Families Glasgow Magazine September/October 2018

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IN THIS ISSUE Go Wild This Autumn Ready for a New Class?

Food Allergies Explained Plus Lots More!

Issue 71 September/October 2018 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Glasgow

Welcome to issue 71 We had so much fun with the talented Polly, of Polly Harris Photography, shooting the front cover for this autumn’s issue. She was brilliant at guiding us through the process of the staging and lighting, and just fabulous at keeping the girls entertained for the duration. We highly recommend her for your next family shoot!

Glasgow Editor Susanne Hein editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk 01355 459 314 Next issue November/December 2018 Tell us about any events or classes you want to publicise. Please get in touch.

Booking deadline 19 October Special ad rates and offers available. call or email to find out more.

Printed by J Thomson Colour Printers Designed by Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk Cover Image: Polly Harris Photography

Over the next few weeks we will be trying out as many autumn activities as possible. It’s so tempting to stay indoors once the rain sets in. Both September weekend (21-24/9) and October week (15-19/10) will bring great opportunities, with lots of activities on. Keep an eye on your local park news - most rangers put on an amazing array of free, ranger-led events.

Museums are also a great resource when it gets wet. And don’t forget to start planning your Christmas theatre trips: the best seats in the house quickly get snapped up!

Susanne

In this issue 3. News & Views 7. My Child Can’t Eat That 8. Go Wild This Autumn 9. Tips for choosing clubs 10. Education news 12. What’s on 15. Halloween What’s on

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© Families Glasgow Magazine 2018 Families Glasgow 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 Glasgow are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Glasgow.

Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Glasgow; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Hansel & Gretel FOR 3 – 8 YEAR OLDS

BEST AVAILABILITY THURSDAY & FRIDAY 1 – 3 NOV 2018

atgtickets.com/glasgow* *Booking Fee

2 Families Glasgow

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News & views

Scottish Family Staycations Located on the stunning Isle of Arran, Auchrannie Resort is a picture-perfect getaway for families looking for a fun escape.

The resort has a range of accommodation options. Large, contemporary rooms offer flexibility and comfort for families up to five. Generously equipped five star luxury lodges are fully self-catering for up to 8 people located just a short walk from resort facilities.

You are spoilt for choice with three distinct dining experiences, each offering freshly prepared food, made from the best locally sourced ingredients.

Children’s and allergen menus are available.

Frugi’s Lost Kingdom Gather around the warmth of the fire and let Frugi transport you to a land of mythical isles with snow-capped mountains, magnificent starry night skies and tree filled forests with the Frugi Autumn Winter ’18 Lost Kingdom collection.

Using Frugi’s signature organic cotton, this collection, which is available for ages newborn – ten years, uses a Scandi inspired colour palette and features adorable new textures as well as introducing some new mythical creatures including Snow Leopards, Eagle Owls, Lynx, Arctic Hares, Narwhal and Huskies! We love the puddle buster range (from £12), made from 100% recycled polyester, the beautiful Norah tights (£12) and this wonderful snuggle fleece (shown, age 2-10yrs, £36). We also suspect the Snuggle Suit (from £34) will be in a few Christmas Eve Boxes this year!

Available from www.welovefrugi.com

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Don’t miss an issue! Download the latest magazine and our back catalogue at issuu www.issuu.com

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The two onsite leisure clubs each have a 20 metre swimming pool as well as saunas, steam rooms and health suites. Check out the Playbarn, a three tier indoor soft play with external play and picnic area which is perfect for under 10s. For older kids, Arran Adventure are on hand to help you try activities including archery, Segways and mountain biking. The games hall is a great space for the whole family to hire a court for basketball, tennis and other indoor games. The ASPA offers much needed relaxation for parents as well as treatments tailored for under 16s.

The Isle of Arran has lots to offer for the whole family. For those looking to be active there’s an adventure playground, abseiling, golfing and raft-building. Kayaking, horse riding and a rib tour are among other activities you can enjoy whilst taking in the sights of the island.

All this less than 2 hours from Glasgow. To book or for more information visit www. auchrannie.co.uk

MugStock Needs Your Help Over the past 4 years MugStock has brought people like you to Mugdock Country Park to be part of their festival of music & merriment.

They have supported Scotland’s events and creative sectors by providing paid work for over 500 Scottish artists, companies and crew, and have brought thousands of visitors to MugStock’s local area. Now they need your help following the devastating summer storms which hit them over the weekend of MugStock 2018. MugStock is independent.

They have no major sponsors and no wealthy financial backers. As volunteers, the team behind MugStock worked tirelessly around their paid employment and family commitments. Due to this year’s extreme weather, Mugstock suffered significant vehicle, structure and equipment damage so despite putting on a well-received festival, a large deficit remains. If you have enjoyed being part of MugStock, appreciate how amazingly worthwhile this charity is, and would like to see MugStock continue, a contribution at this time would be enormously valuable. Please tell your friends, donate, send messages of support, join the campaign team or simply share this on social media, and help keep the MugStock dream alive. www.gofundme.com/mugstock-needs-you

Families Glasgow 3

Home from Home with Chilly Powder Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both? Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people.

Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities.

For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home.

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com

Find You Inner Superpower!

We’ve known her as a BGT judge, a Strictly judge, a TV personality and a pop star, but did you know Alesha Dixon has recently become a children’s author? Families spoke to Alesha about the upcoming release of her new book – Lightning Girl: Superhero Squad, the sequel to her electrifying first book Lightning Girl.

What inspired you to become a children’s author?

I love new creative challenges! I felt there was a gap in the market for an inspirational book which features a young female superhero as a positive role model for boys and girls of different ethnicities.

What is the general storyline of your second book?

Aurora Beam doesn’t want to be a superhero. She just wants to be a normal girl who blends in. After her adventures in Lightning Girl Aurora is finding that this ‘saving-the-world lark’ isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. World-famous overnight, she’s struggling with living in the full glare of the media’s flash bulbs. There’s plenty of twists and turns in the plot, and the challenges get bigger as the story moves on.

There are a lot of messages interwoven within your book. What do you hope are the core lessons received by your readers?

Essentially, what I’m saying to young people is “you all have a superpower within you”.

It’s okay to be different, it’s okay to stand out. You don’t have to follow everyone else, or be like everyone else, to be accepted.

You all have a light, so don’t let anything dim it. It is important to me that all children learn that they can contribute, that they are counted and that they are important. I want them to realise that nobody should be discriminated against, nobody should feel excluded in any way, and they all should feel worthy. I’d love this book to give children the permission to celebrate their gifts proudly.

Lightning Girl: Superhero Squad

by Alesha Dixon will be published by Scholastic on 6th Sept 2018

4 Families Glasgow

Dream Big with Disney on Ice Courage leads the way for Disney’s most daring heroines, in this brand-new ice skating spectacular. Audiences will set sail with the wayfinder Moana as she makes her Glasgow debut live on ice in Disney On Ice presents Dream Big. This all-new production, produced

by Feld Entertainment, assembles a collection of inspiring stories connected by a cast of characters with a desire to explore the depths, heights and horizons of their dreams.

Alongside Moana and demigod Maui are eight tales of courage and heart, including Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Tangled.

Plus, arrive early to celebrate 90 years of Walt Disney’s true original, Mickey Mouse.

“Disney On Ice presents Dream Big was created with the intention to inspire everyone to explore their world by highlighting the defining moments of relatable characters who became their own heroes,” says Executive Vice President and Producer Nicole Feld. “Having both a daughter and son at home, I knew it was important to present a variety of Disney stories as well as show the connection between these stories and illustrate how a journey can unfold in many ways.”

The production will visit the Braehead Arena from 21st – 30th September 2018. Tickets are available from www.disneyonice.co.uk

Sylvanian Guising The charming new set from Sylvanian Families will make a great addition to any decorations you have planned for this year’s Halloween. And the best bit is that this one is made to be played with! The set comes with a pumpkin carriage, two baby figurines in special Halloween outfits, tiny buckets and sweets. It’s sure to get your family in the mood for going guising. The costumes and props fully interact with the cute rabbit and striped cat baby sisters. The pumpkin wagon can be tethered to other wagons in the range, and will look equally adorable sitting on our window sill filled with small chocolate treats!

The Trick or Treat Set is £16.99 from www.sylvanianfamilies.co.uk

Increase In School Clothing Grant Eligible parents and carers in Glasgow will benefit from a more than 50% increase in school clothing grant payment from the beginning of the new school term in August and will now receive £110 for each of their children who attend a council primary, secondary or additional support for learning school. This follows additional funding from the Scottish Government to introduce a minimum school clothing grant level of £100 nationally.

For more information on criteria, how to apply and the school clothing grant process search for Clothing Grants and Free School Meals on glasgow.gov.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Circus Spectacular Cirque du Soleil is delighted to bring OVO, a celebration of nature and co-existence, to Glasgow’s SSE Hydro Arena from Sept 5th to 9th.

OVO, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives.

If you book your tickets with at least 1 child to see the show now, you can receive a special family offer and get up to 30% off your tickets at Ticketmaster! So what are you waiting for, don’t miss your chance to catch Cirque du Soleil OVO live. www.ticketmaster.co.uk/promo/ t35siq

Gold Award for East Ren Baby Friendly Initiative UNICEF has awarded East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) health visiting service the gold award, for their work with the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI).

The service was recognised for continually improving results for families in East Renfrewshire and was highly commended for the way its services have been developed to ensure there are continued improvements in outcomes for babies, their mothers and families as a whole. Assessors also recognised the ongoing excellence training staff receive and the culture of kindness that is very much evident between staff and patients. The BFI was introduced by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to support breastfeeding and parent-infant relationships to ensure babies get the best start in life. Supporting breastfeeding is a part of the programme, however the Baby Friendly Initiative aim to raise standards of care for all babies, regardless of how they are fed.

Two Thirds of Children Not Safe in Cars Parents are being advised to check their children’s car seats after a new study found that two in three children aren’t safe while travelling.

The What Car? study, created in conjunction with specialist organisation Child Seat Safety found that 59% of children are sitting in car seats that have been incorrectly fitted or are inappropriate for them.

The survey on 3,000 seats, with and without children in them, held at random seat-checking events throughout the UK, revealed that 36% were incorrectly fitted in the car, while 33% of those that had children in them weren’t suitable.

Many of the mistakes were said to be “simple and easy to avoid,” and included tightening seat belts, incorrect head restraints or harnesses being in the wrong position.

In the UK, children are legally required to remain in a car seat until they are either 12 years old or at least 135 cm tall, whichever comes first. www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules

Escape to the Isle of Arran this autumn 2 hotels and 30 lodges 3 restaurants and bars 2 leisure centres with pools destination spa outdoor adventure centre children’s playbarn outstanding scenery dog friendly

to book or for more information visit us online at www.auchrannie.co.uk or call us on 01770 302 234 familiesonline.co.uk

Families Glasgow 5

Parent 2 Parent

Favourite day out

A simple picnic and park with happy children, coffee for mum and dad and no pennies required!

Describe you and your family I’m Angela and I am the creator and owner of Lemonlily Keepsakes based in the Southside of Glasgow. We specialise in making baby & animal keepsakes such as 3d Castings and fine silver personalised jewellery. We also handmake personalised kiln fired pottery from our home studio. It was always a dream of mine to start up my own creative business, and after being made redundant from a large corporate company after 15 years, starting up Lemonlily was a no brainer for me! Myself and hubby Scott have 3 young children Eva (10), Emma (7) and Ollie (5) so the flexibility of being my own boss lets me spend all the time I need with the kids too.

Favourite child friendly restaurant

We love Sapori D’Italia on Cathcart Road.

Even when we’ve been with our friends (there are 12 of us in total) they are very accommodating and the food is fresh and delicious.

Biggest waste of money

Slime!

No parent should be without

Some me time. It keeps you sane and at the end of the day you are still you and it’s important not to lose that.

Parenting pet hates

Why do you like living where you do?

Rudeness and being unkind.

The Southside of Glasgow has a great buzz about it and we love the fact that you are only a short drive away from some fabulous parks and also central enough to be in the city. I’ve lived here all my life but my husband grew up in a small village called Torrance.

Funniest comment your kids have ever made

Favourite children’s club/class

Favourite Park

My eldest takes part in the Glasgow Gymnastics club based in Castlemilk. The coaches are fantastic and have a real passion for the sport. Emma wants to start a baseball club in the new term and Ollie attends the Little Dolphin Swim Academy in Holyrood. Again, the girls are fantastic and I would highly recommend them!

There are too many to choose from but for us at the moment it has to be Rouken Glen.

Although busy at times, it has something for all the kids. The skate park is great for the older ones, I can grab a coffee and then we take a walk upto the duck pond, it’s my only way of trying to get some exercise with 3 kids!

We were watching Grease yesterday and my youngest said he felt sorry for me having to watch it in black & white when I was younger!

Favourite family holiday spot

Cala D’Or Majorca in Summer and my Father-In-Law has a caravan in St Andrews which we love to spend time at throughout the year.

WIN a 2-night stay at the fabulous, family-friendly staycation favourite, Auchrannie Resort

WIN

Stay in a Superior Family room on a Bed & Breakfast basis and make the most of the great facilities on offer at this Arran gem.

To be in with a chance, simply answer this question: Which of the following great activities does Auchrannie offer: a) a three tier softplay b) outdoor play area c) indoor ball sports d) all of the above THIS SPECIALLY

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ADAPTED HOUR LONG SHOW IS

Hansel & Gretel WIN FOR 3 – 8 YEAR OLDS

THE PERFECT

Send your answer with your name and address to competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk by October 10th. Prize is valid until the end of March 2019, excluding only 24th December to 1st January.

WAY FOR YOUNG FAMILIES TO DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF BALLET.

1 – 3 NOV 2018

WIN WITH SCOTTISH BALLET To enter our competition for your chance to win a family of 4 ticket for Thursday 1st or Friday 2nd November at the Glasgow Theatre Royal, just tell us what is the house that Hansel & Gretel visit made of?

Please email feedback@scottishballet.co.uk with your answer, name and contact details.

Closing date for entries: Friday 14 September. 1 entry per person. Terms and condition apply.

6 Families Glasgow

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Immune Supporting Foods

Supporting the health of your child’s immune system is important since it is the imbalance in the immune response that triggers their allergy. This means looking at your child’s digestive health since over 70% of the immune cells lie in the gut and probiotic supplements and fermented foods like yogurts (coconut or dairy), kefir (coconut or dairy), sauerkraut, water kefir, kombucha and kimchi are often recommended. They may not all be tolerated by your child but consider including some daily.

Children also need plenty of fibre to support gut health. Avoid white refined foods and include plenty of starchy vegetables (carrots, sweet potato, potato, beetroot, yams) and some wholegrains like rice or oats.

My Kids Can’t Eat That!

Tackling Food Allergies and Intolerances

By Christine Bailey

If your child suffers with any type of food reaction, you are not alone. The latest surveys estimate that true food allergies affect up to 8% of children. Between 1997 and 2007, the number of reported cases of food allergy in children increased by 18%. In a similar timeframe, peanut allergy more than tripled in those under age 18, going from 0.4% in 1997 to 1.4% in 2008. This does also not take into account the number of children with food sensitivities and intolerances, coeliac disease (an autoimmune condition triggered by eating food containing gluten) or related atopic conditions such as asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis.

What is a Food Allergy?

An allergy occurs when your immune system responds aggressively to a harmless environmental substance. This can include foods but also things like pollen, animal dander, dust, mould. nickel, copper, and latex.

These allergens can affect various parts of the body and cause a range of symptoms which may affect: • • • •

the nasal passage (itchy, stuffy and/or runny nose, postnasal drip); the mouth area (tingling sensation, swollen mouth and lips, itchy throat); the eyes (swollen, itchy, red eyes); respiratory (wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath); the skin (hives, rashes, swelling); and gastrointestinal (stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea).

Symptoms can occur from minutes to days after exposure, ranging from mild to severe.

Different types of food allergy trigger different types of immune response. A true food allergy is known as an IgE-mediated food allergy.

This can be associated with anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Many people prone to anaphylaxis carry self-injecting epinephrine pens in case of emergencies.

The most common food allergies in children are to: • • • • •

cow’s milk eggs fish and shellfish peanuts soybeans (and related products)

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• • •

tree nuts (e.g. almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazils, macadamia nuts) wheat and gluten containing grains (barley, rye)

Testing

If you do suspect your child may be reacting to certain foods, speak to your GP about allergy testing. Depending on the suspected type of reaction, tests may involve skin prick tests or blood tests. In some cases, you will be referred to an allergy clinic to undertake these tests. If certain foods are identified, it is essential these are completely removed from the diet. You will also need to avoid cross contamination with these foods when not eating at home.

Nutritional Support

One of the concerns many parents when their child is diagnosed with a food reaction is what they CAN eat and how to ensure they are getting the required nutrients.

Fortunately, there are now many supermarket free-from products available for easy substitutions. Some are fortified with certain vitamins and minerals. For instance, many milk alternatives contain added vitamin D and calcium to support bone health. Remember though that just because a product is free-from does not mean it is healthy. Many free-from products are highly refined and nutrient poor and can upset a child’s blood-sugar levels.

Prepared foods, such as free-from breads, can be useful, but cooking from scratch frequently is the healthiest and safest option.

If you are concerned about your child’s diet, ask your GP to refer you to a nutritionist or dietician to guide you through a new meal plan and recommend nutritional supplements.

In addition, healthy fats, particularly the essential omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats (found in avocado, olives and nuts) reduce inflammation and help modulate the immune response and support gut health. So, if your child can eat fish, aim to serve it 2 or 3 times a week, especially oily fish (salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines). These also provide vitamins A and D which are important for a healthy immune system.

Christine Bailey is the author of My Kids Can’t Eat That: How to Deal with Allergies and Intolerances in Children (Nourish Books 2018). It contains details on useful herbs, spices and foods to support immune health, specific foods that can help lower histamine and reduce the symptoms of allergic reaction and a wealth of great substitute foods for all the common food allergens.

Top 14 major allergens identified on food packaging The following are the 14 major allergens identified on UK and European packaging, by law. You will often see these highlighted in bold on the ingredients list.

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Celery (including celeriac)

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Cereals containing gluten (wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, kamut)

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Crustacea (such as crabs, crayfish, lobster and prawns)

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Egg

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Fish

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Lupin

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Milk (including lactose)

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Molluscs (such as cockles, mussels and oysters)

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Mustard

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Peanuts

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Sesame

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Soybeans

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Sulphur dioxide and sulphites

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Tree nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, pecan, pistachio, macadamia nut, walnut) Families Glasgow 7

Go Wild this Autumn!

Award prizes for taste, wild presentation and the most creative use of foraged foods!

Make Jam with Wild Fruit Collect some fruit on one of your walks and make some jam.

By Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks

Weigh and wash the wild fruit and put it in a saucepan with a little water. Bring the fruit to the boil and add the same weight of sugar.

Simmer for about one hour or until it sets (does it form a jelly on a cold saucer?) Pour carefully into a warmed jar and put the lid on. Decorate a label with pictures of the fruits and invent a wild name for your jam. Cover the lid with a large leaf.

Autumn; a time for playing in crisp, colourful leaves and raiding conker trees. A time when fields are woven with glistening spiders’ webs on misty mornings and wild food is plentiful in the hedgerows and woods.

Just because summer’s over, there’s no need to abandon the great outdoors. There’s a wealth of fun activities you and your children can enjoy as the temperatures start to cool. Here are just a few ideas:

Outdoor Halloween For a real Halloween adventure, go to the woods, the park or into the garden after dark for a scary feast, made more festive with wild decorations!

Make Leaf Mobiles

Celebrate Autumn’s amazing colours by creating a brightly coloured mobile. You will need: twine, scissors, and a large needle.

Create:

Collect colourful fallen leaves cones, wild nuts and seeds and a stick in the woods or the park.

Cut the twine into lengths of about 75cm/30in.

Tie a cone or an acorn to one end of each length of twine. Thread leaves and seeds along the twine.

Pumpkin faces - no carving involved, just stick on wild materials with double sided tape or clay to make funny and scary faces.

Leafy decorations - cut coloured leaves into bat shapes and scary faces to decorate a witch’s hat or make leaf bunting.

Tie the leaf strings along a stick and hang your mobile up in the autumn sunshine.

Leafy lanterns – tie string around jars to make handles. Cut scary faces in colourful leaves and attach them to the jars with elastic bands.

Pumpkin lanterns - carve pumpkins into decorated lanterns and place them in a trail for your friends to follow.

Go Wild Foraging

Discover wild foods in hedgerows and woods; look out for nettles, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, rosehips, hazelnuts, walnuts, crab apples and wild herbs. Gather some berries, nuts and leaves. Make sure you know what’s safe to eat though before you give your permission for your children to eat what they’ve collected!

Prepare a warming Halloween feast; cheesy baked potatoes and pumpkin soup, sausages wrapped in chunks of bread, toffee apples or apple tarts, and sweet pumpkin pie.

Hold a Wild Bake-Off Challenge

What can you make from wild foods and a few basic ingredients like flour, salt, milk, butter, sugar and eggs?

Set up a Halloween mystery trail with a few scary surprises, perhaps a ghost in the trees and a spider’s web across the path?

You will need: basic cooking equipment eg: a griddle, frying pan and Dutch oven (a cast iron cooking pot with lid), measuring cups, knives, spoons and a mixing bowl.

Safety Tips

Make a safe fire in a fire pan or pit or use a barbeque.

You could bake a delicious layer pancake with different fruit in each layer, including elderberries with sloes, crab apples with rosehips, and blackberries with damsons, all cooked with a little water and sugar.

Alternatively, a blackberry cake baked in a clay pot or wild herb bread cooked in a Dutch oven among the ashes.

8 Families Glasgow

When foraging, take care to only collect safe edible fruits and seeds

•

Choose fruit bushes and trees away from roads

•

Make fires in a fire pan, a fire pit or a barbeque and always supervise children around fire and when cooking, as well as when using nightlights in lanterns and carving pumpkins

More about Going Wild

LANGUAGE CENTRE & CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP Sensory, play-based music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers in Milngavie, Bishopbriggs, Lenzie, Scotstoun and Partick.

•

The Language Hub C.IC. 52 Keith Court, Glasgow, G11 6QW www.thelanguagehub.co.uk info@thelanguagehub.co.uk t: 0141 258 2700 m: 07505 144 476

Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks of Going Wild are on a mission to inspire everyone to spend more time outside discovering the wonders of the natural world. Their books are packed with practical ideas to tempt children and families away from screen-based entertainment and escape into the outdoors where the wild world will weave its magic upon them. These autumn activities are taken from their tenth book The Wild Year Book, Things to do Outdoors through the Seasons, published by Frances Lincoln in July 2018.

For more information, visit www.goingwild.net

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Top Tips for Choosing Classes, Activities & Clubs for your Child

By Elisabeth Dolton

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the range and volume of activities, classes and clubs available for your child to join? Aside from the important issue of LOGISTICS, in other words, how are these activities going to fit into your schedule, how do you go about deciding what to choose?

Here are my top tips:

great value in discipline-based activities that create a quality product over a period of time and teach value skills such as leadership and team work eg putting on a play.

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Talk to your children, explain how many activities you think there is time for and find out what they are interested in pursuing.

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Let them choose at least one class, activity or club themselves.

•

Don’t assume that high cost equals high quality.

•

Help them choose activities that reflect who they are and what they want to learn and don’t impose your own preferences.

•

Ensure staff members are professionals with relevant skills and experience.

•

If you have a reluctant child, explain that it’s important and fun to try new things, but don’t insist.

•

Remember that moving from one activity to another is normal amongst children.

•

•

•

Always consider the benefits of an activity. For instance, there’s

Consider the mix of activities. The benefits of exercise are huge, so try to include a sport.

If you are stuck between two similar activities, consider the usefulness, e.g. drumming lessons might be cool, but the guitar might have wider applicability.

At Mini Professors we aim to introduce toddlers and At Mini Professors we aim to pre-school children to the wondrous world of science.

introduce children age 2-7 to the

Our motto is ‘science is all around us’ – we want to show children fun and ofeverything science. how science can be wondrous related to everydayworld objects and we do using fun, interactive experiments, singing and story telling.

Come along and help nurture a lifelong passion for science!

“Tell me and I forget.

We offer parent/child Show me and I remember. classes, nursery sessions, Involve and I understand.”

P1/P2me sessions and Parties For more information call or email:

A lison on 07471 477566 glasgownorth@miniprofessors.co.uk

Britain’s Best-loved Pre-School Science Classes

www.miniprofessors.co.uk Now find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Like or follow us for regular updates on news and events.

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EDUCATION NEWS

Should You Help with Homework?

When your children settle down to do homework, do you keep close tabs on them and routinely offer to help? Or is your approach more hand’s off?

Researchers from Finland have found that although most homework assistance aims at helping the child, one approach is much better at instilling persistence.

Explore St Columba’s School St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm is an independent day school for boys and girls aged 3–18.

Consistently ranked within the top 5 independent schools in Scotland, St Columba’s is renowned for its first class education and academic excellence.

The results obtained by our pupils are consistently among the highest pass rates and percentage As in the country.

With national representation at sport, music, debating and public speaking, St Columba’s leads the way both in the classroom and beyond.

Our size is also our strength. With around 700 pupils, each child is known by name and recognised as an individual. Our beautiful countryside location is just twenty minutes from Glasgow. This unique setting and the outstanding educational experience we offer create a school environment that is challenging and vibrant.

As well as reading, writing and numeracy skills our Early Years children are taught PE, French, music and drama by specialist teachers. They also have access to a fabulous all-season play space and our Wild Woods where they can create, build dens and benefit from hands-on learning. From Junior School philosophy, drama, music, art, enterprise, STEM, chess, golf, Mini and Junior Duke Awards are all part of our dynamic extracurricular programme.

For those who wish to join us for Sixth Year we offer 15 Advanced Higher and a range of crash Higher subjects to choose from.

Come and explore St Columba’s and let our pupils show you why we are one of the leading independent schools in Scotland.

10 Families Glasgow

Open Morning Sat 22 Sept 10am

The study looked at children aged from 8 to 11 years and found that when parents offered opportunities for their child to work independently that the child demonstrated an increased ability to work persistently on his or her school assignments when tested 12 months later.

However, when parents provided concrete assistance to their child, the less taskpersistent the child’s behaviour later became. This in turn, made parents offer more and more help.

“One possible explanation is that when a parent gives a child the opportunity to do homework autonomously, this sends out a message that they believe in their child’s skills and capabilities. This, in turn, makes the child believe in him or herself, and in his or her skills and capabilities,” Associate Professor, Jaana Viljaranta from the University of Eastern Finland explained.

may send out a message that a parent doesn’t believe in their child’s ability to do their homework.

When a parent offers the child an opportunity for autonomous working, the child will work persistently, which leads to better development of skills. If, however, a parent’s homework assistance involves plenty of concrete help, the child will work less persistently, leading to poorer development of skills.

It is important for parents to take their child’s needs into consideration when offering homework assistance. Of course, parents should offer concrete help when their child clearly needs it. However, concrete help is not something that should be made automatically available in every situation – only when needed,” Viljaranta said More info at www.sciencedaily.com

Similarly, concrete homework assistance - especially if not requested by a child -

Learning for Life Morrison’s Academy is a friendly and nurturing independent school in the heart of rural Perthshire. Generations of Morrisonians have benefited from the school’s rich choice of academic, artistic and sporting experiences, going on to make their mark on the world as Olympic athletes, groundbreaking scientists, actors, adventurers, politicians and professionals.

The school’s long tradition of academic success in boys and girls from 3 to 18 continues today with a contemporary Scottish curriculum that saw pupils gain their best SQA results in recent history. A programme of independent, child-centred learning builds emotional intelligence, creativity and life skills, and this year earned the school a place in the final of the Scottish Rural Award for Education.

Open Morning Sat 28 Sept

From Nursery through to S6, learning at Morrison’s is a truly collaborative process. With specialist teachers in a wide range of subjects, as well as extensive co-curricular opportunities, the school blends experiential learning, digital technology, and rich classroom environments to create a personalised education for each pupil. It’s this passion for teaching and culture of aspiration and respect that inspires real curiosity and encourages every child to strive for their highest.

Open Morning 29 September 2018. Register online at www.morrisonsacademy.org/ admissions/open-mornings familiesonline.co.uk

LEARNING FOR LIFE Morrison’s Academy has been independently educating boys and girls in the heart of Perthshire for over 150 years. Today, our unique approach blends digital technology, specialist teaching, rich classroom settings and outdoor learning in our enviable Scottish environment to create a truly personalised experience for every child. The same friendly and nurturing culture that allows our three and four year olds to flourish also enabled our National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher students to achieve their best results on record in 2017.

Come to our Open Morning − take a tour, meet our pupils and staff and discover why our approach to learning was shortlisted for the Scottish Rural Award for Education 2018.

Saturday 29 September 2018 Register online, by telephone or on the day.

Crèche facilities available.

01764 653 885 morrisonsacademy.org

MORRISON’S ACADEMY

Morrison’s Academy, Crieff PH7 3AN

SAT 22ND SEPT 10.00AM - 1.00PM

KNOCKBUCKLE ROAD, KILMACOLM

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Families Glasgow 11

WHAT’S ON Your essential guide to family events this September and October. We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

1-2 Sep The Scottish International Airshow FREE I From £15 Low Green, Ayr Seafront, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA7 2AA 01292 479 500 www.tsia.scot Scotland’s biggest family event returns to Ayr to provide the best weekend of the year with more air displays, more food, more craft fairs, more trade, and more fun!

Seating, parking and photography tickets available from £15. There will be no ticket box office on the site so purchase your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Sun 9 Sep Gary Dunn Presents Jokes and Tricks 3pm | £5 | 5+yrs The Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow G3 6NG, 0141 212 3389 www.thestand.co.uk After a sell out at the 2018 Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Gary Dunn is back again for more Mirth, Magic and Marshmallows? Gary brings his own brand of slapstick, comedy and fast paced modern magic back to The Stand for what could be his stupidest show yet. Lots of belly laughs and silly tricks for the whole family to enjoy!

Sun 2 Sep Peter Pan and Captain Cook 2pm | £5 | 4-9yrs East Kilbride Arts Centre, G744DU, 01355 261000 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk Our mysterious narrator tells us the tale of Peter Pan and his battle with his nemesis Captain Cook, known for his evil saucepans and dastardly cook-offs. Join him on his journey to Neverland, get more lost then you ever have before with the Lost Boys and maybe even help fight off some pirate baddies…

10-16 Sep Doors Open Days Festival Various locations www.glasgowdoorsopendays. org.uk/childrens-programme Most events are completely free, some need to be booked in advance and are very popular. If you have an animal lover, check out the Small Animal Hospital tour.

There’s plenty on for creative kids, as well as alchemy, geology and treasure hunting!

Sat 8 Sep To Be The Best Too 4pm | £4 | 5+yrs Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk Gatto and how he became ‘The World’s Greatest Juggler’. Told by Arron Sparks and Owen Reynolds (certainly not the world’s greatest jugglers) through storytelling, parody, some fancy footwork and, of course, juggling. A work in progress as part of Braw Circus Festival by Aerial Edge.

12 Families Glasgow

Sat 15 Sep Den Building 10am-12noon | FREE Pollok Country Park, Glasgow G43 1AT, 0141 276 0927 Test your Outdoor Survival Skills with a den building morning with the Countryside Rangers!

Further details will be provided on booking, call 0141 276 0927.

Sat 15 Sep Little Fix 2pm I from £14 Hamilton Town House Library, Hamilton ML3 6HH, 01698 452299 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk

15-16 Sep Mr Fibbers Out Of Tune 2pm | £5 | 5-12yrs (no under 5s) East Kilbride Arts Centre, G744DU, 01355 261000 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk After performing sell out shows at the Stand, Mr Fibbers is bringing his brand new show to the East Kilbride Arts centre. The show will be packed full of comedy songs, daft jokes, and lots of awesomeness!

Little Fix are the UK’s official number 1 tribute to the amazing Little Mix. They also starred on BBC One’s “Even Better Than The Real Thing” hosted by Paddy McGuinness. The band will perform all of Little Mix’s biggest hits including Black Magic, Shout Out To My Ex, Wings, Touch and many more with a high energy show that replicates the energy, stage presence and vocal finesse of Little Mix. Sat 15 Sep Kids Scarecrow Barn Dance at The Cricklewood 11am - 1pm The Cricklewood Hotel, Glasgow G71 8LZ 0845 166 6004 www.facebook.com/ events/265372607589410 Drop in and join the Kids Scarecrow Barn Dance, there will be lots of fun, games and a bit of Ceilidh dancing and it’s completely free to go along and get involved! There will also be a face painter and weather permitting there will be a BBQ fired up for the afternoon.

15-16 Sep Bothwell Scarecrow Festival Various locations, Bothwell G71, 01698 852919 www.bothwellscarecrowfestival. co.uk This is Bothwell Scarecrow Festival’s 8th year and it is now the biggest festival of its kind in Scotland. The Bothwell Fun Fair weekend will run from 15th to 16th September 2018. The events will once again be spread around various venues in the village with Bothwell Primary School being used as the main arena for the Saturday and Sunday activities.

Don’t miss the Indoor and Outdoor Fun activities including the Toddler Zone, the Fun fair, Live music, Face painting, Arts and Crafts, Balloon modelling and more! As with previous years there will be activities for all ages.

Sun 16 Sep SU2C Family Festival 12-5pm | £5 Helensburgh Rugby Club, Helensburgh G84 8YJ, 01436674547 Our Stand Up 2 Cancer Family Festival is a family fun style charity event in aid of Cancer Research UK. All entertainment is included in the entry fee and every penny goes to CRUK. We have live music from local bands, including Louis Page from The Voice Kids. Also featured are the Animal Man Mini Zoo, KG Hawks, stilt walking juggler, carnival mask making, inflatables, sumo suits, family races and much more. It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family for a great cause. Entry wristbands are on sale from the Cancer Research UK shop, Helensburgh and at the event itself. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Wheelchair accessible Mon 17 Sep Scottish Opera’s BambinO 10am + 11.30am | £12 | 6-18mths Motherwell Concert Hall & Theatre, Motherwell ML1 1AB, 01698 403 120 www.scottishopera.org.uk Fresh from sell-out runs in 2017 and appearances in Paris and New York in the spring, this magical piece of music theatre is coming to Motherwell! Aimed at babies aged 6 to 18 months, BambinO is a twin celebration of the possibilities of music and the power of the infant imagination.

Written by Scottish Opera’s acclaimed former Composer in Residence Lliam Paterson and directed by Improbable’s everimaginative Phelim McDermott.

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21-30 Sep Disney On Ice presents Dream Big From £26.50 Intu Braehead, Glasgow G51 4BN, 0141 8851441 www.intu.co.uk/braehead/events For the first time in Europe, join fearless Moana and the greatest demigod that ever lived, Maui, on an action-packed voyage to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti, live on ice! Be enchanted by eight tales of courage and heart, including a fire-breathing dragon!

High-flying jumps, breath-taking skating and lovable Disney friends make Disney On Ice presents Dream Big an experience your family will never forget.

Fri 21 Sep Polar Bears Go Up 1.30pm | £5 Cumbernauld Theatre, G67 2BN, 01236 732887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk The Polar Bears are moving up in the world. They’ve lost their balloon and they need to get it back. It’s time to get up, step up, climb up, jump up. One thing’s for sure, the only way is up! These lovable Polar Bears are intrepid explorers, famous for their wild expeditions. This time they’ll be climbing trees, jumping on clouds and reaching for the stars as they race up to space. Of course, they’ll

to life as we explore imagined worlds, with plenty opportunity to play and discover. All sessions last around 45 minutes and are designed for little listening ears, combining storytelling and creative play, with a wee chance to join in too!

stop for sandwiches on the way!

Note: The Polar Bears Go Up is non-verbal and deaf friendly.

Fri 21 Sep Playful Tiger 1.30pm | £5 Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW, 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk Specially created performance for children and young people with severe autism. A troubled family’s world turns upside down when a tiger visits. It’s chaotic; it’s wild but brilliantly fun. Interacting directly with the audience Playful Tiger tells the story through the eyes of the child, with a focus on sensory engagement. Playfulness creates space for a two-way response between audience and performers.

Sat 22 Sep The Story Shop 11am + 12.45pm | £4 | 2-4yrs Cumbernauld Theatre, G67 2BN, 01236 732887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk Let your little ones imaginations go wild with our interactive storytelling sessions. Come and hear colourful characters brought

Sat 22 Sep Tiger Tale 11am | £8.50 | 7+yrs Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW, 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk A troubled family’s world turns upside down when a tiger visits.

It’s chaotic, it’s dangerous but brilliantly fun. With captivating dancers and live music, enjoy the thrill of sitting right up close to the action and the chance to explore the set at the end.

23-24 Sep September Weekend 11am - 4pm Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Coatbridge ML5 1QD, 01236 638460 www.culturenl.co.uk/summerlee Family activities as part of the First World War Centenary Commemorations including re-enactments, poppy making activities and more. You can also visit our exhibition about the First World War in Lanarkshire. Small charge for activities.

25 Sep - 6 Oct Shrek the Musical Various times | from £17.50 King’s Theatre Glasgow, Glasgow G2 4JN, 0844 871 7648 www.atgtickets.com

Based on the story and characters from the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairytales upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, mustsee musical comedy. Join Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon. Add the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!

Thu 27 Sep No Show 1.30pm & 7pm | £8.50 | 7+yrs Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW, 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk What do you expect when you go to the circus? The greatest show on earth? No Show joyously and heartbreakingly reveals what lies hidden beneath the showmanship.

There will be desperate attempts and heroic failures, glorious achievements and bruised bodies and egos. See behind the flawless smiles and perfect execution to show the real cost of aiming for perfection. A show for anyone who has tried, failed and failed better.

N NE FUS ZO

ID

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THE ULTIMATE GAMING EXPERIENCE

Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.

Classes on Saturdays in East Kilbride

Find out more today:

1 9 - 2 1 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 8 | S E C G L A S G O W

BOOK TICKETS NOW

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R E S O N AT E TOTA L G A M I N G. C O M

stagecoach.co.uk/eastkilbride eastkilbride@stagecoach.co.uk 07787 808880 facebook.co.uk/eastkilbride

Creative Courage For Life ®

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their principal. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

Families Glasgow 13

Fri 28 Sep Batman and Walkin’ 7-9pm | FREE Castlemilk Park, Glasgow G45 0AZ, 01416342673 www.cassiltoun.org.uk Join us on this atmospheric walk as we use bat technology to listen to the sounds of bats, spot them swoop amongst the trees, and find out the many amazing facts about these creatures through a fascinating presentation. *no booking required. Meet Castlemilk Stables, G45 0AZ Sat 29 Sep Funbox Dinosaur Safari 1pm & 3.30pm | £14 Motherwell Concert Hall, Motherwell ML1 1AB, 01698 403120 www.culturenl.co.uk/funboxdinosaur-safari Get ready for some Stone Age singalong silliness as Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo on their most roar-some adventure yet. The FUNBOX gang are in a prehistoric pickle trying to find their keys and discover different Dino-pals.

Along the way they meet friends old and new including those fuzzy funsters Fluffy and Flossie, Fairy Fran flutters in, and their cheeky chum Bonzo is finding his inner cave dog and hunting the ultimate bone. Come dressed as an explorer, dinosaur or a cave person – and get ready to roar and stomp with FUNBOX! 29-30 Sep Harvest Weekend 11am - 4pm | £7, £4 I Free National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride G76 9HR, 0300 123 6789 www.nms.ac.uk/nationalmuseum-of-rural-life Help us celebrate the harvest, take part in foodie activities and creative crafts, and spot the autumnal changes on a ranger walk.

Sun 30 Sep Drive In Movie £38.50 per car I 6pm Disney Beauty and the Beast, I 9.15pm The greatest Showman Riverside Museum, Glasgow G3 8RS www.tickettailor.com Experience the thrill of a drivein movie on the world’s largest mobile LED screen, set in an

iconic location in the heart of Glasgow. Bring the family, sit back and enjoy.

4-6 Oct Toy Story 1pm & 7pm Lanark Memorial Hall, ML11 7AB, 01555667999 www.facebook.com/ events/381743178950683 Lanark Panto Club Juniors present their 12th Annual Panto - Toy Story (name to be changed when they have finished the script!) - based on the storyline and characters from the amazing film, but written by their very own Frank Gunning!

Many of the cast are aged under 12 years old, and the panto is produced by a young production team (all under 20 years old).

Sun 7 Oct Toddle Waddle TBC | £1 St Enoch’s Centre, Glasgow G1 4BW, 01259 720044 www.scottishautism.org Toddlers are invited to put their best foot forward at St. Enoch Centre’s much-loved Toddle Waddle. The popular event to support St. Enoch Centre’s charity partner, Scottish Autism, is open to all toddlers and under 5s and will take place in the shopping centre. St. Enoch Centre is calling on wee ones to dress up as their favourite character, superhero or princess to add to the excitement of the day. There will also be prizes up for grabs on the day and the toddler who raises the most money for charity will be rewarded with a birthday party at Hamleys.

Register online and receive a fundraising pack.

Mon 8 Oct Martha 1.30pm + 6pm | £8.50 | 4+yrs Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk It’s all about Martha, a rather eccentric and highly independent woman who lives on her own in an odd house on the beach of an Island off the west coast of Scotland.

19-21 Oct Resonate 10.30am - 6pm | from £17.50 SEC Glasgow, G3 8YW www.resonatetotalgaming.com Whether you’re a Minecraft fan, a YouTube enthusiast or a casual gamer, join thousands of others for Resonate – The Ultimate Gaming Experience! Scotland’s No1 gaming festival is back with 3 feature packed halls and an eSports arena with gaming tournaments.

BAFTA-led Young Designer workshops will allow visitors and aspiring gamers the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. Visitors can enjoy a fun, interactive weekend of meet and greets including YouTube sensation Syndicate - returning for all three days and for the first time in Scotland there will be the Syndicate Original booth where you can buy exclusive show merchandise, an over 18’s hall, retro, indie, kids zones and an interactive main stage schedule to satisfy audiences of all ages . Young people are being encouraged to bring their parents.

14 Families Glasgow

1-3 Nov Wee Hansel and Gretel 11am + 1pm | from £16 | 3-8yrs Theatre Royal Glasgow ‘A wee version of a big ballet.’

Join Hansel & Gretel as they follow a bewitching ballerina to an enchanting gingerbread house, conjure up dancing sweet treats and toys that come to life. This specially adapted hour-long show is the perfect way for young children and their families to discover the magic of ballet.

9-13 Oct Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Various times | from £10 King’s Theatre Glasgow, Glasgow G2 4JN, 0844 871 7648 www.atgtickets.com Everyone’s favourite flying car comes to life, exactly 50 years after the musical adaptation, and beloved, family film. Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas.

An eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical properties including the ability to float and take flight. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa.

Sat 13 Oct W-hat About 2pm | £8.50 | 4+yrs Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW, 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk When hatmaker Robert is reunited with his Italian granddaughters, cultures collide, communications are crossed and fears are fought. Fuora Dance Project’s, W-hat About? fuses theatre and movement to capture the joy in reuniting and the magic that is in a memory. Fuora Dance Project are holding W-hat About? creative workshops for children. See www. fuoradance.com for details.

Mon 15 Oct The McDougalls Treasure Hunt 2pm| £7 | 2+yrs Rutherglen Town Hall, Max, Auntie Aggie and Morag the Rabbit are on a quest to find the lost treasure once belonging to Captain McDougall and his motley crew! Its buried somewhere on a Desert Island and they need your help to find it ...Help follow the treasure map across land and sea and meet some terrific creatures and characters along the way. Will The McDougalls find the old treasure chest before the naughty pirates? Find out in this swashbuckling, musical adventure, filled with catchy original music and family singalong favourites!

15-21 Oct Go Wild 1-4pm | £7/£4IFree National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride G76 9HR 0300 123 6789 www.nms.ac.uk/nationalmuseum-of-rural-life Holiday fun for active adventurers.

Enjoy bird-themed activities with welly walks and hands-on crafts.

15, 17, 19 Oct Autumn Crafts Workshop 1.30-3.30pm | £1-3 | 5-12yrs Calderglen Country Park, East Kilbride G75 0QZ, 01355236644 Come along and demonstrate your artistic skills at our drop in craft workshops. Crafts include plaster and ceramic painting, sun catchers, wind chimes, badge, fridge magnet and key ring making. Drop in sessions. No booking required.

Tue 16 Oct The Snail and the Whale 11am & 3.30pm | £11 | 4+yrs East Kilbride Village Theatre, G74 4HG, 01355 248669 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk Longing to see the world, a tiny snail hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing adventure - but when the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him?

Follow the tiny snail’s exciting journey, as seen through the eyes of an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father... Storytelling, live music and lots of laughs for everyone.

Tue 16 Oct Martha 2pm | £7 | 4+yrs Rutherglen Town Hall www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk Who is Martha? Martha lives by the sea…Martha lives alone…

Martha doesn’t need anyone…

She is stubborn, eccentric and highly independent. Who are Martha’s friends? Not her next door neighbour. Not her helpful postman. Nor her secret admirer from across the bay. One day Martha has an unexpected visitor and her life will never be the same again.

Thu 18 Oct The Snail and the Whale 11am + 1.30pm | £11 | 4+yrs Lanark Memorial Hall, Lanark ML11 7AB, 01555 667999 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk See show of 16 Oct. 24 Oct – 18 Nov Illuminight 6.15-9.30pm | £12, £6 Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock KA3 1XB www.illuminight.co.uk After an amazing first year of Illuminight at Dean Castle Country

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Park we’re excited to return this Autumn to present more stunning lights, sounds and installations. Discover new sights and sounds with a new route, dazzling effects, more hands on activities and a bigger range of delicious food & drink – don’t worry, we’ve not forgotten about the marshmallows for toasting!

Sat 27 Oct Glesga Bricks 10am-4pm | £3 Mosspark Baptist Church, Glasgow G52 1PG Glesga Bricks is back for 2018!

Featuring Scotland’s top builders latest and greatest creations, interactive trains and mountains of LEGO to let creativity flow! We will also have our traditional minifigure hunt and charity ‘everyone wins’ tombola. It’s a fun event for young and old, children not a required accessory for adults however under 16s do require to be accompanied by an adult. As with all our shows, all profits are given to Fairy Bricks, a charity who brightens the lives of sick children using Lego.

Wed 31 Oct Tales From The Glen 5.30pm I£3 Cumbernauld Theatre, G67 2BN, 01236 732887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk Grab your cosy jackets, hats, gloves and scarves wrap up warm and join us for a woodland walk with a difference. With lanterns to guide you through the winding tall trees, what’s lurking in the shadows to make you shake at the knees? What magic and mystery do we have in store, fantasy, fairies and Scottish folklore. All things that go bump in the night guaranteed to give you a fright!

This spellbinding ‘Spooktacular’ storytelling experience is one for the senses. So come along on All Hallows’ Eve and let us scare you silly. If you’re brave enough? All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Thu 1 Nov Puffin 7pm | £8.50 | 7+yrs Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk Why do clouds multiply in inexplicable ways? Why do sand eels just disappear from the sea? A girl meets a puffin and a puffin meets a girl. Through their friendship they learn how to deal with change, even climate change.

Using music and movement Puffin explores our relationships with, and our responsibilities to each other, wildlife and the world around us.

Sat 3 Nov Puffin 4.30pm | £5 | 7+yrs Cumbernauld Theatre, G67 2BN, 01236 732887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk Puffin explores our relationships with and our responsibilities to each other, wildlife and the world around us.

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What’s on this Halloween

13-21 Oct October Ghost and Ghoul Hunt 10am-4pm | £1.60 | 5-12yrs Calderglen Country Park, East Kilbride G75 0QZ, 01355236644 Experience some spooky goings on with the Halloween themed hunt to gather clues hidden all around the conservatory and zoo. Treasure maps and masks available from the gift shop.

Younger hunters welcome if accompanied by an adult.

21-27 Oct Castlemilk Park Pumpkin Festival Various times | FREE Castlemilk Park, Glasgow G45 AZ, 01416342673 www.cassiltoun.org.uk Back by popular demand, our pumpkin festival this year will be bigger and better! To book your places phone or email housing@cassiltoun.org.uk from 1st Oct. Events include Pumpkin Carving Sunday 21st 11.00–16.00, Pumpkin Soup making Monday 22nd 11.00, Story Telling Tuesday 23rd, llumination Wednesday 23rd 18.00-19.00, Spooky walk Wednesday 24th evening.

All events start from outside Castlemilk Stables, 59 Machrie Road, Castlemilk G45 0AZ 26 Oct Halloween at the Tall Ship 6.30pm | £38, £15 for 3-14yrs The Tall Ship, Glasgow G38 www.ticketsource.co.uk/ halloween-at-the-tall-ship A fun-filled family event in aid of Strathcarron Hospice. Tickets include a welcome drink, twocourse meal, access to The Tall Ship, Halloween themed games and prizes and music from one of Scotland’s top function bands, Groove Culture. Lots for kids to do: hang out in the softplay area, watch a spooky film (Monster’s Inc), search for pirate treasure and join in the dancing. Fancy dress is mandatory.

26 Oct Whitelee Monster Mash 6.30-8.30pm | FREE Whitelee Visitor Centre, Eaglesham G76 0QQ 0141 614 962 Calling all monsters! Join the Whitelee Countryside Rangers for gruesome games, terrible tales and be prepared to be scared with a walk on the dark side… who knows what lurks in the shadows?

Don’t forget to dress up! Drop-in.

26-27 Oct Paisley Halloween Festival 2018 TBC Paisley Town Hall, Paisley PA1 1JF, 0300 300 0250 www.renfrewshire.gov.uk A two-day spooktacular celebrating Halloween. Lots of fun activities planned! Expect some ghoulishly good fun for all the family with a full weekend 'spooktacular' of Halloween activities! Paisley Halloween Festival is fast establishing a reputation as a must-see event so join us in 2018 and be a part of something special! Keep an eye on our website for details.

27 Oct Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Tribute Show 12.30-2.30pm | £7/£6 | 3-8yrs Dalziel St Andrew's Parish Church, Motherwell ML1 1JJ www.tickettailor.com/events/ boogiebuddies/179916 Join Boogie Buddies for another fun-filled Not So Scary Halloween Party hosted by Mickey and Minnie Mouse with spooky party games, gooey prizes,and fun party dances. Plus special appearances from Spiderman, Vamparina, Monster’s Inc Mike and Sully, PJ Masks Gekko, Owlette and Catboy and many more. Fancy dress is encouraged but optional. This is an interactive show with the characters dancing and playing with the children on the dance floor and the adults can join in as well.

27 Oct Children’s Classic Concerts: Broomstick Ride 3pm | from £11 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow G2 3NY, 0141 3538000 Join Children’c Classic Concerts and the RSNO for a hair-raising flying adventure. Grab your Nimbus 2000 and soar to new heights meeting witches, wizards and Valkyries along the way.

28 Oct Kids Halloween Party 11am-1pm | FREE (ticketed) The Cricklewood Hotel, Bothwell G71 8LZ, 0845 166 6004 www.facebook.com/ events/505580623226550/ Spook-tacular fun and games with creepy crafts, ghoulish games and a LOT of fun in store - plus there will be a couple of prizes for the most creative costumes! It's

completely free for the kids to go along although places are very limited so make sure you book your spot. Call or pop in to reserve a space.

Halloween Fun Day 11am-4pm | Free Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Heritage Way, Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, ML5 1QD, 01236 638460 www.culturenl.co.uk/summerlee Come along to Summerlee for some seriously spooky Halloween fun! Join us for spooky stories, frightening photo-portraits, a scary film, Halloween parties, revolting trail and more! Small charge for activities.

Creepy Craft workshop 2-4pm | £1-£3 | 5-12yrs Calderglen Country Park, East Kilbride, G75 0QZ, 01355236644 www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/ events Dare you come along to the craft workshop? Try your hand at creating a scary piece of art.

Drop in sessions. Younger crafters welcome if accompanied by an adult.

27 Oct – 4 Nov GlasGLOW at the Botanic Gardens 5-10.30pm | TBC Botanic Gardens, Glasgow G12 0UE www.itison.com/glasglow This Halloween, step into a magical world full of light, fantasy and fun at a brand-new event where Glasgow’s West End will be transformed by the imaginations behind the country’s biggest sound and light shows and the itison team. Immerse yourself in illumination, spectacular soundscapes and storytelling in a must-see, world-class event.

31 Oct Halloween 5-7pm | Free National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride G76 9HR, 0300 123 6789 www.nms.ac.uk/nationalmuseum-of-rural-life Visit the museum after dark with your little devils for some creepy crafts, scary storytelling and other spooky surprises.

Families Glasgow 15

THE SELL-OUT 2014 SHOW RETURNS

Neil Bartlett BY

4 DEC '18 - 6 JAN '19 Recommended for 6+

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Families Glasgow

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