Families Edinburgh May/June 2014

e e r F ®

ISSUE 84 May/June 2014

• Singing • Dancing • Drama • Musical Theatre Classes for Children (from 4), Teens and Adults

www.actingoutuk.com 07704 714 607

hello@actingoutuk.com

Individual coaching, Workshop & Party Hire

Scottish Charity Number SC020862

FANCY DRESS TEDDY TODDLE AND SUMMER FAIR www.welovefrugi.com

SPONSORED WALK FOR TODDLERS & TEDDIES AND A FANTASTIC DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY! 12 noon to 4pm Saturday 31st May Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh

TEDDY TODDLE SUMMER FAIR £5 per toddler Adults £1, children free To enter contact Linda Cameron 0131 668 4949 linda.cameron@luht.scot.nhs.uk www.edinburghsickkids.org/events

Come and join the fun on this great day out!

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Tel. 0131 622 0405

Welcome to the May/June issue of Families Edinburgh!

Maybe because it’s our 14th birthday or maybe we’re just full of of the joys of spring but there are a whopping SEVEN competitions in this issue for you!

As always I’m keeping my fingers firmly crossed for some sunshine so we can all get out and about in this beautiful city with our families. Quite frankly I’ll settle for “not blowing a gale” as a forecast* - there are so many amazing things happening in May and June around Edinburgh.

Enjoy!

Sarah

*Not to be quoted back to me. In truth I will only be happy if the sun is shining!

What’s inside...

3–5 6–7 8 9 10 11 12 14 – 15 16 – 19 20 – 25 26 – 31

Local News and Views Clubs and Classes News Mindfulness by Fertility Focus CV Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make by Fiona Anderson Children’s Speech and Language by Meave Dillon, Edinburgh Speech Therapy Eye Examinations Linda Quinn, Downes Opticians Say No to Yo-Yo by Lauren Hayes, Persevere Weight Management Competitions Family Holidays Summer Camps and Activities Out and About

Get in Touch Editor: Sarah Adair editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 0131 622 0405 Keep up to date online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @familiesedinbur Find us on Facebook Designer: kdickson7@gmail.com

On the Cover Image supplied courtesy of Frugi.

Checked Shirt £22 Cornish Printed t-shirt £15, Jeans £28 Available at www.welovefrugi.com

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news and

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Skylark Cafe

Skylark Cafe on Hamilton Place serves the best crispy smoked bacon rolls in Stockbridge. The coffee is pretty good too and as an independent local business amongst all the usual big franchises, they offer great value and quality.

Food for kids include a range of small sandwiches, waffles and beans, houmous dip with pitta and red pepper dippers and the hot chocolate is made with real Belgian chocolate drops melted into silky steamed milk. Homebaked cakes, brownies, fresh smoothies and scones will tempt the adults and their delicious soups are all home made, vegetarian and gluten and dairy free. All of the above are available to takeaway or opt to sit in and chat or read the papers while the kids play in the cosy play area. With room to park pushchairs and plenty of highchairs, Skylark is a welcome addition to the Stockbridge family scene. www.skylarkcafeedin.com Race for Life, 5k and 10k events, Holyrood Park, 15 June 2014. Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k and 10k events which raise millions of pounds every year to help defeat cancer by funding life-saving research. Everyone who takes part in Race for Life, from the participants themselves to the millions of supporters who sponsor and encourage them, becomes part of a powerful collective force rising up to beat cancer sooner. To enter Race for Life today go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.

Speur-Ghlan For the past 4 years Speur-Ghlan, an innovative Bridge of Allan based charity, have been using the latest evidence based approaches to autism therapy.

“We are proud to announce that on 28th and 29th May we will be hosting Drs Lynn and Robert Koegel from the University of California to deliver their Level I Pivotal Response Therapy (PRT) training course.

PRT is currently one of the best validated and most well researched approaches to supporting children with autism and other communication difficulties, and focuses heavily on parent training and involvement.”

Although the course is also suitable for professionals, the training is very relevant for family members who want to learn how to support their child to communicate, interact and play through the use of very practical but effective strategies. PRT is particularly successful in encouraging speech in young children with autism, and through training parents in PRT strategies to use at home, many of our children are finding their first words. www.earlyinterventionscotland.org

Monkey Music Monkey Music is 21 years old this year! To mark this special occasion, Monkey Music classes across Edinburgh will be hosting a week of fun filled birthday party classes and competitions, sharing the magical fun and learning of Monkey Music with hundreds of local families and are inviting you all to join in the fun!

But Monkey’s 21st isn’t just a celebration, it’s a chance for Monkey Music to raise some money and support the brilliant work of our very own Edinburgh based charity The Teapot Trust and Monkey Music’s National Charity Partner Nordoff Robbins. To raise money for these fantastic charities the Monkey Music Edinburgh team will be holding a fun filled party week in June of this year in conjunction with a themed Tea Party event on June 14th at LifeCare Centre Stockbridge. Throughout the afternoon, from 2pm - 5pm, there will be many activities for children of all ages and light refreshments. www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Be part of it!

With the Tryathon, the School Run and Afternoons in the Meadows, the European Youth Climbing Championship, plus a wealth of camps and coaching to choose from, kids in the capital can look forward to their most active, fun filled summer ever.

The Scotmid-sponsored School Run and Tryathon is on Saturday 14 June (www.theschoolrun2014.com) Join the School Run, which will start at Holyrood Palace at 12.30 and follow the Queen’s Baton route, and if you nominate your sports club or school your £3 entry fee will go directly to them.

Then budding sports stars can have a go at any of 15 Commonwealth Games sports at iconic Meadowbank Stadium with the ‘Tryathon’, part of the Games for Scotland legacy programme.

Participants will be able to collect a stamp for every sport tried in a Passport, and once ‘trained’, will qualify for the Challenge – a sporting obstacle course putting the various sporting skills learnt to the test.

Plus don’t miss Edinburgh Leisure’s Party in the Meadows on June 27th to celebrate the start of the summer of sports, which will see plenty of free activities and taster sports offered throughout July. Visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk for more information

Marchmont Playgroup Marchmont Playgroup is a fun drop-off playgroup for 2¼ to 4yrs run from the Marchmont St. Giles’ Church. Open every Tues, Wed and Thurs from 9.30-12 during term times. Fully equipped with large outdoor play area and healthy snack provided every session. Places available now! Email marchmontstgilespg@gmail.com or call 07504 035 420 1A Kilgraston Road EH9 2DW www.marchmontplaygroup.org.uk

Home help me

Sick Kids Summer Fair and Teddy Toddle

Home help me is there to help the elderly and busy families with anything from house cleaning, ironing, dog sitting/walking to helping in the garden. Any general work needing done even if it's just company for the elderly.

“We are here to help to make life that little bit easier as we all know life can be a bit crazy sometimes.”

Call Diane on 07887846404

Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh Saturday 31st May, 12 to 4pm The annual Sick Kids Friends Foundation Summer Fair and Teddy Toddle offers a fantastic day out for the whole family with something for everyone including; fun and fundraising stalls, food, fairground rides, bouncy castle, crafts, face painting, dancing, music, entertainment, workshops and much more.

The Teddy Toddle is a sponsored walk for toddlers and their favourite teddies. Over 1,000 people joined us for last year’s event and over £16,000 was raised, with your help we hope to make this much loved event even bigger and better.

Watch out for surprise celebrities too, you never know who might be toddling beside you or joining in with your picnic!

Visit www.edinburghsickkids.org/events Entry fee is £5 and the suggested minimum sponsorship for each toddler is £30 but you can raise as much as you like, as every penny will help make Sick Kids even better.

Head to Toe Summer Style Age 0-8 From Beautiful Summer Outfits, UV Protective Swimwear to Funky Crocs & Sandals.

Next Issue: July/August 2014 Edinburgh Fringe for Kids • More Summer Camps and Activities • Days Out Booking Deadline May 30th 2014 Call 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

10-12 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU

Tel: 0131 225 1242 www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk 3 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

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Get Scotland Dancing - gets families dancing!

Dance Base is working closely with the nationwide project Get Scotland Dancing to bring lots of great free dance experiences for the whole family to Edinburgh. From a family Dance-a-long movie (Sun 8 June) to free dance taster sessions at Dance Base, an open air stage on the Grassmarket encouraging everyone to 'Dance Through the Decades' (Sun 15 June), to a family Tryathon at Meadowbank with have a go dance sessions (Sat 14 June). Plus during the summer term all Edinburgh school children will have the chance to get involved in the Big Dance Pledge which will be performed on the mound on 16 May and with Active Schools an exciting Virtual Flash Mob Haka, which any school or community group can get involved in, leading to a massive video-tastic Haka flash mob to celebrate New Zealand, Edinburgh's second team in the Commonwealth Games.

Phew, we defy you and your family not to get dancing this summer! www.dancebase.co.uk www.getscotlanddancing.org

Planet Cafe

Homestead Help

Check Out Planet Cafe’s delicious new summer menu, freshly whipped ice cream and fun filled daily activities. From captivating story telling and Arty Tots to Crocheting and eye brow threading.

There is really something for everyone so come along let your little one have fun while you relax and even pamper! Membership cards are also on offer from 8.50 per calendar month.

An offer you can’t refuse! www.planetcafeedin.co.uk Planet Cafe, Baileyfield Road, Portobello

Making light work of your housework so you have more time for you.

Homestead Help ensures your home is your haven, whether you are busy with the kids or up to your eyes at work. We give you back that precious commodity -time for you. All of our housekeepers are fully insured, vetted and work to the highest standards of care.

For more information please call Emma on 0131 555 3656 or 07973904881 or email at emma@homesteadhelp.co.uk

Budding young authors get their pens at the ready as this year's National Young Writers' Award returns.

The competition, now in its sixth year, will be judged by Liz Pichon, best-selling author of the Tom Gates series of books. Children aged 5 to 14 are invited to write a 500 word short story on this year's theme, "Fairytales and Fables". The competition is organised by tuition provider Explore Learning and is open for entries from 7 April until 3 June, with a prize of a trip to Disneyland Paris for the whole family and £500 of books for the winner’s school.

“Many children have a gift for writing,” says Heather Garrick from Explore Learning, “and it's so important to nurture this from an early age to build up confidence and, most importantly, have fun and develop their imagination."

Enter at www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

A Summer of fun at Maddie & Mark’s Play Town Did you know that Maddie & Mark’s Play Town at Ocean Terminal are offering a Drop & Shop service for kids aged 3-10 over the Summer holidays? Drop the kids off for a couple of hours of enjoyment in their exciting soft play and imagination zone and you can head away for some hassle free shopping. The kid’s get juice and a snack and you get a well deserved break - all for only £8.50 a head. You can also buy a Summer passport so you can pick and choose when you all pop in and enjoy their fun packed themed calendar of activities. Only £40 for 10, £30 for 7 and £22.50 for 5 entries, no matter what the age of the child. Use them all in one session with a group of kids, or spread them right across the break. There will even be an outdoor play space filled with giant games and access to the Ocean Terminal ‘beach’. Find out more or book on 0131 555 1900 or www.maddieandmarks.co.uk

DFit - Adult Dance and Fitness Class.

Take some time for yourself and drop into one of our weekly DFit classes and 'feel amazing' We offer Ballet and Tap at Beginner and Inter level, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in our two specially designed dance studios. If your looking to tip tap the night away, creating rhythms and patterns or you enjoy soothing ballet music and are aiming to build strength and poise pop down and give one of our classes a go.

As well as traditional dance classes, founder of DFit Nicky Pyrah has created two fitness classes, D.Burnmix and D.Cardio. After running children's dance classes for a number of years and listening to what mums and dads were after, Nicky wanted to create a variety of classes that included toning, high energy bursts and a dance stretch. Carefully combing these elements to develop lean, strong and agile bodies, along with laughter and smiles!

Contact us today at dfit@studiod14.co.uk or check out our website for class details and timetable www.studiodedinburgh.co.uk All classes are held at StudioD - The Basement @ 4 Hutchison Terrace, EH14 1QB

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Real Foods Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

World of Football The World of Football has been hosting party packages for over 10 years and provides an unforgettable experience. We are pleased to introduce our latest hassle free party package - Bubble parties!

Our bubble parties last 90 minutes and always start off with a quick play safe demonstration. Your dedicated party host will tailor the demonstration based on your child's age there will be no complicated instructions. After the demonstration and when everyone is comfortable in their bubbles, it will be straight in to the mini games.

The party host will tailor the games based on your child’s age. After the run around it is time for a quick refreshment before more mini games. Food will be served straight after the activities in one of our dedicated party rooms. For full information visit www.worldoffootball.com or call now on 0131 443 0404

The world's largest equine sculptures are ready to be met by the world!

St George’s Nursery: Join us at our Fantastical Nursery Open Morning

Standing majestically at 30 metres tall and weighing 300 tonnes, they tower over the Forth & Clyde canal in the Falkirk and Grangemouth area of Central Scotland and are situated in the new Helix project - 350 hectares of recreational green space. Designed by renowned artist Andy Scott, The Kelpies symbolise the rich horse powered heritage of the local area and have become an icon for the local area across the world’s media.

Visitors can also experience The Kelpies as part of a guided tour taking you through their story, from their origin, what they symbolise and the engineering work involved in these stunning works of art. The pinnacle of the tour is that visitors will be able to step inside a Kelpie and gain a unique viewpoint.

Pre booked guided tour tickets are available to purchase now at www.thehelix.co.uk. Tour guests will be able to hear all about the history, art and engineering behind Andy Scott's icons as well as being able to get the most exclusive shots of The Kelpies - from the inside out!

A good quality nursery education provides a gentle introduction to the world of school. At St George’s Nursery we aim to provide the best possible start at school: educational excellence inside and outside the classroom.

Girls and boys have plenty of outdoor space where they can play in trees, plant vegetables and learn by exploring the world which they inhabit. Our extensive grounds, including five adventure areas, (fantastical forest, wild wood, secret garden and fort, Junior School playground and school playing fields), offer very many opportunities for imaginative role-play, adventure play and environmental learning.

Children thrive on fresh air and are stimulated by their natural surroundings. These experiences provide an outdoor extension to what is learnt inside.

If you would like to find out more, join us at our Fantastical Nursery Open Morning on Saturday 17 May, from 9.30 am – 11.00 am, when you can visit the Nursery and its fantastical forest, and meet with and talk to teaching staff.

The morning will include a short talk by Anne Everest, Head of St George’s, and Paula Dennis, Head of Nursery. There will be a range of fun activities on offer for nursery aged children including storytelling with “Princess Poppy” author, Janey Jones, as well as activities in art and sport.

To book attendance please contact Karen Batty t: 0131 311 8008. You can also watch our videos on the value of a nursery education at St George’s at www.stge.org.uk/pre-school.

Carebears Carebears is a family run nursery with space for over 60 children from birth to pre-school.

Carebears offers a high quality caring environment for children, creating a warm, friendly and stimulating atmosphere in which the children can develop emotionally, socially and educationally through individual and group activities.

The nursery building has lots of character - including many spacious rooms and a large secured garden with fun outdoor resources and lots of space for ball games.

At Carebears nursery we have the advantage of having many parks within walking distance. Our great location means we are able to feed the horses and learn about different animals in their habitats.

We offer weekly language and dance classes and provide a breakfast/ after school club for primary aged children.

Attractive joining incentives available along with sibling discounts. You have the option to leave your car at nursery and catch the bus to work due to ample parking spaces.

Call to arrange a visit on 0131 672-1911 55 Liberton Gardens, EH16 6JT Opening hours - 7.30am - 6.30pm

Coconut oil has long been recognised as a healthy nutrition option and is equally kind to the outside of the body as a skin or hair conditioner. Real Foods Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a pure form of coconut oil that has not been hydrogenated, bleached, refined or deodorised. Buy in-store or online for just £7.85 per 500ml. Free delivery for all online UK orders over £24 - subject to terms. www.realfoods.co.uk Broughton Street and Brougham Street, Edinburgh

The Salt Cave Hay fever is a common allergic condition that affects up to one-in-five people at some point in their life.

Many people are allergic to trees, pollen and grass, and suffer from hay fever as a result, and once a person becomes sensitive to a given allergen, B cells produce IgE antibodies against it, which stimulates the release of histamines and causes the symptoms of sneezing, a blocked runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

• Salt therapy helps by clearing up the mucus • It aids relief of congested and contracted airways • 100% natural and safe for any age • Salt is a natural antihistamine and by lowering IgE levels in your body it clears up the symptoms of hay fever Inhaling fine particles of salt into the entire respiratory system helps relieve inflammation, breaks up mucus and relieves congestion. As a result of the therapy breathing becomes easier and the immune system grows stronger making you more resistant to allergic reactions such as hay fever.

Children can play here and they will not even realise they are under treatment!

The Salt Cave, Meadowbank, Edinburgh, is open Tuesday to Saturday, and your first session is free!

0131 510 1091 www.saltcave.co.uk

The 5th Edinburgh International Magic Festival The 5th Edinburgh International Magic Festival is once again bringing the most innovative and amazing performers from all over the world to Edinburgh from 27 June - 4 July 2014.

This year magic smashes into theatre, science, comedy, history, sideshow, technology and psychology. Performers are coming to Edinburgh from the widest fields of interest in order to give you the most magical experience possible.

As always this year's festival opens with the Gala Show at the Royal Lyceum Theatre - it's the most diverse yet, with performers from six different countries on one stage. Look out for our brand new treasure hunt event "Tower of Illusion" at the astonishing Camera Obscura and some very intriguing shows at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and our new venue, Adam House Theatre.

Young magicians will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of sleight of hand, make new friends and meet some of the coolest magicians at “Magic School” for kids aged 7-10 and “Street Magic Master Class” for kids aged 11-15.

Bookings for the Festival are now open and tickets are available from the Hub box office: 0131 473 2000 or online www.magicfest.co.uk.

2 Weeks

Free when you join* Just quote

Families Edinburgh *until end of June

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MonkEy MUSIC Monkey Music is 21 years old this year! To mark this special occasion, Monkey Music classes across Edinburgh will be hosting a week of fun filled birthday party classes and competitions, sharing the magical fun and learning of Monkey Music with hundreds of local families and are inviting you all to join in the fun!

And that’s not all – new families who join Monkey Music for the first time during the party season will be offered a special half price birthday membership discount for a limited period. Phew there’s a lot going on!

“Please, join us! Come along and share the fun!”

If you’d like to know more about your local Monkey Music classes’ and our 21st Birthday party classes in June 2014, or to book a FREE class, then please contact: Lisa Fleming (Edinburgh South) 0131 441 4581 Morningside.pentland@monkeymusic.co.uk Rachel Huggins (Edinburgh North) 0131 260 9667 comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk

PlAnET DAnCE AT PlAnET CAfE IS noW offErIng ExCITIng nEW DAnCE ClASSES!

MonkEy DrAMA – DrAMA for THE EArly yEArS

There’s no adventure like a Monkey Drama adventure! These unique themed drama classes are for children aged 2-5. Each week the children will go on a different themed adventure where they will use their imaginations and props to learn, imagine and explore!

Monkey Drama was created by Alana Myant, 33, while on Maternity Leave with her now 2 year old daughter Hanna “We are not a stage school, therefore our focus is not on performance and is more about building your child’s personal and social skills through dramatic play and activity…with drama the possibilities are endless!”

The children can engage at their own level and the sessions are above all else, fun and creative! There are great props, characters, stories, problems to solve and skills to learn along the way! The children get a certificate at the end of each session to show what they have “Learned, Imagined and Explored”.

The classes will be running every Monday in North Merchiston Club at 11am and Juniper Green Village Hall at 3.30pm. Spaces are limited so booking is essential! Get in touch to book your FREE TRIAL! Classes are £6 weekly or £27.50 for a block of 5 or £50 for a block of 10. Great discounts for siblings!

Alison, Mum of Annabel says, “My little girl (2 and a half) absolutely loves monkey drama. She talks about it all the time and is always incorporating the monkey drama adventures into her everyday play. It is great for encouraging imaginative play and creativity. I can't recommended highly enough :)” To find out more about classes, parties or bringing Monkey Drama to your nursery call Alana 07736298013, email alana@monkeydrama.co.uk or visit www.monkeydrama.co.uk There’s no adventure like a Monkey Drama Adventure! So come and join us!

Baby Boogie improves confidence, co-ordination and independence. For preschoolers on Tuesday mornings, 10-10.45am. Price of class also includes unlimited play time!

From 4pm (on a Monday) during term time there is Toddler Dance, Ballet and Tap classes. Older Children can enjoy Musical Theatre Dance and Singing. Check website for more details Located on Baileyfield Road in Portobello, there is ample on-street parking available. Enjoy fresh baking and artisan coffee while you watch your children play. www.planetcafeedin.co.uk

BAl-A-VIS-x Bal-A-Vis-X training for parents, teachers, occupational & health professionals will be in Scotland on 20-22 June 2014.

Bal-A-Vis-X is a series of balance, auditory, vision exercises of varied complexity, all of which are deeply rooted in rhythm. The exercises are done using sandbags, racquetballs, and sometimes on balance boards.

Bal-A-Vis-X is for everyone and can benefit: dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, APD, ASD, speech & language and more.

“I came along to the Bal-A-Vis-X training with not a clue what to expect and feeling a bit nervous. I left feeling happy and encouraged that I could begin to help my son with some of his challenges in a way that he would thoroughly enjoy. The training was excellent, a good mix of demonstration, explanation and actual practice”.

After taking Bal-A-Vis-X training you will be able to work with your own child or students.

Bill Hubert, the Bal-A-Vis-X programme developer will be here in Scotland to train you, for three days of hands-on listening, learning and fun. This year you may also bring your child age between 8-18 years.

For more information contact Jane Oliver W: www.brightbrain-scotland.co.uk E: jane@brightbrain-scotland.co.uk M: 07512311317

Progressive multi-sensory fun approach Beginners to advanced Mother & Toddler Holiday Clubs

Contact 0131 510 7101 www.spanishamigos.co.uk kirsty@spanishamigos.co.uk

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Fun, funky and educational arts & crafts classes for children.

Painting, drawing, sculpture, model making and much more!

Arty parties and holiday workshops also available 0131 553 6798 / 07931 513 815 www.artroom32.co.uk

ACTIng oUT Acting Out Drama School offer classes in Drama and Musical Theatre to Children aged between 4 and 6 years (approx). The early years are so important to all children.

This is the time when children's personalities and talents really begin to shine and take shape. Our classes focus on developing each child’s confidence, imagination, creativity, co-ordination and even social skills by participating and interacting in a variety of fun activities, including singing, dancing and drama.

Our teachers actively encourage each child to progress in a manner which is relaxed and welcoming. We offer these classes in Morningside on Friday afternoon but are looking to run more classes in August.

Please get in touch if you are interested in our current classes, or future classes. www.actingoutuk.com/hello@actingoutuk.com/ 07704714607

oSCArS OSCARS operates twelve After School Clubs, three Breakfast Clubs and seven Holiday programmes around Edinburgh and The Lothians. Established in 1992 OSCARS has a wealth of experience in managing and operating successful programmes, attended by over 1000 clients on a weekly basis.

The management and staffing of Out of School Care is becoming more daunting and complex as further regulation around staff qualifications, operational policies, quality assurance and staff training is introduced. OSCARS is looking to increase the number of clubs that they operate and have recently taken over the management of a number of facilities around Edinburgh in a way that has caused minimum inconvenience for clients and staff.

Becoming part of the OSCARS network of out of school care guarantees the on-going development and viability of your service. Operating with the client base OSCARS has means they have a flexible staff base who undertake formal staff training and development monthly.

Back-up to cover staff sickness is always available and an efficient head office team takes care of all administration with the minimum of fuss.

If you are currently Managing or are on a parent committee managing an Out of School Care facility, and you would like to speak with OSCARS regarding them assisting you in the management of certain aspects of the club, or indeed taking it over, please contact Jonathan Combe or Andrew Fisher on admin@oscarschildcare.com or telephone 0131 557 7500 for an informal chat.

nEW TErM of ClASSES AT BAMBIno BEATS Classes involve: Music, singing, movement and interaction * Sensory music for babies * Traditional nursery rhymes * Counting songs * Puppets *Percussion instruments * Retro 60s90s music for both child and parent!

Classes: Baby Beats – 0 to crawling/walking * Mini Beats – walking – 2 years Jumping Beats – 2 years – 4 years* Family Beats – all ages welcome (0-4years) Classes in East Lothian and Edinburgh.

Bambino Beats are also part of the new Energy Gym Kids, a new ‘co-op’ of 11 kids activity providers in Edinburgh. They are based at Energy Gym at Boroughmuir Rugby & Community Sports Centre, at Meggetland Website www.bambinobeats.com or email info@bambinobeats.com or call 07966221163

BEE SPAnISH Here at Bee Spanish, we're passionate about creating a fun and relaxed environment so that your child can thrive on learning Spanish.

Bee Spanish is a unique space where your child can learn through movement, music and interactive activities, with music and sound a core part of the sessions.

Our main programme is called 'My Family & Me', where as a whole family you can learn and have fun together.

To complement our Sessions and reinforce learning, we also regularly organise special events.

All our sessions are run by professionals – with native Spanish-speaking tutors and qualified educational psychologists.

We currently offer Sessions in two locations in Edinburgh - Stockbridge and Morningside. Contact beespanish1@gmail.com

Song CIrClE Every weekday morning small groups of parents, babies and small children gather in the back room of Skylark Cafe on Hamilton Place in Stockbridge to learn classic nursery rhymes, Scottish songs, lullabies and poems.

Sitting in a circle on cushions, folk singer Gill Bowman leads the session with the help of her right hand man Marmaduke the cat. A hamper full of toys and interesting objects are used to good effect and many of the songs have guitar accompaniment.

Growing in popularity all the time, Song Circle is an independent music class unique to Stockbridge. The cosy room lends itself well to the small groups and the coffee break in the middle is sociable and friendly As one reviewer put it, it's 'one of the nicest things to do with your small child in Edinburgh'. Booking essential. Call 07973493933 or email songcircle.gill@gmail.com www.songcircle.co.uk

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Mindfulness and Fertility Trying to conceive and having a healthy, successful pregnancy can be a struggle for some people, whether it’s naturally or through receiving fertility treatment. Both can be a very stressful, anxious and lonely time.

The processes of ovulation and healthy sperm production depend on a complex balance of hormones and their interactions to be successful, and any disruption in these processes can hinder chances of conceiving.

Research shows that being less anxious and stressed can increase both men and women’s fertility.

One ways to try to decrease your anxiety and stress, and increase your fertility and chances of getting pregnant, is to practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness can be a life changing experience that helps us train our minds within meditation.

Through mindfulness we can develop and nurture our minds so it can help you step back from your feelings, thoughts, bodily sensations and behaviours. This allows us to observe them, without judgment, which helps us to make a choice on how we respond to situations, ourselves and others.

Mindfulness entails being present in the moment, which is the ground out of which tranquility arises, reduces stress and anxiety and therefore may increase your chances of conceiving and sustaining a healthy pregnancy.

The Mental Health Foundation reports that studies have shown that by practicing mindfulness, participants experienced up to 70% reduction in anxiety, an increase in disease fighting antibodies which suggests improvements to the immune system, improved sleep and reduction in feelings such as anger, tension and depression.

Mindfulness can be introduced to individuals or couples whilst they are receiving fertility counseling, where they are taken through a series of steps from explaining to them about mindfulness and understanding some of the process. People are then taken through different guided mindfulness practices and are encouraged to practice outwith their counselling sessions. They are also recommended other support resources such as websites and books on mindfulness and also to look at their overall life balance.

3-minute mindfulness meditation 1. Start by sitting comfortably without obvious distractions such as other people or TV, etc.

2. Scan your body in your mind by starting at your toes and work your way up your whole body just to notice any sensations you may be experiences.

3. Notice your thoughts and your feelings though do not judge them or suppress them.

Allow them to be as they are and just observe them.

4. Bring your focus to your breathing, feeling your chest rise and fall as you breath in and out.

Count to 3 or 4 as you breathe in and the same as you breathe out. Try to make the out breathe slightly longer than the in breath as this decreases anxiety.

CASE STUDY Mary 32yrs old After taking a while to get pregnant then having a miscarriage, Mary was struggling to get pregnant again and anxious about sustaining a healthy pregnancy. After going to see our fertility consultant Juliet and receiving fertility counselling with Angie she started doing mindfulness meditations both in her fertility counselling sessions and at home. She was able to work through her loss and her difficult feelings and became much less anxious. She also became more relaxed about getting pregnant and more positive and within 5 months she became pregnant. Mary is now a proud mummy to a baby girl.

If you would like a free initial consultation please contact us.

Fertility Focus are a team of experts dedicated to helping people have babies. Meeting on a regular basis to discuss and monitor the progress of their clients, Fertility Focus develop the best fertility pathway for clients and offer a holistic approach to promote optimal reproductive health. As well as a counsellor and psychotherapist (Angie Cameron), the team consists of a fertility awareness practitioner (Juliet Le Page), a reproductive reflexologist (Georgie McCulloch), a nutritionist (Anne Cross) and an acupuncturist (Ming Chen).

They combine their extensive experience, compassion and understanding to give you ultimate care and support throughout your journey from natural or assisted conception, pregnancy loss, and pregnancy and beyond.

For more information, please have a look at the website www.fertilityfocus.org.uk If you are concerned about anything related to your fertility, or to discuss anything in further detail, please contact Fertility Focus on 07760 196321 or email support@fertilityfocus.org.uk

5. If your thoughts distract you, without judgment, bring yourself back to your breathing.

www.fertilityfocus.org.uk info@fertilityfocus.org.uk 07505 976 208 07760 196 321

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TOP 5 CV MISTAKES Is your CV in good shape for your job hunt?

Fiona Anderson, a highly experienced freelance Interview Skills Consultant, shares the top 5 mistakes which CVs often make:

1 “Looks matter” A badly constructed and hard-to-read CV will discourage a recruiter from reading it, so give it a clear structure, and use bullet points when you list your job responsibilities. Try and spend most of the precious space describing your most recent jobs; spend less space on older jobs. When doing your spell check, don't forget that it can miss out those tricky words which are valid but incorrect in the context, for instance “discrete” when you perhaps meant “discreet”. These sorts of little typos may seem insignificant, but it undermines any earlier CV statements you might have made about having great attention-to-detail! Try to avoid using quirky fonts, or 'old fashioned' fonts such as Times New Roman – use a friendly, clear and modern font like Arial or Verdana in the appropriate font size. And don't write your entire CV in capital letters – it feels like the CV is shouting at the reader.

2 “I'm awesome!”

Yes, your CV should absolutely be selling your best qualities, but try to avoid making grand statements without backing them up. Anyone can put on their CV the usual phrases such as “I am a great communicator”, or “I meet all my project deadlines”, but these can sound bland unless you can actually cite a few instances of those deadlines which you met successfully, and so on. And if you describe yourself as being creative, you'll certainly need to show some examples of great ideas which were implemented, and the savings/benefits which resulted.

3 “In my spare time, I like to...”

Remember, CVs need to make the most of the precious space available. A section listing your hobbies is unlikely to contain any particularly strong evidence to show why you're such a good match for the vacancy. In fact, including your hobbies may actually lead a recruiter to start making premature and incorrect judgements.

For instance, including solo hobbies such as 'Gym and reading' could make you sound like a loner; 'Travelling' could sound like you might be asking your employer for lots of time off, and so on. So save the CV space for more pertinent facts about yourself.

4 “But I don't like boasting” Often, the job descriptions on CVs come across as a rather dry recital of your responsibilities, and can look as if you've just copied them from your job description at work. Make it sound dynamic - use positive and enthusiastic language, and don't be afraid to mention any awards or recognition you received. If you don't sell yourself and your achievements, no one else will do it for you.

5 “One size fits all” If you're applying for different types of roles - for instance IT but also project management - try to have different versions of your CV ready. Don't be tempted to think that one CV will suit all types of vacancies. Ideally you should make your CV echo the terminology of the vacancy. Never assume the recruiter takes the time to 'read between the lines', especially if they're wading through a hundred other CVs at the same time!

For further information, or to book CV or Interview Skills Workshops with Fiona, please call on 07900 974421 or visit www.anderson.gb.com.

The PCT Partnership can help you get back to work after a career break.

They run a highly succesful 8 week part time course for women returning to work.

The course will re-introduce you to today’s working environment and give you guidance and support in finding a job.

The courses are funded by Skills Development Scotland are are free if you live in Edinburgh and the Lothians and have been away from work for 13 weeks or more. The next training course starts in September.

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

We can help you get back to work after a career break.

The PCT Partnership’s highly successful 8 week part time course for Women Returning to Work gives you tuition and 1-1 feedback on writing your CV, completing application forms and preparing for job interviews, as well as helping you to update your IT skills. The course will also re-introduce you to today's working environment and give you guidance and support in finding a job.

Our courses are funded by Skills Development Scotland and are free if you live in Edinburgh and the Lothians and have been away from work for 13 weeks or more. Our next course starts on 29 September 2014.

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

9 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

Speech and Language Therapy Some parents find it difficult to know if their child is speaking late and may worry their child is not talking yet or is difficult to understand.

At Edinburgh Speech Therapy we have years of experience working with children with speech problems (they cannot say specific sounds or these sounds get mixed up), language problems (understanding and talking is delayed or not what we would expect for a child of that age), Autism, genetic disorders and many more.

There is some conflicting advice out there for parents so what is normal?

What should we expect?

Although all children are different, a rough rule of thumb would be that your child should: • By 12 months recognise and point to objects such as toys and people.

• By 1 to 2 years point to pictures in books when you name them, point to simple body parts on themselves and understand some doing words (go, jump, sit, etc.) as well as follow simple requests (e.g., 'Give me your cup’') or commands (e.g: "No hitting!") and understand little questions (e.g: 'Where are your hands?').

• By 2 to 3 years of age be able to follow two-part instructions ('Get your shoes and put them on the stairs').

• By 3 to 4 years understand ‘what?, ‘where?’ and ‘who?’ questions.

• By 5 years old be able to understand almost everything that is said to them in familiar places.

Saying words comes later than understanding them and we would expect a child: • By 12 months (or there about) babbling changes and they will now use more consonant sounds and first words will start to appear.

• By 1 to 2 years of age start using simple 2 word sentences ‘what’s that?’, ‘more biscuits’.

• By 2 to 3 years old be putting two or three words together in short simple sentences ‘daddy home’, ‘give me teddy’, ‘mum push me’ to talk about their environment and ask for things.

• By 3 to 4 years sentences become longer, up to 4 words and they talk about things they do outside the home.

• At 4 to 5 years old they can use long sentences describing what they have done and imaginative sequences.

• By 5 years of age communicate effectively with adults and children they know.

Children’s speech (the way we say words) does not sound the same as an adults.

Typically we would expect that parents would find by: • 18 months a child's speech is normally 25% intelligible • 24 months you should understand 50 -75% of what your child says • 36 months a child's speech is normally 75-100% intelligible As children learn to talk, they become easier to understand. Children with speech difficulties are often significantly more difficult to understand than children of the same age.

When to seek help Even though parents may be concerned that their child's speech and language development is slower than normal or unusual, they may hesitate to seek professional advice from a Speech and Language Therapist. Sometimes family members and friends advise against it to reassure parents or they think the child is not yet old enough to be assessed. No child is too young for a communication skills assessment as these can be done through watching and playing with them and talking to parents. You know your child best so trust your own instincts and if you are concerned about your child seek help.

Catching speech and language difficulties early in children can prevent problems developing, such as difficult behaviour, learning difficulties (especially with reading and spelling) and problems relating to and getting along with other people.

Edinburgh Speech Therapy is a new practice open for parents and children. It offers help and support for children with communication difficulties. A speech and language assessment can evaluate your child’s abilities and identify if they need some help. We offer assessment and individualised one to one therapy sessions.

For more information phone Meave Dillon (Speech and Language Therapist) on 07967815246 or email meavedillonslt@gmail.com. Or visit our website at www.edinburghspeechtherapy.co.uk

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What can you expect when you bring your child along for an eye examination?

by Linda Quinn

It is not unusual for children to be a little unsure of the optometrists’ room but it can be an unfamiliar environment for parents as well.

A childs eye examination involves assessing how well they see for their age as well as looking at whether their eyes are straight. The Ocular health will be examined both externally and inside the eyes along with a stereopsis (depth perception) measurement.

Because the eyes are still developing up until approximately eight years of age, anything that interferes with visual stimulation in either or both eyes can cause permanently reduced vision. Stereopsis is effectively how well the child sees objects in three dimensions, this is another important test and it gives vital clues regarding the eyes development.

Each eye sees a slightly different image so the brain can only coordinate these and interpret them in three dimensions when there is good vision in both eyes and an ability to keep the eyes aligned. Stereopsis begins to develop from approximately three months of age and it can be tested from as early as one year of age.

All children should be screened for a lazy eye or other visual problems around the age of four. Currently in Edinburgh the school nurse or a visiting orthoptist will screen children of pre-school age to identify any vision problems or squint.

Up to 3% of children have an amblyopic eye, otherwise known as a lazy eye. The eyes must be straight and receiving a focussed image to allow normal visual development. You should be concerned if the eye appears to turn in or out either on occasion but especially when tired. Sometimes the squint relates to the focussing effort required to overcome long-sightedness and therefore by giving glasses the eyes do not need to focus as much and the eyes straighten up. It may also be caused by an incorrect muscle balance or nerve supply.

Squint and a lazy eye may be effectively managed by the optometrist with glasses but if the vision doesn’t appear to be improving or if the squint isn’t fully resolved by spectacles then an onward referral may be required.

Edinburgh Speech Therapy Assessment, intervention, advice and support for all your child’s communication needs Meave Dillon M.A. PgDipSLT Speech and Language Therapist

Tel: 07967815246 Email: meavedillonslt@gmail.com

www.edinburghspeechtherapy.co.uk

If there is a history of high prescriptions or squint in the family it is particularly important to have your child’s eyes checked at least before their preschool year, but earlier if possible. Pictures or shapes can be used instead of letters to assess how well they see and even if the child isn’t able to communicate verbally they can still be assessed for squint and high prescriptions that may be inhibit normal visual development.

The majority of children tested do not need glasses. Glasses are only prescribed if the vision is reduced and a significant prescription is found.

Any child with unexplained headaches, clumsiness, poor hand and eye coordination, concentration problems in school, any other unusual visual behaviour or children with special needs should be tested.

An eye examination is fun and tailored to each child. Time is spent to make the child feel comfortable and to engage the child’s interest. If a child is hesitant to participate then as much information as possible is gathered to assess whether there is any immediate cause for concern and a short interval agreed for the next visit. Each visit builds the child’s confidence and gleams vital information.

If a parent has a concern of poor vision or if a turn in the eye is observed, then the child should attend an optometrist for investigation. An optometrist who is experienced with paediatric examinations will be able to investigate at any age from babies upwards. The examination is funded by the NHS as are any glasses that might be required.

Downes Opticians offer afternoon, late night Thursday and Saturday appointments for the whole family.

Downes Opticians, 2 North Junction Street, Leith, EH6 6HN 0131 553 5358

11 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

Say No to Yo-Yo! I was told recently that the majority of adults in Britain are overweight. I didn’t believe it so, as is my response to so many things these days, I googled it. And there it all was, England’s chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, being quoted from the recent annual report on the state of health.

Apparently being overweight is considered “the norm” and nearly two thirds of adults and a third of children are overweight. That in itself is scary enough but what is even more worrying is that it seems the majority of these people don’t even recognize themselves as being overweight, and so are unlikely to do anything about it.

It was also suggested that most parents don’t recognise the signs in their children either.

Families Edinburgh asked Lauren Hayes, a qualified Psychologist with experience and qualifications in nutrition, to shed some light on the weight of the nation.

Being overweight can lead to many health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and a risk of stroke. Not only this, but it can have harmful effects on self-esteem, especially in childhood, and lead to a cycle of weight gain.

Start with a small change

A large part of the problem is that we are often being tricked into thinking we are being healthier than we actually are.

• Walk instead of taking the car.

Did you know, just because something may be labelled as ‘low fat’ doesn’t mean it is good for you? Many ‘low fat’ or ‘diet’ foods are high in other ingredients such as sugar.

There are many different ways to describe sugar in labelling - you’ll probably see more than one of these if you’re reading the back of a food packet: *Sucrose *Glucose *Maltrose *Fructose *Corn Syrup Evidence from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows that most adults and children eat more sugar than is recommended as part of a healthy balanced diet. Chocolate spread can contain up to 57g of sugar per 100g, and a 500ml bottle of cola can contain the equivalent of 17 cubes of sugar!

We all lead busy lives and this can contribute to the problem, for example relying on ready meals which are often deceptively high in fat and salt. We are also in a culture where much of our time is spent in front of a TV or computer, at home and at work, therefore increasing our sedentary lifestyle.

Many people have attempted dieting before, and we all have our own reasons. However diets tend to involve drastic, immediate changes to our lifestyle. Therefore as successful (or not) as they may have been in the short term, the majority of people struggle to maintain that weight loss further down the line.

Be honest, who really wants to go through all that hard work for a temporary result?

For long term, successful weight loss it is important to introduce small lifestyle changes that work around you and your family. This increases the chances of successfully integrating them into your life.

12 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

• Swap sugary drinks for reduced sugar drinks or water.

• Increase family activity levels by going out on bikes or scooters.

By including your family in the journey towards a healthier life, you can work together towards a healthier and happier future.

It is important to be willing to try different changes and reject the ones that don’t fit into the dynamic of your family. These changes need to have minimal impact on your day to day life.

This way the children will accept them more easily, and you will not feel ‘deprived’ of any foods.

We all know that if we cut out chocolate, crisps and alcohol from our diet forever, our weight will drop and our health improve. However, the long term success rate of this is likely very low, and therefore that cycle of guilt and disappointment begins all over again. Be honest with yourself and each other, and find changes that you know you can make.

Persevere Weight Management aims to help people tackle their weight issues and finally bring an end to that vicious cycle of dieting.

At Persevere Weight Management you work closely with a qualified expert to uncover the reasons behind your weight gain and determine lifestyle changes that suit you. We offer an individually tailored, guilt free, lifestyle approach to weight loss for you and your family, helping you to unlock your potential one step at a time.

Persevere Weight Management is offering readers of the Families Edinburgh magazine 75% off an initial one hour consultation.

Why not find out how we can help you and your family today, contact us by phone on 07527 950 402 or by email at enquiries@persevereweightmanagement.co.uk.

Alternatively check out our website for more information at www.persevereweightmanagement.co.uk

©Ken Jack Agencies

Bring your children closer to nature this spring!

Scotland’s BIG nature festival is back on 10-11 May at Hopetoun House, Edinburgh.

There’s a huge amount keep your little wildlife explorers entertained throughout the weekend, with the beautiful backdrop of Hopetoun House and its stunning parkland. ©Ken Jack Agencies

Families can enjoy a whole range of activities from magical woodland walks to pond dipping with our expert guides. There are over 100 wildlife related exhibitors to visit, live entertainment, artisan foods and lots for children of all ages.

Join RSPB Scotland to celebrate our wonderful wildlife and discover more about the nature on your doorstep. Now in its third year, the Scottish Birdfair aims to encourage and inspire young people to connect with nature, and a first step is to give nature a home in your garden!

Young children can have a fantastic adventure with our forests explorer team, story telling, make a “home for nature” to take away. Older children have the chance to try their hand at bush crafts, get a tutorial on wildlife photography, dissect an owl pellet or learn about cool science with our interactive demos.

Mums and dads can soak up the festival feel with live entertainment and a real ale bar, while sampling some of Scotland’s finest cuisine in our farmers market.

We have a family pass to give away, entitling the winners to free admission and a free seabird cruise in the Firth of Forth on Sunday 11 May 6-9pm.

Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win Adult £12 (concessions £10) Children (under 16) FREE. For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.scottishbirdfair.org.uk Free shuttle buses will run from Linlithgow and Dalmeny stations and the event.

Help the wildlife in your garden!

Spring-time Flower Feeder (for bees & butterflies) Get a taste of the Birdfair and help to give nature a home by making a spring-time flower feeder and attract beautiful pollinators to your area.

What you need • • • • • •

White paper plate – 7 inch or larger works best.

String Bottle top Sticky tape or PVA glue A hole-punch or scissors Crayons or colouring pencils (yellow and purple are good for attracting bees & butterflies) • Mushy, well-ripened banana (as bananas ripen, their sugars develop – bees & butterflies find mushy banana sweet and delicious)

Persevere Weight Management Persevere Weight Management is a guilt free weight loss programme aimed at making 'bad days' a thing of the past. ©Ken Jack Agencies

How to make your Flower Feeder

Setting up your Flower Feeder

1. Draw a flower with big petals on a paper plate.

Hang the feeder near some flowers, preferably in a sunny place.

2. Decorate the plate using crayons or colouring pencils.

3. For the centre of your flower, stick the bottle top to the middle of the plate using tape or glue.

4. Make 3 or 4 holes around the rim of the plate using the hole punch or scissors (make them evenly spaced around the edge or the feeder will hang lopsided). Tie a piece of string through each hole, and then tie the ends of the string together (the feeder should now look like an upside-down parachute).

Make sure the bright colours are visible to attract your insect visitors.

Add a small lump of mushy banana to the bottle top to feed the butterflies and bees.

Clean out uneaten banana and replace as needed.

• Change Eating Habits for Good • Individually Tailored • One on One Approach • Permanent Weight Loss • Personalised Support and Guidance • Skype Sessions • Family Sessions Available Persevere Weight Management offers the services of a Psychologist with qualifications and experience in nutrition to help you make small changes in your lifestyle for a long term result.

Call today for a limited time only discounted offer!

Visit: www.persevereweightmanagement.co.uk Call: 07527950402 or email: enquiries@persevereweightmanagement.co.uk

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Competitions to get you and your

Enter online at www.familiesedinb Win one of five pairs of tickets to gardening Scotland 2014

The Legends Return in 2014 Brodies Champions of Tennis is returning for its second year from 19th - 22nd June, bringing some of the world’s most iconic tennis legends to Edinburgh. Prepare for some top class tennis and entertainment in a truly unique and interactive atmosphere.

©Ian Jacobs

WIN A FAMILY PASS TO BRODIES CHAMPIONS OF TENNIS 2014 Enter our competition to win a family pass for 4 to Brodies Champions of Tennis on Thursday 19 June 2014.

This is your chance to enjoy the tennis legends in action in Edinburgh and enjoy a great evening of entertainment.

Who will be appearing on the Music Stage on Saturday May 31st? a) red Hot Chilli Jalapeños b) red Hot Chilli Pianists c) red Hot Chilli Pipers Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

14 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

All you have to do to enter is answer the following question:

Q: Where will the Champions of Tennis be held on 19 - 22nd june 2014?

Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win Deadline for entries 2 June 2014.

Tickets on sale now from www.championsoftennis.com. Family tickets available and get a free child ticket with every adult volley ticket purhased on Thursday 19th.

Win tickets to Scotland’s first Puffin Fest!

At the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, we love puffins and to honour all things puffin’tastic we are planning a 10-day puffin Homecoming celebration with fun, games, activities and events for the whole family.

The iconic puffin is the most popular seabird in the country and by May the puffin populations of the islands of Craigleith, Fidra and the Isle of May will have reached their peak.

Between the 16 and 26 May we will host Scotland’s first ever Puffin Fest, a new wildlife-based festival that the whole family will enjoy.

During Scotland’s largest celebration of these wonderful and iconic birds there will be a plethora of activities such as puffin trails; special puffin-spotting cruises on the Puffin Express; an expert talks programme; puffin parties; puffin-themed art exhibition plus of course the opportunity to zoom in on the live puffin action with our interactive live cameras in the Discovery Centre. ©Laurie Campbell

Celebrate summer by treating yourself to a day out at Gardening Scotland 2014. This year’s Show will take place from Friday, 30 May until Sunday, 1 June at The Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh. It will be packed with everything you need to make your garden grow, from plants, inspiration and accessories, to tools and tips from gardening experts.

Head for the Big Back Garden for lots of family fun. Here there will be a chance to get up close with birds of prey and honey bees, marvel at miniature railways, have a picnic and run off steam on sturdy climbing frames and swings made from natural materials by Caledonia Play. This year top bagpipe group, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be playing on the Saturday afternoon, heading up a programme of live music that will continue throughout the weekend.

Go online at www.gardeningscotland.com to buy advance tickets, which start at just £13, or why not enter our competition and you could win one of 5 pairs of tickets to the national gardening and outdoor living show. Just answer this simple question:

We are giving four families the chance to win a pass for Puffin fest, plus a puffin soft toy for each child. All you need to do is go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win and tell us how long Puffin fest goes on for.

The full programme will be announced soon: keep your eyes peeled on the website, Facebook, twitter and around the Centre for what’s happening when.

It will puff’initley be a must-visit event this May! www.seabird.org

family out and about this Spring!

burgh.co.uk/win (t&c apply) ©UKayed. All rights reserved

Win a Vtriker Elite Scooter*

We all know an active child is a happy child, so let your kids enjoy hours of fun whilst keeping healthily active with the awardwinning Vtriker Elite 3-Wheel scooter from UKayed.

With four great colours to choose from – black, blue, green, pink – and a modern design, all at a great value £69.99 RRP, this exciting scooter will stir up the playground buzz with big kids.

There’s no pushing or touching the floor! Simply place one foot on each side, then the unique V-shape design enables you to move your legs in and out while stationary on the platform. Now you’re off, resulting in a ©UKayed. All rights reserved thrilling pedal and battery free ride.

There are different riding styles to hone your tricks and skills. Move your feet in and out to increase your speed with the Scissor; twist your body one way and push your opposite foot out with Skating; move your body and feet to one side as you steer the other way in the Slalom.

Its solid construction and unique motion makes the Vtriker Elite ideal for 7 to 14 year olds to zoom round the park and race their mates. Watch out though – it’s great fun for all ages and offers a full body workout, so parents may not resist a sneaky turn!

Other practical features will help establish the Vtriker Elite as the next must-have in ride-on toys: the safety grip handles, non-slip footplates and dual braking system minimise the risk of accidents and it’s easy to carry around, weighing in at only 9kg.

The Vtriker Elite is available from www.vtriker.com

We have one Vtriker Elite (rrP £69.99) to be won!

*colour will be selected randomly.

Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

Jump on board Edinburgh Bus Tours with 5 family tickets to win Families Edinburgh has teamed up with Edinburgh Bus Tours - Scotland’s third most popular paid for visitor attraction, after Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo - and will be offering five lucky families the opportunity to win a family ticket* for any one of the 5 star Edinburgh Bus Tour routes.

Edinburgh Bus Tours provide a fantastic opportunity for families to rediscover and share stories about their very own city. With dedicated commentary for children, kids will love being on board City Sightseeing tours and hearing all about Edinburgh’s gruesome past. Based on Terry Deary’s bestselling Horrible Histories children’s books, the commentary voiced by Forth One DJ and Edinburgh’s favourite pantomime villain Grant Stott gives children, young and old, a real insight into their city. Parents will also enjoy as they re-connect with Edinburgh’s past and hear all there is to know about Scotland’s capital, from its Horrible Histories, world heritage status and dramatic buildings to its legends and folklore.

The majority of Edinburgh Bus Tours depart from their new home at St Andrew Square, before making their way around the capital city on a journey of discovery, grit and gruel. Tickets are valid for 24 hours offering flexible hop on, hop off travel in and around the city centre.

To be in with a chance of winning please answer the following question: Question: What is the name of the series of books that the children’s commentary is based on?

Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win Edinburgh Bus Tours includes 5 city bus tour routes as well as The Forth Bridges Bus and Boat tour. *Family tickets are worth £33 for two adults and up to three children.

The Green Team Summer Activity Programme Get kids active in the outdoors discovering, exploring, learning and having fun.

7-11th July: 8-12 years, 9am to 5pm 21-25th July: 12 years and over, 9am to 5pm

For more information or to book your place visit

www.greenteam.org.uk/gsummer 15 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

www.monsoon.co.uk

Family Holidays

Getting there Tips for Long Car Journeys with Kids By JW Patrick The key to successful long car journeys with kids is to think of it as part of your holiday and make sure you all enjoy it. This is a chance to spend family time together, to talk, to share each other’s music, to see new things and to visit new places and forge great memories. Every time you complete a journey that is actually fun for the children, the easier it will be to sell them on the idea next time.

Baby Massage with Anne Young BSc CBMI MIFPA

Our family regularly drives long distances with the children and much prefer it to flying. Tantrums, spills, accidents and illness are so much more easily handled in a confined, (and sound-proofed) car than when stuck in a long queue of tense fellow travelers. Our last two summers involved approximately 4000 mile road trips around Europe and the kids had a fantastic time though it has to be said, the back seat of the car has never really recovered.

Top Ten Tips for Long Car Journeys with Kids.

1) Treat the car journey as the start of your holiday (and not a chore). Make sure it is fun for the kids and as stress-free as possible for Mum and Dad. 2) Eliminate as much time related stress as possible. In other words, try not to have a ferry crossing booked at the end of a 7 hour car drive. If you can, stay overnight near the terminal. Otherwise every single contraflow will stress you out, right from the start of your trip. If there’s no rush to get where you are going, there’s no need to get stressed about traffic or roadworks.

Remember your holiday has already started.

3) Charge up your screens & other gadgets. Buy or borrow at least one portable DVD player, Nintendo or iPod etc. Ensure every gadget is charged ahead of travelling and that you have enough travel leads and multi adaptors for everyone to use the 12v cigarette lighter socket. Obviously you don’t want the kids plugged in to screens for too long as they’ll never see where they have been. So ration their screen time and use it as a tool for rewarding good behaviour if necessary.

4) Take regular breaks. Break up your journey regularly with picnics, walks and play areas. Fresh air and a runaround for the kids plus a power nap for the driver reduces stress all round. If budget allows, an overnight hotel with a pool gives the kids something to look forward to and burns off energy before bed time.

5) Buy some journey presents (these could be called bribes). Buy some small presents, like Christmas stocking fillers, and wrap them up for the journey. Action figures, crayons, DVDs etc. Ensure they see the bag full of presents beforehand. You can then award a present (bribe) for milestones or legs of the trip achieved without arguing, fighting or tantrums. This encourages and rewards good behaviour as well as keeping them entertained for the next leg of the journey.

Small, relaxed, friendly classes Thursday mornings 10.30am - 11.30am

Head to Toe Summer Style Age 0-8 A stunning selection of summer clothing, hats, crocs, canvas, sandals, UV protection swim suits and swimwear, swim accessories, sunglasses, travel books & games plus loads more. Available in store and online now. Our aim at Treehouse this summer is about kids being comfortable in professionally fitted footwear, protected against harmful sun rays and looking great. Quality products at affordable prices with the best service imaginable!

Contact Anne 07811 073 202 anne@scents-of-wellbeing.co.uk Mulberry House, 21 Manor Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7DX

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Treehouse make shopping easier for Mums and Dads, as they offer the full head to toe summer look, whether you prefer to shop online or visit the gorgeous Treehouse shop in Stockbridge. Don’t forget to book a haircut for all those summer photos! Call 0131 225 1242, available Monday through to Saturday. Hair accessory highlight - pick up some lovely hair accessories to match that summer dress and complete the look!

I love going on holiday but if someone ever set a stop watch and timed me from the second the search begins to the moment I find the perfect holiday I don’t imagine I would want to share those findings with anyone!

The internet can be a wonderful thing but because it offers so much it’s hard to stop the holiday search, even when I’ve found something amazing.... because there might just be something even better a few clicks away. This is my own personal holiday madness. I find something, I consult the family, “Yeah, it’s great, book it” they say.... I resume the hunt regardless.

After all those hours (days?!) finding my holiday I want it to go as well as possible right from the word go. The holiday starts as soon as the front door is locked (and unlocked to double check everything is off) and then locked again.

6) Stock up with snacks. OK, your back seat upholstery will take a bit of a hammering but snacks are so, so important. Pack a snack bag that can be pulled out when you sense that their attention and patience may be waning.

7) Play games and quizzes. Kids have you all to themselves for once (and vice versa) so why not take advantage? 50 Games to Play in Cars is good. Our favourite is this number plate game: Take the letters from the number plate of the car in front of you and make up a proper sentence. Score points and prizes for cleverest or funniest etc.

Nowadays, you can buy all sorts of spotter charts for particular landmarks and vehicles for the children to look out for. Car journeys are also a good opportunity to test their spelling and maths ability. There are no distractions and they often enjoy this time, knowing you are not secretly checking your emails or texts.

8) Travel in convoy, if possible. If you’re holidaying with friends or grandparents then, if possible, travel in convoy. It makes such a difference for them to see a new friend or face when you stop and gives them something else to look forward to.

9) Stock up on essentials such as baby wipes and water. Lots of baby wipes are a must. As well as bottles of drinking water, we keep several big jerrycans of 5 and 10 litres of water in the boot, pretty much permanently. Sooner or later you’ll be thankful you did too! We also keep a roll of black bin bags in the boot as sometimes a complete set of clothing or shoes needs separated from everything else until such time it can be dealt with properly.

10) Involve them in navigation. We have a map and a globe that the kids can place stickers on once they have visited those places. Take with you a map or two and buy a couple of packets of ‘organiser’ sticky dots, one colour for each child. Tell them where they are heading to, where they are staying next, or are passing though and award them coloured dots to place on the map for whoever sees the town/sea/river first. If you have SatNav, you’ll notice how quickly they fathom the concept of the map and soon become aware of how long it takes to travel from town to town.

Treehouse favourite brands for summer: Mayoral, Kite Kids, Baby & Little Joules, Crocs, Start-rite, Zoggs, Jackabel, Hatley, Lilly & Sid, Usborne Follow us on facebook to read some fantastic customer reviews, new stock updates, competitions, events, promotions : https://www.facebook.com/TreehouseChildrenswear Treehouse store @ 10-12 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge or Online www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk

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Family Holidays NOVOTEL HOTELS A study by Novotel Hotels has found that the Famcation (or family staycation) is the saviour of the family holiday.

Summer holidays, come on a wigwam adventure!

A survey of over 1,000 UK mums found that quality family time is getting harder and harder to find. Quality time as a family is essential and much longed for. More than half (56%) of mums look forward to holidays as it’s the only time they get to spend quality time with their children.

Jonathan Sheard, SVP Operations Luxury, Upscale & Midscale Hotels, Accor UK & Ireland said: “At Novotel we welcome more than 250,000 children with their families every year and this year more and more families are looking to Famcation in 2014.”

Hands up who wants a holiday but doesn’t want to travel too far - and even better staying in a wigwam!

Almost all (87%) UK mums agree that family holidays in the UK are important; the majority (69%) believes it is important to holiday in the UK so that children know their own country.

Rain or shine Hilly Cow Wigwams have all the facilities for you to have a fun relaxing break. The kids will love seeing the farm animals in the fields and around the Farm, as well as playing in the little park or games room.

There are great walks and cycle route all around.

Novotel has also launched the Famcation offer to help families make the most of their time away together, and enjoy the shared time of the Famcation. As part of the offer, children will get breakfast free as part of the stay. Most Novotel hotels feature a dedicated kids corner to help keep the kids entertained, and the website is full of holiday tips and days out suggestions.

Hilly Cow Wigwams is centrally located surrounded by rural countryside, yet only 10miles from Edinburgh city centre and 7miles from Livingston centre.

The perfect wigwam site for a peaceful break whether it be for walking, fishing, shooting, pony trekking, cycling, golfing, or touring holiday.

We were lucky enough to stay at the flagship Novotel London Blackfriars this Spring. The hotel had a designated play area with an XBOX and the family rooms for two adults and two children include double sofa beds, baby beds and Cartoon TV network. The restaurant even featured an iPad table loaded with the top 25 kids apps to help keep children entertained.

Although a great, novel idea, and probably much appreciated at the end of a long day, I did notice a lot of families steering the kids away from this table at Breakfast time.

The Blackfriars hotel is in a great location, practically next door to a tube station (not that you’d know that inside the hotel - in case you’re concerned you’ll be rattling in your bed!). We took advantage of the amazing free museums in London - a very short tube ride from the hotel you’ll find yourself with the choice of The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum and the V & A. Each one on their own could take up an entire day!

My kids also loved the chance to walk along the Thames on the Southbank and witness up close the London Eye, Big Ben and then on to Trafalgar Square. I lived in London for years and barely glanced in the direction of any of the tourist attractions so it was a treat for me too.

After a lot of walking around London it was wonderful to be able to return to our super comfy room and then head down for a swim before tea. www.novotel.co.uk/family

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Leyden is a working farm in West Lothian. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Forth Valley and the Pentland Hills while enjoying the comfort of camping in a heated wigwam.

Facilities: • Heated wigwam with fridge and kettle and some are ensuite • Heated toilet and shower block • Disabled/family toilet and shower room • Kitchen diner with cultlery and crockery • Camp fires • BBQ’s • Children’s play area • Game’s room with pool table, air hockey and darts board. www.hillycowwigwams.co.uk Located throughout Scotland, Wilderness Cottages offers a unique collection of properties, from small cottages ideal for two through to larger houses for families or for groups of friends. Situated in some of the most spectacular locations in Scotland including the West Coast, the Island of Skye, and around the Loch Ness area, we are sure that we will have a property to suit your requirements. Short breaks are available in selected properties, including our selection of luxury apartments at the Abbey on the banks of Loch Ness. Many properties pet friendly.

Brochure available – please order via website or contact us direct. www.wildernesscottages.co.uk or call 01463 719219

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

The house is a large, traditional Charentais house in a tranquil historic hamlet and has a large private and enclosed pool so perfect for those with young children plus an acre of fully enclosed mature gardens. Its layout means it has enough lots of space for 2 families holidaying together or just spread out with your family for a much needed escape. Undoubtedly most evenings will be spent poolside in the delightful inside/outside dining room and enjoy sunny days by the pool with both sunbathing and covered shady areas or simply chill out in the garden. If you can tear yourself away head out to explore the unspoilt local region dotted with numerous picturesque villages and local vineyards. The house is just an hour’s drive from the fantastic beaches of Royan, La Rochelle and Ile de Re and other main attractions of Poitou Charente such as Cognac, Poitiers, Angouleme. Canoeing, kayaking, horse riding, local leisure lakes and water parks all within 30 mins drive. There is even a lake with its own beach just 5 minutes up the road. Sleeps 10 plus 2 cots and lots of baby/toddler equipment and toys.

For more information visit www.maisonmarchand.com or call James or Anna on 07425 142 712 or 07796 946 661. families reader offer - 10% discount off rate quoted on www.maisonmarchand.com if you quote fAMIlIES EDInBUrgH when booking.

Summer activity holidays in the Alps Francesca and Paul have been operating summer Mountain activity holidays since 1995.

Most people who live in Morzine all year round would admit to preferring the summer life to the winter skiing. Most came here originally for the skiing but found out very quickly that the best thing about the mountains is the year round activities and in summer with fantastic weather and masses of sports and activities right on the doorstep, there is not better place on earth for active, adventurous people.

Whether you are very sporty, moderately active or just want to relax in beautiful surroundings there really is something for everyone of all ages.

If you’re holidaying with small children, finding a resort that delivers in-chalet childcare, easy access to activities and plenty of entertainment for the parents can prove to be a challenge. “We pride ourselves on providing families with the perfect environment to enjoy a relaxing and fun filled experience which cannot be found anywhere else. The intimate nature of our chalets and friendly, ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude from all our staff, has families coming back year on year.”

On offer is the flexibility for parents to do outdoor activities with their children and if parents wish to try some of the more extreme sports, there is crèche and kid’s club available for half or full days.

But it’s not all about the kids: after a day of activities, parents can come back to a sauna and massage before drinks in the bar or the outdoor jacuzzi. Foodies will be spoiled with the fine dining on offer - every evening the chalet chef cooks a delicious five-course dinner complete with canapés, coffee and chocolate.

And Chilly Powder’s location is perfect: with a ‘back garden’ that stretches right to the Swiss border, the tranquil area of Les Prodains means children can play safely away from busy roads with acres of meadows and lawn play area right on the doorstep. www.chillypowder.com

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summer Camps and

In not-as-many-weeks-as-you-might-like-tothink it’s going to be the school summer holidays!

lE-STUDIo Le-Studio is very excited to be running summer activities again this year for children aged 5 to 13. These will take place in Le-Studio in Blackhall. You can choose single workshops as well as morning, afternoon and all-day sessions.

Activities include: Spanish, French, Drama/Improvisation, Creative writing, Art & Crafts, Photography and much more!!!

Activities will run Monday to Friday and from 9am till 5pm. You can drop off your children from 8.30am and pick-up until 5.30pm.

Let your children explore a range of activities this summer, they will be in a small group, within a fun, creative and safe environment. They will have a great time! Numbers are limited so please book in advance.

For more information or to make a booking please call Le-Studio on 07752 21 46 76 or visit www.le-studio.co.uk or email lestudio@hotmail.co.uk

School holidays can give a much needed oportunity just to stare into space for a while or at the other end of the spectrum you could fill every second with actitivites.

Not every moment has to be time-tabled but kids do like to know what they’re doing. And if you’re working you want to know that they are being well looked after, maybe learning a new skill and hopefully, having fun at the same time.

We are an active family but left to their own devices my kids will PEnTlAnDS ACTIVITy CAMPS (PAC Pentlands Activity Camps (PAC) offers healthy, fun-filled multi-activity gravitate towards a screen (if you are one of those parents who day camps for children during school holidays. has found a way to stop this happening please share - I am all The idyllic Broomlee Centre, West Linton, 20 minutes south of the Edinburgh ‘city bypass’, is perfect for PAC – its natural woodlands, stream and playingears!). fields create a wonderful playground where children can enjoy ‘good oldBut there’s nothing else to do” they tell me. Well, I beg to differ... fashioned fun’ – den-building, pond-dipping, tree-climbing, hide and DooDlES Children’s Summer workshops: 10.30-12pm, £55 for the week, includes juice and mid morning snack • July Week 1 Mon 14th – Fri 18th July • August Week 2 Mon 4th – 8th August

Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh www.doodlesscotland.co.uk 0131 229 1399

SASCS will be running 2 Summer Schemes Monday 30th June to Friday 8th August 2014, 8.30am -5.30pm in Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road Edinburgh, EH9 1LG. Sports Camp - for children aged 8 -12+years Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports including: swimming, football, climbing, geocaching, diving and tennis. full Day - £25.00; full Day Trip - £28.00 Holiday Care - for children aged 4.5 -12+years (but primarily aimed at children aged 4.5 -7years) Holiday Care offers a range of activities including; craft, science, baking, swimming and outdoor games as well as outings to the beach, Botanic Gardens, Camera Obscura, etc. Qualified Nursery Nurses on the staff team mean we can accommodate children who will be P1 at Sciennes PS in Aug 2014. full Day - £19.00; Half Day - £11.50; Trip - £24.00 Both schemes are run by experienced and qualified staff.

For more information, an activity programme and booking forms phone 0131 662 4810 and speak to Sonia/Lindsey, email sascs@btinternet.com or visit our website www.sascs.org.uk SASCS is the trading name of Sciennes School After School Care Scheme Registered Scottish Charity Number: SCO23891

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seek...and so much more!

This year as well as our multi-activity camps, we will also be running football, cookery, drama camps and…. for our 10th anniversary year, our first ever Bushcraft camp!

PAC welcomes all school-age children. Bookings are now being taken for summer 2014. Our website gives you more information and a flavour of who we are and what we do: www.pentlandsactivitycamps.co.uk Please call Lindsay on 07718 933725 or Sally 07923 980900 email: info@pentlandsactivitycamps.co.uk

aCtivities EDInBUrgH lEISUrE

STEP IT UP DAnCE

The excitement is building for the Commonwealth Games, and Edinburgh Leisure is inviting children to ‘be part of it’ with a range of themed activities in this summer’s hugely popular Activator Camps.

In addition to Activator’s brilliant range of sports, kids will get the chance to take part in a range of activities from making their very own baton, medals and time capsule, creating an illustrated guide to the games, learning about the physiology and nutrition of top athletes and, last but not least, participating in their very own mini games.

Activator camps are running throughout the city from 30th June to 8th August and early bookings (before May end) get a whopping 20% off.

There’s also the extensive sports sessions offered in everything from trampolining to tennis, climbing to swimming. It’s the perfect chance to try the Edinburgh Leisure coaching programme, which has coached the city’s own Games hopefuls, divers Grace Reid and James Heatly, from a young age. For further information visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/courses/junior/holidaycamps

Step It Up Dance are running three summer camps in 2014 at venues across the city. Kids will create, choreograph and star in their very own music video and photo shoot. Step It Up Dance camps are jam packed with active, fun sessions. Kids will learn all the coolest urban dance styles (including hip hop, breakdance, house and street) as well as the art of graffiti. No two days will be the same with visits from specialist teachers and graffiti artists throughout each week. The Step It Up Dance crew will create a unique backdrop for their music video, as well as a unique graffiti t-shirt each. Every dancer will take home a Step It Up Dance crew t-shirt, their graffiti t-shirt, photos and DVD to share with friends and family.

By joining the Step It Up Dance crew, children’s confidence and creativity will develop, new friendships will be made and loads of active fun will be had every day!

Our week-long camps are running from 9.30am – 3.30pm each day at the following locations and on the dates detailed below: Monday 21st July – Friday 25th July @ Broughton High School, EH4 1EG Monday 28th July – Friday 1st August @ Northfield Community Centre EH8 7PP Monday 4th August – Friday 8th August @ Royal High School EH4 6JP Cost: £125 per week Additional children (living at the same address): £110 per week These costs include 2 t-shirts, DVD and photos for each child to keep as well as memories to treasure long after summer has passed! www.stepitupdance.co.uk

THE grEEn TEAM – SUMMEr oUTDoor ACTIVITy ProgrAMME The Green Team is an environmental charity based in Edinburgh. We get children and young people discovering and exploring their local environment through hands on activities and outdoor learning.

The Green Team Summer Activity Programme is a great way for kids to have fun in the outdoors, make new friends and take part in a range of exciting environmental activities, discovering and exploring some of the Lothian’s most stunning countryside. We are running our Primary 4-7 programme from 7th-11th July and our S1+ programme from 21st-25th July.

Each day the group will meet at 9am at Tynecastle High School, Edinburgh and then travel by minibus to our destination, returning for 5pm. There will be 2 members of our experienced Green Team staff leading the activities. Children and young people should bring a packed lunch, drink and waterproofs. Snacks will be provided.

Full details and a booking form can be found at http://www.greenteam.org.uk/gsummer

ExCEl SPorTS ACADEMy Excel Sports Academy is looking forward to another bumper summer. Based in the fab grounds of St George's School for Girls the camp has a wide and varied All sports Camp and a huge list of Excel + activities. Adding to our list this year is Cusack School of Judo, Art, and Spartans Soccer Academy. Excel have been running successful camps for 18 years and are regulated by the Care Inspectorate accepting tax free child care vouchers.

The camp is from 8am - 6pm 5yrs -15yrs. For more info please visit www.excelsports.co.uk. Booking is strictly on a first come basis and Excel is likely to be full on several weeks this summer.

WESTWooDS SUPErSTArS – MUlTI-ACTIVITy CAMP 0131 332 5777 westwoods@fettes.com www.westwoodshealthclub.com Once again we are running our popular Easter and summer multi-activity camp for children aged 5-12. Our summer camp begins on 14th July for four weeks.

The camps run Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (drop off’s from 8.30am and pick up’s from 5.30pm).

Children take part in a wide variety of activities including indoor and outdoor sports and games, swimming, arts and crafts, and much, much more!

To book in please call us on the number above or e-mail to request an information pack.

ACTIng oUT SUMMEr HolIDAy CAMP 5 Days of Fun! Monday 14th July 2014 Friday 18th July 2014 The camp is open to all pupils aged between 7-19 (we will consider taking 6 year olds if they have experience in drama/dance or are very keen). We will cover a variety of performing arts including acting, singing, improvisation, script work and dancing. We will aim to keep the Child and Teen ages separate. There will also be a big performance at the end of the week (on the Friday) for family and friends in the theatre! Dates: Monday 14th July 2014 - Friday 18th July 2014 from Times: 11am - 2pm Venue: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL Price: £90 Email: info@actingoutuk.com Website: www.actingoutuk.com Phone: 07704714607

Quote "families" and pay only £80 for the week.

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summer Camps a 3V2 SoCCEr ACADEMy

WHIzzkIDS

The 3v2 Soccer Academy is offering you the opportunity to take part in one of our many holiday soccer camps this Summer!

You will get the chance to learn, improve and develop a wide variety of new skills, make new friends, meet new team mates and win some top prizes all at the same time. With an organised daily theme, skills practices, small sided games, tournaments and challenges, there is enough going on to keep you well entertained, with the main objective of our fully qualified, excperienced and dedicated team of coaches to ensure that your time at one of our camps is very memorable!

Places are for all children aged between 312 Years, available on a half day, full day or weekly basis and with bookings being taken now. You'd be mad to miss out!

For full further details please see our website or call us in person. www.3v2socceracademy.co.uk Roddy Maughan 07872448788 or Murdo Steven 07969434840

Whizzkids will be running computer courses throughout the summer holidays on 30th June to 4th July, 7th to 11th July, 14th to 18th July, 21st to 25th July and 28th July to 1st August at 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am and 2.00pm. There’s something to suit all ages - from the educational games course for 5 to 7 year olds right up to the ITQ qualification course for older pupils, but there are lots of other fun and educational courses in between!

Learn or improve touch-typing skills, how to create a professional looking project or a PowerPoint presentation. Create leaflets, stickers, cards, games, animations and much more! For further details email gillian@whizzkids.uk.com, visit www.whizzkids.uk.com or call 0131 447 5893.

DrAMA STUDIo SUMMEr

HolIDAy ClUBS BookIng noW!

lIVE DrAMA Supported by the Department of Children and Families, this intensive two week theatre project involves around 40 10 -18 year olds in the devising, scripting and performing of their own production which is presented to the public on the final night of the project.

In its ninth year, the Summer YT Project is hosted by Southside Community Centre on Nicolson Street. Participants can be involved all day (9.30am - 4.30pm), or just in the morning session which finishes at 12.30. The project costs £70 (mornings only). Optional afternoon workshops covering theatre skills such as improvisation, movement, voice, script writing and prop making are charged at £4.50 p/session.

To book a place, or for further information, contact Rebecca Kilbey 07944757083 or rebecca.kilbey@gmail.com

DynAM-nIC-DAnCE We couldn't resist going green this year and holding our very own 'Wicked' Summer school! A fun packed week including singing, dancing, acting and set making. During the week students between age 5 and 12 will work in 2 groups, Juniors and Inters as well as choral groups, producing a fabulous mini performance on the Friday that can be watched by friends and parents.

We also have our 'Minis' summer school for little ones aged 3 & 4 years. Each day between 10am and 12pm we cover a different theme such as the seaside or the jungle, making a craft and going on a dance adventure! Perfect for little imaginations.

Held at StudioD: The Basement @ 4 Hutchison Terrace. EH14 1QB. Monday 26th July - Friday 1st August.

'Wicked' 9am - 5pm (end of week performance Fri 3.30pm) £185 including a Wicked t-shirt.

'Minis' 10am - 12pm. £60 Contact Nicky to book now - Limited places. nicky@dndance.co.uk 07545551271

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The Drama Studio's very popular Summer Holiday Clubs for students aged 4-14 are running as follows: Wardie Church Halls Primrose Bank Road, Edinburgh 14th-18th July Liberton Church Halls, Kirkgate , Liberton 21st-25th July Fairmilehead Church halls, Frogston Road West 28th July - 1st Aug These are great fun weeks meeting new friends and doing all kinds of Arts activities such as Drama, Art and Craft, puppets, filming, song and dance, dressing up, soft ball, parachute games and performing if you attend in the morning.

Different afternoon activities for every age group and afternoon Senior Drama Performance Courses for age 10 + Go to www.thedramastudio.com to HOLIDAY CLUB or call 0131-453-3284 or e-mail info@thedramastudio.com for full details and to register.

Weekly Fees - EARLY BIRD RATES - £10 discount and sibling discounts - until 1st June - £115 Full days, £65 Mornings, £50 Afternoons (drop-in afternoons also available).

STAgECoACH See your child shine this summer!

Stagecoach Edinburgh is running Summer Holiday Workshops from 14-18th July at Dancebase in the Grassmarket. Join us for a whirlwhind, fun packed week filled with singing, dancing and acting - culminating in a fantastic show complete with costume and lights. Working alongside industry professional directors, musicians and choreographers, your child's confidence will grow as they develop new skills and meet new friends in a safe, nurturing environment. Classes for all ages from 418 years. For more information, or to book your place, visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/edinburgh or call us on 0131 610 0636. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

and aCtivities DAnCE for All

Dance For All are running their popular Summer School from 4th - 8th August - a fun-packed week of dance, musical theatre and choreography for enthusiastic young dancers from 6yrs and up.

Established in 1985, Dance For All, nurtures pupils aged 2½ - 18yrs to enjoy and excel in the finest dance genres, including RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, SDS Flamenco, Jazz and Contemporary. Principal, Tracy Hawkes, leads an inspirational faculty of staff in delivering professional dance training and over 70 weekly child, teen & adult classes (beginners advanced), such as their popular Drop-In Ballet and their Professional Dance Performance & Teacher Training Course - the longest running course of its kind in Scotland. Don't miss their Student Showcase in June!

Browse testimonials, timetables, photo galleries & much more on www.danceforall.co.uk or call 0131 226 5533.

SUMMEr WITH TATTy AnD BABy BUMPkIn! Come and join Tatty or Baby Bumpkin on our active yoga-inspired adventures!

Bend, stretch, run, jump, balance and more!

Sessions run weekly through to 27th June at Morningside United Church.

Email edinburghwest@tattybumpkin.com to book your place. You can pay as you go, come for one or two sessions or sign up for weekly sessions. Booking is essential.

More details on www.tattybumpkin.com/edinburghwest : Thursdays 10.50am: crawlers and toddlers Fridays 9.30am: 2 – 5 year olds Fridays: 10.30am: pre-crawling babies Over the summer holidays we will be running one off sessions in different venues – the schedule will be available soon!

Find it on our website or receive details direct by emailing edinburghwest@tattybumpkin.com “I would definitely recommend Tatty Bumpkin to other mothers. This form of play shows children the joy of moving their little bodies and actively encourages imagination. Very enjoyable.” i-ON Tried and Tested Review August 2013.

TUMBlE ToTS We are running Summer Play schemes for children from 3 to 7 years at Cluny Centre, Morningside. The children can be left in our care for the two and a half hours. They will play for an hour on the equipment, and will enjoy a healthy snack. They will then spend about an hour on the arts and crafts, brio, jigsaws and playdough, finishing off with the parachute.

All for £11 per child.

The morning sessions will run from 10am to 12.30pm, the afternoon sessions will run from 1.30pm to 4pm, we can only do afternoon sessions on the Tuesdays because of the Summer classes.

The dates for the Play schemes are Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th, Friday 18th, Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th July and Friday 1st August 2014.

We shall also be running Summer Classes for children from 6 months to 5 years on 4 of the 6 Tuesdays during the summer holidays in the morning at Cluny Centre, Morningside from Tuesday 8th July.

Please call Jo on 01875 819966 for more information and to book your child a place for either the Play schemes or the Summer Classes, or email Jo on joletelier.lobos@virgin.net

EDInBUrgH DAnCE ACADEMy Edinburgh Dance Academy are very excited about Summer School 2014. This will be our third year running the Summer School and each year just keeps getting better and better!

Our Summer School will run from 28 July - 2 August 2014 from 9.30am - 2.00pm daily.

There will be workshops in Ballet, Commercial Jazz, and Musical Theatre. We have three fantastic state of the art studios running at the same time each day and the groups (split by age) will go between them all on rotation. We finish the week with a fabulous show on the morning of Saturday 2 August. The Summer School is open to anyone from age 5yrs with lots or no experience of dance. We can guarantee that everyone will have lots and lots of fun!! Please call Suzie on 0131 3373402 to book.

EDInBUrgH MonTESSorI ArTS SCHool Summer classes at Edinburgh Montessori Arts School Join us in July for our popular parent child group for babes in arms to 3+. Spend a few hours or a few days in our unique environment and enjoy the gentle pace with your little one. Quality time to observe and reflect. Sensory play, baking, explorative play, songs and games. Monday - Thursday: 30th June to 17th July. 9.30am - 11.30am. £4.50 per session or book six sessions for £22. Advance booking advised or give us a call and pop in.

0131 446 0777. office@emaschool.co.uk

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summer Camps and aCtivities JUPITEr ArTlAnD

9th Annual Summer Youth Theatre Project Devise • Script • Perform Monday 30th June - Fri 11th July 2014 Southside Community Centre, EH8 9ER For 10 - 18 year olds

Further details / booking forms from 07944 757083 or rebecca.kilbey@gmail.com

Jupiter Artland is a 100-acre sculpture park just outside Edinburgh, offering hands on art workshops inspired by a magical outdoor environment.

This summer Jupiter launches Fun Fridays, 2 daily sessions of our outdoor art club from July 4th to August 22nd. The morning session, Summer Holiday Littlesparks, is for ages 3-5 and Artsparks Fridays will follow in the afternoon for ages 6-12. Both sessions will be creative, fun, messy and as much outdoors as possible. Sessions can be booked in single slots or in blocks with a discount.

1 session £8, 3 session block £21.60, 8 session block £51.20.

Summer 2014 also sees the return of Artsparks, our 2-day holiday courses for children aged 5-14. This summer we are running 3 Artsparks courses, each one packed with a mix of indoor and outdoor creative arts activities inspired by our summer sculpture programme. For more details and booking go to www.jupiterartland.org/whatson

gArDEn gnoME ClUB Summer Holiday Club for 8 – 12 year olds Do you like adventure?

Would you like to spend your summer playing games outdoors?

Fancy exploring tropical rainforest one day and desert lands the next, followed by some precious native woodland?

Garden Gnome Club is a holiday activity group focussed on creative outdoor play for 8 - 12 year olds. There will be a range of group activities with an artistic and environmental focus such as treasure hunts, storytelling, drama games and digital photography. It’s a chance to explore the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh thoroughly with a range fun and imaginative activities.

What do the garden gnomes do when you’re not looking?

There’s only one way to find out!

Colours in Nature For those a little older, we are introducing a new art week long course for 12 – 16 year olds to run alongside the Garden Gnome Club. Colours in Nature offers children a chance to really explore the natural world of colour and pattern found in the Garden. We will use a whole range of drawing and painting materials to create bold, powerful, intricate and stimulating pieces of art work. A personal approach is encouraged and experimental printmaking using different surfaces and textiles will be included.

For more information on either event or to book please call 0131 248 2937 (option 2).

SASCS SASCS will be running 2 Summer Schemes again this year, Monday 30th June to Friday 8th August 2014, 8.30am -5.30pm in Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road Edinburgh, EH9 1LG. Sports Camp – for children aged 8 -12+years Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports including: swimming, football, climbing, geocaching, diving and tennis.

Full Day - £25.00; Full Day Trip - £28.00 Holiday Care – for children aged 4.5 -12+years (but primarily aimed at children aged 4.5 -7years) Holiday Care offers a range of activities including; craft, science, baking, swimming and outdoor games as well as outings to the beach, Botanic Gardens, Camera Obscura, etc. Qualified Nursery Nurses on the staff team mean we can accommodate children who will be P1 at Sciennes PS in Aug 2014.

Full Day - £19.00; Half Day - £11.50; Trip - £24.00 Both schemes are run by experienced and qualified staff.

Both age groups will also have the opportunity to take part in full day trips to places such as: Stirling Castle, Museum of Flight and Blair Drummond Safari Park.

For more information, an activity programme and booking forms phone 0131 662 4810 and speak to Sonia/Lindsey, email sascs@btinternet.com or visit our website www.sascs.org.uk SASCS is the trading name of Sciennes School After School Care Scheme, Registered Scottish Charity Number: SCO23891.

24 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

THE ACTIng SCEnE SUMMEr DrAMA CAMPS Make the Summer Holidays even more fun with a Performance Experience from The Acting Scene. Banish the familiar school holiday cry of "I'm bored" with our unique courses/workshops. Our bespoke workshops for 5-15 year olds explore a range of theatre skills. Each course is delivered by industry professionals still working in their fields. Whether your child is an experienced performer or new to drama, we aim to facilitate the creative ideas of every child irrespective of ability.

“The Acting Scene” will be staging Drama Courses over the summer but places are limited. Book early to avoid disappointment. No previous drama experience required.

Run by industry professionals who have worked in the West-End, Broadway TV & Media. Head to our website for course information and booking.

30th June - 4th July and 4th - 8th August. For ages 57yrs, 8-10yrs 11-15yrs Mornings: 9.30-12.30pm or Full Day: 9.30-4.30pm at ESMS Call on 07542 191 495 Email: info@theactingscene.co.uk Web: www.theactingscene.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheActingScene NOTE: Early drop off/pick-up available for working parents from 8.45 till 5.00pm

Don'T Try THIS AT HoME, kIDS! DAnCE BASE SUMMEr CAMP

After the phenomenal success of Dance Base's Easter School which saw a complete building take over with 50 children enjoying fun dance, energetic parkour and crazy animation, they've decided to do it all again in the summer! Plus the kids got a wee graffiti taster - actually spray painting the building - which they'll be bringing back too, they just need to find another wall big enough!

(Mon 7 July - Fri 11 July). For those of a more balletic disposition Dance Base has invited Scottish Ballet to share the magical world of their fairytale productions for young dancers 7+ (Tue 1 - Fri 4 July am or pm sessions). www.dancebase.co.uk

MAgIC SCHool WorkSHoPS (for 7-10 year olds)

What would it be like to perform real magic?

How would it feel to receive an invitation to a secret Magic School to develop those skills?

Back for an amazing fifth year - with apprentice wizards from all over the world, features in the Sunday Times, National Geographic, BBC News and STV – Magic School is a unique opportunity to learn to perform exciting magic, and make new wizard friends.

Join us for a 2.5 hour session or attend a 5day course with a fun show for parents on the final day.

Become a graduate of the most mysterious school in the world - Magic School. This summer.

Only at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival Magic Newbies Welcome!

City Art Centre One-off Magic School Workshop • £17 Sat 28 June - Sun 29 June 10.00am OR 1.30pm 5-Day Magic School • £85 Mon 30 June Fri 4 July 10.00am OR 1.30pm For more info and bookings visit www.magicfest.co.uk or call box office 0131 473 2000

rUgByToTS Rugbytots will be running a five day summer camps during the school holidays, for children aged between 5 -7. The camps are designed to get children enthusiastic about the game of rugby, in a fun way. The camps will be run by qualified coaches who are trained in children’s first aid, and have been police checked.

The sessions will involve: • An introduction to the main skills used in the game of rugby .i.e catching, passing, kicking, decision making.

• An introduction to the rules of rugby • An introduction of the core values involved in the game of rugby i.e sportsmanship, respecting the referee, teamwork, etc..

• Playing numerous games to reinforce the skills learnt during the course of the week.

Camps will run on the weeks commencing: • 14th July 9:30am – 1pm (Holyrood High School) Equipment Required: • Boots (for outdoors if weather permits) & trainers (for indoors) • Appropriate clothing for running about in • Snack & drink £85 for the week. For further information please contact sandra@rugbytots.co.uk To book a place in one of the camps please follow the online instructions on our website – (Edinburgh/SummerCamp2014) www.rugbytots.co.uk

gET rEADy for An ACTIon PACkED SUMMEr WITH EnJoylEISUrE! Across East Lothian children aged 18mths to 16 years can try a new sport, develop their technique or just enjoy being active!

Football, judo, gymnastics, trampolining, climbing, mini-tennis, multi-sports and rookie lifeguard are just a few of the activities on offer within the Summer Coached Activity Programme.

Plus, the FREE CHILD SWIMS promotion is back for another year offering children up to 16 years the chance to swim for free between 11am – 4.30pm Sun 6th July to Sat 16th August in each of East Lothian’s pools, including Dunbar Leisure Pool!

Under 26 and a keen golfer? Grab your clubs and head to Musselburgh Links or Winterfield Golf Course, Dunbar where you can enjoy not only a whole summer but a whole year’s worth of golf for £30!

Wow! For full details of the summer programme visit www.enjoyleisure.com

MAgIkATS S..S..S..S..S - School Success in August Starts in the Summer! It’s that time of year again! We are entering the academic silly season. Serious matters, exams and the like, alternate with school trips, sports days etc before the LONG summer break. Continuity disappears!

Ask any teacher and they will tell of the frustration of welcoming children back to school in August, only to find that they remember little of the work from three months earlier.

MagiKats Maths and English run programmes throughout the summer to help keep brains on the boil. Workshops and summer homework are all of the educational fun variety but will save children from the often disastrous fall back that happens between June and August.

Your local Tuition Centre may have some spaces left if you want to get in touch.

Call 0131 554 5595 to find out.

PlAnET CAMP @ PlAnET CAfE Planet Camp @ Planet Cafe is offering a fun filled week of activities including: • drama • dance performance • singing • cinema • arts and crafts • day trips.

Finish the week with your own drama and dance show!

14-18 July. 9am - 3pm lunch and snacks materials all included.

Contact Planetcafeedin.co.uk for more information.

Planet Cafe, 39 Baileyfield Road, Portobello, EH15 www.planetcafeedin.co.uk

25 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

Out&About

All these events and more can be found on

While every care has been taken to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of some of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out. If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

MAY 1 May Magic Carpet Minis The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF www.nms.ac.uk Suitable for ages 0-2 (+ their adult). Sign up on the day in the Entrance Hall as places are limited. Join the National Museum of Scotland for magic carpet sessions for really little ones and their adults. Go along for songs, stories, rhymes and objects in the unique museum setting. Thursdays during term time. 10.30 and 11.30 (20mins)

2 May Platform 2 Market & Craft fair Waverley Station, Edinburgh, EH8 8DL Fridays, 11am – 7pm Every Week. A new market inside Edinburgh’s main train station with 50 stalls selling local and ethical products including hot food, fresh produce and gifts, as well as a rotating programme of vintage, music, art and social enterprise fairs.

Great place to grab a bite to eat and pick up something fabulous.

2 May feely fridays The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF. Fridays during term time. Free, drop-in. Feely Fridays gives you the chance to explore our fascinating handling collections – from meteorites to mammals and Vikings to Victorians! Check out information screens on the day for details. 13:30 – 16:30

2 - 5 May Dung Days Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road , Edinburgh, EH12 6TS. Learn all about where dung comes from, what it is made of and why it is important at this event. As part of the Dung Days, adults and children can investigate dung samples from animals including giant pandas, otters and rhinos, taking a closer look under the microscope and trying to guess which animal produced which poo! Visitors can also learn which animal at Edinburgh Zoo actual produces the most dung each day! Held at the Budongo trail, the Dung Days event is free to Zoo visitors as part of the admission, with no booking required. 10am - 4pm.

3 - 5 May Wildlife Photographer of the year family fun.

The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh.

Enjoy holiday weekend activities, including crafts, stories and object handling inspired by incredible images of the natural world from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. 12.00 - 16.00 4 May Box of Delights Programme 1 A programme of eight award-winning short films from the British Animation Awards, specially selected for 4-7s.

Filmhouse Junior - films for a younger audience. 11am. Tickets cost £3.50 (£4.50 for 3D screenings) per person, big or small. Filmhouse, Lothian Road. www.filmhouse.co.uk

26 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

5 - 7 May Tiger Tale The Studio, Festival Theatre, Potter Row, Edinburgh, EH8 9BL. www.traverse.co.uk IMAGINATE FESTIVAL Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people. A high-octane dance performance about a family whose everyday world is turned upside down when a tiger comes to visit.

For ages 7+. Times vary. See website for more information

6 May Tiny Tradfest Tales The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR 0131 556 9579 Join storyteller Anne Pitcher for a specially created mixture of traditional stories, songs and dance for the tiniest TradFest goers; packed full of puppets, sound makers and interesting props along with lots of things to feel, see, hear and smell. Fun-filled action for our bonnie bairns! For ages 1 - 3. 10am & 11.30am / £5 (per Child)

7 May Magic Carpet The National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh.

Free – sign up on day at Info Desk, Entrance Hall, Level 0, as places are limited. The National Museum of Scotland’s magic carpet introduces little ones to some of the fantastic things in the museum through 20 minutes of stories, songs and activities. Join us as the carpet visits a different gallery or theme every week. Look out for special guests too! For ages 2 - 4 (and their adult). 10:30 and 11:30 (25 mins). Every Wednesday during termtime.

7 - 10 May not now Bernard The Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED www.traverse.co.uk “There’s a monster in the garden and it’s going to eat me” said Bernard. For ages 2 - 5. Times vary / See website for more information

6 - 7 May o Snap

8 - 10 May Tetris

The Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED. www.traverse.co.uk.

North Edinburgh Arts Centre, 15a Pennywell Court, Edinburgh, EH4 4TZ www.traverse.co.uk

Rhythm is a dancer. Freedom is a rhythm, shared. Together, we got the beat. For ages 12+. Times vary.

See website for more information.

6 - 8 May Cocoon Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DR. www.traverse.co.uk Cocoon is a play about the boundless possibilities of being. For ages 2 - 5. Times vary / See website for more information

6 - 10 May The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer The Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED www.traverse.co.uk A highly imaginative fusion of animation, puppetry, projections and music, telling the tale of a quiet hero, Alvin, and the search for his lost love in the seemingly endless depths of the ocean. For ages 9+.

Times vary. / See website for more information.

From the company that brought you the gravity-defying No Man is an Island and My True North in 2013. For ages 6+. Times vary. / See website for more information.

8 - 12 May Saltbush Children’s Cheering Carpet The Studio, Festival Theatre, Potter Row, Edinburgh, EH8 9BL www.traverse.co.uk.

Saltbush is an interactive journey through the culture and landscape of Aboriginal Australia, celebrated through live dance, music, song and stories. For ages 4 - 8. Times vary. / See website for more information.

8 - 12 May Up To Speed The Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED www.traverse.co.uk Up to Speed is a funny, moving and captivating tale about a boy and a girl and what it's like to be the odd one out! For ages 8+. Times vary / See website for more information.

6 - 10 May a small story | eine kleine geschichte

9 May Marie Curie Cancer Tea Party

Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DR www.traverse.co.uk

10am – 4pm 25% of sales will go to Marie Curie Cancer care.

Tea and cakes galore. Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent, EH9

A world of objects and visual storytelling for 2-4 year olds Times vary / See website for more information

6 - 12 May grandad and Me North Edinburgh Arts Centre, 15a Pennywell Court, Edinburgh, EH4 4TZ www.traverse.co.uk A living storybook about loss, longing and the treasures of memory and imagination. For ages 5+. Times vary / See website for more information.

9 - 12 May Too Many Penguins Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DR www.traverse.co.uk How many penguins are too many penguins? Mr Polaro thinks that one is more than enough, thank you very much. Times vary / See website for more information

Out&About

our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

10 May Mrs Mash: kail yard Tales The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh.

Mrs. Mash the Storytelling Cook is back with more stories and songs about Scotland’s amazing food. Find out about Incredible Crowdie, A Pail full of Kale and Fergus the Fisherman’s happy herring. Oh and look out for some cheeky wee woolly mice...! Ages 4+. 11am / £5 (per Child)

10 May Pond Dipping Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/lauristonevents Come along to the beautiful Japanese garden pond to discover what lives beneath! Like a real scientist, record what mini beasts you have found in a special little book. We will then create individual wooden boats to sail in the pond. With Mike Durnan. 10.30am 12.30pm / £5 per person. Booking essential 0131 228 1155 (Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10am-5.30pm)

10 - 11 May Beach Combings

10 - 12 May Manxmouse

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh.

The Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED www.traverse.co.uk

Real Life Science Studio. This fun hands on creative event will explore and express the beauty of the seashore and marine life through sculptural pieces using a wide range of colourful and tactile materials. 1pm - 4pm.

Imagine that you were a Manxmouse. A mouse without a tail, with huge ears, but you aren’t grey, no, you are blue! Who will eat you?

Who will chase you? For ages 6+ Times vary / See website for more information

10 - 11 May Scottish Bird fair Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, EH30 9SL scottishbirdfair.org.uk.

11 May Portrait Detectives The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD

©Ken Jack Agencies

11 May khumba A zebra born half-striped and half-white is rejected by his superstitious herd, who blame him for a drought. As he goes in search of a magic watering hole, he is joined by a pair of wandering outcasts. Filmhouse Junior - films for a younger audience. 11am.

Tickets cost £3.50 (£4.50 for 3D screenings) per person, big or small. Filmhouse, Lothian Road. www.filmhouse.co.uk

10 May The Secret life of Suitcases The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org/scottish-storytelling-centre/centreevents

©Anne Binckebanck

Larry works in an office and he likes it very much. He likes sorting and tidying and generally putting things in order. Everything in its place, a place for everything. But one day, a suitcase suddenly appears at his door. A suitcase with a tiny label. A tiny label with Larry’s name on it. And this suitcase has a mission... Join Larry in The Secret Life of Suitcases as his world gets turned upside down by a fantastical flying suitcase taking him further than he ever thought possible. Follow Larry’s journey as he discovers the thrill of adventure and the joy of coming home again. This funny and enchanting puppet show is a new collaboration with the Unicorn Theatre, the UK’s leading theatre for young audiences. Featuring Ailie Cohen (Cloudman) and Rick Conte (The Man Who Planted Trees). For ages 5+. 1 & 3.30pm / £8 (£6)

Saturday 10 May Prestonfield Primary Spring fair Loads of great stalls inc nearly new books and toys, international food and arts and crafts. Have a cuppa in our cafe with some home baking. Lots of activities for all the family: sports including football, Henna (Mehndi), nail bar and hair braiding and lots of fun games and prizes to be won. 10 - 12. £1 entry. Peffermill Road, EH16

Collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history!

Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

For ages 4 - 12. 14.00 - 16.00

12 May Silk gardens Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/lauristonevents Bring your children closer to nature this spring!

There’s a huge amount keep your little wildlife ©Andrzej Majdanik explorers entertained throughout the weekend, with the beautiful backdrop of Hopetoun House and its stunning parkland. Families can enjoy a whole range of activities from magical woodland walks to pond dipping with our expert guides. There are over 100 wildlife related exhibitors to visit, live entertainment, artisan foods and lots for children of all ages. Join RSPB Scotland to celebrate our wonderful wildlife and discover more about the nature on your doorstep. Now in its third year, the Scottish Birdfair aims to encourage and inspire young people to connect with nature, and a first step is to give nature a home in your garden! Adult £12 (concessions £10) Children (under 16) FREE.

10 - 11 May Imaginate festival family fringe The Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED traverse.co.uk Prepare to be entertained. Prepare to be charmed. Prepare to be surprised. After previous successful Fringe events, we are pleased to offer an invitation for families to join us in the Traverse Theatre Café bar for our fourth Family Fringe. Imaginate Festival’s Family Fringe gives local artists and performers opportunities to create, perform and experiment with new ideas for family audiences.

Fun packed and full of variety, this programme of short performances is always a very popular event and takes place in the nooks, crannies and open spaces of the Traverse Café bar during the Festival weekend. Arrive early before a show or stay a little longer afterwards and enjoy this free event with your family. Free. No ticket required.

11.00 - 18.00 (Sat) 11.00 - 17.00 (Sunday)

Enjoy a morning sketching designs in the Japanese garden at Lauriston, then in the glasshouse studio transform these into beautiful silk banners for your bedroom wall. With Jo Scott. 10.30am - 12.30pm / £5 per person. Booking essential 0131 228 1155 (Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10am-5.30pm)

16 & 18 May little feet Dance Workshops The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD. Led by Margaret Morris Movement, explore the sights, sounds and sensations of the seaside with your little ones in this fun packed creative dance adventure inspired by the J D Fergusson exhibition.

Create a beautiful sun headdress to wear as you explore the sand, dive into the ocean and meet amazing sea creatures! For ages 3 5. Free but booking essential. 10.30am - 12 Noon.

16 - 26 May Scotland’s first Puffin fest at the Scottish Seabird Centre.

At the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, we love puffins and to honour all things puffin’tastic we are planning a 10-day puffin Homecoming celebration with fun, games, activities and events for the whole family. During Scotland’s largest celebration of these wonderful and iconic birds there will be a plethora of activities such as puffin trails; special puffin-spotting cruises on the Puffin Express; an expert talks programme; puffin parties; puffin-themed art exhibition plus of course the opportunity to zoom in on the live puffin action with our interactive live cameras in the Discovery Centre.

It will puff’initley be a must-visit event this May! www.seabird.org ©Laurie Campbell

27 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

Out&About 17 - 18 May Turtles in Scotland

All these events and more can be found on our website www.familiesedinburg

22 May ParentSpark Workshop

25 May Muppets Most Wanted

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR.

Edinburgh Montessori Arts School, 18 N Liberton Brae, Edinburgh, EH16 8EA parentspark.org.uk/

The Marine Conservation Society will be showcasing some of their work with endangered turtles. Come and visit us to find out what we do to help some of Scotland's rarest visitors, from our satellite tagging program to our work reducing the problem of marine litter than can injure them. Say hello to our life size leatherback turtle model called Lola. You can even make your very own finger puppet turtle! Real Life Science Studio. 1 - 4pm.

'Teach your child meditation, with Lorraine Murray' Do you struggle with your child's anxiety? Do you wish you could help them learn better self soothing strategies? Lorraine has been researching how to teach children to meditate since 2003 and is the author of international best seller 'Calm Kids, help children relax with mindful activities'. 7pm / £5

17 - 19 May Wildlife Photographer of the year family fun. The National Museum of Scotland,

Edinburgh Steiner School, 60 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5BR www.edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Enjoy holiday weekend activities, including crafts, stories and object handling inspired by incredible images of the natural world from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. 12.00 - 16.00

24 May garden Party and Spring fair

Please join us for a fun day with plant sale, BBQ, crafts, children's activities and lots more. 10.30am - 2pm

24 May Wardie Primary School May fair Wardie Primary School, Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3NJ. The annual May Fair is a very popular family event. There is lots to keep the kids (and adults) happy including an inflatable assault course, police car, fire engine, face painting, home baking, lots of stalls, welly tossing, games and a great raffle. Please come along and join the fun! Entrance includes a free tea/coffee/juice. 12 - 2pm / Adults £2, children £1

The entire gang head take a global tour including stops in Berlin, Madrid, Dublin and London. Along the way they find themselves embroiled in a jewel heist, and Kermit gets replaced by a doppelganger... Filmhouse Junior - films for a younger audience.

11am. Tickets cost £3.50 (£4.50 for 3D screenings) per person, big or small. Filmhouse, Lothian Road. www.filmhouse.co.uk

27 - 31 May Hetty feather The King's Theatre, 2 Leven St, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ www.edtheatres.com/hetty.

©Alicia Bruce

18 May Bags of Art. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR Cool and creative fun with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Ages 4 -12. 14.00 - 16.00

18 May The Jack and Jill Market Meadowbank Stadium, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH7 6AE www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk 60 stalls of quality nearly new baby & kids items from buggies to bikes, cots to clothes and everything else for bumps, babies and beyond up to age 9. 10.30 - 13.00 / £1.50 Adults

18 May Box of Delights Programme 2 A programme of nine award-winning short films from the British Animation Awards, specially selected for 8-12s. Filmhouse Junior films for a younger audience. 11am. Tickets cost £3.50 (£4.50 for 3D screenings) per person, big or small. Filmhouse, Lothian Road. www.filmhouse.co.uk

19 May Homecoming year 2014 keepsake Box Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/lauristonevents 2014 promises to be an incredible year for Scotland. Create a family heirloom by decorating a box with stencilled Scottish icons in which to keep your precious souvenirs. The stencils can be Stags, Scottie dogs, Highland cows, Grouse, thistles or even a Loch Ness Monster - the choice is yours! Learn basic stencilling techniques. With the Lauriston team. 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm / £5 per person. Booking essential 0131 228 1155 (Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10am-5.30pm)

24 - 25 May Traquair Medieval fair A superb weekend that will transport you back to ancient times.

Medieval Tournament, deerhound drag coursing, falconry, archery, equestrian displays, living history, early music, jesters and children’s entertainment. Traquair House, Innerleithen, EH44 See website for times and prices. www.traquair.co.uk

25 May A History of Arthur's Seat. Holyrood Park Rangers Centre, Queens Drive, Edinburgh, EH8 8HG. Delve into the weird and wonderful history of Arthur's Seat with some explosive activities along the way!

For ages 5 - 10. 10am - 12 noon. / £1 per child.

Email to book you child's place edinburgh.wildlifewatch@hotmail.co.uk

25 May Meet the Ancestors - Tales from the forest The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD. Step into our imaginary forest glade and hear amazing tales all about the natural world, told by storyteller Susan Wilson. For ages 7 +.

2pm, 2.45pm & 3.30pm (30 mins)

Roll up and join Hetty on her escape from the Foundling Hospital. Tremble as she faces Matron Stinking Bottomly. Thrill as she discovers the squirrel house and Tanglefield's Travelling Circus. Gasp as she endures a night locked in the attic.

Quake as she braves the scary streets of Victorian Longon and cheer as she overcomes all in her search to find her real mother and a true family of her own.

From best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson, the tale of plucky Hetty Feather is brought thrillingly to life on stage by award-winning script writer Emma Reeves (CBBC's The Story of Tracy Beaker) and the Olivier award-nominated director Sally Cookson, whose many fivestar productions include Peter Pan, We're Going on a Bear Hunt and Stick Man.With live music, circus skills and a huge heart, Hetty Feather is a terrific adventure story - the perfect treat for the whole family. Times vary. See website for more information. / Prices vary.

WIn! We have a family ticket for the 2pm show on May 31st to be won. AND a signed Hetty Feather Trilogy! Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

Individual Tutoring Programmes

28 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

gh.co.uk

Out&About 30 May - 1 June gardening Scotland 2014.

The Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh.

Brodies Champions of Tennis The Legends Return in 2014 19th-22nd June, Stockbridge, Edinburgh Packed with everything you need to make your garden grow, from plants, inspiration and accessories, to tools and tips from gardening experts.

Head for the Big Back Garden for lots of family fun. Here there will be a chance to get up close with birds of prey and honey bees, marvel at miniature railways, have a picnic and run off steam on sturdy climbing frames and swings made from natural materials by Caledonia Play. Go online at www.gardeningscotland.com to buy advance tickets, which start at just £13.

Brodies Champions of Tennis is returning for its second year, bringing some of the world's most iconic tennis legends to Edinburgh. Prepare for some top class tennis and entertainment in a truly unique and interactive atmosphere.

Tickets on sale now from www.championsoftennis.com Family tickets available, get a free child ticket with every adult volley ticket purchased on Thursday 19th June.

WIn! One of Five pairs of tickets to Gardening Scotland 2014.

Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

31 May Sick kids Summer fair and Teddy Toddle Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh. 12noon to 4pm.

The annual Sick Kids Friends Foundation Summer Fair and Teddy Toddle offers a fantastic day out for the whole family with something for everyone including; fun and fundraising stalls, food, fairground rides, bouncy castle, crafts, face painting, dancing, music, entertainment, workshops and much more. Look out for the Storm Troopers and other characters plus many other children’s favourites on the day! The Teddy Toddle is a sponsored walk for toddlers and their favourite teddies. To register for the Teddy Toddle or for more information, please contact Clare Pemberton on 0131 668 4949 or Clare.Pemberton@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or Visit www.edinburghsickkids.org/events Entry fee is £5 and the suggested minimum sponsorship for each toddler is £30 but you can raise as much as you like, as every penny will help make Sick Kids even better.

31 May Shake your Tale! Macrumba & fandango's, Stories &Tangos!

The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR 0131 556 9579 Travel the Commonwealth in story and dance! Globe-trotting dance sensation Carmen Fandango and Disco-Bothy storyteller Ruridh MacRumba take you on a story-dance adventure to celebrate the cultures of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games. For ages 6 - 10. 1.30pm / £6 (£4)

31 May The Story kist: Inclusive Storytelling The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh.

Stories of the sea! Listen to the wind and the waves and the cry of the gulls. Enjoy multi-sensory stories and games with storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane. Intriguing props, lots of joining-in and squishy fish to catch! Lots of fun for everyone, but particularly for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. 11am (1hr) / £5 per child

1 June The Iron giant As entertaining as it is intelligent, this delightful animation is adapted from Ted Hughes’ anti-Cold War children’s book. Filmhouse Junior - films for a younger audience. 11am. Tickets cost £3.50 (£4.50 for 3D screenings) per person, big or small.

Filmhouse, Lothian Road. www.filmhouse.co.uk

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Out&About

All these events and more can be found on

14 June Monkey Music Charity Tea Party LifeCare

JUNE

Centre, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB. Monkey Music is 21 years old this year! To mark this special occasion, Monkey Music is throwing a tea party. Throughout the afternoon there will be many activities for children of all ages including; award winning Monkey Music sessions, live music, cupcake decorating (which you get to take home!), Phoenix Cards, Usborne Books, face painting, age appropriate craft sessions and light refreshments. Raise some money and support the brilliant work of our very own Edinburgh based charity The Teapot Trust and Monkey Music’s National Charity Partner - Nordoff Robbins. The Teapot trust is dedicated to providing professional art therapy in a medical environment to children. 2pm - 5pm / £2 for adults and £1 for children.

15 June father's Day Takeover The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh.

Free – some activities require sign up on the day. We’ve let Dads Rock and friends take over the museum for some free Father’s Day fun for all the family. There’s something for everyone, with music workshops and performances, dance, crafts, storytelling, baby classes, a Super Hero treasure trail and more! Why not come dressed as your favourite Super Hero? In partnership with Dads Rock free playgroups www.dadsrock.org.uk 11.00 - 16.00

19 - 22nd June Brodies Champions of Tennis The Legends Return in 2014. Brodies Champions of Tennis is returning for its second year, bringing some of the world’s most iconic tennis legends to Edinburgh. Prepare for some top class tennis and entertainment in a truly unique and interactive atmosphere.

Tickets on sale now from www.championsoftennis.com.

Family tickets available and get a free child ticket with every adult volley ticket purhased on Thursday 19th.

©Andy McGregor

1 June Art Maker The Scottish National Gallery, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL Join the Art Maker Club and make your own masterpieces with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. For ages 4 - 12.

14.00 - 16.00

3 June Tiny Tales: Huffing & Puffing!

The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR 0131 556 9579 Join storyteller Robbie Fotheringham for a morning of animal tales, including the Three Little Pigs and the Big, Bad Wolf. Please book in advance. For ages 1 - 3. 10am & 11.30am / £5 (per Child)

7 - 8 June giving nature a Home The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh Why not hop along to the Botanics this summer and take part in a range of family focused weekend wildlife activities? RSPB staff will help you discover more about the range of wildlife that makes the garden their home from mini beasts, birds through to mammals.

11am - 4pm.

8 June let's get Hooked Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/lauristonevents

20 June young Storytellers The Scottish Storytelling 15 June The Incredibles Filmhouse Junior - films for a younger audience.11am. Tickets cost £3.50 (£4.50 for 3D screenings) per person, big or small. Filmhouse, Lothian Road. www.filmhouse.co.uk

15 June race for life, 5k and 10k events Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.

Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh A great opportunity for youngsters to get involved in storytelling.

Storytelling skills and techniques will be explored, and youngsters will also be encouraged to contribute their own creative thoughts about storytelling. New friends will be made and new opportunities will emerge ahead of Tradfest and the Young Storytellers Festival later in the year, all under the guidance of experienced, professional storytellers. For ages 8 - 16. £10

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k and 10k events which raise.

To enter Race for Life today go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.

22 June The Jack and Jill Market Meadowbank Stadium, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH7 6AE www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

15 June Bags of Art The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR.

60 stalls of quality nearly new baby & kids items from buggies to bikes, cots to clothes and everything else for bumps, babies and beyond up to age 9. 10.30 - 13.00 / £1.50 Adults

Cool and creative fun with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Ages 4 -12. 14.00 - 16.00

©Alicia Bruce

Spring clean your wardrobe and bring your old clothes along to our Rag Rug workshop. We’ll teach you how to upcycle them into a pretty wall design. Other textiles can be used so feel free to bring along old plastic bags, towels, dish clothes etc. With the Lauriston team. For ages 8+ 10.30am - 12.30pm / £5 per person Booking essential 0131 228 1155 (Opening hours: Monday Saturday 10am-5.30pm) ©Alicia Bruce

22 June Meet the Ancestors - Macastory do the Commonwealth games The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD

15 June father’s Day at Doodles Complimentary sweet treat and glass of fizz for dads on the day.

Doodles, Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9

15 June My Dad, my Hero. Lauriston Castle 8 June Portrait Detectives The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD Collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history!

Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

For ages 4 - 12. 14.00 - 16.00

2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/lauristonevents A special event to celebrate our dads! A day of trails, wood craft and exploring. With the Lauriston team. 11am - 15.00 / £10 per person (inc buffet lunch) Booking essential 0131 228 1155 (Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10am-5.30pm)

The Osteopathic Practice • Unsettled colicky babies, flat head syndrome • Growing pains, asthma, glue ear, autism • Sports injuries, stiff back and neck pain Age specific football training for children at walking age - 7 years.

For more info contact: 07923 005534 Email: j.smith@soccerstarts.co.uk www.soccerstarts.co.uk

Tom Kelman, BSc (Hons) Ost, DPO Registered Cranial and Paediatric Osteopath

1 Wester Coates Avenue, Edinburgh EH12

0131 346 0134 Natural relief from pain and discomfort

30 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 84

Celebrate Scotland's great year of sport with with Macastory. Hear all about Donald Dinnie, one of Scotland's greatest champions and keep fit with sporting challenges, singing, dancing and not to mention the Big Commonwealth Games Quiz! For ages 7+. 2pm & 3pm (45 mins)

27 June Edinburgh leisure’s Party in the Meadows Celebrate the start of the summer of sports, which will see plenty of free activities and taster sports offered throughout July. For further information about Commonwealth Games themed events and sports and activities for children across Edinburgh this summer visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

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

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

Out&About

our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

27 June Magic and Variety gala Show The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9AX www.magicfest.co.uk

28 June Athlete Puppets Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/lauristonevents With the Glasgow Commonwealth Games just around the corner, you are invited to learn how to make a simple stringed marionette and decorate it with your favourite country’s colours. You could soon have your very own Usain Bolt, Mo Farah or Eilidh Child to accompany you throughout all the excitement. With the Lauriston team. 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30 - 3.30 / £5 per person. Booking essential 0131 228 1155 (Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10am-5.30pm)

28 June - 4 July Colonel Custard “Magical Mayhem” The Scottish Storytelling Centre 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR 0131 556 9579 www.magicfest.co.uk Colonel Custard is the current British Children's Entertainer National Champion. He has been entertaining children for over a decade with his unique blend of fun-filled magical mayhem. His award-winning children's shows have taken him around the world, delighting audiences both young and old with his crazy antics. The magic show includes juggling, levitation, unicycling and loads more surprises along the way. Fun for all the family with slapstick comedy and “blow your brains” magic. For ages 4 +. 5pm. / £11/£9 conc/£6 child £28 family ticket available (2 adults and 2 children).

Edinburgh International Magic Festival returns for its fifth year and begins with a spectacular Opening Night Gala at The Lyceum.This show for the whole family features the most innovative and amazing live performers from around the world, who will enchant, inspire and astonish you. A magical mix of breathtaking illusion, sleight-of-hand, circus and mind reading which will leave you on the edge of your seat, wanting more! Magic is the Art of the Impossible. So immerse yourself... in the wonderful world of mystery and illusion, and be amazed! For ages 5+. 2.30 pm (preview) & 7pm / £12 - £26

27 June - 4 July The 5th Edinburgh International Magic festival This year magic smashes into theatre, science, comedy, history, sideshow, technology and psychology. Performers are coming to Edinburgh from the widest fields of interest in order to give you the most magical experience possible.

Look out for our brand new treasure hunt event "Tower of Illusion" at the astonishing Camera Obscura and some very intriguing shows at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and our new venue, Adam House Theatre.

Young magicians will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of sleight of hand, make new friends and meet some of the coolest magicians at “Magic School” for kids aged 7-10 and “Street Magic Master Class” for kids aged 11-15.

Bookings for the Festival are now open and tickets are available from the Hub box office: 0131 473 2000 or online www.magicfest.co.uk.

From 28 June Morags Summertime Delights Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR www.almondvalley.co.uk Morag the Highland cow welcomes young visitors to a summer full of fun in the shade of the story tent.

Every day throughout the holidays there will be morning and afternoon sessions of games, activities, crafts, challenges and trails that all the family can join in and enjoy. No need to book in advance, just drop in and have fun. From 28 June - 19th August. / See website for admission charges

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