Families Edinburgh Issue 63 November/December 2010

FREE ISSUE 63 November/December 2010 速

The popular football programme for children Ages 6 months - 5 years Venues in Edinburgh and East Lothian.

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SOCATOTS BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR AGES 1-5

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Tel. 0131 622 0405

www.next.co.uk 0844 844 8333

call Socatots on 07923 005534 or www.socatots.com/edinburgh&elothian j.smith@socatots.com

What’s

Inside...

Hooray

it’s nearly Christmas!

I know everyone is always horrified when the first Christmas decorations start appearing in shops in October but it was July when the first bit of Christmassy news came my way this year.

All I can say is that I’m very happy that it’s now officially time to embrace all things Panto, Santa and Sparkle!

Happy Christmas! Sarah

Page 3 – 5 Page 6 – 7 Page 8 – 9

News and Views Clubs and Classes News From Here to Maternity Morton & Fraser explain Maternity benefits

Page 10 – 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15

Road Safety Happy Birthday Families Magazines Fantastic Christmas Competitions Winter Health Healthy Eating Help from Food Monsters

Page 16 – 17 Hamleys Gift Guide Page 18 – 21 A Local Christmas Page 22 – 23 Christmas Fairs and Markets Where to see Santa Page 24 – 25 Christmas Shows Page 26 – 31 Out and About

Contact Information: Sarah Adair Editor Families Edinburgh PO Box 23802, Edinburgh EH7 4XL 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Cover Information Next. Red Knit Romper £14, www.next.co.uk 0844 844 8333

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news&views PLAYGROUP NEWS Places are available at STABLEROOM PLAYGROUP based in the beautiful surroundings of Colinton village at Colinton Parish Church, Dell Road, Edinburgh, EH13 OJR. The playgroup offers a fun, yet secure, environment for pre school children from 2½ years. The playgroup runs during term times on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.15-11.45am. The playgroup charges £7 per session with Council funding being available from 3 years. Please contact Playleader, Kerena Mitchell on 0131 447 9494 during playgroup hours.

Corstorphine Village Playgroup Celebrates its 20th Year!

Corstorphine Village Playgroup is celebrating its 20th year this autumn.

The playgroup was established to provide a safe and caring environment where children aged 2.5 up to 5 years old can learn to play and interact with other children away from parental care. The playgroup runs with 4 members of staff (one of whom has been with the group since it was established). The Playgroup offers many activities ranging from glueing and painting, jigsaws, playdough and construction toys to house-corner, trampoline, climbing frame and bicycles. The sessions run from 9.15 to 11.45 each morning and always finished with a story time for all of the children.

The Playgroup is run by a Parents Committee and has 4 permanent members of staff. Parents are also asked to take on rota duties each term.

The group holds several social functions and fundraisers throughout the year including their annual Autumn Fair which will be held at the Scout Hall on Corstorphine High Street on November 13th 10.30 am.

For more information on the group please call 07707 695 426 or visit www.corstorphinevillageplaygroup.org.uk Check us out on Facebook Balgreen Playgroup Open Mon - Thurs 9.00 - 11.30 A fun and motivated group , run by 2 professional staff. We currently have spaces for 2-5 year olds, no need to be potty trained. Contact us on 0131 313 5097/07972 352 591. Open day on 18th January

The new Morningside Children's Nursery The Nursery has been open for the past 12 years, funded by the NHS which meant that previously the nursery had only been able to take on the children of the NHS staff.

A few months ago the nursery were advised that the NHS were removing the monthly subsidy. This left the current long term staff with two options, either look for another job, or fight. Along with supportive and equally passionate parents, they have chosen to fight, and now have a board of 3 directors, who are the three longest serving members of staff. A parents committee are taking the nursery on as a co-operative model. All the staff are aged 25 and over and all have been at the nursery for more then 4 years. They are a hard working and committed group of staff, and are looking for help.

The nursery want to get the word out amongst new mums about how great their nursery really is – the latest care commission report came in at all 5's, the highest is 6's, (under it’s previous name of Royal Edinburgh Children's Nursery) They offer very competitive rates, are open 7 til 6 Monday to Friday and care for children 0 to 8. Contact Alison Winters, Morningside Children's Nursery, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, 23 Tipperlinn Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF. 01315376342

NCT (National Childbirth Trust) Nearly New Sale Sunday 7th November 2010, 2-3.30pm, The Corn Exchange, Court Street, Haddington. Toys, quality baby and childrens clothes, nursery equipment, prams and buggies, maternity wear and much more, all at bargain prices. Come along and stock up on Christmas presents! £1 entry per adult To register to sell your goods at the sale either email: nearlynewsales@ncteastlothian.org.uk, visit our website: www.ncteastlothian.org.uk/nearlynew.htm. or call 08442 436119 to request a seller’s pack. Limited number of packs available. Further details and conditions at www.ncteastlothian.org.uk/nearlynew.htm.

Polwarth Children's Nearly New Toy Sale

Sat 13 November 2010 11am - 1pm Come along and grab a bargain in time for Christmas. Lots of good quality indoor and outdoor toys, books, DVD's and videos. Entry by donation, suggested amount £1-£2. Polwarth Church 38 Polwarth Terrace, Edinburgh. 11am - 1pm.

Donations of good quality toys gratefully received.

Contact donations@nearlynewsale.org.uk. This sale will be supporting The Sick Kid's Hospital Edinburgh and Polwarth Church Repair Fund.

WorkingforParents.co.uk is a Big Lottery Funded Jobs Board and information centre. They showcase Flexible Job Opportunities for Parents and Carers in Scotland who are looking for an increased Work/Life Balance. The site is jam packed with useful Advice and Information. Sign up and register your CV today! Or sign up to our Newsletter! For further information please contact info@workingforparents.co.uk or call 0844 8099 233

St Andrew’s Family Weekend There will be a programme of Jacobite-themed events (linked to the new exhibition‘Rebels with a Cause: The Jacobites and the Global Imagination’ ) for families over the St Andrew’s weekend and the start of the Winter Festival.

Visitors and families will have the opportunity to participate in a number of free events and activities whilst learning more about the Scottish Parliament from Friday 26 to Monday 29 November.

These events and activities include quizzes, tours, storytelling sessions, dressing-up, themed - food decoration, workshops and interactive games.

The free exhibition has been curated in partnership between the Scottish Parliament and the University of Aberdeen and draws upon rarely seen and internationally significant material from the University’s collection.

Est. 1977

For Fast, Friendly and Efficient Service Call John Petrie on Free Estimates, Technical Advice and Colour Advisory Members of the Scottish Decorators Federation

07769 684 449 or 0131 228 6237

Quote “Families” to receive 10% discount William Swanson & Son Ltd 3 St Peters Buildings, Gilmore Place, Edinburgh Tel/Fax: 0131 228 6237 william.swanson@btconnect.com

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news&views Your Childs immunity, like them, is growing all the time and, for sure, catching bugs is part of the process, but how can we support their systems whilst they go through the hardest part of it?

They grow so fast, burning up the nutrients they get primarily to keep them active throughout their long days.

Preventing them tripping from one bug to the next through the winter months can only improve their journey.

For example, did you know that Essential Fats, not only famous for brain co-ordination, have a big role in immunity?

Recent studies on 113 kids from 1-15yrs using stable fish oil & Omega 6 show a 60% reduction in upper respiratory infection and 69% reduction of recurring throat infections.

Herbs have their part also, depending on whether it’s upper or lower respiratory areas that needs support, finding a combination of herbs that suit your child can be a fantastic support to the whole family. Easy to administer and totally cost effective. Herbs for Under 5’s can be as little as £12 for a 3 month period.

As a Naturopath my job is to find a tool kit that supports individuals depending on their needs using food changes, supplements and or herbs, if you want to come and see me I run clinics from 27 Montagu Terrace on Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Sundays, I will also do group and nursery visits. Over the last 10 years I’ve worked with clients of all ages, but recently, perhaps since becoming a mum, I have treated more babies and toddlers.

I’ve had some great feedback and real tangible changes with children spending days in groups of others and not catching bugs like they ‘used to’ Contact Lou Johnston on 07966755931 or lou@tonichealthscotland.com for more info visit www.tonichealthscotland.com

Rachel Hein Loopy Lorna’s Tea House has now been open nearly two years and they’d like to say a BIG thank you to all their lovely customers who have helped make Loopy’s a great success.

One of the keys to the ‘Loopy’ concept is being seriously children friendly and they’ve always taken pride in their fab children’s menu, free squash for under 12’s, free Hipp Stages 1, 2 and 3 baby food and free nappies, wipes and nappy bags in the baby changing room. The weekly tea pot colouring competition, for a cup cake with the winner’s name on it, has always been warmly welcomed for the peace it brings as well, of course, as the cake! What they have lacked, however, is space for buggies!

The second Loopy’s which opened in August at The Church Hill Theatre is much bigger. The new premises is proving a massive hit with the local parent / baby / toddler community as they have a designated buggy park, ramp access and again a lovely baby changing room. All the freebies to make parents’ lives easier are still there and they’ve also added a selection of toys.

Mrs. Mash, a lovely story teller, is at Loopy Lorna’s at 11 a.m on Wednesdays, to tell lots of yummy tales to wide-eyed little ones.

Church Hill Theatre, 33a Morningside Road and 370-372 Morningside Road

With a creative background and a passion for photography, Rachel Hein started her portrait business in 2009. Rachel became interested in portraiture following the birth of her son. Capturing his special moments has inspired in her a desire to create beautiful, natural images of children and their families.

Rachel loves to work with the spontaneous nature of children to capture those fleeting moments, when they are deep in play or quietly reflecting, moments that cannot be staged. Family portraits are shot in a similar style capturing natural images of families just being themselves.

Photo shoots take place at a favourite location or at the client’s home and Rachel aims to make the experience as relaxed and fun as possible.

Clients are encouraged to help choose the location so that the final images are a very personal record of family life. Rachel is available to help clients select images in a home consultation following the shoot.

For examples of Rachel’s work and more information please visit www.rachelhein.com. Gift Vouchers are now available for Christmas and Rachel runs regular special offers. Please see the website for details or contact Rachel at heinphotography@gmail.com

Tumbletots Franchise For Sale After 13 years of running the very successful franchise for Tumble Tots Edinburgh East, Jo is looking to sell. Please contact her on 01875 819966 for more information or email her on joletelier.lobos@virgin.net. Classes running as usual in the meantime.

Starting after Christmas A course for women returning to work Are you looking to get back to work after a break?

If you want to feel confident about relaunching your career, develop your computer skills and update your CV and interview technique, then The PCT Partnership's 'Women Returning to Work' course is for you. The course will also re-introduce you to today's working environment and give you guidance and support in finding work.

The 16 week course is funded by Skills Development Scotland and is free if you live in Edinburgh and the Lothians and have been away from work for 13 weeks or more. We’ll be starting our next courses in November 2010 and February 2011.

For information call The PCT Partnership on 0131 622 6240 or email training@thepctpartnership.co.uk

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news&views Get a taste for life Take your children on a food adventure with a new pre-school programme from Organix.

Nursery children are being invited to discover healthy food with the launch of Taste for Life, a new pre-school education programme launched in nurseries across the UK. Taste for Life is a fun and interactive way of introducing fruit and vegetables to children, helping them to explore and enjoy good food from a young age and develop healthier eating habits for life. Based on a concept by Lucy Thomas, founder of the Mange Tout programme, Taste for Life is designed to encourage children to have fun discovering food and exploring the origin, shape, colour, texture and smell of fruit and vegetables.

Register your nursery at www.tasteforlifenursery.com and they will send you all the resources you need to get your little ones exploring more fruit and vegetables, from recipes and stickers to reward charts and seasonal activity plans.

Little Angels Little Angels is a healthy, educational, safe and fun environment for your kids to spend time: a home from home experience run by Natalie in the popular residential area of Joppa in the East of Edinburgh/ • Ages 0-8 full or part time • Opening times 7.45am-6.00pm • After school care available from St Johns Primary School • Pick up & drop off Service Available • School holidays available • Snacks provided • Breakfast lunch & dinner on request • First Aider “Your child or children would have the enjoyment of a large dedicated play room in my sunny home.

There’s plenty to keep your child entertained and happy at Little Angels. What do we have? Well what don’t we have: from educational indoor /outdoor toys to music and reading zones” Call Natalie on – 0131 669 9839

Sunday 5th December A walk for the "little ones". Taking place after the Edinburgh Christmas Walk, Edinburgh Christmas Run and The Golden Tinsel Mile Walks.

You can raise money for your favourite charity or just take part for fun. Santa arrives in Inverleith Park at 12.15pm. 1st toddle at 12.30pm, next at 1.00pm and the last at 1.30pm. Age 6 years or under.

On entering (entry fee £5) the toddle each child will receive a special Santa Toddle sponsor form and number and as they complete the toddle Santa will give them a medal, certificate and Santa goody bag. If you don’t already have a charity to raise money for in mind then why not support one of these:

Mums ,dads and family can join the children on the toddle (no charge) .Babies in buggies are welcome.

Find out more about all four events at www.challengescotland.com

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clubs&classesnews

CHILDREN’S MARTIAL ART CLASSES IN EDINBURGH Get your child off to a great start with this exciting and fun martial arts class where we give your children confidence, respect and discipline.

Little Ninjas 4-8 years old Kids Kickboxing – 9-15 years old www.kravmagaedinburgh.com Tel: 0800 928 9320 Email – enquiries@kravmagaedinnburgh.com

swimeasy Come to our specialist SwimBabies lessons and allow your baby to benefit from taking part in an exciting aquatic activity programme under the instruction of competent teachers with specialised knowledge. SwimBabies offer lessons at various venues throughout Edinburgh and Linlithgow where the water is warm and safe. Join us on our journey from the beginning. SwimBabies is the start of an exciting water experience that progresses on through our programme of swimming lessons for SwimTots(2 and 3 year olds), Pre-school Infants, Non Swimmers and Beginners, Progressive - Learners and Improvers, Stroke Development Stages and Pre-Competition/ Fitness.

Remember learning to swim through early aquatic participation gives your baby a skill that will last for the whole of their life! To Book Call Us Now On 0131 466 0764 or 01506 516220 www.swimeasy.co.uk

Explore Learning

Edinburgh East - Jo - 01875 819966

Morningside, Marchmont, Haddington, Fairmilehead

Edinburgh West - April - 0131 336 1234

Classes Monday to Saturday

Trinity, Murrayfield, Livingston, Cramond, Ravelston, Corstorphine

Explore Learning is a network of learning centres for children aged 4-14, where children become members and attend regularly once or twice a week. Explore tutors create individual courses to inspire children to develop into confident, independent young adults with the knowledge and skills to succeed in life.

There are two Explore Learning centres in Edinburgh. At the Craigleith Retail park, members are settling into our fantastic redesigned Blackhall centre, and new families are welcome to attend and make use of the extensive range of learning and teaching resources available at all Explore Learning centres. Our Murrayfield centre has been open since 2007 and over 270 young people benefit from the tutoring services provided. A Free Consultation is offered to all families interested in the tutoring service provided by Explore Learning centres.

0131 332 3300 (Blackhall) or 0131 337 7401 (Murrayfield)

Live Act Live Act offers professional and structured group lessons for all age groups. Our courses for Drums/Hand Percussion/Guitar/Bass Guitar & Keyboards enables students to achieve grades 1-8 using the nationally accredited Rockschool Syllabus.

Live Act currently has teaching Centres in East/West Lothian, North Northumberland and the Scottish Borders with more on the way.

Not sure you could learn to play an instrument?

To make progress on an instrument, you need enthusiasm and determination. Many students successfully prepare for examinations; alternatively many learn simply for relaxation and pleasure. Please look through our courses to find an instrument and course that suits your playing ability and musical goals. Our tutors are experienced, fun and freindly and are here to help you achieve your musical goals so please get in touch to discuss your needs. You can also take advantage of our 4 free taster lessons to try out on guitar, keyboards and drums before making a decision. www.liveactmusic.co.uk play@liveactmusic.co.uk or call 01573 225 123/ 0787 2380 754

Jo Jingles Throughout Edinburgh, East, West and Mid Lothian Jo Jingles are offering free classes for babies from 3 to 6 months. There is no joining or registration fee – all you have to pay is an insurance charge of £2.50 and you can come along free for 3 months.

Class sizes are limited so please book in advance. www.jojingles.com There is also a new Saturday venue, its St Thomas's Church on Glasgow Road in Corstorphine, next to David Lloyd and these classes are great for mums and dads who may be working during the week but still want to do activities with their children, 0131 443 4196 www.jojingles.com/edinburghwest

Saturday Art Club Saturdays: 13, 20, 27 November, 4 December 1.30-3.30pm Art Blast (Ages 8-11) £55(£35). A new format for the Saturday Art Club featuring theatre, model-making and set-design to create new worlds inspired by the artworks on show at the Gallery of Modern Art, particularly the work of sculptor Robert Therrien. Gallery of Modern Art, Belford Road. Call 0131 624 6560 to book.

Saturday Studio Saturdays: 13, 20, 27 November, 4 December 1.30-4.30pm (Ages 11-15) £65(£40). An opportunity to explore how the themes of the National Gallery collection are reflected in contemporary visual culture such as comic books, films and advertising.

National Gallery, The Mound. Call 0131 624 6560 to book.

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clubs&classesnews Children’s Martial Art Classes In Edinburgh Get your child off to a great start with this exciting and fun martial arts class where we give your children confidence, respect and discipline.

Little Ninjas 4-8 years old Kids Kickboxing – 9-15 years old Our classes are designed to benefit your child in many ways: Positive Interaction: Children will have positive interation with other children of their own age.

Discipline: The activities strongly encourage discipline within the class, at home and in school. Children learn to set a good example for others Develop lifeskills: The classes develop childrens basic motor skills, building co-ordination, balance, control and fitness as well as mental fitness.

Develop focus and attention span: The classes ensure children work on focus, this greatly increaes their attention span.

And More... The activities help prepare children for school by developing memory skills and responsibility. www.kravmagaedinburgh.com Tel: 0800 928 9320 Email – enquiries@kravmagaedinnburgh.com

Scottish Youth Theatre Scottish Youth Theatre in Edinburgh – weekly classes, courses and summer festival.

Scotland’s National Theatre ‘for & by’ young people has been offering theatre arts to young people across Scotland for over thirty three years – and the Edinburgh area is one of the company’s key locations. Every Saturday, young people between the ages of 3 – 25 come to the Festival Theatre on Nicholson Street to take part in lively and engaging drama workshops, led by SYT approved professionals. The workshops explore themes such as character, improvisation, movement, devising & voice and in doing so encourage a young person’s confidence and develop their creativity.

The ten week terms costs just £100. Why not bring your child along for a free taster session for the new term? Spring term runs from 15th January to 19th March 2011, so if you’d like to book a taster session please call the Glasgow office on 0141 552 3988.

“I’ve done Summer Festival three times now and would love to do it again – keep up the good work SYT!” Rose, 11, Junior Course participant, Edinburgh.

In addition to weekly classes the annual Summer Festival programme has two course options in Edinburgh – the 1 week Junior course and 2 week Foundation course. The Junior Course (8-11 years) is open to complete beginners and so is ideal for young people who want to try their hand at theatre for the first time but aren’t quite sure how to start. The Foundation Course (12-15 years) is slightly more advanced and runs for two weeks. Both course culminate in a final performance in a professional arts venue.

In 2010 the Junior and Foundation Courses performed at St Augustine’s Church and The Festival Theatre respectively.

For full info on all Scottish Youth Theatre activities in Edinburgh, please visit scottishyouththeatre.org, email info@scottishyouththeatre.org or call 0141 552 3988

Kip McGrath At Kip McGrath, we recognise that each child is an individual with his or her preferred style of learning. We also know however, that although each of us has a more dominant learning preference, we tend to use a variety of approaches in order to learn most effectively. That’s why at Kip McGrath learning is active and multi-sensory. Individual programmes of study are drawn up for each child in order to cater for their most dominant learning style. A typical lesson revolves around a series of activities where children see, hear, speak and do. We use a variety of resources including ICT - all under the expert guidance of the Kip tutor who is a qualified teacher. From the minute a child enters the centre, he or she drives the curriculum. Children are given an assessment (free of charge) and a personal learning programme is prepared for them. Our approach achieves results and gives parents the peace of mind they are looking for.

We provide tuition for all ages from P1 to teaching Standard Grades, Intermediates and Highers and Curriculum for Excellence. We also work with students with a range of abilities.

To find out more about how your child could benefit from multi-sensory learning at Kip McGrath, contact your nearest Kip McGrath Centre and take advantage of your free consultation today. Call: Indy on 0131 610 6110 Kip McGrath Edinburgh Central/ North based at 1 Huntly Street, Inverleith, Edinburgh EH3 5HB or Angela on 0131 665 2202 Kip McGrath Edinburgh East/ East Lothian based at 18 High Street Musselburgh, EH21 7AG Remember to quote Families when making your enquiry.

Song Circle Small and friendly singing sessions for babies and under fives exclusive to Stockbridge and now adding extra sessions due to popular demand.

Classes include Nursery rhymes, Scottish songs, poems and legendary toy and coffee breaks. Every weekday at 9am and 10.30am. Booking essential as space is limited.

Call Gill on 07973493933 or -131 332 7067 email songcircle.gill@gmail.com

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From Here to Maternity Congratulations you are expecting! Great news for you and your family, but breaking the news to your employer can be a slightly more daunting task. As a pregnant employee you have four key rights: time off for antenatal care, to take maternity leave, to receive maternity pay and protection from unfair treatment or dismissal. But do you know when you need to notify your employer of your pregnancy, and what information you must provide? And what rights does your partner have? Here is a one stop guide to all you need to know……

When should I tell my employer I am pregnant?

There is a fair bit of flexibility in terms of when you need to tell your employer that you are pregnant.

Many women, for obvious reasons, prefer not to tell their employer they are pregnant until the end of the first trimester. However in order to qualify for statutory maternity leave you must tell your employer by the end of the 15th week before the week your baby is due that: • You are pregnant;

What if I don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay? You may be able to get Maternity Allowance instead. You may be eligible for this if you have been employed or self employed for at least 26 weeks during the 66 week period up to and including the week before your baby is due, and you earned at least £30 per week on average over any 13 weeks during that period.

How much will I be paid?

Statutory maternity pay is paid at the rate of 90% of your average gross weekly earnings for the first six weeks, then for the remaining 33 weeks it is paid at the lower of 90% of your earnings or the standard rate of £124.88.

Maternity allowance pays a standard weekly rate of £124.88 or 90% of your average gross weekly earnings, whichever is the smaller. It is paid for a maximum of 39 weeks.

• The expected week of childbirth; and • The date you intend to start your maternity leave.

Provided you give your employer this information you can take statutory maternity leave no matter how long you have been with your employer, how many hours per week you work, or how much you are paid. Within 28 days of providing this information your employer should write to you confirming your return to work date.

There is something to be said about not waiting too long to tell your employer you are pregnant, as the laws that protect you only apply once the employer is aware you are pregnant.

How much leave am I entitled to?

As an employee you are entitled to 26 weeks “ordinary” maternity leave and 26 weeks “additional” maternity leave, making a total of 1 years leave. You can begin your leave at any time from 11 weeks prior to your expected week of childbirth. If you are absent from work during the 4 weeks prior to your expected week of childbirth for a pregnancy related reason your maternity leave will begin automatically, even if you had planned on working right up to the expected date of childbirth.

Am I eligible for statutory maternity pay?

Unlike maternity leave, to be eligible for statutory maternity pay you need to have worked continuously for your employer for a period of 26 weeks prior to the 15th week before the baby is due. A rule of thumb is that if you worked for your employer before you became pregnant, you will qualify for statutory maternity pay.

You also need to have earned on average an amount which equals the lower earnings limit which applies on the Saturday at the end of your qualifying week – this is £97 a week if the end of your qualifying week is in the 2010 -2011 tax year.

ENJOY YOUR NEW BABY! Breastfeeding and Postnatal Doula Support • one to one antenatal sessions to help prepare you for the first few days of breastfeeding • one to one postnatal breastfeeding support whatever the age of your baby • hands on help in the household • worked with over 30 mothers and families references available • gift vouchers available Call Clare 0131 445 4445 www.mothertomother.co.uk

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What if I change my mind about when I want to begin my maternity leave…..

If you change your mind about when you want your maternity leave to start then you need to give your employer 28 days notice of the new date, unless that is not reasonably practicable in which case you should give as much notice as possible.

…..and end it?

Your employer should be proceeding on the basis that you are taking your full maternity leave entitlement unless you tell them otherwise. If you do wish to change the date you return then you should give your employer at least 8 weeks notice of the change. If you do not they can postpone your return.

My partner and I are adopting – what leave and pay am I entitled to?

Specific provision is made for adoptive parents that closely mirror the entitlement to statutory maternity leave and pay. There are qualifying requirements relating to the date a child is matched with you by an adoption agency recognised in the UK. The right to adoptive leave and pay does not arise when an adoption is carried out privately or if you have a child through surrogacy.

Am I entitled to be paid while I am at ante-natal classes?

You are entitled to reasonable time off to attend ante-natal classes and medical appointments advised by your midwife or medical practitioner. Your spouse or partner is not however entitled to any time off to accompany you.

What entitlement does my partner have to paternity leave and pay?

Will I miss out on my annual pay rise and bonus if I am on maternity leave?

At the moment your partner may be entitled to two weeks paternity pay, provided he tells his employer by no later than the 15th week before the baby is due that he would like to take the leave. During this time he is entitled to be paid statutory paternity pay only. For babies born after 3 April 2011, fathers who meet the qualifying and notice requirements will be able to take up to 26 weeks paternity leave after the mother has returned to work. In order to qualify for additional paternity pay the father will have to go through an application process including provision of declarations from both him and the mother confirming details such the mothers return to work date and the father’s intention to spend the time off looking after the child.

If you receive a pay rise at any time during the period between becoming pregnant and returning from maternity leave then your employer must recalculate your statutory maternity pay to take this into account. It will only impact on what you are paid during the first 6 weeks of your leave, as thereafter the standard rate of pay applies. You would usually expect to receive a bonus, although there are some cases where that may not be the case. If you have concerns about not being paid a bonus you should seek specific advice.

It is also worth noting that if a bonus is paid to you (whether contractual or discretionary) during the period when Statutory Maternity Pay is calculated (between the 17th and 25th week of pregnancy) then that amount must be taken into account when calculating the 90% of salary due to you during the first 6 weeks of your leave.

I would like to undertake some training during my maternity leave to keep my skills up to date – can I do this?

If both you and your employer agree you can do up to 10 days work during your maternity leave. These days are known as Keeping In Touch (“KIT”) days and can include training or other events as well as your usual job. You can’t be required to take up KIT days nor does your employer have to offer them to you. If you do use KIT days you can agree with your employer what you will be paid.

I intend to return to work after my year long maternity leave – can I expect to return to my old job?

If you return after 1 year of maternity leave you are entitled to return to the same job on the same terms and conditions unless your employer has good reason for being unable to offer this job to you, in which case you are entitled to a suitable job at the same level with terms and conditions at least as good as your previous job.

If you choose to return after 26 weeks leave you are entitled to return to your old job as if you hadn’t been away.

My employer is carrying out a redundancy process – can they dismiss me when I’m pregnant or on maternity leave.

Contrary to a fairly widely held misconception, an employer can dismiss an employee who is pregnant or on maternity leave for reason of redundancy (or any other reason that is not linked to her condition). You do however have priority for alternative employment in redundancy situations arising while you are on maternity leave meaning you may be retained in a new role in favour of a better qualified colleague.

Carrie Mitchell is a Senior Associate specialising in employment law at Morton Fraser LLP. She works flexibly and is “mummy” to Laura who is 3¾ years old and Jessica who is 1¾ years old. If you have any questions relating to any of the issues referred to in this article or any other employment related query you can contact Carrie on 0131 247 3193 or at carrie.mitchell@morton-fraser.com

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Lothian and Borders Safety Camera Partnership – The weather has turned for the worse, winter is really here – we’re wrapped up in thick winter coats, woolly hats, scarves and gloves. It’s dark in the evenings, the street lights are on when you are picking the children up from their after school clubs and you don’t let them out to play after tea.

You’ve consciously made these changes to your life, but have you changed your driving? In the winter months poor weather can often mean that it is not safe to drive fast and if the weather is really bad it probably isn’t safe to drive as fast as the speed limit. People forget that speed limits are not targets. Just because the signs say you can drive at 60 mph doesn’t mean you should. Remember, drive according to your own ability, the road and the weather conditions.

The next problem you may experience is the feeling of being tailgated. It is easy in theory to say don’t let the car behind you pressurise you to speed up but that it was need to do. Keep at a speed that you feel comfortable with.

So now you’re ready for driving in the winter, but is your car? You’ve probably filled up with windscreen wash, bought some de-icer but have you checked your tyres, your headlamps and brakes? Remember it will take you longer stop if the weather is bad so you need to make sure that your tyres and brakes are good condition At Lothian and Borders Safety Camera Partnership we just want to make sure that all road users are safe, whether you’re a motorist, a biker or a pedestrian. Our only aim is to reduce the amount of collisions and the severity of injuries suffered.

That is why safety cameras are only installed where there has been a history of collisions and speeding.

All fixed safety cameras and the mobile safety vans are covered in bright livery so they can be easily seen, giving drivers every opportunity to slow down. We want to deter drivers, not catch them speeding.

If you want to know where all the safety cameras are or want to know how to keep yourself safe whilst out on the roads check out our website www.lbsafetycameras.co.uk

November 22 – 28

To help you stay safe and avoid safety cameras here are our top tips 1. Check your speedometer regularly, especially when leaving high speed roads 2. Know the limits – look for signs, especially at junctions 3. Assume lamp posts mean 30 mph, until signs say otherwise, but remember it could be 20 mph 4. Remember, speed limits are a maximum, not a target 5. 20’s plenty when kids are about – and may even be too fast 6. Try no higher than 3rd gear in a 30 mph limit 7. Recognise what makes you speed - keeping up with traffic, overtaking or being tailgated 8. Concentrate – distracted drivers speed 9. Slow down when entering villages 10. Give yourself time – there’s no need to speed and you won’t get there quicker

Traffic is one of the biggest causes of death and maiming of children.

Every day in Britain at least 8 children and young people are killed or seriously injured while on foot and bicycles (5 young people aged 1219 and 3 children aged 0-11). Children’s overwhelming message in Road Safety Week is a simple one: if we want to improve the safety and quality of life of kids using roads in our communities, we need to SLOW DOWN.

The importance of slowing down in towns, villages and around schools is evident when we look at stopping distances. According to the Highway Code, a vehicle travelling at 40mph has a stopping distance three times as long as a vehicle travelling at 20mph. At 20mph it takes a car 3 average car lengths (12m) to stop; at 30mph it takes six average car lengths (23m) to stop; while at 40mph it takes nine average car lengths (36m) to stop.

Fun and educational computer lessons for children of all ages during school term-time and holidays

Edinburgh/Lothians 0131 228 1144 Fife 01383 62 45 99 Central 0845 643 2823

10 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

– keeping you safe on the roads Increased stopping distances mean that if a child impulsively steps out in front of you when you are travelling at higher speeds you are much more likely to hit them; and the impact is likely to be at a higher speed.

There is no safe speed at which you can hit someone on foot. A car is a one tonne chunk of metal that can cause death or serious injury at any speed. However, by driving slowly in communities we stand a much greater chance of stopping in time. As a driver’s speed rises, their stopping distances rise much quicker; stopping distances treble between 20mph and 40mph.

•

A car driven at 20mph or lower (the maximum speed limit recommended by Brake for towns and villages) can stop in 12 metres (about three car lengths) or less, giving the driver a good chance to brake and stop in time if a child runs out ahead.

•

A car driven at 30mph would still be travelling at about 27mph at the 12 metre marker, and would take nearly double this distance (23 metres) to stop (about six car lengths). A child hit at 27mph is likely to suffer serious injury such as paralysis or brain injury, or die; this is the equivalent of a child falling backwards out the window of a three storey house (a drop of about 7.3m).

In Road Safety Week, kids will be telling drivers that ‘20’s Plenty’. You could save a life by slowing down. www.roadsafetyweek.org

Pedalite – helping your children be fit, seen and safe this winter Scotland is fighting against a huge increase in childhood obesity, with almost a third of 15 year olds classed as obese. Although in general it is hard to encourage children to have an active life, up to 45% of schoolchildren say that their preferred method of getting to school would be cycling. Currently the figure sits at around 1%. In Scotland, cycling is the number one activity of choice for children of 8 to 15 years outside of school PE (number one for girls and number 2 for boys behind football). This means that kids want to cycle, and providing the support to allow it is the best way to safeguard the future health of our nation.

To help enable children out on their cycles, or even just walking, this winter there are now solutions to improve their safety from Pedalite, www.pedalite.com. The company has launched a range of innovative battery-free lighting products which will help children be seen clearly from 1km away by motorists, and from any angle.

Ideal for children who wear a backpack when cycling or walking, Pedalite’s solar-powered Baglite is an essential safety product. Using a 360 degree floodlight module, the Baglite has a single red floodlight at the back and two white floodlights at the front that fit to the straps of a backpack.

Another product which can help protect children walking to school, horse riding, or cycling is Anklelite (Armlite), a battery free, weather resistant, light-weight “super bright light” elasticated Velcro strap that fits comfortably around the ankle or arm.

Award-winning Pedal Lights can be fitted onto children’s bicycles, in place in just five minutes. Powered by cycling energy, the Pedal Lights light up as soon as the cyclist starts to pedal. The Pedal Lights harvest and store cycling energy enabling the lights to continue flashing for up to five minutes when the cyclist has stopped pedalling.

This ensures that children still be seen clearly when freewheeling or at road junctions, which is essential as 75% of cycling accidents happen at road junctions where cyclists can’t be seen easily from the side (RoSPA).

For your chance to win a set containing a Baglite, Anklelite and Pedal Lights register at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk and enter the competition online. Terms and conditions apply.

11 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

Families Magazines 20 are proud to be

years old

amilies Edinburgh turned 10 years old in May this year and we’re proud and delighted to have the chance to celebrate twice this year - Families magazines as a group are now 20 years old!

F

Today Families Edinburgh is part of a thriving group of franchised magazines across the UK from the Solent to Fife, but twenty years ago it was a much smaller operation. The first issue in October 1990 was a cut and paste affair in black and white - meaning scissors and glue, not copy and paste!!

The very first edition, Families® South West, had a mere 4,000 print run, and colour wasn’t to be seen until Oct 2000. How things have changed - it would be unthinkable nowadays to have a Families magazine in black & white.

Even when the experts said that “it would never work in publishing,” Families started franchising the magazine in 1995. There are now 30 editions of Families in the UK and well over 500,000 copies are printed across the group.

Going on-line and interactive When the World Wide Web beckoned in the late 1990s, we were there. Families has had a web presence from 1997; our own site www.familiesonline.co.uk was launched in 2000 and last December saw a massive re-launch of the website. The Families website is a powerful resource that currently reaches into nearly all areas of the UK. Local editors look after their own local section filled with local articles, listings, discussion forums and free small ads. Register as a user and find at the bottom of your chosen articles a list of relevant companies local to you. No more searching, the info comes to you. This is simply unique.

It’s almost like having a really knowledgeable friend at virtually every school/nursery gate in the country. So whereas one parent may get some information on self-esteem for older children, another will find exactly where to take a pair of rambunctious toddlers on a rainy Monday.

But throughout it all, Families has remained true to the original thinking, a hands-on magazine for busy mums with useful information, centred around the local community.

We think (well of course we would) that Families is, and always will be, the best source of local information, news, events and what’s on for parents. You are reading the right publication, well done.

®

Our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk is getting a fantastic amount of traffic and we are proud to offer a huge bank of really useful articles. How often have I Googled something to be taken to my own website! We have Forums, local Directories, listings, What’s On and loads of great competitions (see the next page)! Remember to log in: by logging in you allow ALL articles you read to automatically show the relevant local companies at the bottom. It also means Families Edinburgh becomes your default Home Page when you visit us. Isn't it clever!?

If you go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk you can even read this magazine online!

During November and December you’ll also be able to find all the latest Christmas events in and around Edinburgh. Sometimes events sneak in after a magazine has gone to print so we can keep you up to date on the website!

NEXT ISSUE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 Including:

THE GREAT BIG BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE

If you’re looking for inspiration for your child’s birthday party then this is the issue for you.

OR If you offer parties, bake birthday cakes, make balloon animals, paint faces or hire your hall then this is the issue for you!

Let 17,000 local Families know about you.

Bookings taken until December 3rd.

Call 0131 622 0405 Or email editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

12 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

Competitions As it’s nearly Christmas we thought we’d spoil you with some absolutely fantastic competitions.

You will need to go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk and register to enter.

Terms and Conditions apply.

To celebrate 250 years of The Finest Toys in the World, Hamleys have teamed up with Families Edinburgh to give you the chance to win £250 of Hamleys vouchers. Our fantastic gift guide on pages 16 - 17 will give you plenty of ideas of how to spend the vouchers if you are the lucky winner!

To enter log on to www.familiesOnline.co.uk/competitions Vouchers can be used online at www.hamleys.com or in one of their UK stores. The nearest Hamleys to Edinburgh is in Glasgow. Closing date for the competition is 8h December. See online for full Terms and Conditions.

The Edinburgh Rudolf Steiner School Independent school for pupils aged 3 – 18 Well structured, creative curriculum, encouraging flexible thinking, social, moral and environmental awareness.

GCSE and SQA Higher Exam presentations.

Excellent results

Would you like to see our education in action?

SCHOOL TOURS 5th November & 3rd December 9am – 11.30am All welcome! Booking essential!

60 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh EH10 5BR Tel. 0131 337 3410 Fax 0131 538 6066 www.Steinerweb.org.uk

Win a digital camcorder with Metanium From birth to one year, babies change and grow rapidly. It’s a time when you don’t want to miss a single moment or spend time worrying about nappy rash. Metanium – Nappy Rash Experts – are offering Families Edinburgh readers the chance to win a pocket sized high definition video camera (RRP around £149) to capture all those magic moments.

If you’re not the lucky winner of the camcorder there are also 5 runners up prizes of a Metanium Busy Baby Wall Planner (RRP £9-99) so you can keep track of your busy week.

And if nappy rash does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is licensed specifically to treat nappy rash. Its unique, gentle formula allows the skin to “breathe” whilst protecting it from further irritation. Metanium should be used at the very first signs of nappy rash to help bring rapid and soothing relief from itching and chafing. Only a pea sized amount of Metanium is needed to treat the sore areas and it can be used from birth onwards. Always read the label.

Metanium 30g costs around £3-49 and can be bought from most pharmacies and online at www.boots.com. Thornton & Ross 01484 842217. www.metanium.co.uk To enter go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk and register. See online for Terms and Conditions.

Free Taster Session

Win a £250 shopping spree with a Personal Shopper Having children can often mean that something I like to call "Shopping Blindness" sets in. Basically it means that once you set foot inside a shop you can't distinguish one item of clothing from another. Everyone around you has their arms full of clothes to try on and you no longer have a clue how that happens.

If that sounds familiar then this competition could make your Christmas!

We have teamed up with Debenhams at Ocean Terminal to offer one reader the chance to win a £250 shopping spree with a Personal Shopper.

One lucky reader will receive some VIP treatment with their very own Personal Shopper at Debenhams Ocean Terminal and £250 to spend on the latest fashions and accessories. Also included is a makeup lesson with Smashbox Cosmetics and many other luxury beauty goodies and treatments.

If you're not the lucky winner you can still book a free Personal Shopper appointment at Debenhams Ocean Terminal. Whatever your needs and budget, their professionally trained Personal Shoppers will ensure you get the most out of your shopping. In the comfort of your own private dressing room, your Personal Shopper will discuss your requirements, style and budget. Then you can sit back and relax while your Personal Shopper does all the legwork, carefully selecting items from around the store for you. They are ideal for saving time and hassle. You can try on as many things as you like until you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Call 08445 616161 to book your free appointment.

Debenhams has everything you need to look and feel gorgeous with a huge range of occasionwear from stunning dresses to beautiful bags, hats and jewellery. You can choose from exclusive Designers at Debenhams collections, not to mention many other top high street labels all under one roof.

To enter go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk and register. See online for Terms and Conditions.

13 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

Herbal Medicine

For Children’s Winter Ailments Summer is over and we can now look forward to autumn and winter - fireworks, conkers, warming soups, Christmas, snow! But what about the usual round of coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and flu? What can we do?

Nutrilite provides food supplements of the highest quality to improve you and your families wellbeing. *Nutrilite is the only global vitamin and mineral brand to grow, harvest and process plants on its own certified organic farms. *Based on an independent review by International Market Research for Euromonitor Consultancy Please contact Marion Fiddimore on 0131 558 1883

Song Circle Small and friendly singing sessions for babies and under fives exclusive to Stockbridge and now adding extra sessions due to popular demand.

Nursery rhymes, Scottish songs, poems and legendary toy and coffee breaks.

Every weekday at 9am and 10.30am.

Booking essential as space is limited.

Call Gill on 07973493933 or -131 332 7067 email songcircle.gill@gmail.com

Prevention is the key, but before you reach for the Echinacea it’s worth remembering that there are a huge number of other plants and food medicines that have traditionally been used to relieve the symptoms of coughs and colds, as well as strengthen the immune system. Many native favourites such as elderberries and elderflowers are superb plants to support the respiratory and immune systems. Rosehips are a natural source of vitamin C. Foods such as garlic and onions contain chemicals that help the body fight off respiratory infections. Rosemary and Sage are often used to soothe sore throats. Ginger, cinnamon and chillies can help ward off winter chills.

The winter school term can be busy and fun but also pretty tiring so it can be useful to think about using tonic herbs to support your child and prevent him/her from becoming too run-down.

Rather than figure out which herbs your child needs and how to go about using them, it can often be much easier to book an appointment with a qualified Medical Herbalist. A Herbalist can give you useful suggestions on how to incorporate ‘immune’ foods into your child’s diet and because we work holistically i.e. treating the whole person not just the illness, every child will receive an individually tailored prescription and advice. Plant medicines can be given in several ways both internally and externally. Tinctures are liquid extracts that are usually given in drop doses; herbal teas can be taken hot with added honey, lemon or juice or drunk cold mixed with juice; dried herbs can be used to make steam inhalations or added to the bath or a footbath. They can also be used on compresses e.g. for a sore throat. A herbalist knows which herbs are ok with conventional medicines and also when you would be better off taking your child to see a GP or other healthcare professional.

Julie McGregor sees baby, children and adult patients at Napiers The Herbalists, 35 Hamilton Place and 18 Bristo Place, Edinburgh tel 0131 315 2130 and Thuja Organic Health and Beauty, 37 Comiston Road, Edinburgh tel 0131 447 7037

An Osteopathic Approach To Winter Health For The Whole Family As an Osteopath I see people of all ages with all kinds of complaints, but the fact is, our principles tell us to view the patient as a whole. We work to restore structural balance in the body so that a joint can realign, a muscle can work more effectively, nerves can fire freely and circulation can flow more efficiently. Past injury or illness can cause disruption to circulation or nerve function, and the health of the associated structures can be affected. This may cause not only musculoskeletal problems, but have an effect on the functioning of our whole body. Therefore the reported changes with treatment can be improvements in many aspects of health.

Winter can be a tough time on our bodies - it's cold, we tense up, aches and pains are amplified. Then there's those bugs that spread around the office, the school, daycare. Most of us these days are rarely functioning at optimum health - our bodies are dealing with stresses of past trauma, physical or otherwise, and we get very little time for true rest, trying to squeeze so much into our days and weeks. Many people I see say they feel "run down", tired, and that they pick up every bug going around.

After taking an in depth history and performing a full examination, an Osteopath can work to restore structural balance and mechanical function to areas of the body under stress, improving circulation and lymphatic drainage, subsequently raising the threshold of the immune system and its ability to prevent the recurrence of illness.

Osteopaths will work in conjunction with your GP and if you are concerned about the health of you or your family always seek medical advice. If on consultation the Osteopath feels treatment is inappropriate you will be referred back to your GP or an appropriate alternative.

Jessica Weatherall is a registered osteopath working in three central Edinburgh locations.

For more information on how Osteopathy can help you or your family you can phone Jessica on 07933015013, email jess@edinburghhealth.com or visit http://edinburghhealth.com

14 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

Healthy Eating The Practical Way

Do you wish your kids ate healthier food? Would you like to enjoy eating healthy meals with your family with no fuss?

The key is to engage and involve your children as early as possible.

Children under two can understand far more than they let on!

The approach that I take with clients depends on their specific needs. The steps below are a starting point for children over the age of 18 months (for babies I use different methods). They will take a bit of time and effort, but if you follow them on a regular basis then you should see results, feel more confident, and have a healthier relationship with your child around mealtimes. Good luck!

Seven Practical Steps to Your Child Enjoying Healthy Food 1. Give them a reason: why should your child eat healthy food? Think about your child’s interests. Do they like sports, dancing, or jumping on a trampoline? Would they like shiny hair, or good skin? Would they like to be able to concentrate at school? Read up on basic nutrition facts, and tell your child about the benefits of foods when you offer them. Go to www.foodmonsters.co.uk to get a free ‘quick facts’ list of vegetables and fruit and their benefits. Don’t make it a big deal, just throw in the odd comment, e.g. do you know that broccoli is good for your bones? Do some research with your child, on the Internet or at the library. Talk about the healthy foods that you enjoy and how they make you feel.

2. Planning: each week ask your child to choose a healthy meal that they would like to eat. Call it their ‘Special Meal’. Ask them to draw pictures of the ingredients or write them down. Add the ingredients to your shopping list.

3. Shopping: if your child comes shopping with you then give them a shopping basket so they can select the ingredients for their ‘Special Meal’. (Put the shopping basket inside your trolley if it’s too big to carry). If you do Internet shopping then let your child see that you have added the items online, and that they are in the fridge/cupboard when they arrive.

4. Preparation: involve your child in preparing the meal. Choose the day to have the ‘Special Meal’ carefully, preferably a day when you can take a bit more time. It’s good to have the rest of the family waiting in anticipation! A chef’s hat and/or apron can work wonders. You can buy these in supermarkets or on Amazon (check http://www.foodmonsters.co.uk/links.html for a link).Think through the preparation tasks before you start and allocate age-appropriate ones to your child. Vegetables can be washed and put into bowls, and ingredients measured, weighed, scooped etc. If your child is old enough then let them peel, chop or grate vegetables and do a bit of cooking. All ages can give things the odd stir, with a bit of supervision. Setting the kitchen timer is an easy task. Your child may like you to call them ‘chef’!

5. Setting the stage: give your child the cutlery and ask them to set the table. If they are old enough then ask them to put dishes, side plates etc on the table, and to serve the drinks. Encourage your child to write a menu or draw a picture menu.

6. Mealtime: ask your child to summon family members to the table e.g. ‘dinner is served!’ Give your child lots of fuss and praise for being a brilliant chef! Talk about how lovely the food looks and smells. Encourage everyone to ask how it was made. Try to keep the conversation light and positive, and don’t get drawn into any negative discussions. If your child eats well then give them lots of praise, and praise other children if they eat well too. If your child is not keen on eating then just say ‘what a shame’. Talk about the positive reasons that you identified at step 1.

7. Clearing up: ask your child to help clear the table, and to draw pictures or write a list of any other meals that they would like to make. Give them a big hug and congratulate them for making their ‘Special Meal’!

Claire Burrell is an expert in practical support to help your kids eat healthier food, and has worked with groups, individuals and in schools. If you would like your baby/child to enjoy eating healthier food then email claireburrell@foodmonsters.co.uk or call 0131 538 4815 to discuss how I could help you. Check out www.foodmonsters.co.uk for more information, and to register for FREE newsletters with hints, tips & recipes.

(Note: It is rare for children to have serious food phobias or health problems that cause restricted eating. If you feel that your child has a serious problem then you should discuss your concerns with your GP. Record a food diary for at least a week to take to your appointment.

Kid’s Health at Tonic Health Sick of the endless bugs?

Need help to improve little peoples’ immunity?

Runny Noses, Coughs, Colds and Tummy Bugs are all preventable.

With the right tools and tips, keep them bug free this winter!

Email: lou@tonichealthscotland.com or phone 07866755931 www.tonichealthscotland.com

Artistic Director Julie Mitchell, LRAD, ARAD, AISTD Examiner of The Royal Academy of Dance

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Branches throughout Edinburgh and East Lothian

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Edinburgh's Premier Dance School * Ballet * Jazz * Modern * Tap * Drama * Singing A caring environment where pupils achieve their highest potential.

See us in the Pantomime at The Kings Theatre.

EXAM RESULTS 100% PASS RATE

0131 337 3402 www.edinburghdanceacademy.co.uk 4-6 Coltbridge Ave, Edinburgh, EH12 6AH

15 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

Gift Guide by Holly Wadsworth-Hill T he nights have drawn in, there’s a magical feel to the chill in the air and there’s more than one kind of wrapping-up on everyone’s mind. It can only mean one thing...

Christmas is on its way!

Whether that fills you with ho, ho, ho’s or Scrooge-like groans, we hope this fun-filled guide to all things festive, will help make this year a Christmas to remember...

It’s the thought that counts...

Recent economic difficulties have triggered a new dawn of consumerism. Many of us are now concentrating on quality purchases that will stand the test of time. Nostalgia has unveiled tradition as the new vogue and whilst the latest crazes and popular characters certainly have their place, children are arguably more demanding and harder to please than ever before. There’s a reason why some of the old favourites are resurfacing and proving their worth to a new generation of inquisitive minds. Children like to be entertained but they thrive on interaction, they will happily watch but they learn quicker from doing, they benefit from competition but they enjoy team work. Classic toys are all this and much more and they really do have timeless appeal. With that in mind this year, why not focus on something they will love this Christmas but will treasure for many more to come...

Top 10 Toys for Christmas 2010!

Hamleys know a thing or two about toys and have given us their list of this year's most wanted. Be warned though, these toys are set to fly from the shelves..... so don't miss out!

Ben 10 Ultimate Alien Disc Ultimatrix Toy Story 3 BuzzLightyear Action Figure

Beyblade Metal Fusion Super Vortex Battle Set

Dr Who Sonic Screwdriver

Kung Zhu Hamsters Barbie Video Girl

VTech Storio Animated Phonics Book

Armouron Action Set

VTech Kidizoom Video Camera

16 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

Monopoly Revolutions Board Game

A

Tale Stuck on the basics or searching for finishing touches? Take inspiration from the world’s most famous toy store this year. Hamleys was established by Cornishman, William Hamley, in London, in 1760. Today it remains the world’s most wonderful toy shop, synonymous with theatre, magic and entertainment; add a mince pie or two and you’ve got all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas!

Baby’s first Christmas Latest additions may be slightly oblivious to the seasonal chaos but you’ll remember their first Christmas forever and will be keen to make it extra special. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a keepsake or something they can cherish for years to come.

463497 – Alphabet Blocks £17 Painted with bright colours, clear letters and imaginative illustrations these wooden blocks can help little children when learning letters, colours and much more besides.

663336 – My First Dolly £19 My First Dolly will be loved by all. She is so squeezably soft that little arms will adore snuggling up to her. Dressed beautifully, she has wild hair that little hands will love to touch and tug!

T is for trouble and toddlers!

Busy little hands are into all things naughty as well as nice, so classic toys should be at the top of the list. The educational benefits and development of imagination and play skills from these toys are extensive but cleverly masked behind the colour, fun and excitement that toddlers crave.

780114 – Teaching Clock £14 Hamleys colourful Fun to Learn Teaching Clock helps teach time, number and letter recognition, as well as developing motor and problem solving skills through play. (made from fsc wood)

778498 – Wooden London

Bus £32.50

The wheels on the bus go round and round! The top of this traditional big red bus opens to reveal 24 little wooden passengers and one cheerful driver. Great for developing hand to eye co-ordination. (made from fsc wood)

For him Boys of all ages need to be kept busy and love fun and games that they can really get stuck into. If he can burn off some energy, create mess and make some noise, he’ll be in his element!

780585 – Wooden Garage £65 This brightly coloured garage has three levels, multi-storey graphics and realistic features throughout. There are loads of games and adventures to be had with this traditional role-play Garage.

157982 – Jet Plane Set £55 The Playmobil Jet Plane Set is great for developing thinking processes and encouraging creative play.

This exciting Playmobil play set is a hit with boys and girls alike.

For her

Sugar and spice and all things nice, most of the time anyway! Creativity is a girl’s best friend; indulge her imagination with everything from dressing-up costumes, role-play sets and arts and crafts.

92429 – Dolly Tea Set £10 Time for tea anyone? This enchanting Hamleys tea set comes in a cute carry case, so it's perfect for taking to friends houses and keeps everything safe and tidy when little one's aren't busy entertaining.

It’s all about quality time...

‘Tis the season to spend with your loved ones: keep things merry with fun and games for the whole family.

681346 – Games Chest £60 Enjoy a gaming adventure with this classic wooden gaming chest. Open the sliding drawers to reveal a smorgasbord of fun with 10 of the world's greatest games! Includes chess, mancala, backgammon, solitaire, tic-tactoe and lots more to keep the very young and most experienced young-at-heart entertained!

783969 – My Balleria Doll £12 My Little Ballerina Doll is so pretty, soft and cuddly, she’s perfect for hugs!

From the Sweet Peas collection, this doll is great for encouraging imagination and nurturing role-play skills.

Checklist Assuming you’ve got the obvious like the turkey and tree under control, this checklist covers the trimmings!

Must-have ingredients for the perfect Christmas: Sellotape – (Yes, you probably did already buy some but no, it won’t be where you left it and it’s not likely to be enough).

Batteries of all shapes and sizes – (No one wants a room full of redundant, lifeless toys on Christmas morning).

Carrot, mince pie and a tipple for Santa and his merry team of reindeer – (They’ll need it after months of preparation and expense).

Breakfast – (toast doesn’t cut it on Christmas morning, stock up on their favourites and don’t forget some strong coffee beans for the bleary eyed adults).

Pen and paper to hand – (Father Christmas may be the hero of the hour but don’t forget to note down family and friends who’ve also treated the little one’s in preparation for the writing of...)

Thank-you notes – (Try making your own from discarded wrapping paper – a great way to wind them down after all that excitement!)

Post-party clean up ammunition – (Your house will probably be broken within 10 minutes of children waking up on Christmas morning. Put it back together again for guests with a hefty supply of recycling bags etc).

We hope this guide has given you some ideas and eased you into the spirit of things. We wish you a fun-filled festive season and a very happy New Year!

The nearest Hamleys is in Glasgow, but remember to look in some of the local toys shops too – Toys Galore in Stockbridge and Morningside, The Smart Stork in Bruntsfield and Jenners on Princes Street.

17 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

A Local Christmas Hassle-Free

Christmas Cooking Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan and Special Diet Made Simple Christmas meals can seem like a daunting task if you are catering for the various special diets of friends and family. But they needn’t be in reality. There are lots of fantastic ready-made meal and ingredient options that are healthy and free from wheat, gluten dairy products and vegetarian too.

Real Foods makes a real effort to find local suppliers of their organic fresh fruit and vegetables as well as their seasonal chutneys etc. On top of all the Christmas dinner ingredients, delicious alternatives and lovely desserts and puddings Real Foods have a truly amazing array of luxury chocolate treats (and lots dairy free) to fit every budget.

WONDERFUL CAKES FOR ALL OCCASIONS (we also provide wheat, gluten, dairy, egg and nut free) CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN MENTION FAMILIES EDINBURGH TO GET £5 OFF XMAS PACKAGES phone maggi on 07706 379114 or email maggiorr@hotmail.co.uk www.orrganiccakes.co.uk

Beano the Clown Magic, Balloons, Songs & Games -5s & +5s, 1hr & 2 hr,

Tel: 07948-070 569 Web: Beano.theclown.free.fr

Here are a few healthy recipe suggestions to try out at any time of year and a great chance to do some fun cooking with the children too. Most of our recipes are wheat/dairy/gluten-free or can easily be adapted to become so.

The recipes below have sugar and wheat alternative ingredients listed.

Nut burgers

Fast chocolate and nut cake

So quick, tasty and easy to make!

Can be wheat, dairy and gluten-free

The perfect pudding for a fast, no-cook treat with kids If you want to make this a sugar-free treat it’s simple to replace sugar with the alternative ingredients below. Can also be wheat, nut and gluten-free

Ingredients 25g butter or soya margarine 1 large onion, chopped 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley 15g plain wholemeal flour (or rice flour, gram flour, tapioca flour or hemp flour) 150ml milk (or almond milk, soya milk rice milk) 225g mixed nuts, chopped 1 tsp Tabasco sauce 1 tbsp tomato puree 175g fresh breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs) 1 free range egg, beaten (or vegan egg replacer such as No Egg Egg replacer) Freshly ground black pepper Preparation Time: 25 mins includes cooking time.

Serves 4 Cooking Instructions 1. Melt the butter in a pan, add the onion and parsley and fry gently until soft. Sprinkle over the flour and cook stirring for 1-2 mins.

2. Gradually add the milk, little by little, stirring all the time. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens.

Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

Cool slightly.

3. Preheat the grill to high. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and with floured hands form each portion into a ball, then flatten with the palm of your hand to form burgers.

4. Place under the grill and cook for 4 mins on each side. Serve hot.

Ingredients 100g butter or soya margarine 400g dark chocolate 50g sugar (or a natural sugar replacement made from birch tree sap such as xylitol, use equal amounts.

Also fructose can be used instead of sugar) ½ tsp cinnamon 200g coconut biscuits, broken into pieces (or gluten/wheat-free digestive biscuits) 100g Brazil nuts, roughly chopped (for nut-free version replace these with dried fruit of any variety) Desiccated coconut, to serve Preparation Time: 15 Min, Cooking Time: 5 Min, Serves 6 Cooking Instructions Line a 900g loaf tin with a double layer of cling film.

Melt the butter, chocolate and sugar in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water over a low heat. Into this mixture stir the cinnamon, macaroons or the coconut biscuits and nuts.

Pour the mixture into the prepared tin, smooth over the surface with a knife and cover completely with cling film. Leave in the fridge to set for 2 hrs at least.

To serve, set on a plate, remove cling film and sprinkle with the desiccated coconut. The cake is fairly rich, so slice into thin pieces and serve with fresh fruit or ice cream if you like, alternatively you can reduce the sugar by as much as you like, or some of the butter.

www.realfoods.co.uk All these ingredients and many, many more besides are available from Real Foods.

The Real Foods staff are really knowledgeable and are happy to help advise on your shopping requirements and any cooking queries. Real Foods now has an excellent online shop at www.realfoods.co.uk with free home delivery!

But if you prefer personalised service call into the shops at 37 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3JU Tel: 0131 557 1911, 8 Brougham St, Tollcross EH3 9JH / Tel: 0131 228 1201

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A Local Christmas This Little Piggy Keepsakes This Little Piggy Keepsakes the one stop Baby Keepsake shop. Family business that creates fingerprint's, hand or footprints, artwork, writing, pawprint's and kisses into silver. As well as creating 3D casts of the hand and feet along with Stone Outprints. Something for everyone keyring's, cufflink's, charm's, necklaces, bracelet's and much more. Also available are Christmas Tree Decoration something you can treasure and can be brought out each year. Are you stuck for the Grandparents this year do they have everything? Then why not have the children draw them and let me create it into the silver a keepsake to treasure. Please see my website www.thislittlepiggykeepsakes.co.uk to attend one of my venue's or request a home visit ( limited through November/December). Remember to quote Families and you will receive a £10 Voucher with every order (to use on a future order)

The Smart Stork The Smart Stork have an abundance of stocking filler gifts which would suit everyone's needs and this year we are planning to make the shop even more festive than last year with decorations and gifts so its something everyone should come and see if only to get in the Christmas spirit.

Santa Magical Grotto at The Smart Stork For the first time there will be a magical grotto with elves and presents a plenty where you can meet Santa himself and tell him all your Christmas wishes. Children will receive a special gift from Santa and have the chance to remind him what else they want for Christmas. Follow The Smart Stork on facebook, twitter or at www.thesmartstork.co.uk to find out the exact timings of Santa’s visits. 165b Bruntsfield Pace, Edinburgh, EH10 4DG 0131 629 9424

Christmas at The Imagination Workshop Four weeks of fabulous Christmas crafts – just the thing for a snowy Sunday afternoon.

2011 Calendar. You’ll have great fun with stamps, stencils and lots of paper craft technique to make a family calendar for 2011.

Sunday 12 December 3 – 5pm £12 including juice and a snack. Age 5+ Christmas Tree Decorations. Make three different and lovely hand crafted tree decorations. Bead and wire stars, beaded felt star and a decopatched bauble.

Sun 28 November 3 – 5pm £12 including juice and a snack. Aged 6+ Christmas Stocking. Use paint, beads, sequins and lots more to decorate your own Christmas stocking.

All ready for Santa to fill on Christmas eve night!

Sunday 5 December 3 – 5pm £12 including juice and a snack. Aged 5+

Christmas Crackers. Make your own crackers this year, lots more fun and really personal.

Decorate them with your family’s names and put in their favourite sweeties!

You’ll have the chance to make 4 crackers – more if you’re quick!

Sunday 19 December 3 – 5pm £12 including juice and a snack. Age 5+ Booking essential for all classes, call 0131 466 0148 or email nicki@theimaginationworkshop.co.uk The Imagination Workshop 136 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh. EH9 1AQ Plenty parking and it’s free on Sundays!

Cookingmania Gingerbread Tree Decorations Ingredients: 350g Plain Flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp mixed spice 100g butter 175g soft brown sugar 4 tbs golden syrup 1 egg, beaten Currants to decorate

Method: • Preheat the oven to 190C. • Prepare 3 cookie trays with baking parchment or silicone.

• Place the flour, bicarb and spices in a large bowl. Rub in the butter until it resembles small breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. Add the syrup and the beaten egg and mix to form a smooth dough, knead it lightly to form a ball.

• Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.

• Divide the dough in half and roll out lightly onto a floured surfaces to about 5mm thick. Cut out shapes, and place on the trays.

• Use a skewer to make a hole (for the ribbon).

• Bake in the pre-heated oven for 10 – 12 minutes.

• Remove from the oven, and re-do the hole with the skewer (it will fill in a bit when cooking) • Allow to cool slightly, then transfer to a cooling rack.

• Decorate with icing. Let it dry, and then thread with a ribbon and hang on the tree.

Cookingmania is Edinburgh's only fully child-friendly cookery school. Throughout the year they host Birthday Parties, Kids Cookery Schools, Workshops and much, much more. CookingMania, 1/2 North West Circus Place , Edinburgh , EH3 6ST, 0131 220 2040. www.cookingmania.co.uk

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A Local Christmas Christmas in the Courtyard

Santa’s Gâteaux. Childrens’ Cake Workshops.

4th/5th December 10-4pm. Escape the pressures of the high street and join us in the courtyard of the Stables where the shop will have plenty of lovely gift ideas, The Coffee House will be serving festive treats and there will be live music and Christmassy events on throughout the weekend. Free entry.

4th December– Crafty Christmas – 10-11am Join the Ranger to make your own Christmas decorations from recycled and natural materials. Get festive and save the planet! Children £2, booking essential Newhailes, Newhailes Road, Musselburgh, EH21 6RY. NT 325 724. Meet at the Visitor Centre in the Stables for all events. Most events require booking, contact the Ranger 0844 493 2124.

DOODLES Christmas Gift Ideas!

Baby hand and footprints make fabulous gifts for doting grandparents. These can be simple prints or why not turn hands and feet into robins, angels and Rudolph!

We also have lots of items to make your Christmas table very personal and special. Why not paint your very own cake stand, candlesticks, napkin rings, dinner plates or goblets!

Why not make your own Advent tree with the children or as a relaxing evening project on Tues, Wed or Thurs evenig. You get a 40cm Wooden tree to paint and then make and paint 25 little ceramic cut outs from clay! Hours of fun to be had and an advent calendar that will last for many a year! Cost £37.50. ( 3 visits aprox to complete).

New to DOODLES…. Pottery Evening Classes!

We will be running pottery making and painting workshops from 7 - 9pm every Wednesday night Classes follow an 8 week programme to be completed in a run or on the weeks of your choice – so you can join in any week. These are intended to be a fun learning and creative evening. Items made could make very unique and personal Christmas gifts!

Suitable for age 13 and up. The cost for the 8 week programme is £100 – this includes all your materials, tea/coffee + refreshments and can be paid on the night or in advance to receive a 10% discount.

The next taster session will be on the 17th of November, wine and nibbles to help the creative juices flow! (cost £10 per person) Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 0131 2291399

Klaklak photography - The Perfect Family Christmas Gift!

If you’re looking for a unique and personal Christmas gift that will be treasured forever, why not treat your family or friends to a Klaklak Photography experience, or buy a photography gift voucher as the perfect way to say “Merry Christmas”. There are vouchers to suit all budgets, available from £45. Buy your gift voucher before December 24th and receive a free complimentary family photo session, worth £45. www.klaklakphotography.co.uk 0131 346 8415

The Edinburgh Rudolf Steiner School

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If you think Santa’s Grottos are, well, old hat then whisk your children off to Belhaven Fruit Farm, Dunbar, this December. Because we’re unwrapping a delicious new way to entertain the whole family...

Santa’s Gâteaux lets your children get creative, and a little messy, as they help Mrs Claus finish her Christmas orders for cakes and festive treats. The workshop is perfect for birthday parties and Christmas trips for schools and groups.

You can even relax with a well-deserved coffee and cake from the Farm’s Café, taking a break from gift shopping for an hour or so. Belhaven is near East Lothian’s most family-friendly town, Dunbar, just half an hour south of Edinburgh on the A1.

For more information please visit www.santasgateaux.com

Honey Pot Ceramics Honey Pot Ceramics is new business which opened its doors on the 2nd October 2010. It offers a range of craft activities including, pottery painting, jewellery making and the unique opportunty to come and make your own cosmetics. You select your favourite fragrance and colour from a wide selection to make your own fabulous, Soaps, Lip Balms, Bath Bombs, Body Glitter Gel or Lip Gloss. There is also a gift shop selling a range of beautiful gifts and luxurious wrapping papers and ribbons to wrap up your handmade creations - either for yourself or a gift for someone special.

In the run up to Christmas Honey Pot Ceramics will be running a number of 'Christmas Present Making Workshops' details of these are on their website at: Honeypotceramics.com or call them on 0131:333:6348 for more information.

Be amazed at what you can do.... www.honeypotceramics.com based at EICA Ratho,

Maddie and Mark’s Shoes If you aren't sure what to buy this Christmas, then Maddie and Mark's Shoes might have something for that Christmas present with a difference. Sparkly Lelli Kelly's, Ugg boots, beautiful Danish clothing as well as a great range of slippers, wellies and quirky Barts hats and gloves are all on offer. And if you aren't sure what size or style to choose, then gift vouchers make an ideal, and very welcome, Christmas present. Pop in to one of the three Edinburgh shops to see the amazing range of shoes, gifts and accessories that you'll be hard pushed to find together anywhere else in town!

205 Bruntsfield Place,Edinburgh, EH10 4DH.Tel: 0131 447 9779 1 Craigcrook Place, Blackhall, EH4 3NG. Tel: 0131 315 3322 10 Buckstone Terrace, Edinburgh, EH10 6PZ.. Tel: 0131 445 4425

A Local Christmas Christmas at Kiss the Fish

Look out for Giraffes in Stockbridge!

Why not make your own Christmas decorations and presents this year instead of buying them on the high street? At Kiss the Fish we’ve got some brilliant festive workshops organised including felt-making, mosaics and ceramics for both children and adults. For the full workshop programme visit our website at www.kissthefishstudios.com – booking essential.

We also have a host of angels, santa clauses, reindeer and a huge assortment of picture frames, boxes and animals just waiting for you to come and decorate them with paints, gorgeous tissue papers, glitter and sparkles Don’t forget to call us to ensure there’s space when you’d like to come along.

Our gift shop has a great selection to suit all budgets, with something for everyone. We particularly love our Happy Hopperz for the smaller members of the family. They’re a collection of bright inflatable animals that rival the old space hoppers of the 1970’s – its just a shame they don’t make them a bit bigger - there’s even a Christmas reindeer !

You can get more details of our workshops and gift shop at www.kissthefishstudios.com or call us on 0131 332 8912

During November and December look out for Giraffes in Stockbridge!

Any participating Stockbridge based business will be displaying their decorated Giraffe for all to see! In Mid December there will be an auction to raise money for charity.

Throughout the months of November and early December there will be a ‘Giraffe Hunt’ aimed at children (which will involve them solving a simple puzzle) entailing visiting participating businesses throughout the area. All entrants will be entered into a prize draw to win one of the giraffes and there will be a raffle of other prizes donated by participating businesses.

A Real Christmas Looking for a last minute feel good stocking filler or delicious dairy free luxury chocolate box as a special gift?

Find Fairtrade, ethical, organic, specialist – and delicious - gift ideas from Real Foods.

Real Foods are not only rightly famous for their huge range of healthy, vegetarian, wheat-free and other free-from snacks, ingredients and fresh organic produce. You can also find lovely organic toiletries including natural face and beauty care, gift packs and bath and baby care products from independent companies. There’s a range of organic wines and spirits (many locally made) and not forgetting the fantastic spread of chocolate stocking fillers for children and luxury hand painted chocolate gift boxes for that special present. You can also find the quirky alternative present such as sustainable bamboo socks (yes, honestly!) to give the person who really does have everything.

For great, local, ethical shopping come to Real Foods this Christmas!

Online shop at www.realfoods.co.uk 37 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3JU / Tel: 0131 557 1911 8 Brougham St, Tollcross EH3 9JH / Tel: 0131 228 1201

Cinderella Something to look forward to! A great Christmas present idea – tickets to the Ballet. Scottish Ballet, Scotland’s National Ballet Company is delighted to offer audiences another chance to see Ashley Page’s critically acclaimed production of Cinderella, one of the Company’s most successful productions.

A fantastic feast of classical and modern choreography that is as original and witty as it is visually striking, Cinderella comes to Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, from 12-15 January.

A Cinderella like no other, Page’s vivid reworking of the much-loved fairytale has a style ranging from strong classical roots to more contemporary techniques and an energy that projects this timeless story into the twenty-first century. Showcasing sumptuous designs from award-winning designer Antony McDonald, Cinderella’s search for happiness is transported to a decadent Vivienne Westwood-meets-Andy Warhol 18th Century France.

The story is swept up in Prokofiev’s romantic score, which perfectly captures its wonder and wit, and is performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.

Box office 0131 529 6000 www.festivaltheatre.org.uk

Dobbies Farm Foodhall Thursday 9th December, 6.30pm – 9pm Farm Foodhall Festive Feast Visit Dobbies Farm Foodhall for an evening of festive inspiration – discover the best produce to make the perfect Christmas dinner and indulge in samples of locally sources produce. Tickets £1 and all proceeds will be donated to charity. Dobbies Garden Centres, Melville Nursery, Lasswade, Telephone: 0131 663 6778

Chocolate and Wine Tasting with Linda Ward On Tuesday 30th November Real Foods are having a Chocolate and Wine Tasting with Linda Ward. Wine expert Linda will be guiding people through a selection of organic wines. We will also be tasting a range of organic, fair-trade, vegan and raw chocolate including cholesterol-free Booja Booja truffles and launching new chocolate from Chocolate & Love. Organic cotton goody bags with Burt’s Bees products and £5 voucher form are included. The event will be running from 7.30pm until 9pm. Tickets are £5 and are available from our Broughton Street store.

These beautifully presented gifts are an ideal and unique way to capture that special moment.

Prints can be taken in your own home.

Local Family Business

Contact Hazel on 0845 4756873 or hazeleaston@thislittlepiggykeepsakes.co.uk www.thislittlepiggykeepsakes.co.uk

Families Edinburgh readers get a

£10 voucher* with every order

*for use on future orders

21 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

Christmas Fairs Saturday 6th November, Gift Stalls and Nearly New Toy Sale 10.30 - 12.00. St.Stephen's Comely Bank Church Hall (Corner of Comely Bank Road/East Fettes Avenue). £1 entry, cash only purchases at the sale.

Tuesday 16th November Christmas Craft Fair at 7pm till 9pm. Entry is £2.50 and includes a glass of mulled wine and mince pies. Come along and start Christmas shopping and purchase from local crafters including, candles, glassware, jewellery, bags and lots more. Lots of fabulous raffles prizes. All proceeds go directly to the school funds. Wardie Primary School, Granton Road

Saturday 27th November Sick Kids Christmas Fair takes place at Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh from 11am - 3pm. Shop till you drop from a fantastic selection of festive and fundraising stalls; relax with a cup of tea and some delicious homebaking. For the kids; a special guest appearance from Nina from 'Nina and the Neurons' 11am-12.30pm, face painting, Christmas Craft Zone, a visit from Santa, bouncy castle, Radio Lollipop and much much more. Admission is £1 for adults and children go free. The Sick Kids Christmas Fair will help to raise much needed funds for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation.

Visit www.edinburghsickkids.org for more information.

Saturday 20 November Polwarth Christmas Fair and Teddy Bear Exhibition. 10am - 12noon. Polwarth Church 38 Polwarth Terrace, Saturday 4th December Morningside Montessori Christmas Fair Edinburgh. Re-live your childhood and see if your favourite bear is amongst those on display at our Teddy Bear Exhibition. Enjoy the stalls, children's games and craft, christmas goodies and gifts, teas, coffee and homebaking.

Saturday, 20th November The Edinburgh Rudolf Steiner School’s Christmas Market 11.00 to 4.00. A day out for all the family to enjoy. This annual event is very popular and well visited by many people from inside as well as outside the Steiner Community.

The School Hall has been transformed into a Market where you will find hand made crafts & gifts, home baking, preserves and other produce. Elsewhere in the School you can enjoy relaxing therapies, have a nice lunch or enjoy a cup of coffee & gateaux in our Viennese Cafe. There will be Children’s activities, entertainments, music and storytelling. A visit to “King Winter” is a must for the under 5, or they can take part in a ‘Bear Hunt’. In the afternoon there will be the Raffle draw in the Hall, followed by Community Carol Singing. 60 Spylaw Rd. Edinburgh EH10 5BR. www.steinerweb.org.uk Friday 26th November Cargilfield School Christmas Fair 12pm-7pm. Free Entry. Venue - Cargilfield School, off Gamekeepers Road, Edinburgh. In Aid of CHAS & Guide Dogs for the Blind A collection of Stylish Gifts & Christmas Decorations, Discounted Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere, Chuffs Stocking Fillers, Indian Silks, Bargain Books, Toys, Semi-Precious Jewellery & much, much more.......

Saturday 27th November Newhaven Connections Café Christmas Fair Craighall Road. 10am – 2pm. Jewellery, crafts, baking, Local artists and lots more!

Photography Exhibition. Café will be open!

Come and find some special Christmas presents

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9.30 – 12 noon. Come along for a fun-filled festive morning at our Christmas Fair at Christ Church Hall, Holy Corner. There will be lots to keep the little ones amused, including face painting, fun games and craft activities, as well as delicious home baking, tea and coffee and exciting Christmas shopping opportunities. There will also be the opportunity to find out about the Montessori nursery. All welcome.

Admission £1 and includes a free cup of tea/coffee.

Saturday 4th December Christmas Fayre 10am untill 2pm, in Balgreen Bowling Club, off Pansy Walk.

Will include a variety of stalls and childrens activities, including a visit from Santa!

Home baking, soup and sandwiches available at a small cost!

A great opportunity to visit us and see how we run, staff on hand to answer any questions regarding Balgreen playgroup.

Saturday 4th December Newhaven Primary School Christmas Fair 10am – 12pm. Baking, Tombolla, Books, Toys, Christmas Crafts, Raffle Tea & Coffee Newhaven Primary School Newhaven Main Street Saturday 4th December Christmas Fayre 10am untill 2pm, in Balgreen Bowling Club, off Pansy Walk.

Will include a variety of stalls and childrens activities, including a visit from Santa!

Home baking, soup and sandwiches available at a small cost!

A great opportunity to visit us and see how we run, staff on hand to answer any questions regarding Balgreen playgroup.

Where to see Santa Sunday 21st November Santa’s Arrival A magical day of family fun and entertainment to celebrate the arrival of Santa. Dates and times may vary, please contact your local store for individual dates and times.

From Sunday 21st November Santa’s Grotto Children are invited to meet the big man in red in his very own traditional grotto.

Tickets £5 (advance booking is advisable) From Saturday 27th November Breakfast with Santa Join Santa for a special breakfast and take part in party style entertainment. Tickets £9.95 per child. Advanced booking is advisable. Please check in-store for specific dates and times. Dobbies Garden Centres, Melville Nursery, Lasswade Telephone: 0131 663 6778 Weekends, 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th, 18th & 19th December plus the 23rd and 24th of December. Santa at Almond Valley Meet Santa in his cottage in the forest, receive an early Christmas present, join in Christmas crafts and enjoy the magic of a traditional Christmas. Admission fee plus extra charge for Santa.

Standard admission charges apply (adults £5, children £3.50) with the Santa Visit and very worthwhile present an additional £3.50 per child. Open 10-5 each day Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Millfield Livingston, West Lothian EH54 7AR. 01506 414 957

Santa’s Gâteaux Childrens Cake Workshops Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th. Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December Mrs Claus and her helper Elves are behind in their orders for Christmas cakes. With cupcakes, gingerbread decorations, snowball truffles, chocolate trees and popcorn garlands to make they’re working flat out. It doesn’t help that Santa keeps popping in – he just can’t help having little chats with the helpers.

Your little ones need to get stuck in to help. Aprons and hats donned they’ll be moving from work station to station, and with help from the Elves they’ll be making cakes in no time. And the beauty of Santa’s Gâteaux is that your children take away the cakes they make. They’ll stay fresh enough to give as Christmas gifts – if you can prize them from their little hands that is...

Children can take away four of their cakes in a gift box. Each workshop lasts 90 minutes and an adult will need to stay on the premises. Children should be school age. Belhaven Fruit Farm, Dunbar. 07732 148 280 www.santasgateaux.com

Sunday 5th December

The Santa Toddle A walk for the "little ones". You can raise money for your favourite charity or just take part for fun. Santa arrives in Inverleith Park at 12.15pm. 1st toddle at 12.30pm, next at 1.00pm and the last at 1.30pm. Age 6 years or under.

On entering (entry fee £5) the toddle each child will receive a special Santa Toddle sponsor form and number and as they complete the toddle Santa will give them a medal, certificate and Santa goody bag. www.challengescotland.com From Saturday 18th December Supper with Santa Join Santa for a special meal and take part in party style entertainment. Tickets £9.95 per child. Advanced booking is advisable. Please check in-store for specific dates and times. Dobbies Garden Centres, Melville Nursery, Lasswade Telephone: 0131 663 6778 Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 December Supersonic Christmas 12:00-16:00. Come and meet Santa in his aeroplane for a sky-high Christmas.

Includes a gift from Santa. Adults £9.00. Concessions £7.00 Child £5 (includes a gift from Santa) Museum of Flight www.nms.ac.uk

Santa Magical Grotto at The Smart Stork For the first time there will be a magical grotto with elves and presents a plenty where you can meet Santa himself and tell him all your Christmas wishes. Children will receive a special gift from Santa and have the chance to remind him what else they want for Christmas. Follow The Smart Stork on facebook, twitter or at www.thesmartstork.co.uk to find out the exact timings of Santa’s visits.

165b Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4DG 0131 629 9424

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Christm The Snow Queen - A magical story to melt the iciest heart this Christmas From her ice palace at the very top of the world, the wicked Snow Queen plans to turn everything to winter – no more summer, no more sunshine, no more warmth, no more holidays making sandcastles on the beach…

She starts by casting her spell over one little boy, Kay, turning his heart cold and letting him see only misery and ugliness in the world. But Kay’s friend Gerda has always thought of Kay as a brother, and together with the beasts of the forest and the sun spirit Bhima, she undertakes a quest to save him – and the rest of mankind – from eternal chill!

Stuart Paterson’s plays have long been popular with young audiences, especially at the Lyceum, and we’re delighted to be revisiting one of his earliest, most beautiful and most popular adaptations of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytales.

Guaranteed to put warmth into the coldest of hearts, however young or old you are!

The Snow Queen is suitable for ages 5+, and perfect for adults too, whether they’re grown up or not….

NEW FOR 2010 – PREVIEW PERFORMANCE Tickets just £16 for Thursday 2 December, so you can see the show first, and for less! (Child concessions only) Fancy Dress Friday Friday 10 December 7pm performance A fun night for everyone! Come in costume as your favourite character from the play, or just fancy dress to impress! Great for a group night out.

Family Craft Activities Before the matinee performances on 21 and 22 December. FREE with tickets to the show.

Children are HALF PRICE at all times at the Lyceum – ANY seat, ANY performance, from as little as £5.75!

To book tickets please call our box office on 0131 248 4848. For group bookings of 10 + please call 0131 248 4849.

The Festival Theatre Edinburgh proudly presents

THE TRIPLE TONY AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL

The Secret Garden

Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett This Christmas, there’s only one musical guaranteed to appeal to ALL the family...

Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children’s novel, The Secret Garden, comes to wondrous life in this brand new production, featuring the enchanting music of Lucy Simon and the spellbinding lyrics of Marsha Norman.

"A treat for all ages. A garden of delights” The Daily Mail In a sad and lonely house on the Yorkshire moors, the melancholy routine of a family in mourning is turned upside down with the arrival of young orphan, Mary Lennox. When the curious child discovers the key to the hidden door of a secret, walled garden, a long-locked away magic is released, changing the lives of all, forever.

The talented ensemble cast includes: Siobhan Redmond (NTS's The House of Bernarda Alba, TV: Holby City, The Bill); Norman Pace (one half of comedy duo Hale and Pace); Gaham Bickley (best known as Joey Boswell in hit BBC sitcom Bread) and Danish superstar Casper Phillipson.

Thu 9 December 2010 – Sat 8 January 2011 See box office for times and ticket prices www.festivaltheatre.org.uk / 0131 529 6000

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

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Sunday 5 December Christmas Pantomime –

Beauty and the Beast

M&M Theatrical Productions are proud to present their adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Join Belle, Scamper the dog, Mrs Potts and all their friends in this ever popular fairy tale as the Beast and the evil Gaston battle for Belle’s affection. Will the Beast be able to break the spell? Will Mrs Potts ever make coffee instead of tea? Come along to find out and share in this magical journey.

Performance times 11.30am & 2.30pm Education Centre. Pre booking advised but not essential.

Free with Zoo admission. Suitable for all ages, especially 4 – 12yrs Booking hotline for all events is 0131 314 0355 or book online at www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/whatson

During November you can enter 4 fantastic competitions on www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk!

WIN! £250 worth of vouchers to spend at Debenhams Ocean Terminal* WIN! £250 worth of Hamleys Vouchers* WIN! A digital camcorder worth £149* WIN! A set of Pedalites, ankelite and baglite* Plus – keep up to date with family events in Edinburgh.

Looking for a party entertainer? Local Playgroup?

Clubs and Classes?

It’s all there….and lots more!

Register today at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply to all competitions

24 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

The West End’s favourite musical comedy, Hairspray, is coming to Edinburgh!

Starring Michael Ball in the role of his life, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the boy she loves.

Also starring ex-Monkee Micky Dolenz, Hairspray is the musical with everything – the ultimate feel-good show which has played to sold out houses in London, on Broadway and theatres around the globe.

Big Hair, Big Heart, Big Hit - Book Now! At the 2008 Olivier Awards, HAIRSPRAY won Best Musical, as well as Best Actor in a Musical for Michael Ball and a further two awards from a record breaking eleven nominations. The show has also won Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards, the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers Choice awards, the Critics’ Circle Awards and the Variety Club Showbiz Awards. Further afield the show has played at venues around the world and won more than 40 major theatre awards.

Official website www.hairspraythetour.com 14 December – 9 January Edinburgh Playhouse, Tickets £18.50-£43.50 0844 847 1660 www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

as Shows Jack and the Beanstalk The stars of Edinburgh pantomime - Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott - are back together again as they lead the cast of this year’s spectacular King’s Theatre pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk!

Allan Stewart plays the role of Dame May McTrot, Andy Gray returns to the King’s Theatre pantomime as King Crumble and Grant Stott will be at his meanest ever as the baddie Fleshcreep - the giant’s henchman!

This year’s King’s Theatre production features the biggest giant and tallest beanstalk in pantoland! The computer controlled giant is so big that he can pick up a human and carry them to cloud land where he lives…and from a few tiny beans the beanstalk grows up through the auditorium and climbs to 35 feet!

Bursting at the seams with brand new comedy and an abundance of laughs, stunning sets and outrageous costumes, Jack and the Beanstalk carries the King’s Theatre hallmark of quality and outstanding entertainment for all ages and with ticket prices to suit every pocket, you won’t have to sell the family cow to enjoy pantomime at its best!

Presented by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and written and directed by Paul Elliott, Jack and the Beanstalk is staged by the same team behind the recent record-breaking pantomimes at King’s Theatre. Saturday 4 December 2010 to Sunday 23 January 2011. Tickets, with concessions and group discounts available at selected performances, can be booked online at www.kingstheatre.org.uk or on 0131 529 6000.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Mother Goose

A Brunton Theatre Production. Peak performances: £15.75 (£12.75) £55 family of 4. Off peak: £13.50 (£10.50) £46 family of 4. Schools: £5.75 ELC, £6.25 other.

When the wicked demon Vainglorious falls in love with Jill, the loveliest lass in Musselburgh, he is furious to discover that she is already smitten with Prince Jack, who lives in Carberry Tower with his cook, Mother Goose, and his jester, Muddles. Appealing to her vanity, Vainglorious casts a spell on Mother Goose (known to her friends as Gertie Ga Ga). Then he enlists her help to split Jack and Jill up with promises of fame and beauty. Will the silly old bird be able to resist? She will if daft joker Muddles has a say in it, after all he’s friends with Glee, the funny fairy. Oh, yes he is!

Written and directed by Liam Rudden and produced by Lesley Smith, the team responsible for the Brunton’s record-breaking productions of Dick McWhittington, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Sinbad And The Little Mermaid, this brand new pantomime is a tale for all the family and features audience favourite Arron Usher in his tenth Musselburgh panto.

Brunton Theatre specialises in producing fun and interactive traditional pantomimes that are suitable for all the family. We tell the tale in classic pantomime style with comedy, special effects, songs and joining in – suitable for all ages (please note there will be some flashing lights, loud bangs and scary characters).

A fun filled celebration with hilarious gags, glittering costumes, catchy songs and all things daft!

Tuesday 23 November – Friday 31 December Brunton Theatre. Ladywell Way Musselburgh EH21 6AA 0131 665 2240

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If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

All these events and more can be found on our Every Saturday and Sunday Connect Super Science Shows Connect gallery. 12:15/13:15/14:15/15:15 (20mins) Age 5+. Limited space (seating for 20). Free Come along to our free events every weekend in Connect. Find out about science in the real world at our Meet the Scientist events or enjoy a Super Science Show!

National Museum of Scotland Monday 4 November 10.00am

Finding Neverland (PG) 2004 Tickets £5.50 / £5 (£5 / £4.50), Schools £3.50. An exploration of the relationship between JM Barrie (Johnny Depp) and the fatherless Llewelyn Davies family that led to the creation of children's favourite Peter Pan. Still bereaved from the loss of their father, the boys take refuge in the imaginative world that Barrie helps them create through play. As his relationship with the boys and their mother Sylvia (Kate Winslet) becomes increasingly important to him, his marriage to Mary is sidelined.

Box Office: 0131 665 2240 www.bruntontheatre.co.uk Saturday 6 November – Sunday 9 Jan 2011 Inside the Herbarium – An Exhibition in Clay and Cloth. From 10am Gateway Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Free. Ceramic artist Lorna Fraser and embroiderer Lucy Head present a new body of work inspired by their time working in RBGE’s Herbarium.

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 November

Fungi Finds. 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Age 5+ .Free. Mycologist Neville Kilkenny will introduce a variety of Scottish species that can be found at this time of year with a display of locally collected fungi.

Sunday 7th November Little Seedlings

Club – Caring for our feathered friends

(FREE). 10.30am & 12noon.

A hands-on workshop designed to teach children how caring for birds during the winter.

Dobbies Garden Centres, Melville Nursery, Lasswade.

Telephone: 0131 663 6778 Sunday 7th November NCT (National Childbirth Trust) Nearly New Sale 2-3.30pm . The Corn Exchange, Court Street, Haddington Toys, quality baby and childrens clothes, nursery equipment, prams and buggies, maternity wear and much more, all at bargain prices. Come along and stock up on Christmas presents! £1 entry per adult . To register to sell your goods at the sale either email: nearlynewsales@ncteastlothian.org.uk, visit our website: www.ncteastlothian/nearlynew or call 08442 436119 to request a seller’s pack. Limited number of packs available. Further details and conditions at www.ncteastlothian/nearlynew

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Sunday 7 November at 1.00pm & Mon 8 Nov WEANS' WORLD Films for a younger audience. Tickets cost £2.50 per person, big or small! at 11.00am.

Dragon Hunters. Zoe is a little girl who believes in fairy tales. In order to help her uncle Lord Arnold get rid of a terrible dragon, Zoe decides she has to find some heroes.

FILMHOUSE, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ Box Office 0131 228 2688 Sunday 7 November, 2-4pm Art Cart (Ages 3-12). Free activities for all the family, inspired each month by different works from the collection or exhibitions. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound.

Saturday 13 November Christmas Animals 10.30am–1pm. £4 per adult/child. Join our Ranger at Lauriston Castle on a frosty winter environmental walk and hear all about winter animals.

Some animals hibernate, some store food, some migrate and some change colour. Then make your own Christmas cards based on the animals you have learned about.

Pre-booking and advance payment are NOW ESSENTIAL. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963, or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Saturday 13 November Polwarth Children's Nearly New Toy Sale 11am - 1pm. Come along and grab a bargain in time for Christmas. Lots of good quality indoor and outdoor toys, books, DVD's and videos. Entry by donation, suggested amount £1-£2. Polwarth Church 38 Polwarth Terrace, Edinburgh.

11am - 1pm. Donations of good quality toys gratefully received.

Contact donations@nearlynewsale.org.uk. This sale will be supporting The Sick Kid's Hospital Edinburgh and Polwarth Church Repair Fund.

Wednesday 17 November RBGE Show & Tell: Fungi in the Woods 1.30pm – 3pm. Atrium, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Age 8+. Free. Bring your own fungal gatherings and see if RBGE’s mycologist Dr Stephan Helfer can identify them for you. All fungi should be brought in sealed containers.

Thursday 18 November Nappuccino, Nappuccinos – are informal, free sessions where parents can pop in for a cuppa and a chat about nappies and see the various real nappy options on offer. Parents will be able to speak to others currently using real nappies for practical advice and information. Please note you can drop-in anytime between the sessions hours.

2.15pm - 3.30pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road, Edinburgh, EH4 5EG. Saturday, 20th November The Edinburgh Rudolf Steiner School’s Christmas Market 11.00 to 4.00. A day out for all the family to enjoy.

60 Spylaw Rd. Edinburgh EH10 5BR. www.steinerweb.org.uk

While every care has been taken to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out.

website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Saturday 20 November Polwarth Christmas Fair and Teddy Bear Exhibition. 10am - 12noon. Polwarth Church 38 Polwarth Terrace, Edinburgh.

Re-live your childhood and see if your favourite bear is amongst those on display at our Teddy Bear Exhibition. Enjoy the stalls, children's games and craft, christmas goodies and gifts, teas, coffee and homebaking.

Saturday 20 November Remembered Memories 10am – 12 noon. Atrium, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh All ages. Free. Ethnomedica will be on hand to collect you family’s memories of using plants as simple medicinal remedies. Come and hear some of the stories already gathered.

Saturday 20 November Pretty Paper Dolls and Dapper Paper Gentlemen. 10.30am–12.30pm. £4 per adult/child Design your very own paper figure just as children did 100 years ago. Learn about which sort of clothes you would wear for different occasions. Using fancy ribbon and special fabrics, create a unique piece of art.

Pre-booking and advance payment are essential.To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963, or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Lauriston Castle.

Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 November Grow Your Own 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Dr Patrick Hickey will demonstrate how edible mushrooms can be grown at home or in the garden using simple techniques and materials.

Saturday 20th November Crafty Clay Creatures either 10.30 am – 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm Using self-hardening clay, sculpt your own animal figures inspired by the amazing sculptured fountain-head animals in the Museums collection.

With Artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb.

Contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963 to book your place. margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, 142 Canongate, Royal Mile Edinburgh, EH8 8DD Sunday 21 November Talking Trees Storytelling 2pm – 3pm. Patrick Geddes Room, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Age 5+ . Free. Meet the Talking Trees for their monthly session of stories of trees and travellers, magic and marvels.

Sunday 21st November Santa’s Arrival A magical day of family fun and entertainment to celebrate the arrival of Santa. Dates and times may vary, please contact your local store for individual dates and times. FREE. Dobbies Garden Centres, Melville Nursery, Lasswade Telephone: 0131 663 6778 From Sunday 21st November Santa’s Grotto Children are invited to meet the big man in red in his very own traditional grotto.

Tickets £5 (advance booking is advisable) Dobbies Garden Centres, Melville Nursery, Lasswade. Telephone: 0131 663 6778 Sunday 21 November, 2-4pm Bags of Art (Ages 3-12) Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Gallery of Modern Art, Belford Road.

21st November Feed the birds 10 – 11.30am approx. Things get a lot tougher for our feathered friends at this time of year. Take a tour of the garden to discover what their favourite foods are and then make some treats for the birds to take back to your own garden.

Children £3, accompanying adults free (garden entrance charge applies to non NTS members), booking essential -0844 493 2124 . Inveresk Lodge Gardens, 24 Inveresk Village, Musselburgh, EH21 7TE. .

Sunday 21 November

WEANS' WORLD

Films for a younger audience. Tickets cost £2.50 per person, big or small! at 1.00pm & Mon 22 Nov at 11.00pm.

Despicable Me In a happy suburban neighbourhood with white picket fences with flowering rose bushes sits a black house with dead lawn. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon! FILMHOUSE, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ Box Office 0131 228 2688 Monday 22nd November, Kitchen Cupboard Remedies Napiers and Real Foods have teamed up for this event at Stockbridge Parish Church (7m until 9pm). Inspiring people to use ingredients from their kitchen cupboards to easily create effective health/beauty/domestic remedies. Tickets are £5 and are available in Real Foods and Napiers. Organic cotton goody bags with Comvita Olive Leaf extract, QI teas, Olive Leaf book, Superfoods booklets, Recipe booklets and a £5 Real Foods voucher and more…

Tuesday 23 November – Friday 31 December Mother Goose A brand new pantomime for all the family featuring audience favourites Arron Usher in his tenth Musselburgh panto, and Craig Glover as the Dame!

A fun filled celebration with hilarious gags, glittering costumes, catchy songs and all things daft! Box Office: 0131 665 2240 www.bruntontheatre.co.uk Tuesday 23 November, Tiny Tales: Scottish stories Scottish tales and rhymes for wee ones and adults to join in with. Age 6 months to 3 years, accompanying adult free. Please book in advance.

10 & 11.30am (40mins), £5 per child, Age 6 months to 3 years Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh Wednesday 24 November, Nappuccino, 10am - 11.30am, Brunton Theatre Bistro, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6AA. Thursday 25 November, Nappuccino, 10am - 11.30am, Duncan Place Resource Centre, Duncan Place (just of Duke St, Leith), Edinburgh, EH6 8HW Thursday 25 November Edinburgh’s Christmas 2010 kicks off at 10am.

Lights go on 5.45 pm!

Thursday 25 November Norwegian Carol Concert St Giles’ Cathedral at 7pm. Free In honour of our cultural links and to celebrate our close association with Norway, Hordaland County Council and Edinburgh University Chamber Choir will host a traditional Carol Concert in the City Church of Edinburgh, St Giles’ Cathedral. Its glorious architecture makes a wonderful setting for carol singing for all the family.

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All these events and more can be found on our Thursday 25 November – Thursday 24 December Traditional German Christmas Market (Mound) Sun – Wed 10am – 8pm, Thu – Sat 10am – 10pm. Free entry. The popular market is back as always, selling a mix of classic and contemporary gifts as well as a range of German food and drink ideal for warming up the chilly bits. Tasty delights include hearty sausages, fried potato cakes, crepes and German beer, as well as the now famous Glühwein.

Sunday 28 November, History with Puppets at Christmas performances at 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 3pm £2 per adult/child Special Puppet Shows at Lauriston Castle with Alba Adventure Company.

Come and join in the antics as the Alba Puppet Crew prepare for Christmas.

To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963, or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

Thursday 25 November – Tuesday 4 January Traditional

Monday 29 November, Real Nappy Information Session Real Nappy Information Sessions - hear about and see some of the different types of nappies available and view the trial packs and lending kits available. Free practical advice. 5.30pm - 6.30pm, St John’s Hospital, Parentcraft Room (Next to OPD3), West Lothian. Please note that space is limited. Please email realnappies@changeworks.org.uk or call 0131 555 4010 to reserve your place.

Highland Village Christmas Market (East Princes Street Gardens). Sun – Wed 10am – 8pm, Thu – Sat 10am – 10pm.

Free entry. From Scottish food treats to woolly hats and tarot readings, this market is eclectic, vibrant and fun.

Beneath the Edinburgh Wheel and above the ice rink, the location of this market makes a superb setting for Christmas browsing.

Saturday 27 November 2pm 3pm Children's Afternoon Advent Adventure Polwarth Church, 38 Polwarth, Terrace, Edinburgh. Advent Adventure for children preparing for Christmas with story and craft. Most suitable for the under 8s, but all ages upto Primary 7 will be catered for.

From Saturday 27th November Breakfast with Santa Join Santa for a special breakfast and take part in party style entertainment. Tickets £9.95 per child. Advanced booking is advisable. Please check in-store for specific dates and times. Dobbies Garden Centres, Melville Nursery, Lasswade Telephone: 0131 663 6778 Saturday 27 November Meet a Tree with the RSPB. 10am – 3pm. Real Life Science Studio, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. All ages. Free. Celebrate National Tree Week with a day full of tree games and activities.

Saturday 27 November Rose Covered Cottages 10.30 am – 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm. £4 per adult/child Museum of Childhood is packed with lovely old doll’s houses. Taking inspiration from the houses you will get the chance to make your own little house, reflecting your ‘special’ place and you will even get the chance to make your own little furniture.

Classes cost £4 per person and are specially designed for families working together, they are best suited for ages 5+. Booking is essential contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963. margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Saturday 27– Tuesday 30 November St Andrew’s Weekend. 11am – 4 pm daily. Four days’ celebration of the Bard ,appropriately set in St Andrew Square. Enjoy a series of free family-based activities including workshops, storytelling and facepainting, all rounded off with a good foot stomping ceilidh on St Andrew’s day itself.

Sunday 28 November A Tale of Two Squirrels. 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Real Life Science Studio, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Age 8+. Free. Find out how scientists from the Moredun Research Institute are working to save the red squirrel population.

Sunday 28 November St Andrew’s Day. 13:45, 14:45 (30mins). Free Celebrate St Andrew’s Day with performances by the talented Edinburgh Tattoo Highland Ceilidh Dancers and perhaps pick up a few steps along the way.

In association with the Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust.

National Museum of Scotland 28 November HO, HO, HO, Get fit, have fun save lives!

The Edinburgh Santa “dook” is a fun family event suitable for all ages and abilities as well as keen swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as those looking for an unusual day out in support of the Nations Heart Charity!

Have a jolly good time dressed as Santa in the free suits sent to all adults and if you are under 16 take part in our fancy dress competition with great prizes!

Help to save lives by getting active in Edinburgh this winter.

Start time 11am. A Santa Dook, all participants don their santa suits and “dook” in the sea for maximum of three min. Brave the cold for BHF Scotland.

Cramond Promenade Entry fee £10 (adult) £5 child

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2 – 31 December The Snow Queen A magical story to melt the iciest heart this Christmas, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street, Edinburgh To book tickets please call the box office on 0131 248 4848.

For group bookings of 10+ please call 0131 248 4849.

Weekends, 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th, 18th & 19th December plus the 23rd and 24th of December.

Santa at Almond Valley

Meet Santa in his cottage in the forest, receive an early Christmas present, join in Christmas crafts and enjoy the magic of a traditional Christmas. Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Millfield. Livingston, West Lothian EH54 7AR. 01506 414 957. Standard admission charges apply (adults £5, children £3.50) with the Santa Visit and very worthwhile present an additional £3.50 per child.

Open 10-5 each day 4 December – 23 January Jack and The Beanstalk This year’s King’s Theatre production features the biggest giant and tallest beanstalk in pantoland! Tickets, with concessions and group discounts available at selected performances, can be booked online at www.kingstheatre.org.uk or on 0131 529 6000.

Saturday 4th December Morningside Montessori Christmas Fair 9.30 – 12 noon. Come along for a fun-filled festive morning at our Christmas Fair at Christ Church Hall, Holy Corner. There will be lots to keep the little ones amused, including face painting, fun games and craft activities, as well as delicious home baking, tea and coffee and exciting Christmas shopping opportunities. There will also be the opportunity to find out about the Montessori nursery. All welcome. Admission £1 and includes a free cup of tea/coffee.

Saturday 4 – 9 December The Real Scottish Christmas Fair Scottish traditional and contemporary music, samples, tastings, information, innovation and inspiration! Hot food and drinks available throughout and plenty of tempting Christmas shopping. Castle Street Saturday 4th December Christmas Fayre 10am untill 2pm, in Balgreen Bowling Club, off Pansy Walk.

Will include a variety of stalls and childrens activities, including a visit from Santa!

Home baking, soup and sandwiches available at a small cost!

A great opportunity to visit us and see how we run, staff on hand to answer any questions regarding Balgreen playgroup.

Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 December Secret Garden Fun Day 11am – 3pm. Real Life Science Studio, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh All ages. Free. Join artists from the Festival Theatre Edinburgh as they explore their Christmas show The Secret Garden (9 Dec – 8 Jan) through drama, workshops storytelling, face painting and drawing competitions. Full activity information at www.secretgardenmusical.co.uk

website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk 4th and 5th December Christmas in the Courtyard 10-4pm. Escape the pressures of the high street and join us in the courtyard of the Stables where the shop will have plenty of lovely gift ideas, The Coffee House will be serving festive treats and there will be live music and Christmassy events on throughout the weekend. Free entry.

Sunday 5 December Edinburgh Christmas Walk 2010 11am – 12.30pm. Start at Inverleith Park, sign up at www.challengescotland.com. All ages. Enjoy a walk around Inverleith Park, through the Botanics, along the Water of Leith, through Stockbridge and back to Inverleith Park.

4th December– Crafty Christmas – 10-11am Join the Ranger to make your own Christmas decorations from recycled and natural materials. Get festive and save the planet! Children £2, booking essential 5th December – Winter wildlife – 10-11am Take a walk with the Ranger around the estate to see what our wildlife is up to at this time of year – a fantastic way to escape the pressures of the season for a little ecotherapy. Adults £2, children £1, booking recommended Newhailes, Newhailes Road, Musselburgh, EH21 6RY. NT 325 724. Meet at the Visitor Centre in the Stables for all events. Most events require booking, contact the Ranger 0844 493 2124.

Sunday 5th December The Santa Toddle A walk for the "little ones". Santa arrives in Inverleith Park at 12.15pm. 1st toddle at 12.30pm, next at 1.00pm and the last at 1.30pm. Age 6 years or under.

On entering (entry fee £5) the toddle each child will receive a special Santa Toddle sponsor form and number and as they complete the toddle Santa will give them a medal, certificate and Santa goody bag. www.challengescotland.com

Sunday 5 December, 2-4pm Art Cart (Ages 3-12) Free activities for all the family, inspired each month by different works from the collection or exhibitions. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound.

Sunday 5th December, 10.30am & 12noon Little Seedlings Club – Christmas Party. Come along and have some fun at the Little Seedlings Christmas party – you might even get to meet Santa. Dobbies Garden Centres, Melville Nursery, Lasswade. Telephone: 0131 663 6778 Sunday 5 December Christmas Pantomime – Beauty and the Beast M&M Theatrical Productions are proud to present their adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Performance times 11.30am & 2.30pm. Education Centre Pre booking advised but not essential. Free with Zoo admission Suitable for all ages, especially 4 – 12yrs. Booking hotline for all events is 0131 314 0355 or book online at www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/whatson

Sunday 5 December Christmas Shining Lights 12:00 – 16:00. Free (drop in). Take inspiration from our Shining Lights exhibition to create your own dazzling decoration for your Christmas tree with artist-jeweller Dorothy Hogg MBE. All materials are provided. National Museum of Scotland Sunday 5 December WEANS' WORLD Films for a younger audience. Tickets cost £2.50 per person, big or small! at 1.00pm and Mon 6 Dec at 11.00am

Laura's Star

One night Laura watches a little star fall from the sky. With loving care, she mends its broken point – and it’s the beginning of a fantastic friendship. But Laura soon realizes, that in spite of all the love she feels, she must let the star go and return to its home in the universe. If the star stayed on Earth, it would fade away..

FILMHOUSE, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ Box Office 0131 228 2688

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All these events and more can be found on our Thursday 9th December, 6.30pm – 9pm Farm Foodhall Festive Feast Visit Dobbies Farm Foodhall for an evening of festive inspiration – discover the best produce to make the perfect Christmas dinner and indulge in samples of locally sources produce. Tickets £1 and all proceeds will be donated to charity.

Dobbies Garden Centres, Melville Nursery, Lasswade Telephone: 0131 663 6778

11th December Winter wildlife. 10-11.30am. Take a walk with the Ranger around the estate at the Binns to see what our wildlife is up to at this time of year – a fantastic way to escape the pressures of the season for a little ecotherapy.

Adults £4, children £2, booking essential. House of the Binns, Linlithgow, EH49 7NA. Off the A904, NT 050 782. Meet in the car park. All events must be booked in advance, call the Ranger on 0844 493 2124.

9 December – January The Secret Garden "A treat for all ages. A garden of delights” The Daily Mail Festival Theatre, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh www.festivaltheatre.org.uk / 0131 529 6000

Sunday 12 December Make a Christmas Wreath 12.30pm – 3pm. Patrick Geddes Room, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Age 5+.

Free. Join the team from Alchemy Arts to transform household materials into beautiful Christmas wreaths for your door or mantelpiece. Combine urban waste with natural materials to create a Christmas that is quirky, creative and green!

Friday 10 December, 7pm & Sat 11 Dec, 2.30pm (90mins), £10/£8, Family ticket £30 (4 people), Age 4+ A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, told by Mike Maran. With music performed live on stage by Alison Stephens. God Bless Us, Everyone!

Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh

Sunday 12 December Talking Trees Storytelling 2pm – 3pm. Patrick Geddes Room, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Age 5+.

Free. Come and enjoy winter tales with the Botanics’ own storytellers.

Saturday 11 Dec 2010 – Sunday 20 March 2011 Conserving Ecologies: Craft and Biodiversity. 9.30am – 6pm. John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. All Ages. Free. Celebrating the diversity of Scotland’s contemporary craftmakers and our natural environment, this exhibition will explore how our choices impact on the world we live in.

Saturday 11 December – Sat 8 Jan 2010 Secret Garden Trail 10am – 3.30pm. Age 5+. Free. Collect a self-guided trail from the John Hope Gateway reception desk, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Explore the hidden secrets of the Garden by following a special trail created in celebration of The Secret Garden musical at the Festival Theatre.

Saturday 11 – Sunday 19 December The Ethical Christmas Fair Castle Street. Mon – Sat 10am – 7pm, Sun 10am – 5pm . Free Entry Ethical and sustainable gifts, decorations and jewellery sit side by side with food and drink including curries, honey and plenty of sampling Saturday 11 December Craft and Biodiversity 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Real Life Science Studio, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Age 8+. Free. Enjoy a hands-on session inspired by the Conserving Ecologies exhibition.

Muppet Christmas Carol WEANS' WORLD Films for a younger audience. Tickets cost £2.50 per person, big or small!

Saturday 11 December at 1.00, Sun 12 Dec 1.00pm and Mon 13 Dec at 11.00am A fun but meaningful adaptation of the Dickens story, with Gonzo taking on the role of Dickens and narrating the tale, along with the help of Rizzo the Rat. FILMHOUSE, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ Box Office 0131 228 2688

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Sunday 12 December The Great Scottish Santa Run West Princes Street Gardens, by the Ross Bandstand. 11am, registration opens from 10 am . £10 adults – includes Santa suit to keep; £5 children. Register at www.edinburghschristmas.com Once more, there will be a flurry of red and white as Scotland’s fantastic fundraising Santas dash around the gardens. Running a circuit of 1.5km in Princes Street Gardens, The Great Scottish Santa Run is a fantastic way to raise money for charity and get fighting fit for Christmas at the same time.

Includes free Santa suit for over 12s. Whether you run, walk or stroll, come along and earn your Christmas pud!

Sunday 12 December Christmas Choirs. 13:45, 14:45, 15:45 (30mins). Free Add your voice to an afternoon of festive concerts. Sing along with local choirs, including the Edinburgh University Renaissance Singers and the Edinburgh Youth Choir. See www.nms.ac.uk for the complete line-up. National Museum of Scotland Friday 14 December Tiny Tales Christmas Tales for Tots with Tim Porteus. Accompanying adult free.

10 & 11.30am (40mins), £5 per child, Age 6 months – 3 years Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh 14 December – 9 January Hairspray Big Hair, Big Heart, Big Hit - Book Now! Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 847 1660 www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 December Supersonic Christmas Come and meet Santa in his aeroplane for a sky-high Christmas. Includes a gift from Santa. Adults £9.00 Concessions £7.00 Child £5 (includes a gift from Santa) 12:00-16:00. National Museum of Flight From Saturday 18th December Supper with Santa Join Santa for a special meal and take part in party style entertainment. Tickets £9.95 per child. Advanced booking is advisable. Please check in-store for specific dates and times. Dobbies Garden Centres, Melville Nursery, Lasswade Telephone: 0131 663 6778

website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 December Christmas Spices 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Age 5+. Free. Learn about Christmas spices and take part in hands-on activities.

Saturday 18 December An Enchanted Christmas in the Museum 10.30 am – 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm. £4 per adult/child Inspired by all the old toys in the Museum of Childhood make the most adorable little framed pictures and Christmas cards and tags depicting old toys.

Classes cost £4 per person and are specially designed for families working together, they are best suited for ages 5+. Booking is essential contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963. margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Saturday18 & Thursday 24 December, Stories Round the Tree Storytelling Nativity with Sylvia Troon, Allison Galbraith & Ian Turbitt - Christmas storytelling magic for ages 4 upwards followed by an enchanting puppet nativity.

1.30pm & 3pm (50mins), £4/£3 Family ticket £12 (4 people), Age 4+ Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh Sunday 19 December, 2-4pm Bags of Art (Ages 3-12) Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Gallery of Modern Art, Belford Road 19th December Festive Fun Day. Join the team at the Scottish Seabird Centre for a day of festive fun with face painting, winter trails and much more. See www.seabird.org for further details. Included in cost of admission. Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick

The Wizard of Oz WEANS' WORLD. Films for a younger audience. Tickets cost £2.50 per person, big or small!

Sunday 19 December at 1.00pm and Mon 20 Dec at 11.00am Filled with extravagant sets and costumes and glorious song and dance routines, Dorothy's adventures in Oz are pure delight, even more so on the big screen.

FILMHOUSE, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ Box Office 0131 228 2688 Sunday 19 December Talking Trees Storytelling. 2pm – 3pm. Patrick Geddes Room, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Age 5+. Free. Come and hear winter tales from the Botanics’ storytellers

Sunday 19 December Christmas Bells 12:45, 13:45, 14:45 (20mins). Free Join the Parish of Dunkeld handbell ringers as they fill the Museum with festive chimes and cheer. National Museum of Scotland

Raymond Briggs Trilogy WEANS' WORLD Films for a younger audience. Tickets cost £2.50 per person, big or small!

Friday 24 Dec at 1.00pm The Snowman. A young boy's snowman comes to life at midnight and together they set out on a wonderful adventure.

Father Christmas. This irreverent Santa breaks from tradition in many ways. He has no Mrs, owns only four reindeer, and decides to convert his sleigh into an airborne motor home for a pre-Christmas trip to Vegas.

The Bear. A polar bear returns a teddy bear to a little girl and so begins a beautiful friendship.

FILMHOUSE, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ Box Office 0131 228 2688 Monday 27 – Thursday 30 December

Christmas Art Competition

10:00 – 17:00. Free (drop in). Our popular art competition is back!

Explore the National Museum of Scotland galleries and our Shining Lights exhibition to find a favourite object to draw or paint. Paper, pencils and drawing boards are provided in this challenge suitable for all ages and abilities. If you wish to use colour, please bring your own materials. National Museum of Scotland Friday 31 December Hogmanay Family Ceilidh 14:00 (1.5hrs). Free. Join the Canongate Cadjers Ceilidh Band for a lively, fun afternoon of traditional music, song and dance to bring in the New Year. It’s enthusiasm not experience that counts! National Museum of Scotland Friday 31 December Hogmanay Hoots 2.30pm (60mins), £4/£3 Family ticket £12 (4 people), Age 6+ Festive family fun with New Year guises, first and last fits and Robin Hood! Mac-AStory present tales, songs and panto-esque madness for the daft days between Christmas and Hogmanay. Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh

31 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 63

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