Families Fife Mar Apr 2011

FREE Issue 6 5 Mar/Apr Jan/Feb 2011

Inco rporating Perth & Kinross

The really useful magazine for families living in Fife, Perth & Kinross ✱ What’s on and clubs and classes listings ✱ Low down on local businesses ✱ Getting kids outdoors

Easter Ideas Issue Packed with fun things to do during the holidays

Pick up your copy in Dunfermline  Glenrothes  Kirkcaldy  Perth  Kinross  Cupar  St Andrews or a village in between

Contents EASTER HOLIDAY Fun Mon 4 April I 11.00 I Age 3 – 7

Lapin Wants Breakfast RH Tue 5 April I 10.30 I Age 3 – 11

That’s Rubbish CH

Wed 6 April I 11.00 I Age 7+

The Last Miner RH

Thur 7 April I 10.30 I Age 4+

£4.00 (£3.00), 4 for £12.00

Fri 8 April I 10.30 I Age 5 – 7+

CH Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline 01383 602302

Circus Invisible CH Cloud Man RH

RH Rothes Halls, Glenrothes 01592 611101

Fri 8 April I 11.00 I Age 3 – 7+

The Lost Sock Princess RH

www.attfife.org.uk

Scottish Sea Glass Unique Handcrafted Jewellery from the beaches of Scotland All jewellery and accessories use 100% reclaimed sea glass gathered from the beautiful Scottish coast line from Fife to the Shetland Isles and many beaches in between For more details visit :

www.scottishseaglass.co.uk facebook.com/scottishseaglass @scottishseaglas 07704422810 Local Stockist

Dunfermline: Art Room 59 Aberdour: BoHo LimeKilns: Kiln Gallery

Fife Childcare Information Service Childcare costs keeping you awake at night?

To get a better night’s sleep, call us.

We can advise on: • Childcare costs and how to pay • Options – nursery or childminder • Availability It’s our job to get you to yours.

And get you a good sleep the night before.

Call us on: 01592 583146 or visit www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk

2 | Families Fife Issue 6

Inco rporating Perth & Kinross 3 Welcome to Families Fife 4 Who, What, Where, When Local family news and update 6 Education and Childcare Get your kids outdoors 7 Parent to Parent Tanya Hay from Perth’s Real Nappy Network shares her top tips for family fun in Perth 8 Easter fun in Fife Guide to what’s on during the holidays 11 Birth, Baby and Beyond Including weight management and hayfever advice 12 Local business focus Families gets the low down on local businesses 14 Clubs and classes Listings with news updates

Contact us Families Fife, PO Box 29205, Dunfermline, KY12 2BL Editor: Susan Kirkwood, editor@familiesfife.co.uk Tel: 01383 735938 or 07734 289 143 Circulation: 12,000 copies printed. Distributed free of charge throughout Fife, Perth and Kinross by kind permission of Fife Libraries, Fife Leisure Centres, antenatal clinics, health visitors, surgeries, community use schools, Theatres in Fife and Perth, places of historic interest, local attractions, selected shops and playgroups and play centres.

Print: J Thomson. Due care was taken to source print and other services required to produce this magazine from within the local area.

Deadline for Issue 7 May/June: 01 April (no joke!) Out 02 May Families Fife© is a part of a larger group of magazines headed by Families SW London©. All franchised magazines are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

S

creaming. I loathe it. What is it with small girls that makes screaming so appealing?

Is it a developmental stage [my daughters are 3 and 4] and if so, when does it pass?

What possible evolutionary function can this be designed to fulfil? Preparation for going to see the Justin Bieber of the day when they are 16? Over my dead body... I trust that raising them on a strict musical diet of Elvis, Johnny Cash and Claude Challe will save them from a teenagehood of terrible boy bands or even worse an adherence to ‘girl power’. This could actually be the best argument yet to get them into sport or dancing now.

Thankfullly, lots of local providers have got in touch to tell us what’s on for children from puppet festivals to golf academies, football to dance, read on for lots of ideas on how to fill April, the month of very little school/nursery.

Just one other thing. Does anyone else agree that the juxtaposition of Mother’s Day and the two week Easter holidays is a rather unfortunate one? ‘Mum, here’s some flowers/ breakfast in bed/a lovely homemade card, now wake up and run after me for a fortnight!

Remember don’t be shy in getting in touch - you make the magazine - I just compile it!

Feedback to editor@familiesfife.co.uk please.  Susan Kirkwood, Editor

IONAL

R

WINNE

ÊÊ Ed on a sneaky winter break sans enfants...yes it IS ice

AT

AR AW DS

 Call Susan on 07734 289 143 to advertise here

OF 3 N

teach your baby to swim!

fun, innovative classes creating life-saving confidence from birth

0131 554 6682

waterbabies.co.uk

Why teach a baby to swim?

1 2 3

Swimming is a fantastic social activity for parents and babies with classmates often becoming close friends Learning to respond to simple instructions helps enormously with your baby’s mental development Drowning is still the third highest cause of accidental death among UK children. Swimming babies are safer babies.

Labels4kids keeps on growing

L

abels4kids, which sells a wide range of personalised name labels and stickers for children is capitalising on a successful 2010, after winning Internet Retailer of the Year First Prize. In 2011, the company has continued its expansion with a website re-design, which includes an easier to use checkout, plus the exciting addition of a Spanish online store.

“Here at Labels4kids we like to think about the customer first and make their shopping experience an enjoyable one”, says Ann-Maree Morrison, Company Director and a devoted fan of Families magazines in the UK. “We hope our customers enjoy receiving

our e-newsletters every now and then and will fully support our Facebook, Twitter and blog page, including the parents forum. Labels4kids is not just about selling name labels and ID products. We actively encourage a ‘labels4kids community’ to help each other and talk about children related issues on our blog and forum.”  For more information or to join their Facebook page or Twitter feed go to labels4kids.com

Issue 6 Families Fife | 3

News: Who, What, Where, When …

Features

Funky clothing now just a click away…

A

s Families Fife goes to press, Funky Rascal, Fife’s coolest children’s clothing retailer, is preparing for a double launch.

Not only are they introducing their Spring /Summer collections but at the same time, they’re making it all available through an all-new webstore, due to launch at the same time.

They’ll still be stocking the outdoor essentials for all seasons, like their Didriksons and Togz waterproof suits but adding several new brands to their range following a visit to the UK’s largest tradeshow for children’s retailers.

“Our core values are still the same – to stock good quality, bright, funky clothing at reasonable prices”, said Anne Black. She continued,” Visiting Bubble London (the tradeshow) at the end of January opened our eyes to so many more brands which fit with what we want to offer our customers and we have now expanded not just the brands but the products we stock too.”

In addition to the primarily Scandinavian brands they already stock, they are adding a number of smaller UK brands, including award-winning Lilly & Sid and Welsh brand, Pili Pala. “We’re really glad to have found some British brands!”, said Graeme. “It’s funny, when we spoke to them at the show, they all cited the Scandinavian brands

Be Waste Aware the Ides of March…

O

as influences for their designs.”

There will also be new Danish and Dutch brands and dresses all the way from New York City!

“We wanted to start small and learn”, says Anne,” so we’re delighted at the response to our clothes in the first four months since we’ve been open. Now we can add new brands and really offer our customers a great range of clothing that’s specifically bright and fun, yet practical and good value”.  See the new collections at www.funkyrascal.co.uk

...because childhood’s too short for pastel shades Our Spring/ Summer collections hit the shelves from 1st March.

STOP PRESS: Funky Rascal is going online!

Look out for new Scandinavian and British brands.

You can now buy all our clothes and accessories online.

59 Crossgate Cupar Fife KY15 5AS tel: 01334 675047

www.funkyrascal.co.uk

kay so this year’s National Spring Clean will take place throughout Scotland from the Monday 14 March not the 15, but yes it’s back for the 5th year running and this year the spring clean is extended until Monday 16 May 2011. So whether you’re looking for a volunteering opportunity, or simply can’t stand litter, then round up some school mates, friends or colleagues, choose a location and sign up to join thousands of others picking up litter to clean up Scotland. Keep Scotland Tidy needs your help! Already 12,000 volunteers have signed up to spring clean 161 areas of Scotland.

Donna Hegarty, Programme Manager for Keep Scotland Tidy said, “Most of the litter that our volunteers pick up could have been recycled, helping us achieve a zero waste society, but unfortunately there are still a number of people who insist on littering.

It couldn’t be easier to take part in National Spring Clean 2011.

All that volunteers need to do is visit www.keepscotlandtidy.org/ springclean and register. A free clean up kit containing everything you need to spruce up your local area, including black sacks, clear sacks for recyclable materials, tabards and information to support your event will then be sent to you.  Organised mum’s forward diary date: The Jack & Jill Market (baby & kids market). Sunday 1st May Over 40 stalls of quality nearly-new baby & children’s clothes, toys, equipment, 0-9 years. Ê10.30am Ê – 1.30pm, Dewars Conference Centre, Perth. Tel: 01721 725 879 www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk. See Jack and Jill on p12

National Family Week 30 May – 5 June 2011

N

ational Family Week is back, and 2011 is set to be bigger and better than ever!

Get involved by running an event for families, raise awareness of your organisation or cause.

Anyone who’d like to create an event for National Family Week should have a look now at their website.  You can access event ideas,

4 | Families Fife Issue 6

theme toolkits, promotional materials and more via the Partner Zone at www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk

Features News in Figures Toddler Strops

New research suggests that most toddlers spend almost two weeks each year throwing tantrums! Leading discount website www.myvouchercodes. co.uk has found that the average toddler spends 13 full days a year having a tantrum. ÊÊ Nearly 2000 UK parents were surveyed, ÊÊ Tantrums lasted for up to 30 minutes ÊÊ Totalled 6 hours per week. ÊÊ >1/3 parents used bribery to stop children crying ÊÊ 19% gave in to the child ÊÊ >50% lied about number or their toddlers strops to seem like a better parent

Think on for your child’s future

Hoping your children go to university?

Better start saving then. Cancel all takeaways and other non essentials. As a result of the higher tuition fees, plus exploding living costs, students now face the prospect of finishing university straddled with total debts of well over £30,000. If you want to provide your child with the money to leave university debt free, you need to save at least £200 per month from your child’s birth until their 18th birthday (assuming inflation of 2.5% pa and net investment returns of 5.5% pa). And if you don’t start at day one the figures are even worse - delaying the start until your child’s 5th birthday means that you would need to save a whopping £377 per month!

Girls develop faster than boys We are all used to hearing this, but now figures published by the Department for Education show that more than 50% of five-year-old boys are making too little progress. Based on teachers’ observations of hundreds of thousands of five-yearolds, the conclusion is that more than half of all boys in England are not making the grade. The children were tested for 13 skills, covering their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, with those that achieved at least six points for each skill as well as scoring well in the social and emotional development category said to be reaching “a good level of development”. The data showed that 64.9% of girls achieved a good level of development in the tests in 2010, compared with only 46.8% of boys. 

Fife Puppet Animation Festival is back!

For another year, the Att Fife team brings a fantastic mix of puppets, plastic bags and socks - now that’s creative! A programme of shows with a young audience in mind the shows are suitable from children from 3 to the Queen’s card recipients. Venues across Fife. Take your pick: Mon 4 April Lapin Wants Breakfast Age 3 - 7+ Rothes Hall Tania is just back from Paris. In her suitcase she has brought back her tiny French garden where Lapin, a little French rabbit, lives who really, really wants his breakfast. But he will only eat ONE THING - what could it be??

Tue 5 April That’s Rubbish Ages 3 – 11 Carnegie Hall A puppet show which uses the animated thoughts and feelings of puppet characters made from plastic bags, discarded fruit and thrown away milk bottles to tell a story of how we deal with our waste.

Wed 6 April The Last Miner Age 7+ Rothes Halls Using puppetry, light and an innovative soundscape, The Last Miner is an immersive and original tale remembering an amazing life amongst the coal dust.

Thur 7 April Circus Invisible Ages 4+ Carnegie Hall Puppetry, kinetics, magic and an original live sound track played out on a unique pedal-powered musical contraption! Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline 01383 602302 Fri 8 April The Lost Sock Princess Age 3 - 7+ Rothes Halls Who wants to be different? Have a pet sock? Wear a red crown? Meet the Lost Sock Princess. If you ever wondered why there are so many odd socks in the world, find out NOW! Fri 8 April Cloud Man Ages 5 - 7+ Carnegie Hall Cloudia has always had her head in the clouds. She is a cloud expert and has always dreamt of seeing a Cloud Man. They are extremely rare creatures who life a quiet life up in the sky.  Carnegie Hall Dunfermline 01383 602302 Rothes Halls Glenrothes 01592 61110 www.attfife.org.uk

New scheme aims to strengthen protection

T

he Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme) to replace and improve upon the Enhanced Disclosure Service for people who work with children and protected adults. The PVG is a membership scheme that will help to ensure that those who have regular contact with children and protected adults through paid and unpaid work do not have a known history of harmful behaviour. Instead of providing the point-in-time snapshot of a person’s criminal history as per the current Disclosure system, the PVG will continuously update people’s membership records when any new vetting information becomes known.

Introduced in February 2011, it will take

four years for all those already employed in regulated posts – around 700,000 people - to join. The PVG Scheme service will be free for volunteers working in the qualifying voluntary sector. The Central Registered Body in Scotland provides free disclosure checks, guidance, advice and support to voluntary sector organisations. It will not apply to parents helping their children or to personal arrangements that parents may make with friends and family to look after their children.  For further information: email the helpline: pvg.enquiries@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or call them on 0870 609 6006

Issue 6 Families Fife | 5

Education and Childcare

Less screen more green…

Why don’t you just switch off the television set and go out and do something less boring instead?

or vegetable grow and appreciate the process and hands-on activity that requires time in the sun, almost daily.

4. Become a photojournalist

We don’t recommend handing over your new DSLR, but letting your child experiment with an affordable digital camera will make them see their environment in a new light, learning about shadows, lighting and proportion. Back indoors they can make a photo journal.

T

o those of us with God’s highlights in our hair and long memories, this phrase will be familiar. It was the catchline of the wonderful Why Don’t You series in the seventies. I remember it fondly. There I was every Sunday with my sister, on the sofa, eating our self assembled digestive biscuits liberally covered in chocolate spread & sprinkles, mesmerised by a show telling us not to watch TV but to go and do something less boring instead. Precisely! Now the reason that we didn’t succumb immediately to childhood obesity and constant childhood illnesses I think, was in large part due to the fact that the other 95% of the week we were outside playing; fishing in the burn, riding scooters or bikes, skipping, playing elastics, hide and seek, hula hooping - you name it.

We never sat still. There weren’t any electronic games and there wasn’t even much children’s TV. Most of what there was was banned by a mother who shunned the Clangers, Basil Brush and Michael Bentine.

And who wanted to watch Rainbow?

But imagine being a child now. There are so many exciting diversions for children, all of which tempt them to stay indoors as opposed to entice them outdoors. As the Scottish Government’s report, published this time last year points out, Scots need to make changes in childhood to improve their lifelong health.

The good news is that with our help and positive parenting influences, we can make a difference. We can all encourage our children to be active and to meet and exceed the

5. Try Geocaching

Government’s targets. Here are just a few ideas. See more at www.familiesfife.co.uk.

1. Go for a nature walk

Kids seldom know much about nature, outside of the basics they learn in science class. Take your kids to explore the outdoors by taking them on a nature walk. If visiting a park or wooded area get a birdwatching book from the library and check out birds and collect neat leaves and flowers along the way.

2. Use your public pool

Not really outdoors in this country but nevertheless guaranteed exercise and fun.

Don’t forget to take a healthy ‘shivery’ bite snack for when everyone’s dried off.

3. Start a garden

Starting a small garden will teach kids responsibility and how to get friendly with nature. Your kids will watch their plant or fruit

Help your baby to be a happy bunny

T

his Baby Yoga pose is a calming easy pose that will help your baby to settle.

Hold under your baby’s bottom with one arm, and support round their shoulders or torso with the other. The important thing about this pose is to nuzzle your baby’s head under your chin. Your baby’s head will fit perfectly.

This gentle support protects their head and neck if they are tiny, but also gives a sense of reassurance and calm.

It’s like being cuddled all over, and will remind them of the happy times they spent inside of you. Baby bunny pose and white noise, like a de-tuned old-fashioned radio or

6 | Families Fife Issue 6

the washing machine, can also do miracles to settle a fractious baby. Just like the baby bunny pose, the white noise reminds them of being secure and safe within you. To try this pose for the first time pick a time when they are already content, until you get the hang of it. Once familiar with the pose you can enjoy cuddling your baby into bunny pose anytime you both need some timeout.  Susannah runs baby yoga classes in Inverkeithing, South Queensferry & Edinburgh. She also runs pregnancy yoga and regular yoga classes. See website www.theyoga.co.uk for details.

Like the Wii, this is a good example of where technology can be used to encourage children to be active. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt which uses a global positioning system (GPS) device. The treasure hunt starts and concludes on the internet - ideal for those techie, internet savvy children. The ‘stashes’ contain all sorts of items, from logbooks, to keyrings. The rules are simple too, if you find a stash, leave some stuff, take some stuff.

From toddlers to teenagers and beyond, geocaching has created a global community of treasure seekers – you probably pass a number of geocaches every day, on your way to work or on the school run, perhaps it’s time to take a look? Find out more and register for free at www.geocaching.com.  For loads more tips on things to do as a family, food advice and more, visit takelifeon.co.uk.

Lastly, let’s not forget the obvious - just let them play. Start them off on star jumps, hula hooping, musical statues/bumps/chairs, dancing, hopping, skipping, hopscotch, elastics, keepy ups, football or catch, hide and seek or tig. All of these can be done in ten minute intervals and all are wonderful, simple and effective ways of keeping fit. Practice for 10 minutes and tell me you’re not tired out!

Parent to Parent Favourite child friendly restaurant Pizza Express in Perth,

always very accommodating with the kids, accommodating on the wallet and the staff are friendly.

Favourite alternative health clinic/pre or post natal class As

This issue we meet Tanya Hay who is married to Grahame and lives in Perth and works for the Perth Real Nappy Network. The Hays have two children, Abigail who’s 8 and Campbell who’s 9. This April, Tanya and some of her colleagues are bravely tackling the Monster Bike and Hike to help raise funds for the Maggie’s Centre. We find out how Tanya and her family like to spend their free time.

an Antenatal Teacher and HypnoBirthing Practitioner, I enjoy teaching parents-to-be how to enjoy and prepare for a calm and wonderful birth experience. With this comes relaxation and breathing techniques that once acquired can be used for many other areas in life. This is a true passion of mine and has to be one of the most satisfying jobs in the world……helping prepare for the most exciting time in parents lives, a new baby.

Best planet saving tip Cycle to work if

you can.

No parent should be without

Calpol! I bet that if you had to ask every parent in Britain, they would agree with this.

Parenting pet hates Getting conflicting

Why you like living where you do

advice from health professionals, schools, own parents etc. People should follow their own instincts, they are normally right.

Favourite shop I love White Stuff. I could

Funniest comment There are so many, each week brings a funny moment with kids. I think the thing is to remember them by writing them down in a diary or scrapbook. Although, the day my son said that I didn’t have too many ‘rope lines’ on my forehead, was rather funny.

My husband is from Perth and after we had worked and travelled around the world we wanted to settle back in the ‘perfect city’ of Perth. It is a friendly town and so very close to the country enabling us to get out of the town.

easily buy most of their clothes.

Favourite park I enjoy the North Inch,

it’s a good size and the kids can get a good run around. The park is being upgraded at the moment so it should be fabulous for the spring.

Favourite day out I would have to

say that Cairnie Fruit Farm is my favourite day out (as long as the weather is good).

There are loads to keep the kids amused – fruit picking, go karts, sandpits, slides, trampolines, a mega maze and a barrel bug ride. You can take a picnic or eat in the tea room which sells delicious cakes!!!!! www.cairniefruitfarm.co.uk

Favourite children’s club/class My kids do a lot of things after school, mainly horse riding in Glenfarg, rugby on the Inch, curling at Dewars Ice Rink, Cubs, Brownies, Swimming (Perth Swim Club).

Favourite day out I love getting out on

my bike. I belong to the Perth Triathlon Club in Perth, and we normally get a good cycle around one of the many fabulous cycle routes in Tayside. A good cycle with friends is just the best! As for a day out with the family…..has to be the beach!

Favourite family holiday spot Elie,

Fife. We like to spend at least a week at the coast, on the beautiful beaches, braving the freezing cold sea. The sporting facilities are also good for kids with tennis and golf lessons throughout the holidays.

Best children’s book The Gruffalo

by Julia Donaldson. Or books by Michael Morpurgo for slightly older children, they are a brilliant read.

Best children’s DVD or video My

kids enjoy all the old classics…Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, and of course, you cannot leave out Star Wars. 

Tanya was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. If you would like to support Tanya and her colleagues in their challenge, visit the just giving pages at: www.justgiving.com/Tanya-Hay/2 www.justgiving.com/Sue-Terras, www.justgiving.com/ CouncilWasteServices

So what is Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike?

I

t’s a 24-hour fundraising team challenge.

The event takes place from Saturday 30 April to Sunday 1 May and goes from Fort William through to Inverness covering 73 miles along the Great Glen Way. Participants bike 30 miles and can then choose to hike eight miles to our Bronze finish, 22 miles to our Silver finish or go the whole way and walk 43 miles to the Gold finish. Teams of at least two and a maximum of six can be men, women, friends, colleagues and all participants must be over 18 years of age.

So why not get your team together and get registered? Monster 2010 saw a record number of participants take to the route, with almost 1,000 people biking and hiking along the beautiful Great Glen Way to raise funds for those affected by cancer raising an amazing £600,000 - Help Maggies smash that record in 2011. 

Contact: monster@maggiescentres.org or call 0300 123 1801.

Father’s Day fitness

M

en if you are feeling fit you may also want to consider the Men’s Health Forum Scotland 10k for Men 2011 which is taking place in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow Father’s Day - Sunday 19 June 2011 10am.

Open to men from 15 - 80+, you don’t have to be particularly fit or sporty. Just passionate and into getting yourself fitter whilst raising funds for worthwhile causes including breast cancer, Yorkhill Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis and The Stoke Association. 

More info see www.mens10k.com

yoga

3 3

release & invigorate

classes & workshops pregnancy & birth baby & postnatal general mixed ability

3

Dunfermine Inverkeithing S. Queensferrry Edinburgh

Susannah Dean

IYT, BWY, YogaBirth, IAIM

01383 413121

www.theyoga.co.uk Issue 6 Families Fife | 7

Days In … Days Out

Easter fun!

W

hether you’re a working parent looking to spend time with your brood over the Easter weekend, or a full-time mum desperate to fill the Easter school holidays, the Families Easter bunny has burrowed deep to get you the low down on local events. With a bit of planning and a few inspired ideas, you can avoid tantrums and arguments and tear your darlings away from the TV and the Wii and perhaps even enjoy the Easter break, rather than finding yourself counting down the days until school starts again!

Plan the day

The holidays are a great time to bring back some of the old fashioned games and spend real time with your kids. It can be hard at first, throwing yourself into games and activities, but think of it as future memory making. It is important to plan your day: write out a holiday timetable of activities such as painting and board games for the morning and playing in the garden and a small amount of TV in the afternoon when energy is starting to flag, (yes ours not theirs). If you let them drift from one cartoon to the other they’ll get frustrated very soon!

There are lots of fab things planned for this April - the month of very little school... Get your diary out and plan ahead! Here are just a few top ideas for days out and about.

Out and About Daft for Crafts

ÊEaster Ê courses – April 4th 5th 6th: Decopatch 11- 3pm book early. April 11th 12th:

Wet Felting 11-3pm.

Fed up of simply watching your children have all the fun? If you want to have a craft day to yourself then the Daft for Crafts centre in Dalgety Bay is packed with ideas to choose from and its relaxed surroundings make it just the place to spend a creative day out. Why not book the kids in and learn to do something yourself at the same time? They cater for all ages so whether you’re 3 or 103 you are guaranteed to enjoy time spent there - great for grandparents wishing to spend special time with a grandchild. From Decopatch to Card making, Origami to Stained Glass, Lampworking and Silver Art Clay there is nowhere else around that offers such a wide variety of crafts. Fingerprints in silver art clay are very reasonably priced and make a wonderful present for a loved one.

Remember any other activities can be organised easily too - just give them a call!!

Daft for Crafts also runs regular events in Dunfermline town. See Out and About for details. And don’t miss them at the Glen gates on the 23rd April.

Easter Activity days

ÊCluny Ê Kids Mon 4th, Tue 5th, Mon11th & Tue 12th April. Cluny Kids in Kirkcaldy Children enjoy two sporting activities on offer or golf; free play & development play, and juice and fruit breaks. Ideal for 9 - 14 years olds. Cost is £15.50 per child for half day & £18.50 per child for full day. ÊEaster Ê Party for 4-9 year olds Sunday 24th April form 3.30pm to 5.30pm - Cost is £10 per child. This includes egg decorating, an egg

DAFC Easter Holidays Community Coaching Programme

The DAFC community team will be delivering the following classes throughout Easter:

hunt, games and lots more including a great kids buffet meal.

Kids Golfing

ÊPort Ê Royal Golf Range nr Edinburgh Airport Monday 11 and Thursday 21st April - 2 day Junior Golf Academy. Golfing is a wonderful way to get kids outdoors. If your child is between the ages of 6-14 then why not have a go? The Port Royal Golf range just next to Edinburgh Airport is the ideal place for children to try out golfing or for experienced children to practice. Children’s clubs are supplied so you don’ t need to have any kit. The range offers coaching for children and junior competition days on Fridays. www.portroyalgolfrange.com or tel: 0131 333 4377.

Football crazy

ÊEaster Ê Holiday Fun Football Coaching with Dunfermline Athletic Football Club Running between the 4th- 15th April time to take your pick of the kicks with the Pars in the Community coaching team. See advert opposite for details. Or how about their fantastic residential camp. ÊDAFC Ê Easter Residential Camp Fri 15th - Sun 17th April . Dalguise, Perthshire -£160 including transfers - For P4-P7.Fun packed

Mon 4th - Fri 8th April - Train like a Pro Easter Football Camp 8.30am-3.00pm - Packed lunch required For P1-P7 (groups will be split P1-P3 and P4-P7) Cost: Only £85 per child - Every child will receive 1 of the following 10/11 DAFC Training Top, Home or Away Top, or Goalie Top

Mon 11th - Fri 15th April - Fun Primary Football Coaching

9.30am-12.00pm - For P1-P7 (groups will be split P1-P3 + P4-P7) Cost: Only £37 for 5 days Mini Kickers - 10.00am-11.00am Pre School children 3-5years - Cost: Only £15 for 5 days

DAFC EASTER RESIDENTIAL CAMP - Fri 15th - Sun 17th April Dalguise, Perthshire -£160 including transfers - For P4-P7

ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A FREE TICKET TO DAFC V QUEEN OF THE SOUTH ON SAT 16TH APRIL 11* For more information call our Community Team on 01383 742 746 or email community@dafc.co.uk 8 | Families Fife Issue 6

      

    

 



   BIRTHDAY PARTIES ; CRAFT FAIRS ; DEMONSTRATIONS ; FUNDRAISING ; HEN PARTIES

 

weekend that kids will not forget. There will be lots of team building activities including Abseiling, Archery, Forest Trail, Giant Swing, Kayaking, Raft Building, and Zip Wire. For more information contact the Community team or ask for a copy of our Residential flyer. *All Camp Participants Will Receive A Free Ticket To Dafc V Queen Of The South16/4/11 All classes will take place at Dunfermline Academy of Sport on the new 3G Astroturf with boys and girls of all abilities welcome. For more information call our Community Team on 01383 742 746 or email community@dafc.co.uk *The residential camp attendees will receive a ticket for DAFC v Raith Rovers 23/4/11 ÊMini Ê Kickers 10.00am-11.00am. Pre School children 3-5years. Cost: Only £15 for 5 days.

Shopping or Soft play ÊWouldn’t Ê it be great if you could do both?

Well, now you can thanks to Playbugs the new soft play centre in Perth. Located within Tiso Outdoor experience, Playbugs soft play

centre allows parents to shop in store for up to 1 hour in the knowledge that their children are having fun in a safe, clean and stimulating environment. In addition to soft play facilities, children are also encouraged to participate in games and art and craft activities. Parents are then free to browse through the Tiso Outdoor Experience which offers the best technical clothing and equipment from the finest outdoor brands. They have a fantastic selection of childrens clothing and boots too. The Fit Food Bistro has a great selection of food and drinks for all the family and with the addition of the soft play centre, parents can even choose to have coffee and a sneaky cake alone - wow!

To find out more about Playbugs, Perth you can either visit their website www.playbugs. co.uk or ring them on 01738628663. They also cater for parties and family celebrations and offer free parking onsite. To view Tiso’s range see www.tiso.co.uk. Watch out for the Outdoor Experience Discount Evening on 30th March when Playbugs will be offering discounted admission as well as kids face painting.

Help is at hand Invite their friends over

ÊDon’t Ê forget the obvious. When you’ve run out of ideas, invite your children’s friends over to play. You may think double the children means double trouble, but it’s often easier for them to have playmates around to entertain each other. It also means they will get invited back, giving you a much-needed break!

Holidays, as mentioned are all about memory making. We keep digital photos now of all the things we do as a family and I often wonder if this helps the children remember the fun and formative times they have had? Don’t forget to keep a camera handy or a camcorder if you have one. They won’t always be the age they are now so it’s good to capture the moment, whatever you choose to do during the holidays. Happy Easter! 

Fun at Home With a little thought, you can come up with dozens of fun things to do at home, from building castles out of rubbish to dens in the garden, but when you run out of ideas, here are a few more. ÊÊlet your hair down and release your inner-child. Roll around in the garden with your kids, make mud pies, dig for worms and make dens out of sheets and washing lines. ÊÊinvest in some Play-Doh, art supplies and face paints and get creative ÊÊhardboil some eggs and paint with food colouring. When they are dry they are great for egg rolling - if you haven’t got a hill, a slide will do! ÊÊwater painting - paint with a clean paintbrush and a pot of water outside on walls, paving slabs, fences. It’s very effective and the sun removes the evidence! ÊÊput a cloth on floor as a picnic rug and serve lunch on living room floor. Or in the garden. ÊÊhome camping – hang a tablecloth over furniture, add a torch and a sleeping bag and have some fun! ÊÊCan’t face baking? - then decorate bought biscuits by mixing icing sugar and water in a bowl to make runny icing and decorate with sprinkles or smarties. ÊÊpass the parcel. Why save it for parties?

Your kids can do the wrapping too using old newspaper, with prizes as simple as a sticker or packet of raisins. ÊÊmake pasta jewellery ÊÊroll a sheet of newspaper into a ball and play volleyball over a washing line ÊÊmake salt dough with 3 cups of plain flour, 1 cup salt and 1 cup water. Model it like playdough and dry out finished models in a cool oven. Then paint and varnish. 

Issue 6 Families Fife | 9

Easter Out and About March

2 7-9pm Green Spring Clean Greener Kirkcaldy Advice Centre 5 Author Visit Tony Bonning 10.30-11.30am Bookbug Rhymetime AK Bell Children’s Library t: 01738 477023 5 St Andrews Farmers Market North Car Park, Argyle Street 5 PERTH Farmers Market King Edward Street and St John’s Place 6 Pumpkin Patch Dobbies Children are invited to Dobbies Little Seedlings Club to take part in a FREE, hands on veg workshop.

Details on times and how to join Dobbies Little Seedlings Club please contact your local store.

12 DUNFERMLINE Farmers Markets Glen Gates, Bridge Street

5 The Frog Prince and Other Tales 4+ 2pm Perth Concert Hall. t: 01738 621 031 www.horsecross.co.uk 6 The Last Miner Age 7+ Rothes Halls t: 01592 611101 7 Active Arts - Make a kite 10.30-11.30 AK Bell Library Meeting Room t: 01738 477023 7 Roary The Racing Car 2pm Perth Concert Hall t: 01738 621 031 www.horsecross.co.uk 7 - 10 The Singing Kettle Funny Farm Kirkcaldy Adam Smith Theatre. Dressed as your favourite farmyard animal. t: 01592 583302 7 Circus Invisible Ages 4+ Dunfermline Carnegie Hall, t:01383 602302 8 The Lost Sock Princess Age 3 - 7+ Rothes Halls t: 01592 611101

12 KIRKCALDY Suitcase Circus presents a line up of extraordinarily talented performing objects. Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy t: 01592 583302

17 – 20 PERTH Peter Pan On Ice Concert Hall t: 01738 621 031 www.horsecross.co.uk

26 KIKRCALDY Farmers Market The Town Square

April

1 Cairnie Fruit Farm will open for the season. t: 01334 655610 or cairniefruitfarm.co.uk.

Open 10am-5pm 7 days 2 St Andrews Farmers Market North Car Park, Argyle Street 2 Perth Farmers Market King Edward Street and St John’s Place 2-16 Easter Events at Methil Heritage Centre.

Drop-in to the Heritage Centre any time during opening hours in the Easter holidays for FREE seasonal activities for families 272 High Street, Lower Methil, t: 01334 659339 3 Muddy boots, Balmalcolm Mothers day brunch 11am -3pm and high teas 4pm -6pm. t: 01337 831222 4 Lapin Wants Breakfast Age 3 - 7+ Rothes Hall t: 01592 611101 5 That’s Rubbish Ages 3 – 11 Carnegie Hall t: 01383 602302

10 | Families Fife Issue 6

ÊÊ The Perth Bike Station is holding its next Bike event on Saturday 12th March 2011 from 1pm until 2.30pm in the Sports Hall at Perth Grammar School, Gowans Terrace, Perth. Women are urged to come along to the event where a qualified mechanic will be on hand to carry out and demonstrate the basic bike checks and maintenance required to ensure that your bike is ready to use in time for spring.

There will also be advice on local cycle routes, commuting advice and information about essential equipment and costs. Mothers and families are welcome and advice is available about fitting baby seats to adult bikes and what trailers are available to encourage cycling with children. Please note that only girls over 14 years old and women can attend this event. For more information and booking www. thebikestation.org.uk or www.pkc.gov. uk/recycle. ÊSaturday Ê 12th March, 11am- 1pm Dr. Bike is a similar event on the same day at the Greener Kirkcaldy Advice Centre. Bring your bike for a free health check from a qualified mechanic and pick up some tips on maintaining your bike at home. 222 High St, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 1JT Tel. 01592 858458

13 PERTH Scottish Bead Fair Concert Hall 11am Entry: £4; accompanied under 16s free 01738 621 031 www.horsecross.co.uk

19 CUPAR Farmers Market Crossgate

Bike Health Checks

8 Cloud Man Ages 5 - 7+ Dunfermline.

Cloudia has always had her head in the clouds. She is a cloud expert and has always dreamt of seeing a Cloud Man. They are extremely rare creatures who life a quiet life up in the sky. Featuring a blend of puppetry, storytelling and sumptuous visuals. Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline t: 01383 602302 8 Oscar and the Highland Castle 2pm age 4+ Perth Concert Hall t: 01738 621 031 www.horsecross.co.uk 9 DUNFERMLINE Farmers Market Glen Gates, Bridge Street 10 Ribbit! The Froggy Pond Dobbies Little Seedlings Club birthday party. To celebrate, children will find out about pond life. Dobbies Garden World Dunfermline – 01383 842757 Dalgety Bay – 01383 823841 Kinross – 01577 863327 Perth – 01738 638555 12 Willie The Wicked Wolf 5+ 2pm Perth Concert Hall t: 01738 621 031 www.horsecross.co.uk 15 Little Red Robin Hood age 4+ Perth Concert Hall t: 01738 621 031 www.horsecross.co.uk

16 CUPAR Farmers Market Crossgate 21 Kirkcaldy Cinderella A special treat for ballet lovers of all ages. Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy t: 01592 583302 22– 25 Dobbies breakfast with the Easter Bunny Breakfast eggs and fun. £7.95 per child, booking essential and children must be accompanied by an adult. For full details and how to book please contact your local Dobbies.

23 Dunfermline Delivers Easter Fun day noon-4pm Meet the Easter Bunny, Face painting and much more see www.visitdunfermline.com for venues and timings 24 How the Koala Learnt to Hug 3.00 pm Kirkcaldy (Suitable for 4 to 104!) Great stories, great sing a long songs, superb games and first class hugging. Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy t: 01592 583302 24 Muddy Boots Balmalcolm Easter eggs hunts, baby lambs and animals, Sunday lunch and BBQ. t: 01337 831222 30 KIKRCALDY Farmers Market The Town Square . 

Birth Baby and Beyond

Join the bump club A

re you struggling with your weight in pregnancy? Pregnant women with a BMI of 30 and above are being invited at their booking appointment to get involved with the Winning with Weight in Pregnancy group at Forth Park. The ‘bump club’ meets on Tuesday evenings at 6pm, in differing locations around the area, and walks for 1-2 miles (weather and physical ability allowing).

After the walk the mums-to-be enjoy a midwife lead discussion on healthy eating and baby matters around coffee and a weigh in.

The club has been running for 9 months and is growing from strength to strength with mums really seeing the benefit of the supportive nature of the group. Many women have managed to get back to their booking weight within several weeks of joining.

All women should be made aware of the effects of obesity in pregnancy as being overweight at the start of pregnancy and continuing to gain too much weight, may put both mum and baby at higher risk of health problems both now and in the future.

A postnatal group ‘The buggy club’ will be starting 29/03/11 which will have the same format including walks, blethers and weigh ins. This will be attended by midwife Gwen

F

Smith and a member of the infant feeding team who will give advice in an informal friendly environment.  Further info: see their facebook page, ‘winning with weight in pregnancy’ or twitter page or contact Gwen Smith at Forth Park Antenatal Clinic t: 01592 643355 ext 2746

Food for Thought

The Infant Feeding Team at Forth Park Hospital wishes to thank all colleagues, friends and management for their hard work in supporting mothers in their choice of feeding. The unit is now successfully reaccredited as Baby Friendly for the next 3 years. 

Organised mum’s diary date

S

cotland’s biggest baby & toddler event, The Scottish Baby & Toddler Show is on again at the SECC, Glasgow on 29 April – 1 May 2011. The event boasts a free crèche provided

by Bertram nursery group, free nappies, wipes and nappy sacks at the Boots changing area and Ella’s Kitchen baby food company will be at the Feeding area with samples - yum. 

Opening hours are 10am – 5pm daily.

Further information and tickets are available through 0844 3954000 or by visiting www.thescottishbabyandtoddlershow.com

ÊDid Ê you know? There’s a Bertram nursery right here in Fife. Lilliput Nursery is in

KEREN BRYNES MACLEAN’S ADVICE & MORE COLUMN or some people springtime can be miserable because it heralds the start of hay fever and allergy season, as those pesky pollens start a cascade of histamine reactions. However there are a number of simple things that you can do to try to help reduce pollen allergies.

The first would be to try to get some allergy reducing foods in the diet such as eating local honey.

Many people swear it reduces their allergic tendencies - clever little bees! The second thing would be to trap pollens before you inhale them by using a barrier ointment such as Haymax around your nostrils.

Thirdly you could try drinking nettle tea as it has natural antihistamine properties.

If symptoms do appear then pay a visit to your local Medical Herbalist who can safely prescribe remedies for any member of your family to calm allergies and give you the freedom to enjoy the outdoors. 

Canmore Street Dunfermline. They open all year round and as well as easy parking and drop off, offer freshly cooked lunches and snacks, a homely, fun learning environment as well as collaborative childcare for your child. See back page for contact details.

Perth & Kinross Real Nappy Network

Offering: 4impartial advice 4demonstrations 4nappucinos 4incentives

Contacts: 401738 476476 4nappies@pkc.gov.uk 4www.pkrnn.org.uk

Or look us up on Facebook: 4perthandkinrossrealnappynetwork

Herbal Medicine & Healthy Living Store

LOCAL HONEY NATURAL REMEDIES CONSULTANT MEDICAL HERBALISTS St. Clair Street, Kirkcaldy Tel:01592 556446 www.healthfoodandmore.co.uk

Issue 5 Families Fife | 11

Families Business Focus

Low down on local businesses Regular readers will know that Families magazine likes to hear about and SHOUT about new businesses coming to the area.

In fact if we are to believe the economists, its exactly these sort of start ups that will save our economy in the long run. Let’s hope so.

This issue we meet Tim Thompson-Green (see page 14) , a PFA Golf professional who’s set up an online shop dedicated to kitting out the next generation’s Colin Montgomerie. We also hear from Kathy Hill, the woman behind the Canny Cook. She cooks because we cannae...and I tell you I cannot make delicious Italian meatballs like she can...nor would I part with them if I could! We’re also delighted to become acquainted with Gaynor Hebden Smith, who makes stunning jewellery from found objects. And lastly, I am sure local mothers will heave a collective sigh of relief to hear that Jack and Jill nearly new markets are coming our way. Time for a spring clean.

I

ntroducing the Canny cook… What does the great Scots word “canny” actually mean?

Skilled, expert, knowledgeable & careful. All words that perfectly describe a small family run food business in Dunfermline. In April 2009 Kathy Hill decided to give up her day job in education and put all those years studying catering at Queen Margaret University to good use.

The Canny Cook, (the new trading name for “HomeCook”) has been producing delicious handmade meals since May 2009.

Kathy, a busy mum herself, saw a gap in the market place for quality meals that you could feel guilt free about eating on those busy nights when cooking from scratch was impossible. All the meals can be cooked

straight from frozen so quality is not lost over convenience. The Canny Cook is passionate about good quality food, and this starts with the best locally sourced raw ingredients available. That’s why they make the best use of producers in Fife & the surrounding areas.

Their range includes gluten free, vegetarian and 9 of their meals have won a “HealthyLiving Award” and best of all they’re made in a wee kitchen in Dunfermline, not a big factory.

They even offer free local delivery within 5 mile radius of Dunfermline! Please visit the website for the latest choice of dishes at www. thecannycook.co.uk or why not follow them on Facebook? Aye! It pays to be canny!  Tel: 01383 620 076 1c Dickson Court, Dunfermline, KY12 7SG

It’s a perfect sunny day…

Gaynor Hebden-Smith is the woman behind the beautiful, local handmade jewellery pictured here. Or is it local? It’s certainly produced locally as Gaynor’s workshop is in West Fife, but where does the glass come from? We caught up with Gaynor to find out more about sea glass.

I Did you know you can subscribe to Families for £12 a year.

Never miss an issue! Email editor@families for details 12 | Families Fife Issue 6

t’s a perfect sunny day, the air’s fresh and waves lap the shore of one of Fife’s beautiful beaches. I am lucky enough to be there, rummaging through the sand in search of sea glass for my jewellery designs.

Since I can remember there’s been two things which fill me with ease; being creative and being close to nature. I adore my Scottish Sea Glass business, ( launched 2009), as

Diamond idea brings buyers and sellers together Nicole Diamond is the real mum behind new venture, The Jack and Jill Market. Essentially a nearly new baby & kids sale, this business’s success must partly be in the simplicity of the model.

Nicole explains how and why she set up The Jack and Jill Markets.

I

t was the day I drove across Edinburgh in the rain to pick up a nearly-new buggy.

Advertised as being in excellent condition, the buggy, in actual fact, had a torn hood and a broken wheel.

Heavily pregnant and tired I’d been ploughing through internet ads and driving around helter skelter to pick up the items I needed for impending motherhood. I

had a strict budget to stick to and a strong belief in recycling but, with items not being advertised wholly accurately, I was quickly tiring of the whole process.

“So, there I was sitting in the traffic watching the rain on the windscreen when I had that ‘Eureka’ moment. I thought this whole process of buying and selling would be easier for everyone if the buyers and sellers could come together under one roof on one day - and so the idea for The Jack & Jill Market was born!”

Thus far The Jack & Jill Markets have been a roaring success in Edinburgh and the Borders, with up to 460 mums through the doors looking for quality nearly-new items for baby & children up to 9 years of age. The

markets run on the principle that shoppers pick up quality bargains, and sellers keep 100% of what they make for payment of a modest one-off stall fee – and so far mums are making £150-£350. Fantastic! And the good news is that The Jack and Jill Market is coming to a venue near you.

The Jack & Jill Market is now running regular markets in Perth and are currently finalising new venues across Fife and Kinross.  The next Jack & Jill Market: Perth, Sunday 1st May, Dewars Conference Centre, 10.30am – 1.30pm. To book a stall or to receive text and email alerts see website www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk or tel: 01721 725 879.

Sea Glass, noun.

Glass which has found its way into the sea, either accidentally or through littering. Over time, the power of the sea naturally tumbles the glass, resulting in its smooth, frosted appearance.

it provides me with the opportunity to be on the beach searching for sea glass, after cleaning the glass, I then happily create truly unique pieces of jewellery.

Being a mum of two and married to an avid open water swimmer, as a family we spend a great deal of time at the seaside. We watch Daddy swimming in the sea, then my kids, husband and I collect sea glass, shells and driftwood. We bring them home and enjoy playing with the ‘beach treasure’ we’ve found.

Each piece of jewellery uses only glass from Scottish shores. Within this every piece of glass carries with it it’s own beautiful

mystery. How did it get into the sea? Who put it there and when? How far has it travelled? The perfection is, there is no definite answer, but your imagination can go wild, coming up with possibilities!

The true beauty of using sea glass within my jewellery is the uniqueness and simplicity of every piece of glass, and that with patience and time nature transforms ‘sea litter’ into ‘sea treasure’.  View and purchase unique handcrafted jewellery and accessories at www. scottishseaglass.co.uk or follow on Facebook @ Scottish Sea Glass.

Where Smart Mums Sell & Save Baby & Kids markets (0-9 years). Book a stall to sell items you no longer use and keep 100% of money made, or come along to market day for great bargains.

Regular markets in 2011: Kirkcaldy, Perth, Dunfermline, Glenrothes Next Market: Sunday 1st May, Dewars Centre, Perth. 10.30am—1.30pm

Visit the website and hit the Get Market Alerts button.

Text MUM + Your Postcode

88802

to Get free text alerts .

www.JackandJillMarket.co.uk 01721 725 879

Issue 6 Families Fife | 13

Features Clubs and Classes Families Five Minute Qs Tim Thompson Green from Kids Golf Shop

K

idsgolfshop.co.uk is run by PGA Professional Tim Thompson-Green who has been teaching golf to children for nearly 20 years. During this time he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience advising parents on the right equipment to choose for their child.

Q . So, what is kidsgolfshop.co.uk?

A . Kidsgolfshop.

co.uk is a new online golf shop providing low cost quality golf equipment for children. It is ideal if you are looking for an affordable way to get your child started or are looking for something for the serious junior golfer. The golf shop also has an outlet at Port Royal Golf Range next to Edinburgh Airport where you can try before you buy!

Q . Why did you set this up?

A . Although there are a lot of golf shops,

these are mainly aimed at adults and the choice for children is often very limited or non-existent. I decided to create a shop where you can buy golf equipment for girls and boys and it is designed so as a parent, you can buy one club at a time to see whether your child really likes golf before committing to a bigger spend.

Q . Any good advice for parents?

A . Historically children who are naturally

left handed have been persuaded to write with their right hand and it was the same for years with golf. My experience tells me that, if there is any doubt, you must try both left and right to discover which comes most naturally to your child.  Visit www.kidsgolfshop.co.uk and www.portroyalgolfrange.com for more information

You name it We label it!

Lunchboxes • Water Bottles Books • Uniforms • Footwear

T: 01635 298326 www.easy2name.com

14 | Families Fife Issue 6

Arty Classes

ÊDoodle Ê and Splat Tue 9.30 Play Planet, Dalgety Bay (1-2.5yrs) Tue 10.30 Play Planet, Dalgety Bay (1- 2-5 yrs) Wed 1.30 Duloch Library, Dunfermline (2-5 yrs) Thur 10.00 Dunnikier Scout Hall, Kirkcaldy (1-2.5yrs) 11.00 Dunnikier Scout Hall, Kirkcaldy (1-2.5yrs) 1.30 Duloch Library, Dunfermline (2-5 yrs) Fri 9.30 Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Dunfermline (1-2.5yrs) 10.30 Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Dunfermline (2-5 yrs). Details/Bookings please contact Lynda or Pamela on 07942 825114 or doodle@doodleandsplat.co.uk or see www.doodleandsplat.co.uk

Baby Classes

ÊBaby Ê Signing Classes Baby will learn to “talk” before their speech develops.What will your baby say? Taster sessions in March 2011 and classes commencing April 2011. For information on course dates and locations visit www.signsandrhymes.co.uk or contact Jenni on 07967 010727. ÊBaby Ê Sensory Classes - West Fife Monday 10.00 and 11.30 Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Dunfermline. Wednesday 10.30 Cowdenbeath Community Centre Friday 10.30 Play Planet, Dalgety Bay Friday 1.45 Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Tel: Claire Wilson 07749 468864 ÊBaby Ê Massage Classes Tiny Tender Touch.

Learn to massage your baby a skill you can use for life with your growing child.

Tel: Claudia: 01383 733 146 or email: tinytendertouch@gmail.com ÊBaby Ê & Toddler Reflexology Workshops Bookings for workshops now being taken Classes max 6 people per workshop.

Contact Judith Spriggs: 07843 615220 or www.judithspriggsmobiletherapies.co.uk ÊLabour Ê Massage Tuition for Birth Partners Contact Orla Beaton on 07854 196 955 or email info@orla-beaton.co.uk.

See www.orla-beaton.co.uk for more info. ÊWater Ê Babies Unique structured swimming programme for under 1s. Classes now running in Bowhill Swimming Pool, Cardenden (Wed)

First stage to success

W

ould you like to help improve your child’s confidence and communication skills in a friendly environment? Ever heard of Drama Process?

Drama Process has been proven to increase a child’s self esteem, raise confidence levels and their ability to work in a team. This is achieved through workshops delivered using different drama games and conventions and techniques such as improvisation and role play in order to investigate issues such as bullying in a fun and non threatening way. Script work, presentation and audition techniques help older children achieve in school and exams.

Carnegie College Stage School has a proven track record of 20 years of child centred Drama Process delivered in a friendly atmosphere where creativity is celebrated. Some of its graduates are now professional actors, Directors, Drama teachers and/or Youth Theatre facilitators. An associate member of Promote YT, all facilitators have advanced disclosure and are professionally trained at graduate level.  For more information please contact Sarah Halliwell on 0790 048 8913, email shalliwell@carnegiecollege.ac.uk or visit our facebook page

and Levenmouth Swimming Pool (Thurs).

Tel: 0131 554 6682 to book a class or www. waterbabies.co.uk or email: woggle@ waterbabies.co.uk ÊBaby Ê Yoga Get back into shape and let your baby enjoy some yoga too. Regular classes: South Queensferry on Wednesday am, Inverkeithing on Thursday am, Edinburgh on Thursday pm, New class in Dunfermline possible. Call Susannah on 01383 413121 for

Features further details and qualifications, or visit the website: www.theyoga.co.uk

Fun at Musical Steps!

Drama Classes

D

ÊCarnegie Ê College Stage School runs Drama workshops for 3 to 25 years throughout Fife on a weekly basis. See inset p14.

Exercise Classes: Mum & Baby

ÊBumpBabyBlitz Ê from PG Fitness. Meets every Wednesday at 10.30am at Little Peas Pram shop car park in Dunfermline. Tel: Paula 07922 568960 ÊMum Ê and child friendly classes at Mind and Body Studio, Kirkcaldy Choose from Body Pump Tuesdays @10.45am, Body Vive Weds @ 10.30am, Bums, Tums & Thighs Thurs @ 10.30am. Cost: £5.50 per class Feel free to bring your preschooler along to socialise while you work out. Tel: 01592 263700 or www. mindandbodystudio.co.uk ÊYoga Ê for Pregnancy & Birth Regular classes in Inverkeithing on Tuesday eve, Dunfermline on Wednesday eve, Edinburgh on Thurs pm.

Call Susannah on 01383 413121 for further details and qualifications, or visit the website: www.theyoga.co.uk

Exercise Classes

ÊÊ Pilates in West Fife with Kelly McMahon www.kmpilates.co.uk for full list of classes. Or tel: 07834 618157 ÊPilates Ê @ Mind & Body Studio offers 6 Pilates Classes per week in Kirkcaldy. These include prenatal and post natal classes for mums who want to strengthen those abdominals in a sociable setting.

Cost: £6 per class. Tel: 01592 263700 or www.mindandbodystudio.co.uk ÊYoga Ê Regular classes in Inverkeithing on Tuesday eve, and Dunfermline on Wednesday eve. Call Susannah on 01383 413121 for further details and qualifications, or visit the website: www.theyoga.co.uk ÊSatyaMama Ê Yoga for Pregnancy & Birth Classes with Maggie McKeen are held at Synergy Yoga & Therapy Centre Monday’s 7.30pm -8.45pm & Wenesday’s 6pm -7.15pm ÊSatyaMama Ê Mother & Baby Yoga Classes are held at Synergy Yoga & Therapy Centre Glenrothes. Fridays 10-11am & 11.15am12.15pm. Suitable from 6 weeks up to 9 Months. Ideal for recovery, meeting mums and engaging with baby. Tel: 01592 631672 Email maggiemckeen@btconnect.com or see www. synergycentre.co.uk ÊZumba Ê For a full list of zumba classes with Kelly and collegues see list www.mad4zumba.co.uk t: 07834 618157

Music and movement classes

ÊJo Ê Jingles Preschool music, singing and rhyme fun. Mon Dalgety Bay Parish Church, Regents Way, Dalgety Bay 10.00-10.45 – mixed class, 11.00 – 11.40 – baby class. Mon 1.45 - 2.30 – mixed class KIRKCALDY 2.40 – 3.25 – baby class Wed Jumpin Jacks, Kirkcaldy

id you know that music can help develop your child’s communication, language, listening skills, creativity and co-operation. The weekly music classes at Musical Steps are a great way to spend quality time with your child. Choose either Baby Band 4 months to 2 years Toddler Troupe 18 months to 3 years The Music Express 2 ½ to 5 years. We went to Inga’s classes in Dunfermline and my girls still sing ‘welcome to the toddler troupe’ to their teddies whilst playing in a circle on the floor. 

For further information contact Inga on 0845 224 0613 www.musicalsteps.co.uk

11.45 -12.30 Mixed Class 1.30-2.10 Baby Class. Includes free entry to Jumpin Jacks.

Thur Duloch Library, Duloch, Dunfermline 9.45 - 10.30 – over 2 years, 10.45 – 11.30 – under 2 years, 11.40 – baby class 6 mths to walking Fri The Space Upstairs, High Street, Burntisland10.00 - 10.45 – mixed class, 10.50 – 11.25 – baby class Sat Duloch Library, Duloch, Dunfermline, 9.30 – 10.15 - over 2 years 10.30 – 11.15 – under 2s, 11.35 – baby class 6 mths to walking (new) Tel: 01383 734080 Email: fiona.jojingles@hotmail.co.uk ÊMusical Ê Steps Singing music, rhyme and movement for preschoolers. Classes across Fife.

Mon AM Lomond Centre Glenrothes, West End Dundee Tue AM St. Leonards Parish Church St Andrews & North Queensferry Community Centre Wed AM Old Parish Church Cupar & St Andrews Erskine Church Dunfermline, Wed PM at Millbridge Hall, Kinross ThurAM Collydean Neighbourhood Centre Glenrothes & Crossford Scout Hall Fri AM Dance Bank, Dunfermline, Action Zone, Leven, Broughty Ferry Fri PM Dance Bank, Dunfermline Sat AM Queen Anne High School Dunfermline. Tel: Inga 0845 224 0613 or www.musicalsteps.co.uk or for St Andrews classes tel:Cathy on 0845 838 2354 ÊTwinkle Ê Stars Pre- School Music Classes Fun, educational music classes for babies, toddlers and pre- school children. Come along and join in the fun! Classes in Dalgety Bay and Dunfermline. Tues am Play Planet, Dalgety Bay, Tues pm Duloch Leisure Centre Thurs pm Dalgety Bay Leisure Centre Friday all day Duloch Leisure Centre. Tel: Morag 01383 622315 mo1906@live.co.uk ÊBuckhaven Ê Brass Beginnings College Street, Buckhaven. Wed 5.45 pm – 7.15 pm.

Contact: Brian Hutchison 01333 351231 or 07800771929 or e-mail brian_hutch1991@ yahoo.co.uk Please check out our page on Buckhaven and Methil Miners Band’s website www.buckhavenband.com ÊJumping Ê - Gyms PERTH Physical activity For 0-5yrs. Thurs 9.30. 11am @ Tulloch Community Centre,Tulloch Terrace Perth ÊUnder Ê 1s free 1yr+ £3.50 includes squash &

biscuit. Call Marion On 01738 564348

Dance Classes

ÊThe Ê Dance Bank Dunfermline, Dalgety Bay, Kelty, Perth, Kinross. Children’s ballet, tap, bellydance, tribal classes. Tel: Rhona 01383 872132 or www.dancebank.co.uk Ê1st Ê Steps Under 5’s Providing pre school fun dancing, singing, action, stories, rhymes, play and movement classes for babies and young children. Classes are held in... Mon Kirkcaldy @ Play Zone (am & pm) Tues Alloa @ Elim Church (am) Dundee @ Kidsworld/ Soccerworld (am) Burtisland @ The Space Upsatirs (pm) Wed Dalgety Bay @ The Play Planet(am) Thur Perth@Active Kids (am) Blairgowire @ The Royal Hotel (pm) Fri Dalgety Bay @ The Play Planet (am & pm) Edinburgh @ The Rannoch Centre (am). Contact Info elizabeth_dancedaze@hotmail.co.uk or susan_dancedaze@hotmail.com ÊSaut Ê Burgh Highland Dancers Meet every Monday in term-time from 5.00 pm at Dysart Community Hall, West Port, Dysart, KY1 2TD. Open to beginners and experienced dancers from age 3 up. Qualified teacher. For more details contact Cath on 01592 651370 or cathcoutts@hotmail.co.uk ÊAllana Ê Brown School of Highland Dancing Music Institute, Dunfermline. Tel: 01383 734606 All levels of Highland dancing from age 4 upwards.

Storytimes

ÊAK Ê Bell Library Perth Mon 10.30-11 preschool children. Sat 1st Saturday of the month 1.30-2 for school aged children. 01738 477023

Horseriding

ÊCome Ê and try horseriding at Shieldbank Riding & Vaulting Club, North Road, Saline, Nr. Dunfermline, Fife KY12 9LN. Special introductory rate: £10 for 1/2 hour riding lesson plus tour round the stables. Please call 01383 852 874 to book. 

Issue 6 Families Fife | 15

This month on Families Online: www.Familiesonline.co.uk WIN a set of radiation protectors for mobile phones and wi-fi!

Using a mobile phone, cordless telephone or computer adds up to many hours of exposure each day to electromagnetic radiation (EMR).

Scientifically proven, the phoneShield & wi-fiShield products make it really easy to take some precautionary action for your family. www.phoneshield.co.uk To enter, go to www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is 3rd May 2011.

For more info on the dangers of ElectroMagnetic Radiation go to

www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation

WIN a Clippasafe Home Safety Starter Pack!

The Home Safety Starter Pack is a great initial step to preventing injury in the home and one of the company’s best selling products. www.clippasafe.co.uk To enter, go to www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk/competitions Terms and Conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is 3rd May 2011.

16 | Families Fife Issue 6

NEXT ISSUE MAY-JUNE Out: 02 MAY 2011 May is the GREAT BIG BIRTHDAY & PARTY FEATURE so if you want to ADVERTISE your business at competitive rates then get in touch.

DEADLINE : Adverts and contributions 01 April LISTINGS: Advertise your events,clubs and classes FREE in our Clubs and Classes or Out and About sections. Email: web@familiesfife.co.uk for inclusion.

WEBSITE: See our website for what’s on updates, more articles and online competitions.

Don’t be an April Fool! Get seen by over 12,000 readers in over 250 family friendly outlets throughout Fife, Perth and Kinross.

If you’re not in, you’re missing out!

www.familiesfife.co.uk