receive a free ice-cream cone of any available flavour*!

Little Cooks Co have two sample recipe boxes to give away to readers of Families Central Scotland our ur Magazine! To enter the prize draw, simply email your name and address to editor@familiescentralscotland. nd.

22 2 co.uk with ‘Cook’ in the subject box, no later than 2 November 2019. Competition terms and conditions ns can be found on page 3.

*One per customer; photocopied vouchers not accepted.

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Families Central Scotland

Christmas Competitions

Festive fun for wee ones at Kidz Town Role Play, Stirling Kidz Town’s popular Christmas treats are back for 2019! This year, they are offering the following: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA - from 1st Dec TEA TIME WITH SANTA - from 7th Dec Start the day with Santa! A one-hour play session in Christmas KIDZ TOWN, then all the family come upstairs to see Santa’s house and enjoy a delicious breakfast with festive sweet treat! After that, hear a Christmas story from the cheerful elf or Mrs Claus before each child is presented with a personalised gift from Santa himself! £14.95 child / £7.95 adult

Another great option for families with young children. A one-hour play session in Christmas KIDZ TOWN, before the cheerful elf brings you up to Santa’s house to enjoy a story and a delicious family meal with festive cakes! Listen for sleigh bells before Santa arrives with personalised gifts for all the children! £14.95 child / £9.95 adult

For full details of all events and booking, visit kidztownroleplay.com or check out the events page for @kidztownroleplaystirling on Facebook Kidz Town are always happy to accommodate private group bookings, nursery/school trips, ASN groups and birthday parties.

Email jenn@kidztownroleplay.com with any enquiries.

WIN Breakfast with SANTA for 4 people at KIDZ TOWN! Kidz Town are offering the chance to win Breakfast with Santa* for 4 people!

To win this fabulous festive prize just tell us: Who reads the Christmas story in Santa’s house after breakfast? Email your answer, name and address to editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk with ‘Breakfast’ in the subject box, no later than 22nd November 2019. * The prize is for 4 people at one of Kidz Town’s weekday Breakfast with Santa events, subject to availability and excluding Christmas Eve. They will endeavour to provide your first choice of date but note that these events are very popular and do book up quickly.

Make everyone’s wishes come true this Christmas with Aladdin!

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, breath-taking 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

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO THE PANTO! For the chance to win a *family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) to Aladdin at the FTH Theatre, Falkirk, simply email your name and address to editor@ familiescentralscotland.co.uk with ‘Aladdin’ in the subject box, no later than 22 November 2019.

Competition terms and conditions can be found on page 3. *Prize valid for any performance between 6 – 15 December, subject to availability

Fabulously Fun Panto At Macrobert Arts Centre!

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 familiesonline.co.uk

hair cut. That’s right, she’s never had a haircut. Like, ever. But one day the lonely Rapunzel has a surprising visit in her tower - Prince Rocco and he’s armed and dangerous with a pair of scissors and a plan.

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?

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 Macrobert Arts Centre are offering another chance to win a *family ticket (any 4 people) to the opening night of their 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 14th November 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.

9

Reading & Books

Families Magazine meets Rob Biddulph Here at Families we love snuggling up in the winter with a good book! It’s never too early to start nurturing a love of books - and sharing a story with your child is the perfect excuse to cuddle up together on the sofa or at bedtime. Best-selling author/illustrator Rob Biddulph’s picture books have won many awards and are loved by children all over the world. He is the Official World Book Day illustrator for 2019/20, and his newest book ‘Show and Tell’ was published in August.

Families’ Rachel Bailey talks to Rob… I spent years working on magazines and newspapers with some of the best writers in the world and I guess that as a result I felt I wasn’t worthy of the title “author” and that if I wrote in prose it would expose me as a charlatan.

Writing in rhyme, I thought, was more like puzzle solving. I do really enjoy the writing process. It doesn’t come easily – sometimes those stories that take about ten minutes to read can take up to a year to write. I believe that rhyming stories should be perfect – no half rhymes, no speeding up to fit in more syllables – and that is really hard to do.

There’s nothing worse than a bad rhyme.

When you finally have your story working smoothly all the way through, the sense of achievement is amazing.

What did you do before you became an author/illustrator and what made you choose the wonderful world of children’s books? I was a magazine art director. I worked for lots of famous titles including Just Seventeen, the NME and The Observer. I only left The Observer three years ago to become a full-time author and illustrator. I initially decided to try and get published when I started buying lots of picture books to read to my daughters. We would read them every night and I’d think, “Ooh, this looks like a nice thing to do. I’m going to have a go!” I didn’t realise quite how difficult and competitive the world of children’s publishing is, however, and it took me about four years to get my first book deal.

Are all your books written in rhyme?

Why? Yes. Rhyming stories are the ones I enjoy reading out loud the most. I love the way that the children at my live events join in as I read, and sometimes finish off the lines for me. I guess it’s a bit like remembering song lyrics.

There is also a lot of potential for humour within the rhyming structure, and that’s really fun to play around with.

A great example of a funny rhyme is How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss. It’s just perfect, and my favourite children’s text ever.

I think I initially used the rhyming structure as something to hide behind.

What’s your favourite childhood book? I loved anything and everything by Richard Scarry. I would spend hours marvelling at the detail. It was great because even on the tenth reading of one of his books I’d still spot something I hadn’t noticed before. I try to include lots of layers of detail in my own books as a direct result.

Which book do you wish you had written? Probably How The Grinch Stole Christmas, for the reasons stated earlier. I mean, just look at this verse: “The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason.

It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. But I think that the most likely reason of all May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.”

So, so good!

We’re looking forward to reading your new book, Show and Tell, next month.

Have your children ever taken you into school for ‘Show and Tell’? Ha. No, I’d be far too embarrassing! I have visited their school quite a few times to read my stories and do some drawing, however. I usually try out my live show there before I take it on the road. If I can survive my own daughters’ criticisms, I can survive anything!

I’ve got into the habit of writing a message on a banana every day for school lunchboxes and I daren’t show 10

Families Central Scotland

my son your ‘packed lunch post its’!

How did they come about and do they come home at the end of the day as a keepsake?

Well, it began when my youngest daughter Poppy was four and starting school. Up until that point she had been going into nursery for the mornings only, so staying on for lunch was a BIG deal. She was really nervous about it so someone had the idea of hiding an illustrated post-it note in her lunchbox to cheer her up at lunchtime. It worked really well and that evening Poppy asked me what I was going to draw for her the following day. Six years (and over 1000 post-its) later, they are still going strong. They have garnered a fair bit of attention - I was even interviewed by ABC News in the States at one point - so now I feel the pressure to make them good! Apart from anything else, it’s actually a really good discipline for me. Drawing is like a muscle you have to exercise. Yes, they do all make it home in one piece. A couple have been through the washing machine but I think that’s quite charming. It makes them more authentic. I’ve told Poppy I’ll keep doing them until she leaves primary school (which is in a year’s time) and then maybe we’ll put on an exhibition somewhere. Hopefully they’re something she’ll treasure when she’s older. I post them every day on Twitter and Instagram under the hashtag #PackedLunchPostIt, so do take a look and feel free to come up with suggestions of things for me to draw!

Do you have a favourite phrase/ amusing habit that your children use and you hope they never grow out of?

The two youngest girls had trouble with the word “caterpillar” when they were very young. They would say “CALERPITTAR”. It was so cute that we didn’t ever correct them. To this day they still occasionally say it. Probably not great parenting practice, but still… very sweet!

Show and Tell is now available in hardback priced £12.99. Visit Rob’s website: www.robbiddulph.com or follow him on: Facebook: @robbiddulphauthor Twitter: @robbiddulph • Instagram: @rbiddulph

Family Time

The Best Christmas Family Traditions What do you cherish and remember most clearly about Christmas during your own childhood? Was it the food, the carols and music, going to church, decorating the Christmas tree? When we look back at our childhood, we don’t remember the gifts that we were given, we recall the things we did as a family that created the most long-lasting memories. Family Christmas traditions adhered to year after year during the festive season are an important part of childhood and are often free or don’t cost much.

Here are our eight best memory-making traditions for families to enjoy this Christmas.

Make an Advent Calendar Make or buy an advent calendar that can be reused each year. Instead of putting sweets or toys in it, put in a note for each day about all the different things you love about your child.

You may want to add a little present or wrapped sweetie with the note – Celebrations or Heroes work well here!

Give them a Christmas Eve Box Treat your kids to an early gift with a special box containing festive pyjamas to wear and a Christmas film to watch.

If you want to spend less, you could

include a festive book or art and craft activity so they can make a special Christmas Eve decoration for the tree.

Some families put in hot chocolate, marshmallows and the Radio Times– with a highlighter pen!

By Claire Winter

Don’t Forget to Capture a Photo with Your Family Many families forget to take a family photo on Christmas day. So, why not make time to capture a picture with your family each year in front of the Christmas tree striking the same pose?

It will be interesting to document how you change each year. You could even put the photos in a special album.

Prepare a North Pole Christmas Breakfast A fun way to welcome the festive season is by preparing a North Pole Christmas breakfast for your family on the first day of December. Get the kids involved in designing the menu and making the decorations.

Many families combine a North Pole Christmas breakfast with the Elf on the Shelf who joins them for the meal.

He then appears every morning doing something mischievous until Christmas day. I think most parents either love or loathe the Elf… I’ll let you decide!

Go to a Carol Service Going to a Crib Service at your local church on Christmas Eve can be a really lovely thing to do with your childrensinging carols together and listening to the story of the nativity.

Wrap Up

Leave food out for Father Christmas and his Friends Leaving food out for the man in red and his friends is another lovely tradition for the 24th. Don’t forget to prepare some ‘wildlife friendly’ reindeer food (the RSPCA have recipes on their website) and have your kids scatter it in the garden on Christmas Eve.

Watch the Queen’s Christmas Broadcast The tradition of sending out a royal Christmas message to the public started in 1932 with George V. So, if you like the tradition, gather around the television with your loved ones and a glass of fizz to watch the royal Christmas message from the Queen.

Enjoy the special festive memories you make with your family. Put on some Christmas tunes and build a gingerbread house together (you can pick up an inexpensive kit from most supermarkets); play board games; make a snowman if the weather permits; or just snuggle up with some classic Christmas TV. Your children don’t stay little for long, and it’s great to remind them that Christmas is about being together and not just about presents.

Letter from Santa Children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Santa? Here are two ways of making this happen…

Royal Mail Letter to Santa

NSPCC Santa Letter

To receive a free letter from Santa via the Royal Mail, children must post their letter to Santa by Friday 6 December.

Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online and must be placed

by Monday 9 December.

Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/ Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address.

letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk /letter-from-santa

royalmail.com/christmas /letters-to-santa

familiesonline.co.uk

11

Food & Drink

Meet the Real-Life

Willie Wonka!

Willie Harcourt-Cooze is an entrepreneur who may have the best job in the world, running his own chocolate making company, here in the UK. He became well known after starring in Channel 4’s fly-on-the-wall documentary Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory. Claire Winter talks to him about his life as a chocolate aficionado.

You found fame on the Channel 4 programme Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory. Where did your love of chocolate begin?

On a cocoa farm in Venezuela, I was given pure cacao to drink, just like the hot chocolate I make today with my 100% cylinders. This hot chocolate energised me and lifted my mood so much that right there and then I decided that it should be made available to everyone. Unlike coffee, cacao gives a slow release of energy that also releases endorphins. There is no slump, such as the one you get when drinking coffee or eating sugar. It’s purely natural, and this is also the reason I only use 100% natural ingredients in my chocolate. I believe all nutrition should come from nature. Of course, it also tastes much better.

You have lived in lots of different countries with your family, what is your favourite place?

My dream of making the world’s best chocolate was born on Hacienda El Tesoro, high in the Cloud Forest in Venezuela, where I farmed cacao for over a decade. This is my favourite place in the world, and it always feels like I’m coming home when I return.

What is the most important thing that you have learnt being a chocolate entrepreneur?

Creating chocolate is an everlasting adventure, and I have learned a lot of things along the way. The one thing that resonates though is to never compromise on the quality of 12

Families Central Scotland

ingredients as the finest ingredients make the best flavours. Everything I use in my chocolate is 100% natural, and I source the best flavours from around the world.

I know you are passionate about using pure ingredients in the chocolate you make. Why is it better to use quality ingredients?

People have lost touch with what chocolate really is. It has lost its taste and become sugary, fatty confectionary.

Cacao is actually packed full of vitamins and minerals. The ancient South American peoples drank it in religious ceremonies and called it the Food of the Gods. Only now, is research showing us a little of what this ancient civilisation saw in it. It has high levels of flavonoids, which can protect your heart, and it makes your body produce serotonin and feel-good endorphins too.

Can you cheer us all up and tell us the health benefits of eating chocolate (in moderation)?

Research has identified that the high level of flavonoids in chocolate can lower blood pressure and protect your arteries. It even stimulates your body to produce serotonin, the brain’s natural anti-depressant, and feelgood endorphins typically created by exercising. To get these benefits however, you need to be eating good dark chocolate. The higher the percentage of cocoa solids in the chocolate, the better it is for you.

Do you have a favourite family meal that you cook for your family?

The children are all at different stages in their food journey due to being different ages. However, they all agree that they love Empanadas from South America.

They can choose their own fillings according to their taste. One may have black beans, another with white cheese.

They’ve been known to choose octopus as a filling too; they’re always a hit!

How do you work around the demands of family life?

It’s difficult, when you have a passion, to work around family life and compromises have to be made. When one area takes over, work or family, the other area suffers. It’s impossible to put 100% into both 100% of the time, and I must admit I have found it difficult to juggle.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

We’re about to launch our ultimate hot chocolate, which is the first of its kind in the world. I used to make it just for friends and family and sell the surplus in my online shop. It has recently won an IndyBest award for taste and now we’re introducing it to shops. Keep an eye out for the magical package design! This is new and unique as it’s not industrial. It has nothing nasty in it, just two ingredients, the finest single estate cacao and natural raw cane sugar from Barbados; it tastes divine. It’s 100% natural, frothy and creamy, and beautiful with cow’s milk or vegan milks. Until the new package is launched, you can buy it in our online shop at: www.williescacao.com

Whilst every care has been taken to compile these event listings, please remember that venues may ma may m make ke changes ke change cha n ess and ng and itt is advisable advisa adv isa sabble to check check ecck details d tai de tails lss with wit w ith the the h event eveentt organiser o an org anise ser before b fore setting be sett t ing out. tt ouut. t.

SATURDAY 2ND AND SUNDAY 3RD NOVEMBER DISCOVERY WINTER SHORTS BO’NESS Hippodrome, various times. hippodromecinema.co.uk

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN macrobertartscentre.org

SUNDAY 3RD NOVEMBER YOU CHOOSE AT FTH THEATRE FALKIRK

tasty treats and much more.

Raising money for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. 11am4pm artnmart.co.uk

THURSDAY 14TH NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER

Enjoy creative play in a fun, child-led and sometimes messy environment. engineshed.scot/

WINTER WARMER WALK AT BLACKNESS CASTLE

FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER

FRIDAY 1ST NOVEMBER FIREWORKS NIGHT AT DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES

TUESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER

An indoor family fun day with three incredible tribute acts to keep you dancing all day long. stirlingevents.org/albert-halls

STIRLING AND BRIDGE OF ALLAN ROUND TABLE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR

BIRDY BANQUET AT BLACK DEVON WETLANDS

dobbies.com

FRIDAY 1ST TO SUNDAY 3RD NOVEMBER AUTUMN STEAM GALA AT BO’NESS RAILWAY Featuring an extensive 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

stirlingboaroundtable.co.uk/ bonfire/

FIREWORKS AND BONFIRE DISPLAY AT CALLENDAR PARK, FALKIRK 6.30-8pm falkirkcommunitytrust. org/whats-on/fireworks

SATURDAY 9TH NOVEMBER SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER HOWIE’S KIDS CLUB AT THE HOWGATE SHOPPING CENTRE Join in with the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre for some rod puppet making. howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk

FIREWORKS NIGHT AT LINLITHGOW RUGBY CLUB

SURVIVAL SATURDAY AT JUPITER WILDLIFE CENTRE GRANGEMOUTH Can you survive in Jupiter’s Wild Woods? Come along for an afternoon of super survival and bushcraft fun! Suitable for ages 5-12. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@scottishwildlifetrust. org.uk

lrfc.club

HOPETOUN FIREWORKS & BONFIRE NIGHT 4-8pm, hopetoun.co.uk

BONFIRE NIGHT AT BRIARLANDS The bonfire will be lit at 5pm. The tearoom will be open offering delicious warming goodies. For tickets and information phone 01786 841309.

MUSHROOM MAGIC AT LINLITHGOW PALACE Join a ranger and a local expert to discover the weird and wonderful world of fungi that can be found around the site. Booking essential: phone 0131 652 8150.

SHORTS FOR WEE ONES 2019 Bo’ness Hippodrome, 11am. hippodromecinema.co.uk

dollarcommunity.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk fa fam fami lies esonl esonli es nl ne.co.uk nlin nli

SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER MINI FEST AT THE ALBERT HALLS, STIRLING

As the winter draws in and the natural food supplies run low, learn all about feeding the birds in your garden and make your very own bird feeder to take home. 01324 832853.

SUNDAY 17TH NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCHON IN FALKIRK

SUNDAY 10TH NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS MARKET AT DUNBLANE VICTORIA HALLS All your Christmas shopping under one roof - featuring a great range of exhibitors selling crafts, artwork,

Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Blackness Bay on the shore of the Firth of Forth.

0131 652 8150.

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER IN GRANGEMOUTH Santa and his Aviemore reindeer will parade through La Porte precinct at 10am. Entertainment from 2.30pm with lights switch on scheduled for 4pm.

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER AND CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON IN BO’NESS There will be entertainment, market stalls, reindeer, fairground rides, and a visit from the man in red himself. Entertainment from noon with lights switch on at 5pm.

SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER TO TUESDAY 24TH DECEMBER CHRISTMAS ADVENTURES AT CALLENDAR HOUSE

There will be fun and entertainment from 4pm with Q20 Theatre performing The Nutcracker Show - and the winner of the Stars at the Steeple Competition will perform at the light switch on scheduled for 6pm. falkirkdelivers.com/whats-on/

Christmas is fast approaching and the Head Elf has just returned home from a well-earned break, but things are not as ready for Santa as they should be! Help the elves prepare for the big visit and join in the fun and activities.

For tickets and information see falkirkcommunitytrust.org

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCHON IN STIRLING

SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER

Festive fun and frolics, musical performances, Santa and his reindeer. Lights Switchon scheduled for 5pm. stirlingwinterfestival.com

MONDAY 18TH TO SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER ROAD SAFETY WEEK Step Up for Safe Streets theme roadsafetyweek.org.uk/

Festive flavours, prosecco, mince pies… a taste of Christmas! 7-9pm. themilkbarn.co.uk/

STEAM, MUSIC AND FIREWORKS AT LOCH KATRINE

DOLLAR BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY

bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/

ICE CREAM TASTING EVENING AT THE MILK BARN, FALKIRK

This new free parade will float through the heart of Stirling’s historic old town at 5pm, as the ghosts, spirits and tales of the past are resurrected in the modern world. stirling.gov.uk

lochkatrine.com

CHILDREN IN NEED APPEAL

THURSDAY 21ST NOVEMBER

HALLOWEEN LANTERN PARADE IN STIRLING

fabulous Johnny McKnight. Bring your sweeties and your loudest outdoor voices as you get ready to boo, hiss and singalong with your family and friends. macrobertartscentre.org

WEE BUILDERS AT THE ENGINE SHED

Nonsense Room Productions bring you an interactive musical show for all the family. Using the children’s book as inspiration, and through a series of games and challenges, each show will be unique with different characters, locations, costumes and much more every time, all chosen by the audience. falkirkcommunitytrust.org

NOVEMBER

Out Out & & About About

FRIDAY 22ND NOVEMBER TO TUESDAY 31ST DECEMBER (EXCLUDING CHRISTMAS DAY) RAPUNZEL: A HAIR BRAIDING ADVENTURE AT MACROBERT ARTS CENTRE Get ready for another Macrobert Panto Extravaganza – written by, directed by and starring the

FIFE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, FAMILY FUNDAY OF MUSICMAKING Free afternoon of events including ‘come and try’ workshops, family activities and live performances.

Parkhill Primary School, Leven, from 12 noon until 4pm. Activities include ‘Come and Try’ workshops - ukulele, musicmaking for tots, samba, singing, pipe band drumming – plus face painting and a family quiz. There are performances from Parkhill Primary pupils and notably by Travelling

by Tuba from Manchester. Entry is free. ffom.org

TUESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER TO TUESDAY 24TH DECEMBER SANTA’S SLEIGH LIGHT KEEPER AT MACROBERT ARTS CENTRE Join in this fun-filled, interactive adventure for ages 5 and under this Christmas. There will be lots of laughs and songs to join in with, in this festive show for wee ones and their grown-ups. macrobertartscentre.org

13 13

Out & A Out About About bout WEDNESDAY 27TH TO SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER – TUESDAY 24TH DECEMBER

YOUNG PORTONIAN THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS CINDERELLA

SANTA’S WOODLAND EXPERIENCE, BALFRON

at Grangemouth Town Hall

THURSDAY 28TH NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA IN DUNBLANE Join the free family fun and street entertainment taking place across the centre of Dunblane. discoverdunblane.co.uk

SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER SANTA AND HIS REINDEER IN DENNY Santa and his Aviemore reindeer will be in Denny town centre from 10-12noon

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER IN STENHOUSEMUIR Santa and his Aviemore reindeer parade through the town at 2pm.

Lights switch on scheduled for 4pm.

KIPPEN CHRISTMAS MARKET Highly anticipated annual local Christmas Market with lots of unique stalls and Santa’s grotto.

Perfect to pick up Christmas gifts and refreshments. Kippen Village Hall, 1-4pm.

There is something truly magical about seeing Santa in this beautiful woodland setting at North Ballochruin Farm, Stirlingshire.

This is the real deal where you can meet friendly elves, hop on a trailer ride to find Santa’s cabin, warm up with delicious food & drink options and, of course, tell the big guy himself what you’d like for Christmas this year! Free on-site parking. woodlandexperiences.co.uk

SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 7TH 14TH AND 21ST DECEMBER AND SUNDAY 1ST 8TH 15TH AND 22ND DECEMBER SANTA TRAIN AT BO’NESS STEAM RAILWAY

Falkirk FTH Theatre once again promise a show packed full of spectacular scenery, breath-taking costumes, stunning special effects, fabulous song and dance routines and hilarious slap stick comedy. falkirkcommunitytrust.org

LIGHTS OF LOVE CHRISTMAS MEMORIAL SERVICE ORGANISED

BY FORTH VALLEY SANDS

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER

7.30pm St Marys Church, Upper Bridge Street, Stirling. Traditional carols, inspiring readings and beautiful music. For more information contact Caroline on 07762 790751 or forthvalleysands. org.uk

Watch the amazing Aviemore Reindeer lead Santa up Falkirk High Street at 2pm from the bandstand.

They will then be in the East End of the High Street until 4pm.

Don’t forget to bring along your Christmas letters for Santa!

THE ALLAN’S CHRISTMAS MARKET A great selection of local crafts and stalls at The Holy Trinity Church Hall, Stirling, 6.30-9pm

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER PARADE IN FALKIRK

HOWIE’S KIDS CLUB AT HOWGATE SHOPPING CENTRE Make your own Christmas crafts and have your photo taken against a festive green screen. howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AT MUIRAVONSIDE COUNTRY PARK Come and weave a willow Christmas decoration for your tree, (for younger children there will be snowflake decorating). Booking essential. 01324 506850.

THIS YEAR… A MAGICAL NEW CHRISTMAS FAMILY EXPERIENCE ARRIVES IN CENTRAL SCOTLAND… From the 5th until the 24th of December…

The doors open on...

BEECRAIGS FESTIVE FOREST A spectacular, atmospheric and magical family festive experience set in Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow, ideally located for the whole of Central Scotland.

ADVENT FAYRE AND LIGHT SWITCH ON, LINLITHGOW mylinlithgow.com

DECEMBER

BANNOCKBURN HOUSE CHRISTMAS FAYRE

FROM SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER

Come along and meet Santa, enjoy some delicious homemade cakes and cuppas, buy some gifts and take a grand tour of the house with the history team. bannockburnhouse.scot/event/ christmas-fayre-2019/

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT KIDZ TOWN ROLE PLAY, STIRLING

Fami milies lie es Cen es C en ntral tr Sco tr Scotlan tlan tla la d Families Central Scotland

ALADDIN AT FTH THEATRE,

GLOW RIDE AT THE HELIX

Macrobert Arts Centre, 11am. macrobertartscentre.org

14

FRIDAY 6TH TO TUESDAY 24TH DECEMBER

FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER

Come and visit Santa in his grotto at The Howgate. howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk

SHAUN THE SHEEP: FARMAGEDDON

Using natural materials in the park, come and weave your very own Christmas wreath and decorate it ready for the front door. falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Take in the winter air and enjoy a dusky guided walk with RSPB staff to hear about some of the wildlife as the sun goes down. 01324 832853.

SANTA AT THE HOWGATE

Join this Scots language Kelpie tour for St Andrews Day. thehelix. co.uk/

CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING AT MUIRAVONSIDE COUNTRY PARK

WETLAND WANDER DUSK WALK AT BLACK DEVON WETLANDS

Santa travels with you by steam train, giving a gift to each of the young passengers. bkrailway.co.uk

WHITS A KELPIE ONYWYE AT THE HELIX

SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER AND SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER

THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER

Various dates available throughout December including weekend breakfast and weekday breakfast options. A great start to the day and a lovely activity for wee ones in the run up to Christmas! See kidztownroleplay.com for full details and booking.

SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER ELF FAMILY FUN RUN FOR MAGGIE’S FORTH VALLEY elfrun2019.eventbrite.co.uk

THE DIRECT CONSISTS OF..

THE ILLUMINATION TRAIL SANTA’S GROTTO & STORYTELLING EXPERIENCE FESTIVE FAYRE

OTHER ATTRACTIONS...

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without surprise! There are many more attractions to enjoy but we don’t want to give everything away! Think live music, choirs, carol singers, kids’ fun rides, face painting, a festive silent disco and much, much more!

TICKETS Tickets only available to purchase online at beecraigsfestiveforest.com If you are interested in group bookings, please contact us at; info@rowenevents.com

Light up your bike and come along to The Helix for a family friendly cycle around the park. thehelix.co.uk

TEA WITH SANTA AT KIDZ TOWN ROLE PLAY, STIRLING – various dates available throughout December for this special festive treat. See kidztownroleplay.com for full details and booking.

CRAFTY CHRISTMAS AT JUPITER WILDLIFE CENTRE Come along and make your own Christmas decorations from natural materials. Suitable for ages 5-12. Booking essential. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk

SATURDAY 7TH, 14TH 21ST AND SUNDAY 8TH 15TH AND 22ND DECEMBER SANTA CRUISES AT LOCH KATRINE lochkatrine.com

SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER CHRISTMAS MARKET AT DUNBLANE VICTORIA HALLS Another chance to find lovely local gifts - featuring a great range of exhibitors selling crafts, books, cosmetics and tasty treats. 11am4pm artnmart.com

Whilst every care has been taken to compile these event listings, please remember that venues may make changes and it is advisable to check details with the event organiser before setting out.

Out Out O ut & & About A About bout

CHRISTMAS PAPER PRINTING WORKSHOP AT MUIRAVONSIDE COUNTRY PARK

MONDAY 30TH AND TUESDAY 31ST DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 1ST AND THURSDAY 2ND JANUARY FIRE AND LIGHT AT THE HELIX

Come and make some unique home printed wrapping paper using natural printing materials from the park. Booking essential.

01324 506850.

BLACK BUN SPECIALS AT BO’NESS STEAM RAILWAY Complimentary traditional Scottish Hogmanay Black Bun and a hot drink whilst travelling aboard the nostalgic steam railway, with juice and shortbread for the kids. bkrailway.co.uk

CHASE THE TURKEY AT THE HELIX The turkeys are back with a feathery vengeance! Get your trainers on this December and run, jog or walk this two mile route around The Helix Park. Fully accessible and fun for all the family. thehelix.co.uk

SATURDAY 14TH & 21ST AND SUNDAY 15TH & 22ND DECEMBER

See the Helix transformed into a wonderland of incredible experiences, spectacular fire performances and illumination.

For tickets and information visit thehelix.co.uk or phone 01324 506850

COSY CHRISTMAS READ AT THE HELIX Bring the kids along for a delicious hot chocolate and some magical Christmas tales. thehelix.co.uk

FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER WINTER WARMER WALK AT LINLITHGOW PEEL

SNOW PLAY AT THE TOLBOOTH, STIRLING

Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Linlithgow Loch and Peel. Booking essential, phone 0131 6528150.

When Mr Green comes back home from his Christmas holidays and finds that Mr White has moved in, it’s the start of a brilliant series of adventures as Mr White makes it snow all over. Join in this interactive family show. Phone 01786 274000 for tickets.

MONDAY 9TH – SATURDAY 28TH DECEMBER 2019 VARIOUS TIMES HOWDEN PARK CENTRE PRESENTS CINDERELLA Howden Park Centre is delighted to welcome back the awardwinning Martin McCormick to write and direct this year’s magical pantomime, Cinderella.

Can you keep a secret? I’ve heard a terrible story. Poor, wee Cinderella’s evil step-mum, the vicious, evil and jealous Ruth Bumstep and her even uglier twin sisters, Tina and Tweena, ACTUALLY made Cinder’s Ballroom Champion parents ACTUALLY disappear... but that’s ‘strictly’ between you and me. It’s almost as if evil aunty Ruth got rid of poor wee Cinders’ folks on purpose just so she could have The International Pan-Lothian (and Shotts) Prize in advance. Will Cinders discover the truth? Will she win the hand of the gar-gee-oose Prince Ken, ken? Will you come and help her out? Join Howden Park Centre this Christmas for a rip-roaring, riotous, raving, rhumba-inspired dance spectacular of a show from the same team that brought you last year’s hit panto, Jack and the Beanstalk!

Tickets can be booked online at howdenparkcentre.co.uk or call the box office on 01506 340700.

TUESDAY 10TH TO SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER RUBBER CHICKEN THEATRE COMPANY PRESENT DICK WHITTINGTON at Dunblane Christian Fellowship. rubberchickentheatre.co.uk/

FRIDAY 20TH TO SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Bo’ness Hippodrome. hippodromecinema.co.uk

A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT STIRLING CASTLE Come along to this magical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic as brought to you by Chapterhouse Theatre Company.

For tickets phone 01786 450000.

SATURDAY 21ST DECEMBER MATTHEW BOURNE’S ROMEO AND JULIET Bo’ness Hippodrome. hippodromecinema.co.uk

SUNDAY 22ND AND MONDAY 23RD DECEMBER THE WIZARD OF OZ Bo’ness Hippodrome. hippodromecinema.co.uk

TUESDAY 24TH DECEMBER THE SNOWMAN & THE SNOWMAN AND THE SNOWDOG Bo’ness Hippodrome. hippodromecinema.co.uk

SATURDAY 28TH DECEMBER FUNBOX PRESENT CHRISTMAS IN TOY TOWN AT THE ALBERT HALLS, STIRLING It’s time to get ‘dolled’ up and get your skates on and head to Toy Town for the brand new seasonal spectacular from Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo the Dog. 01786 473544.

FACEBOOK: /FamCS TWITTER: @FamiliesCentral All of this and so much more this winter! Keep up to date with us on Facebook and Twitter for more family activities and events throughout November and December.

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Come and see Santa this Christmas in 14 acres of woodland.

BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

A family day out to remember!

www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk North Ballochruin Farm, Balfron Station, Glasgow G63 0LE Phone: 01360 752052

WIN a trip to see Santa on Christmas Eve! The amazing team at Woodland Experiences are offering readers the chance to win an all-inclusive trip to see Santa in the magical woodland at North Ballochruin Farm, Balfron, on Christmas Eve!

The prize includes…

A ticket for 2 adults and 2 children to see Santa on 24th December at 3pm.

PLUS 30 tokens to spend on marshmallow toasting, bouncy tractor, face-painting or in the on-site shop To enter the prize draw, simply email your name and address to editor@ familiescentralscotland.co.uk with ‘Christmas’ in the subject box, no later than 1st December 2019. Our competition terms and conditions can be found on page 3.