Families Central Scotland Magazine Nov-Dec 2018

Central Scotland

In this Issue

Christmas in Central Scotland Holiday inspiration Out and about

Issue 49 November/December 2018 Familiesonline.co.uk

Sunday 4th November & Sunday 2nd December 11-4pm FREE ENTRY

Fund Raising for

Victoria Hall, Dunblane

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

familiesonline.co.uk Families Central Scotland 1

Central Scotland

Welcome to the November/December issue of Families Magazine Central Scotland!

This issue is crammed full of festive fun & inspiration for the Christmas holidays.

Jumping, boating, magical grottos and special breakfasts, we give you an at-a-glance guide to tracking down Santa in Central Scotland. We have a bumper pull-out ‘out and about’ section for the Christmas season and a special interview with the inspirational celebrity parent Carrie Grant, in acknowledgement of November’s Anti-Bullying week. You will also find recipes, shows, events and ideas for fun indoors this winter – handy for the school holidays and the Scottish weather! With most venues offering vouchers, memberships or season passes, why not give the gift of fun this Christmas? Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a happy & peaceful festive season with your families.

In this Issue

Christmas in Central Scotland

Holiday inspiration Out and about

Sunday 4th November & Sunday 2nd December 11-4pm FREE ENTRY

Fund Raising for

Victoria Hall, Dunblane

Issue 49 November/De Familiesonline.co.uk cember 2018

Falkirk’s new fantastic flavours!

Now serving fresh homemade soup, Scottish stovies and innovative ice cream flavours every day from 10am until 5pm.

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

e.co.uk Familiesfamiliesonlin Central Scotland 1

contact us e: editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk t: 079302 64979

Fiona Bunting the editor

Bookings are now being taken for the January/February issue with special features on Birthday Parties, Travel & New Year New You – deadline for all adverts and editorial 1st December 2018.

Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/FamCS and twitter @ FamiliesCentral where you will get regular updates. Visit our website www.familiesonline.co.uk for more articles and details of local events and listings for you and your family.

contents News & Views...............................................................4-5 Winter Fun Indoors....................................................... 6 Festive Out & About.............................................8-10 How to sleep better..................................................10 Christmas cooking..........................................................11 Christmas holiday inspiration.......................... 12-13 Spotlight on Carrie Grant.......................................14 Circulation 12000 copies distributed directly to nurseries, playgroups, health centres, libraries, leisure facilities as well as selected shops, cafes, and schools.

Please contact us if you wish to receive our media pack detailing costs and sizes of adverts.

Design Printers Cover Image

- Lamb Designs - J Thomson Colour Printers - Deposit photos

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

• Graded Very Good in all areas by the Care Inspectorate 2018 • 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

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 7th December at 7.30pm.The Lights of Love event is being organised by Forth Valley Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity) and provides parents the opportunity to come together and acknowledge the lives of their babies at this difficult time of year.

The Scottish Cot Death Trust will also be taking part in the service.

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 visit www. forthvalleysands.org.uk or contact Caroline on mail@forthvalleysands.org.uk or on 07762 790751.

Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying Week Anti-Bullying Week runs from 12th to 16th November 2018 and the theme this year is choosing respect over bullying. The aim of the week is to support schools to help children understand the definition of respect and that: • bullying is a behavioural choice • we can respectfully disagree with each other (i.e. we don’t have to be best friends or agree on everything) but we do have to show each other respect • we all need to choose to respect each other, both face to face and online Students are being encouraged to wear odd socks to school on Monday 12th November to show their support and raise money for a good cause.

To get involved, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Christmas shopping & supporting the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Dunblane will once again hold its family friendly Christmas Fundraising Xmas Markets in the Victoria Hall, Dunblane on Sunday 4th November and Sunday 2nd December.

There will be 28 stalls selling something for everyone’s Christmas, featuring arts, crafts, children’s books, beauty products, Xmas wreaths, tasty treats and much more.

All your Christmas shopping under one roof. Entry is free and the markets will open at 11am until 4pm. There will be a cafe selling soup, cakes, filled rolls, tea & coffee.

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Howden Park Centre, Livingston

Join Howden Park Centre for another super-dooper-party-pooper panto this Christmas 2018. Poor wee Jack. She just can’t win. Once upon a time, her Daddy chopped down that Beanstalk, killed the giant and saved the day. But now, he’s gone and the bills are mounting up.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, Jack and her dunderhead sister have to sell the family cow. It’s just like history is repeating itself or something, isn’t it? Well at least there aren’t any giants around this time… There’s magic beans, dancing cows and a special wee lassie who wants to prove she’s no one hit wonder! A total sell-out last year, book early to avoid disappointment. Monday 10 to Friday 28 December. Tickets £16 adult, £14 children, £56 family (4), groups 10+ 1 free, £12 sales performance (19 Dec, 7pm or 21 Dec 2pm), £8 school groups. Box Office: 01506 340700 www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk

All profits from hosting the event and cafe will go to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity appeal. For more information visit www.artnmart.co.uk

GET INVOLVED @ Lots of new classes for 2019: musical theatre, digital skills, drama, dance, aerial, circus skills and fun art sessions.

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4 Families Central Scotland

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Talking to Young Children About War this Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day on Sunday 11th November will be especially significant as it will mark 100 years since the original agreement to end fighting in the First World War in 1918 (Armistice Day). It is likely that there will be a great deal of media coverage given to this significant commemoration and your child may be prompted to ask questions. Discussing war with children can be quite difficult. Recognising this, CBeebies has produced a short animation, simply titled ‘Poppies’ to help convey the notion of remembrance in a way that resonates with a young audience. It may be a helpful way to introduce any discussion of Remembrance Day with young children. The two minute film follows a bunny playing in a meadow, which then becomes a WW1 battlefield. The film can be viewed on the CBeebies website at www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/poppies

Launch of trendy tube feeding clothing brand “Tubie Kids”

Blast away evil at the UK's first Superhero laser tag arena Located in Callendar Square, Falkirk Open 7 days www.weeheroes.co.uk

0330 053 9953

Classes Across Central Scotland

lynsey@hartbeeps.com 07914 023 928

Finding fashionable tube friendly clothing proved difficult for Zayne Kalbouneh and her family. Their baby girl, Karma, was born with a complex genetic condition meaning she needed to be fed through a tube leading into her stomach. At feeding times, the family had to fully undress their child to get to the tube - or cut holes in her clothing to enable access. Inspired by Karma’s bubbly, cheeky personality and the need for suitable clothing, the family’s brand “Tubie Kids” was born this year.

The fashion line is fresh and vibrant with discreet adaptations, allowing tube fed children to express their personalities through colour and design – without having to compromise on the dignity, comfort or functionality of the garments. The items are also sensory friendly, incorporating flat seams, high quality cotton and no labels throughout. The clothing is currently sized from ages 3-12, with prices ranging from £14.50 to £16.50.

Visit www.tubiekids.co.uk or their Facebook page @tubiekids for more information.

Passionate about children’s eyecare Large range of children’s frames in the latest styles Prescription and non-prescription sunglasses for children Prescription swimming goggles for children

10% OFF

prescription glasses or sunglasses for adults with this advert

105 High Street, Tillicoultry Tel 01259 752755 www.ochileyes.co.uk

WINTER FUN – INDOORS! During the winter months, there’s no avoiding spending much more time indoors. It’s tempting to allow the kids to while away the time on devices or playing on their Xbox. But there are ways of keeping your kids off their screens and still having fun, even within the four walls of your own home.

Here’s Families’ guide to some fun badweather-day activities.

Make a Cardboard Town Get hold of a giant cardboard box or add lots of small ones together to make a town using large felt tips or paint. Let their imaginations run riot, and they can add cars and wooden/plastic people to make it more realistic.

Set Up an Indoor Treasure Hunt Write some cryptic clues and hide a treasure trail of items for them to find.

They may want to design one for you to do too!

Make Slime Batten down the hatches, get the aprons out and be prepared for a tsunami of mess in your kitchen. This activity is satisfyingly messy and great fun. Get your children to research how to make the best slime or play-doh on YouTube (it’s for educational purposes after all).

Get Cooking If you aren’t keen on the slime idea, get the kids to cook you a meal instead. This is satisfying for them but also a treat for you (hopefully!). Suggest they plan a three-course meal for dinner. Get them to design a menu and research how to make the dishes online or refer to some recipe books. I think getting them to look in the fridge and come up with some dishes with ingredients you already have teaches them a great a life skill too.

A pasta sauce or an apple crumble are tasty and rewarding - but simple dishes to make. If you have smaller children, baking something simple like fairy cakes or biscuits would obviously be more appropriate.

Play Cards Teach the kids the card games you used to play as a child. If you can’t get them interested in Patience or Gin Rummy, look up some cool card tricks for them to learn and show their friends.

By Claire Winter

Make Special Cards Get out the art supplies and card and make some Christmas and birthday cards.

Why don’t you get creative with Origami? My kids love making butterflies and birds and sticking them onto cards.

Have a Kitchen Disco My favourite thing to do on a rainy day is to have a party in the kitchen. Choose the most appropriate room in your house and sort a great playlist of music that will get the whole family moving.

Have a ‘dance off’ with your kids.

Games Marathon Get every family game in the house – think Jenga, dominoes, Memory, Quirkle, Connect 4, Kim’s game, table football, Mousetrap, Uno, Dobble… whatever you have! Make up a score chart and give points to the winner of each game. At the end, add up to find out who is the ‘Champion of Champions’ – definitely worthy of a prize!

Set up a Racing Track Use masking tape to create a huge carracing track around the house or living room, create a second track alongside it, get the toy cars out and race away!

Get Active You could make an indoor obstacle course or try hula hooping or skipping in the living room. To make it more interesting, do some timed challenges.

You could also create indoor hopscotch with masking tape.

Try Balloon Ping Pong or Table Tennis Blow up some balloons and use some table tennis bats or make your own with some sticks and paper plates.

Alternatively, if you have a table tennis set, drag out the dining table, set up the net and hold a tournament. Hours of fun!

Or why not try one of Central Scotland’s indoor fun venues? Between a role play town, laser tag, trampolining, bowling, cinemas, cafes with hot chocolate and marshmallows, soft plays, ice-skating, castles, theatres, ice cream parlours, shops and indoor markets, not to mention the multitude of Christmas events throughout the region, the weather needn’t put a dampener on the Christmas holidays.

• Nautical Party Room • Pl ayhouse Party Room • K idzy’s K itche n • Se nsory Room • Cl ass visits we l come

Boo k yo u r vi si t a t : www. k i d z t own rol e p l a y . com

Kidz Town Role-Play, 35 Colquhoun Street, Stirling, FK7 7PX

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TO

Visit Santa at our

Free Grotto

Santa’s Grotto Open in December

10.30am - 1pm / 2pm - 4.30pm Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th

Visit our free grotto and receive a gift from Santa!

Festive Out and About Saturday 29th September to Wednesday 23rd January

Brick Wonders at Stirling Castle Brick Wonders features recreations in LEGO® bricks of amazing sights from around the world, curated by artist Warren Elsmore. Included in Castle admission price.

winter season. Check in store for details.

Monday 5th November

Stirling and Bridge of Allan Round Table Fireworks Spectacular, Bridge of Allan Fireworks Display at Callendar Park, Falkirk Wednesday 7th November to Sunday 16th December (various dates)

Saturday 3rd November

Howie’s kids Club at The Howgate Shopping Centre Join our November Nerf themed Kids Club event have a go at our target practice, paint your Nerf gun, see our display of classic Nerfs and test your marksmanship skills. Free event from 12pm-3pm.

Steam, Music & Fireworks at Loch Katrine all set against the stunning scenery of the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve. www.lochkatrine.com Sparks in the Park Fireworks and bonfire display at West End Park, Alloa 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.

Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th November

Steam Gala at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway Join in an action-packed weekend of steam trains and family entertainment. www.bkrailway. co.uk Sunday 4th November

Christmas Market at Dunblane Victoria Hall Featuring exhibitors selling crafts, art work, books, tasty treats and more. Fundraising for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. 11am – 4pm, Free entry www.artnmart.co.uk Little Seedlings Club at Dobbies Come along to learn about the lifecycle of your garden at this time of year and what you need to do to prepare for a chilly

Legion: Sound & light family adventure in Falkirk www. roughcastleexperiences.co.uk Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th November

Supernova Run 2018 at the Kelpies Light up the dark at this family friendly event www.thehelix.co.uk Saturday 10th November

Brilliant Beavers at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Come and learn all about beavers and the brilliant work they do in their habitat.

Suitable for 5-12 year olds.

To book tickets visit www. scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/ events Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th November

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween Bo’ness Hippodrome, various times.

Sunday 11th November

Winter Warmer Walk at Blackness Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Blackness Bay on the shore of the Firth of Forth. Discover all about the wildlife inhabiting this internationally important stretch of shoreline. Phone 0131 6528150.

Thursday 15th November

Wetlands Wander Dusk Walk at Black Devon Wetland, Alloa Enjoy a dusky guided walk with RSPB staff to hear about some of the wildlife, habitats and management of the reserve,

8 Families Central Scotland

and as the sun goes down enjoy a tasty hot chocolate.

Phone 01324 832853 for details.

Friday 16th November

Bannockburn Primary Winter Fayre 6-8pm.

Friday 16th to Sunday 18th November

Falkirk Youth Theatre present Fame at FTH Theatre Falkirk The show follows the final class of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts from their admission in 1980 to their graduation in 1984. www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org Friday 16th to Thursday 29th November

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Bo’ness Hippodrome, various times.

Saturday 17th November

Cambusbarron Playgroup host The Fayre Before Christmas Fayre 1-4pm Revolting Rhymes & Marvellous Music Family event at Linlithgow Academy Theatre, 3pm. Tickets £5. www.linlithgowartsguild.co.uk Saturday 17th November to Monday 24th December (Weekends and selected weekdays)

Visit Santa at The Howgate Shopping Centre Come and visit Santa.

For full details visit www. howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk Sunday 18th November

Christmas Lights Switch On in Falkirk Featuring performances from Barbara Bryceland, on stage capers with Santa and his elves, Big Bad Wolf Theatre Company and local performers.

Entertainment starts at 2.30pm with switch on at 5pm.

Christmas Lights Switch On in Stirling Entertainment from 2pm with Santa parade through town. Lights switch on at 5pm.

Friday 23rd November to Monday 31st December

Sleepin’ Cutie at Macrobert Arts Centre Written

by Johnny McKnight, this is another not-to-bemissed panto extravaganza!

Boo, hiss, laugh and sing at this fantastic panto for all the family. www. macrobertartscentre.org Saturday 24th November

Santa and his Reindeer in Grangemouth 10-12noon Santa and his Aviemore reindeer will parade through La Porte precinct at 10am.

Entertainment from 2.30pm with lights switch on at 4pm.

Santa and his Reindeer and Christmas Light Switch On in Bo’ness There will be entertainment, market stalls, reindeer, fairground rides & a visit from the man in red himself. Entertainment from 12-7pm with lights switch on at 5pm.

Kippen Christmas Market at Kippen Village Hall 1-4pm Linlithgow Advent Fayre Music and entertainment from 10am with lights switch on at 6pm.

Saturday 24th November to Monday 24th December

Callendar House Christmas Adventure Join the ancestral inhabitants of Callendar house as they explore Christmas traditions old and new in a race to find Santa before Christmas day. For tickets and information visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org Tuesday 27th November to Monday 24th December

A Ladder to the Stars at Macrobert Arts Centre The moon, the sun, the wind and the rain dream up a wonderful plan to allow a young girl to dance with the stars. Suitable for ages 0-5. www.macrobertartscentre.org Wednesday 28th November to Saturday 1st December

Young Portonian Theatre Company present Pinocchio at Grangemouth Town Hall

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Thursday 29th November

Christmas Extravaganza in Dunblane Join the free family fun taking place across the centre of Dunblane.

With Santa and his reindeer, late night shopping, fireworks, live music and more.

Festive Flavour Tasting Evening at the Milk Barn Come and choose your Christmas ice-cream and enjoy some Free Prosecco and Mince Pies! 7- 9pm. www.themilkbarn.co.uk Friday 30th November

Whits a kelpie onywye? At The Helix Join the special Scots language Kelpie tours this St Andrews Day. For information phone 01324 590600.

Callendar House Christmas Lights Show Free family event, 6-8pm www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org Various dates in December starting on Saturday 1st December

Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with Santa at Kidz Town, Stirling Visit www. kidztownroleplay.com for full details of the fab packages on offer. Select your date & book online.

Weekends in December starting on 1st (every Saturday and Sunday in the lead up to Christmas)

Visit Santa at Jump n Joy, Tullibody Great fun packages available 10am-12noon or 1pm-3pm. For full details and booking visit www.jumpnjoy. co.uk Cosy Read at the Helix Christmas story time for ages 3 plus. Various times available including Autism friendly sessions. Visit www. thehelix.co.uk Santa Train at Bo’ness Steam Railway Santa travels by steam train, giving a gift to each of the young passengers. www.bkrailway. co.uk

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Saturday 1st December

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 at 4pm Christmas Crafts at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Light up the festive period with homemade willow lanterns and other Christmas crafts at Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre in Grangemouth from 2-4pm. The lantern parade will be held at 4pm. Suitable for ages 5 and upwards. To book tickets visit www.scottishwildlifetrust.org. uk/events Christmas Wreath Making at Muiravonside Country Park Come and weave your very own Christmas wreath and decorate it ready for the front door. We will be collecting natural materials from the park and using them to decorate your wreaths. For ages 8 and over. www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org Glow Ride at the Helix Light up your bikes for a wee jaunt around the park & then a welldeserved hot chocolate! www. thehelix.co.uk Saturday 1st to Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 19th to Sunday 23rd December

Find Rudolf at Muiravonside Country Park Follow the clues around the park, complete the challenges and find Rudolf to claim your prize. www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org Sunday 2nd December

Chase the Turkey at the Helix Get your trainers on this December and run, jog or walk the two mile route around Helix Park, and yes, you will be in hot pursuit of a turkey (or someone dressed as a turkey!). 11am.

To book tickets for the family fun, visit www.thehelix. co.uk Festive Frolics at Stirling Castle A fun way to kick off the festive season.

Included in admission price.

Festive Out and About

Christmas Market at Dunblane Victoria Hall Featuring exhibitors selling crafts, art work, books, tasty treats and more. Fundraising for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. 11am – 4pm, Free entry www. artnmart.co.uk Monday 3rd, Tuesday 4th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December

Royal Opera House Live The Nutcracker at Macrobert Arts Centre One of the most delightful ways to discover the enchantment of ballet! www.macrobertartscentre.org Tuesday 4th to Sunday 9th December

Spotlight Youth Theatre presents Peter Pan at Alloa Town Hall Family fun with traditional panto entertainment. Phone 01259 573182 for tickets Wednesday 5th December

Christmas Paper Printing Workshop at Muiravonside Country Park Come and make some unique home printed wrapping paper using natural printing materials from the park. Free but booking essential. 01324 506850.

Friday 7th December

Lights of Love Christmas Memorial Service organsied

by Forth Valley Sands 7.30pm St Marys Church Upper Bridge Street.

Traditional carols, inspiring readings and beautiful music.

For more information contact Caroline on 07762 790751 or www.forthvalleysands.org. uk Friday 7th to Monday 24th December (various dates)

Falkirk Community Trust and Imagine Theatre Present Cinderella at FTH Theatre Falkirk A pantomime with all the magical ingredients needed to create a festive family treat including special effects, song and dance numbers, a hilarious script and bags of audience participation! www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Saturday 8th December

Santa and his Reindeer Parade in Falkirk Santa and his Aviemore Reindeer parade through the town at 2pm accompanied by the Alloa Bowmar Pipeband.

They will then be at the east end of the High Street until 4pm. www.falkirkdelivers. com Family Christmas Ceilidh at The Tolbooth Celebrate the festive season with friends and family in traditional Scottish style. Phone 01786 274000 for details.

Various dates in December starting on Saturday 8th December

Santa Cruises at Loch Katrine www.lochkatrine.com Saturday 8th, 15th & 23rd and Sunday 9th, 16th & 24th December

Jingle all the way to Sterling Mills Visit Santa in this free grotto. www.sterlingmills.com Sunday 9th December

Winter Warmer Walk at Linlithgow Loch Join the rangers on a guided walk and discover the animals that make the loch their home.

For tickets phone 0131 6528150.

Monday 10th to Friday 28th December

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Howden Park Centre Another super panto from the Howden Park Centre this Christmas 2018. Box Office: 01506 340 700 www.howdenparkcentre. co.uk Tuesday 11th to Saturday 15th December

Dick Whittington Panto at the Barony Theatre, Bo’ness Saturday 15th December

Cbeebies Christmas Show Thumbelina - at cinemas throughout the UK www. cbeebieschristmasshow.com

Families Central Scotland 9

Festive Out and About Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December

Hartbeeps Winter Wonderland Parties Fun movement and music with a visit from Santa. Visit www. facebook.com/hartbeepsfalkirk Friday 21st to Monday 24th December

It’s a Wonderful Life Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd December

A Christmas Carol at Stirling Castle A fun and exciting adaptation of Dickens’ classic Christmas tale. For tickets and information phone 0131 668 8885.

Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd December

Ballet: Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella Bo’ness Hippodrome Sunday 23rd December

The Snowman & The Snowman and the Snowdog Bo’ness Hippodrome Thursday 27th to Monday 31st December

Scotland’s National Hero at The Wallace Monument Listen as a costumed actor gives a short presentation on the life of William Wallace. www.nationalwallacemonument. com

Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out and About section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks in advance of the events. Please call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out.

Friday 28th December

Funbox present Once Upon a Christmas at The Albert Halls Stirling Join in with some singalong silliness with Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo the Dog. Phone 01786 473544 for tickets.

Sunday 30th and Monday 31st December

Black Bun Specials at Bo’ness Steam Railway www.bkrailway.co.uk

Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd January 2019

Fire and Light 2019: Cosmic Fortunes Start your New Year brightly with an illuminated family walk at the Helix. For tickets and information visit www. thehelix.co.uk or phone 01324 506850 New Year Cruises at Loch Katrine Celebrate New Year with a New Year Celebration Party Cruise onboard the ‘Sir Walter Scott’. Call 01877 376315/6 for information.

How to Sleep Better

A

s we approach the run up to the busiest and most stressful time of the year, any sleep difficulties you generally experience can be heightened.

If you are a sleep deprived parent, it’s most likely because you have a child who is not sleeping well. Of course, there are things that you can do to help your child get a better night’s sleep, which will hopefully result in improved sleep for you but it is also important that parents seek to improve their own sleep.

The key to a well slept household is to put in place whatever sleep arrangements are right for you, your partner and your children - not what your friends, neighbours, mother-in-law, sleep experts or self-help parenting books tell you.

Firstly, take control of the situation and agree the ‘sleep rules’ that work for you, your partner and child. How will you react to your child crying in the night or wanting to get into bed with you? How will you handle their resistance to going to sleep at a set bed-time? What is the right bed time?

Once agreed, you need to stick to these rules and, if they are working, don’t change them.

How do you know whether it’s working?

Simply, if your child is happy, healthy and well behaved and you and your partner feel awake, alert and focused during the day, don’t worry. If any of you are sleepy, moody and prone to temper tantrums, then your sleeping habits need improvement.

Here are some of my tips on how parents can sleep better:

Avoid an Overloaded Schedule If your child does not have the time they need to sleep, then it’s likely you won’t either. Identify and prioritise activities that allow for relaxation and sufficient sleep time for yourselves and your children.

Take a Nap, Don’t Resort to Stimulants If you feel sleepy during the day, your body wants sleep - it does not want to be stimulated by caffeine or anything else! A 20 minute power nap will boost your mental performance and that improvement will last for a few hours. Napping for more than 20 minutes means that you risk waking in the deepest stage of sleep and will feel worse when you wake than you did before your nap.

Rationalise Sleeping Arrangements If children feel scared, insecure or lonely, they generally want to be comforted and reassured by a parent. The most natural thing in the world if they are sleeping in a separate room is to come into your room, and perhaps get into the bed. The way you deal with this is down to you, but if your child is going to sleep with a parent, it would probably be far easier for you or your partner to relocate to the child’s room or another bedroom, if available.

Alternate Night Time Parenting If there are two of you, rather than sharing the parenting duties every night, which just means that you are both disturbed, you can alternate duties so one partner gets a good night’s sleep every other night. It is even better, if you have the space, to have a ‘sleep’ bedroom and a ‘parent’ room, so your children genuinely do disturb only one of you every night.

Get Up and Do Something Relaxing If you are disturbed during the night and find it hard to go back to sleep, it is best to get up and do something relaxing, only going to bed again when you feel sleepy.

Lying in bed feeling frustrated that you are not sleeping is counter-productive.

Don’t Get Uptight about Not Sleeping The reality is that you will survive a bad night’s sleep and cope okay the next day. Getting over anxious about not sleeping will only compound the problem.

Remember that your children will not always need you during the night – all these things shall eventually pass!

Outdoor Exercise Works Getting exercise outside during the day is an ideal way to improve both your physical and mental health and aid good sleep.You don’t have to jog or go to the gym - just a walk in the park will be beneficial.

Dr Neil Stanley is an independent sleep expert and the author of How to Sleep Well: The Science of Sleeping Smarter, Living Better and Being Productive (Capstone, July 2018).

For more information, visit www. thesleepconsultancy.com

Christmas Cooking Inspiration

The festive season is a great time to get cooking in the kitchen! By Claire Winter White Chocolate dipped Ginger Biscuits These delicious ginger biscuits from mylittlepiccolo.com are great on their own with a cuppa, or dipped in white chocolate, and are a fabulous to make with children or wrap up as a present. For a less sweet biscuit, you can make them with half the sugar - they don’t stay as crisp as long, but are still just as delicious!

Tip: Make double the dough and freeze half for another time, or just make double quantity as they disappear pretty quickly!

In a mixing bowl, whisk 340g of flour, 1tsp of bicarbonate of soda, a pinch of salt, 3 level tsps. of ginger, 1tsp of cinnamon and 1/4tsp of nutmeg. Set aside.

Either in a mixer or by hand, cream together 100g of butter and 130g of light brown sugar

until light and creamy.

Mix in one egg and combine.

With the mixer set on low speed, slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until you have a dough.

Cover bowl with cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F during the last 10 minutes of chilling.

For a smooth top to the biscuits, roll out the dough to around ½ inch thick and cut circles out with a cookie cutter. For a more rustic ‘ginger nut’ top, scoop out a dessert spoon of mixture from the bowl and shape into a ball, transfer to the baking sheet and, spacing around 2 inches apart, flatten tops slightly.

Bake for around 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt 100g of white chocolate in the

microwave, in 10 second intervals until melted. Dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate mixture then run bottom of cookie slightly along edge of bowl to remove excess, then return to Silpat or parchment paper to set at room temperature.

If you are feeling artistic you could also pipe on a holly leaf.

Yummy!

Turkey or Chicken Curry Award winning Indian food expert, Sarah Ali Choudhury, suggests making a simple curry, which is tasty, nutritious and easy to make.

This is a great dish to cook with the kids on Boxing Day. To make the curry: Add 300g of chicken or turkey breast to a bowl with 2 finely chopped small shallots, 2 plum tomatoes cut into quarters, 1 spoon of garlic paste, 1 spoon of ginger paste, ½ tsp of salt, 1tbsp of mixed curry power and ¼ tsp of turmeric powder. Make sure

the chicken or turkey is fully covered.

Next, add 2 tbsp. of sunflower oil to a wok or pan and when it’s hot add all of the ingredients, stirring thoroughly.

Cook for 3 minutes and then add ½ pint of water and cook for a further ten minutes.

The water should be reduced and the chicken cooked thoroughly.

Chop up some fresh coriander to garnish the curry and you are now ready to serve it.

The curry would be delicious with some rice or Naan bread. You can find more recipes at Sarah’s website sarahalichoudhury.com.

& Aberdeen Performing Arts

Tickets from £9.50

Tue 27 Nov to Mon 24 Dec Tickets: £9.50 / £34 Wee Group Saver (any 4 people) For age 5 & under

www.macrobertartscentre.org I 01786 466 666

Christmas holiday inspiration

SEEKING OUT SANTA IN CENTRAL SCOTLAND BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

KIDZTOWN are celebrating their very first Christmas by inviting all of their young town residents and their parents/guardians to BREAKFAST or AFTERNOON TEA WITH SANTA. Your KIDZ TOWN Santa experience starts with a one hour role-play session in Christmas KIDZ TOWN, Stirling.You will then be taken up to the rooftops to enjoy your delicious festive meal followed by a visit into Santa’s Grotto where Santa’s elf will read you a Christmas story before the children are presented with a personalised gift from Santa himself!!

Please visit www. kidztownroleplay. com for full details and to book your special Santa session. But hurry as spaces are limited on specific days throughout December.

visits from 11am to 12 noon on Sundays.

Late night shopping for busy shoppers also available on selected dates.Visit www.howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk for more information.

AWESOME CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE

The popular CALLENDAR HOUSE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE is back, and runs from Saturday 24th November to Monday 24th December (closed Tuesdays) at various times throughout the day.

The holly wreaths are hanging and the lights are burning low. But there’s a problem. Santa hasn’t been seen! With

JUMP N SANTA JOY

This Christmas at JUMP N JOY there is something special for the kids and grownups alike.

Santa will be visiting his Magical Grotto at JUMP N JOY,Tullibody, every weekend in December in the lead up to Christmas.

The perfect opportunity to hand in your letters & lists – and to argue your case on whether you should be on the good list or the bad list! Packages include a jump session, a meet & greet with Santa, a picture & a goodie bag.

Visit www.jumpnjoy.co.uk for details of dates, times, prices and booking. There are some family sessions available which are suitable for under 5s. Spaces are limited, so book now to guarantee your visit with Santa.

HO HO HO AT THE HOWGATE

Santa’s magical grotto opens on Saturday 17th November at THE HOWGATE SHOPPING CENTRE in Falkirk. Children will be able to visit him and enjoy the centre’s Christmas decorations every weekend until Christmas - and on Thursday 20th, Friday 21st and Monday 24th December. A visit to Santa costs £4 including a gift and Borg-Grech Photography will be on hand to offer professional photographs and gifts for family and friends. For children with additional needs, the centre offers private

12 Families Central Scotland

only a few days to go, join the ancestral inhabitants of Callendar House as they explore Christmas traditions old and new in a race to find Santa before Christmas Day! Suitable for the whole family, adult/ child tickets are £7.00, babies (u-24 mos) £2. Suitable for Nursery - P1. Book online or call the Christmas hotline on 01324 506850.

SANTA JOURNEYS

If you want to combine Santa with some vehicle fun, there are festive family journeys available at THE FALKIRK WHEEL. A Magical Christmas at The Falkirk Wheel runs 15th to 24th December – see www. scottishcanals.co.uk for details. Or hop aboard a Santa Steam Train for festive fun at BO’NESS & KINNEIL RAILWAY every weekend in December in the lead-up to Christmas – see www.bkrailway.co.uk for times & booking. Or why not visit beautiful LOCH KATRINE? Sail on the Sir Walter Scott with Santa’s Christmas Elves, before coming ashore to meet the man himself in the Steamship Cafe – see www. lochkatrine.com for dates & details.

SHOP & SANTA

Jingle all the way to STERLING MILLS Outlet Shopping Village for all your Christmas shopping & take the wee ones along to see Santa! Free grotto & the kids will be given a gift to take away. The grotto is open Saturdays and Sundays in December in the lead-up to Christmas, starting on Saturday 8th December. Visit www.sterlingmills.com for full details.

SANTA & HIS REINDEER

Santa and his Aviemore reindeer will be arriving in a town near you. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, live music and family entertainment. For more information visit www.falkirkdelivers.com Grangemouth: Saturday 24th November – 10am12noon with Christmas light switch on celebrations scheduled from 2.30-4pm Bo’ness: Saturday 24th November – 2pm-4pm with Christmas light switch on celebrations – finale scheduled for 5pm Denny: Saturday 1st December – 10am12noon Stenhousemuir: Saturday 1st December – 2pm-4pm with Christmas light switch on celebrations – finale scheduled for 4pm Falkirk Town Centre: Saturday 8th December – 2pm – Santa and his reindeer parade from the bandstand along the High Street with the Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band. The man in red will be at the east end of the High Street until 4pm so a good opportunity to deliver your letters!

Christmas arts and crafts, local traders and face-painting from 12 noon.

DUNBLANE EXTRAVAGANZA

On Thursday 29th November 5-9pm, come and join the FREE family fun taking place across the centre of Dunblane. With Santa and his reindeer, late night shopping, live performing acts, musical entertainment, face painting, balloon modelling, and a firework finish at 8.30pm.

HERO IN RED

Get ready to have a blast this Christmas!

Have a festive lunch, as well as play a double hero session, with Santa in December at the award-winning Wee Heroes, Falkirk.

For more information, visit www.weeheroes.co.uk

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Fire & Light 2019 at The Helix

Ignite the start of your year at The Helix Park, home of the Kelpies. Enjoy the freshness of the New Year with friends and family on a magical, fiery 3k walk. Event planned for Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd January 2019.

Visit www.thehelix.co.uk for more information or phone 01324 506850.

Sleepin’ Cutie at the 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 – Sleepin’ Cutie, written by Johnny McKnight. Bonnie is in trouble. It’s her birthday and everyone in the palace is acting crazy. Her best friend Jester is refusing to let anyone into her party and keeps muttering that no-one loves her like him. Prince Charming is scary – declaring it is his destiny to marry her (though they only met 5 minutes ago). If that isn’t bad enough, Fairy Contrary is refusing to get out of bed until the party’s over! From Friday 23rd November to Monday 31st December.

Tickets on sale now!

Visit www.macrobertartscentre.org or call 01786 466 666.

Cinderella at Falkirk’s FTH Theatre

Something very exciting is coming to FTH Theatre for Christmas 2018...

A pantomime with all the magical ingredients needed to create a festive family treat including special effects, song and dance numbers, a hilarious script and bags of audience participation!

Starring: River City’s Sally Howitt as the Wicked Stepmother and Falkirk’s very own Barbara Bryceland as Fairy Godmother. From Thursday 6th December to Monday 24th December.

Tickets on sale now!

Visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org or call 01324 506850.

Seasonal movies at Bo’ness Hippodrome

Enjoy a cosy cinema night at the gorgeous and historic Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Festive family favourites this year include It’s a Wonderful Life (21st to 24th December), Matthew Bourne’s Ballet - Cinderella (22nd and 23rd December), The Snowman and The Snowman & the Snowdog (23rd December) Visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust. org or call 01324 506850 for more information.

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Christmas holiday inspiration

A Ladder to the Stars at Macrobert Arts Centre

Festive Family Fun

Way up in the deep blue night sky, a twinkling star hears a little girl’s birthday wish . . . she wishes she could dance with the stars. Wanting to make this wish come true, the star tells the moon, the moon tells the sun, the sun tells the wind and the rain, and together they dream up a wonderful plan. Told through a magical mix of music, light and imagination, this is a heartfelt and humorous story of what can happen when the universe hears your dreams.

A 50-minute show suited to ages 5 and under. From Tuesday 27th November to Monday 24th December 2018. Tickets on sale now!

Visit www.macrobertartscentre.org or call 01786 466 666.

Steam Special

Why not round off the year with a Black Bun Special treat at Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway? Sunday 30th and Monday 31st December 2018. Complimentary traditional Scottish Hogmanay Black Bun and a hot drink while travelling on the nostalgic steam railway; juice & shortbread for the kids. www.bkrailway.co.uk

Find Rudolf

Follow clues around Muiravonside Country Park, complete the challenges and find Rudolf to claim your prize! £1 per person. Drop in between 10am and 3pm, Saturday 1st to Tuesday 4th December, and Wednesday 19th to Sunday 23rd December.

Visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org for info.

Festive Flavours at the Milk Barn

Why not try some festive ice-cream at the Milk Barn? If you’re not familiar with it, check out www.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 ever 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. Come and try our special seasonal menu, get some lovely homemade tablet, or our new Milk Barn soap (made with our cows’ milk)”. We think the tablet and soap would make nice Christmas gifts too!

Jack and the Beanstalk at The Howden Park Centre

Join Howden Park Centre for another super-dooper-party-pooper panto this Christmas 2018. There’s magic beans, dancing cows and a special wee lassie who wants to prove she’s no one hit wonder! A total sell-out last year, book early to avoid disappointment.

Box Office: 01506 340700 www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk

Cosy Christmas Read

Hot chocolate & Christmassy tales at the Helix Visitor Centre for children aged 3 and upwards. Cosy Christmas Read is on every weekend in December in the run up to Christmas, with various time slots available.

Visit www.thehelix. co.uk to book your tickets online or contact the Visitor Centre on 01324 590 600.

Mini Milker Quiz 1. What do you call a baby cow?

2. How many stomachs does a cow have?

3. What do cows drink?

4. How often are cows milked?

If you cut this out and show your answers to a member of staff at The Milk Barn before 31st December 2018, you will receive a free ice-cream of any available flavour! Good Luck!!

Families Central Scotland 13

SPOTLIGHT ON CARRIE GRANT Carrie Grant and her husband, David, first came to the attention of the nation as Fame Academy judges. Since then, Carrie has become a familiar face on our TV screens. What you may not know it that she is also a formidable supporter of charities. Claire Winter caught up with her to talk about family life and her charity work.

What initially inspired you to become a singer and then a coach?

Like many creative children, singing and dancing was all I ever wanted to do from the youngest age. I actually think it got me through my childhood. Back in 1993, David (my husband) and I were regularly booking vocal sections and choirs for bands. One day when we were working with Take That on Pray, they asked us if we could coach them. We had never coached before, and we were more keen on singing, but once we began, we realised we loved it. It gave us access into people’s lives that meant we were mentoring as much as coaching and that is something we still love to do.

You’ve coached some great artists, who did you like working with the most?

I honestly love everyone I have coached.

When we first met the Spice Girls, that was awesome and slightly overwhelming as they were the most famous band on the planet at the time. I also loved working with Gwyneth Paltrow, who was an absolute darling.

You are a supporter of The Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme. Why did you decide to support it?

I have spent most of my life feeling like I’m somehow on the outside. I think it was growing up being the child of a single parent during a time when that was really rare. I was made to feel ashamed, and that shame is something I would never want any child to feel. The Diana Award has the best strategies; they empower the children and young people to work with one another, they create a real coolness around being kind, and of course, they have the support of the Princes behind them. Who wouldn’t want to support that!

It’s Anti-Bullying Week in November - what do you think parents and kids can do to prevent bullying?

We have to stop “othering” people.

Difference is not to be despised; it is a beautiful thing. The problem we have right now is that adult society is

14 Families Central Scotland

in a perpetual state of “othering,” so the wrong messages get put onto our children. Learn about difference in others and speak well of people in front of your children.

powerful than you realise. If you feel isolated and as if your voice isn’t heard, join with others….because there will be a tipping point and change will come.

And for all families, the biggest message I could give is, “YOU ARE ENOUGH.”

You and your husband have talked openly about having children with complex needs. What is your advice to parents whose children may have autism or ADHD, or who are adopted and face challenges?

Once you’ve got through the first period of adjustment, a parental mindset change has to happen. We can keep despairing that our children have challenges or we can learn to look at them through a new lens, one which doesn’t define them by their challenges or issues, but finds beauty and magic and a whole host of other advantages and qualities to love and cherish.

The Diana Award is a charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world. The charity runs the leading Anti-Bullying Programme in the UK and Ireland, giving young people the skills, confidence, and training to tackle all forms of bullying as Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex, support the organisation.

Find out more about the charity and its anti-bullying events in November at www.antibullyingpro.com

How do you and your husband work around the demands of family life?

We try to job-share our time as much as possible so that one of us is always at home. We have had to become super-parents and work out what is necessary for each child, and we have learned to parent in four different ways.

It’s exhausting but also unbelievably rewarding. We are also working hard to change the world’s perception of autism, ADHD, and adoption so that the world might be a better place when they grow up. This is another way in which I feel The Diana Award is a perfect fit for the vision we have.

If you could give our readers one bit of advice, what would it be?

For all SEN parents - you are more

Familiesonline.co.uk

SUNDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2.30PM TO 5PM

THE STEEPLE, HIGH STREET, FALKIRK Join us for the annual switching on of Falkirk town centre illuminations with a star performance by Barbra Bryceland from The Voice and X-Factor. Enjoy the Christmas fun with Big Bad Wolf Theatre Company, The Bairns Big Band, The Choir Factory and our very own STARS AT THE STEEPLE competition winner*

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER PARADE SATURDAY 8TH DECEMBER - 2PM TO 4PM

As seen on ITV’s X Factor, BBC’s The Voice and as the fairy godmother in Imagine Theatre’s production of Cinderella.

Watch Santa and his sensational Aviemore Reindeer leave the bandstand at 2pm and parade along the High Street accompanied by Alloa and Bowmar Pipeband. Make sure you have your letters to give to Santa as he will be at the East End of the High Street until 4pm. Take advantage of the Christmas local traders market, with arts and crafts and facepainting from 12 noon.

falkirkdelivers.com

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN YOUR TOWN GRANGEMOUTH

BO’NESS

CHRISTMAS SWITCH ON AND AVIEMORE REINDEER EVENT

CHRISTMAS SWITCH ON AND AVIEMORE REINDEER EVENT

Santa and his reindeer in town from 10am to 12 noon.

Lights switch on celebrations from 2.30pm to 4pm featuring David Aird and local community groups.

Santa and his reindeer in town from 2pm to 4pm.

Light switch on celebrations featuring David Aird and local community groups, with finale at 5pm.

DENNY

STENHOUSEMUIR

SATURDAY 24TH NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 24TH NOVEMBER

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER EVENT

CHRISTMAS SWITCH ON AND AVIEMORE REINDEER EVENT

Santa and his reindeer in town from 10am to 12 noon.

Santa and his reindeer in town from 2pm to 4pm.

Light switch on celebrations featuring David Aird and local community groups, with finale at 4pm.

SATURDAY 1ST DECEMBER

*For further information please visit falkirkdelivers.com

SATURDAY 1ST DECEMBER

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