Familiesfifemayjune2018issue49

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Fife, Tayside

IN THIS ISSUE Win! Outdoor birthday party package Win! Family ticket for The Scottish Game Fair Win! A Spree Book for your area

ALSO INCLUDING What’s on, news, staycation feature, education, party planning, and more!

Issue 49 May/June 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

New to You Sale

Hello!

TOYS, CLOTHES, BOOKS, AND MUCH MORE!

191 St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy (next door to BP garage)

Saturday 26th May 10am - 1pm

Lots of bargains for babies and children. Facepainting, balloon modelling, sweet treats.

LoveOliver, local childhood cancer charity.

www.loveoliver.org.uk

I’m going to steer clear of any seasonal/weather comments here. I made the mistake of referring to ‘signs of Spring’ in the last issue and, well, you know how that turned out! So I’ll stick to the facts… It’s May! Easter holidays are already a distant memory, and the countdown to the Summer holidays is on. Hopefully, the snowy, wintry weather is also a distant memory and we can begin to venture outdoors without looking like we are on some kind of polar exhibition. I’ve enjoyed finding out about lots of local news to share with you and our calendar is most definitely filling up with many of the brilliant events that are on for children and families over the next two months. Perhaps you are looking to plan a wee holiday to celebrate your endurance of a very long winter.

Check out our review of one of Largo Leisure’s holiday parks and our staycation tips and ideas for some inspiration about holidaying close to home. If you’ve got a birthday party to plan, have a go at winning a brilliant bushcraft adventure and outdoor activity party, or see if we can help you with the planning process. Be sure to check our ‘out and about’ section for details of what’s on in the area over the next few weeks.

And whatever you get up to, enjoy!

Rachel

Contents

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Families Fife, Tayside and Crieff is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Fife, Tayside and Crieff are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Familie Fife, Tayside and Crieff. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Fife, Tayside and Crieff, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Copyright Families Fife, Tayside and Crieff May/June 2018.

Congratulations!

2 Families Fife

March/April Competition Winners Afternoon Tea Helen Mclaughlin Glamping Trip Alison McMurray

3-4 News – A busy round up of local news

5 Parent to Parent – Meet LoveOliver’s Jennifer Gill

6-7 Staycation feature – Editor review of a Largo Leisure holiday park; the whys and hows of holidaying near home Competition – Win a family ticket for The Scottish Game Fair Competition – Win a Spree Book for your local area

8 Parenting – Insight into Attachment Parenting

Education – Tips for Parents’ evening; 9-11 STEM education; news from learning providers

Party feature – Planning your party; 12-13

party trends for 2018 Competition – Win an outdoor party

Out and About – Round up of

events in May/June

14-16

Contact us

Editor: Rachel Davidson editor@familiesfife.co.uk Tel: 07736 328233 Follow us on facebook: families fife magazine Design: Sarah Harmer Printer: Warwick Printers www.familiesfife.co.uk

NEWS

WILDHOOD FESTIVAL WILDHOOD, a new festival aimed at under-12s and their families, is on a mission to separate us from our screens and immerse us in a world of magic and wonder.

Happening at Tullibole Castle near Kinross over the weekend of 9–10 June, WILDHOOD is Scotland’s very first dedicated children’s camping festival (although day tickets are also available) and is all about reconnecting as a family in a beautiful setting. Its innovative programme of workshops, activities and creative experiences aims to inspire children in arts, music and crafts, and allow families to get back to nature and appreciate the great outdoors, all while having an absolute HOOT along the way!

WILDHOOD was dreamed up

by Melanie Ibbotson. Her vision for the perfect family-friendly festival has been a long time in the making. “I love the idea of families getting involved with lots of activities they just wouldn’t do at home together like stone carving, circus skills and graffiti,” says Mel.

There’ll be no such thing as a typical day at WILDHOOD, with all kinds of adventures available – bushcraft and forestcraft techniques, building boats to set sail on the moat, listening to folklore and storytelling, uncovering the mysteries of our natural world or getting (a little bit) lost in the maze, amongst many others. Among those appearing at the festival will be: Nicola Wiltshire; Circus Alba; Wee Linties’ traditional games and song; Ukulele Orchestra of Sunny Leith; Elsewhere Storytelling. To list all the activities and shows would take almost as long as the festival itself, but suffice to say, there’s something for everyone.

Along with all the family activities, arts and crafts and theatrical magic, there’s the enchanting Scottish woodlands,

Painted Rock Craze Sweeps Fife

If you have been out and about in Fife recently you may have noticed painted rocks at seafronts, in parks and woods, and on streets. With over 14,000 members now part of the Facebook group, ‘Fife Rocks, Scotland’ is going from strength to strength. A newer group, ‘Perth and Kinross Rocks, Scotland’ is growing in members daily.

Fife Rocks, Scotland was started

by Linda Sutherland, who lives in Fife with her husband and three children. “I started several rock groups in September 2017 and we currently have a combined total of over 16,700 rock members. I am always looking for exciting ways to get children outdoors. As a family we love Geocaching. My family and I are delighted to be part of

the magical 17th Century castle, an enigmatic maze, beautiful moat, a few surprises and of course, the rare delight of revelling in life’s simple pleasures. To add to the atmosphere, WILDHOOD is encouraging everyone to get even closer to nature by dressing as animals for the festival. The wilder and wackier, the better. With set design for the festival created and curated by students from Royal Conservatoire Scotland, WILDHOOD is set to be an eyecatching spectacular.

For when you need to refuel, the festival has teamed up with

some of the country’s best food and drink providers and vendors of scrumptious street food, plus craft beer and ale, gin and prosecco for thirsty adults too – truly a chance to kick back!

The festival is committed to being as accessible as possible.

On the Sunday, special PAMILOOs will be available which have hoists for disabled children, and the pony and trap ride from Pony Axes are designed to take wheelchairs. With the vast majority of the festival accessible to all, there’s no need for anybody to miss out on the fun.

To buy tickets: buytickets.at/wildhood/152566 or visit wildhoodfestival.com for more information.

something that involves getting us arty, outdoors and looking for treasure!” Linda is admin for Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stonehaven, Ayrshire, Highland and Aberdeen Rocks, Scotland.

A message on the FB page explains the exciting opportunity which has taken Fife by storm: “This is a group for adults and children who live in or are visiting Fife to join in some fun. The idea is that you paint a design on one side of a rock. On the reverse you write a message such as ‘Fife Rocks. Find on Facebook. Keep or re-hide me’.

If you haven’t already joined in the fun, why not have a go?!

West Fife Show Saturday 2nd June 2018

Farming fun for all the family with lots to see and do

www.westfifeshow.com www.familiesfife.co.uk

Families Fife 3

NEWS

Purple Caffe Fife Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions amongst children in the UK, with an estimated 60,000 people under the age of 18 diagnosed. Around 400 of these are in Fife, one of the highest levels in Scotland.

In July 2017, a new charity was formed by a group of Fife families, all of whom were living with epilepsy, and in some cases other neurological conditions too. All of the founding families had children diagnosed with epilepsy and, in several of the families, at least one of the parents had epilepsy too, which presents further challenges.

Purple Caffe Fife is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and aims to offer support and information to children and families in Fife living with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. In addition, the charity is aiming to raise enough money to provide a free anti-suffocation pillow to

every child in Fife at risk of nighttime seizures.

Family friendly monthly meetings have been underway for over a year now, and are now being held at 6.30pm on the first Thursday evening of each month at the newly-opened Maxwell Community Centre in Cowdenbeath.

Although Purple Caffe Fife is a membership organisation, it is absolutely FREE TO JOIN, and applications can either be submitted online via their website, or by applying at one of the monthly meetings. In addition to the monthly meetings, there are already plans underway for several fundraising activities and social events in 2018.

To find out more about Purple Caffe Fife, visit their website at www.purplecaffefife.com or check out the Facebook Page at facebook.com/purplecaffefife

Book Festival arrives in Fife With money and time running out, the final minutes of Plan — an interactive experience somewhere between a play and a game – buzz with last gasp negotiations.

Players roleplay as a committee tasked with building a New Town to house refugees following a war, making tough decisions on how limited funds should be spent to create a place fit for 21st century living. It’s a chance for children to show their creativity, test their skills and try to improve on what really exists. And it’s impossible not to get swept up in the excitement.

Exploring how we value home and community, Plan fittingly features in a day of familyfriendly events at ReimagiNation: Glenrothes, a special book festival in mid-May marking the New Town’s 70th anniversary, presented by the Edinburgh International Book Festival with Fife Cultural Trust. Other highlights include a

To find out more and book tickets, visit booked.edbookfest.co.uk

Diddi dance are looking to expand

Family Fun at the Central and West Fife Agricultural Show Central and West Fife Agricultural Show has a strong focus on family fun and discovery. The show will allow you to see a variety of animals including cattle, sheep, poultry, Clydesdale horses, ponies and show jumping.

There is also a Baby Animals tent where children will have an opportunity to see baby lambs,

calves, goats and chicks, and a variety of activities including a chance to milk “Daisy the Cow”.

For details on the show and Children’s Competitions log on to http://www.westfifeshow.com The show is held on Saturday 2nd June at Hilton Farm, Kelty, KY4 0HF. Admission Fees – Adults £10 · OAPs £5 · Children under 14 FREE · FREE PARKING

Lauriston Nursery Lauriston Nursery @Dunfermline 165 Robertson Road, Fife KY12 0BL 01383 741900

Lauriston Nursery @Kinross Lathro, Kinross Fife KY13 8SY 01577 383838

www.letslearnyoung.com 4 Families Fife

dress-up celebration of the world of Harry Potter and a comicmaking masterclass from artist Tanya Roberts, who has worked on major comics including Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Toy Story. £3 tickets admit 1 adult and 1 child, while free craft activities, wandering performers, face painting and more make it a fun day out for all.

Diddi dance have been offering funky dance sessions that increase confidence, coordination & creativity in pre-school children for over 15 years. They are now looking for motivated individuals to come on-board and help the company to expand into Fife, Tayside and Crieff.

Diddi dance started in 2003

when founder Anne-Marie noticed a lack of preschool dance classes for children aged 16 months upward that allowed them to freely explore movement in a fun yet structured environment.

The award-winning dance provider covers 16 different dance styles with lesson plans that enhance & compliment the EYFS framework.

With a proven franchise system that has been running for over 10 years, more than 40 franchises in the UK and over 10 franchise industry awards, they have found their franchise opportunity works perfectly for individuals who want to be in business for themselves, not by themselves.

Visit their website www.diddidance.com/franchise for more information today.

Here at LoveOliver we have a busy summer ahead with some of our favourite events coming up soon! Our New to You sale is on May 26th and is always a great chance to pick up some bargains while supporting childhood cancer research and support for families. This is our 10th sale so we are making it extra special - come along to 191 St Clair Street in Kirkcaldy at 10am to join in the fun! We have our annual cycle event on 4th August, starting and finishing at Blacketyside Farm in Leven, and rounded off with a delicious BBQ provided by O’Connell’s. There are various routes and distances,

full details of which are on our Facebook page. We are also close to confirming our dates for this year’s Disney Karaokes at O’Connell’s so please follow us on Facebook to keep up with this and much much more! With 11 new cases of childhood cancer every day in the UK, we are passionate about raising awareness of childhood cancer, funding its vital research and supporting families affected by it. Please find out more on our Facebook page and at www.loveoliver.org.uk www.familiesfife.co.uk

PARENT TO PARENT Hello, my name is Jennifer. I grew up in Glenrothes and now live in Leven with my husband Andy and our sons Micah, 6, and Rory, 3. Our first son, Oliver, lost his life to cancer on Christmas Day 2010, aged just 24 weeks old.

In his memory, Andy and I set up the charity, LoveOliver, to fund vital research into childhood cancer and to provide practical support to families affected by it. We would love you to visit our website to find out more – www.loveoliver.org.uk. Andy and I are both teachers – Andy is a maths and guidance teacher at Glenwood High School, and I left teaching RMPS at Waid Academy to have more time for LoveOliver and our boys, but I still do some supply work at Auchmuty High School.

Why you like living where you do?

We love living in Leven as everything we need is close by – school, our church, shops, swimming pool, post office, parks, playparks etc. It’s near the beach and the beautiful Fife coast, and places like Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth don’t take long to get to either.

Favourite shop: I love little gift shops like Heart and Soul and Blacketyside Farm in Leven, and Kirkcaldy Garden Centre. I also love Rejects in Kirkcaldy because it has everything, and a great café too. Blacketyside and Rejects are fab LoveOliver supporters! Matalan and Asda in Glenrothes are also amazing LoveOliver supporters, and I especially enjoy their home departments!

Favourite park: We love Beveridge Park, Letham Glen, Lochore Meadows and Craigtoun Park, as well as Riverside Park as that was my childhood park! Silverburn Park is great as you can add in a walk on the beach too!

Favourite children’s club/class: Panda Club at The Michael Woods Centre with Kathy –an amazing teacher! I also used to love Newcraigs Church toddler group in Kirkcaldy.

Favourite day out: Perth Pool and Dundee pool are great, as are any of the parks mentioned above. Across the bridge we love Camera Obscura, Five Sisters Zoo and East Links Farm. We also love trips to the beach, particularly Elie beach, in the summer.

Favourite child friendly restaurant: Kingsway Farm in Dundee has a brilliant play area, a good menu for all ages and fast service.

Our boys also really like The Spiral Weave in Kirkcaldy.

Proudest eco-friendly moment: Our 6 year old being chosen for the Eco committee at school – he is passionate about caring for the environment and we hope he always will be. www.familiesfife.co.uk

Jennifer, husband Andy and sons Micah and Rory.

Best planet saving tip: Actually remember to take reusable bags to the supermarket!

Funniest comment your kids have ever made: When Micah was 2 we were at Bongos and he came over to say he had hurt himself.

We asked him where and he replied “in the balls”– meaning in the ball pit rather than where it was sore!

Parenting pet hates: Unsolicited advice/ opinions. Toys that are so well packaged you need a toolkit to be able to open them. Vtech Toot Toot toys! People who park in Parent and Child parking spaces when they don’t have children with them.

No parent should be without: Their child – which is why we are so passionate about LoveOliver – please look us up to find out more. Other things – a sense of perspective, tea and chocolate!

Jennifer and first son Oliver.

Anything else you’d like to say: If you’re moving house then I would like to give a huge plug to Fife Man and Van – amazing service from start to finish!

Also please look out on our Facebook page for our next adults only and family Disney Karaokes at O’Connell’s in Kirkcaldy – such good events! And if you’re planning a kids’ party check out the fab new Studio 8 in Glenrothes and great entertainers the Jolly Jigglers.

Favourite family holiday spot: Disneyland Paris because it is so magical, The Peak District because it is so pretty and there’s so much to do, and Stornoway because of the island way of life, beaches, and happy childhood memories.

Center Parcs is good too – not too long a journey, nice to be in the woods without cars for a few days, and the swimming pool is fab!

Most loved children’s book: Together by Emma Dodd, Hairy McLary by Lynley Dodd, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, and The Book With No Pictures by B.J Novak are all books we have loved, and the list could go on!

Best children DVD or tele programme: Go Jetters – really educational as well as entertaining. Our boys have learned lots from it, as have we!

Most played with toys: I loved Playmobil growing up, and our boys like it too but diecast toy cars are their all time favourite, particularly Lightning McQueen.

Biggest waste of money: Rory’s bed – he spends way more time in ours than in his own!

Families Fife 5

STAYCATION

Loch Tay Highland Lodges

By Rachel Davidson

My family and I were very happy to try a Woodland Cabin with hot tub at Loch Tay, courtesy of Largo Leisure, to let you know what to expect from a stay here. We stopped en route in Crieff for a play at MacRosty Park. Our eagle-eyed son spotted an ice cream opportunity at the Pavilion Café; we obliged (yummy!) and so our holiday began! A very manageable less-than-an-hour journey onwards from Crieff, including a stop at the very wellstocked Co-op in Killin, we arrived at Loch Tay Highland Lodges. A friendly reception awaited us and we soon found our Woodland Cabin, located at the top of the park.

The cabin itself is octagonal with an open plan living space, including a sofa bed, and a separate bedroom for 2. This suited us for now but perhaps in future we’d prefer a second bedroom over a sofa bed. It has a modern, unfussy style which makes the most of available space, giving you everything you need and nothing you don’t. All our belongings stowed away easily within the furniture and storage, helping to keep the place unnaturally tidy for a Davidson household!

The kitchen, described as ‘well-equipped’, did indeed have enough pots, pans and utensils to actually cook a family meal. If we had been more organised, and not anticipating more snow (!), we might have utilised the cabin’s own outdoor barbecue and eating area - a great feature.

The log burner had a removable handle, great when little people are tempted to use it as a steam train furnace…. Not when lit, of course! The log burner added to the atmosphere and warmed the whole cabin for hours.

The hot tub, ready to use from the day after arrival, was a lovely

bonus and a nice way to spend our first morning. It was then we also met some new friends… the resident ducks! Our sons absolutely loved chasing ‘following’ them around and feeding them all sorts.

The ducks certainly knew where their next meal was coming from and were a regular appearance at the door from then on, much to the delight of the boys.

Our cabin was pleasantly close to the children’s play area, which has a climbing frame with swing and slide, a larger swing and picnic tables. We didn’t utilise the other activities available within the park – including pebble boats, rib boat rides, putting green and disc golf – but it’s great for older kids and adults to have these options without having to go elsewhere.

The park itself sits on a hill and is a lot bigger than we expected. The most sensible way to get to the bottom with two little ones (and, more pertinently, back up!) was in the car. There were lovely views to appreciate at the shore, as well as a small rocky beach and jetty. This is also where the restaurant, Ciros, is located. We had a meal here and not only were the staff extremely

GWCT Scottish Game Fair 2018 Friday 29 June, Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July, Scone Palace Parklands, Perthshire

The Scottish Game Fair offers a jam-packed and enjoyable day out for all the family. There are lots of country sports for children to try out and competitions for them to join in. Many of the Main Ring highlights will appeal to little ones, with Dog ‘n’ Duck, Terrier Racing, Clwyd Axeman and Falconry all

primed to be crowd pleasers.

The new education area ‘The Covey’, is a must-visit for all families, with a huge host of hands-on science, storytelling and fantastic arts and crafts.

A new attraction for 2018 is the bush crafts and ancient countryside skills area, where all

the family can get to grips with wildlife tracking, carving a butter knife, knots and fire starting.

To celebrate the Scottish Government’s Year of Young People, the Fair is putting on a

child-friendly, but the food was delicious. They also do a take-away service, including pastas and pizzas amongst other things, which is a very appealing feature for a holiday park.

We had a lovely break and would definitely return. It would be good to stay for longer to make more use of the hot tub and the on-site activities and walks, as well as exploring activities and places to visit nearby. There’s so much to do and see in this beautiful area of Scotland and you’d be very well placed to choose Loch Tay from which to explore it.

We have teamed up with Largo Leisure to offer readers a 10% discount off online bookings. Use discount code FAMILY10 for 10% off all holidays booked during 2018* *This offer is only available for ‘Bookings made’ during 2018. The discount will be applied at the check out.

May not be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be applied retrospectively. This discount may only be redeemed by booking online.

Discount not available for Christmas or New Year arrivals or bookings.

new event for youngsters with The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group. The Junior MacNab Challenge is a free event for those aged 8-21 years (all equipment and safety supervision provided).

For a 10% discount on gate prices, please head to the website and buy your tickets before 25 June. www.scottishfair.com

COMPETITION Win! A family ticket for The Scottish Game Fair.

To enter, email editor@familiesfife.co.uk with the answer to the following question:

WIN!

Where does The Scottish Game Fair take place?

Entries close on 22 June. Good luck!

See page 13 for Terms and Conditions.

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CELEBRAT ING CONSERVAT ION & THE COUNTRYS IDE SCONE PALACE, 29 TH JUNE - 1 ST JULY 2018 O RG A N I S E D BY T H E G A M E & WILDLIFE CONSERVAT I O N T RU ST S COTL AN D

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Registered Charity No: 1112023; Registered in Scotland SC038868.

6 Families Fife

www.familiesfife.co.uk

STAYCATION

Staycation, staycation, staycation!

By Rachel Davidson

know what you might discover With the promise of sun, things available to do within, for Families Magazines online. in doing so sea and sand in many far off example, an hour’s drive and create ● If you’re holidaying from home, lands, why do people consider ● Scotland is, surely, the most a shortlist of those that your family set some ground rules. Get the staying closer to home and beautiful place on Earth. Why would like to do. Have more than house ‘holiday ready’ at the start embarking on a staycation? leave?! Many of the ‘must have’ you will need to hand and make of the break and only perform Here’s some of the top reasons features of holidays abroad can sure you’ve got both indoor and the housekeeping tasks that for families to ditch overseas be found on our doorstep. Just outdoor activities. Check opening you would perform in a holiday travel… don’t mention the weather… times before you go… we were home. It’s tempting to use the ● Holidaying at home means If you are planning a caught out at the (locked) gates time at home to get caught up on no need for passports, airports, holiday near home or, indeed, of Diggerland last year and will cleaning and DIY but remember delays, packing restrictions or from your own home, here (hopefully) never make that - it’s your holiday! long journeys in general are some top tips to make mistake again! ● Get the kids involved in ● There’s also no need to worry sure it’s a staycation and not ● Make the most of voucher sites planning. Especially older children, about changing currency or stay-tus-quo (pardon the and discount codes when you plan who might be more engaged in a suffering from poor exchange pun!)… where you are going to visit and/or day that they have helped to plan. rates ● Choose accommodation that eat out. I am a big fan of And, if you’re anything like me, Publication ● Lots of places let you bring your you are going to enjoy spending Title: Spree Books, available in both they might be better at making pets so you don’t have to leave time in. This sounds obvious, Tayside and Fife. These books decisions anyway! themGroup behind butG4 you want it to feel like a include vouchers for great discounts ● Try something new. Use your PSP Media Ltd, 50 High Craighall Road, Glasgow 9UD ● If353 you choose a self-catering home from home, so choose and special offers in a wide range break as an opportunity to Tel: 0141 2222 Fax: 0141 332 3823 property, you would already be somewhere you would look of attractions, cafes, restaurants, discover new places to visit or eat paying food and fuel at home, forward to returning to after leisure facilities and more. in your area, as well as enjoying PLEASE READfor CAREFULLY: It is your responsibility to check that all information within the advert is correct; we will not be held accountable for any inaccuracies or false information included within it. If you do not contact us by the deadline date they aren’t additional busy day out, received and that you ● If toyou aremay venturing beyond Fife,as shown visiting statedso within the email, we cannot guaranteecosts that we will be able toacomplete any changes after the stated deadline. Failure respond result in the advert being printed below. your old faves. You never wouldn’t want to leave during a Tayside and Crieff, remember that know what you might find! ● You can even staycation from cosy day in! DEADLINE DATEyou can keep up with what’s in ● Above all, have fun together as your own home!

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URGENT PROOF

Walk in Scotland

You can save with Spree!

COMPETITION

WIN!

We’ve teamed up with The Spree Book team to give you the chance to win The Spree Book is a discount savings book For each book that our Publication PublicationTitle: Title: Publication Title: a book for your area. which features hundreds of money saving fundraisers sell they Media Group Ltd, 50 High Craighall Road, Glasgow G4 9UD PSP Media Group 50 High Craighall Road, Glasgow G4 9UD PSP Media Group Ltd, 50 High Craighall Road, Glasgow G4 9UD offers for local Restaurants, Takeaways, PSP keep aLtd, percentage Tel: 0141 353 2222 0141 332 3823 Tel: 0141 353 2222Fax: Fax: 0141 332 3823 Tel: 0141 353 2222 Fax: 0141 332 3823 We have 3 Fife books and 3 Tayside Shops, Beauty Salons and much more. It of the sale price for PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: It ItisItisyour responsibility totocheck that allallinformation within the advert isiscorrect; we will not bebebe held accountable forforfor any inaccuracies oror false information included within it.6 dododo not contact ususby deadline date PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: isyour your responsibility tocheck check that allinformation information within the advert iscorrect; correct; will not held accountable any inaccuracies orfalse false information included within Ifyou you not contact usbythe bythe the deadline date PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: responsibility that within the advert wewe will not held accountable any inaccuracies information included within it.Ifit.Ifyou not contact deadline date books to give away to lucky readers. is also packed full of fantastic days out for the stated their cause. There are within the email, we cannot guarantee that we will bebebe able totocomplete any changes received after the stated deadline.

Failure totorespond may result ininthe advert being printed asasshown below. stated within the email, cannot guarantee that will able tocomplete complete any changes received after the stated deadline.

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Failure may result advert being printed below. whole family to enjoy throughout the year. no upfront costs to ToOF enter this giveaway, PLEASE PLEASE SEEDEADLINE DEADLINEDATE DATEWITHIN WITHINBODY BODY OFEMAIL EMAIL PLEASE SEE DEADLINE DATE WITHIN BODY OF EMAIL We help support the local community by fundraisers as books are SEE This Thisisisisaaalow lowresolution resolutionpdf pdffor forproofing proofing purposes This low resolution pdf for proofing purposes email purposes editor@familiesfife.co.uk with the fundraising with lots of groups, schools and supplied on a sale or return basis. word ‘FIFE’ or ‘TAYSIDE’ in the subject box charities who are looking to raise funds.

The more they sell the more they raise! depending on which one you would like to win. Entries close 22 June.

If you would like to be a fundraiser please contact Paula Bones on 07754 752 657

URGENT URGENTPROOF PROOF URGENT PROOF

Walk WalkininScotland Scotland

Good luck!

(Tayside book) or Yab Campbell on 07810 737143 (Fife Book) Email: paula.bones@spreebook.com yab.campbell@spreebook.com

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Letham Feus Park Sauchope LinksLodges Holiday Loch Tay Highland Lodges Loch Tay Highland Letham Feus Park Sauchope Links Park Braidhaugh Holiday Park Loch Tay Highland Lodges Braidhaugh Letham Feus Park Sauchope Links Park Braidhaugh Holiday Park Loch Tay Highland Lodges Letham Feus Park Sauchope Links Park Braidhaugh Holiday Park Nr Lundin Links, FifeLethamPark Crail, Fife Park Creiff, Perthshire Perthshire, Scotland Nr Lundin Links, Fife Fife Perthshire Perthshire, Scotland Nr Lundin Links, Fife Crail, Fife BraidhaughCreiff, Creiff, Perthshire Perthshire, Scotland Nr Lundin Links, Fife Crail, Fife Creiff, Perthshire Perthshire, Loch TayScotland Highland Lodges Feus Park Sauchope Links Park Crail, Holiday Park 01567 820 323 01333 900 01333 450 460 01764 652 951 01567 820 323 01333 351 900 01333 450 460 01764 652 951 01567 820 323 01333 351 900 01333 450 460 01764 652 951 01333 351 900 01333 450 460 01764 652351 951 01567 820 323

Perthshire, Scotland 01567 820 323

Nr Lundin Links, Fife 01333 351 900

Crail, Fife 01333 450 460

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Creiff, Perthshire 01764 652 951

Families Fife 7

PARENTING

Would Attachment Parenting Work for You?

By Laura Brant

With so much advice on different styles of parenting, how do you know what works?

One style that is becoming increasingly popular is known as Attachment Parenting.

This type of parenting focuses on nurturing the strong connection that parents can develop with their children. This nurturing connection is viewed as the ideal way to raise secure, independent and empathic children. By having secure, trusting attachments to parents starting in infancy and continuing throughout childhood, it is believed that children will develop the basis for secure relationships and independence as adults.

Establishing a strong bond with an infant is extremely beneficial to them as they grow and by providing security, warmth, and routine you will allow your young child to feel safe and confident when they begin to explore the world on their own.

In addition, there is evidence that physical closeness, sensitivity, and responsiveness in parenting helps children have higher selfesteem, perform better in school and manage stress.

Here are four simple ways in which I’ve developed a stronger connection with my children: Be Dependable Your child needs to see you as a safe place. This means you need to provide comfort whenever he or she is sick, hurt, or upset and be physically available as often as possible. When your child feels safe, they can explore the world on their own, knowing they can return to you for security and comfort when they need it. It’s great to encourage your young child to try new things by showing you believe they can do it on their own, but be nearby in case they need to return to you for comfort.

Be Attentive It’s really important that you find time to interact with your child one-on-one – not always easy when you have more than one child and a busy life! What works well is finding activities 8 Families Fife

you both enjoy, playing games together, and, as your child gets older, talking about his or her interests. Take your child’s lead on what they need; do not force a specific type of interaction based on your own needs. I’ve discovered that these activities do not need to take up a great deal of time; it’s the affection and undivided attention that is important. Eye contact, warmth, touch, and smiles really help build attachment while you’re chatting or doing something together.

Be Predictable Young children need routines to feel secure and this continues to be important as they get older.

Having a routine for meals, bedtime, and any other regular activity helps your child establish self-discipline and security.

Knowing what comes next allows young children to begin to take the next step in the routine on their own, encouraging their independence.

Be Understanding during Times of Separation Don’t worry that having your child spend time with another caregiver will impact your attachment. It’s normal for your child to bond with another person in addition to you. When

leaving your child with someone else though, I’ve found it helps if they have a goodbye routine.

My children have always tended to take their cues from my behaviour. If I behave confidently, they behave more confidently

too. I would suggest, if possible, gradually introducing your child to spending time away from you, and slowly increasing the amount of time you are gone.

Some children benefit from a security blanket or familiar toy.

Here are some other things you can do to increase bonding with your infant which are also seen as characteristic of the attachment parenting model: Breastfeeding on demand - is seen as teaching infants that parents will listen to their cues and fulfil their needs.

Baby-wearing - carrying babies during the day in a sling or baby carrier and keeping them physically close, rather than pushing them in a buggy or pram.

Kangaroo care - infant is held in skin-to-skin contact with a parent, typically the mother, for as long as possible each day.

Co-sleeping - an infant sleeps in the same room or bed so parents can feed and emotionally soothe during the night. This can be a lovely experience for parents and

infant, but please note that The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has confirmed that although Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is rare, it does happen more often when parents or carers sleep with a baby (on a bed, sofa or chair). For this reason, it’s important to co-sleep safely.

For guidelines, visit https:// www.nct.org.uk/parenting/cosleeping-safely-your-baby Constant caring - the nearly constant presence of a parent and a limited amount of childcare for babies younger than 30 months.

For more information, I’d recommend www.attachmentparenting.co.uk I also like Dr Laura Markham’s www.ahaparenting.com Laura Brant is a mother of three who has embraced the majority of attachment parenting practices. www.familiesfife.co.uk

EDUCATION

Making the Most of Parents’ Evening

By Justina Gapper

It’s almost impossible to ask questions at school drop-offs and pick-ups, so, for most parents, a consultation during Parents’ Evening is the only real opportunity for a proper chat with their child’s teacher(s).

It’s therefore really important to maximise the time available in the one-to-one consultations and make sure you get all the information you need. Schools are required to hold at least one parents’ evening a year to enable parents to keep up-todate with their child’s progress and forge good relationships with the school.

What to Expect Whilst Parents’ Evenings will vary slightly in format from school to school and year to year, you should expect, at a minimum, to hear how your child is performing in numeracy and literacy against the expected levels for their age group. Much more information will be conveyed as your child gets older. Consultations may also cover your child’s behaviour, levels of effort, and social and emotional development.

Talk to Your Child Take the time to speak to your child in advance of the evening. Find out if there is anything they’d like to discuss or understand more about. If they are younger you may want to ask them how they feel, and if there is anything specific they’d like you to ask.

Write it Down This may sound obvious, but unless you want to risk discovering that all the questions or issues you wanted to raise have vanished from your head, then write them down in the run up to Parents’ Evening to make sure you cover them.

Listen If you do have specific questions, it’s best to let the teacher speak first so that they can cover everything they need. However, www.familiesfife.co.uk

if you need clarification or your question is related to what is being discussed at that moment, it is fine to ask. Remember to take the time to listen to the teachers’ feedback.

The Bigger Picture Although academic performance is obviously important, there are many other aspects of your child’s school life that you may not know about, like social interactions, so don’t be afraid to ask about these too.

Don’t compare Try to not compare your child’s progress with his/her peers or siblings. The teacher will focus on how your child is achieving against expected levels for their age, so it isn’t useful to ask how their sibling/friend is doing in comparison. Keep in mind that children develop at different rates, particularly at this stage.

Stay focussed on your child.

Deal with Unexpected News Productively You may hear something about your child that you are not expecting. If this is about a negative aspect of their behaviour or performance, this may be difficult to hear or accept. A local teacher told me of a consultation during which a father refused to believe that his child was struggling with a specific learning area and became very accusatory and angry, insisting that the teacher’s perception was incorrect as his child “didn’t struggle at home.” If you do hear something unexpected, ask how you can work with your child to better support them. Teachers may often have already prepared a response to this question in advance.

Focus on your Child’s Level of Effort One teacher I spoke to recently reminded me not to underestimate the importance of effort. This is as important as achievement as it reveals a lot about your child’s behaviour, character and motivation. How

your child gets on with teachers and peers socially is also very important.

For a Quick Overview Ask about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. This will give you a good idea of their overall performance and help you identify the areas in which you should be offering more support at home.

What’s next?

It’s a good idea to ask the teacher how you can help to support your child outside of the classroom – ask for any tricks they may have to help you with this. Discuss whether there’s a way of keeping in touch regularly should any more questions arise – whether meeting at school pick up, or via email if you aren’t at the school often.

Write a Summary of the Consultation afterwards It’s great to have a written record of what was said to show other family members who weren’t there. However, do this at the end of the consultation and not during it. Otherwise you run the risk of missing something important that is being said.

Feedback Let your child know how the evening went – if they were there, discuss it with them.

Were they happy with the outcome, and how are you going to address any issues raised? Working together on this is a great way to improve a child’s performance.

Justina Gapper is a Families reader and mum of 9 year old twins, Ruby and Sam.

Families Fife 9

EDUCATION

STEM: Helping Children with the Fundamentals of Education

By Christopher Cederskog

It’s not easy being a parent. You want to do the best for your children, but sometimes it’s hard to work out what the best actually is. Education is one of those areas where advice is constantly changing.

If you are interested in helping your kids with the fundamentals of education there is an acronym which you should become aware of: STEM. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and it is fast becoming the core of the British and global education system. There is hardly a career which does not involve some element of STEM, from farming to neurosurgery, and it also plays a part in a many everyday activities. This is why it’s important our children can understand its key tenets.

As a parent, then, what can you do to help form the STEM of your child’s tree of knowledge?

I have always believed that learning should be fun and the popular perception is that the subjects of STEM are anything but. However, science, engineering and technology are particularly well-suited to play and mathematics can be applied to virtually any day-to-day situation. It’s just a matter of identifying the right opportunities.

The next time you’re baking pastry together, let your child measure out the ingredients and ask them questions: what does ‘half fat to flour’ mean? Let them work out, according to that rule, how much flour is needed if you’re using 100 grams of fat. Get them to count out how many pastry cases were made from that ratio, then work out how much more pastry it would take to double the number of cases, or how many pies each family member will get based on the current number. Talk about the ingredients, what they are and where they’ve come from.

Lauriston nursery Kinross

March has been such a busy month for us here in Kinross. We have taken part in British Science Week, with each room undertaking a new experiment every day. We ended the week with our local science teacher, Dr Armstrong, encasing us in giant bubbles and showing us our favourite fireworks.

The whole nursery has started a regular session with Jo Jingles every Tuesday which the children absolutely love.

The preschool room in Kinross have had a recent interest in healthy eating and we were lucky to have a visit from the Royal Highland Education Trust. They came in to tell us all about where our food comes from and how we can grow our own food within our nursery garden.

We have been baking our own bread, scones and making smoothies for our snack using our own recipes.

10 Families Fife

The next time your child falls, take the chance to talk to them about gravity and discuss why they fell downwards rather than upwards! If they’ve grazed their knees, once the tears have stopped, chat a bit about biology – why is blood red, why do scabs form, how do cuts heal? If you don’t know the answers yourself, call on Doctor Google – he’s always there to help.

When you’re out with your children, encourage scientific observations: when walking to the park, talk about why the leaves are green or why they fall in autumn. See if your children can spot any mini-beasts and set them the challenge of learning about them when they get home. And when at home, help bring out your child’s inner-engineer by encouraging them to put those endless MegaBlocks and LEGO bricks to work.

Every activity can be a learning opportunity without a child needing to identify it as such.

Your job as a parent is to try to find ways to make the learning opportunity fun.

While I’m not saying that all education should be done by stealth, I am an advocate of learning through play. The lessons I most strongly remember from my childhood are those that were learned while I was having fun: the Van de Graaff generator sparking as much imagination as electricity; the recreation of the witches’ scene in Macbeth making Shakespeare seem relevant and interesting; the days in the garden, learning where food actually comes from and that there is a point to worms.

Children were born to learn and their brains

are busy absorbing information from the second they leave the womb. If you can make your lessons fun, informal and an integral part of everyday life, then your little ones will learn by osmosis and you can sit back in the happy glow of a good job, well done.

Christopher Cederskog is MD of Wonder Workshop which teaches children coding through robotics and enables them to master critical thinking, problem solving, cause and effect, communication, and collaboration.

For more information, visit www.makewonder.com

Wee Wild Sparks Outdoor Wilder Ways mentoring in Nursery Spotting snowdrops, harvesting firewood, tracking red squirrels and warming snacks on the campfire; this is just some of what’s been going on at Wee Wild Sparks this Spring. Located near Coupar Angus, this is Perthshire’s first fully outdoor nursery. No classroom, no chairs and tables, just 7 acres of beautiful, natural woodland.

Like any ordinary nursery, Wee Wild Sparks is registered with Care Inspectorate and supports children to learn across all areas of the curriculum. As well as rhymes, stories and songs, the children learn through their interaction with the natural world; the group share the forest with squirrels, deer, badgers, slugs, spiders, buzzards, and many other species.

This experience helps them to develop a sense of responsibility

community

for their environment.

“My grandson has really grown in confidence. He has been learning about so many new things which he could only learn about when attending an outdoor provision.” Says Wendy, whose 4 year old grandson attends.

Experienced staff provide nurturing care and stimulating learning experiences. Places currently available Mondays and Tuesdays. www.wildsparks.co.uk/ outdoor-nursery.

‘Supported by Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER’

Wilder Ways Horizon Group - is open to flexi-schooled or home-educated kids in P6/7 or aged 9-11 years, with the aim of moving through and joining Wilder Ways when the time is right for the individual.

Wilder Ways Horizon Group will explore individual needs and passions, encouraging resilience and playful connection to nature.

The Horizon Group Dates are 18th May,1st June,15th June.

9-3.30pm, Letham Woods, Letham, Fife KY15 7RJ For more information contact paulacowie1@gmail.com 07960063731 Facilitated by Roisin Lyle-Collins, www.roisinlylecollins.scot Certified Woodland Activity Leader,PVG member, Outdoor First Aider www.familiesfife.co.uk

EDUCATION

A world of opportunity at Kilgraston

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning.

Kilgraston has something to inspire every young woman. Its facilities include a state-of-the-art science centre and a 25m swimming pool

A leading Catholic day and boarding school for girls aged from five to eighteen, Kilgraston has something to inspire every young woman.

We are a school with traditional values but with a modern and forward-looking perspective on education.

Education is not just about exam success; developing interest and talents, nurturing an understanding of different cultures, and emphasising our personal responsibility as global citizens are vital.

As such, a Kilgraston girl benefits from a wealth of opportunities to extend and enrich her educational experience.

We offer over 50 extracurricular activities and enjoy modern, state-of-the-art facilities including a Science Centre, Sixth Form Study Centre, excellent boarding accommodation, 25m swimming pool, all-weather astro-turf pitches and Scotland’s only school equestrian centre.

Having been named ‘top

performing independent school for Advanced Highers’ by best-schools.co.uk in 2015, Kilgraston girls routinely achieve outstanding sets of results.

At Advanced Higher, 90.5% of grades were A-B against a national average of 59.3%.

In 2018, 64% of girls are applying to study a STEM undergraduate course and in 2017 100% of girls were accepted into their choice of university. Kilgraston has an exceptional reputation for girls gaining entry into top Scottish universities.

When Kilgraston girls leave us to go on to further studies, we are certain that they will continue to channel their talents and become leaders for tomorrow.

Our girls leave Kilgraston with an embedded sense of individualism, confidence, humility and a desire to achieve the very best she can, in her own chosen field. Our girls don’t compromise on success, they inspire it.

Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.

Dunfermline St Andrews

01383 730 775 01592 756 376

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

Confidence is key at Kumon

At your local Kumon Study Centre, the aim is to develop students into confident, independent learners. With nearly 60 years of experience, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes enable children to take on new challenges with confidence.

Kumon believes that learning is for the long run. Children develop lifelong study skills and a passion for learning, as well as the confidence to tackle

new challenges and face the unknown. This confidence is not just instilled in them whilst at Kumon, it is something they will keep with them for life.

Students start at their just-right level, where the initial focus is to build a strong foundation in study skills; developing concentration, pace and rhythm.

Once students have built this foundation, they will then be able to confidently tackle topics they have not previously studied.

Contact Laura (Kumon Dunfermline) on 01383 730 775 or Chris (Kumon St Andrews) on 01592 756 376. www.familiesfife.co.uk

Families Fife 11

PARTIES

Mind Map a Children’s Party!

Who doesn’t enjoy a good party? Planning the party, however, can be quite another matter – especially a children’s party, for which expectations have rocketed in recent years. By Tony Buzan

Step 4

Here’s a suggestion for approaching party planning in a completely different way.

I’ve created a Mind Map to show how to plan a children’s birthday party with a superhero theme, but you can, of course, use any theme you like – or, alternatively, leave out the children, if you wish!

Pick another colour and create your next main branch, working around the central image. (Many beginners find it easiest to work clockwise around the centre, but do whatever suits you best.)

As before, draw secondary and third-level branches from this new branch and label them.

Keep adding main branches until you have about five or six of them to work with.

What is a Mind Map?

A Mind Map is a powerful thinking and planning tool that can help you get to grips with any topic. At its simplest, it is a diagram with branches radiating out from a central image, each branch carrying a single word or a picture that summarises an aspect of the topic. The branches then expand into sub-branches, as you delve further into each aspect. Mind Maps have symbols, images and colours and can be really bold, bright and inspiring.

The branches of a kids’ party Mind Map could explore the same core logistics as an adult party: once you’ve set the date, you need to choose a theme (if you want one) and a venue, setting considerations such as cost, space and transport against each other. Then draw up your guest list and plan the entertainment, the food and drinks and the decorations, exploring these on the main branches and sub-branches of your Mind Map. If the party is going to include any special features, such as games, swimming or a magician, include these in your Mind Map too. You

Step 5

could also use one of the branches to explore how your party will reflect the theme, perhaps through costumes, decorations and the small gifts that the children get to take home.

You will need:

A large sheet of plain white paper A selection of coloured pens or pencils A brain An open mind Imagination

Step 1

Place the sheet of paper in front of you in landscape format (i.e. horizontally). Next, use at least three different colours to draw an image in the very centre of the paper that represents the party (in this example, it’s a superhero figure). This central image will activate your imagination and trigger associations in your thoughts, so make sure it’s positive and inspiring. You can also have a word at the centre; if so, make it

multi-dimensional and brightly coloured.

Step 2

Now choose the first aspect to explore. Pick a colour and draw a thick branch coming away from the central image, like the bough of a tree. Let the branch curve organically, as this will be visually engaging and therefore more interesting to the brain, making you more likely to memorise the information on the branch.

Shade in the branch. Label the branch with a single word in capital letters. For a kids’ party Mind Map, you might label this first branch VENUE or FOOD or DECORATIONS. Alternatively, instead of writing a word, you might decide just to draw a powerful image.

Step 3

Send out secondary-level shoots from the main branch. Then draw third-level branches that spread out from these secondary-level shoots. Write keywords on all the

Studio8 for venue hire Studio8 Glenrothes is a local family business in the heart of Glenrothes. We offer venues for hire at a reasonable price, for all sorts of family and corporate functions & meetings, events, parties and classes.

Studio8 is close to public transport and local amenities with parking at the rear of the building. With over 683 square metres, we have 2 spacious studios and a designated waiting area.

The mirrored studio downstairs has an approximate capacity of 60 people and our spacious upper studio has an approximate capacity of 150 people.

Facilities include a lift, baby changing, disabled toilet, wide access front doors for wheelchair/ pushchair access, projector & screen, sound system and lots more.

Studio8 is a family friendly, modern, accessible and well-equipped venue for hosting your special occasions & celebrations, birthday parties, corporate functions, fund raising events and lots more.

12 Families Fife

branches or draw symbols, or a combination of both. Give each symbol its own branch. There’s no need to rush: leave some of the branches empty at first, as this will naturally inspire your brain to fill them in.

Please contact us on: FB: Studio8 Glenrothes https://en-gb.facebook.com/ studio8glenrothes/ Email: studio8glenrothes@gmail.com Telephone: 07443835527 8 Church Street, Glenrothes, Fife KY7 5ND www.studio8glenrothes.co.uk

Now you have your main branches, move freely around your Mind Map, leaping from branch to branch, filling in any gaps and adding new sub-branches as ideas and associations occur to you.

Step 6

If you wish, add arrows, curving lines and links between your main branches to reinforce the connections you have found between them.

When you have completed your Mind Map, you can use it as a list ticking off each of the branches once you’ve completed the task. When the party’s over, it’s useful to keep it to refer back to in future years!

Tony Buzan is the writer of Tony Buzan’s Mind Map Mastery: The Complete Guide to Learning and Using the Most Powerful Thinking Tool in the Universe, available from most bookstores priced £14.99.

The Party Experts We are very excited to continue to offer incredible birthday parties across Scotland. Our Tipi Cinemas make the perfect outdoor party, or why not try our Indoor Mini Tipis for a cosy sleepover?

A little more energetic? Try our Nerf parties or Hoverboard parties - first in Scotland by the way! Oh, and we have hot tubs too - perfect for when the party is over and mum and dad can enjoy it for the rest of the weekend!

Visit www.activitydelivered.com for more information www.familiesfife.co.uk

PARTIES

Be on Trend with Your Child’s Party in 2018

By Claire Winter

Children’s parties are always a hot topic of conversation in most households across the country. Who to invite? What theme? Which location? We’ve talked to party specialists and planners to find out the top party ideas for 2018, so you don’t have to.

Unusual Themes

Think of a party with a twist. Top party organiser Fable & Moon (www.fableandmoon.com) says “Children’s parties are becoming even more sophisticated in 2018! Unicorns and Mermaids are still going strong but expect a fresh twist on the theme. Also expect to see wedding trends making their way into children’s parties, particularly celestial (moons and stars) and all things holographic. Think oversized disco balls and lots and lots of sparkle!”

Chocolate Parties

Most kids love chocolate; it’s messy, fun and creative. What’s not to love? Hire a chocolatier to come to your house and teach your children to make some fantastic chocs.

Alternatively hire some moulds and melt dark, milk and white chocolate so they can make their own. The chocolate is hot so this option is probably not suitable for very small children.

The Chocolate Party People (www.thechocolatepartypeople.co.uk) offers a Build a Bar, Chocolate Pizzeria and Truffle Making package for kids. An extra bonus is they get to take away their chocolates instead of a party bag.

Party in the woods

MIY Adventure Parties break the mould from the enclosed, sometimes stressful, children’s party environment. Our expedition style camp based in Braefoot woodlands, Aberdour, allows families to enjoy a relaxed day in the outdoors with some helpful amenities such as a toilet and hand/dish washing facilities. Our large under-cover camp is sheltered from the unpredictable Scottish weather and really fires

Unicorns are Still Cool

Kids are still going unicorn crazy. Harriet Jones, founder of online boutique store Rockahula Kids (www.rockahulakids.com) says “2018 has to be the year that the unicorn trend and theme takes centre stage at children’s birthday parties. Over the last few months, we have seen an incredible increase in demand for unicorn-themed accessories for party favours, whether it be hair clips, charms, necklaces or hairbands. Coupled with unicorns, we have noticed more interest in our rainbow themed accessories for party bags such as clips, rings, and bracelets which go hand-in-hand with the mythical creature.” A kitsch, rainbow unicorn party sounds like just the ticket!

Glamping

Belltent and glamping parties are going to be really popular especially during the summer months. Set up tents with themes like cowboys, intergalactic, or botanical. You can hire companies to put them up in the garden and if you haven’t got a garden you can set up the tents in the house. Older children can have a sleepover whilst the youngsters can go home. Andrew Pearce, co-owner of the belltentexperience.com says“we have seen up the excitement of children and adults alike.

With our 15 seated heated Tipi, natural material play areas and traditional style campfire - a firm favourite for toasting marshmallows - you’re sure of having an unforgettable party.

Our parties offer a variety of different actives for children including den building and treasure hunts for the younger children, through to archery and Survival challenges for the more adventurous.

All parties and activities are led by our highly experienced and PVG checked MIY Coaches who do as much as they can to make your child’s day one for the memory books. Toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate and tea and coffee for the grown ups comes as standard with every event, as well as equipment, full use of the camp and play areas.

To find out more about our parties and the other activities we offer, visit www.miyltd.com or visit us on facebook www.facebook.com/ miyadventures

a huge increase in bookings for children’s parties. Bell tents are fun and versatile. You can set them up indoors, or outside and kids love them. Sleeping in a tent is magical whatever age you are!”

Get Me Out of Here

Escape rooms are a great choice for older children. You get locked in a room and have to work out how to get out. It’s a great team-building experience and no mess in your house! Many escape rooms have themes - you could even get guests to dress up to match it!

You need to check what the age range is and whether you need adult supervision.

Check out Go Escape in Dunfermline www.go-escape.net, escape Dundee www.escape-dundee.co.uk or Escape Rooms Scotland www.escaperoomsscotland.com

COMPETITION

WIN!

Win your child’s birthday party!

We have teamed up with MIY Ltd to offer one lucky family the chance to win a 3 hour adventure party with a choice of 2 led activities. This is for up to 14 children, aged either 4-8 or 8+, and has a value of £119. To find out more about the prize on offer, visit www.miyltd.com To enter, email editor@familiesfife.co.uk with the answer to the following question: In which Fife village will you find Braefoot woodlands?

Email your answer by 22nd June.

Terms and conditions apply, see below for details.

Good luck!

Competition Terms and Conditions Details for each individual competition are set out on the relevant competition page but the following also apply: 1. Competitions are open to residents of the UK, aged 18 years or over.

2. Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted.

3. No responsibility is accepted for ineligible or fraudulent entries.

4. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt.

5. One correct entry and winner (or as stipulated per competition) will be selected and notified in writing as soon as reasonably practicable after the closing date of the competition unless otherwise advised.

6. All decisions of Familiesonline.co.uk are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

7. If a winner does not confirm acceptance of the prize within 7 days, he/she automatically foregoes the rights to claim for the prize.

8. No prize is exchangeable for any other prize. The prize is not transferable.

9. All competitions hosted by Familiesonline.co.uk will close at Midnight on the date stated. Any entries after these dates will be void.

10. Automated/bulk entries and entries from third parties will be disqualified.

11. Familiesonline.co.uk is not liable for any delay or failure by the prize provider to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition.

12. The winner may be asked to participate in publicity via social media, this Site or the organiser’s website.

13. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions.

14. The competition is free to enter and no purchase is necessary 15. Promoter Families Magazines Ltd | Remenham House | Regatta Place | Marlow Road | Bourne End | England | SL8 5TD | United Kingdom 16. The prize draw is governed by English law and disputes will be dealt with by the English courts. www.familiesfife.co.uk

Families Fife 13

Out and about

dates for your diary

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since our press deadline. Please send events to be listed to: editor@familiesfife.co.uk

Tues 1 May BOOKBUG ANN AN GAIDHLIG Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries 10.30am-11.am A special bilingual Gaelic & Scots Bookbug session.

Learn Gaelic through nursery rhymes & songs together and sing along with some traditional Scots songs. No experience of Gaelic necessary. Free session for children aged 0-4 & their families, no need to book. For more info: kirsty.strachan@fife.gov.uk Tues 1 May – Sun 20 May ADVENTURE GOLF ISLAND 2 Rounds of 18 Hole Mini Golf + Hot Drink/Slush for only £9pp.

Quote ‘Families Fife’ at the ticket office. T&C apply Thurs 3 May MINI GROWERS Ecology Centre, Kinghorn 10am-11am Join our Mini Growers every Thursday for some fun planting, crafting, campfire cooking & nature walks for toddlers & preschool children and enjoy outdoor play on our site & community garden. Siblings are welcome to come along during the school holidays. Special offer – Barn at the Loch are offering Mini Growers customers 10% off hot drinks and cakes purchased on a Thursday. Book on our website www.theecologycentre.org MESSY MUSEUM Perth Museum & Art Gallery Age 2-4 years 10.15am-11am Age 0-2 years 11.30am-12.15pm Under 5s be prepared to get messy! Fun, creative, hands on sessions for our youngest visitors.

An extra t-shirt or apron is recommended. The sessions run in partnership with Perth College Childhood Practise students.

Booking essential 01738 632488 Fri 4 May MORRISON’S ACADEMY NURSERY AND PRIMARY OPEN MORNING Take a tour, meet pupils & staff, and discover more about Morrison’s Academy’s unique approach to learning. For further information please contact Catriona Elliott, Admissions Registrar admissions@morrisonsacademy.org BABY MUSA TIME: LIGHT & DARK Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA) 10.15am-11.15am Held every month, Baby MUSA Time allows your little one to discover some of the fantastic things found in museums through stories, songs, art & messy play. This drop-in activity is for babies, preschool children & whoever looks after them. The MUSA Learning Loft provides a place to relax, park your buggy & enjoy time with your children.

14 Families Fife

Fri 4 – Mon 7 May ELIE SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2018 Now in it’s 7th year, the Festival is a mixture of Scarecrow Displays & a Treasure Hunt. Buy a map in local shops & explore the villages of Elie & Earlsferry in Fife’s East Neuk. The children love it! Identify your favourite & we give a prize to the winning entry. Last year we had over 40 entries. Ideal for families, kids on scooters/bikes, dog walkers, or anyone looking for an excuse for an ice cream at the seaside! Follow Elie Scarecrows on Facebook.

Sat 5 May ST ANDREWS FARMERS’ MARKET Argyle Street car park, St Andrews 9am-1pm PERTH FARMERS’ MARKET King Edward Street & High Street, Perth 9am-1pm

Miniature Railway, Puffin’ Billy Tractor Rides, boating, putting, crazy golf, bouncy castles & pedal cars. For a full list of opening times & prices, visit our website: www.friendsofcraigtoun.org.uk MEDIEVAL MAYHEM Museum of University of St Andrews 11am-3pm Ever fancied travelling back in time to be a monk, knight, queen or nun?

Now’s your chance! Join us to witness thrilling weapons demonstrations, face fierce foes in our catapult competition, use virtual reality to explore St Andrews as it looked 500 years ago, create your own medieval manuscript & much more. Plus, complete all the activities in your free past-port to win a prize!

Drop-in activities for the whole family. Held at MUSA. Free, no booking required. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

Wed 9 May

JACK & JILL MARKET

10.30-1.00 Dunfermline The Jack & Jill Market Vine Conference Centre Dunfermline Where Smart Famlies Sell & Save Join us at your local Jack and Jill Baby & Kids Market – Dunfermline.

Find everything you need (0-9yrs), 40+ stalls bursting with Quality nearly-new baby and kids’ goods at affordable prices.

Shop smartly, be SAVVY and SAVE £££. Prams, cots, cribs, clothes, toys, and so much more, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for - why pay more when you can pay less now that’s being smart!

Book your stall at

www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Sun 6 May OUT OF THE BOX: ECO-MAYNIA Museum of University of St Andrews (MUSA) 1pm-3pm (all ages) To promote MUSA’s eco-friendly goals we are dedicating this month to upcycling.

Create a range of unique gifts, while learning about how we can do more for our environment. Try a new ‘Out of the Box’ challenge each month. These self-led activities are available on Sundays & are fun for all the family. Please ask at Reception to get started.

Free drop-in, no booking required.

Mon 7 May CRAIGTOUN SEASONAL ATTRACTIONS Craigtoun Country Park,

by St Andrews 10am-5pm The Craigtoun Seasonal attractions will open on the Bank Holiday Monday.

Attractions include the Rio Grande

NATURE TOTS: SPRING AND SENSES RSPB Loch Leven 10am-11.30am Come along with your budding wildlife adventurers for a journey through the seasons. This popular monthly event, for families with children aged 5 and under, starts with a story and is packed with creative ideas and surprises; getting you outside and playing in nature. Please dress for the weather – pack your wellies!

Booking essential: RSPB members £3, non-members £6 (per family) Thurs 10 May MINI GROWERS Ecology Centre, Kinghorn 10am-11am See 3 May for details Sat 12 May DUNFERMLINE FARMERS’ MARKET Dobbies Garden Centre, Dunfermline 9am-1pm DINOSAUR STORY TIME Perth Museum & Art Gallery 2 sittings: 10.15am-10.45am & 11.15am-11.45am Come along & listen to stories from the library storytelling collection. Ages 4-8, suitable for families. Free, booking essential.

01738 632488 museum@culturepk.org.uk MINIATURE RAILWAY Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy 2pm-4.30pm Weather permitting!

Sun 13 May OUT OF THE BOX: ECO-MAYNIA MUSA 1pm-3pm See Sun 6 May for details MINIATURE RAILWAY Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy 2pm-4.30pm Weather permitting!

Thurs 17 May MINI GROWERS Ecology Centre, Kinghorn 10am-11am See 3 May for details Thurs 17 May – Sat 19 May

REIMAGINATION: GLENROTHES

17 – 19 May, Rothes Halls Times and prices vary There’s a brilliant day of affordable, family-friendly events at this special book festival in Fife’s New Town, produced by the Edinburgh International Book Festival with Fife Cultural Trust.

Events for children include a celebration of all things Harry Potter, interactive theatre show/game Plan: Build a New Town and a comic-making masterclass from the artist behind comics of Star Wars and Toy Story. £3 tickets admit 1 adult and 1 child, and group discounts apply. There’s plenty more for adults too! booked.edbookfest.co.uk Sat 19 May CUPAR FARMERS’ MARKET Crossgate, Cupar 9am-1pm FESTIVAL OF MUSEUMS: CATCH OF THE DAY FOOD FAIR Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther Join us at this family fair for foodies! During the day, local fishermen will be on hand to explain their work, & show & sell their catch. We’ll also be running a variety of craft activities for children. Free, suitable for all ages.

FIFE SHOW Kinloss, Cupar, KY15 4PE A traditional agricultural event that has evolved into a great family day out. Under 14s free.

Over 14s £10 each. Free car parking.

JACOBITES AND REDCOATS – BATTLE FOR THE HIGHLANDS The Black Watch Castle & Museum, Perth 10am-4pm Travel back in time to the 18th Century & discover the origins of Scotland’s oldest Highland Regiment, The Black Watch. Meet courageous Jacobites & stern government redcoats as they fight fierce skirmishes for control of the Highlands. Dress up in soldier’s uniforms, find out how to fire a musket, wield a broadsword & take part in a heroic Highland charge. Get creative by making your own musket, basket-hilted broadsword & shield.

Afterwards explore the galleries with our adventurous Highlander trail & get hands on with some fascinating artefacts from the Museum’s unique collections. All ages welcome. Adults £3. Child £5. Family ticket £15 (2 adults & up to 4 children). www.familiesfife.co.uk

20TH ANNIVERSARY FAMILY CEILIDH Kinghorn Parish Church 7pm-10pm What better way to celebrate The Ecology Centre’s 20th anniversary than holding a traditional Scottish family ceilidh!

Get your dancing shoes on & come and join us at Kinghorn Parish Church to celebrate this wonderful milestone. Bring your own drinks & snacks. £10 per adult. Kids aged 12 & under are free!

FESTIVAL OF MUSEUMS: AFTER HOURS LIVE COOKING DEMO WITH CHRISTOPHER TROTTER Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther 7.30pm-9.30pm We’re delighted to be welcoming Fife’s Food Ambassador, Christopher Trotter who’ll be giving a live cooking demonstration highlighting Fife’s fishy produce. Contact the museum to book or use Eventbrite. £10 per person.

Sun 20 May OUT OF THE BOX: ECO-MAYNIA MUSA 1pm-3pm See Sun 6 May for details QUARRYMILL ADVENTURES Quarrymill Woodland Park, Scone, Perth 1pm-3.30pm All 8-12 year olds welcome! Each month we go on a journey into the woods to discover and explore the wildlife that lives there along with the seasonal changes that take place throughout the year. Led by RSPB community learning officers this group aims to inspire and engage future generations to enjoy and care for the world we live in and the nature all around us. Free but booking is essential on 01577 862355 or email miranda.shephard@rspb.org.uk FAMILY BUSHCRAFT DAY RSPB LOCH LEVEN 1.30pm-3pm Join our forest school leaders to learn the skills of forest survival! Build dens, make fire, learn tracking skills, & take part in wood whittling. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential. RSPB member family £12. Non-member family £15.

Thurs 24 May MINI GROWERS Ecology Centre, Kinghorn 10am-11am See 3 May for details WILD WOODLANDS: BIRDS AND BUGS Quarrymill Woodland Park, Scone, Perth 10am-11.30am Come and join us at Quarrymill Woodland Park for a morning of play and discovery.

This popular monthly event, for families with pre-school children, starts with a walk into the woods followed by lots of seasonal and wildlife inspired fun. Please come dressed for the weather and bring a small snack as being outdoors can be hungry work!

Free but booking is essential on 01577 862355 or email miranda.shephard@rspb.org.uk www.familiesfife.co.uk

Sat 26 May KIRKCALDY FARMERS’ MARKET Town Square, Wemyssfield, Kirkcaldy 9am-1pm LOVEOLIVER’S SUMMER NEW TO YOU SALE 191 St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy, KY1 2DB 10am-1pm Our New to You Sale is back for a 10th time! There will be loads of bargains up for grabs for your babies and children – toys, books, clothes etc as well as facepainting, LoveOliver merchandise and sweet treats!

We will also be having a fab toybola! The success of the sale relies on YOU donating new/nearly new/in really good condition toys, games, kids clothes and books for us to sell so if you are having a Spring Clean any time soon, please consider donating to LoveOliver – we are happy to arrange collection or drop off.

KINROSS FARMERS’ MARKET High Street, Kinross 10am-2pm OUTDOOR LEARNING FOR TEACHERS AND OTHER EDUCATORS Quarrymill Woodland Park, Scone, Perth 10am-12.30pm This informal training session is aimed at teachers and others who are working within an education setting. Join us for a morning of discovery and exploration in the woods when we’ll provide ideas and resources to enhance and expand your outdoor learning.

Free but booking is essential on 01577 862355 or email miranda.shephard@rspb.org.uk SCOTTISH FISHERIES MUSEUM OPEN DAY Anstruther 10.30am-5.30pm Once a year we dust off our bunting, brush up on our craft skills, & throw open our doors for free.

Come along & join the party as we tour, craft & share our museum collections. Free.

Suitable for all ages.

MUSEUM EXPLORERS: AWFUL AIR RAIDS The Black Watch Museum & Castle, Perth 1.30pm-4pm Find out what it was like to be in a World War Two air raid. Learn how to recognise German bombers & construct your own Anderson & Morrison Shelters. £5 per child (drink & snack & Museum Explorer’s polo shirt included.

Ages 7-12.

Reservation required on 01738638152 YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS: ROTTEN ROMANS Museum of University of St Andrews (MUSA) 2pm-3pm Ages 7-12. Fancy searching for clues in the ground with a trowel & a toothbrush?

Then come & join us for this month’s Young Archaeologists

workshop where we’ll be encountering evidence of those Rotten Romans! Held at MUSA, free, but booking essential.

Sun 27 May OUT OF THE BOX: ECO-MAYNIA MUSA 1pm-3pm See Sun 6 May for details WILDLIFE EXPLORERS RSPB Loch Leven 1pm-3pm Loch Leven Wildlife Explorers group is open to children aged 5-12 years and takes place on the last Sunday of each month between August and June. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.

To register for the group, please contact lochlevenWEX@rspb.org.uk TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC Fife Heritage Railway, Kirkland Yard, Burnmill Estate, Leven, KY8 4RA Details unavailable at time of print SVTEC VINTAGE TRACTOR ROAD RUN Annual Road Rin in aid of charity.

We hope to include up to 50 tractors and travel 20 miles through the Perthshire countryside.

Thurs 31 May MINI GROWERS Ecology Centre, Kinghorn 10am-11am See 3 May for details.

Fri 1 June BABY MUSA TIME: OUR BODIES Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA) 10.15am-11.15am Held every month, Baby MUSA Time allows your little one to discover some of the fantastic things found in museums through stories, songs, art & messy play. This drop-in activity is for babies, preschool children & whoever looks after them. The MUSA Learning Loft provides a place to relax, park your buggy & enjoy time with your children.

Sat 2 June – Sat 22 June ADVENTURE GOLF ISLAND Get a Family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids) for 36 Holes with Treasure Hunt + Goodie Bags for Kids for only £34. Quote ‘Families Fife’ at the ticket office. T&C apply Sat 2 June WEST FIFE SHOW Hilton of Beath, Kelty, KY4 0HF 9am-5pm West Fife Agricultural Show aims to provide a great day out for all the family as well as educating everyone about agriculture and rural living. Adults £10, OAPs £5, Children under 16 free.

ST ANDREWS FARMERS’ MARKET Argyle Street car park,

St Andrews 9am-1pm PERTH FARMERS’ MARKET King Edward Street & High Street, Perth 9am-1pm

JACK & JILL MARKET

10.30-1.00 Dunfermline The Jack & Jill Market Vine Conference Centre Dunfermline Where Smart Famlies Sell & Save Join us at your local Jack and Jill Baby & Kids Market – Dunfermline.

Find everything you need (0-9yrs), 40+ stalls bursting with Quality nearly-new baby and kids’ goods at affordable prices.

Shop smartly, be SAVVY and SAVE £££. Prams, cots, cribs, clothes, toys, and so much more, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for - why pay more when you can pay less now that’s being smart!

Book your stall at

www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Sun 3 June FVAMC FARMING HERITAGE SHOW AND VINTAGE RALLY Fife Showground, Kilmaron, Cupar, KY15 4PE 10.30am-5pm Our popular farming heritage show and vintage rally is our biggest event of the year and a great day out for all the family. We bring together the best of the vintage scene with machinery and exhibits from our own club members alongside displays from across Scotland and further afield.

OUT OF THE BOX: SUMMER SOLSTICE Museum of University of St Andrews (MUSA) 1pm-3pm (all ages) Learn about the summer solstice & what it means while creating some tropical crafts! From exotic-fruit pencil holders to brighten up your house to colourful pinwheels to take outside, we have summer covered! Try a new ‘Out of the Box’ challenge each month. These self-led activities are available on Sundays & are fun for all the family. Please ask at Reception to get started. Free drop-in, no booking required Mon 4 June THE SCIENCE OF SOUND Museum of University of St Andrews (MUSA) 2pm-2.45pm (Ages 3-6) 3pm-4pm (Ages 7-12) Find out how sound works by carrying out lots of fun experiments in our science classroom! Play games & make your own scientific equipment to learn about Continued overleaf

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Families Fife 15

Out and about the properties of sound. Held at MUSA, free, but booking essential.

Mon 4 June – Tues 5 June JUNE WOODLAND CLUB, FIFE NE Fife.

10am-4pm Age 6-12 years.

A chance to build a den, light a fire, use tools, play games, watch wildlife & more. Come & have fun. Early Bird Discount: £44 each for 2 days if booked

by Mon 21 May. (T&C.s apply).

After closing date - £54 each for 2 days.

Single day - £32 each. (£27 each - siblings.).

Fully insured, disclosed qualified experienced Forest School leader.

Booking essential.

Contact: chris.childe_education@yahoo.co.uk Tel: (01337) 830621, Mob: (07587) 893190.

Tues 5 June BOOKBUG ANN AN GAIDHLIG Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries 10.30am-11.am See 1 May for details Wed 6 June MESSY MUSEUM Perth Museum & Art Gallery Age 2-4 years 10.15am-11am Age 0-2 years 11.30am12.15pm Under 5s be prepared to get messy! Fun, creative, hands on sessions for our youngest visitors. An extra t-shirt or apron is recommended. The sessions run in partnership with Perth College Childhood Practise students. Booking essential 01738 632488 Thurs 7 June MINI GROWERS Ecology Centre, Kinghorn 10am-11am See 3 May for details Sat 9 & Sun 10 June

WILDHOOD FESTIVAL

Tullibole Castle, near Kinross (Camping from Fri 8 June) Scotland’s first ever dedicated children’s camping festival.

Arts, crafts, activities, entertainment and costume fun for under12s and their fun-loving families. Accessible for all. Ticket prices (all activities included) start at Adult £40 Child £25 Under 2s FREE for One Day tickets.

Visit wildhoodfestival. com to learn more.

To buy tickets: buytickets.at/wildhood/152566 or visit wildhoodfestival.com 16 Families Fife

Sat 9 June ANGUS SHOW Brechin Castle Showground The Angus Show is an agricultural show held in the Brechin Castle Showground, showing sheep, cattle, horses goats, vintage vehicles, a truck show and more. Adults £10.

Under 12s free. Concession/ child £5.

DUNFERMLINE FARMERS’ MARKET Dobbies Garden Centre, Dunfermline 9am-1pm CRIEFF COUNTRY MARKET James Square, Crieff 10am-4pm MINIATURE RAILWAY Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy 2pm-4.30pm Weather permitting!

Sun 10 June TAYSIDE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW Errol Airfield, Perthshire, PH2 7TB 11am-5pm The 13th Classic Motor Show, with a wide range of cars, motor cycles, commercials, and agricultural vehicles, and car club stands. We are hoping to have entertainment in the ring including a Pipe Band, Dog Display Team and Dancers as well as a range of food vendors, various stalls and entertainment for the children. This show is held to raise funds for local children’s charities.

OUT OF THE BOX: SUMMER SOLSTICE MUSA 1pm-3pm See 3 June for details MINIATURE RAILWAY Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy 2pm-4.30pm Weather permitting!

Wed 13 June NATURE TOTS: ALL ABOUT STICKS RSPB Loch Leven 10am-11.30am Come along with your budding wildlife adventurers for a journey through the seasons. This popular monthly event, for families with children aged 5 and under, starts with a story and is packed with creative ideas and surprises; getting you outside and playing in nature. Please dress for the weather – pack your wellies! Booking essential: RSPB members £3, non-members £6 (per family) Thurs 14 June MINI GROWERS Ecology Centre, Kinghorn 10am-11am See 3 May for details Sat 16 June SWIFT AWARENESS WEEK RSPB Loch Leven Drop in anytime this week to celebrate swifts & learn more about their amazing lives. We’ll be exploring the problems they

dates for your diary face & the things you can do at home to help. Budding artists can decorate their own paper swift & add it to our display.

CUPAR FARMERS’ MARKET Crossgate, Cupar 9am-1pm Sun 17 June BUS AND COACH SUNDAY Dundee Museum of Transport 10.30am-3.30pm A selection of buses and coaches from across Scotland will be at the museum for visitors to enjoy. As always, lots of fun for all the family, including stalls, activities for all ages and tea on the bus.

Ticket information: Adults 16+ £5, children aged 5-15 £2.50, family (2 adults, 2 children) £12, concession £4, members and under 5s free.

CUPAR HIGHLAND GAMES Duffus Park, Cupar OUT OF THE BOX: SUMMER SOLSTICE MUSA 1pm-3pm See 3 June for details QUARRYMILL ADVENTURES Quarrymill Woodland Park 1pm-3.30pm All 8-12 year olds welcome.

See 20 May for details.

ROCKPOOLING Walk begins & ends at Museum of University of St Andrews (MUSA) 2pm-4pm Ages 4+. Explore the magical under sea world of rock pools.

Stick on your wellies & search for crabs, anemones & shrimps below the walls of St Andrews Castle.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring wind/ waterproof layers & be prepared for uneven, slippery ground. Walk begins & ends at MUSA. Free, but booking essential.

Thurs 21 June MINI GROWERS Ecology Centre, Kinghorn 10am-11am See 3 May for details WILD WOODLANDS: BRILLIANT BUMBLEBEES Quarrymill Woodland Park 10am-11.30am For pre-school children and their families.

See 24 May for details.

Sat 23 June KINROSS FARMERS’ MARKET High Street, Kinross 10am-2pm Sun 24 June LEVEN RALLY Fife Heritage Railway, Kirkland Yard, Burnmill Estate, Leven, KY8 4RA 11am-4pm Vintage and Classic Car Show held at the home of the Fife Heritage Railway.

A fun filled day of new and classic old vehicles.

BIG BUG HUNT AT QUARRYMILL Quarrymill Woodland Park 11am-3pm Join us as we look at the amazing variety of ‘bugs’

that live at Quarrymill. We’ll search in the burn, on the grass and in the trees! Suitable for all.

No need to book, just drop by!

Follow the signs from the Isla Road carpark.

For more information get in touch on 01577 862355 or email miranda.shephard@rspb.org.uk OUT OF THE BOX: SUMMER SOLSTICE MUSA 1pm-3pm See 3 June for details WILDLIFE EXPLORERS RSPB Loch Leven 1pm-3pm Loch Leven Wildlife Explorers group is open to children aged 5-12 years and takes place on the last Sunday of each month between August and June. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.

To register for the group, please contact lochlevenWEX@rspb.org.uk The annual fee is £15 or £10 for RSPB Members.

Thurs 28 June MINI GROWERS Ecology Centre, Kinghorn 10am-11am See 3 May for details Sat 30 June CERES HIGHLAND GAMES The Bow Butts, Ceres KIRKCALDY FARMERS’ MARKET Town Square, Wemyssfield, Kirkcaldy 9am-1pm YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS: CURIOUS CLOTHING Museum of University of St Andrews (MUSA) 2pm-3pm Ages 7-12.

Have you got the curiosity & the patience to piece together evidence from the past? Then join us for this month’s Young Archaeologists workshop where we’ll be finding out what our ancestors looked like – from clothes & jewellery to armour & make-up, you won’t believe some of the freaky fashions!

Held at MUSA, free, but booking essential.

Sat 30 June & Sun 1 July CRAIGTOUN COUNTRY FAYRE Craigtoun Country Park 10am-5pm Free entry, free parking & free entertainment plus craft stalls & all our regular paid attractions.

For more details visit: www.friendsofcraigtoun.org.uk Sun 1 July DOBBIES CLASSIC CAR DAY Dobbies Garden Centre, Dundee, DD5 4HB 10am-5pm A display of classic cars within Dobbie’s Dundee Car Park. ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖v❖❖ www.familiesfife.co.uk