Families Fife Nov Dec 2016

❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ Fife, ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄❅ ❄ ❅ &❅ ❅ ❄❅ ❄Perth ❅ ❅ Kinross ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ F  ❅❄ ❅ ❅ R ❅ ❄ ❅ E ❅ E ❄❅ ❅

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No Issu v/D e 4 ec 0 20 16

www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

Home to Golf ’s History

Museum Shop Café The award winning British Golf Museum uses a mixture of highly visual displays and exciting interactives to explore over 500 years of golfing history. For more information call 01334 460046 or visit www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk

THE BRITISH GOLF MUSEUM, BRUCE EMBANKMENT, ST ANDREWS, FIFE, KY16 9AB. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews Trust.

A Scottish Charity SC007857

Contents Remember your favourite play memories – the fun, the thrills, the skint knees, the everyday adventures – let’s give our children and young people these opportunities. Delivering the Child’s Right to Play in Scotland is everyone’s responsibility and child friendly policies can unlock the opportunities for children that will support them to develop into confident, healthy adults.

erth e, P f i F

FREE APP – Try out Boredom Busters, Play Scotland’s new app, for 8-12 year olds, designed to get children actively playing more and in a variety of different ways.

W

oss & Kinr

WELCOME TO FAMILIES FIFE, PERTH & KINROSS

3

NEWS AND VIEWS

4

The latest local news

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EDUCATION The ultimate homework guide

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OUTDOORS & HEALTH

Play Scotland Level 1, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ Tel: 0131 313 8859 Email: info@playscotland.org Web: www.playscotland.org

Blow the cobwebs away with a trip to the beach

PARENT TO PARENT

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Meet Ailsa Stobie, a Jamberry independent team manager

CHISTMAS SPECIAL

Company Number 017885 Scottish Charity No SC029167 Registered at the above address.

ith the October holidays and Halloween finished, it can only mean one thing...the countdown to Christmas! It’s time for the children to write ridiculously long wish list’s and for you to plan the big day. From visiting Santa, to enjoying a pantomime, to purchasing a turkey, the list of things to do is never ending.

To make your job a little easier, we’ve put together all the best bits of Christmas so you can choose what you want to do. From all the sightings of Santa, to when the lights are being switched on, check out our Christmas guide.

Take a look at our website for more local information. It has great ideas of what to do in the holidays and great advice and tips to support you this Christmas.  Merry Christmas

8-12

Louisa

A guide to meeting Santa and all the local shows and panto’s

CLUBS & CLASSES

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The benefits of learning a musical instrument

S H O P • EVENT • LO CAL

OUT AND ABOUT

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Round up of events happening in the coming months including Christmas markets

D U N F E R ML I N E

CHRISTMAS

Contact us

Editor: Louisa McCormack editor@familiesfife.co.uk Tel: 07881 827 627

AT KINGSGATE

TOYS, FOOD, FASHION CHRISTMAS MARKETS LATE NIGHT SHOPPING KIDS CRAFT & EVENTS

Design: White Creative www.whitecreativecompany.co.uk Circulation: 13,000 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.

NEXT ISSUE: January/February 2017 Booking deadline: 1 December Out: 9 January @KINGSGATECENTRE /KINGSGATESHOPPINGCENTRE

freeWiFi

01383 735254 www.shopkingsgate.co.uk Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 7QU

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www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

Families Fife is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Fife are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. 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 consequence.’

www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

Issue 40 Families Fife | 3

News & Views

Education

The Ultimate Homework Guide

Your Local Families Team is Recruiting!

By Liat Hughes Joshi

H

ith the launch of the fantastic new website this summer, we have a number of highly flexible, home-based work opportunities available for Area Managers to run our local sites. As an Area Manager you will enjoy a fun and flexible role which fits around you and your family life, whilst affording you a great challenge – and the opportunity to make money! There are no set up costs involved, you will be trained by industry experts and you will develop valuable new skills in the digital, print and social media marketing industry.

Send a message that makes a difference this Christmas

You Should Be:

We have a fresh range of cards to choose from for Christmas 2016!

G

iving or sending cards is the perfect way to show you are thinking of someone during the festive season. Christmas is so often a time to reflect on the significant connections in our lives and a personal card or note is a thoughtful touch that will always be appreciated.

Our cards are priced at £4 per pack and at least 50% of the proceeds will go towards funding our charitable aims.

Could you sell Christmas cards on our behalf?

We’d love to send you a box of cards to sell at your school, club, workplace or local Christmas fair. We’ll send these to you on a sale or return basis so anything you don’t sell, simply return to us along with any money raised.  Visit our website to find out more about buying or selling cards and to view our fullrange of designs www.braintumourresearch. org/christmascards When you’re ready to order, please contact the office on 01908 867200 or email supportercare@braintumourresearch.org Alternatively, purchase online via our eBay page www.ebay.co.uk/usr/ braintumourresearch

Responsibilities ÊPosting Ê daily online and on social media with great ideas for your readers ÊPopulating Ê and updating your site with useful and timely local content for families ÊMarketing Ê and selling your site to local businesses and families ÊBuilding Ê relationships with your clients and users and helping them get the most from your site.  To register your interest, please email editor@familiesfife.co.uk

4 | Families Fife Issue 40

Smoking in cars

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rom 5th December 2016, it will be illegal for anyone to smoke in a car if you have passengers aged 18 or under. The new legislation is being introduced to protect children and young people in Scotland from the harm caused by second hand smoke during car journeys. If caught, the driver of the vehicle could face a £100 fixed penalty fine.

Around a fifth of 13 to 15 year olds are exposed to tobacco smoke in the car. If you smoke whilst children and young people are in a car, even with the window open, the level of harmful chemicals reach very high levels in only 60 seconds. Reducing exposure to second hand smoke protects children and young people from conditions such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia and asthma. 

Prepare kids for the fight against flu

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arents are being urged to prepare their children for the fight against flu as the latest national childhood flu vaccination programme gets underway.

As health professionals warn there is the potential for this year’s flu season to be serious, children aged 2-5 can get vaccinated at their GP practice from October.

Every year in Scotland, children are

hospitalised for treatment of flu, or its complications.

The vaccine helps protect children against flu, and is given as a painless nasal spray.

It only takes a few minutes, and provides protection for around a year.  To find out more about the childhood flu vaccine and its benefits, visit www. immunisationscotland.org.uk/childflu or call NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88.

www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

ÊIncorporate Ê homework into a routine Many children benefit from having a set homework time - they’re somewhat less likely to push back if it is just what happens at 5pm or whenever works for you both; consistency is key. ÊHelp Ê yes, but don’t do it for them!

As a parent your key role is to ensure that your child has somewhere comfortable and reasonably quiet to do their homework and the items required, e.g. a dictionary or ruler. You might also have to clarify what a question means or provide support if they are stuck. But do remember it is their homework not yours!

ÊHow Ê much is too much?

Most primary age children will get 30 to 60 minutes a week plus reading and perhaps spellings and times tables. If you think your child is being set too much, it’s definitely worth having a chat with their teacher.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘‎How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

our local Kumon Study Centre offers individualised worksheet-based maths and English study programmes, tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for over 50 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work.

Each Kumon student is given an individualised study programme to suits their needs and abilities. At the enrolment session, your local Kumon Instructor, through diagnostic testing, will ascertain the correct starting point in the programme for your child.

Through daily study of the Kumon programmes, your child will progress at their own pace, developing the ability to learn for themselves thus ensuring they maximise their ability and begin to realise their unlimited potential.

Why not take advantage of our 14-day Free Trial for new students enrolling by 20 November to find out what your child can achieve through the Kumon Maths and English Programmes? 

Christmas Fun at Lauriston

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he festive season is fast approaching. December will be an action packed moth, full of festive cheer. Our Pre-school children will be performing in their annual nativity play for their families. This will take place in our local church; St. Andrews Erskine. All nursery children will be invited to attend Christmas parties and children will enjoy lots of fun activities each week leading up to Christmas.

We will also be hosting a Christmas Fayre at Lauriston Nursery Dunfermline on Saturday 10th December from 10.30am until 1.00pm.

Every year, this has been a great success with everyone welcome so please pop along and join in with the Christmas fun. HO, HO, HO. 

Maths + English + study skills = dream job Contact your local Kumon maths and English Study Centre to book your two-week Free Trial.

Dunfermline Study Centre 0138 373 0775 St Andrews Study Centre 0131 618 2315

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

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

TRIAL 8x7=

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ÊEnthusiastic Ê and knowledgeable about what’s on locally for families ÊInterested Ê in working flexibly from home at times that suit you ÊOnline Ê savvy and a regular user of Facebook and Twitter ÊAble Ê to write great articles which capture the imagination of local families ÊHave Ê good networking and communication skills, and confidence when speaking to customers/the public ÊA Êmotivated self-starter who takes ownership and pride in your work

Y

elping your little one with their homework needn’t be difficult if you follow these simple tips.

Like it or not, homework is a necessary part of school life. So how can you make it run as smoothly as possible?

WORK OPPORTUNITY WITH FAMILIES ONLINE IN PERTH!

Take advantage of a Free Trial at your local Kumon study centre

1 OCTOBER – 20 NOVEMBER

www.letslearnyoung.com www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only. Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.

Issue 40 Families Fife | 5

Outdoors & Health

Parent to Parent I’m Ailsa Stobie and I’m a Jamberry Independent Team Manager at thejam.life, I started as a consultant when Jamberry launched here in April. I love the flexibility and creativeness of the business, the product is so easy to use for adults and children and it lets everyone express their own personal style. Being able to work in a wonderful team has been my favourite part of it all and I’ve met some amazing people through it and am working on some fundraising events to support various charities.

I live in Dunfermline with my husband and our wild and wonderful daughters Bree (5) and Blyth (2).

How to keep energy levels up for learning during the winter

By Liat Hughes Joshi

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Winter beach fun T

here is no better way to spend a blustery winters day than on the beach, blowing away the cobwebs and breathing in all that bracing sea air.

In Fife, there are countless bays and coves to choose from but you wouldn’t want to miss the award-winning West Sands in St. Andrews.

With almost two miles of golden sand and the stunning skyline of the home of golf, the vistas are spectacular.

Parking is available in St. Andrews which will give you the added benefit of a pretty walk through this historic town with its rich and fascinating history. The 15 minute walk to the sands will pass the world famous Old Course, providing even more photo opportunities.

There is parking much closer to the shore on the grassed areas directly behind the dunes, but please adhere to any parking notices that may be in place during your visit.

West Sands has suffered in recent years due to storms which have ravaged the dunes which protect the golf course and the land beyond from the sea. A partnership has been set up to manage a dune stabilisation programme which not only protects the area from further erosion, but preserves the natural beauty of the beach and its surroundings.

With so much to do, we’ve prepared a top 10 for this fabulous site which you can find The Harbourmaster’s House Coastal Centre and Bistro Visit us to find out more about the Fife coast and enjoy delicious meals and snacks with spectacular views at the harbour bistro.

www.fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk Hot Pot Wynd, Dysart, TeL: 01592 656080

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on our leaflet on site or download from our website.

1. Walk – leisurely stroll or a brisk march, with two miles of sand it’ll be a workout either way!

2. Fly – no better way to use this wide open and very often windy coastline. Designated kite zones are marked with flags to make it safe for everyone.

3. Run – feel with wind in your hair on this flat free track! You are in good company as the opening scenes from ‘Chariots of Fife’ were filmed here.

4. Build – you don’t need to wait for the annual sandcastle competition to get creative and with lots of shells and driftwood on the beach you can go large on the styling!

5. Watch – seals, diving gannets, artic tern, eider duck, puffin and even the odd dolphin or porpoise can be seen over, in or on the water.

6. Collect – shells, sea glass, feathers and driftwood. Not to mention the photographs and memories.

7. Gaze – look closer at the grasslands behind the dunes and you’ll be amazed at what you can spot; birds, butterflies, insects and our living lawnmowers – the sheep!

8. Golf – watching, walking or playing the course. Don’t forget the ultimate golfing photograph of the Swilcan Bridge.

9. Picnic – the grassland area will provide a little more shelter on windier days if you don’t like sandy sandwiches.

10. Do – there are scores of local clubs and associations who use the beach for a huge range of activities. Get inspired! 

ven lively kids can lose their get up and go as winter draws in. Here’s how to maximise your family’s energy levels… ÊConsider Ê a ‘wake up gently’ alarm clock. Swap the shock of sudden, loud alarms and bright lights switching on for an alarm clock that mimics sunrise by gradually increasing lighting levels.

These make waking up less of a thing to dread on dark mornings. ÊMaximise Ê sleep. The NHS recommends 11 hours sleep for a fiveyear-old, reducing steadily to around 9.5 hours by the age of 11. Work back from when they need to get up to determine optimal bedtimes. ÊMake Ê hearty but healthy breakfast.

Swap sugar-loaded cereals for something warming and energyboosting, such as fruity porridge or scrambled eggs. ÊPut Ê some lively music on! If it’s gloomy outside and everyone’s half asleep…liven things up with moodenhancing tunes. The right music is a brilliant pick-me-up! ÊWalk Ê to (and from) school. If time and distance allows, leaving the car behind and walking will help ensure children are fully awake for their first lessons of the day. ÊWatch Ê out for ‘end-of-term-itis’ exhaustion. Many children get a build up of tiredness, which can lead to a condition lightheartedly called ‘end-ofterm-itis’, involving tears and tantrums aplenty by December. Fend it off with quieter afternoons and weekends along with sensible bed times.  Get more information about the importance of sleep from Families Online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/ sleep

Fun for all the Family at the British Golf Museum

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here’s something to entertain all the family at the 5 star British Golf Museum, St Andrews.

Tickets, valid for two days, include a guidebook and for children, a gift pack and trail. Follow our children’s mascot Morris, around the galleries as he tells you all about the history of the great game.

We run children’s activities throughout the year in our activity gallery. Check out our website for more details.

The Museum Shop has a great selection of gifts, from official Open Merchandise to books and toys, there is something for every taste and budget.

Café at the Museum offers a Scottish menu

with panoramic views of the beach and golf course.

The Café serves delicious Afternoon Teas, as well as a Wee Ones Menu for smaller appetites, all reasonably priced.

We look forward to seeing you here.  01334 460 046, www.britishgolfmuseum. co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

WHY YOU LIKE LIVING WHERE YOU DO: We live in a fantastic area near Masterton that is very family friendly, we have a lovely neighbourhood that feels safe and I love that all the kids play with each other regardless of age. The area is central to so many places for the kids, it’s within walking distance to our school and it’s close enough to a park for when the Wildlings need to run wild and I need some fresh air.

FAVOURITE SHOP: I like local shops for some fruit and veg, Loch Leven’s Larder is great for a variety of things, Cairnie Fruit Farm and Craigies are also family favourites.

Perfect for picking your own and enjoying a coffee afterwards.

FAVOURITE PARK : Pittencrieff is a wonderful park where you can easily spend half a day wandering around, the kids get a great play and it’s so large it never feels too busy.

FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S CLUB/CLASS: We love The Yoga Place Fife for kids yoga classes, Sueann has a gentle yet effective teaching method (and the adult classes are pretty awesome too). Jo Jingles Fife is fantastic and my youngest is a big fan. Acrobay Gymnastics and Kingdom Gymnastics have amazing classes for all ages and most recently my eldest daughter Bree has been enjoying Football through the Pars Foundation. Lauriston Nursery has been

a family favourite and both our girls have attended it and enjoyed it thoroughly.

NO PARENT SHOULD BE WITHOUT: A good support network to get through the good, the bad, the ugly, the heart breaking and the magical moments. We moved away from Dunfermline for 2 years to live in Canada and I’m grateful that there were so many friendly faces at all the groups we started going to on our return. There are lots of support networks available locally. Oh and baby wipes.

FAVOURITE CHILD FRIENDLY RESTAURANT: The Ceramic Café cannot be beaten for a bite of lunch and to catch up with other mums whilst the kids play or paint.

The Three Bridges in South Queensferry is the most recent place we visited as a family for a meal and we enjoyed that.

BEST PLANET SAVING TIP: Get your own Coffee/Tea mug for takeaways. I’m currently working on a design collaboration with Laurie from WoodlandSisterDolls that incorporates eco friendly dyes and natural fabrics, follow woodlandsisterdolls on Instagram and thejam.life for announcements on the collection.

PARENTING PET HATES: I hate seeing kids riding bikes without helmets…enough said.  If you want some Jamberry nails this Christmas, get in touch at ailsa@thejam.life

Is your baby sleeping too much!

By Nadia Edwards, Coorie Doon Baby s there ever a time when your baby is sleeping too much? I know that might sound crazy especially if you’ve had months or even years of broken sleep and half an hour naps might seem like a fantasy.

The truth is that 9 times out of 10, there is no such thing as too much daytime sleep. Some babies have different needs than other babies. Some will have a nice two-hour nap, some will do three, some will do fine on an hour. So, I want you to relax a little bit around it, there is no magic amount of time that each baby needs.

In saying that, a guide of how much wake time babies can cope with during the day at specific ages can really help parents out, use your instincts and watch for their sleepy signals too. I remember with my first when she was about 9 weeks old and at about same time every morning she would get really upset and root her head into my chest. I would think surely she is not hungry she has not long been fed, I would then feed her again not appreciating that she was telling me she was tired!

• New born: 45 mins to 1 hour of wake time • 3 – 5 months: 1.5 to 2 hours of wake time • 6 – 8 months: 2 to 3 hours of wake time • 9 – 12 months: 3 to 4 hours of wake time

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• 13 – 14 months: 5 to 6 hours of wake time I really caution people around waking a sleeping baby. Rule of thumb, don’t do it.

However, in some cases, too much daytime sleep can start to affect the night. One little area where I ask people to keep a close eye on is the last nap of the day. If the last nap of the day is getting too long and pushing into your bedtime, that would be the only place where I would say go ahead and wake your baby gently.

Open the door, make a little noise out in the hallway, turn on the light. Try to get him to wake up on his own with a gentle push from you.

Anyone who tells you, “Pull daytime naps or keep him up longer throughout the day”, is telling you a falsehood. That is not true.

The more sleep a baby misses through the day will only lead to overtiredness. Overtiredness is a baby’s worst enemy. You want to make sure that the baby is fatigued enough for sleep to come but not overtired. Overtired makes it very difficult for a baby to calm down enough to get themselves to sleep.  You can contact me Nadia Edwards for a free child sleep evaluation nadia@ cooriedoonbaby.com or visit my website www.cooriedoonbaby.com

www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

Issue 40 Families Fife | 7

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❄Where to

The twelve days of an

ACTIVE CHRISTMAS

❄ find Santa

ÊSt Ê John’s Shopping Centre, Perth, from 19 November Visit Santa in his grotto on Saturday 19 November 12-6pm, Sunday 20 November 12-4pm then every weekend before Christmas, Saturday 11-5pm, Sunday 124pm, until Friday 23 December, 11-5pm and Saturday 24 December, 12-4pm. Various price combinations for a visit, gift and photo. Visit www.stjshopping.co.uk for more information. ÊDobbies Ê Garden Centre, from 20 November There’ll be a magical Christmas parade and plenty of fun kid’s activities.

Once Santa’s made his grand entrance, he’ll be taking up residency in our in-store grotto. Visits to Santa’s grotto on the 20th November are on a limited first come, first served basis on the day. Alternatively you can book in advance for a festive visit to Santa’s grotto from the 23rd November onwards so your little ones won’t miss out. Available at Dunfermline, Dalgety Bay, Kinross and Perth.

Or you could enjoy breakfast or supper with Santa in selected stores.

❄ ÊCupar Ê Corn Exchange, 26 November, 10am-4pm Visit Santa in his grotto in the upper hall.

ÊThe Ê Kingdom Shopping Centre, Glenrothes, from 3 December Visit Santa in his grotto. It is open from 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th – 24th December 2016

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ÊCraigtoun Ê Park, near St Andrews, 3, 10, 17 December, 11am-3pm Enjoy a visit to see Santa at Craigtoun. £7 per child. ÊCrieff Ê Hydro, from 3 December Join us for a grotto experience like no other.

Sit back and enjoy whilst your little ones are treated to 40 minutes of festive songs, Elves, a grand entrance and story with Santa and even a special gift from under the tree. And it’s just £12 per child Santa will be visiting us from 3rd - 21st December 2016 at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm on the 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 20th and 21st.

Book now on 01764 655 555 ÊÊ Muddy Boots, from 3 December The Grotto will be open from 11.30am every Saturday and Sunday in December before Christmas and also from 3.30-6.30pm every Friday from 9 December.

This year’s Grotto costs £8.50 per child, and £5 for children under 2 years old. The grotto must be booked before visiting by phoning 01337 831222 or email contact@muddybootsfife.com.

Or enjoy breakfast with Santa – visit www. muddybootsfife.com for more information. ÊScone Ê Palace, Perth, 10 December Elftastic Fun - Playtime with Santa’s Little Elves, 10 Dec, 10am-12pm or 1-3pm, £15 per child Come and join Santa and his little elves for two hours of elftastic playtime with songs, games, crafts, pin the red nose on Rudolph and glitter tattoos.

01738 552300, www.scone-palace.co.uk

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12 outdoor play ideas to get your child active this winter

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It’s that time of year again when the children have made a big list of things they would like from Santa. To give him the list personally, take a look at some of the pit stops he’s making before the big day...

(11am-5pm Sat, 12pm-4pm Sun, 12pm-4pm final week days)

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Christmas special

ÊRejects Ê Department Store, Kirkcaldy, from 12 November Visit Santa in his grotto every weekend until Christmas. For a donation to our charity, you get to meet Santa, get a free gift and antlers.

Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday 11.30am-4.30pm.

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utdoor play and exposure to nature is one of the best and most effective ways to educate children about the world around them and encourage environmental awareness. Getting children active outdoors is also vital for their health and physical development as well as helping them to improve their sensory, cognitive and social skills.

FLY A KITE What better way to spend a breezy, sunny winter day than flying a kite. You could even get creative and have a go at making your own.

Encourage your child to run, jump and chase their kite to keep them active.

HAVE A NATURE WALK ADVENTURE Organise a treasure hunt or get children to find and collect a list of objects. Feathers, leaves, fir cones, acorns and animal foot prints are great things for children to look for. Try www. naturedetectives.org. uk which has loads of colourful activity cards and little booklets that can be downloaded and taken on walks. Visit the Woodland Trust where you can find a local wood to walk and play in. Why not try Geocaching?

TRY LEAF RUBBING Children can create their very own autumn inspired artwork by leaf rubbing. Simply take a large leaf and place on a hard surface. Put a piece of plain paper over the leaf and gently rub over the leaf with a crayon and the leaf pattern will appear on the page. You can have hours of fun by experimenting with different types of leaves and coloured crayons.

GET WET! Allowing children to play with water is not only fun, it can also teach basic science. Encourage your child to throw different objects (sticks, stones, leaves etc.) Get them to guess if they will float or sink. Teach them to skim.

Burtisland has a fantastic water park, so get those wellies on and have a great splash about.

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ÊLoch Ê Leven’s Larder, 17-18 December, 10am-12pm, 12.30-3pm Our popular Santa’s Grotto is always enjoyable for the whole family, with festive crafts and snacks while you wait for the man himself. Tickets £5 per child. To book your tickets, call 01592 841000. ÊBlacketyside Ê Farmshop, Leven, 17, 22, 24 December, from 9am Santa’s breakfast will be taking place at Blacketyside again this year. Tickets are £6.00 for an adult and £8.50 for children and this includes a gift from Santa. The tickets are available in store now but we can only book you in after payment is taken in store. 

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MAKE WALKS FUN Turn boring walks into fun. Cycle, climb trees, sing, play simple games such as eye spy, tag and hide and seek or build simple dens with fallen branches, moss and leaves.

BLOW BUBBLES It’s easy to make your own bubble potion. All you need is water, washing up liquid and a dash of sugar to thicken the mixture. Using coat hangers and pipe cleaners you can easily make your own bubble blowers and create bubbles in all different shapes and sizes.

MUDDY BOOTS Open all year round, what better place for the kids to run about outside on the bouncy pillows, go carts and play equipment and for you to enjoy a well deserved cup of tea and delicious home baking. There is also grass sledging and pig racing. Visit www.muddybootsfife. com for more information.

CYCLING There are some fantastic family friendly cycle paths, including Fife coastal path and round Loch Leven. Just wrap up warm and make sure you take a puncture repair kit.

WINTER BBQ/CAMPFIRE! Yes we know it is winter by why not dust off the BBQ, get your coats hats and scarves on and enjoy a winter barbie, even if it is just to toast marshmallows under the stars!

FALKLAND PALACE On a crisp and bright winter’s day, the palace looks spectacular, there are good cafes nearby and some great walks all round the Palace. See www.nts.org.uk for more details.

SLEDGING If the snow comes this winter then sledging is great fun for kids and adults alike. There are great local hills big and small!

LOCH ORE MEADOWS Wrap up warm and visit Loch Ore Meadows. Explore the paths round the loch either on foot, bicycles, scooters or rollerblades! Visit the park and get a hot chocolate in the cafe. 

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www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON With Christmas around the corner, it must be time to put on your winter jacket and gloves and get outside to see the spectacular town lights being switched on.

Children love the build up to the moment and to see the sparkly lights glittering in the sky. Here’s a summary of when it’s all happening near you.

DUNFERMLINE – 19 NOVEMBER, 6PM Parade and lights switch on with Santa as the star of the show.

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PERTH – 19 NOVEMBER Perth city centre will be illuminated by thousands of lights when the Christmas lights are switched on. This will be the culmination of an afternoon of entertainment and celebrations in the city centre. The day will also include local groups on the Community Stage, along with big name stars on the Main Stage.

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CUPAR – 26 NOVEMBER, 10AM-6PM It will include many of our usual popular elements such as music and entertainment in the Crossgate, stalls selling delicious cakes, hot soup, mince pies and other goodies and fairground rides in the Bonnygate Car Park and Santa will be making an appearance. See cuparatchristmas.co.uk for more information.

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KINROSS – 26 NOVEMBER, 4-7PM Like last year a great variety of stalls, music, entertainment, Pipe Band...lots to see and do!

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KIRKCALDY – 26 NOVEMBER The lantern parade will begin at the Mercat Shopping Centre, move through the town and end in the Town Square with where there will be musical entertainment and a fantastic firework display to mark the beginning of Christmas in Kirkcaldy. www.kirkcaldy4All.co.uk HHHHHHHHHHHHHH

LEVEN – 26 NOVEMBER, FROM 2PM The Christmas lights will be turned on at 4.30pm.

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ST ANDREWS – 26 NOVEMBER Major town centre event including many musical acts, festive lights switch-on, and Scotland’s largest open-air ceilidh. The lights will be switched on at 5.45pm.

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GLENROTHES – 27 NOVEMBER, 12-3PM Kingdom Shopping Centre HHHHHHHHHHHHHH

COWDENBEATH – 3 DECEMBER Santa will be arriving, there will be a Christmas Market, a children’s party, an ice rink, shows, Christmas Concert, Light Switch on and lots more. Everyone is welcome. 

Issue 40 Families Fife | 9

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Pantomimes • Shows • Events here are lots of pantomimes and shows happening this Christmas to suit all children. From the great Moon Dog at Carnegie Hall for young children to the exciting George’ Marvellous Medicine at Dundee Rep for older children. And if it’s a pantomime you’re after to get into the Christmas spirit, Cinderella, Dick McWhittington and Mother McGoose will bring you this cheer. Here is a round-up of when and where this year’s shows and events are.

The Nutty Professor And His Amazing Magic Bubble Show

5 NOV, CARNEGIE HALL, DUNFERMLINE, 2PM The Nutty Professor accompanied by his wonderful assistant Miss Squeakybottom deliver a spectacular panto-style bubble show with comedy and magic. Visit www. onfife.com for details and booking.

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

18 NOV - 4 DEC, CARNEGIE HALL David Yates directs this fantasy adventure adapted by J.K. Rowling from her own novel.

Visit www.onfife.com for details and booking.

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children

20 NOV, ADAM SMITH THEATRE, KIRKCALDY When Jacob Portman grandfather dies, he learns that he has left him clues to a mysterious place known as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

Visit www.onfife.com for details and booking.

George’s Marvellous Medicine

24 NOV - 31 DEC, DUNDEE REP Make Christmas Marvellous this festive season and join Dundee Rep for a taste of George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl.

George will both delight and disgust with his mission to make grumpy, mean old grandma a better person by concocting a medicine so potent it makes her body stretch higher than the house. He then decides to try it on the chickens to hilarious effect! To book visit www.dundeerep.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01382 223530.

The Nutcracker

25 NOV, PERTH CONCERT HALL, 7.30PM The ultimate fairy-tale where goodness and beauty triumph, The Nutcracker is full of familiar music such as Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Visit www. horsecross.co.uk for details and booking.

10 | Families Fife Issue 40

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Christmas special

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Princess Afternoon Teas

1, 8, 15 & 22 DEC, LOCH LEVEN’S LARDER, 4-5.30PM Loch Leven’s Larder, Kinross, have some great festive events to get you and the family in the mood for Christmas.

Your child can come dressed as their favourite character and enjoy an afternoon tea served by the Princesses and a host of pantomime characters. Children £6.50 (includes mini afternoon tea and children’s activities), Adults optional £5 for hot drink and mini cream tea. To book your tickets, call 01592 841000.

Fun Box – Christmas Wonderland

1-4 DEC - ROTHES HALL, GLENROTHES, 31 DEC - PERTH CONCERT HALL The FUNBOX gang are on top of the world literally, as their latest seasonal spectacular

takes them to the North Pole. Visit www. onfife.com and www.horsecross.co.uk for details and booking.

Aladdin

1 – 31 DEC, BYRE THEATRE, ST ANDREWS We’re so excited to be welcoming back Bard in the Botanics with their production of Aladdin!

Scrooge – The Musical

2-23 DEC, PITLOCHRY FESTIVAL THEATRE

Moon Dog and the Christmas Star

6-24 DEC, CARNEGIE HALL, DUNFERMLINE Moon Dog is a magical tale about making a new friend from a distant place. Combining puppetry, clowning and a beautiful original score, Moon Dog is sure to be the perfect Christmas treat for young children everywhere. Specially created for children aged 3 to 6, and their families. Visit www. onfife.com for details and booking.

invitations to Prince Charming’s grand ball, it seems she may get her wish.

However, the Ugliest Sisters in panto-land are determined to keep her as their servant, but with the help of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and a generous helping of panto magic perhaps her dreams will come true after all? in conjunction with Imagine Theatre, the UK’s largest panto production company. Visit www.onfife.com for details and booking.

Doodle & Splat Christmas Parties

Sleeping Beauty

7-10 DEC, LOCHGELLY CENTRE A traditional pantomime with all the usual characters associated with Sleeping Beauty.

Visit www.onfife.com for details and booking.

10 DEC, KIRKCALDY & DUNFERMLINE At the party, children will get to choose a ceramic decoration for them to decorate along with a wide selection of festive crafts and imaginative play activities which will have a festive twist! Plus we will have juice, biscuits, tea & coffee for children & adults. £10 per child. Full details and tickets are available on www.doodleandsplat.co.uk

Aladdin

The Shape of Things

8-9 DECEMBER, CUPAR CORN EXCHANGE, CUPAR A spectacular traditional family pantomime. Glittering sets and costumes, a state of the art flying carpet, illusions, magic, slapstick, music and comedy!

To book, call the box office on 01383 610711

Mother McGoose

9-29 DECEMBER, ALHAMBRA THEATRE, DUNFERMLINE An all star cast of stage and screen, dazzling costumes and spectacular sets & special effects. Visit www. alhambradunfermline.com for details and booking.

Dick McWhittington

10-26 DECEMBER, PERTH CONCERT HALL Newsflash! Queen Rat and her rodent army are swarming all over Perth! Visit www.horsecross.co.uk for details and booking.

Cinderella

10 DECEMBER – 7 JANUARY, ADAM SMITH THEATRE, KIRKCALDY Cinderella dreams of escaping the life she has fallen into. With the arrival of

www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

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WIN Panto tickets!

MOTHER MCGOOSE Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline

GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE, Dundee Rep, Dundee

Win a family ticket prize of 2 adults & 2 children for the Gala opening of the pantomime, Mother McGoose, on 9 December at 7pm. To enter, answer this question: Who is Fife’s favourite dame in Mother McGoose?

Win a family ticket to see George’s Marvellous Medicine between 1 & 31 December (excluding 24 December). To enter, answer this question: What does George make for his Gran to make her a better person?

CINDERELLA Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy

MOON DOG Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline

Win a family ticket to see Cinderella on Tuesday 20th December at 7pm.

To enter, answer this question: How many ugly sisters does Cinderella have?

Win a family ticket to see Moon Dog on Friday the 23rd December at 3pm. To enter, answer this question: What does Molly in Moon Dog really want for Christmas? 

HOW TO ENTER: To enter any of these competitions, simply email editor@familiesfife. co.uk with the answer and your contact phone number. See terms and conditions on page 15. Closing date is 30 November 2016 for all competitions. Good luck!

12 - 23 DEC, DUNDEE REP This is a story of two shapes, Cubert and Triantán, and the adventures they have finding their way back to each other.

Designed for children aged 6months – 2years and their adults. All tickets £5. To book visit www.dundeerep.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01382 223530.

Robin

16 - 24 DEC, DUNDEE REP This Christmas, Robin (not so reliant) will be getting his feathers a twist, but we guarantee first class fun and seasonal cheer will be delivered (on time). A show for everyone aged between 3 and 6 and their grown-ups.

All tickets £7. To book visit www.dundeerep. co.uk or call the Box Office on 01382 223530.

Fancy Dress Tea with Family Bingo

23 DEC, LOCH LEVEN’S LARDER, 5PM When the schools break off on 23rd December, start the Christmas holidays with a fun evening for the whole family (and no effort required!) at the Festive Fancy Dress Tea with Family Bingo. With a 2 course comfortfood dinner and activities, followed by family bingo with exciting prizes to be won. Adults and children £10 per person (£5 for ages 4 and under). To book your tickets, call 01592 841000. 

www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

Issue 40 Families Fife | 11

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Clubs & Classes

Christmas food and gifts wrapped up

The benefits of learning a musical instrument

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Christmas special

LOCH LEVEN’S LARDER

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n the lead-up to the festive period, Loch Leven’s Larder, near Kinross, is your one-stop shop. Their festive food order forms have everything you will need for the big day, from Turkey to Truffles to their boxes of home-grown vegetables, they will even peel your potatoes for you! Order forms are available from October in store or email emma@lochlevenslarder.com to be added to their mailing list.

If you are looking for Christmas hampers, with their extensive selection of speciality foods, drinks and a contemporary range of Scottish and Scandinavian gifts, the team can create beautiful bespoke

hampers that will make a memorable present for anyone.

This December, a series of late night Shopping and Supper evenings (1st, 8th & 15th December) at Loch Leven’s Larder give busy parents the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxed evening of browsing our extensive gift and luxury food ranges, away from the bustle of the high street, with a relaxed 2-course meal. For those lastminute gifts, the shop will also be open until 8pm on 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd December.  Visit lochlevenslarder.com for more information or call 01592 841000 to book your meal (supper bookings from 6.30pm).

Make magical memories with

LOCH LEVEN’S Larder Santa’s Grotto

17th -18th December from 10am-12pm, 12.30-3pm, tickets £5 per child.

Princess Afternoon Tea

1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December from 4pm-5.30pm Children £6.50 (includes mini afternoon tea and children’s activities), adults optional £5 for hot drink and mini cream tea.

Festive Fancy Dress Tea & Family Bingo

23rd December from 5pm A fun evening for the whole family, with a 2 course comfort-food dinner and activities, followed by family bingo with exciting prizes to be won. Adults & children £10 per person (£5 for ages 4 and under).

Visit lochlevenslarder.com for full event information Channel Farm, Kinross, KY13 9HD | 01592 841000 12 | Families Fife Issue 40

RZSS Edinburgh Zoo offers a unique gift this Christmas…

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ould you love to chill with the penguins, feed meerkats or get up close to our rhinos?

Give the ultimate gift this Christmas with Edinburgh Zoo keeper experiences and magic moments. Our fantastic range of unique experiences will give you a once in a lifetime chance to get up close with our animals behind the scenes at Edinburgh Zoo. Did you know by adopting one of the amazing animals from RZSS you make a valuable contribution to our work protecting endangered species? Animal adoption is a great way to make your mark and support RZSS. If you want to get more out of your gift this Christmas become an RZSS member and receive free entry to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park all year round. Help safeguard species from extinction and enjoy a brilliant day out. 

For more information and to purchase your great gift this year, visit www.edinburghzoo.org.uk.

Christmas at Kingsgate

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t’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! Kingsgate Shopping Centre has a wonderful festive mix for you to enjoy over December.

There are unique gifts from our craft stalls and Mediterranean food market. FREE events for the whole family to enjoy; winter owl displays, Christmas kid craft, carol singing and festive face painting.

Toys, food, fashion and gifts - Kingsgate has everything you need to make your Christmas perfect.

Plus the chance to WIN a bundle of toys from The Entertainer, just in time for Christmas!

ÊPersistence Ê is taught Learning an instrument is a slow, sometimes arduous task and the traits that children must acquire are patience and the ability to practice. ÊThey Ê become creative and have a sense of achievement Once a child has mastered making sounds from their instrument, they often begin to experiment. Although they may never be an improvisational genius, this leads to creativity, which in turn creates a sense of achievement.  Find out more about music classes and the benefits from Families Online: www. familiesonline.co.uk/music

By Sally J Hall

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earning an instrument can have benefits for your child that you may not have considered.

Discover the benefits that can be gained from your little musician learning to play their favourite instrument... ÊAn Ê improvement in social skills Playing music is a great way to make friends.

Not only are children who play instruments encouraged to join groups and orchestras at school but you’ll often find them getting together outside of school hours too. ÊThey Ê have improved motor skills Creating notes from an instrument, whether it’s brass, woodwind, percussion or strings, helps a child fine-tune motor skills. Minute movements of the hands and fingers are believed to help create neurological pathways in the brain. ÊA Êconfidence boost There’s no doubt that a child who feels they

can manage a task – such as performing a simple tune – is filled with confidence. As their skill improves and practice pays off, your child will see a huge confidence boost, which will help them to become a more self-assured as they grow.

CREATING AN IMPRESSION

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peaking confidently, listening carefully, replying positively and responding enthusiastically –these are the life skills that children learn in our weekly Drama classes throughout

Fife. Energy, imagination and the stimulation of creating stories, acting in plays and co-operating in groups can help every child towards the self presentation and communication skills we all

need for success in everyday life – and our classes are, above all, a lot of fun!  Find out more from tayforth@helenogrady. co.uk or ring the Principal, Barbara, on 01382 330052.

Great Birthday Parties

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s Christmas approaches do not forget to book your child’s birthday! We have a solution for every age group and for both boys and girls! Nerf for those high on energy boys who need a lot of running around! Our beautiful Tipi Cinemas for a girly night in the back garden! Our BoomCo parties for those looking for something a little bit more fast moving! Our Gaming Tipis to race, score and shoot your way to victory!

Contact us now and make your child’s next birthday the ‘Talk of the Class’!  We have loads to offer so check out our website for more details www.ActivityDelivered.com

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For all the details visit Kingsgate Facebook and Twitter page or visit www.shopkingsgate.co.uk/news.

www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

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www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

Issue 40 Families Fife | 13

Out and About

CHRISTMAS MARKETS & EVENTS

4-6 Nov Christmas Art, Craft and Food Fair

Blair Castle, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Tayside, PH18 5TL. www.atholl-estates.co.uk 5 Nov Loch Leven Community Campus, Muirs, Kinross, KY13 8FQ 5-6 Nov Christmas Market, 10am-4pm. RSPB Scotland

Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, Perth & Kinross , KY13 9LX. www.rspb.org.uk 5, 12, 13 & 19 November Kirkcaldy 4 All is running a series of lanternmaking workshops for children in the Mercat Shopping Centre in Kirkcaldy on 5th, 12th, 13th and 19th November. www.kirkcaldy4All.co.uk 20 Nov Perth Community Christmas Day, 1-6pm

King Edward Street, Perth, PH1 5TZ. www. perthcity.co.uk 21-22 Nov

26-27 Nov Two day festival of Christmas trees, featuring displays from local businesses, voluntary organisations, charities, groups, clubs and families. Also featuring a craft market, music and refreshments. Pitlochry Church of Scotland, Church Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5EB www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk 1 Dec Evening of Christmas Shopping at the Black Watch Castle & Museum, 5.30-7.30pm

Enjoy warming coffee and mince pies while you hand over your pressies to our Gift Wrapping Elves to work their Festive magic.

The Black Watch Castle and Museum, Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth, PH1 5HR, 01738 638152. www.theblackwatch.co.uk 3 Dec Perth Christmas Lantern Parade & Nativity Scene, 5-6pm. Day time workshops facilitate

the making of lanterns before participation

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sites are Dunfermline, East Fife, Perth & Kinross and Angus.

You can now post your own events, fetes, fairs, table top sales and other events, for free! Go to www. familiesonline.co.uk and go

Make A Sustainable Xmas, 2-5pm

Come and make beautiful wreaths out of natural materials, and turn everyday waste into gifts and decorations you will be proud to give. Earthship Fife Visitor Centre, Kinghorn Loch, Kinghorn, Fife, KY3 9YG www.sci-scotland.org.uk 17-18 Dec

to Whatson. You can also get a FREE listing for your business. It is super easy and straight forward to do. Go to www.familiesonline.co.uk then go to the category of your choice in the local menu.

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Midwinter Lights & Festive Market will brighten up your dark winter nights with a stroll around the formal gardens at Falkland Palace. Our gorgeous lighting display illuminates as the evenings draw in. Stockings can be filled with artisan gifts and nibbles at our Festive Market. Falkland Palace, East Port, Falkland, KY15 7DA. www.nts.org.uk 24 Dec Abbot Hall, Dunfermline - Christmas Eve Carol Service, 6.30-7.30pm

Baby MUSA Time: Light and Dark, 10.15-11.15am Held every month, Baby MUSA Time allows your little one to discover some of the fantastic things found in museums through stories, songs, art and messy play. Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461660

www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson/ 5 Nov St Andrews Farmers Market, 9am-1pm Argyle Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9BX

www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Perth Farmers Market, 9am-2pm. King Edward Street, Perth, Perth and Kinross, PH1 5TZ

www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk Dawn Goose Watch, 6.15-8.30am Wake up with the flock on our dawn goose watch. RSPB Scotland Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, Perth & Kinross , KY13 9LX

27 Nov

10 Dec

The Perth “St Andrew’s Day” Scottish Festival, 12-5pm. King Edward Street, Perth, PH1 5TZ

Dunfermline Farmers Market, 9am-1pm Glen Gates, Bridge Street, Dunfermline, KY12 8AQ

www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk

www.perthcity.co.uk

www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk

Wildlife Explorers: Fantastic fungi, 1-3pm RSPB Scotland Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, Perth & Kinross , KY13 9LX www.rspb.org.uk, 01577 862355. RSPB members £10, non-members £15 (for the year) Out of the Box: Movember, 1-3pm (All ages) Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461660. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson/

Perth Santa Run, 12-4pm. Come along and join in the fun as part of the Perth Santa Run. King Edward Street, Perth, PH1 5TZ

13 Nov Out of the Box: Movember, 1-3pm (All ages) Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461660. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson

19-20 Nov Scotland’s Outdoor Festival of Chocolate King Edward Street, Perth, PH1 5TZ

www.perthfestivalofchocolate.co.uk 19 Nov Cupar Farmers Market, 9am-1pm Cupar Market, Crossgate, Cupar, KY15 5HH

www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk

1 Dec Nature-based outdoor play, Quarrymill Woodland, Scone, near Perth, 10am-12pm, 2-5 yr olds. This is a free family event but booking is essential. For more details and to book your place please contact RSPB Loch Leven on 01577 862355

www.rspb.org.uk

20 Nov The Handmade Show, 10.30am-4.30pm Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ

www.handmadeshow.co.uk Out of the Box: Movember, 1-3pm (All ages) Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461660. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson

26 Nov MUSA Young Archaeologists - Experimental Archaeology , 2 - 3 pm, 7 - 12 yrs Fancy searching for clues in the ground with a trowel and toothbrush? Then these events are for you! Develop your archaeology skills and learn about people of the past with the experts at MUSA. Free, but booking essential Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461 660. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson

26-27 Nov Scottish Open Brass Band Championships Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ

2 Dec Baby MUSA Time - Winter Wonderland, 10.1511.15. Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461660

www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson/ 3 Dec St Andrews Farmers Market, 9am-1pm Argyle Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9BX

www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Perth Farmers Market, 9am-2pm King Edward Street, Perth, PH1 5TZ

www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk 4 Dec Out of the Box: Angels, 1-3pm (All ages) Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461660. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson

8 Dec

Kirkcaldy Farmers Market, 9am-1pm Town Square, Wemyssfield, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 1XW

Christmas Crafts, 3.30-4.30pm, Age 5+ Craft your own animal-themed gift tags, cards and decorations inspired by some of your favourite Christmas creatures, all materials provided. Free, drop-in. Bell Pettigrew Museum of Natural History, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TS, 01334 461660.

www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk

www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson

www.sbba.org.uk 26 Nov

www.rspb.org.uk 6 Nov Out of the Box: Movember, 1-3pm (All ages) Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461660. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson/

9 Nov Nature tots: Night time adventure, 10am-12pm Come along with your budding wildlife adventurers for a journey through the seasons.

RSPB Scotland Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, Perth & Kinross , KY13 9LX www.rspb.org.uk, £3, non members £6 (per family)

14 | Families Fife Issue 40

12 Nov Dunfermline Farmers Market, 9am-1pm Glen Gates, Bridge Street, Dunfermline, KY12 8AQ

Midwinter Lights & Festive Market, 4-8.30pm

4 Nov

Get free publicity for your events ood news! The families website, which enjoyed a complete rebranding and re-launch in July, now offers hyper local pages. Make sure you join your local area to hear about local events and things to do. Your local

in a short parade through the city centre.

Parade commences at 5pm from Thimblerow Car Park to outside St Johns Kirk. www.perthcity.co.uk 10 Dec

Pitlochry Christmas Tree Festival

Campus Winter Craft & Gift Fair, from 10am

Cancer Research Christmas Fair

Enjoy browsing around the Christmas stalls set throughout the Palace’s State Rooms. Scone Palace, Perth, PH2 6BD. www.scone-palace.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016

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COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted.

2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering.

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

4. All decisions of Families Magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

5. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

6. Only the winners’ details will be supplied to the provider of the prize of the competition.

7. Families Magazine is not liable for any delay or failure by the prize provider to deliver any prize or for the quality of the

prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition.

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

9. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email address provided by the entrant. If the promoter does not obtain a response from the winner within 14 days, we reserve the right to select another winner at random.

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

11. This competition is restricted to UK residents only.

12. The competition is free to enter and no purchase is necessary

13. Promoter Families Magazines Ltd | Remenham House | Regatta Place | Marlow Road | Bourne End | England | SL8 5TD | United Kingdom 14. The prize draw is governed by English law and disputes will be dealt with by the English courts.

15.The closing date for entries is 11.59pm Wednesday 30th November 2016. No entries received after this date will be accepted.

16. Tickets are subject to availability so lucky winners should get in touch with a chosen date as soon as possible for open ticketed competitions.

17. The voucher is non transferable.

18. Latecomers will be seated at a suitable break in the performance.

www.familiesonline.co.uk • editor@familiesfife.co.uk • 07881 827 627

www.perthcity.co.uk Christmas Music, 2.30-3.15pm (All ages) Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461660. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson

11 Dec Out of the Box: Angels, 1-3pm (All ages) Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461660. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson/ Wildlife Explorers: Christmas party, 1-3pm, 5-12yrs. RSPB Scotland Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, Perth & Kinross , KY13 9LX www.rspb.org.uk, 01577 862355, RSPB members £10, non-members £15 (for the year).

14 Dec Nature tots: Helping animals through the winter, 10am-12pm. Come along with your budding wildlife adventurers for a journey through the seasons. RSPB Scotland Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, Perth & Kinross , KY13 9LX. www.rspb.org.uk, 01577 862355, RSPB members £3, non members £6 (per family)

17 Dec Perth Farmers Market, 9am-2pm King Edward Street, Perth, Perth and Kinross, PH1 5TZ. www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk

18 Dec Kirkcaldy Farmers Market, 9am-1pm Town Square, Wemyssfield, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 1XW

www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Out of the Box: Angels, 1-3pm (All ages).

Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), 7A The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AR 01334 461660. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa/whatson

29-30 Dec Winter Wonderland Club, NE Fife, 10am-4pm, 6-12yrs. A chance to build a den, light a fire, use tools, play games, watch wildlife and more.

Come and have fun. Cambo House, Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 8QD. Booking essential. Contact: chris.childe_ education@yahoo.co.uk, Tel: (01337) 830621, Mob: (07587) 893190.

Keep up to date with what’s on locally facebook/familiesfife Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out and About section with accuracy, please remember to check with the venue before making plans to avoid any disappointment as Families magazine is put together weeks in advance of actual publication.

Issue 40 Families Fife | 15

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© R O B MC D O UG A L L

Come face to face with Jambi and Baginda – Edinburgh Zoo’s pair of critically endangered Sumatran tigers in their new enclosure, featuring a spectacular ground level walkthrough tunnel!

edinburghzoo.org.uk/tigertracks

#EdinburghZoo