Families Edinburgh March/April 2015

速 ISSUE 89 March/April 2015

Skydive www.next.co.uk

for Sick Kids

Visit www.edinburghsickkids.org Scottish Charity Number: SC 020862

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Tel. 0131 622 0405

2 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

What’s inside...

3–7 8–9 10 11 12 – 15

News and Views Clubs and Classes News Parent to Parent Cooking with Kids Pregnancy and Baby

16 18 – 21 22 – 25 26– 31

Real Nappies Family Days Out Including Easter Egg Hunts Easter 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: kennydickson7@gmail.com

Cover information Next Mint zip hoody from £8/€11 One bright star dress from £11/€15 Stripe leggings (part of set) from £7.50/€10 0844 844 8939 or 0844 844 8000 all from www.next.co.uk

Next Issue May/June 2015 Summer Camps and Activities Booking deadline 23rd March Call Now - 0131 622 0405 3 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

news and

views Snappy Tags

Snappy Tags are the fastest, most costeffective way to label clothing. They take seconds to apply, are secure and can be reused.

As recommended by The Guardian.

Snappy Tags are a small button with your child’s name etched on, which is applied, with the use of an applicator, to a care label on your child’s uniform. A quick, simple and cost-effective solution for school uniforms, PE kits and other school equipment. “We guarantee the name won’t fade or wash off. The tags are easily attached to the care label of school uniforms – one click and it’s done!”

Introducing Snappy Tags PTA fundraising scheme – once the PTA has signed up to the scheme they are given a unique code. Parents enter this at checkout and the school receives 15% commission for their school PTA. This offer is for 15% cashback to PTA’s, nurseries and youth organisations who sign up to our fundraising scheme by 5th April 2015. The scheme will normally be 10% cashback. Entry to this fundraising scheme will be at the sole discretion of Say it Personally Ltd. For further information and to purchase Snappy Tags visit www.snappytags.co.uk.

Pass it on Week Pass it on Week will take place from 7th to 15th March and Zero Waste Scotland is promoting it to encourage people to pass on things they no longer want to someone else, rather than throwing them away. www.passitonweek.com

Greycoat Lumleys friendly, professional Childcare Recruitment Consultant, Toria Maclellan, is ready and able to discuss the childcare needs of parents in and around Edinburgh. She can help with full time and part time placements of Nannies or Nanny/Housekeepers.

Call her today to see if she can find the ideal Nanny for you.

Toria at Greycoat Lumleys Scotland 0131 556 5139. There is no obligation and no fee to pay unless a suitable Nanny is placed. www.greycoatlumleys.co.uk toria@greycoatlumleys.co.uk

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St George’s Junior School Activity Open Morning St George’s School for Girls, in Murrayfield, is running an open morning in the Junior School on 21 March from 9.30am – 11.30am.

Girls from P1 – P5 are invited to take part in some action-packed activities and for parents there is an informal opportunity to tour the junior school, including the nursery, where they can visit the classrooms and meet and talk to teaching staff.

St George’s is an all-through school and we have girls as young as two (or even younger in our pre-nursery) and as old as eighteen. Our class sizes are small, typically between 16 and 18 and our curriculum is deliberately designed to be progressive and coherent, so that we know we are building on earlier learning and skills in a very supportive context.

In the Junior School we provide education for 3 year-old children until the end of P5, when girls move to our Lower School for P6, P7 and S1. We also offer fully comprehensive day care for babies from 18 months. To help cater for the needs of busy parents, we provide additional services such as transport and wrap-around care. Boys are admitted up to pre-school. The nursery offers part-funded places through our partnership with Edinburgh Council.

Please contact Mrs Karen Batty in Admissions by telephoning 0131 311 8008 or emailing admissions@stge.org.uk. Pre-booking of the activity sessions is essential.

Dunbar SciFest 2015 The Dunbar SciFest 2015 Family Weekend is Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March 2015 (10am - 5pm both days) in the John Muir Campus of Dunbar Primary School and the Bleachingfield Community Centre, with cafes in both venues. Get stuck into wacky workshops, sit back and enjoy science stage shows and have family fun at diverse drop-in sessions. For under-fives, there’s storytelling and soft play. The stage shows are presented in British Sign Language or are BSL/English interpreted.

After a day full of fun, stay on for Nights of Light. Inspired by the United Nations International Year of Light 2015 (IYL15), as the sun sets board the bus from Dunbar Garden Centre to see “The Magic Lantern” at Barns Ness Lighthouse, between Friday 6 & Sunday 8 March (6.30-9pm). See website for more information and prices www.dunbarscifest.org.uk

Harrison Playgroup at the North Merchiston Club, Polwarth.

A vibrant playgroup for children aged 2-5.

21⁄4 hours of quality, affordable childcare with qualified staff this is a great way to gently introduce your little ones to childcare in a safe and nurturing environment. *Current prices are £8 per morning part time/£7.50 full time.

Children at the playgroup have access to a wide range of activities and play experiences. Emotional welfare and developmental needs are of utmost importance. All the activities support the Pre-Birth to Three curriculum and the Curriculum for Excellence as set out by the Scottish Executive.

Weekdays 9.15-11.30am. Places available now!

Drop in and see us or find us on Facebook www.harrisonplaygroup.co.uk Email: info@harrisonplaygroup.co.uk

Puppet Animation Festival 28th March - 18th April The Festival is the UK's largest performing arts event for children. Held in venues across Scotland in April, it offers children and their families opportunities to be transported to magical worlds of make-believe. With over 150 events at 50 venues across the country there's lots on to entertain all the family. http://www.puppetanimationfestival.org

Get reading Throughout March and April schools, libraries and bookshops across the country are holding exciting events and workshops for young readers, plus you can register online for your free book token. Don’t miss The Biggest Book Show on Earth at www.worldbookday.com, a series of short videos starring this year’s World Book Day authors, where you can hear them talking about their work.

Scotland’s BIG Nature Festival is back! Come along on 23-24 May for a fun-filled weekend at Levenhall Links, Musselburgh – just behind the racecourse.

This brand new venue is located at a beautiful wildlife hotspot, with fantastic views of the Firth of Forth. There will be a huge amount of fun, educative activities to keep your little wildlife explorers entertained throughout the weekend.

Families can enjoy everything from nature walks to bush craft survival skills with our expert guides. There are over 100 exhibitors to visit, live entertainment, fantastic artisan foods and lots for children of all ages.

Now in its fourth year, Scotland’s Big Nature Festival encourages and inspires young people to connect with nature, and we will show you how to give nature a home in your garden!

Organised by RSPB Scotland, with support from East Lothian Council and EventScotland, the event has loads of fantastic free activities for a really wild family day out. Try your hand at 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 Scotland’s Larder tent – a showcase area for the Scotland Year of Food and Drink.

Tickets are £12 adults (£10 concessions). Children £2, under 5s go free!

For tickets and more information, visit ©Martin Mallett www.bignaturefestival.org.uk

Science Festival 2015: Clock in at The Ideas Factory Edinburgh International Science Festival returns in 2015 with two weeks of sensational science from 4–19 April. With interactive events, workshops and explorations happening all over the city you’ll find a great day out for the whole family.

Celebrating the role of the Science Festival as a hub for ideas, information, innovation and inspiration, this year’s Festival brings a packed programme. Summerhall is back as the Festival’s hub, with sensational science shows and interactive workshops offering a world of new experiences for all ages. City Art Centre will be transformed into a science playground, full of activities for curious minds and Light Works, a stunning photography exhibition, will take pride of place in St Andrews Square. There’s also a host of activities happening at the National Museum of Scotland, look out for pop-up science in the Grand Gallery, and at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Download a programme and book online at www.sciencefestival.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 557 2686.

Charlie The Clownfish goes to Clown School

Nerf Wars Parties!

Deep Sea Worlds very own Charlie the clownfish is being joined by clown apprentices from Team Challenge Company.

The Clowns in training will take visitors through their paces learning the skills needed to become a professional clown from juggling, plate spinning to magic tricks and balloon modelling.

The joint initiative is part of the week day activity programme that will be running at Deep Sea World until 20th March. The programme sees local children’s entertainers bringing their under-water themed classes to Scotland’s National Aquarium Monday to Thursday mornings 10am – 12.

Standard entry applies and with Annual Passes starting at only £34.50 you could grab yourself a bargain. Kids under 5 go free! www.deepseaworld.co.uk

Airsoft Delivered is excited to bring to you our NERF WARS parties! These parties are a really great way for your son or daughter to celebrate their birthday or any other event. Nerf Wars is suitable for 6 and up and our parties come jammed packed with loads of different games and scenarios that best suit your child’s age! All our staff are professional youth workers and we pride ourselves in being the youth event specialists! Want to add another element to your party? Why not check out our awesome inflatable nerf arena and party room too! The rooms, or ‘Clubbles’ are an awesome add-on to any Nerf Party and something that will definitely not be forgotten in a hurry!! Give us a ring on 07969 647848 or drop us an email at Alex@AirsoftDelivered.co.uk to find out more.

Our parties start from £100. We know from experience, that the Nerf War will be the talk of the class!!

The Salt Cave Alleviate the misery of hay fever naturally Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever brings misery to many adults and children alike, with symptoms of sneezing, congestion, runny nose, sore throat and itchy, red swollen eyes.

Hay fever can be triggered by a range of airborne allergens from pollens and grasses to dust mites, mould spores, pet fur and fibres. Unfortunately 50% of children in the UK now have some form of allergic condition, with hay fever being the most common.

Help is at hand with an effective, clinically proven, drug free treatment - Salt Therapy! This therapy is remarkably easy – adults relax and children play in separate caves and simply breathe in micro particles of salt. It not only brings immediate relief, but also prevents the frequency with which symptoms reoccur and can significantly help to: • Reduce the need for antihistamines.

• Alleviate sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

• Clear mucus and sticky phlegm from the lungs.

• Strengthen your immune system.

• 100% natural and safe for any age.

So why not improve your general health and quality of life and prepare to enjoy Spring at last…..

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

Call on 0131 510 1091 or email edinburgh@saltcave.co.uk or visit www.saltcave.co.uk

Kids Karaoke All children want to be pop stars, watch your little star shine.

Hire our top of the range professional touch screen Karaoke system, which comes fully loaded with 17,000 tracks, and we will deliver and set it up in your home or venue. (This is a very compact system which does not take up a lot of space circa two foot square, and rest assured you are in complete control of the volume) Our system comes complete with an inbuilt virtual DJ facility which automatically reverts back to our disco, between karaoke songs. This ensures there are no lengthy silences between singers, (no human DJ is required). We also supply a rotating multi coloured disco ball light and four microphones.. The system is fully automated and was specifically designed for children to use. (Two hour hire only £69.00) We only have a FEW systems in circulation, this means we take ALL bookings on a first come first served basis.

To secure YOUR booking, simply call - George 07588 349 079 (Lothian and Borders) Visit www.kidskaraokeparties.co.uk Or email info@kidskaraokeparties.co.uk

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news

and

views

Summer is a Family Affair ….

There’s a saying that summer bodies are made in winter. Some of us may have missed that boat – but don’t worry, Spring is a fantastic time to really get the momentum going and get ready for the summer whilst enjoying all the new season’s benefits.

Juggling parents can struggle with that work, life balance and often bottom on the list is our health.

Yet what our family needs most is healthy parents.

BA Fitness, based in stunning Cramond, is dedicated to providing excellent and effective training that really helps you achieve your goals.

Indoors and outdoors - the sessions are guaranteed to fill you with energy!

1:1, small group sessions, class and corporate fitness training is available and there is now two new services - sports massage therapy (perfect for relieving stress and managing pain) and support for clients with specific medical conditions (including diabetes, asthma, obesity to name a few). With pregnancy and post natal qualifications and children’s fitness under her training belt, Trainer Barbara considers health & fitness to be a real family affair – “I totally understand how difficult it can be to fit fitness in and have experienced the ages and stages with kids and honestly believe that if you want it, you can have it and be great role models for your children. It’s hard work but well worth it when you can play with them without getting out of puff!”

Contact Barbara on 07824 900137 or e-mail: info@bafitness / visit www.bafitness.co.uk for more information.

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A cultural lesson for your family at the breakfast table?

The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for International Students in search of a prestigious, reputable education at a UK Boarding School.

Bright World Guardianships is a long established Guardianship organisation, charged with offering care to international students whose parents are not living here. All boarding schools close for short school holidays and during these times it is the goodwill of our trusted host families that we as guardians call upon.

Although the Host Family role is a paid one and does provide a valuable extra income, it is much more than this. Hosting a young international student can make their entire experience in the UK a happy one. If you welcome a student into your home they will actually look forward to exeats and half terms and their overall experience and impression of the UK will be enhanced.

Your children will also benefit from this exposure, simply by sharing their home for a week or so. During this time they will learn about new cultures and countries and will have the opportunity to interact with a young person from a completely different culture and background.

“Hosting an international student from my child’s school has been such a rewarding experience. We love providing a home from home when they can’t return to their families and half terms. It has given lots of fun and cultural experience for us all and is one that we will remember always.” Bright World Host Family Within the cosmopolitan, culturally diverse world in which we live, contact such as this is invaluable and can only aid your children in their future life and work; where cultural understanding is especially key. Think of it as a geography and culture lesson at your breakfast table.

For more information on becoming a host family for Bright World Guardianships, please contact Lindsay Gayler, Host Family Recrutiment Manager lindsay@brightworld.co.uk. Alternatively you can visit our website and complete our online host family enquiry form www.brightworld.co.uk

Dinosaurs Return!

Discover a Lost World at Edinburgh Zoo Children’s parties just got bigger! Have a ‘roar-some’ day at Edinburgh Zoo with our new dinosaur kid’s party packages. The Little Explorers Dinosaur Expedition package gives your little ones a big adventure, with access to the Dinosaurs Return exhibition at Edinburgh Zoo and your very own dino-picnic (complete with dino goodie bags and masks) at the Jungle Café. The Kid’s Afternoon Tea-Rex makes for the perfect quirky party for older children.

They will meet a dinosaur keeper and baby t-rex on arrival and enjoy a delicious array of tasty ‘bites’ in the stunning mansion house before heading to the Dinosaurs Return exhibition to see the life-sized dinosaurs in action. Both of these packages also include one free group photograph. Dinosaurs Return! Will run from 3 April - 1 November, entry is included with admission price. For more information visit www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/DinosaursReturn

Families will simply love Gardening Scotland this year, with the dedicated Big Back Garden area featuring birds of prey, bees, play equipment, face painting, story tent and a host of other activities to keep children of all ages entertained and parents inspired with garden play ideas.

If you thought that Gardening Scotland was just for seasoned gardeners, think again. This year, the event is all about embracing your outside space whatever your gardening knowledge. You might wish to go along to a workshop to ask questions about what to plant where, or you may be on the lookout for the best garden toys or inspiration as to how to make your garden more child friendly.

If barbeques and outdoor dining are your thing, you will love the Food Fayre and Albert Bartlett Cookery Theatre as well as the host of shopping opportunities.

Little people will love to look at the miniature pallet gardens and you may go home having inspired your family to have a go at 'grow your own'.

Don't forget that Gardening Scotland caters for parents too. With Champagne and Pimms bars, exhibits celebrating war heroes, herbs, local produce, dance, picnicking, healthy eating and so much more, there really is something for everyone. Bring your family along to Gardening Scotland from 29th-31st May and enjoy a superb day out. Children under 16 go free. Book your tickets online at www.gardeningscotland.com or call 0131 333 095 to find out more about our afternoon tea and lunch packages.

Wear A Hat Day Join in for Wear A Hat Day on Friday 27th March! The Premier Brain Tumour Awareness event in the UK; helping to support long-term, life-saving research helping move us ever closer to a cure. There are so many ways to get involved www.braintumourresearch.org/wearahatday

The Imaginate Festival is Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people and runs from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May 2015 at venues across Edinburgh.

Last year we were delighted to win the CATS Whiskers award for outstanding achievement in 25 years of excellent programming, and we firmly believe that this year’s programme follows in this tradition with a fine selection of shows from home and abroad that will thrill and entertain children and adults of every age!

This year's programme includes Grinagog Theatre’s The Edibles, a tasty mix of comedy mayhem about mouse sneaking into a bakers’ shop (for 3 – 7 year olds); Lou Brodie’s Bounce, a joyous celebration of bouncing that takes place on a custom built inflatable (for 5 – 8 year olds)!; Mouth Open, Story Jump Out, a vivid and absorbing show from Polarbear and Battersea Arts Centre on Tour. Polarbear is a master makerupper and one of the UK’s exciting spoken word artists; Henry the Fifth, a thrilling modern adaptation of Shakepeare’s play from Unicorn Theatre (for 8 year olds +); Stillmotion’s We Dance, wee groove is a very special dance experience.

You’ll surf, you’ll jive, you’ll groove and bop… think salsa meets Hip-hop, think Scotland meets space (for 6 month olds – 5 year olds).

For more information on the 2015 Imaginate Festival, visit Imaginate’s website www.imaginate.org.uk/festival/ Tickets are on sale from Monday 16 March and are available from the Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge St, Edinburgh EH1 2ED. Box Office 0131 228 1404 www.traverse.co.uk

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haPPy birthDay Disco DucK eDinburGh !

Disco Duck Edinburgh celebrated his first birthday at the end of February and would like to thank everyone who has danced with us over the last year for both your support and fabulous fun.

We are also very excited to announce our new Friday classes that are now available. 9.15am at St Stephens Centre, Stockbridge and 10.45am at FitnessChicks, Quartermile near the Meadows.

The Ultimate Pre-school dance experience designed for 18 months to 4 years also has classes in Corstorphine, South Queensferry and Portobello. It’s just £2 for your first class with our very special furry friend. Disco Duck is also available to be the special guest at your little ones party!

To find out more visit www.facebook.com/discoduckedinburgh or email discoduckedinburgh@btinternet.com

Pyjama Drama

helen o’GraDy

Pyjama Drama is delighted to announce new Wednesday morning classes starting in March, at St Giles’ Parish Church, Marchmont.

Classes available are: Dewdrops (6 -24 months) and Raindrops & Rainbows (2-5 years).

We also have our monthly Saturday ‘specials’ at North Merchiston Club, Watson Crescent (suitable for children aged 2 -5 years).

Through music, movement, games and pretending – children use their imaginations to explore a variety of themes and the world around them.

Come and join us for an adventure of the imagination!

For more information, or to book classes, please phone 0131 516 3099, or email: louisek@pyjamadrama.com

Development Through Drama

Dance For all

Communication skills are the key to success in life! For 35 years Helen O’Grady’s acclaimed self development programme has been helping children across the world develop social skills that make the journey through life much easier.

Production Term This term all classes in the Academy will rehearse a short scripted play which they will perform at the theatre for parents and friends. This is a fantastic opportunity for all involved as it allows students to be part of something exciting, fun and everyone can contribute in their own unique way.

DO YOU WANT TO ACT IN A PLAY? For children P1 to 18 years old.

Call 0131 667 0939 or email midscot@helenogrady.co.uk to book a FREE TRIAL (no experience necessary) www.helenogrady.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/HelenOGradyMidScotland

Dance For All are running their popular Summer School from 10th - 14th August 2015: a funpacked 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).

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

KiP mcGrath centres: GivinG chilDren a heaD start Kip McGrath Centres in Inverleith & Marchmont offer expert tuition in English and maths for all ages (age 4 to adult). Our students are being recognised for outstanding achievement.

'My daughter's school was unwilling to enter her for National 5. However after advice and teaching support from Indy.

I persuaded the school into entering her for National 5 and I was thrilled when she obtained an A' Sarah.

Younger students are prepared with early reading, writing and maths ensuring each child achieves their fullest potential at school.

Recently we also have achieved 100% success rate for entry into private school.

For a free assessment and to find out more please contact centre Director Indy on 0131 610 6110.

circus alba chilDren’s classes Looking for something a bit different for your child? Want to give them an opportunity to run away with the circus and stay here in Edinburgh? Circus Alba have started children's classes for preschool and primary school ages at the Festival Theatre every Monday. The classes offer the chance to learn balance, improve hand-eye coordination, strength and self confidence, and get a great range of skills from hulahoop to juggling, acrobalance and much more. Class times are 10-11am for ages 2-3; 11am-12pm for ages 4-5, 4pm-5pm for ages 6-8 and 5pm6pm for 9-11 years. They run every Monday during term time (not Mon 16th) but are subject to change - check out Circus Alba on Facebook or get in touch for most up to date news and other opportunities for children and adults to learn circus! facebook.com/circusalba - info@circusalba.co.uk - www.circusalba.co.uk

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monKey Drama – Drama classes For the early years.

Monkey Drama classes are a great way for children (ages 2 -5) to explore their worlds through drama, build confidence and social skills and most importantly, have lots and lots of fun. There really is no adventure like a Monkey Drama adventure.

Monkey Drama have had such an exciting year so far! We have been going on fantastic drama adventures and letting our imaginations take us everywhere. We have defeated Captain Hook and found his treasure, we have helped Princess Lula turn her sister back from a mouse to a Princess again, we have saved the Gingerbread man and all his little friends, we have walked the rainbow, flown through the sky with the help of fairy dust and that was only for starters! Each week the children can learn, imagine and explore as parents sit back and watch or just relax while the little ones go on their amazing creative journeys!

We now have classes in Juniper Green, Jenn’s Den in Davidson Mains and Tiki Tots in Morningside (both play café prices include FREE play) we also deliver amazing parties and visit nurseries every week and have lots of fun along the way! If you want to join us then get in touch to book! Visit the website for info on prices and class times www.monkeydrama.co.uk, email alana@monkeydrama.co.uk or call 07736298013

babycomm – baby & toDDler siGninG Play! Sing! Sign! & Speak! We are all about cultivating confident & competent communicators.

BabyComm classes are stimulating but relaxed, interactive and lots of fun. They provide a holistic approach to developing good communication skills in young children.

Signing with your young child brings together all aspects of communication ( interacting, listening, responding, talking) at a wonderful stage of their speech and language development.

Devised and run by Sheena who has 15 years experience working as a speech and language therapist, and is also a teacher. Age range from 6-36 months.

Venues around Edinburgh West and North: Tuesday mornings at Jenn’s Den, Thursday mornings at Cramond Kirk Hall.

Visit the website and Facebook for up to date information on classes and new venues. Cost is per family, so toddler and baby attend for price of one. £6 per class, booked in blocks to the end of each term.

Email Sheena for more information and to book your free trial session. sheena@babycomm.co.uk www.babycomm.co.uk/ www.facebook.com/BabyComm

lanGuaGe classes For chilDren in eDinburGh’s new town In small groups, children aged between 5 and 12 will explore the world in their chosen language, German, French, Italian or Spanish, using lots of colours, playing games and learning how to sing traditional songs. Your child will have a lot to tell you after each lesson!

New classes are starting now.

Call us today and book a class for your child: 0746 710 09 03 You can also send us an email: mirjam.urfer@bluemail.ch To find out more: http://www.universeoflanguage.co.uk/languageclasses-for-kids/ Our language school is located in Edinburgh’s New Town: The Universe of Language 22a Great King Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QH.

actinG out uK

Kb-Insights: Helping Children To Succeed Kb-Insights offer a range of services aimed at enhancing learning and potential to support children in overcoming barriers to learning.

Reading and writing problems, dyslexia, dyspraxia, poor listening and concentration skills, speech and language delay, AD(H)D, poor fine motor skills, low self esteem, auditory processing difficulties, poor social skills.

More information about the various interventions available at www.kb-insights.co.uk Email: karen@kb-insights.co.uk or call 07837 930714

The ultimate pre-school dance experience NEW FRIDAY CLASSES To find out more visit discoduckedinburgh or email discoduckedinburgh@btinternet.com

language classes for Kids

Acting Out UK are looking for children aged 4-6, 7-12, 13-17 to join our excellent team of performers just in time for our big show at the Pleasance Theatre in June 2015. No experience is necessary as full training in singing, dancing and acting is provided! Classes are also great for building confidence and developing Public Speaking. All teachers are approved members of the PVG Scheme. They are not only highly trained and experienced but most are professional performers.

Acting Out are passionate about teaching and performing and our teaching reflects that. We also try to keep our fees as low possible. As well as putting on regular performances, we offer all our students the chance to gain qualifications through certified exams by the United Kingdom Alliance in Dance and Drama. We are also registered educational providers with the National Union of Students (NUS) & Education Scotland (for PLP and CPD training). From October 2015 we will be offering Higher National Diplomas (HND) in Acting and Performance. Additionally, we provide casting opportunities for all our students. It’s Time to Act! Enrol for fun or enrol to start your child on their own professional adventure into the performing world.

Parents: we also have courses for adults including Beginners Drama, Intermediate & Advanced Acting (performance class), Singing (performance class), and Public Speaking. We also offer private, individual lessons in voice, acting and public speaking for all ages. www.actingoutuk.com/hello@actingoutuk.com / 07704714607

German French Italian Spanish New classes starting now!

For children aged 5 - 12 www.universeoflanguage.co.uk Call us on 0746 710 09 03 Or email us: mirjam.urfer@bluemail.ch

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Parent Parent Caroline Walsh is a supply nursery nurse for the city of Edinburgh council, she lives in Murrayfield with her 2 children, Sadie 4 and Pia 16 months, and her husband Declan.

Favourite shop: A favourite local shop is Clementine at Bruntsfield they always have nice gifts and the staff are friendly.

Favourite park: For us it has to be Saughton park.

There are also a few little parks nearby we use too and usually we are the only people in the them.

Favourite children’s club/class: Sadie attends Edinburgh Leisure swimming lessons and she is really coming on. She refused to get in the water for the first few lessons so her excellent teacher Karen got in the pool with her while she gained confidence. Now she goes off happily with her class and can swim with out an adult in the pool.

Pia really enjoys messy play sessions at Honeypot Ceramics, and a little local playgroup we attend, Saughtonhall playgroup.

Favourite day out: We love going to the beach rain, hail or shine. We have a few special beaches we go to that I went to as a child too. We also go to the zoo as we have memberships (a present from Gran and Da at Christmas) it is great, we go along for a short time or spend the day there. Honeypot Ceramics at Ratho climbing arena is also Sadie's favourite place to go.

Favourite child friendly restaurant: We like Cool Jade, the staff are super friendly and accomodating, we also order for collection and my daughter always wants to come along, one time she had her pretend money with her and her little bag, the waitress took her toy money and gave her change.

Proudest eco-friendly moment: Sadie attends an eco friendly nursery and she joins in with the eco committee meetings and work they do. I am also partial to up-cycling myself, I hate waste so do my bit too.

No parent should be without: Bubbles, they are great fun, cheap to buy and keep children happy. We also get lots of fun out of cardboard boxes.

Parenting pet hates: People who park in the mother and baby parking spaces and they clearly don’t have any children with them. Also people who don't move from the buggy space on buses and just sit there until you ask them to move or the driver asks them too.

Parenting high points (what makes it all worthwhile): Every day. I am very lucky that I get to spend every day with my children and we have great fun, we have so much fun together.

Funniest comment (from child): There are so many and I have made a point of writing as many as I can down. some are not appropriate for this magazine but one of the funniest was when Sadie cuddled her little sister and told her " I love you, Pia, when you are an old lady you are going to die."

Favourite family holiday spot: Pease Bay, is great for families and not too far. We have been a few times now and always have a good break. We are also lucky enough to have family in America and have been to Cape Cod for extended family holidays and we all had a great time.

Best children’s book: Any "Alfie" book or anything by Shirley Hughes actually, her illustrations are lovely and her stories are really good too.

Best DVD: Sadie's is Doc McStuffins and Pia's is Elmo Potty time. Both can change reguarly.

Most played with toys: Sadie loves her wooden garage and her special teddy Dodo. Pia likes her pop up tent and baby doll, it is a special American girl doll all the way from America.

Biggest waste of money: I have been lucky enough to have been lent things for the girls so I got to try before I bought.

Why you like living where you do: Being born and bred here I know I am very lucky, we can walk, bus, train, tram or drive and be any where very quickly.

We like the beach, countryside and city living and Edinburgh offers all of that on our doorstep. We are near Sadie's nursery too.

As parents in Edinburgh you have so much fantastic local knowledge - if you would like to share your favorite bits of being a parent and living in our fantastic city then please email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

10 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

g n i k o Co ith w

Kids

Mini Quiches These little quiches make a great snack for children and can be filled with food of your choice. Some ideas are peppers, sweetcorn, ham, tomatoes and cheese.

Makes 12.

100g Plain Flour 50g Butter 4floz Milk 2 egg 1. Make your pastry by rubbing together the butter and flour in a large mixing bowl. Ask your children to help you ‘squidge’ the two together to see if you can magically make the butter disappear into sand. Once it is all combined add cold water a spoonful at a time until you get a nice dough. If it gets too wet then just add a bit more flour.

2. Leave the pastry aside whilst you prepare your tin. Give your child a chunk of butter and using it as a crayon colour in your tart tray holes until they are fully oiled, you then sprinkle flour over the holes and turn the tray upside down, the excess will flour your surface.

3. Together roll out the pastry and cut out lots of circles large enough to line your tin.

4. Fill the cases half way up with your fillings, then combine the egg and milk and fill to the top.

Cook at 220c / 430F for 12-15minutes until cooked throughout.

Cooking Lessons For children age 21⁄2 and up Go to website www.craftycooks.co.uk for details Contact Judith on 07891 743684 to book your half price trial class.

Sweet Potato Scones These savoury scones are an ideal way to introduce your child to sweet potato – or any other root vegetable you may wish to try! They are lovely for picnics or lunchboxes, with just butter or ham and cheese as a substitute to sandwiches.

Fillings of your choice.

Starting in April in South Edinburgh

5oz Plain Flour 2oz Butter 4fl oz Mashed Sweet Potato 6tbs Milk 2dsp Soft Brown Sugar 4tsp Baking Powder.

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

Kids Karaoke Parties Your Home or Venue

1. Rub together the Butter, baking powder and flour, encourage your children to squidge it all together as described for quiches.

2. When you have a breadcrumb like texture stir in the sugar and mashed sweet potato. Add the milk slowly until you have a nice, firm dough.

3. Roll out the dough until it is as fat as an adult’s finger and cut your shapes. If your child is slightly suspicious of new foods it’s amazing what a star or heart shape will do for encouraging them to try!

4. Cook in a pre-heated oven at 220C / 430F for 12-15minutes until cooked throughout.

Thank you to Crafty Cooks for sharing these recipes with us. Judith will be starting classes in April in South Edinburgh for children aged 21⁄2 up.

Go to the website www.craftycooks.co.uk for details or contact Judith on 07891 743684 to book your half price trial class.

Only

£69

07588 349 079 www.kidskaraokeparties.co.uk

Helps children to move forward, overcome anxieties, habits and behaviours holding them back.

Working with parents to help improve communication at many levels with their children.

Masterful Parenting course - book now!

Mind Matters - preparing for exams Individual sessions throughout the year call Karen 07837930714 www.kidsnlpscotland.co.uk

Explore your favourite musicals!

Thursdays, age 5+ Contact us for more details Also offering Kids dance classes, all styles for all ages Adult dance and fitness

07545551271 0131 443 0753 office@studiod14.co.uk

www.studiodedinburgh.co.uk The Basement @ 4 Hutchison Terrace, EH14 1QB

11 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

PREGNANCY AND BABY

Relax & Breathe Birthing: natures journey Courses with Anne Young, BSc CBMI MIFPA Relax and Breathe Birthing is all about building confidence and empowering women to harness their own inner strength and ability to birth their baby with calm confidence. This course offers you and your birth partner time to explore and discuss any concerns or worries you may have about the birth of your baby, the most common being: Worried about pain during labour and what options are available – is it possible to manage without medication?

What happens if I go past my Estimated Due Date?

What about the possibility of induction – is it necessary and what does it involve?

Will I be able to have a home birth?

What if I have to have a caesarean section?

You will learn about the amazing, innate ability the human body has to give birth and by understanding this, be able to embrace and feel strong in the knowledge that you have everything you need within you, to birth your baby calmly and confidently. Through the Relax and Breathe Birthing course you will be guided through a combination of gentle breathing, guided relaxation and visualisations (hypnobirthing), movement, massage and comprehensive birth preparation to help you achieve a fear-free, calm and positive birth experience.

Although it may not always be possible to achieve a natural birth, it is possible to stay calm and be in control of the decisions made during childbirth so that you can look back positively and with pride at your birth journey. Preparing for the birth of your baby can enable you and your birth partner to be aware of what optimises your birth experience and outcome.

The course is best undertaken between 24 and 35 weeks into your pregnancy as this allows you time to review information and practice the techniques you have learned over the four week course and discover together your preferences for the birth of your baby.

“In recent years I have been offering increasing support to women through fertility and maternity reflexology and pregnancy and postnatal massage. At a time filled with many mixed emotions and feelings - both positive and negative - for women and their partners, I am able to offer women a relaxed, safe and secure environment and allow time to listen when they wish to share their thoughts and experiences about their pregnancy and/or birth.

Although each woman is individual and unique as is each woman’s pregnancy and birth many expressed feelings in a lack of confidence, confusion and worry about their pregnancy or birth choices in relation to society’s expectations and that of family and friends.

The Relax & Breathe Birthing course offered me the opportunity to develop and enhance my knowledge and understanding about pregnancy and birth enabling me to support women and their birth partners to achieve a calm, confident and positive birth experience”.

Next Relax and Breathe Birthing course is held at lovely, tranquil Breath-Works, 7a Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PH on Saturday mornings between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

This is a very relaxed, informal and friendly course which is limited to four pregnant women and their birth partner.

The next 4 week course starts on Saturday 7th March from 9.30am – 12.30pm.

**Special offer £100 for the March 4 week course (usually £160)**

Relax & Breathe Birthing: 4 Week Course This course is accredited by FEDANT (The Federation of Antenatal Educators) and has been developed by two amazing ladies, Jenny Patterson and Onie Tibbitt. Jenny is an Independent Midwife with over 10 years’ experience and a mother of four boys, Onie is a hypnobirthing and birth educator, doula, and pregnancy massage trainer with over 10 years’ experience as well as mother of two girls.

Anne is one of the first trained and qualified Relax & Breathe Birthing Instructors in the UK. She is mother to two daughters and lives and works in Edinburgh. Her business, Scents of Wellbeing, was set up in 2005 after Anne graduated from Napier University with a degree in Complementary Therapies.

To book your place, please contact Anne on 07811 073 202 or email:anne@scents-of-wellbeing.co.uk http://www.scents-of-wellbeing.co.uk www.facebook.com/scentsofwellbeing

AC Maternity Services Ashley and Claire are qualified and experienced maternity nurses in post natal care.

We provide support, advice and guidance through your journey as new parents, while you gain confidence and knowledge for the future.

• Day or Night Support • Live In Care • Consultations • The Six Month Baby Package

acmaternityservices@gmail.com www.acmaternityservices.co.uk 12 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

PREGNANCY AND BABY

Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Massage The use of massage during pregnancy, birth and postnatally is not new. Touch has been used by many cultures, over generations, supporting women during pregnancy, easing the intensity of childbirth and facilitating postnatal healing.

Current research highlights the power of massage at these transformative times.

Pregnancy massage can: reduce stress, ease musculoskeletal strain and pain, facilitate hormonal, respiratory and other physiological processes, reduce cramp, oedema and blood pressure, relieve varicose veins and improve blood and lymph circulation. It allows the mother to 'switch off' and practice deep relaxation, providing significant benefits for mother and baby. Massage contributes to shorter, less intense childbirth experiences, reducing the need for medical interventions. Evidence shows it leads to fewer low birth weight preterm babies.

Pregnancy massage is indulgent, effective and deeply restorative, usually performed side-lying with mother and baby bump fully supported by specially designed cushions, with dimmed lights, perfect temperature and peaceful music. The massage is slow, rhythmical and soothing, tailored completely to the mother's needs and comfort levels, using safe and suitable techniques for her individual pregnancy health.

Massage after birth provides nurturing support, hormonal balance, better sleep, and can improve breastfeeding. It helps restore the mother's body to pre-pregnancy condition and speed healing. The postnatal period can be an emotional rollercoaster, postnatal massage is about gathering, bringing energy to the woman, helping her to rest, reconnect and restore, tailored according to the mother's needs. Remedial techniques are applied during a deeply sedative and relaxing session.

KnotStressed Therapies is a well being centre in the heart of Edinburgh. For over 10 years, we have supported women, their partners and families during pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. All our practitioners are experienced and certified Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage Therapists through our Royal College of Midwives accredited training. www.knotstressed.com 07717783230 relax@knotstressed.com

AC Maternity

Ashley Blacklaw has worked as a Maternity Nurse, assisting families in post natal care for over seven years. She has travelled all over the UK and abroad providing her expertise in: establishing a suitable routine, support with breast and/or bottle feeding, teaching parents to understand their baby's needs, educating them to make informed choices and the giving them the confidence to do so.

Ashley is looking forward to continuing her work in 2015 with families in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife and introducing new services being offered by AC Maternity Services, among which is The Six Month Baby Package.

Ashley explains more; "The Six Month Baby Package is a one off payment for three consultations. These are around one hour each, from pregnancy till baby is 6 months old. An initial consultation before, or just after birth, one at around 3 months and a final one at 6 months. A total of two hours worth of time for phone calls and/or emails will be included in the week following each consultation, if needed. During these consultations I will answer all your baby related questions, enabling you to make informed decisions along the way about subjects such as equipment to buy, safe sleeping, breast or bottle feeding, routines and weaning.

We also now have gift vouchers which can be used to the value of, or a contribution for any of our services, so if you know anyone who is expecting, this is the perfect gift.

It could be for a friend or family member, or even a work colleague going off on Maternity leave. Perhaps a one hour consultation to put them on the right track and get any questions answered that come with the arrival of a new baby."

If you are interested in finding out more on the services AC Maternity offer and how Ashley and Claire can help you, please visit the website: www.acmaternityservices.co.uk

13 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

PREGNANCY AND BABY

Revitalize At Revitalize we love working with pregnant Mums. We offer Pregnancy Massage, MLD , Reflexology, Sports and Remedial Massage, Bowen Therapy and Reiki. Most people know what massage is.

Reflexology is massage to reflex zones on the feet relating to bodily systems and organs. Reiki is energy healing which aims to re-balance the recipient’s natural energy and provide deep relaxation. It is believed that Bowen Therapy prompts the body to reset, repair and balance itself and clients report pain relief, and recovery of energy.

Make Those Memories Last a Lifetime

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is gentle rhythmical light touch that improves the efficiency of the lymphatic system. So why during pregnancy? To quote MLD uk “specific and gentle movements of the skin stimulate and increase the rate of removal of waste products, toxins and excess fluid from the body’s tissues resulting in reduced fluid retention, swelling and puffiness of the ankles.” MLD can also give relief from pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel.

Bodywork post-partum is important as new Mums – and Dads - get to grips with feeding, lifting, and carrying, as it is repeated movements and poor posture that induce repetitive strain injuries.

I also write a plea on behalf of teenagers; remember the big kids – the babies who grew up – some of whom are experiencing growing pains, huge teenage growth spurts, Oshgood-Schlatter with pain below and around the knees, exam stress, and huge changes – some of them might need or even love a massage too!

Andrea has been a massage therapist for 17 years. She did her Pre and Perinatal Massage Therapy with Carole Osborne-Sheets and continues to train with the Scottish Massage Schools. She works from her clinic Revitalize, in EH9. www.revitalizeEdinburgh.co.uk At Revitalize we aim to provide nurturing touch, reduce stress, and give the Mum-to-be a cared-for experience. Gift vouchers are available.

The Pregnancy and Parents Centre Providing classes and sessions for pregnant women, mums, and dads to build friendships with others who are going through the same stages of pregnancy and parenthood is at the heart of our work. This year is our 30th birthday so we have a lot of experience in supporting mums and dads-to-be, and parents with young children.

As one new mum says: “I never think twice about coming along even when I’ve had a bad morning and have a grumpy baby.”

Welcoming to All

In the Heart of Edinburgh Our Body Casting service is available in our comfortable studio on Hill Street, just two minutes’ walk from Princes Street.

Because we know how important having time to connect with your baby, feeling confident as a parent and being surrounded by supportive networks is to you and your family’s wellbeing, the Pregnancy and Parents Centre operates as a charity. Our drop in groups are free and we charge different rates for sessions and support services according to different circumstances.

We welcome over 400 women, men, babies and toddlers walking, crawling and being carried or pushed through the Pregnancy and Parents Centre’s doors each week and we’d love to welcome you and your growing family too.

To find out more about the many other things we offer call us on 0131 229 3667 email us info@pregnancyandparents.org.uk, visit our website www.pregnancyandparents.org.uk, join us on facebook www.facebook.com/ppcedinburgh, or simply drop in.

Registered Cranial and Paediatric Osteopath

1 Wester Coates Avenue, Edinburgh EH12

0131 346 0134 Natural relief from pain and discomfort

14 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

Book today

Free Trial

Revitalize ©ANJA SCHIEFLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Tom Kelman, BSc (Hons) Ost, DPO

What our Customers Say “I would like to thank Poppy and Luis for beautiful baby feet casting of my little baby girl, we love it. They are very professional, helpful, friendly and caring.”

Looking for gift ideas? We offer Body Casting gift vouchers and bespoke packages to celebrate all occasions.

www.edinburghcasting.com 07851 068882 hello@edinburghcasting.com

Pregnancy and Parents Centre, 10 Lower Gilmore Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9NY

• Unsettled colicky babies, flat head syndrome • Growing pains, asthma, glue ear, autism • Sports injuries, stiff back and neck pain

Tiny Toes Grow so Fast Mums tell us their little ones grow so quickly. That’s why our experienced and friendly team cast hands and feet from as young as 2 days old. Displayed in a wooden box frame, with your little one’s name and age, and your choice of custom colours.

It only takes a few minutes for each casting, and our materials and methods are completely safe for babies and young children.

Casts for all the family We love making casts that include all the family. We can cast up to five hands at once, so siblings, parents and grandparents can all take part.

Celebrate New Arrivals, Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more with a Body Casting experience in Edinburgh’s premier casting studio.

We know that adjusting to a new way of life as a parent can be demanding, so we offer a warm welcome, tea and biscuits and a chance to chat with others and our experienced group facilitators.

The Osteopathic Practice

At The Edinburgh Casting Studio, we create beautiful bespoke body sculptures. Suitable for Babies, Children and Families, celebrate special occasions by taking home a one-of-a-kind sculpture made especially for you in the Heart of Edinburgh.

Pregnancy and Remedial Massage Clinic at 66 Ratcliffe Terrace EH9

0773 1155453 www.RevitalizeEdinburgh.co.uk

Play! Sing!

Sign! & Speak!

07786 513 524

www.babycomm.co.uk

PREGNANCY AND BABY

BabyComm – Baby & Toddler Signing Play! Sing! Sign! & Speak! We are all about cultivating confident & competent communicators.

BabyComm classes are stimulating but relaxed, interactive and lots of fun. They provide a holistic approach to developing good communication skills in young children. Signing with your young child brings together all aspects of communication ( interacting, listening, responding, talking) at a wonderful stage of their speech and language development.

Devised and run by Sheena who has 15 years experience working as a speech and language therapist, and is also a teacher. Age range from 6-36 months.

Venues around Edinburgh West and North: Tuesday mornings at Jenn’s Den, Thursday mornings at Cramond Kirk Hall.

Visit the website and Facebook for up to date information on classes and new venues. Cost is per family, so toddler and baby attend for price of one. £6 per class, booked in blocks to the end of each term.

Email Sheena for more information and to book your free trial session sheena@babycomm.co.uk www.babycomm.co.uk/ www.facebook.com/BabyComm YogaBellies provides autentic, safe and fun yoga classes for women, mothers and children. YogaBellies sessions incorporate a range of authentic yogic and holistic techniques which create a unique experience for ladies. They make sure their classes are non-scary, non-threatening, welcoming and open to all levels of practitioner.

We believe that yoga is accessible to everyone.

Rosy Grieco and Linzi Cosgrove are YogaBellies Teachers in Edinburgh offering the following classes: YogaBellies Yoga For Pregnancy - yoga classes for pregnancy & birth preparation suitable from 14 weeks YogaBellies Yoga For Mummy and Baby - Postnatal Yoga tailored for postnatal bodies and Baby Yoga tailored for babies from 6 weeks -10 months old YogaBellies Yoga For Mummy and Toddler - Dynamic Hatha Yoga for mummies with active toddlers from 10 months - 36months old YogaBelles Yoga For Women - Our Yogaroma classes for women of all stages of life, from mentrual to post menopausal - not suitable for pregnancy or before 6 months postpartum.

Rosy teaches her classes in Colinton, Stockbridge and Penicuik - contact rosy@yogabellies.co.uk for details Linzi teaches her classes in Haymarket, Pilrig and Morningside - contact linzi@yogabellies.co.uk for details. www.yogabellies.co.uk

FIT For Childbirth and Parenthood?

Pregnancy and parenthood are hugely exciting times but can easily turn stressful with tiredness, lack of energy and demanding babies soon taking their toll. By keeping active and eating well in pregnancy and post birth you can boast a fantastic list of health benefits which can set both parents and baby up for a great start to life!

Exercise in Pregnancy can: • Reduce uncomfortable symptoms of back ache, swelling, bloating, constipation…….

• Keep your body healthy physically and emotionally with reduced stress levels, weight control and research even shows that it can help the health of your baby too The list is huge and then post birth it can: • Keep your energy levels up • Help you get your body and confidence back To name just a couple.

With our increasingly time stressed lifestyles it’s easy to see why convenience takes over when the tiredness kicks in. Add that to an age of ‘mommy’ celebrities wearing impossibly high heels and being a size 0 within a few weeks of giving birth it is easy to see why ‘real mums’ can be disillusioned when they are still carrying the extra pounds months later and have an aching back.

BA Fitness is passionate about working with mums to get them feeling fit, active and healthy at this fabulous time. They use safe and highly effective training which harnesses all the feel good endorphins whilst the nutritional advice provides a great resource for mums to really blast the baby bulge.

The ‘Complete’ Programme integrates cardio, core, calmness and considerate eating – which combine to create optimum fitness and wellbeing results.

Whether on a 1:1 basis, a small group or a buggy class – the emphasis is on enjoying the time and if the exercise is too much of a thought then the stress relief massage therapy is great for mums and dads!

With 15 years in the fitness industry, Trainer, Barbara, became hooked on teaching pregnancy and post natal when she decided to study the field when pregnant with her 1st child “I was fed up with the mixed messages I got about exercising when pregnant and afterwards - I decided the only solution was to go into it properly and it’s now one of my favourite parts of my work”.

For more information on pregnancy and post natal health & fitness contact Barbara at BA Fitness on 07824 900137 or email bafitness@hotmail.co.uk

YogaBellies provides authentic, safe and fun yoga classes for women, mothers and children • YogaBellies Yoga For Pregnancy • YogaBellies Yoga For Mummy and Baby • YogaBellies Yoga For Mummy and Toddler • YogaBelles Yoga For Women For classes in Colinton, Stockbridge and Penicuik contact rosy@yogabellies.co.uk for details For classes in Haymarket, Pilrig and Morningside contact linzi@yogabellies.co.uk for details

15 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

Real nappies: helping you to spend less and send less to landfill Changeworks’ Real Nappy Project provides advice and information about how to get started with real nappies, together with trial kits so you can test before you invest. They organise ‘Nappuccino’ coffee mornings where you can meet other parents who already use real nappies and are taking part in a world record breaking nappy change in April 2015.

Feel the benefits of real nappies Given that the average child will produce 156 black bin bags of disposable nappy waste over the course of their first two and a half years, many people are keen to find a waste minimising alternative.

Reusable nappies are the best solution to minimising nappy waste. They have moved on from ‘terry squares’ and are now reliable, fitted, comfortable and easy to use. Cloth nappies are great to use in many situations, as every cloth nappy used and reused saves a disposable from the landfill forever. This does not mean we have to use them 100% of the time. Many of our real nappy volunteers don’t, and especially recommend that new parents avoid using real nappies during the first few weeks with a new baby as there are already many new things to adjust to.

Aside from minimising waste, reusable nappies will also help you avoid spending up to £200 a year on buying disposables. Real nappies involve a small upfront investment from £30 upwards, depending on if you choose wraps and a simple absorbent cloth or fitted, colourful all-in-one varieties. And the investment does not need to be made all at once; you can build your collection slowly over time.

Money saving incentives The Real Nappy Project offers incentive kits for families in Edinburgh. This is an ideal low cost way to test whether cloth nappies are right for you and your baby. You can choose from a trial kit, which includes £45 worth of nappies and accessories, or a lending kit, which contains thirty nappies of eight different styles. Both kits mean you can make an informed decision and cost £12 each for people living in Edinburgh. If you live in the Lothian’s, please get in touch to ask about costs.

Meet other parents to find out more Come along to a free Nappuccino event run by Changeworks to check out what real nappies are available, buy a trial or lending kit, buy good quality second hand nappies, and meet other parents who have decided to ‘go real’. Nappuccinos take place monthly in Leith and Tollcross.

For full details, go to News and Events on our website changeworks.org.uk.

The Great Nappy Change!

The Real Nappy Project will take part in a Guinness World Record Great Nappy Change on the morning of Saturday 18 April in Edinburgh. We are coming together to celebrate real nappies and help beat the 2014 record of 8,459 cloth nappies changed in the world simultaneously!

Please join us − get in touch to book your place.

Meet a Real Nappy Volunteer - why did you switch to real nappies?

We spoke to Changeworks’ real nappy volunteer, Helen, to find out why she decided to choose cloth nappies.

Helen first considered using real nappies when she was pregnant as she didn’t like the idea of sending 4,000 disposables nappies to landfill. She was surprised to discover all the different types that were available and how cute they were, so decided to go along to a Nappuccino to find out more. Helen says “It was really helpful talking to people who used them and actually seeing what the nappies were like, as most are sold online. I also bought a couple of second hand ones there which was an excellent way to start off as it was very little to spend if for some reason it didn't work out.”

Nowadays, as a volunteer, Helen finds that a lot of people come to the Nappuccino concerned about the thought of extra washing but she is able to reassure them with her own experiences. Helen notes that with babies you tend to do a lot of washing anyway, and that the real nappies were better at containing leaks so it actually meant she had fewer clothes to wash. Not having to take out nappies to the bins is another overlooked fact, as Helen says, “Living in a second floor flat, I honestly find it easier to put a wash on than to take another bin bag down all the stairs or carry a pack of nappies back from the shop!”

Helen finds there are often misconceptions about real nappies being hard work, “I honestly haven't found that to be the case even after going back to work four days a week.”

Helen and Isobel (on the right) with some other real nappy enthusiasts at the Great Cloth Nappy Change 2014 in Edinburgh.

When asked to review if she was happy to have switched to real nappies, Helen says: “Definitely. I think I have saved money − and I would save even more if I have any more children, I’ve kept more waste from going to landfill and they look so much nicer on than disposables!”

Helen’s top tip to new parents is to choose a few different types to have available when out and about or if you need them to dry quickly, and to consider using reusable wipes too: “Reusable wipes are a great idea I hadn't considered before − saves loads of money and they are more effective at cleaning too.”

Contact us: Call 0131 555 4010 Email realnappies@changeworks.org.uk Visit changeworks.org.uk Follow Changeworks on Facebook and Twitter Changeworks is an environmental charity and social enterprise. We work with people and organisations to provide practical ways to live and work more sustainably. www.changeworks.org.uk.

Harrison Playgroup at the North Merchiston Club, Polwarth 21⁄4 hours of affordable childcare for children 2-5 Places available now!

Drop in and see us or find us on Facebook

Email: info@harrisonplaygroup.co.uk

www.harrisonplaygroup.co.uk 16 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

Children’s healthcare, when you need it As their bodies and immune systems develop, it is inevitable that most children will become unwell at some point in their young lives. Nurseries in particular, with children mixing and playing in close proximity, can often be a melting pot for infections and minor illnesses.

If your child does get unwell, whether at nursery or home, it can be difficult to know where to turn for advice or support. Although some workplaces allow time off work to deal with an emergency, it can be hard to arrange time off work for GP appointments.

Help is at hand however, thanks to Edinburgh private health practice, YourGP, based in Dean Village in the west end of the city.

As part of the Sameday Doctor network, YourGP offer short-notice appointments within 24 hours, as well as longer opening hours, seven days a week – meaning you don’t need to worry about rearranging your busy schedule or taking time off work.

What services does YourGP offer?

YourGP’s specialist children’s clinic offers the complete range of doctor services including baby jabs, development checks, and immunisations and vaccines.

A friendly, calm environment for children The specialist children’s GPs at the clinic are fully aware of how important a friendly, calm environment is for children, and they strive to make visits as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

They are also fully aware of the anxieties associated with an unwell child, and with longer consultation times of 15 minutes, 30 minutes and one hour, are fully prepared to listen to you in order to help resolve worries, concerns and illnesses.

If YourGP sounds like the type of environment where you would feel relaxed and comfortable with your child, arrange an appointment on 0131 225 5656 or at reception@your.gp.

The full national schedule vaccines are available, such as meningitis, flu and MMR. YourGP also offer the meningitis B, chickenpox and hepatitis B paediatric vaccines, as well as the HPV vaccine for boys and girls from nine years old.

You can visit YourGP at Waterside House, 19 Hawthornbank Lane, Edinburgh, EH4 3BH. Limited free private parking is available.

Unlike other GPs in Edinburgh and across Scotland, one of the services YourGP offers in clinic is to take children’s blood tests, which can be done at the weekend, including Sundays. This is convenient for busy and working parents, as is the fact that results are generally back within just 48 hours.

twitter.com/YourGPUK

www.your-gp.com

facebook.com/YourGPUK

17 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

FaMilY DaYS OuT and Easter Egg Hunts I always optimistically think that March means Spring....and that Spring means warmth.

And you never know, maybe this is the year that happens. But just in case, load up your car/bag/buggy with an extra jumper/anorak/woolly hat and get outside!

Living where we do you know there’ll never be a dull moment - and keep your eyes peeled for the Easter Bunny!

Here’s our round up of some great family fun to be had in and around Edinburgh.

Family-FrienDly botanics: more than just all rosy Set in 70 acres of stunning scenery, just a mile from the city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is rightly a popular destination for families from Edinburgh and beyond.

Despite its name, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is not one but four. With its three Regional Gardens - Dawyck, near Peebles, in the Scottish Borders; Benmore, near Dunoon, in Argyll; and Logan, near Stranraer, in Dumfries & Galloway.

Yet, it is surprisingly easy to make the most of everything on offer across all four RBGE Gardens. For annual membership of just £45 (or £41 by Direct Debit in the first year) a family gets unlimited access to the Glasshouses at Edinburgh as well as free admission to all the Regional Gardens and discounts in the shops and cafes.* Edinburgh Just a stone’s throw from the bustle of Princes Street, the Botanics is home to a rich Living Collection which creates not only an invaluable conservation resource but a beautiful and much-loved visitor attraction. From the world-renowned Rock Garden, to the magnificent Arboretum and tranquil Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden there is something for everyone – whether interested or not in gardening!

There are adventures to be had within the stunning Glasshouses, from the iconic Victorian Temperate Palm House - the tallest traditional building of its kind still used for its original purpose in Europe through a further nine houses, wandering among orchids, cycads, ferns and so much more to the largest collection of Vireya rhododendrons in captivity. Stories abound throughout, from the plants that are used for food and medicines, to the ones that make your clothes and homes. Look out for the plants that are happy to snack on insects and visit the fish living happily in three different houses.

Linger a while, too, in John Hope Gateway visitor centre where events and activities are held throughout the year.

Look out in the coming weeks for the bees and minibeasts hunt, a hands-on session on farm animals and Expedition Botanics: all part of Edinburgh International Science Festival which runs from 4-19 April. For full details visit www.rbge.org.uk or call 0131 248 2909.

Benmore In the dramatic mountainside setting of the Eachaig Valley, at the gateway to the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, sits Benmore, the largest of RBGE’s four Gardens.

Approached by a magnificent 150-year-old Redwood Avenue - probably the most spectacular entrance to any botanic garden in the world - this Garden is famous for its rhododendrons. Its west coast setting also makes Benmore particularly suitable for plant collections from Bhutan, Chile, Japan and Tasmania. Don’t miss the unique Victorian Fernery or stunning Golden Gates. A must for families is the Open Day on Sunday 31 May. Visit www.rbge.org.uk/benmore or call 01369 706261.

Logan Sitting 14 miles from Stranraer, at the very south-west tip of Scotland, Logan enjoys an exceptionally mild climate, thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream. Recognised worldwide as a plants man’s paradise, it specialises in species from southern hemisphere countries such as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand all. A Conservatory opened last year to house some of the more tender plants. Don’t miss the Easter Egg Eggstravanza on Sunday 5 April.

See www.rbge.org.uk/logan or call 01776 860231 Dawyck A world-class arboretum, stunning Dawyck Botanic Garden, eight miles south-west of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, is home to many great and endangered conifers. A real Garden for all seasons, Dawyck is defined by the Scrape Burn wending its way from north to south.

Fascinated by fungi? Then pay a visit to Heron Wood in the upper Garden, the world’s first dedicated Cryptogamic Sanctuary. Children will love Poppy Browne’s Craft Afternoon on Sunday 12 April www.rbge.org.uk/dawyck or call 01721 760254.

Win family membership of RBGE! Enter our competition to win a year’s membership of RBGE for you and your family (valid for two adults and any children under 18 living at the same address).

Just go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win and answer the following question:

Which of the Royal Botanic Gardens is well known for its Redwood Avenue?

For further information on becoming a Friend(s) of RBGE and to join today go to www.rbge.org.uk/membership or call 0131 552 5339. *Membership benefits also include free admission to other UK and overseas botanic gardens including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew & Wakehurst Place and our quarterly Botanics magazine.

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Dunbar science Festival The Dunbar SciFest 2015 Family Weekend is Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March 2015 (10am - 5pm both days) in the John Muir Campus of Dunbar Primary School and the Bleachingfield Community Centre, with cafes in both venues. Get stuck into wacky workshops, sit back and enjoy science stage shows and have family fun at diverse drop-in sessions. For under-fives, there’s storytelling and soft play. The stage shows are presented in British Sign Language or are BSL/English interpreted. Family tickets (2 Adults & 3 Children) cost just £15, with £20 Weekend Family Ticket (£5 per adult & £3 per child).

After a day full of fun, stay on for our Nights of Light, inspired by the United Nations International Year of Light 2015. Wrap up warm and as the sun sets, board buses in the Dunbar Garden Centre car park to see “The Magic Lantern” light projection show at Barns Ness Lighthouse, Friday 6th, Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th March (6.30-9pm).

Process though all the colours of the rainbow, exploring the electromagnetic spectrum that was discovered by the Scottish mathematician & physicist, James Clerk Maxwell.

The Barn Ness lighthouse & Keepers’ Cottages will be beautifully illuminated in a magical interpretation of light, shadow and movement in a stunning coastal location.

easter at Play town you’D be maD to miss it!

Don’t be late booking for Maddie & Mark’s Play Town celebrations this Easter. Along with the Easter Bunny comes Alice straight from Wonderland to enjoy a Mad Hatter’s Party.

There will be hats to decorate and an Easter egg to munch, as well as breakfast or supper for both kids and adults. There’s limited availability so make sure you book for Supper on Thurs 2nd April, 5.30 - 7.00pm or Breakfast on Fri 3rd April, 9.00 - 10.30am.

You can enjoy this Eggstravaganza for only £7.50 per child and £4.50 per adult.

And why not make your baby’s first Easter a really special one too with the Play Town Easter Party especially for little ones aged up to 24 months? There will be sensory games, finger food and a visit and small chocolate egg from the Easter Bunny. Grown ups will get tea/coffee and a delicious Scone. Only £3 (0-11mths) & £5 (12-24mth) and £3.50 per adult on Wed 1st April, 9.00 - 10.30am.

There’s always bundles of fresh fun to be had at Maddie & Mark’s Play Town at Ocean Terminal, to make sure you don’t miss any of their important dates, book today on 0131 555 1900. www.maddieandmarks.co.uk

easter at the Palace oF holyrooDhouse Saturday 4 – Monday 20 April 2015 Join us for lots of fun over the Easter holidays! Solve riddles and complete puzzles to help you spot brightly coloured and sparkly eggs dotted around the Palace and learn about the history of the Palace with our family audio tour. During your visit drop in to the family room play games, get crafty and dress up in new costumes added for 2015. You can also pick up a family activity trail as you explore the Abbey and Palace gardens. Opening times 09:30 – 18:00 (last entry 16:30).

Family Event Day; Faberge Family Fun Easter Sunday: Sunday 5 April Visit us on Easter Sunday and take part in our Easter Egg Hunt. Explore the grounds and search for the Faberge inspired eggs hidden in the Palace. In the Great Gallery listen as the portraits of the great kings of Scotland come to life through imaginative tales with our expert storyteller. Join a member of the Learning team in the Throne Room and get hands on with some replica Faberge eggs while you listen to small talk. Pick up a family activity trail and explore the Abbey and Palace gardens and before you leave visit the family room, have your face painted in the style of a Fabergé egg and make one to take home with you. A fun day out for all the family! Opening times 09:30 – 18:00 (last entry 16:30). COME BACK FOR FREE! Once you have bought a ticket from us, you can use it to come back for FREE for a year! A great way to fill the school holidays at no extra cost!

easter excitement at clambers soFtPlay Don’t miss Easter weekend at Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

There’s lots happening including an eggciting egg hunt on Good Friday 3rd April. Then there’s a very special Easter Bonnet Parade on Easter Sunday 5th April with a welcome return of our cool creatures animal handling. And of course, lots and lots of fun in our amazing, bright soft play.

Keep an eye on edinburghleisure.co.uk for even more, or call 0131 667 7211.

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FaMilY DaYS OuT and musselburGh racecourse easter Festival oF racinG

Good Friday – 3rd April Easter Sunday – 5th April Gates Open at 11.30am Good Friday will feature the £50,000 Royal Mile Handicap and Easter Sunday will be a wonderful day of Easter Family fun, with giant Easter bunnies handing out FREE Easter eggs along with a huge choice of Fairground rides and entertainments for all ages. We also have the very special attraction of the Shetland Grand National – a fantastically competitive event just for Shetland Ponies, a must see attraction!

Admission is £25 per adult and all children 17 and under FREE book online www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

easter eGGcitement

ProFessor eGGheaD & the alien invasion

Friday 3rd – Monday 20th April The farm is alive with the cheeps and bleats of new arrivals, who will be introduced to you at handling and encounter sessions. Grab your clue sheet, sharpen your pencil and tear around the farm collecting clues on the springtime trail. Keep a look out for the hidden eggs that might win you a prize. In the craft area you can make bonnets, masks and other springtime decorations. There will be further attractions over the four days of Easter (3rd - 6th April) including our famous plastic duck race along the mill lade.

There will also be regular Tractor and Trailer rides and enjoy a journey on our Almond Valley Light Railway.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston www.almondvalley.co.uk

This Easter at the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, Professor Egghead is taking action against the invasion of all sorts of alien species!

Join in the interactive fun and become part of the ‘Biosecurity Agency’ helping to track down this global threat. Find out what action must be taken worldwide to control the invasion. Where do they come from? What do they look like?

What can we do to help?

With a mixture of fun, games, challenges and experiments, Professor Egghead will lead the way in the battle against these intruders with a daily show at 14:00 from 3 to 20 April.

Included with admission to the Discovery Centre: adults £8.95/ kids £4.95/ families £25. Free for Scottish Seabird Centre Members. Request your tickets for the show on arrival at the Centre. Show lasts approx. 50 mins.

Times may vary – please call in advance to check.

For further information visit: www.seabird.org or call 01620 890202.

Part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

traquair house easter eGGstravaGanza A cracking good Easter Sunday for all the family Sunday April 5th The Easter Eggstravaganza at Traquair is the biggest event of its kind in the Borders. With over 5,500 mini eggs hidden in the Maze and some larger eggs to be won as well we guarantee that no child shall leave empty handed.

The day is not all about chocolate and there are lot of other activities children to enjoy from scavenger and treasure hunts in the grounds and woodlands, musical instrument making, drumming and singing, egg decorating, Easter bonnet making as well as Face Painting in the walled garden. Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire EH44 6PW

PuPPet animation Festival 28th March - 18th April The Festival is the UK's largest performing arts event for children. Held in venues across Scotland in April, it offers children and their families opportunities to be transported to magical worlds of make-believe. With over 150 events at 50 venues across the country there's lots on to entertain all the family. www.puppetanimationfestival.org

easter at the castle Sunday 5 April, 10am - 1pm, £5 per person Have fun in our idyllic setting and experience a host of crafts and trails in the woodland. Enjoy Easter cake and lots of other treats with us! Watch out for lost bunnies...With the Lauriston team. Lauriston Castle booking essential.

Online - usherhall.co.uk – Go to ‘ What’s On’ By phone - 0131 228 1155 (Opening hours: Monday Saturday 10am-5.30pm)

heaD Down to tiKi tots in morninGsiDe For loaDs oF easter Fun! Keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out the latest on everything going on - including an Easter Egg Hunt and Easter craft sessions.

Tiki Tots, 1A Nile Grove, Morningside www.tikitots.co.uk

Fabergé Family Fun Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2015 Photographer: Mark Owens

The Palace of Holyroodhouse Join us for a special family fun day on Sunday 5 April 2015 Faberge Egg Hunt Storytelling Make and take Faberge craft Family Audio Guide Palace Family Room with games, activities & costumes Face Painting Family Activity Trails and much more!

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For full details of events and dates visit

www.royalcollection.org.uk/whatson

COME BaCK FOR FREE! Get your ticket stamped on your first visit and come back as many times as you like at no extra cost!

Easter Egg Hunts science Festival 2015: clocK in at the iDeas Factory

Dinosaurs return!

Discover a Lost World at Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh International Science Festival returns in 2015 with two weeks of sensational science from 4 - 19 April. With interactive events, workshops and explorations happening all over the city you’ll find a great day out for the whole family.

Celebrating the role of the Science Festival as a hub for ideas, information, innovation and inspiration, this year’s Festival brings a packed programme. Summerhall is back as the Festival’s hub, with sensational science shows and interactive workshops offering a world of new experiences for all ages. City Art Centre will be transformed into a science playground, full of activities for curious minds and Light Works, a stunning photography exhibition, will take pride of place in St Andrews Square. There’s also a host of activities happening at the National Museum of Scotland, look out for pop-up science in the Grand Gallery, and at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Download a programme and book online at www.sciencefestival.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 557 2686.

DeeP sea worlD We have kicked off the year with a visit from Queen Elsa and Jake who joined the Deep Sea World crew for fun and frolics at half term. Thanks to Jo Jos Party People we enjoyed regular sing a long sessions with our favourite characters, as well as pirate storytelling, photo sessions, crab racing and heart melting love stories!

Our weekly daily activity programme is being enhanced with the arrival of Fishy Fun Time which runs Monday – Thursday 10am to 12 each day.* until Thursday 19th March. Music sessions, crafting sessions, play sessions and our very own Clown School.

Mermaids and Monsters hit the aquarium for Easter break with Monster Hunts, Egg Hunts, exclusive Mermaid dive evenings, facepainting, games, and so much more.

Why not come join us and spend a day at the bottom of the sea? Dive into the deep at Deep Sea World with our huge sharks, Stella our stingray, tropical fish and now much much more! See the wonders of the deep with our fascinating Sand Tiger sharks, our conger eels and a myriad of marine life as you walk underwater through the UK’s longest underwater tunnel.

Keep up to date with all our events by following us on Facebook. We hope to see you all soon! *prebooking recommended as limited spaces

Visit Edinburgh Zoo this Easter and become a prehistoric explorer for the day! Get up close to the lifesized animatronic giants who have taken over the top of the hill. Meet our specially trained dinosaur keepers and see what you can discover on a fossil dig. Spot the evolutionary connection between dinosaurs and the animals here at the Zoo, learn about the very real threats faced by our endangered species and what you can do to safeguard their future.

Don’t forget to check out our new dinosaur children’s party packages! The Little Explorers Dinosaur Expedition package gives your little ones a big adventure, while the Kid’s Afternoon Tea-Rex makes the perfect quirky party for older children. Both of these packages also include access to the Dinosaurs Return! exhibition and one free group photograph.

Dinosaurs Return! Will run from 3 April - 1 November, entry is included with admission price.

For more information visit www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/DinosaursReturn

And if you are out and about in town take advantage of the fab offer at Contini Gelateria BUY ONE GET ONE FREE on contini Gelato Victor & Carina Contini have a beautiful new building right next to Edinburgh Castle.

Don't miss the chance to experience their exciting new venture, they are offering a buy one get one free on the best gelati in town!

Offer available Monday-Friday until Friday 27th March.

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Easter Camps and Activities Is it just me or does the school Easter break seem looooonnnng this year? But that’s a good thing - how else would our kids get to spend time doing these amazing activities and making new friends? mortonhall tennis club easter camPs 6th - 10th April and 13th - 17th April The camps will be run by Dan Murray (Senior Club Coach) & his team. Each week will be broken down into 2 groups: 10am – 12 Noon Mini Tennis Camp (Approx. 5-9 Years) - £37.50 (members)/£47.50 non members. This is aimed at children of primary school age playing with soft/ low compression tennis balls 1pm – 4pm Junior Tennis Camp (Approx.10-16 Years) £57.50 (members)/£67.50 This is aimed at children who are 10 years or older. The level covers beginners right up to junior team players. Open also to under 10’s who are already playing to a certain level.

The camp is designed to give the players the chance to improve on their technical and tactical skills, play fun games, competitions and other sports.

A wet weather programme will operate in the event of bad weather. The club house will be used for indoor games and quizzes. As soon as it is playable we will be back out on court. (10% off on 3 or more bookings from the same family) If you have any queries please contact Dan on 07875 192530 or dancmurray@hotmail.co.uk

tumble tots Tumble Tots are running Easter 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. Then will spend about an hour on the arts and crafts, brio, jigsaws and play dough, finishing off with the parachute. Fun, Fun and more Fun all for £11.00 per child. Non members more than welcome. Please let your friends know!

The morning sessions will run from 10am to 12.30pm, the afternoon sessions will run from 1.30pm to 4pm. (Monday play scheme can only be in the morning).

The dates for the Play Schemes are Tuesday 7th, Friday 10th, Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th and Friday 17th April 2015.

Please call Jo on 01875 819966 for more information and to book your child a place or email Jo on joletelier.lobos@virgin.net we are also on Facebook now so you can like Tumble Tots Edinburgh East and keep in touch that way.

KiDscene holiDay club anD aFter school club Places are available at Kidscene, our integrated after school and holiday club which benefits from a mix of children with and without additional support needs.

Dates for Easter 2015 holiday club: Tuesday 7 April to Friday 17 April 8.30am-5.30pm Full and half days available Our facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory garden, enclosed indoor and outdoor play areas, soft play and multi-sensory play rooms.

After School Club is £11.50 per child per session Monday to Thursday £18.00 per child for a Friday session.

A full day at our holiday club costs £23. A half day costs £13.00 Fees for the holiday club need to be paid in advance.

Payment can be made by cash, bank transfer, cheque or online.

Full details are available at www.royalblind.org/child-care/fees.

A great week guaranteed!

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Easter Camps and Activities Drama stuDio easter holiDay club booKinG now!

The Drama Studio's very popular Easter Holiday Club for students aged 5-14 is running as follows: Liberton Church Halls, Kirkgate , Liberton 13th-17th April Great fun week meeting new friends and doing all kinds of Arts activities such as Drama, Art and Craft, puppets, filming, song, dance, dressing up, soft ball, parachute games and performing. Different afternoon activities for every age group and Senior Drama Performance Courses for age 10 + entitled - Gateway To The Ghouls !!!

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 March - £115 Full days, £65 Mornings, £50/£65 Afternoons (drop-in afternoons also available).

juPiter artlanD

easter artsparks: its our world 8th/9th April, 10-3.30pm, Ages 5-14, £80 for 2 day workshop, Booking essential Artsparks is Jupiter Artland's holiday programme of courses for children aged 5-14.

This year Jupiter Artland is supporting Its Our World, a nationwide art project encourgaing children to celebrate where they live and their environment.

Artworks created are uploaded to an online gallery to create an interactive artwork map of the British Isles, which will be displayed on digital ad screens across the UK in June 2015. This Easter, Artsparks participants will work with the Jupiter team to create their own miniature personal worlds. We will create sculptures of our favourite places, places that make us happy. We will make individual pieces out of clay, use foraged natural materials to make storyboards and work together to make an interactive installation of a mini Edinburgh/West Lothian/Jupiter Artland landscape out of recycled materials within the woodland classroom. easter woodland artsparks 15th/16th April, 10-3.30pm, Ages 5-10, £60 for 2 day workshop, Booking essential The ultimate woodland fun for imaginative, outdoorsy children aged 5-10. Brand new Woodland Artsparks holiday courses are inspired by the Forest School ethos and Jupiter's Artland's unique environment. These 2 days will be packed full with springtime activities inspired by the changes to the environment including a nest building challenge, animal tracking and the creation of journey sticks and woodland creatures from collected spring flora. We will also play a selection of woodland games including a blind nature trail, meet a tree and old favourites such as capture the flag. easter littlesparks 10th or 17th April, 10-12pm or 1-3pm, Ages 3-5, £10 per session. Booking essential Holiday Littlesparks sessions are made up of fun art and craft activities for little ones in the magical environment of Jupiter Artland. They give the wee ones both time indoors and outdoors enjoying messy art activities. Easter holiday workshops will be made up of springtime seasonal activities such as nest building, bird feeders, spring flower paintings and adventures across the artland to visit any newborn animals www.jupiterartland.co.uk/whats-on

exPlore learninG Free maths and English activities - 14th April!

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Explore fits easily around family life; the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis. On the 14th April, Explore will be hosting a day of free workshops for children in the local community. There will be free interactive maths and literacy workshops for 5 – 14 year olds across all the Explore Learning centres.

Spaces are limited so call your local centre to reserve your place. Call your local centre to book a free trial, or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk.

excel Excel's popular camps are once again at the fabulous facilities of St George's school for Girls on Garscube Terr.

You can opt for a week of specialised activities such as Art or Judo, Rock Band or Tennis, or just enjoy the many varied sports on the main Excel week. With film making, team competitions and lots of sports we can promise you the best week of your summer holidays. Booking open now: www.excel-sports.co.uk. Open to 5-15yr olds, from 8am-6pm Mon-Fri. Spaces on a first serve basis.

PentlanDs activity camPs Pentlands Activity Camps (PAC) has been offering healthy, fun-filled multi-activity day camps for children during school holidays since 2005. This year we’re delighted to announce that PAC is moving to our new venue, Netherurd House in Blyth Bridge, in the beautiful Scottish Borders, only 30 minutes south of the Edinburgh city bypass. Netherurd is perfect for PAC – its natural woodlands, stream and wide- open fields create a wonderful playground where children can enjoy ‘good oldfashioned fun’ – den-building, pond-dipping, treeclimbing, hide and seek...and so much more!

PAC welcomes all school-age children. Our website gives you more information and a flavour of who we are and what we do: www.pentlandsactivitycamps.co.uk To book or for more details, please call Lindsay on 07718 933725 or email: info@pentlandsactivitycamps.co.uk

steP it uP Dance Join the Step It Up Dance Crew for a unique Urban Easter Camp!

The Step It Up Dance team are running a fun & funky urban camp this Easter for P1-7 kids from Monday 13th Friday 17th April inclusive. Based at Broughton High School, kids will enjoy learning multiple styles of urban dance, creating their own graffiti t-shirts & canvases and for the first time, we have an ex-professional rapper on board to teach the kids the art of rap & beatboxing! The camp will run from 10am - 4pm each day with a different activity every day to keep the kids active and having loads of fun!

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Easter Camps and Activities MORTONHALL TENNIS CLUB EASTER CAMPS

the actinG scene

6th - 10th April 2015 13th - 17th April 2015 Camps now in their 11th year!

The camps will be run by Dan Murray (Senior Club Coach).

Each week will be broken down into 2 groups: 10am – 12 noon Mini Tennis Camp (Approx. 5-9 Years) £37.50 Members / £47.50 Non Members 1pm – 4pm Junior Tennis Camp (Approx.10-16 Years) £57.50 Members / £67.50 Non Members The camp is designed to give the players the chance to improve on their technical and tactical skills, play fun games, competitions and other sports.

Booking forms available from www.mortonhalltennis.org.uk

The Springboard to confidence for your child Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 7 yrs

pa We rti d es o to o!

Morningside, Joppa, Fairmilehead, Haddington and Marchmont contact Jo – 01875 819966

www.tumbletots.com/Edinburgh

The Acting Scene is running full and part-time Easter Drama Holiday Camps within the Mary Erskine School Edinburgh from Monday 30 March - Friday 10 April, 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Fantastically fun drama camps for children in school years P1 to S4. Great themes, role-plays, improvisations, games, dance, art and craft, all designed to help the imagination run free. Since it’s inception the company has delivered bespoke courses to thousands of primary and secondary school children across Edinburgh and the Lothian’s. All have gained self-confidence, improved their self-esteem, but most of all had fun. Participants will work with directors and tutors who’ve attended some of the UK’s top drama schools and are currently still working as professionals in their chosen fields. For more information and to book email: info@theactingscene.co.uk www.facebook.com/TheActingScene Call: 07542 191 495 Venue: Mary Erskine School, Ravelston Dykes Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3NT www.theactingscene.co.uk

DooDles

SASCS Easter Holiday Care Sciennes Primary School 10 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LG.

Tuesday 7th to Friday 17th April 2015 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; crafts, science, baking, sports and outdoor games.

Sports Camp – for children aged 8-12+years Sports camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports as well as more challenging, age appropriate indoor activities.

For more information 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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Go wild this Easter with our animal inspired clay projects for our Children's Easter Holiday Pottery Workshops 10.30am -12pm, £12.50 per class and includes juice and mid-morning snack. Please call Doodles on 0131 2290 1399 to book your childs place.

Tues 7th April: Make and paint your own animal egg cup or mini bowl.

Wed 8th April: Make and paint your own animal themed vase for your flowers, pencils or toothbrushes.

Thurs 9th April: Make and paint your own plant pot and plant tag in readinesss for spring.

Doodles, Marchmont Crescent, EH9 0131 229 1399

Dance base This Easter, look no further for the ultimate Easter school fun. Dance Base have teamed up with Circus Alba and Animation Jam to give kids a week to remember! Not only will they learn some exciting new circus skills including juggling, acrobalance and poi, but there will be loads of dancing!

To top it all off, they will work with super animator Jim Stirk to create and star in their own animated film. A memento of their fantastic week that will stay with them forever!

Dancebase.co.uk | 0131 225 5525 | 13 - 17 April | Ages 7-9 & 10-12 | £125 (£100 for additional children from the same family)

sascs SASCS will be operating Holiday Care and Sports Camp during the Easter Holidays, Tuesday 7th to Friday 17th April 2015, in Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1LG. 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; crafts, science, baking, sports and outdoor games.

Full Day - £19.00; Half Day - £11.50. Trip - £24.00.

Sports Camp – for children aged 8-12+years Sports camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports as well as more challenging, age appropriate indoor activities.

Full Day - £25.00; Trip - £28.00 Both schemes are run by experienced and qualified staff. Both age groups will also attend a full day trip each week, as well as country park trips and other local outings. 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

westwooDs suPerstars – multi activity camP For chilDren Westwoods Superstars is a daytime activities camp for children aged 5-12 years old based at Westwoods Health Club. The club is situated within the stunning grounds of Fettes College ensuring your child can enjoy exciting activities in a fun and safe environment. Activities include swimming, indoor and outdoor sports, arts and crafts, traditional games, trips to local attractions and much more!!! The Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm – and you can drop your children off from 8.30am and pick up until 5.30pm. Our Easter camp runs from 6th – 10th April, our summer camp commences on 13th July and ending on 7th August (13th – 17th July, 20th – 24th July, 27th July – 31st July, 3rd – 7th August). 3-4 Day packages are also available. For more information or to make a booking, please call Westwoods on 0131 332 5777 or visit our website: www.westwoodshealthclub.com or e-mail westwoods@fettes.com

Easter Camps and Activities join KinGs camPs For school holiDay Fun! Stewart Melville’s College and The Mary Erskine School are delighted to welcome Kings Camps - the UKs favourite children’s activity and sports camps - this year during the school holidays.

Running during the Easter, Summer and October half-term holidays children will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of sports, team games and activities at Kings Camps.

Learning new skills, making friends, and having fun is all part of the Kings Camps experience, with qualified and experienced coaches inspiring children to enjoy an active lifestyle. It's so much fun that children come back year after year, with many progressing through the Rookie Leadership Award for 14-17 year olds, becoming Kings Camps coaches themselves! With a 98% parent satisfaction score, join the thousands of parents who already choose Kings Camps.

For further details, dates and prices, visit www.kingscamps.org or call 0131 4714496 and build the perfect package for your family.

whizzKiDs Whizzkids is offering a range of computer courses this Easter for children aged 5 and up. With stimulating educational games, including the award-winning Nessy Learning Programme and Nessy Numbers, children will have great fun whilst brushing up on literacy and numeracy skills. If you’d rather focus on computer skills there’s desktop publishing, project creation, PowerPoint, touch-typing, computer art and a general computing skills course and for the more advanced there’s the OCR ITQ course which leads to a computing qualification (see www.ocr.org.uk). If you’d like to learn about coding the Scratch course is the ideal place to start - children can make games and animations using the Scratch programming language (www.scratch.mit.edu). For further details on any of the courses, or to book a place, please e-mail gillian@whizzkids.uk.com, check out the website at www.whizzkids.uk.com or call 0131 447 5893.

activator multi-activity holiDay camPs Mon 6 – Fri 10 and Mon 13 – Fri 17 April Every day is crammed full of maximum fun and activity in our Activator Camps for children in P1 – P7. Activator is a chance to try out lots of sports as well as enjoy all the kids’ favourites such as games, talent shows and arts & crafts. And children get the chance to learn some brilliant new skills along the way, whether it’s cool cooking, or a new sport. Our experienced leaders make sure everyone is safe and happy throughout their time with us. Running at 7 centres around the city, there’s one near you wherever you are. And there’s early drop off and late pick up at no extra cost.

More information is on edinburghleisure.co.uk or call any of our centres.

holiDay heiGhts at eica: ratho Mon 6 – Fri 10 and Mon 13 – Fri 17 April We don't mind kids climbing the walls in the holidays! Keep the kids active and entertained with a dizzying range of adrenaline pumping activities – and there’s something for the grown ups too! Our Holiday Heights programme is based around all things fun and led by fully qualified, experienced staff. Children from the age of 4 can climb, have fun in softplay, or both. And for older ones there’s our climb and abseil fun sessions, NICAS week-long courses and even full multi-activity days where they get to try out lots of different exciting activities. If you fancy joining in, why not do a family climb all together? There’s more information on eica-ratho.co.uk, or call 0131 333 6333.

new For 2015 aquatic camP at royal commonwealth Pool Mon 13 – Fri 17 April This exciting new water-based camp is designed for children aged 9-14 years who are confident swimming 25m in deep water. There’s lots and lots of water based fun (though we are on dry land too!). And the children will be working towards recognised Scottish Swimming and Royal Life Saving Society awards. Set in Edinburgh’s iconic pool and run by qualified, experienced coaches this camp is a must for anyone who enjoys the water.

We’re even offering early drop off and late pick up at no extra cost.

There’s more information on edinburghleisure.co.uk or call 0131 667 7211.

new aDventure activator camP at eica: ratho Mon 6 – Fri 10 and Mon 13 – Fri 17 April This brand new week-long camp for Primary School children has a definite adventure theme with activities that walk a little on the wild side, as well as all the fun of traditional Activator activities. Everything we do will be designed for primary school children and will be run by experienced, qualified instructors and leaders. The adventures include climbing, abseiling, archery, Judo, bush skills, scavenger hunts, nature trails, games, arts & crafts, coached sports and soft play. Phew! A must for all those young adventurers who’d like to do something a little different this Easter. And we’re offering early drop off and late pick up at no extra cost.

There’s more information on eica-ratho.co.uk, or call 0131 333 6333.

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Out&About

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familiesedinburgh

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

MARCH 1 March a town called Panic Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ www.filmhousecinema.com

7 & 8 March magic carpet weekenders The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level 1.

Free, places limited.Join us on the museum Magic Carpet for stories, songs and activities inspired by our fascinating collections. 11 - 11.25am 8 March charlotte's web Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ www.filmhousecinema.com

Filmhouse offers families and young people the best year-round selection of films from around the world, as well as filmmaking workshops during the school holidays. Every Sunday at 11am, Filmhouse screens great family films rated U or PG as part of Filmhouse Junior, with tickets only £4 (£5 for 3D). Filmhouse is also home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June, which offers family galas, education screenings and youth events.

A series of wacky and brilliantly inventive stop-motion adventures in which a trio of friends journey to the centre of the earth, wander across icy tundra and discover a strange aquatic world. 11am / £4 1 March 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

Part of Filmhouse Junior - Filmhouse's regular series of Sunday morning films from around the world for family audiences.A plucky farm girl saves beloved pig Wilbur from the axe. When he's threatened again, a spider called Charlotte spins fancy webs above his pen to show he's a special pig worth saving. 11am / £4 8 March Portrait Detectives The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD ©Alicia Bruce

6 March nappuccino Pregnancy and Parent Centre, 10 Lower Gilmore Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9NY Come along to one of our Nappuccino coffee mornings, an informal, friendly ‘one stop’ event which will meet all of your real nappy needs. Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit. You can also buy great value good quality second hand nappies. Any income generated is ploughed back into the Real Nappy Project to continue providing services such as the lending kits. 10 - 11.30am 7 & 8 March Dunbar sciFest

2015 Family weekend

Dunbar Primary School, John Muir Campus, Lammermuir Crescent, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1DG www.dunbarscifest.org.uk The award winning Dunbar SciFest is back for 2015!

The 5th amazing weekend-long community science festival for families in south-east Scotland will lead into British Science Week. In the John Muir Campus of Dunbar Primary School and the Bleachingfield Community Centre, with cafes in both venues, get stuck into wacky workshops, sit back and enjoy science stage shows and have family fun at diverse drop-in sessions.

For under-fives, there’s storytelling and soft play. The stage shows are presented in British Sign Language or are BSL/English interpreted. 10am - 5pm / Family tickets (2 Adults & 3 Children) cost just £15, with £20 Weekend Family Ticket (£5 per adult & £3 per child).

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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 10 March tiny tales: a wiggle and a jiggle

and a woo hoo hoo!

The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 -45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR. 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org/scottish-storytelling-centre Do you ever just want to dance around, swing in the trees, crouch down low and shout Woo Hoo Hoo?! An action packed session full of wonderfully wiggly songs and stories, with Mara Menzies. Please book in advance.

For ages 1 - 3. 10am & 11.30am (40mins) / £5 per child

Out&About

h.co.uk/whats-on including any contact or further booking information.

14 March inspired to write Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BB Jupiter are thrilled to announce two exciting creative writing workshops with our Poet in Residence, Marjorie Lotfi Gill. The morning creative writing session is designed for ages 6-9 and participants will create a piece of writing and artwork based on the Jupiter collection either in the form of a traditional poem, or a concrete or acrostic poem or even a poem written onto a found object.The afternoon session for ages 10-13 will focus on on ekphrastic writing, creating pieces of writing that take inspiration from the artwork at Jupiter.

The session will include short writing exercises and the development of a finished piece. 10-1am ages 6-9, 25pm ages 10-13 / £15 per session. Booking essential.

14 March spring ceilidh Polworth Church, 36 - 38 Polworth Terrace, Edinburgh, EH11 1LU Holy Corner Community Playgroup provides a fun, safe stimulating environment which is caring and responsive to children and their guardians. Founded over twenty five years ago, the playgroup is run by a dedicated staff and parent committee. Holy Corner holds an annual ceilidh featuring Ceilidh Kids at Polworth Church Hall and this year's event is set to include all the usual goodies such as sweet and savory bakes, face painting, tombola and a fantastic raffle with incredible prizes. 2 4 pm / £5 per ticket. Under 2's free 14 March the story Kist: inclusive storytelling The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

15 March mother's Day Maddie and Mark's Play Town, 2nd Floor Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ 0131 555 1900 FREE Indian Head Massage and Nail Treatment for mum and themed activities through the week like our complimentary Arty Antics and Wee Bakers.

15 March mother's Day Doodles Ceramic Workshop, 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 1HQ 0131 229 1399 Complimentary sweet treat and a glass of fizz for all mums on the day. There are also lots of amazing gift ideas to be painted as a surprise for mum so come on in and have a look! See website for opening hours / Prices vary

14 & 15 March light lab The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR 0131 552 2901 Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages. Join artist Kenny Bean in a hands-on workshop to explore light through building a simple pinhole camera. Ticket price includes the materials needed to make your camera. 11am - 4pm (closed between 1 & 2pm) / £3 14 & 15 March magic carpet weekenders The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level 1.

Free, places limited.Join us on the museum Magic Carpet for stories, songs and activities inspired by our fascinating collections. 11 - 11.25am

15 March bags of art The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks. Led by artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Ages 4 - 12. 14.00 - 16.00

Stories of the wild woods! Who will we meet if we go down to the woods today? Come and enjoy some multisensory stories, songs and adventures with storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane. Intriguing props and puppets! Lots of fun for everyone, but particularly for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. 11am (1hr) / £5 per child

15 March mothers Day Prosecco afternoon tea cruise Re-union Canal Boats, 1 Union Path, Edinburgh, EH3 9QB www.re-union.org.uk/events A 2 hour return cruise along the Union Canal from Edinburgh Quay to Slateford. Enjoy a glass of Prosecco and afternoon tea whilst taking in the surroundings from the Lochrin Belle. 11am / £20 per head

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Out&About 16 March tickets go on

sale for the imaginate Festival

The Imaginate Festival is Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people and runs from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May 2015 at venues across Edinburgh. Last year we were delighted to win the CATS

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familiesedinburgh

21 & 22 March magic carpet weekenders The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level 1.

Free, places limited.Join us on the museum Magic Carpet for stories, songs and activities inspired by our fascinating collections. 11 - 11.25am 22 March marvellous minibeasts Holyrood Park Rangers Centre, Queens Drive, Edinburgh, EH8 8HG scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/activitiesfor-children/edinburgh/ Come and join us on our Minibeast Safari! We will explore the hidden, miniature world of tiny creatures right under our feet.For ages 5 - 10. Email to book you child's place. 10am - 12pm / £1 per child 22 March alexander and the terrible, horrible, no Good, very bad Day Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ

Whiskers award for outstanding achievement in 25 years of excellent programming, and we firmly believe that this year’s programme follows in this tradition with a fine selection of shows from home and abroad that will thrill and entertain children and adults of every age! www.imaginate.org.uk/festival 21 March light lab The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages. Join artist Kenny Bean in a hands-on workshop to explore light through building a simple pinhole camera. Ticket price includes the materials needed to make your camera. 11am - 4pm (closed 1 - 2pm) / £3 21 March open morning at st George’s

school for Girls

Girls from P1 – P5 are invited to take part in some action-packed activities. This includes ‘fascinating hands-on science’ in our dedicated junior school science room, fascinating outdoor learning in our ‘Fantastical Forest’, sport, art and more. For parents there is an informal opportunity to tour the junior school, including the nursery, where they can visit the classrooms and meet and talk to teaching staff. Prebooking of the activity sessions is essential. 9.30am 11.30am.

Admissions 0131 311 8008, admissions@stge.org.uk

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24 March (2pm) & 25 March (11am & 2pm)

Kido The Studio, Festival Theatre Edinburgh

Part of Filmhouse Junior - Filmhouse's regular series of Sunday morning films from around the world for family audiences.11-year-old Alexander's day begins with gum getting stuck in his hair - followed by one calamity after another. But when he tells his upbeat family about it, he finds little sympathy.... 11am / £4 22 March storytelling - macastory's

jacobites, Fights and a Prince in tights!

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD Macastory are off to Jacobite times, sharpening their Claymors and marching south with Bonny Prince Charlie! Meet the clansmen who fought for the Prince and listen as they tell the stories of their adventures... you'll even have the chance to take part in a Highland charge! As well as stories we'll have plenty of songs that celebrate one of the most exciting periods of Scottish history! Ages 7+. 2pm, 2.45pm & 3.30pm (30 mins)

0131 529 6000 www.edtheatres.com Join us in a world of sound and rhythm where anything can happen. Building on the success of BabyO and SensoryO, our much-loved productions for babies and toddlers, KidO is a brand-new show for 3-4 year olds and their carers which takes the infinite possibilities of everyday objects, mixes in a healthy dose of imagination and makes the everyday extraordinary.

Encouraging play and make-believe, the show features a mix of live singing, opera and specially written music, using vocal and body percussion to create exciting rhythms and build up words in the blink of an eye. Directed by acclaimed children’s theatre director Lu Kemp, with music

by Katy Lavinia Cooper, KidO tells the story of two very different characters who find it difficult to share a space. Can they find a way to live together with a little help from their friends?

Out&About

h.co.uk/whats-on including any contact or further booking information.

26 March nappuccino Pilrig St Paul's Church, Pilrig Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5AH Your ‘one stop’ event to meet all your real nappy needs.

Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit. Parents will also be able to: Buy great value second hand nappies.Drop off second hand nappy donations. A proportion of sales generated from all items will create income for the Real Nappy Project to help to continue with the services provided. 10.00 - 11.30am

28 & 29 March children's spring Flower show The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR

APRIL 2 April nature nippers National Trust for Scotland Newhailes, Newhailes Road, Edinburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6RY. Easter means eggs, find out about nesting birds and enjoy making some Easter crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential: 0844 493 2124 or lothianranger@nts.org.uk 10.00 11.00am / £3 per child 3 & 5 April musselburgh racecourse easter Festival of racing

27 March nappuccino Pregnancy and Parent Centre, 10 Lower Gilmore Place,, Edinburgh, EH3 9NY (see March 26 listing for more information) 28th March - 18th April

Puppet animation Festival

Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages, (Free)The children's EcoSchools daffodil competition is a part of the RCHS Spring Flower Show. Come and see the floral displays and get involved in hands-on activities. 12 - 5pm 29 March big hero 6 Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ www.filmhousecinema.com The Festival is the UK's largest performing arts event for children.

Held in venues across Scotland in April, it offers children and their families opportunities to be transported to magical worlds of make-believe.

With over 150 events at 50 venues across the country there's lots on to entertain all the family. www.puppetanimationfestival.org 28 & 29 March magic carpet weekenders The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level 1.

Free, places limited.Join us on the museum Magic Carpet for stories, songs and activities inspired by our fascinating collections. 11 - 11.25am

Part of Filmhouse Junior - Filmhouse's regular series of Sunday morning films from around the world for family audiences.In futuristic San Fransokyo, 14-year-old genius Hiro looks up to his older brother Tadashi, who has invented an inflatable robot named Baymax. Hiro and Baymax begin to form a special bond. 11am / £4

Gates Open at 11.30am Good Friday will feature the £50,000 Royal Mile Handicap and Easter Sunday will be a wonderful day of Easter Family fun, with giant Easter bunnies handing out FREE Easter eggs along with a huge choice of Fairground rides and entertainments for all ages. We also have the very special attraction of the Shetland Grand National – a fantastically competitive event just for Shetland Ponies, a must see attraction!

Admission is £25 per adult and all children 17 and under FREE book online www.musselburghracecourse.co.uk 3 - 20 April easter eggcitement Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR 01506 414957 www.almondvalley.co.uk The farm is alive with the cheeps and bleats of new arrivals, who will be introduced to you at handling and encounter sessions. Grab your clue sheet, sharpen your pencil and tear around the farm collecting clues on the springtime trail. Keep a look out for the hidden eggs that might win you a prize. In the craft area you can make bonnets, masks and other springtime decorations. There will be further attractions over the four days of Easter (3rd - 6th April) including our famous plastic duck race along the mill lade. There will also be regular Tractor and Trailer rides and enjoy a journey on our Almond Valley Light Railway. / See website for more information

28 March - 18 april 2015 Magical family performances, workshops & films from award-winning companies, to communities across Scotland this Easter!

To find events in your area visit puppetanimationfestival.org @PuppetAnimaScot

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Out&About

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/whats-on including any cont

3 - 20 April Professor egghead & the alien invasion The Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS www.seabird.org This Easter at the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, Professor Egghead is taking action against the invasion of all sorts of alien species! Join in the interactive fun and become part of the ‘Biosecurity Agency’ helping to track down this global threat. Find out what action must be taken worldwide to control the invasion. Where do they come from? What do they look like? What can we do to help? With a mixture of fun, games, challenges and experiments, Professor Egghead will lead the way in the battle against these intruders with a daily show at 14:00 from 3 to 20 April. 2pm / Included with admission to the Discovery Centre: adults £8.95/ kids £4.95/ families £25. Free for Scottish Seabird Centre Members. Request your tickets for the show on arrival at the Centre. Show lasts approx. 50 mins. Times may vary – please call in advance to check.

4 - 20 April easter at the Palace of holyroodhouse The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX Join us for lots of fun over the Easter holidays! Solve riddles and complete puzzles to help you spot brightly coloured and sparkly eggs dotted around the Palace and learn about the history of the Palace with our family audio tour. During your visit drop in to the family room play games, get crafty and dress up in new costumes added for 2015. You can also pick up a family activity trail as you explore the Abbey and Palace gardens.

COME BACK FOR FREE! Once you have bought a ticket from us, you can use it to come back for FREE for a year!

A great way to fill the school holidays at no extra cost!

Opening times 09:30 – 18:00 (last entry 16:30).

4 & 5 April octonauts and the Deep sea volcano adventure

4 - 20 April science Festival 2015:

clock in at the ideas Factory

Edinburgh International Science Festival returns in 2015 with two weeks of sensational science from 4–19 April.

With interactive events, workshops and explorations happening all over the city you’ll find a great day out for the whole family.

Celebrating the role of the Science Festival as a hub for ideas, information, innovation and inspiration, this year’s Festival brings a packed programme. Summerhall is back as the Festival’s hub, with sensational science shows and interactive workshops offering a world of new experiences for all ages. City Art Centre will be transformed into a science playground, full of activities for curious minds and Light Works, a stunning photography exhibition, will take pride of place in St Andrews Square. There’s also a host of activities happening at the National Museum of Scotland, look out for pop-up science in the Grand Gallery, and at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Download a programme and book online at www.sciencefestival.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 557 2686.

4 April Dino Day Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL www.sciencefestival.co.uk/ Science Festival 2015: A day of fun family activities with a pre-historic twist. Events and activities for all ages, times and prices vary. Prices vary. See website for more information.

5 April 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

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The entire crew of the Octonauts, led by intrepid explorer Captain Barnacles, Lieutenant Kwazii and Medic Peso, embark on an exciting new underwater quest and visit amazing underwater worlds full of adventure, with surprises around every corner. This action-packed interactive show features new music (from BAFTAaward winning composer Mani Svavarsson) and all the Octonauts live on stage for the very first time.

Kings Theatre, Edinburgh www.edtheatres.com/octonauts WIN! A Family ticket (4 seats) including Meet & Greet the Octonauts after the show on April 4th (4pm performance)! Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win 5 April easter eggstravaganza Traquair House, Innerleithen , Peeblesshire , EH44 6PW 01896 830323 www.traquair.co.uk/events The Easter Egg Extravaganza at Traquair is the biggest event of its kind in the Borders. With over 6,000 mini eggs hidden in the Maze and some larger eggs to be won as well we guarantee that no child shall leave empty handed. The day is not all about chocolate and there are lot of other activities for children to enjoy from scavenger and treasure hunts in the grounds and woodlands, musical instrument making, egg decorating, Easter bonnet making and Face Painting in the walled garden as well as Michael Angelo, the extraordinary stilt man who will be entertaining the crowds and leading the Easter procession at 3.00pm for everyone to show off their bonnets! Grounds open at 11am - activities from midday / See website for more information 5 April easter at the castle Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD Have fun in our idyllic setting and experience a host of crafts and trails in the woodland. Enjoy Easter cake and lots of other treats with us! Watch out for lost bunnies...With the Lauriston team. 10am - 1pm / £5 per person. Book online www.usherhall.co.uk – Go to ‘ What’s On’

5 April Family event Day; Faberge Family Fun The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX Visit us on Easter Sunday and take part in our Easter Egg Hunt. Explore the grounds and search for the Faberge inspired eggs hidden in the Palace. In the Great Gallery listen as the portraits of the great kings of Scotland come to life through imaginative tales with our expert storyteller. Join a member of the Learning team in the Throne Room and get hands on with some replica Faberge eggs while you listen to small talk. Pick up a family activity trail and explore the Abbey and Palace gardens and before you leave visit the family room, have your face painted in the style of a Fabergé egg and make one to take home with you. A fun day out for all the family! Opening times 09:30 – 18:00 (last entry 16:30). / See website for more information 5 April shaun the sheep: the movie Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ www.filmhousecinema.com

Filmhouse offers families and young people the best year-round selection of films from around the world, as well as filmmaking workshops during the school holidays. Every Sunday at 11am, Filmhouse screens great family films rated U or PG as part of Filmhouse Junior, with tickets only £4 (£5 for 3D). Filmhouse is also home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June, which offers family galas, education screenings and youth events.A wonderful new Aardman comedy in which a mix-up between Shaun, the farmer and a very steep hill lead the flock on an adventure to return everyone safely to the green grass of home. 11am / £4 7 April singalonga Frozen win! a Family ticket (4 seats) on tuesday 7 april at 11am, Festival theatre edinburgh

Singalonga Productions are delighted to present Disney's Frozen as the new Singalonga must see!

A screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along with Elsa and Anna. Introduced by a live host who will show you how to use your interactive fun pack and judge the fancy dress competition then just sit back and 'Let it Go'! YOU the audience can be the stars! Remember to dress up as your favourite character for the fancy dress parade and be a Snow Queen for the day or Olaf the snowman, the coolest iceman ever! enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

Out&About

tact or further booking information.

9 - 15 April expedition botanics The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR 0131 552 2901 www.sciencefestival.co.uk Join Expedition Botanics in the search for traditional knowledge about Colombian rainforest plants. Learn how to survive using the resources of the forest and help to discover how the people of the Amazon use plants in daily life. Collect stamps in your passport as you complete activities.11:00 – 15:45 (drop-in, duration approx. 1 hr) / £5 (£3 conc) purchase on the day or book via the Science Festival box office on 0844 557 2686 12 April 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 12 April space Day Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL www.sciencefestival.co.uk/ Science Festival 2015: Blast-off into outer space with intergalactic activities for the whole family. Events and activities for all ages, times and prices vary. See website for more information. / Prices vary. See website for more information.

16 April wilderness skills National Trust for Scotland Newhailes, Newhailes Road, Edinburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6RY NTS Community outreach ranger is running a drop in session for families to learn all about how to survive in the wilderness. Meet Emily at the stable block for 10.00am 18 April edinburgh steiner school second-hand bike sale Edinburgh Steiner School, 60 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5BR Adult and child bikes, trikes, scooters, bike seats, tag-a-longs, cycling accessories etc.

Come along to buy or to sellSellers can drop bikes off from 9-10am on the day. 80% of profit to sellers, 20% fundraising for the school 10am - 12pm 18 April Greenbank scout Group annual jumble sale Greenbank Church, Braidburn Terrace, Edinburgh, EH10 6ES Four Halls full of bargains! At this annual event, one of the best jumble sales in Edinburgh, they usually have some quality items including baby items, clothing, toys, children’s and adults books – and a huge range of bric a brac, small furniture, adult clothing etc 9.30am - 12pm / £2 19 April bags of art The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks. Led by artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Ages 4 - 12. 14.00 - 16.00 19 April edinburgh mini maker Faire Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL www.sciencefestival.co.uk/ Science Festival 2015: Scotland’s making and crafting community share their ideas and inspiration with demonstrations, talks and workshops throughout the day. 10am - 5pm / £5 19 April modroc mirrors!

Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD Make a beautifully crafted mirror with Modroc, inspired by the shore and the woodland.

With Margaret Findlay. 11am - 3pm / £5 per person. Book online www.usherhall.co.uk – Go to ‘ What’s On’ 26 April magical story cushions Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD Bring along your favourite story book, and create an amazing cushion based on your chosen character, hand felted from sheep fibres. Decorate your cushion with a host of beautiful embellishments. With Margaret Findlay. 11am - 3.30pm / £6 per person Book online - www.usherhall.co.uk (go to “what’s on”) 30 April nappuccino Pilrig St Paul's Church, Pilrig Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5AH Your ‘one stop’ event to meet all your real nappy needs. Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit. Parents will also be able to: Buy great value second hand nappies.Drop off second hand nappy donations. A proportion of sales generated from all items will create income for the Real Nappy Project to help to continue with the services provided. 10.00 - 11.30am

31 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 89

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